Travel Guidance

Malaria and Yellow fever

Areas with malaria: Present in all areas (including game parks) at altitudes <2,500 m (8,202 ft) including the city of Nairobi. Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas.

Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Kenya, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas.

Country entry requirement: The government of Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever. For more information on recommendations and requirements, please visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya

Eat and drink safely

Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits. Eat Food that is cooked and served hot, Hard-cooked eggs, Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself and Pasteurized dairy products. Don't Eat Food served at room temperature, food from street vendors, raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs, raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish, unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized dairy products, “Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game) Drink Bottled water that is sealed, Ice made with bottled or disinfected water, carbonated drinks, hot coffee or tea, pasteurized milk. Don’t Drink Tap or well water, ice made with tap or well water, drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice), unpasteurized milk.

Take Medicine

Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread several diseases in Kenya. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites by covering exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats and use an appropriate insect repellent.

 

What to pack and wear

 

You will need clothing that is loose and comfortable. Try to carry items that are lightweight so you do not exceed your baggage allowance. Some locations such as those in the Great Rift Valley highlands e.g. Mount Kenya, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, etc. can be cool in the night so pack a warm layer and cozy nightwear. Lightweight sandals are ideal for beach walks by the Indian Ocean, walking boots for exploring the bush, waterproof sneakers or walking boots on your game drives. Carry flip-flops for use in your room or shower. Light waterproof raincoat, hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, durable lightweight shoes for walking and sandals for wearing around the camp, full-sleeved shirts, t-shirts along with a sweatshirt or a fleece-lined shirt, cotton pants or trousers, cargo pants and comfortable shorts, socks, undergarments, sports bras are also very essential for the uneven safari terrain, swimsuits.

  

All kinds of carrier/grocery plastic bags used for commercial and household packaging have been banned in Kenya. Please ensure you do not bring them into Kenya nor purchase them while in Kenya as there are heavy fines in place. Examples of household plastic bags are disposable, grocery, carrier, sealable, zip locks, packaging, and any kinds of consumer plastic bags.

  

Suggested medication

 

Anti-malarial prophylactics, anti-allergy antihistamines to counter insect bites, common painkillers like Ibuprofen, Tylenol or Panadol, Aspirin, antacid for indigestion, tablets for diarrhea and a complete supply of the prescription drugs you take. Make sure you have travel size packs of toothpaste, deodorants, hand sanitizers, and toothbrush. You will also need to carry an ample supply of sunscreen with the appropriate SPF and mosquito/insect repellent. Women must carry adequate feminine hygiene supplies such as tampons and pads, and panty liners are also recommended for trickle drying in case the ladies need to urinate in the bush.

 

Kenya Moral Dress Emphasis

 

While touring Kenya, you must adhere to the local customs and be respectful of resident dress codes that do not allow revealing clothing that exposes the shoulders and thighs. Accordingly, when visiting the shopping areas, local bazaars, and other public areas, make sure you wear knee-length shorts or long pants with polo shirts. Women should refrain from wearing tank tops and short skirts or shorts. During city tours in Kenya, you could be barred from entering spiritual centers like temples, churches, mosques, and synagogues if your clothing is not appropriate. Topless bathing is not permitted at any location or on the beaches of Kenya.

 

Safety and security

 

When arriving in Kenya, have your passport and stamped visa ready for inspection by customs officials. You must also have with your itinerary for your tour in Kenya, return tickets, medical and travel insurance papers. Keep a digital copy of your passport pages and other travel documents on your phone or tablet. While you can use Visa or MasterCard credit cards, you will have to pay high transaction fees, and they are acceptable only in the cities. You will have to render cash when staying in remote locations, and US dollars are the preferred currency. Make sure the bills have been issued no later than 2004, have an updated version and are in good condition without any rips and tears. Carry all important documents, cash, medication and expensive gadgets in your hand baggage to avoid loss or damage to them. Make sure your baggage is always locked with the approved TSA standardized locks before handing it over for storage or transit. Distribute your cash in different places rather than in one place. For your safety, avoid wearing jewelry during your travels in Kenya, and do not carry objects that you could not bear to lose. You simply need to enjoy the African wilderness parks and reserves in complete seclusion and detox yourself from material items. Pack your cameras and other gear in waterproof bags to prevent dust and water damage.

 

Luggage

15kg baggage allowance in soft bags on all local flights unless stipulated otherwise. Ibis Tours & Travel Ltd can store additional luggage at no charge (we cannot be held liable for any theft, damage or loss while in our care)

 

Cancellation Policy

Travel Insurance - we strongly recommend that comprehensive travel insurance be purchased for the duration of your journey to protect against any missed or delayed flights, illnesses, etc that may cause cancellation of your travel plans.

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.


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 


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. 


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