Preparing for Your African Safari
Your safari is carefully coordinated to provide a seamless and memorable experience. However, traveling through Africa can be different from other destinations, and a little preparation will help you make the most of your journey.
What to Expect on Safari
Wildlife Encounters
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Animals roam freely in their natural habitats, and every game drive brings its own discoveries. Patience and flexibility are part of the experience.
Travel Between Destinations
Your itinerary may include light aircraft flights, scenic road transfers, and travel through remote areas. Schedules and routes occasionally change due to weather, wildlife activity, or local operating conditions.
Safari Lodge Experiences
Many safari lodges and camps operate in remote wilderness areas. Daily activities, meal times, and game drives may be adjusted to accommodate local conditions and maximize your experience.
Health & Travel Documentation
Before departure, ensure your passport meets the entry requirements for every destination on your itinerary. Depending on the countries visited, visas, electronic travel authorizations, vaccinations, or mandatory inbound insurance may be required.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, trip interruption, and cancellation protection. Some destinations have additional mandatory insurance requirements.
Respecting Wildlife & Local Communities
Always follow your safari guide’s instructions, respect wildlife viewing distances, and observe local customs. Your journey is an opportunity to experience Africa responsibly while supporting conservation and local communities.
Your CURAH Africa Travel Resources
To help you prepare, we’ve included additional resources with your travel documents, which may include:
- East Africa or Southern Africa Essential Travel Guide: Entry requirements, visas, health preparation, and important travel information.
- Safari Tipping Guide: Suggested gratuities for guides, lodge staff, drivers, and other services.
- Safari Etiquette Guide: Helpful tips for wildlife viewing, photography, and responsible travel.
Please review the resources relevant to your itinerary before departure.
We’re Here to Help
If you have questions about your itinerary, travel documents, or preparations, please contact CURAH Travel. We’re happy to guide you through the process.
CURAH Travel
+1 858-533-0933
www.curahtravel.com
One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Entry Requirements
- U.S. tourists are generally visa-exempt for short visits; confirm permitted stay and purpose of travel.
- Check passport validity and blank-page requirements carefully, especially for multi-country itineraries.
- Families traveling with children should confirm any additional documentation needed for their circumstances.
- Official information: https://travel.state.gov/
For U.S. passport holders. Requirements depend on nationality, routing and transit countries. Verify official rules before departure; CURAH can assist, but each traveler is responsible for entry documents.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: South African Rand
Symbol: R
ISO code: ZAR
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rand)
Banknotes: R10, R20, R50, R100, R200
Coins: 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2, R5
Banking
Card Transactions: Widely accepted
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes, limited.
Diner’s club: Yes, limited.
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 09:00 – 15:30
Weekend: Saturdays: 08:30 – 11:00
Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes, available at major banks, airports, and authorised bureaux de change
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: South African Airways
International Airports:O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB, Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport (CPT, Cape Town), King Shaka International Airport (DUR, Durban), Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP, Nelspruit/near Kruger National Park), Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ, Port Elizabeth), East London Airport (ELS, East London, limited international flights), Lanseria International Airport (HLA, Johannesburg)
Domestic Airports: Numerous across the country
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes, well-maintained in most areas
Gravel roads: Yes, especially in rural areas
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes, in most large cities
Rail:
Railway system: Yes in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg as well as long distnace luxury options like the Blue Train
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Limited, mainly in coastal cities
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: Yes, especially from Cape Town and Durban
Health and Medical Information
- Malaria prevention may be relevant for Kruger National Park and parts of the northeast, but not every itinerary.
- Discuss routine vaccines and yellow-fever certificate requirements based on travel history.
- CDC resource: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Safety Notices
- Use established transport, secure valuables and exercise particular care in major cities after dark.
- Follow safari lodge and guide rules, especially at unfenced properties.
- Do not leave valuables visible in vehicles.
- Current advisory: https://travel.state.gov/
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in most urban areas
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes, widely popular and generally safe
Local cuisine:
South African cuisine is diverse and flavourful, featuring dishes like biltong (dried, seasoned meat), bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping), and boerewors (farmers' sausage). The culinary scene includes a strong tradition of barbecuing, known locally as "braai."
Drinks:
Notable local drinks include Rooibos tea, craft beers, and South African wines.
Tipping: Customarily 10-15% in restaurants and for services.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies widely, Cape Town (winter rainfall, 515 mm), Johannesburg (summer rainfall, 713 mm)
Average temperature: Varies, Cape Town 17°C, Johannesburg 15.5°C
Summer:
Average highs: 28°C (Cape Town), 26°C (Johannesburg)
Average lows: 16°C (Cape Town), 15°C (Johannesburg)
Winter:
Average highs: 18°C (Cape Town), 17°C (Johannesburg)
Average lows: 8°C (Cape Town), 4°C (Johannesburg)
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September for wildlife viewing, as animals are more concentrated around water sources. For beach holidays, mid-December to March is ideal, especially in Cape Town.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: In winter, particularly in high-altitude areas
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes, mainly in urban areas
Accommodation options: Yes, with good connectivity
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes, in major cities
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: M, N
Voltage (V): 230 V
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz
*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Located in the heart of Southern Africa, Zambia offers visitors an authentic African experience complete with thrilling adventure activities, rich cultural heritage and abundant wildlife found within its vast national parks and wilderness areas. Spend your evenings admiring the spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls, after an exhilarating day of white-water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River. For a more relaxed experience, cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Kariba aboard a houseboat, watching elephants gather along the shoreline while trying your hand at catching the elusive tigerfish. From unforgettable safari adventures to breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, Zambia offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and adventure. Whatever your interests, this remarkable country is sure to leave a lasting impression and a desire to return.
Entry Requirements
- U.S. visitors are generally eligible for visa-free short tourism entry; confirm current rules before travel.
- For travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe, assess whether the KAZA UniVisa is relevant and available.
- Confirm passport validity, blank pages and documentation for repeat border crossings.
- Official country information: https://travel.state.gov/
For U.S. passport holders. Requirements depend on nationality, routing and transit countries. Verify official rules before departure; CURAH can assist, but each traveler is responsible for entry documents.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Zambian Kwacha
Symbol: ZK
ISO code: ZMW
Subunit: Ngwee
Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 kwacha
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 ngwee, 1 kwacha
Banking
Card Transactions: Limited
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Zambia Airways
International Airports: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
Domestic Airports: Yes
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Health and Medical Information
- Discuss malaria prevention, especially for Victoria Falls/Livingstone and safari regions.
- Check yellow-fever certificate requirements for your specific route and any transit countries.
- CDC resource: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Safety Notices
- Observe barriers and guide instructions near Victoria Falls, rivers and wildlife.
- Avoid photographing sensitive government or military facilities without permission.
- Take precautions on remote roads and during transfers.
- Current advisory: https://travel.state.gov/
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine: Zambian cuisine features a variety of dishes, including Nshima (maize porridge), which is often served with meat, vegetables, or fish. Other popular dishes include Ifisashi (vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) and Biltong (dried meat).
Drinks: Chibwantu (a thick, fermented drink made from maize grits) and Munkoyo (a mildly fermented drink made from maize and local roots).
Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies
Average temperature: 25°C
Summer:
Average highs: 30°C
Average lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season from June to August when wildlife viewing is at its best. However, the wet season from November to April offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: No
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Limited
Public parks: Limited
Libraries: Limited
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C, Type D, Type G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains, which host a significant pride of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.
Entry Requirements
- U.S. visitors are generally visa-exempt for short tourism stays; confirm current entry limits and passport rules.
- Check entry requirements for overland crossings, return entries and any travel with minors.
- Official country information: https://travel.state.gov/
For U.S. passport holders. Requirements depend on nationality, routing and transit countries. Verify official rules before departure; CURAH can assist, but each traveler is responsible for entry documents.
Banking and Currency
Currency:
Local currency: Pula (BWP)
Symbol: P
ISO code: BWP
Central bank: Bank of Botswana
Subunit: Thebe
Banknotes: P100, P50, P20, P10
Coins: P5, P2, P1; T50, T25, T10, T5
Banking:
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Generally, no
Visa: Yes
American Express: Generally, no
Diner’s club: Generally, no
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08h00 or 09h00 – 16h15 or 17h15
Weekends: 08h00 or 09h00 – 10h45 or 12h00
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Airports in major cities
Main airlines: Mack Air and Kalahari Air
International Airports: In major cities
Road:
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Drivers License needed: Yes, if your national licence is not in English. If your national licence is in English, you may use it for up to 6 months.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No, but similar services
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: No
Local city bus networks: No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes, overnight train from Francistown to Gaborone to Lobatse.
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Health and Medical Information
- Malaria prevention may be advised for the Okavango Delta, Chobe and northern regions; risk varies by season and route.
- Discuss recommended vaccinations and yellow-fever certificate rules based on your travel history.
- CDC resource: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Safety Notices
- Many safari camps are unfenced. Never walk outside designated areas without staff guidance.
- Observe strict safety rules on boat safaris and mokoro excursions.
- Follow restrictions on drones and wildlife photography.
- Current advisory: https://travel.state.gov/
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes within major cities
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes within major cities
Ice: Yes within major cities
Meat: Yes within major cities
Street food: Yes within major cities
Local cuisine: Food centres around meat such as goat, beef, chicken and fresh water fish, and a maize meal known locally as “pap”. Adventurous culinary enthusiasts may want to try the traditional speciality of Mopane Worms, while those with a sweet tooth should make sure to sample the local Kalahari Truffles (made as a dessert) and unusual fruit called Marula. It is believed that watermelon originated here.
Drinks: Bojalwaja Setswana (the beer of Botswana) - created using fermented sorghum seeds.
Tipping: 10%, usually added to the bill at restaurants. It is also customary to tip game drivers and guides.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 475 mm
Average temperature: 27°C
Summer:
Average in highs: 31°C
Average in lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average in highs: 23°C
Average in lows: 22°C
Best time to visit: It’s best to visit Botswana between April and September – the dry winter months. At this time, animals usually stay close to their water sources, increasing your chances of seeing them.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes in cities
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes in cities
Cafes: Yes in cities
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes in cities
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: D/G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well-known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!
Entry Requirements
TANZANIA (MAINLAND)
- U.S. visitors generally require a visa; confirm the correct visa category and apply through https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ .
- Mandatory inbound insurance applies to many foreign visitors. If mainland Tanzania is your first entry into the country, use the NIC portal: https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/ .
- A valid applicable inbound policy generally covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar during the same journey; do not automatically buy a duplicate policy.
- Carry visa approval, insurance certificate and QR code, and onward travel details.
ZANZIBAR (TANZANIA)
- Zanzibar is part of Tanzania; confirm the correct Tanzania visa through https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ .
- Mandatory inbound insurance: If Zanzibar is your first point of entry into Tanzania, obtain ZIC insurance through https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/ .
- For a journey combining Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania, an applicable valid NIC or ZIC policy generally avoids duplicate insurance purchases. Retain the QR code.
- Confirm onward flight or ferry arrangements and keep documentation accessible.
For U.S. passport holders. Requirements depend on nationality, routing and transit countries. Verify official rules before departure; CURAH can assist, but each traveler is responsible for entry documents.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Tanzanian Shilling
Symbol: TSh
ISO code: TZS
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10 000 shillings
Coins: 50, 100, 200 and 500 shillings
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes, in major cities
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: No
Diner’s club: No
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: Generally 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturdays: Generally 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Air Tanzania
International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha), Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
Domestic Airports: Arusha Airport, Dodoma Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Health and Medical Information
- Discuss malaria prevention and recommended travel vaccines for the exact parks and regions on your route.
- Yellow-fever documentation may depend on where you are arriving from or transiting through.
- Official health resource: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Safety Notices
TANZANIA (MAINLAND)
- Plastic carrier bags are restricted; pack reusable bags.
- Stay in safari vehicles unless your guide directs otherwise and follow park rules.
- Photography of sensitive government, military or security locations may be restricted.
- Review local laws and current advisory: https://travel.state.gov/
ZANZIBAR (TANZANIA)
- Dress respectfully outside resorts, especially in Stone Town and villages.
- Ask permission before photographing people and religious sites.
- Follow local laws regarding alcohol, public conduct and restricted items; avoid prohibited plastic bags.
- Review the Tanzania travel advisory: https://travel.state.gov/
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, with strict precaution
Ice: No
Meat: Yes, when cooked thoroughly and served hot
Street food: No
Local cuisine: Tanzanian cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, offering a blend of Indian, Arab, and European flavors. Staple foods include ugali (maize porridge), nyamachoma (grilled meat), pilau (spiced rice), and chapati. Traditional dishes like mshikaki (marinated meat skewers) and samosas are popular street foods. Don't miss trying the Swahili cuisine with its rich seafood dishes.
Drinks: Notable local drinks include Tangawizi (ginger soda), Tembo (local beer), and Konyagi (a spirit).
Tipping: 10-15%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging around 1,000 mm
Average temperature: 25°C
Summer:
Average highs: 30°C
Average lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing in national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro is optimal.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type D and Type G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50'
* A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
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
- Passport: Check at least six months of validity from arrival and a blank page.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Most U.S. visitors must obtain approval before departure. Official portal: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/
- Mandatory inbound travel health insurance: Most short-stay non-Kenyan visitors must purchase a qualifying individual policy, even if privately insured. Purchase during the eTA process or at https://insurance.ecitizen.go.ke/dashboard/travel . Save your certificate.
- Carry onward travel details, accommodation information, eTA approval and insurance certificate offline.
For U.S. passport holders. Requirements depend on nationality, routing and transit countries. Verify official rules before departure; CURAH can assist, but each traveler is responsible for entry documents.
Banking and Currency
Currency:
Local currency: Kenyan Shilling
Symbol: KSh
ISO code: KES
Central bank: Central Bank of Kenya
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50
Coins: KSh40, 20, 10, 5, 1 and 50, 10 cents(lesscommonly used)
Banking:
Card Transactions:
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Sometimes
Diner’s club: Sometimes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 09h00 - 15h00
Weekends:Saturdays: 09h00 -12h00. Sundays: Closed. Check the specific hours of the bank branch you plan to visit, as operating hours can vary between branches and regions.
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Kenya Airways, Airkenya Express, Fly540, JamboJet, African Express Airways, Mombasa Air Safari
International Airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret International Airport
Road:
Conditions vary greatly.
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: No, unless your national licence is not in English. Third party insurance is needed.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Some, but not generally safe.
Local city bus networks: No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Health and Medical Information
- Discuss routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid, malaria prevention and any yellow-fever documentation needed for your specific route with a travel-health professional.
- Yellow-fever certificate rules can depend on prior countries visited and transit history.
- Health resource: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Safety Notices
- Avoid prohibited plastic carrier bags; pack reusable alternatives.
- Follow guide instructions near wildlife; remain in vehicles unless authorized.
- Avoid photographing military or security installations; ask permission before photographing people.
- Review regional security conditions and local laws before departure: https://travel.state.gov/
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and vegetables: No, unless thoroughly washed and peeled
Ice: No, unless made from bottled or purified water
Meat: Yes, but from reputable establishments
Street food: No, unless from a reputable source and freshly prepared
Local cuisine: Kenyan food is diverse, exhibiting the different tastes and flavours of its different tribes, as well as the spices of early Arab settlers and East Indian railway workers, and the fresh seafood straight from the Swahili coast. Top dishes include Kenyan Stew, made with meat and spices; Mutura, a rich, dark goat sausage; and Mandazi, a kind of donut flavoured with cardamom and sweet coconut milk.
Drinks:
Tusker Beer
Kenyan Coffee
Chai (Kenyan Tea)
Madafu (Fresh Coconut Water)
Maziwa Lala (Fermented Milk)
*In addition to these beverages, there are also a variety of everyday drinks available, such as fruit juices, sodas, and bottled water.
Tipping: 10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 680 mm
Average temperature: 25°C - 29°C
Summer: December-March
Average in highs: 26°C
Average in lows: 16°C
Winter: July-October
Average in highs: 21°C
Average in lows: 12°C
* Kenya, due to its equatorial location, does not experience traditional summer and winter seasons. Instead, it has periods that are cooler and drier. The climate is generally characterized by wet and dry seasons.
Best time to visit: Visiting between June and September, during the long dry season, will allow you to experience a milder climate and witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The short dry season, from January to March, provides excellent opportunities for beach visits and outdoor activities. During the rainy seasons, you’ll find fewer tourists and stunning, lush landscapes. The long rainy season runs from March to May, and the short rainy season runs from October to December.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons (March to May and October to December)
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes, for early morning and evening game drives, especially in higher altitudes or cooler months (June to August).
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes, in cities.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: G
Voltage (V): 240
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.