Kenya Travel Guide will make your travel to Kenya easier, a success and more informative. Below are some travel tips that will come in handy whilst preparing your holiday to this area. While we endeavour to update this information as soon as possible, we advice you to consult the nearest embassy or consular office for up to date information as some of this information may change with time. This information helps you prepare for your holiday and be aware of what t expect in landing in Kenya.
Baggage
Baggage space on safari is limited to one medium suitcase or hold-all per person, plus hand baggage (private safaris where there are less than 5 people in the vehicle are not subject to this restriction).
Visitors to Treetops and the Ark are asked to take overnight bags only. Suitcases can be left at the base hotels. Hotels will generally store baggage at no extra cost, and baggage may also be stored at the Trails of Africa offices. A baggage weight restriction of 15 kgs per person applies on air safaris, and where very small aircraft are used, this restriction may be reduced to 10 kgs.
Language
Kiswahili is the lingua franca while English is the official language. In addition, most tribes have their own dialects / languages. All the people you will interact with in hotels, lodges, airport and your driver guides are fluent in English while some are multi-lingua; speaking fluent Spanish, French, German, Italian and Mandarin among other languages.
Health & Immunization
Since rules concerning disease prevention vary from time to time, most current information should be sought from our office via email and we shall reply immediately, or in the following authorities; the Kenyan Embassy / High Commission, Tourist Office or from any airline flying scheduled services into Kenya from your country of residence prior to traveling.
Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya and intending visitors should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and should continue taking them for the prescribed period of time after their return home. A mosquito repellent is also advisable. If on medication, it is best to take a supply of medicines to last the entire trip.
Yellow-Fever vaccination is not mandatory; however we would recommend that you check with your local authorities as some countries require their nationals to immunize against yellow-fever.
Drinking Water
Hotels and Game Lodges supply clean drinking water in Thermos Flasks for drinking or brushing; bottled mineral water is available widely everywhere in the country at all supermarkets, lodges and hotels and we highly recommend the use of mineral water. Please do not consume any tap water during your trip.
Flying Doctors Society
Membership of the Flying Doctors Society is strongly recommended. In the event of accident or sickness while on safari, the society will fly / evacuate patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance into hospital. The cost for membership varies and it is advisable that you contact us for the most current fee. Payment of this fee can be organized on your behalf by Trails of Africa, prior to your arrival in Kenya.
Customs
Visitors may import, duty-free, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and one litre of spirit.
Currency
Hard currencies can be exchanged in cash at banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in Nairobi and other major towns, and in most large hotels and lodges. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most acceptable and will cause the least delay.
As a norm, always inquire as to what commission and charges will be deducted first and prior to transaction. Banks are opened from 08:30 hrs to 15:00 hrs on weekdays and from 09:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs on Saturdays.
The unit of currency is the Kenyan shilling, Exchange rate as on (November 2012) is USD $1 = KSH 85. – Contact us for current exchange rate. Most major credit cards such as VISA, MASTER CARD & AMERICAN EXPRESS are widely accepted for tourist services throughout the country.
Public Holidays
January 1, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May 1, June 1, October 20, December 12, and December 25-26. Eid-Ul-Fitr, Eid-Ul-Haj (Religious Holidays)
Shopping / Souvenirs
There is a big variety of souvenirs to take home. Most hotels have licensed souvenir shops and there are a large number of such outlets in the main towns. We also have tourist markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays in Nairobi. City market is also open daily where one can purchase souvenirs. In Mombasa the ideal place is at Bombolulu Crafts Centre besides also in major tourist hotels and airport.
Climate
Kenya lies on the equator, and as a result, almost a uniform tropical climatic condition with very little variations. Coastal areas are hot and humid, the North Eastern Province is semi-desertic with hot days and cold nights, the Mount Kenya and Aberdares region of Kenya is much cooler and warm clothing will be required especially in the mornings and at night.
What To Wear
Summer clothing is worn throughout the year, although at times a jacket and light raincoat may be necessary. July through to September are our ‘winter months’ where temperatures at altitude level can drop to 10 C. So carry a pullover/sweater to stay warm. This is especially so in Nairobi and Central Highland areas.
In dawn and dusk safaris, a sweater is needed. In fact most national parks are at an altitude of over 1500m above sea level, so early mornings and evenings are quite cool. On safari, wear neutral colours, such as brown, beige and khaki – bright colours may alarm the animals. Casual wear is the norm during the day, a short-sleeved shirt for men, light cotton dresses, or a skirt and top for women. In the evening, in some hotels and restaurants, particularly in the cities, men may be required to wear a jacket and tie, while women will feel more comfortable in a cocktail dress.
Sunglasses and a hat for protection against the sun are recommended and swimsuits should be packed for the swimming pool or beach. Topless sunbathing is not permitted
What To Bring
A pair of binoculars will greatly enhance game viewing while a torch to find your way around camp after dark is a good idea. Don’t forget the camera, camcorder and a plentiful supply of film and spare batteries. Books, pencils, crayons and candy are very welcome as gifts to the children of local villages that you would pass (or visit) whilst on safari.
Post & Telephones
Keeping in touch by email, telephone and mail is generally easy. Direct overseas dialing and email facilities are possible / available from major centers and increasingly from remote places such as game lodges. Call home bureaus are in plenty in Nairobi as are the cyber cafes for email and internet access. Like most public facilities, the post office hours are from 08:00hrs to 17:00 hrs Mondays to Fridays, and on Saturdays until noon.
Tipping & Gratuities
Tipping is customary in Kenya but not mandatory. Whilst the actual amount of money to tip is left at your discretion, we would like to recommend (US $ 5 – 10 per service rendered is acceptable) for porters and waiters and safari drivers / guides (US $ 10 – 20 per person per day is acceptable).
Security
Normal precautions as in any other destination should be taken. Visitors should never carry large sums in cash and women should keep a tight grip on their handbags in crowded or busy streets. You are advised not to leave cash and valuables in your hotel rooms, but to use safe deposit boxes which are available at a minimal cost at all hotels and lodges. Jewelry snatching is quite common in crowded city streets, and as such very noticeable adornments should be avoided. As in all major cities, walking alone or in small groups at night could be considered dangerous, and should be avoided. Reliable taxis are available (your reception desk will assist you with this), and should be made use of.
International Air Services
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) serves as a hub for East and Central Africa and most major international and regional airlines fly into Kenya through JKIA. A number of International Airlines fly into Kenya daily from both Amsterdam and London-Heathrow.
Kenya Airways partners with KLM Royal Dutch have connections to/from all over the world. We also have Virgin Atlantic and British Airways flying into JKIA from Heathrow. In Mombasa we have also Moi International Airport which serves both regular and charter flights arriving from most European capitals. This airport also supports major local and regional airlines servicing our beach resorts.
Travel Light
Some safaris / air charters limit baggage to a 10-15 kilos maximum. Baggage space in minibuses is limited too and we therefore recommend use soft bags and/or soft suitcases. PASSPORT AND VISAS Your passport must be valid six months after date of travel. Visas can either be obtained from the Kenyan High Commissions in your country of residence, or at customs office upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi or Moi International Airport, Mombasa. The fee remains US$ 50.- per passport .
Time Zone
Kenya is +3 hours GMT and +2 hours Central Europe in Winter time and +1 hour in summer time.
Airport Departure Tax
An International airport departure tax of US$ 20.- or the equivalent in any other foreign currency is levied. Since September 1998, this tax should be collected by the International airline as part of the airfare. A service charge of sh.200 is due on domestic flights which could be included in your flight ticket or may be payable direct at the counter. Your agent will advise you accordingly.
Photography
While we encourage you to carry your camera and camcorder, taking photographs at airports, parliament, some government offices, near military installations, of policemen, the president, the national flag, the State House, state properties and prisoners, is completely prohibited. Useful tips: if you stay in Kenya long enough, have your photos processed there, it is cheaper than in Europe; the use of an U.V. filter on your lens is advisable in all circumstances. Prior to taking photographs of local people, permission should be obtained and a fixed price agreed upon. Please seek the assistance of your driver / guide regarding this matter.
Behavior In Town
Kenya has several religions, but the Coast is predominantly Muslim, therefore you are requested to observe certain modesty in your dress.
Behavior In Parks
The animals are at home, do not disturb their daily life, do not throw litter and do not encourage your driver to drive off the track. Don’t be disappointed if you have not seen all the species on your list, consider on the contrary that you have been lucky to see what you have seen and enjoy the landscape and the immensity