TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airports

JKIA: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)
MBA: Moi International Airport (Mombasa)
Wilson Airport (Nairobi) – Domestic

Kenya is well served by most scheduled carriers from the principal European hubs with daily and twice daily flights available.

There are also many charter operations into Mombasa. Direct flight times from European hubs are about 9 hours duration.

Time


Kenya time is GMT + 3 hours.
Visit Visas
All visitors to Kenya require an entry visa. This can be obtained prior to travel by applying to the Kenyan Consulate in your country. Alternatively visit visas can be obtained upon arrival.

Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival in Kenya. A visit visa application form will be sent to you at the time of booking. This will save you time if you have completed this prior to arrival. The current cost of the visa per person is US Dollars 50, which must be paid for in US Dollars.

Experience has shown that it is better to fly to Kenya during the day, arriving Nairobi during the evening allowing a relaxing night in Nairobi before the early morning departure for your safari.
For the return leg, then the night departure from Nairobi is preferred. This will get you back into the European hub usually around 06:00 the following morning.

Kenya has a modern banking system. The major banks include Barclays Bank, Standard Chartered, Kenya Commercial Bank and Citibank. Most major banks have automated teller machines (ATMs).


Credit Cards


Most major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, American Express, Diner’s Club and their affiliates are widely accepted. Signs will be clearly displayed in places where credit cards are accepted.


Climate


Nairobi stands at 1,700 metres above sea level. Due to the proximity to the equator, sunrise occurs daily between 06.00hrs and 06.30hrs while sunset takes place 12 hours later. Temperatures will typically range from comfortably warm to hot, especially at mid-day. Evenings can be surprisingly chilly.

The weather in Kenya is fairly consistent, and the temperature rarely varies much between day temperatures of 25º C and night temperatures of 10º C in the interior, and between day temperatures of 30º C and night temperatures of 15º C at the coast - which has a high level of humidity.
The evenings and early mornings can be quite cool, and some of the areas, which stand at over 2000 metres above sea level, have both chilly and humid nights.

There are two rainy seasons; the “long” rains between April and June, and the “short” rains between November and the middle of December. Rain can occur even in the driest months, and heavy rains occur frequently in Kenya from March onwards. However, even during the rains, the weather can be pleasant, with rain occurring in the early morning and late in the afternoon or evening.
The coldest months are July and August, while the hottest are January and February
.

Clothing


Casual and comfortable clothing is recommended. Dressing in layers is an effective method of compensating for the wide variations in temperatures. Some of the most practical items to pack are: Shorts and cotton tee-shirts, swimming suit, comfortable walking shoes, and safari clothes – casual, light and neutral coloured cotton clothes (avoid bright colours).
A jersey or jacket is needed for evenings and early mornings, as it can be quite cold especially at high altitudes. For open-air vehicle game drives, a warm sweater or fleece are highly recommended.

At the coast, summer clothing is ideal. However, note that the population is mainly Muslim, and in the town centres and Muslim villages, it is not advisable for the ladies to wear tight or revealing clothing that could be considered offensive to the Muslim religion.

Your attire is a key part of your non-verbal presentation. Your clothing should always show respect for local traditions.
For dinner at some of the more exclusive Lodges and in some restaurants in the cities, note that the dress code is a bit more formal, and will not admit diners dressed in jeans, tee-shirts or sports shoes.

Some other items that you could bring along include; a hat, sunscreen, lip balm, a pair of binoculars, a camera, batteries for electronic equipment, sunglasses, a spare pair of prescription glasses, a flashlight or head lamp, a money belt or neck pouch (for wearing under your clothes).

Please note that it is advisable to use only “soft” travel baggage, especially if your safari transport involves the use of light aircraft. Also note that the baggage weight restriction is usually about 15 kgs per person. (Ladies do not panic; you are on Safari, not a fashion show)

Currency & Foreign Exchange


The official currency is the Kenya Shilling (Kshs) which is divided into 100 cents.
There are no foreign currency controls or restrictions. Currently 1 KES is worth 0.00948724 euros, or to put it more simply work on 100 KES equals 1 euro.

Money can be changed easily at airports, hotels, banks and foreign exchange (forex) bureaux. The exchange rate offered is clearly indicated and assistance is professional and is accustomed to performing international transactions. Banks and forex bureaux offer more favourable rates than hotels. Avoid changing money in the street with money vendors, as they are operating illegally.

It is advisable to carry some US dollars with you. This is required to pay for your visit visa upon arrival if not obtained beforehand. You will also need some Kenyan shillings in small denominations for staff tips etc.


Customs and Excise


Personal effects, film and cameras may be imported temporarily free of duty. However, professional video equipment, tape recorders, radios, musical instruments and souvenirs from other countries may require a customs bond to ensure re-exportation.

Firearms - If you are continuing on to Tanzania or South Africa for hunting, then Firearms will need a special permit which must be obtained in advance and your rifle will be retained in Nairobi customs until your onward journey
.

Safety and Security


Normal precautions as in any other destination worldwide should be taken. Keep a close watch on handbags, wallets and cameras. Place all valuables in safety deposit boxes at hotels and lodges, and only carry small amounts of cash. Do not wear jewellery or valuables that bring attention to you. Never leave valuables on show in an unattended car or safari vehicle. Do not leave your vehicle unlocked.


Drinking Water


In general, avoid drinking tap water. Mineral water is available in bottles for purchase throughout Kenya. On safari, rooms are provided with flasks of filtered and purified water. The ice served in the hotels/Lodges is prepared with filtered, treated water, and is safe.

Electricity


The voltage is 240 volts and plugs with three square pins (UK standard). Visitors are advised to bring adaptors with them that are usually readily available at your airport of departure.
Many of the remote Lodges rely on generators to produce electricity. This means that power is switched off from 10:00pm onwards. Also the use of hairdryers is prohibited in many of the Lodges. However all rooms are equipped with flashlights, candles and oil lamps.

Telecommunications


Cellular phone coverage is provided by Kencell Communications Ltd. and Safaricom Ltd. Most of the major towns and rural areas of Kenya are covered.
International roaming on your cellular phone is also possible in Kenya.

When calling international to Kenya, dial +254 followed by the area code prefix (the first 0 in the area code should not be dialled) and then the local number. For calls from Kenya, the international access code is 000. When calling within Kenya, dial the area code, including the 0, and then the local number.


Health


As Kenya enjoys a healthy, invigorating climate, visitors need feel no concern for their general health during their stay. However, malaria is endemic in certain areas and anti-malaria medication should be taken according to your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions.

The African sun is hot and visitors should not over-indulge. Wear a good hat, lots of sunscreen and take time to acclimatize. Use mosquito nets and insect repellents, especially in the evenings, and avoid getting bitten even if you are taking anti-malaria tablets.


Insurance


We would strongly recommend that tourists take out adequate travel insurance to ensure emergency medical cover while in Kenya and for repatriation expenses. Most private medical insurances will already provide world wide medical cover, but check your policy or consult your broker.


Languages


The official language in Kenya is English which is the commercial language as well as the language of instruction in all educational institution. The national language is Kiswahili, with a host of other local languages spoken.


Religion


The majority of the population is Christian and the coastal strip is predominantly Muslim.


Laundry


Most hotels, game lodges and safari camps offer a 24-hour inexpensive laundry service.


Park Entrance Fees


Park entrance fees, determined by Kenya Wildlife Services and/or local authorities, are usually included in the overall purchase price of your safari and your driver guide will look after all formalities.


Photography


This is of course the ultimate photographic destination, so some general guidelines to avoid disappointment. There is no shortage of the more usual film throughout Kenya, although it can be expensive in some places. Visitors are advised to bring plenty of supplies, especially where specialist film or memory cards are concerned.

Please note that one may only get out of the vehicle at designated points during the game drives. However, all safari vehicles are fitted with roof hatches for unobstructed viewing of wildlife and scenery. Sand or bean bags are recommended for use as camera rests. To get good shots of wildlife, a telephoto or zoom lens is recommended. Consider bringing a back-up camera in case your camera fails on the trip. Extra batteries are essential.

Lens cleaning material and a brush are also highly recommended due to the omnipresent dust on safari. When you are not shooting, keep your camera in a dust-proof case for protection.

Out of respect for the local communities, please seek your guide’s advice before taking any photos of people. In particular, Masai people have particular concerns about photography. They know that professional photographers have profited from selling their images, and they will often ask for money in exchange for you taking their picture. Try to set a clear understanding before photographing people, even from a distance.

Safari Etiquette


Observe the animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities.

Loud talking on a game drive can frighten the animals.

Never attempt to attract an animal’s attention.

Do not imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound on the vehicle or throw objects at the animals. Respect your driver/guide’s judgement about your proximity to the animals and do not insist that they take the vehicle closer so that you can get a better photograph.

A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.

Never attempt to feed or approach a wild animal. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals have become accustomed to human visitors.

While on walking safaris, stick to established trails to preserve grass and other plants.

Do not pick any vegetation, or remove any item of biological interest, including egg shells, feathers and bones of any kind.

Litter left on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds. Where other visitors have littered, consider alerting the officials or safely picking up the litter yourself. Local park rangers will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a bush fire would cause unthinkable damage to the animals.

Remember your safari driver/guide is highly qualified and is there to answer all your questions with patience, understanding and good humour. They love to share their knowledge and experience so please ask them anything that comes to mind on your safari.

Contact information – Michael McInnes, Kenya Safaris. Marbella, Spain.
Tel: +34 951 317985 Mobile: +34 647 583498, E-mail: mike@safarikenya.eu  Web: www.safarikenya.eu 

 

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