A Kenyan Safari

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.

ENTERING KENYA

You DO require a visa to enter Kenya if you are a citizen of

· USA

· Canada

· Australia

· United Kingdom

· The EU

If you are a citizen of another country, please consult THIS LIST to determine if you need a visa before you enter.

In all cases, ALL visitors are required to have a passport which is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. In all instances, ALL visitors must ensure there are TWO successive blank pages in their passport per country to be visited.

Visitors traveling through South Africa, to and from Kenya, should be advised that the passports of ALL travelers to South Africa must contain at least TWO blank consecutive (unstamped) visa pages each time entry to South Africa is requested; these pages are IN ADDITION to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport.

Kenyan visas may be obtained in advance, as well as at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport in Nairobi. Visas obtained in advance may be applied for manually at relevant Kenyan Embassies, as well as online HERE

Although visas are available on arrival, travellers who opt to obtain an airport visa should expect delays.

If purchasing a visa on arrival, you should -

· have the exact US$ CASH

· note that if purchasing visas on arrival in Kenya (airports and road border posts), you will be required to do so using US$ bills issued LATER than 2006.

East Africa Tourist Visa (EAC Visa)

If also visiting Uganda and Rwanda you may wish to consider an East Africa Tourist Visa (common cross-border joint visa), which allows entry into all three countries on a single visa.

For further information on the East African Tourist Visa, see HERE

NOTE: Tanzania is NOT part of this joint visa initiative and if travelling to both Kenya and Tanzania, you will need two separate visas.

CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS

The currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KSh), which is made up of 100 Cents.

Credit Cards

As in most African countries, Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted throughout Kenya. American Express and Diners Club are frequently NOT accepted at all.

Be sure to ask your bank about a Visa or MasterCard with no foreign transaction fees!

Debit cards are not acknowledged.

TIPPING

Although not compulsory, if you are happy with the level of service provided, it is customary to tip guides, drivers, and support staff in US$ or Kenyan Shillings (KSh).

General Guidelines for Tipping

· Ranger/ Guide - $20 per couple per day

· Tracker - $15 per couple per day

· Butler - $15 per couple per day

· Camp Staff - $15 per couple per day

· Transfer Drivers - $5 per transfer

· Porters - $1 per bag

· Restaurants - 10% of the bill

Whilst it is not encouraged to carry enormous quantities of cash, visitors should be aware that facilities for exchanging or drawing cash are restricted to the bigger towns and the cities.

NOTE: US dollars dated 2006 or earlier are NOT accepted in East Africa.

Nairobi has two airports for domestic and regional flights: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport. 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, Air Kenya, Fly 540, Mombasa Air Safari, and Safarilink serve the most popular safari destinations, plus many others such as Lake Victoria. 

All other types of transport are good and efficient. Quality on trains can differ depending on which ‘class’ you buy. 

Drive on the left side of the road.

Road conditions vary, and are improving.

VACCINATIONS & GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medication

Pack your own basic medications for headaches and hay fever for instance, as well as for any other minor afflictions, and/or travel-related maladies. You must pack sufficient supplies of prescription/chronic medication for the entire duration of your trip.

Malaria

Since malaria is endemic in many areas of East Africa, including Kenya, it is strongly recommended you obtain anti-malaria medication before entering the country. To obtain a prescription for anti-malaria medication, visitors should consult their own medical doctor or health authority prior to departure. Currently, the most commonly prescribed anti-malarial tablet is Malarone. Your primary-care physician will be able to offer the best advice.

Vaccinations

Despite contradictory information from various sources and on several websites, ALL travellers from or through Kenya DO require a yellow fever vaccination. The yellow fever inoculation is valid for ten years, and must be administered no later than ten days prior to departure. If you have any history of liver disorders please consult your physician first.

NOTE: You are required to travel with your Yellow Fever card

Water

All safari camps and lodges supply clean (bottled or filtered) water for their guests.

Do however check with the camp/lodge staff if it safe to brush your teeth with the tap water.

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.

THE WEATHER in KENYA

Kenya is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and a real summer. Temperatures inland are relatively temperate. It is hotter and humid at the coast, and hotter and drier in the north of the country. The warmest period is from mid-December until March, and the coolest is from late June to October. The long rains are from late April, through May, to early June, and the short rains come in November until mid-December. Daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F, but it is warmer on the coast with temperatures sometimes rising above 30°C/86°F. The coastal area is humid all year round, with the muggy heat tempered by the monsoon winds.

LUGGAGE SPECIFICATIONS & RESTRICTIONS

For most intra-Africa travel in light aircraft, there are stringent luggage restrictions which vary depending on your destination.

Travellers to East Africa may be restricted to just 15kg/33lbs of total luggage weight (INCLUDING carry-on hand luggage).

In addition to these rigorous weight restrictions, and so that it can be packed into the hold of a small plane, your bags must be SOFT-sided with NO wheels or rigid frames.

Should you need to bring additional luggage in excess of your allowance, you may have the option of buying an extra seat, which will allow you a further 70kg/154lbs.

The additional cost of this varies depending on your flight schedule, please contact your consultant well in advance of travel for further details.

NOTE: should you have a multi-country or multi-camp itinerary, please check your total luggage weight complies with restrictions for ALL of your destinations pre-Kenya, as well as for onward travel.

WHAT to PACK

Whilst muted colours are recommended for a safari holiday, there is no need to purchase serious safari gear for your visit to Kenya. It is quite acceptable to wear jeans with a neutral-coloured shirt with the emphasis on comfort.

Must Haves

· A good wide-brimmed sun hat – for the intense African sun

· A bandana - for the dusty, dry regions

· Comfortable sneakers, tennis shoes - you do not require specialised hiking shoes for bush walks

· Sandals – flip-flops for around the camp

· Golf shirts or T-shirts

· Long-sleeved cotton shirts – to provide protection from sun, as well as from mosquitos in the evenings

· Shorts - note that short skirts are not practical and not recommended

· A sport bra - for bumpy game drives

· A micro-fibre zippered jacket and light rain gear - for rainy summer months

· Swimwear – whilst at all times respecting modesty of local custom

· Warm fleece, anorak, scarf, gloves and beanie - for morning and evening game drives, for the winter months, and for higher altitudes, where it can be cool even in summer.

A Detailed List of the Most Practical Items to Pack

· Khaki, green, beige, neutral colours

· Shirts with long sleeves

· T-shirts

· Shorts or light skirt (not short)

· Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cool days

· Wind-proof warm jacket

· Light sweater/jumper

· Lightweight water-proof jacket

· Swimwear

· Comfortable walking shoes

· Socks & underwear

· Personal toiletries

· Sun block, after-sun gel, moisturiser, lip salve/balm

· Strong insect repellent

· Hat and sunglasses

· Binoculars and camera equipment (plus dustproof bag)

LAUNDRY

Laundry can be done at most camps. At some camps and lodges, this service is complimentary, but there may be a nominal charge at other establishments. Depending on prevailing local traditions in the country, the staff at some camps may not wash underwear or intimate apparel.

It is totally acceptable to wear the same outfit more than once while on safari, there is no need to be a fashionista in the bush!

POWER in KENYA

Camps and lodges in Kenya are situated in remote areas and generate their own electricity - either by solar power or by diesel generator. These power sources in turn charge banks of batteries known as an inverter system, which then provides 220Volt power in each tented room for lighting and ceiling fans.

Hairdryers & Electric Shavers

It is often not possible to use hairdryers or electric shavers in tented rooms at the camps/lodges, as they have low-wattage fuses. You will however be able to charge your equipment in a designated area in the camp - either in your room, or in a central charging station in the common areas.

Most camps have adapters for your use, but if you would like to purchase one prior to departure, the most commonly found plug/socket type in Kenya is the ‘G’ (shown below), which utilises the universal plug adapter WA-7.

E-CONNECTIVITY

Mobile services are usually available in urban areas, as well as in the southern regions of the country more popular with tourists. This applies especially to the wide areas around Nairobi and the whole coastal region, the popular safari parks, and the long road between Nairobi and Mombasa. The north of the country general has no network access. Internet and wireless capability is available in the bigger centres like Nairobi; the more isolated the location, the less accessible it becomes. Only some remote camps and lodges do have Internet capability, some areas have no Wi-Fi at all. If available, Internet usage is ordinarily charged for and can be expensive.