'Best of Kenya - Green Season ' safari in Kenya

Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kenya, 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 50 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.

A valid passport is required, with a minimum of 6 months left until expiry and at least two empty pages. Visitors require a visa to enter Kenya; a visa to Kenya can be bought online or (currently) purchased at the airport in Nairobi, however this is subject to change in the near future. A single entry visa costs £30, $50, €40.

If you have any queries please contact your nearest Kenyan Consulate or your travel agent.

Currency

The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES; symbol Ksh). 100Ksh = 1 USD. Notes are in denominations of KSh1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10 and 5.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at the major banks, bureaux de change or authorised hotels. The banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport have 24-hour exchange services. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 09h00-16h00, Saturday 09h00-12h00. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas typically open and close half an hour earlier.

Credits Cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and more upmarket establishments, with the most recognized being Master Card and Visa. American Express and Diners Club cards are occasionally accepted. However, you will need some cash handy because smaller shops will only accept cash.

Almost every bank now has an ATM, and they are increasingly being installed at petrol stations in cities and large towns.

Travellers cheques are no longer accepted in Kenya. Most larger lodges and hotels in Kenya will accept USD as a form of currency, however it is not accepted anywhere other than in these types of places.

Nairobi has two airports for domestic and regional flights: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport (www.kaa.go.ke). Kenya has over 150 domestic airports and airstrips and there are daily flights to the most popular destinations. In addition to the scheduled airlines, several private charter companies operate out of Wilson Airport.

Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com), Air Kenya (www.airkenya.com), Fly 540 (www.fly540.com), Mombasa Air Safari (www.mombasaairsafari.com) and Safarilink (www.flysafarilink.com) serve the most popular safari destinations, plus many others such as Lake Victoria.

On smaller, domestic planes the baggage allowance is restricted to 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs). Arrangements can be made to leave excess luggage with hotels or airlines.

Main roads between the major cities and towns are generally in good condition, and easily navigable in a normal saloon car. Most highways in the south are paved, but that’s not the case in the north. Vehicles are driven on the left side of the road.

While major roads can be in a good condition, most roads (in and out of the major cities) have deep potholes which deteriorate further in the rainy season. Dirt roads, including those in the parks and reserves, are extremely rough, and some are only passable with a 4-wheel drive.

You can hire self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars from travel agents and international hire companies. Drivers must be at least 23 years of age. Budget (www.budget.com) and Europcar (www.europcar.com) have outlets at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Budget also has a desk at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, while Europcar has an office in town. Car hire can be expensive and rates vary significantly.

A driving licence from a home country (and a translation if this is not in English) or an International Driving Permit is required. Third-party insurance is mandatory when hiring a car and it’s recommended to take out the additional collision damage waiver. A valid credit card is also needed.

Matatus (shared minibus taxis) hop from town to town, starting and finishing at bus stations. Fares are paid to the conductor. Private taxis can also be hired for long-distance journeys.

It is not possible to rent motorbikes or mopeds but some of the beach resorts hire out bicycles.

Numerous private bus companies operate in Kenya. Most vehicles are old and tend to depart when full, which means there are no set timetables. Petty theft on the vehicles and at bus stations can be a problem. Nevertheless, buses are cheap and link all long-distance destinations. Plus, seatbelts are now mandatory, so buses are relatively safe.

Nairobi and Mombasa have efficient local bus systems and there are also frequent matatus, but reckless driving and petty theft makes them a dodgy option for tourists. Three-wheeled auto rickshaws are popular in town centres and carry up to three passengers.

The newer fleets of taxis (usually painted white with a yellow band) are reliable and have meters. The older yellow taxis do not have meters, so fares should be agreed in advance.

However, most visitors to Kenya have had their visit organised by a tour operator and their trips between lodges will be organised with a 'meet and greet', allowing for guests to get safely and comfortably around the country.

The first thing most visitors notice is that Kenyan’s as a whole are extremely friendly, helpful people. Much of Kenya’s population is extremely poor though so take good care of your money and valuables.

However, most visitor to Kenya travel safely through the country and bring back with them nothing but wonderful memories.

Bottled water is advisable for the first few weeks of your stay. When buying bottled water, check the seal of the bottle is intact. Never drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected (such as with iodine tablets). Never drink from streams, rivers and lakes.

Nairobi has some of the finest eating establishments in Africa. Many different cuisines and types of restaurants are available, from fast food to fancy. Many five-star hotels have excellent restaurants. At lodges, most meals include full English breakfasts and/or continental breakfasts with fresh local fruits either where you are staying or in the ‘bush’; lunches are either buffet or picnic lunches, and dinners are generally table d’hôte.

Local Kenyan food also should be sampled, with most of the country eating food like sukuma wiki (stewed kale), nyama choma (barbequed meat, often goat) and ugali (boiled maize flour).

Kenya is on the equator therefore we do not have seasons. The climate is very pleasant and variations in altitude and terrain can create contrasts. Generally in the Highlands the climate is cool, elsewhere the temperatures can reach approximately 35° C during the day. The coast is humid and balmy.

Over most of the country there are two rainy seasons:

• The ‘Short’ rains which occur from late October through November
• The ‘Long’ rains which occur from late March to early June.

It is possible to visit Kenya during the rainy season, few roads are affected, the parks are fresh and green and there are fewer people and vehicles. Rain usually falls in the late afternoon preceded by bright, sunny and fresh days.

July and August are the coolest months and are often overcast especially in the morning, and December to mid-March is the warmest time of the year.

Kenya is casual. Please bring neutral colours. Remember, as there is lots of dust, khaki is always good. The best method of dress is layering. Early morning and evening game runs call for a sweater/fleece or windbreaker over a cotton long-sleeved shirt. A T-shirt or short-sleeved cotton shirt is good for mid-day. Hats are a must.

Evenings are cool around the campfire but casual. A fleece with a light-weight turtle neck and jeans are perfect. Safari style jackets/vests are convenient for photographers with their many pockets for film, lenses etc.

Thorn-proof shoes are a must, as well as flip flops for the beach.

On visits to Lamu town, it is very important to dress correctly as this is a Muslim town. Shoulder and knees must be covered and swimming costumes or shirtless men will not be tolerated.

Other things that are important to remember to bring include insect repellent (for the body), any special medications or prescriptions (bear in mind that you may not find your prescriptions in Kenya so bring enough), extra pair of prescription glasses and sunglasses, contact lenses - as it is dusty bring ample cleaning solutions and, of course, some binoculars.

Please note: please pack in a couple of small soft duffel bags (NOT in hard suitcases), to
facilitate loading in the small luggage compartments of the light aircraft that fly you from place to place. Your hand luggage should include your camera equipment, toiletries, medicines and a change of under clothes. On internal flights, the total luggage limit, including hand luggage, is 33 pounds/15kgs per person.

Electric Power is 220V - 240V running at 50Hz. The Plug type used in Kenya is the 3 large flat prong (UK). If your appliances are compatible with 220V-240V electrical output, an adapter is all that you will need, if not a voltage converter will be necessary.

Most of the safari vehicles have a cigarette lighter socket operation on a 12-volt system. Please bring sufficient batteries for photographic equipment, many lodges have limited power supply, but all are capable of re-charging your electrical goods for you.

Lying along the Indian Ocean, at the equator, Kenya is bordered by Ethiopia (north), Somalia (northeast), Tanzania (south), Uganda plus Lake Victoria (west), and Sudan (northwest). Kenya is roughly the size of Texas or Spain.

There are 52 tribes in Kenya, each with their own tribal language though most people in the country speak Kiswahili as well as their own tribal language. English is the commercial language, therefore is commonly spoken in the major towns and at all lodges and hotels.