PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS:
We recommend that all travelers have a minimum of two blank pages, side-by-side, for entry into any/all African countries. This is a requirement for entry into South Africa, and our recommendation for all African countries as well. These are the pages marked “visa” at the top of the page in US passports. Please ensure you have adequate pages for all countries you’ll be entering. All passports should be valid at least six months from the return date.
Additional official entry requirements may apply for any person under the age of 18 entering Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, or Zimbabwe). Please inquire if applicable.
VISA REQUIREMENTS:
Visas are required for entry into certain African countries. For United States passport holders entering Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Rwanda, or Mozambique, visas can be secured on arrival with payment in US currency. For South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius, and Seychelles, visas are not required for American citizens. For Tanzania, visas are required and should be applied for and approved online in advance of arrival. For Uganda, visas are required and must be applied for and approved online in advance of arrival. Requirements for non-US passport holders may differ. It is the sole responsibility of all travelers to ensure they are aware of and can fulfill all visa and entry requirements.
YELLOW FEVER REQUIREMENTS:
Proof that yellow fever inoculation (shot) was administered to the traveler at least 10 days prior to arrival is required for entry into certain countries. A (yellow) medical card will be requested by the government authority upon arrival. This requirement applies for entry into Uganda and Rwanda. It also applies for entry into South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, or Tanzania following a stay, stop-over (and in some cases even airport transit/transfer) in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or any other yellow fever country. Check with your Premier Tours agent if you are travelling to or through any countries and are unsure about the yellow fever requirements.
HEALTH MATTERS:
Many safari locations carry a risk of malaria and therefore malaria prophylaxis (oral medication) is strongly recommended.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect the cost of your trip in the event of cancellation for a covered reason, as well as for the medical, emergency evacuation, and numerous other benefits offered.
If you believe your credit card, homeowners, or healthcare plan provides coverage, you should carefully review what is and isn’t covered, as well as any limitations and exclusions. Many of our clients have been surprised to find the coverage they think they have is either limited, doesn’t cover family members, or is insufficient for adventure-oriented travel to remote destinations.
Please be sure to check the rates and coverage options offered by our insurance partner, Travelex, before making your insurance purchase. Unlike other insurance companies that charge based on the age of each traveler, The “Custom Travel Secure” policy was designed to provide the best coverage at highly competitive rates by offering a “one price fits all” option for Premier Tours travelers. All travelers will be required to sign a waiver before final travel documents are released, indicating whether they’ve chosen to purchase insurance.
LUGGAGE STORAGE:
Luggage storage may be available to you depending on your specific itinerary. Please inquire at the time of planning your tour and/or flights to ensure that arrangements can be made.
BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS:
Most African countries, in particular Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, have banned the use of plastic bags. Please refrain from using them for packing purposes.
Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breathtaking golden sand beaches, gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.
Entry Requirements
A passport with validity for at least six months beyond the last date of your stay in Kenya is required. Your passport must have 2 blank pages sitting side-by-side (a blank left side page sitting next to a blank right side page) to allow for official entry and exit stamps. Please ensure you have additional pages as required for any other countries you may be visiting.
Visas are required for US passport holders entering Kenya. These can be secured upon arrival with payment of $50.00 per person, US currency. Requirements for passport holders of other countries vary.
Proof of yellow fever inoculation (administered at least 10 days before arrival) is required ONLY WHEN travelers are arriving after having stayed in or transiting (more than 12 hours) through any yellow fever country. Your (yellow) official medical card must be presented.
It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to understand and fulfill any entry requirements.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES; symbol KSh) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of KSh1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10 and 5. Residents may import up to KES 500,000 and must declare if currencies exceeding US $10,000. Non-residents may import local and foreign currencies without restrictions but amounts exceeding US $10,000 must be declared.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday -Friday 09h00-15h00, and Saturdays 09h00-12h00. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier. Banks in airports tend to open earlier and close later; typical hours are 07h00-19h00.
ATMs are common especially in major tourist destinations.
Mastercard and Visa Credit Cards are widely accepted; American Express and Diners Club less so. Major hotels accept payment by credit card, as do major safari companies, travel agencies and restaurants.
Very few banks or foreign exchange bureaus accept travellers cheques; when they do, they charge high commissions.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Meat in Kenya is generally outstandingly good, and ‘nyam achoma’ (barbecued meat) is ubiquitous at any major feasts or popular dining spots. Beef and chicken are readily available, but goat is the most-widely eaten among locals and certainly a must try for carnivorous visitors. Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine is also popular, as are fresh-water fish inland, and sea fish along the coast.
Drinking the tap water is not recommended as the supply is not reliable, but bottled water is available in most places. When buying bottled water, check the seal of the bottle is intact. Alternatively, bring your own reusable water bottle with a filter or use water purification tablets. Avoid ice and washed salads and fruit except in top hotels and restaurants. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at all times.
Tipping is optional. Most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge in the bill. If they don't, a small tip is customary for good service.
Climate and Weather
Kenya lies on the equator and has a pleasant tropical climate, but there are large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Kenya’s daytime temperatures average between 68°F and 82°F, but it is warmer on the coast. The coast is hot and humid all year round, but the heat is pleasant and tempered by the winds. Kenya is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and summer. There is, however, both a dry and wet season. The wet season is from November to May and the Dry season is from June to December.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Comfortable, casual clothing that is lightweight is the best bet while on safari. It can be quite cool in the early mornings, so you'll want to dress warmly in layers, until the sun has a chance to warm up the air. "Kenya Convertibles", khaki pants with zip-off legs, are perfect for cool early morning game drives that turn warm before you're back in camp. Walking shorts, long pants, cotton shirts and tees are just right. A cotton bush jacket or wind-breaker will be useful along with a warm sweater or fleece jacket for the cool nights. There is not a good deal of long walking or hiking on most safaris, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes and a pair of sandals should be adequate.
In Kenya's major cities the dress code is conservative but not overly formal – jeans and decent tops for women are fine. Swimsuits are acceptable on the beach but you’ll need to cover up in public places.
Internet Availability
Wi-Fi is readily available in major cities and hotels, as well as in luxury game lodges.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in Kenya are of the ‘Type G (BS-1363)’. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.
Electrical sockets in Kenya usually supply electricity at 220-240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 220-240 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.
