Kenya & Tanzania Combination - 2021

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.

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

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. Please note that only one piece of soft baggage weighing 15-20kg is allowed on charter flights

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 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.

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%  

Kenya's temperatures are very high all year round due to its location close to the equator. Summer temperatures (January and February) range from 35° to 40°C during the day, and 25°C to 30°C at night. The dry season is from December to March, this is also the warmest season/months.

Rainfall and the end of Summer usually begins at a mild rate in April and gradually intensifies until early May.  Expect heavy downpour but this is usually short-lived or sporadic. Be prepared with a “breathable” waterproof rain jacket. While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year.

The Great Migration fills the Mara plains from August.  Nights and early mornings can still be chilly. Expect clear skies and hot, dry weather from September onwards.

Best time to visit: Visiting between July and September, the dry season, will allow you to experience milder climate and see the Great Migrations of Wildebeest and Zebra. In the rainy season, you’ll find fewer tourists and stunning, lush landscapes.

Important items to pack:

• Passport, plane tickets and emergency contact document
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and (spf) lip balm
• Insect repellent (spray or wrist bands)
• Spare glasses if you wear contact lenses (it might be too dusty to wear them comfortably)
• Eye Drops (as the air can get quite dry)
• Binoculars
• Camera, extra batteries, charger (if applicable)
• Personal Medications -Carry any necessary prescriptions
• First Aid Kit: Include basics like bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers
• UK plug adaptor and transformer/voltage converter
• Zip lock bags for toiletries, camera equipment etc.
• Travel umbrella
• Quick dry towel
• Safari hat or cap (wide rimmed to include coverage of the back of your neck) Good idea to have a wind cord or cinch strap to secure your hat especially when travelling in an open safari vehicle
• Closed toe shoes or boots for walks
• Lightweight Backpack: Ideal for carrying essentials during game drives
• “Breathable,” waterproof rain jacket and rain pants

Safari Clothing:

• Neutral-Colored Clothing: Blend with surroundings and avoid attracting wildlife
• Lightweight, Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants: Protect from the sun and insect bites
• Convertible Pants: Consider pants with zip-off legs that can be converted into shorts for versatility in changing temperatures.
• Safari Vest or Jacket with Pockets: Opt for a vest or jacket with multiple pockets to conveniently store essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera
• Wear moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable, reducing the risk of blisters
• Buff or Scarf: Bring a lightweight scarf or buff to shield your face from dust and insects or provide additional warmth during cooler mornings or evenings
• Lightweight Rain Jacket or Poncho: Be prepared for unexpected rain showers, especially during the wet season
• Swimsuit: If your itinerary includes lodges with swimming pools or coastal destinations, pack a swimsuit for relaxation and recreation
• Casual sandals or flip flops
• Warm clothing for June – August. Consider warm gloves and a scarf

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

General tips
General tipping guidelines:
Safari Lodges / Hotels:

- Tip box at reception: USD 10 per traveller, per day of stay 
- Game drive guide: USD 15 per traveller, per day  
- Game drive tracker: USD 10 per traveller, per day  
- Private game drives: USD 10 - 15 per traveller, per day  
- Butler: USD 2 – 5 (at own discretion) per traveller, per day 
- Staff (general): USD 2 – 5 (at own discretion) per traveller, per day 

- Porter: USD 2 per bag

Guided tours:
- Tour guide USD 15 per person per day  
- Driver USD 5 per person per day  
General living:
- Restaurants: 10% - 20% of the invoice amount 
- Activities: USD 5 -10 per person  
 

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!

Currency 

Local currency: Tanzanian Shilling 
Symbol: TSh 
ISO code: TZS 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, and 20000 shillings 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 shillings 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Tanzania, Precision Air 
International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Zanzibar International Airport 

Please note that only one piece of soft luggage weighing 15-20 kg is permitted on charter flights

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: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

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: 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% 

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. 

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 

General tips

General tipping guidelines:

Safari Lodges / Hotels:

- Tip box at reception: USD 10 per traveller, per day of stay 
- Game drive guide: USD 15 per traveller, per day  
- Game drive tracker: USD 10 per traveller, per day  
- Private game drives: USD 10 - 15 per traveller, per day  
- Butler: USD 2 – 5 (at own discretion) per traveller, per day 
- Staff (general): USD 2 – 5 (at own discretion) per traveller, per day 

- Porter: USD 2 per bag

Guided tours:
- Tour guide USD 15 per person per day  
- Driver USD 5 per person per day  
General living:
- Restaurants: 10% - 20% of the invoice amount 
- Activities: USD 5 -10 per person