Kenya

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

Electronic Travel Authorization system (eTA)

It is the responsibility of the client to obtain their own eTA.  Please apply for the eTA between 1 – 3 months before departure (not earlier).

All passengers traveling to Kenya are required to obtain their eTA online via - www.etakenya.go.ke,  and pay a processing fee of USD$34.00 per person.  We suggest that families apply as a group.

Please note that the eTA is for a single entry into Kenya and is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. There is an exception on safari circuits in the East African region, (Tanzania, Rwanda & Uganda) where you can enter in and out of Kenya on the single eTA as long as it is part of the same itinerary/safari circuit trip and within the validity of 3 months.

Please have the following documents ready before starting your application.

  • Valid passport for at least six (6) month after your planned date of arrival into Kenya with at least one blank page.
  • Passport photo.
  • Contact information, email address and phone number.
  • Details of your arrival and departure itinerary, ie Airline ticket
  • Accommodation booking confirmation from Epic Private Journeys
  • Credit card, debit card, Apple pay or other means of payment.

Please Note:

  1. Yellow Fever - Please contact your consultant regarding Yellow Fever requirements
  2. It is a requirement that you have a validity of 6 months on your passport at the time of travel and at least 4 blank pages in order to gain entry

Banking and Currency

CURRENCY

The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES; symbol KSh). 1 Kenyan Shilling = 100 cents.

BANKING

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 09h00-16h00, Saturday 09h00-12h00.

CASH/CREDIT CARDS

Personal expenses such as purchases from the camps curio shops can be paid for with Visa and MasterCard, or cash. There is no need to have local currencies on hand. US$ are accepted in markets and for tipping (per the suggested guidelines) and it is useful to have a quantity of smaller denominations for tips.

Travelers cheques are no longer accepted in Kenya.

 

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

AIR TRANSFERS

Depending on the airline for scheduled flights the baggage limit is either 15kg/33lb or 20kg/44lbs per person in soft sided bags including carry-on and camera equipment. Your consultant will let you know the exact luggage allowance for your trip.

For charter flights your consultant will let you know the exact luggage allowance for your trip depending on the number of people and the aircraft.

PLEASE DO NOT USE HARD SUITCASES OR BAGS WITH WHEELS as bags need to be maneuvered in and out of light aircraft holds.

DRIVING

Kenya has an extensive network of paved and unpaved roads,  driving in Kenya is very scenic, however the distances are vast and could take up to six hours a day. Therefore flying is the most popular mode of transport in order to reach your lodge early to start game viewing.  Combining driving and flying can also be arranged in your private vehicle with a driver/guide.

Health and Medical Information

Other Medical requirements:

Please consult your General Practitioner or nearest Traveller’s Medical Centre for advice on medical issues relevant to your destination. For additional information please consult the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

Safety Notices

COMMUNICATION

All camps have 24 hour radio contact with their base support headquarters, and each game-drive vehicle has radio contact with camp. In the event of a medical emergency evacuation will be arranged. Daily camp tariffs include an amount for emergency evacuation insurance.

CELL PHONES

Quad-band cell phones on global roaming generally work from all major urban centres. They do not, however, work from many of the safari camps.

WI-FI / INTERNET

Internet access is limited throughout Africa and varies from camp to camp. Please refer to the camp information for specific details.

TRAVEL ADVICE & WARNINGS

We strongly recommend you review the current travel advice for your country/countries of destination before booking and ensure you remain up to date with this advice before travelling.

Australia: http://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/Pages/default.aspx

UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

REGISTER YOUR TRAVEL

We recommend that you register your travel with your local authority. These services are free and help locate you in case of an emergency. Updates to travel advice are also provided through the subscription service.

Australia - Smart Traveller service - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/

USA - Smart Traveller service - https://step.state.gov/step/

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Meals are best described as wholesome home style cooking at elegantly set dining tables (under the stars, or under thatch or canvas). Meal times are geared around the best game viewing times and activities, and vary from season to season.

In most camps your day starts with a continental breakfast of juices, tea or coffee, cereal or porridge and toast, prior to the morning activity. Following this a large brunch is served, with high tea served before the afternoon activity. Dinner is served after the evening activity.

The camps can cater to specific dietary requests. Please advise special requirements at time of booking and we will ensure your needs are met.

In most camps alcoholic beverages are included in the daily tariff. Bottled water is available at all times. Many people inquire whether they can eat salads (as ingredients have been washed in water), brush their teeth with the tap water and have ice in their drinks. In the camps we use there are absolutely no concerns in this regard.

Climate and Weather

Kenya has a mild temperate climate with dry winters and warm summers. The area within 25 miles of this station is covered by grasslands (53%), forests (33%), and croplands (12%).

SUMMER: November to March
• Average Minimum: 13C / 55F
• Average Maximum: 28C / 82F

AUTUMN: April to May
• Average Minimum: 14C / 59F
• Average Maximum: 26C / 78F

WINTER: June to August
• Average Minimum: 12C / 53F
• Average Maximum: 24C / 75F

SPRING: September to October
• Average Minimum: 12C / 53F
• Average Maximum: 27C / 81F

Clothing and Dress Recommendations

As  a  rule,  lightweight,  light  coloured,  sun  protective  clothing is  preferable.    Avoid  dark coloured clothing as the African sun can be hot and dark colours absorb heat and attract biting flies (such as tsetse fly) in the few areas they are prevalent.  Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush are recommended for activities where you will be walking, mokoro/canoeing etc.  When in a boat or a game-drive vehicle, colour is not such an issue. In short, there is no need to refit your entire wardrobe with safari coloured clothing.

BAGGAGE:

Because most safaris use light aircraft to transfer you between camps, there is a weight restriction on luggage. This differs across regions and is either 15 kg/33 lbs or 20 kg/44 lbs including hand luggage. Soft sided bags are mandatory. Bags need to be manoeuvred into the aircraft holds and therefore need to be flexible. Epic normally provides, as part of the safari package, a medium size North Face duffel bag.  These do not have wheels but do not be concerned.   In Africa, you rarely carry your own bag as meet and greet and camp staff will porter all luggage.

Please note we have partnered with Orvis - www.orvis.com (copy the hyperlink onto your browser to get the Orvis Menu), and are pleased to offer direct access to their products as we think their outdoor clothing is great. Below you will see links to some specific items. Please view these as suggestions of good options for you and have a look around for similar items on the Orvis site and from your favourite brands if you prefer.

CLOTHING:

The following list is not exhaustive and will differ somewhat depending on gender:

•   2 or 3 pairs of long trousers. Females may like to substitute skirts or dresses

•   Orvis Jackson lightweight trousers -  Men

•   Orvis Jackson Lightweight trousers - Women

•   Orvis Explorer Dress

•   3 pairs of shorts, (if you like to wear shorts) or an additional pair of long trousers if you don’t wear shorts.

•   Orvis Jackson Shorts - Men

•   Orvis Montana Shorts - Men

•   Orvis Jackson Shorts – Women

•   3 Shirts, preferably at least 1 long sleeved for sun protection and natural coloured for walking etc.

•   Orvis Caster Shirt – Men

•   Sun Defense Outsmart Shirt – Women

•   A fleece and/or puffer

•   Orvis Recycled Drift Gillet – Men

•   Orvis Pro Hoodie – Men

•   Orvis Pro Hoodie – Women

•   Orvis Recycled Drift Gillet – Women

•   A lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably GORETEX or the equivalent) in case of rain

•   Orvis Ultralight Storm Jacket – Men

•   Orvis Ultralight City Storm Jacket –  Women

•   Underwear – note that a few camps do not launder underwear so you may be required to wash your own

•   Socks

•   Swimsuit

•   2 pairs of shoes; one for use on activity and a second pair for casual use around camp/for exercise:

•   Salomon OutPulse Hiking Shoes for men

•   Salomon OutPulse Hiking Shoes for women are good all round and hiking shoes.

•   Casual shoes: Olukai Boat Shoes for men

•   Barbour Portree sneakers for women

•   There are lots of great options here for all your safari needs.

•   Exercise gear – some camps have exercise facilities

•   Cap/broad brimmed hat

•   Crush-able felt hat for men

•   Pack-able felt hat for women

•   Additional t-shirt (or two)

SUNDRIES:

•    Sunglasses – A good pair with UV/polarized lens are excellent for the harsh African sun:  Bajio wide lens polarized mens &  Smith Barra polarized womens are both good options.

•   Extra pair of prescription glasses if necessary

•   Camera

•   Binoculars – one pair per 2/4 pax

•   Cash for curios and tips (smaller denomination notes for tipping)

•   Travel Insurance information kept on hand

•   Dry bags or jumbo zip lock bags for dirty or wet clothes or to keep clothes dry

•   Battery recharge's/USB cords for phone, camera etc

•   International power adapter

•   Plenty of max factor sunscreen

•   Lip balm, hand sanitizer or wet wipes and tissues

•   Shampoo - Most camps provide shampoo and conditioner but feel free to bring yours along

•   Moisturiser – again provided in camp but feel free to pack your favourite

•   Insect repellent – the camps do provide these

•   Head torch with spare batteries – for adventure safaris; walking, canoeing etc

•    Small first aid kit – antihistamine cream and tablets, antiseptic cream, band aids, eye drops, paracetamol, rehydrate salts, anti-diarrhoea medication, motion sickness pills, razor, tweezer, and prescribed medications.

Please note:

•   Do not travel with expensive jewellery

•   Some camps do not have hairdryers due to electricity supply

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

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.

POWER IN CAMPS

Most camps have no access to regular electrical power as they are located in such remote areas. Camps are solar-powered or have generators on site that produce 220V electricity. These run for between 4-6 hours per day, when clients are out on game drives. There is ample electricity for charging batteries for video cameras/iPods etc. and most camps have adaptor plugs.

General Guidance

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Epic highly recommends that clients obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance cover. Please furnish Epic with a copy of your insurance policy prior to travel.  

  • Hospitalisation and Repatriation
  • Cancellation and Missed flight connections
  • Loss of baggage and loss/breakage of valuables en route
  • Loss/breakage of valuables such as cameras

PHOTOGRAPHY/BINOCULARS

Digital cameras are the best for wildlife, with a good zoom up to 300mm or more. If you have an SLR it is a good idea to bring a point and shoot as back up. Remember to bring plenty of memory cards, spare batteries and battery chargers (Please check that you have all your chargers for cell phones, iPods, kindles, camera and video batteries).

Binoculars are very useful when looking at wildlife in the distance. We recommend 7 x 35mm or 8 x 32mm as these are a good size with great magnification. If size is an issue then 7 x 25mm or 8 x 25mm are compact and can be put into your pocket. Nikon & Canon are great options. Have a look at the following website for further ideas - www.consumersearch.com/binoculars

ECONOMY
• Industry: Small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture), agricultural products processing; oil refining
• Agriculture: Tea, coffee, corn, wheat; dairy products
• Exports: Tea, horticultural products, coffee, fish

LANGUAGE
The national language is Kiswahili, with English also in everyday use.

POPULATION
The current population is estimated at 47,56 million

RELIGION
Protestant, Roman Catholic, indigenous beliefs, Muslim

GRATUITIES

Although tipping is not compulsory, if service expectations are exceeded, we recommend the following:

  • Airport/Hotel/ Porters carriers – USD2.00 per porter
  • Professional Guides/Tour Leaders – USD20.00 per group per day
  • Safari Driver/Guides – USD15.00 per group per day. This should be handed to the guide personally
  • General Camp Staff – USD10 .00 per guest per day. This can be placed in a communal tip box or handed to the camp manager.

RECOMMENDED READING

  • Scramble for Africa -Thomas Pakenham
  • Origins Reconsidered - Richard Leakey & Roger Lewin
  • The Shackled Continent -Robert Guest
  • Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone - Martin Dugard
  • Being Maasai - Edited by Thomas Spear & Richard Waller
  • The Worlds of a Maasai Warrior: An Autobiography - Tepilit Ole Saitoti
  • Safari – A Chronicle of Adventure - Bartle Bull
  • Flame Trees of Thika - Elspeth Huxley
  • White Mischief - James Fox
  • The Tree Where Man was Born – Peter Matthiessen
  • Lunatic Express – Charles Miller
  • Barefoot over the Serengeti — David Read
  • Africa Adorned - Angela Fisher Elephant
  • Memories - Cynthia Moss
  • Serengeti Shall not Die - Bernhard Grzimek
  • Kingdom of the Lions - Jonathan Scott
  • The Hadza - Hunter-Gatherers of Tanzania - Frank Marlowe

Animals - Conservation - Reference:

  • Almost Human – Shirley Strom
  • Elephant Memories – Cynthia Moss
  • Natural Connections – Dr David Western
  • Wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – David Hosking
  • Mammals of East Africa – Chris Stuart
  • Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa – Stevenson & Fanshawe
  • Behavior Guide to African Mammals – Richard Despard Estes
  • Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa – Stephen Spawls
  • Safari Companion, A Guide to Watching African Mammals - Richard Estes

Movies & Documentaries:

  • Born Free, 1966
  • Out of Africa, 1985          
  • The Ghost & the Darkness, 1966
  • Echo and Other Elephants, 1966
  • To Walk with Lions, 1999
  • Nowhere in Africa, 2001 
  • The Constant Gardener, 2005
  • Born Wild, 2011
  • African Cats, 2011
  • Planet Earth Live, 2012

Apps:

  

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