BUCKLEY - Safari Collection

Straddling the Equator, and stretching from the Indian Ocean’s coral reefs and white-sand beaches to the colossal spread of the Great Rift Valley and beyond.

Kenya is proud to be home to 6 unique world heritage sites identified by The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Clustered in different categories, these sites have been identified precisely because of their cultural, historical, natural and archaeological value. These world heritage sites combine to form the ultimate quintessence of the nation.

Kenya is a country of huge variety and exceptional natural beauty. The country’s lush grasslands, patchwork farms riverine forests, high plains and moorlands, mountain slopes and semi-deserts provide an amazing range of habitats for the full panoply of East African wildlife and an equally wide choice of options for Kenya holidays. ‘Safari’ was a concept invented here – the word means journey in Swahili.

Not only does Kenya offer excellent wildlife safaris but it is also home to peoples of more than 40 different cultures, with their own languages, music and traditional dress.

Traditional cultural expression is still very much alive, especially in the Mara region, throughout the north and in pockets around the rest of the country, you are very likely to experience some fascinating encounters with the various Kenyan tribes in your host communities – whether trying your hand at warrior-training with the Maasai at your safari camp, leaning about Samburu life-cycle ceremonies during a village visit, or simply picking up folklore and phrases in the local Kenyan language from the night guards at your camp every time they escort you to and from your tent.

The simplest geographical division in Kenya is between the Indian Ocean coast and the highland interior – or ‘up-country’ as Kenyans often call it. The two are different worlds, separated by south-east Kenya’s vast plains of dry bush and scrub.

Enjoy pure and unspoilt landscapes on the highlands and valleys of Kenya. Spectacular views of the green upcountry and a whim of nature cascades across the meandering hills. Hikers and mountain climbers find satisfaction in exploring these opportunities for adventure in Kenya, so join in.

The wild roars and nature comes alive in Kenya! Kenya’s protected areas are home to different variety of flora and fauna species. Each wilderness area is specially branded because it has something unique to offer. From the ‘World’s only Wildlife Capital’ of Nairobi, ‘Bird Watchers Paradise’ of Lake Nakuru to the ‘Kilimanjaro’s Royal Court’ of Amboseli, Kenya’s wilderness areas are the face of wild Africa.

The trade winds of the Indian Ocean brings forth the beauty that embowers the South-Eastern part of Kenya. Beautiful stellar beaches. Wild waters of the Indian Ocean you can play in. A revitalizing sun for that beautiful tan. Come to Kenya and sample the seaside life and also save some time for a visit in the mainland Coast where the cultures of the Coastal communities vibrate.

Different lakes in Kenya poses different appeals. From lakes that are bird watchers paradises, lakes that are home to spectacular scenes of hot springs and geysers, lakes with islands, lakes Kenya shares with other countries and lakes that have some of the most interesting stories of how they came to exist. The bottom line is that natural beauty on these lakes is superb. There are also literally dozens of interesting and fun things you could do around the lakes.

Never forgetting the bestselling book and multi award-winning film - Karen Blixen who earned her doctorate living in Africa, her memoirs of the seventeen years in British East Africa (now Kenya).

”I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills. The Equator runs across these highlands, a hundred miles to the north, and the farm lay at an altitude of over six thousand feet. In the day-time, you felt that you had got high up; near to the sun, but the early mornings and evenings were limpid and restful, and the nights were cold.”

Come and experience the grandeur, beauty and diversity of Kenya!

For all VISA requirements, including the whole application process and costs, please contact your local Kenyan Embassy, Consulate or other Kenyan Representative Office for further details.

• Visas are not issued at ports of entry into Kenya.

• Kenya does not require visas from several countries,

 therefore, all visitors must get in touch with their local

 Kenyan Embassy, Consulate or other Kenyan Representative

 Office to determine whether a visa is required to enter Kenya.

• Visitors to Kenya must possess a passport valid for at least six

 months from the date of travel and should have at least two

 blank pages available in their passport.

• It is advisable for visitors who intend to travel to

 neighbouring East Africa and/or additional African countries

 to have sufficient passport pages in place and, where

 applicable, apply for multiple entry visas.

• For more information, visit https://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html

The Kenyan shilling (KES) is the local currency of Kenya. United States Dollars (USD) are widely accepted across the country, while UK Pound Sterling (GBP) and Euros (EUR) are widely accepted in major tourist areas. Small denominations of foreign currencies should be carried where possible, however, change may only be given in local currency, or change may not be available. Foreign Exchange centres are in the main cities, towns and international airports.

BANKS

There are numerous banks in the major cities and towns, including several international banks in the major cities. Business hours vary from bank to bank, but most are open Mondays to Fridays from 9h00 to 15h00 and 9h00 to 11h00 on the first and last Saturdays of each month. Banking services are also available at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are found in all large cities and towns, however, they may not accept all foreign cards.

CREDIT CARDS

Mastercards, Visa Cards and American Express Cards are widely accepted in major tourist areas, whereas Diners Club Cards are generally not accepted.

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.

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 are generally in a good condition, most minor gravel roads 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. In Nairobi, there is a fleet of London-style black cabs. A 10% tip is expected. Cabs cannot be hailed in the street but can be found parked in taxi ranks.

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.

LUGGAGE LIMITATIONS ON SCHEDULED LIGHT AIRCRAFT TRANSFERS

There are strict luggage weight restrictions for all scheduled

light aircraft transfers. These restrictions are as follows:

• Camera & Hand Luggage per person is restricted to 5kgs

 (11 pounds).

• Only Soft-sided bags will be accepted.

• Suitcases, bags with wheels, frames or hard sides will not

 be permitted on scheduled light aircraft flights.

Maximum dimensions Soft-sided bags which can be

accommodated are as follows:

• 25cm (10 inches) wide x 30cm (12 inches) high and 62cm

 (24 inches) long.

• Please remember that baggage compartments on light

 aircraft are only 25cm high (10 inches), so the pilots must be

 able to manipulate the bag into the compartment.

• A collapsible wheeled luggage frame/trolley (separate from

 the bag) is allowed as long as the basic dimensions are

 similar to the bag’S.

Excess Luggage:

• Requirements and costs for excess luggage on any light

 aircraft transfers vary depending on the charter company,

 aircraft used and routing. In most cases, you will have to

 purchase an extra seat which allows for additional 20kgs

 (44 pounds) per person.

Kenya is an endemic Malaria area, therefore, Malaria prophylactics are strongly recommended. Please contact your Local Travel Clinic or Medical Practitioner before travel to determine the appropriate anti-Malaria measures. The use of additional precautionary measures, such as topical insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks when outside at night are recommended, especially when on safari.

• It is inadvisable for pregnant women to visit Malaria areas.

• Kenya is an endemic Sleeping Sickness (African Trypanosomiasis) area, particularly in game reserves where the Tsetse Fly vector occurs. No prophylactics are available, therefore, precautionary measures, such as topical insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks when outdoors, are recommended, especially when on safari. The incidence of human transmission of the disease in Kenya is low compared to other countries in the region.

• Pregnant women must please get in touch with their Local Travel Clinic or Medical Practitioner before travel to determine whether travelling to Kenya is advisable or not.

• Kenya falls into the Yellow Fever belt of Africa, therefore, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required to enter and exit Kenya. Furthermore, travellers arriving from or travelling onwards to other countries in Africa and/or the Yellow Fever belt of South America require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

• Although additional vaccinations (such as Hepatitis A and B, Polio, Tetanus and others) are not mandatory, certain vaccinations may be recommended by your Local Travel Clinic or Medical Practitioner.

• Should you be on prescription medication or require any other types of medications, please ensure you have an adequate supply of all your medicines for the duration of your trip.

• For prescription medications, it is recommended that you have a copy of the original prescription and keep all medicines in their original labelled packages. Please contact your Local Travel Clinic or Medical Practitioner well before your departure date regarding all the above-mentioned health requirements. Vaccination requirements may be subject to change at short notice

Bottled water is advisable for 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. It’s also best to avoid drinking from pumps and wells – some do bring pure water to the surface, but the presence of animals can still contaminate supplies.

Kenyan cuisine is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the country’s many ethnic groups, climates, and landscapes. The cuisine is characterized by staple foods like maize, beans, potatoes, rice, and an array of fresh vegetables and fruits. Commonly, Kenyan dishes are flavorful yet simple, incorporating spices and herbs in ways that enhance rather than overpower natural flavours. Here are some highlights of Kenyan cuisine:

1. Staple Dishes

• Ugali: A national favourite, ugali is a dense maize porridge similar to polenta, often served as a side with vegetables, stews, or meats. It is a staple in Kenyan households and is eaten by hand, forming small scoops to grab accompanying dishes.
• Githeri: This dish consists of boiled maize and beans, sometimes with added vegetables and potatoes, creating a hearty, nutritious meal. It's especially popular among the Kikuyu people and has a comforting, earthy flavour.
• Mukimo: Made from mashed potatoes, peas, corn, and pumpkin leaves, mukimo is a bright green dish commonly served with meats or stews at celebrations.
• Chapati: This soft, pan-fried flatbread was brought to Kenya by Indian immigrants and is often served with stews or beans, providing a warm, slightly chewy accompaniment.

2. Popular Meats and Seafood

• Nyama Choma: A beloved Kenyan barbecue, nyama choma (meaning "grilled meat") typically involves goat or beef seasoned with simple spices, roasted over an open flame, and often enjoyed with friends and family. It’s commonly served with kachumbari, a fresh tomato and onion salsa.
• Samaki: Fish dishes, particularly tilapia and Nile perch, are popular along Lake Victoria and in coastal regions. The fish is often grilled or fried and served with vegetables or coconut-based sauces.
• Omena: Small fish similar to sardines, especially common in the western part of Kenya, are sun-dried and then cooked, often with tomatoes and onions.

3. Stews and Curries

• Sukuma Wiki: Translating to “stretch the week,” this dish is a sautéed kale or collard green dish that accompanies many meals, often prepared with onions, tomatoes, and occasionally meat.
• Irio: A Kikuyu dish similar to Eskimo but with a more straightforward preparation, combining mashed potatoes, peas, and corn, seasoned lightly.
• Kenyan Curries: On the coast, dishes have been influenced by Indian cuisine, leading to aromatic curries with ingredients like coconut milk, turmeric, and coriander.

4. Street Food

• Samosas: Another Indian-inspired favourite, samosas are fried pastry pockets filled with spiced minced meat or vegetables.
• Mandazi: A mildly sweet, fluffy fried dough similar to doughnuts, served as a snack or breakfast item with tea.
• Mutura: Known as Kenyan sausage, this is a flavorful street food made from minced meat, spices, and sometimes blood, packed into intestines and grilled.

5. Beverages

• Chai: Kenyan tea culture is strong, and “chai” (Swahili for tea) is a staple, often brewed with milk and sugar. Kenyan black tea is known for its rich, bold flavour.
• Dawa: A popular cocktail made from vodka, honey, lime, and sugar, known as “medicine” for its refreshing qualities.
• Tusker Beer: Kenya’s famous beer brand, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

6. Influences from Coastal Regions

Coastal Kenyan cuisine shows strong Swahili and Arabic influences, with greater use of coconut, spices like cardamom and cloves, and rice dishes. Popular coastal dishes include:

• Pilau: A spiced rice dish with influences from India and the Middle East, often made with beef or chicken and seasoned with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
• Biryani: Another fragrant rice dish, often served with a curry and especially popular in Mombasa.

Kenyan cuisine, whether enjoyed in homes, restaurants, or as street food, is both flavorful and comforting, celebrated for bringing together diverse flavours, techniques, and cultural influences.

Kenya’s climate varies regionally, depending on topography, coastal proximity and prevailing equatorial wind direction. In general, the coastal regions remain hot and humid throughout the year, while the interior highlands tend to be warm and dry with cool to cold 
nights. 

Seasons are classified by rainfall patterns, which in themselves are variable. Generally speaking, dry conditions occur from June to October and December to March, whilst the months that experience the most significant precipitation are usually in April, May and November. 
Year-round, it can get cool to very cold at night and in the early morning whilst on safari. 

Annual rainfall: 680 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C - 29°C 
 
Summer: December-March
Average in highs: 26°C 
Average in lows: 16°C 

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 cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in cities. 

All electrical appliances run on 240V (AC – alternating current). Special adaptors for charging photographic equipment, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, hairdryers, etc., are required. These can be purchased at major airports and certain shopping centres. Some hotels and lodges may be able to supply guests with adaptors – however, we recommend that you carry your adaptors and converters, particularly if you have specific charging devices that operate at different currents/voltages. Some safari camps/lodges may not have 240V (AC – alternating current) and may operate on solar-powered 12V electricity (direct current – DC). Please bring spare batteries that can be charged at the camp/lodge while you are out on safari activities