There is no nonstop flight from Singapore to Kenya. You fly Changi to Nairobi with one stop, and the quickest connections, through Addis Ababa or Bangkok, have around 11 to 11.5 hours of flying. Through Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi you are in the air for about 12 to 12.5 hours.
Singapore citizens also have one less job than most visitors: you do not need a Kenya eTA for a stay of up to 90 days. Here is how the routes compare, the entry rules, and how to time a safari around the trip.
Flight routes from Changi to Nairobi
Approximate flying time only. Allow extra for the connection, which can range from a tight hour to an overnight wait depending on the day.
| Connect in | Airlines | Flying time |
|---|---|---|
| Addis Ababa | Ethiopian Airlines | About 11 hours |
| Bangkok | Singapore Airlines, Thai or Scoot to Bangkok, then Kenya Airways | About 11.5 hours |
| Mumbai | IndiGo or Air India, then Kenya Airways | About 12 hours |
| Dubai | Emirates | About 12.25 hours |
| Doha | Qatar Airways | About 12.5 hours |
| Abu Dhabi | Etihad | About 12.5 hours |
| Johannesburg | Singapore Airlines, then Airlink or Kenya Airways | About 15 hours |
Ethiopian through Addis Ababa is usually the fastest. The Bangkok route suits people who want to fly Singapore Airlines or Thai for the first leg, with Kenya Airways for the second. Emirates and Qatar have more daily departures, which makes them easier to fit around fixed safari dates.
Singapore Airlines does not fly to Nairobi itself, so any SIA booking will connect onto a partner airline for the last leg.
Entry rules for Singaporeans
Singapore is on Kenya's list of nationalities exempt from the eTA for stays of up to 90 days, according to the official portal at etakenya.go.ke. If you live in Singapore on another passport, check that nationality's rules, because most visitors still need an eTA (about US$30 to US$32.50, applied for online at least two weeks before travel).
Your passport should have at least six months of validity left. Ethiopia is on the list of countries with a risk of yellow fever, so if you route through Addis Ababa and spend 12 hours or more in transit, you may be asked for a yellow fever certificate in Nairobi. A normal same-day connection does not trigger it, but a long overnight layover could.
Time difference
Kenya is 5 hours behind Singapore all year, as neither country changes its clocks. After a long overnight journey, the first day is usually a slow one. We plan a rest night in Nairobi, or a short first drive, rather than a long transfer straight after landing.
When to go
The long dry season from July to October is the most popular time, with the Great Migration usually in the Masai Mara from about July to September or October. June school holidays are a good option for families, before the peak crowds. December to March is also dry and fits well with year-end leave.
Our guide to the best time to visit Kenya explains the seasons park by park.
Building a safari around the flights
With a week on the ground, two or three parks is about right: the Masai Mara plus Lake Nakuru or Amboseli is the classic pairing. Ten days lets you add the beach at Diani or Watamu, which is an easy domestic flight from the Mara or Nairobi.
If you plan to fly between parks, light aircraft from Nairobi's Wilson Airport usually allow 15 kg per person in a soft bag, hand luggage included. Pack a duffel rather than a hard suitcase.
Our Kenya safari packages for travellers from Singapore are private trips priced in US dollars. The 7-day luxury Mara, Nakuru and Naivasha safari works well for a first visit, and the 8-day safari and beach escape adds the coast. Send us your dates and we will suggest flights and camps that fit together.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
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