TRAVEL TIPS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: To enter Kenya a visa costing 50 USD, with a validity of three months, is required. This can be obtained directly on entry at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, or in any Kenyan diplomatic mission in your country. Besides, your passport must have a minimum validity of six months starting from the date of entry. As long as your visa is valid, you do not need to ask for re-entry passes if you travel to Uganda or Tanzania. The airport taxes are now included in your flight ticket, so you will not have to pay upon leaving the country as it used to be.

CLIMATE: The average temperature oscillates between 25º C during the day and 10ºC during the night in the interior and between 30ºC and 15ºC at the coast with a high level of humidity seemingly intensifying the heat. Nairobi stands at 1,700 metres above sea level, and some of the areas that you may visit, for example the Aberdares or the Mount Kenya stand at around 2000 metres above sea level, and the nights are chilly and humid. The rainy seasons are between April and June, and November to the middle of December. The coldest months are July and August, while the hottest are January and February.

CLOTHING: It is advisable to carry light and comfortable clothing; long-sleeves for the nights for protection against insects, and a light raincoat in case it rains.It is necessary to carry warm clothing for the cold nights, whilst on safari. Lightweight boots, sports shoes and cotton socks are the recommended footwear. At the coast, summer clothing is ideal, however please note that the population there is mainly Muslim, and in the town, it is not advisable for the ladies to wear sleeveless tops or shorts. This applies only to the town centres, and during a visit to some coastal village, for example.We recommend you carry a bathing suit, as almost all the hotels have a swimmimg pool.During dinner at the Mount Kenya Safari Club, and in some restaurants in Nairobi and Mombasa, please note that the dress code is a bit strict, and they do not allow jeans, T-shirts or sports shoes.

LUGGAGE: Luggage space on safari is restricted to one medium travel bags per person, plus a hand baggage. Those intending to overnight at either Treetops or the Ark are required to take overnight bags only; travel bags are stored at the base hotels at no extra cost. For domestic flights, Majority of the small and medium air companies allow a maximum luggage weight of 15 kg per person. Where very small aircraft are being used only 10kg luggage maybe permited.

CURRENCY: Hard currencies can be exchanged in cash or travellers cheques at banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in Nairobi and at most large hotels. US Dollars, Sterling Pounds and the Euros are widely acceptable. It is advisable to ask always what commission and charges will be applicable during the transaction. Banks are usually operate from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, Mondays to Fridays and from 9.00 am to 11.00 am on Saturdays.

CREDIT CARDS: VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS are widely accepted for tourist services. There's usually an additional 5% besides charged by the banks.

HEALTH: Since rules concerning disease prevention change from time to time, a check should be made with the nearest Kenyan High Commission, Kenya Tourist Office or any airline with scheduled flights to Kenya. Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya and tourists should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and continue taking them for the prescribed time after their return. Insect repellents must be used after dusk and suitable clothes should be worn in the evenings.

DRINKING WATER: Drinking water from the tap must be avoided at all cost. Hotels and lodges usually provide safe water thermos flask in guest rooms. Bottled mineral water can be bought in hotels and supermarkets.

SECURITY: Normal precautions as in any other destination world-wide should be taken. Tourists are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms but to put them in safe deposit boxes. It is advisable to avoid carrying large sums of cash or having on jewelry while walking on the city streets. As in all major cities walking alone or in small groups at night should be considered risky and avoided. Reliable taxis are available at all main hotels. Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policeman, the president, the national flag, the State House, state lodges, soldiers, prisons and prisoners is prohibited. Before photographing local people, permission should be sought from the concerned persons. Seek the assistance of your guide in such case.

VOLTAGE: Both mains electricity and generated supply in lodges provide 240 volts AC 50 cycles. Most large hotels and some game lodges provide shaving points with 110v 50 cycles. Sockets are normally three pin and of the 'square' variety.

TIPPING AND POTTERAGE: Although hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides. It is never obligatory but it is a portrayal of satisfaction with the service rendered.

LANGUAGE: Kiswahili is the most common language and English is the official language. In addition, most tribes have their own language (over 40 tribes).

MAILS AND TELEPHONES: Communication by mail and telephone is generally easy. Direct overseas dialling is possible from major business centers and also from as remote places parks and reserves. Internet access for email, fax and long distance calls is possible in Nairobi.

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES: Kenya has two major Airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi. Located 16 km from the city center. Moi International Airport, Mombasa. Located 12 km from the town center. Mombasa serves as the main port of entry by sea.

OPENING AND SHOPPING HOURS: Major stores, tourist services, offices and museums open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm in large towns though offices often break for lunch. In rural areas and out in the bush small shops can be open at almost any hour. Souvenirs to take back home can include wood and soap stone sculptures and carvings, ciondos (sisal baskets), beadwork and tribal regalia, masks, textiles and gemstones set in unique jewellery pieces.