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
USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland
Citizens from these countries require a valid passport and visa to enter Kenya.
South African Nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.
Visit www.immigration.go.ke for further information regarding visa requirements for all countries
As of 01 September 2015, all visitors will have to apply for visas online.
Kenya’s e-visa must now be purchased online and prior to travel. Travellers must produce a printed copy of the e-visa at check-in and those who fail to do so will not be allowed to travel. The e-visa is valid for 90 days from the date of approval, not from the date of arrival in Kenya. Approval can take up to seven days.
E-visas can be applied for via https://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html The website is mobile-friendly, allowing applications to be completed from a mobile device. The system also accepts photos taken and uploaded from a mobile. The website is currently offered only in English.
Banking and Currency
The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is divided into 100 cents. It is not advisable to take Kenyan Shillings out of the country, as they are difficult to exchange elsewhere. Travellers cheques in Sterling or US Dollars are recommended for your trip to Kenya. US Dollars in particular have become commonly used in many of the country's main hotels and safari lodges. Foreign currency can be changed at banks, bureaux de change and hotels. Street exchange merchants should be avoided as they operate illegally. Banks open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturdays between 9am to 12.00pm . Banks and bureaux de change at the international airport stay open 24 hours. Credit Cards (American Express, Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in the larger hotels and stores, and some camps and lodges. ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and the major towns.
Banking
Most hotels and airports have a Bureau de Change for converting international currencies and travellers cheques to local and liquid cash. Banks in Nairobi operate from 09h00 to 15h00 while in Mombasa open and close half an hour earlier. Payments using credit cards is accepted in Kenya and valid cards are indicated by most organization.
Credits Cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and establishments, with the most recognized being Master Card, Visa and American Express. However, you will need some cash handy because smaller shops will only accept cash.
Traveler's checks are also accepted at restaurants, stores and major hotels. American Express and Visa are the most recognized brands of traveler's checks in Kenya.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Nairobi has two airports for domestic and regional flights: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport. 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.
Kenya Airways, Air Kenya, Fly 540, Mombasa Air Safari, and Safarilink serve the most popular safari destinations, plus many others such as Lake Victoria.
All other types of transport are good and efficient. Quality on trains can differ depending on which ‘class’ you buy.
Drive on the left side of the road.
Road conditions vary, and are improving.
Health and Medical Information
Travellers should get the latest medical advice on inoculations and malaria prevention at least three weeks prior to departure. A malaria risk exists all year round, but more around Mombasa and the lower coastal areas than in Nairobi and on the high central plateau. Immunisation against yellow fever, polio and typhoid are usually recommended. A yellow fever certificate is required by anyone arriving from an infected area. Other risks include diarrhoeal diseases. Protection against insect bites prevents the potential transmission of insect-borne diseases. There is a high incidence of AIDS in Kenya and the necessary precautions should be taken. Water is of variable quality and visitors are advised to drink bottled water if in doubt. Cholera outbreaks can occur and travellers should take care not to drink contaminated water and be cautious of food prepared by unlicensed roadside vendors. There are good medical facilities in Nairobi and Mombasa but health insurance is essential.
Safety Notices
Kenya has experienced political unrest in the past but remains stable at present. Those planning to travel to Kenya are advised to exercise caution and take advice from local operators before leaving. Visitors should be alert and vigilant in public places and tourist sites in all major cities and tourist destinations
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Meat in Kenya is generally outstandingly good, and ‘nyam achoma’ (barbecued meat) is ubiquitous at any major feasts or popular dining spots. Beef and chicken are readily available, but goat is the most-widely eaten among locals and certainly a must try for carnivorous visitors. Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine is also popular, as are fresh-water fish inland, and sea fish along the coast.
Drinking the tap water is not recommended as the supply is not reliable, but bottled water is available in most places. When buying bottled water, check the seal of the bottle is intact. Alternatively, bring your own reusable water bottle with a filter or use water purification tablets. Avoid ice and washed salads and fruit except in top hotels and restaurants. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at all times.
Tipping is optional. Most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge in the bill. If they don't, a small tip is customary for good service.
Climate and Weather
Kenya’s diverse landscape means the climate varies from region to region. Nairobi is situated at high altitude and has a moderate climate with sunny, warm summers and mild to cool winters. The coastal climate is predominantly hot and humid and the best times to visit the coast are usually between August and April. There are two rainy seasons which affect most of the country. The short rains occur between October and December with the long rains taking place between March and May. Rainfall is seldom continuous over long periods and dry, sunny spells do occur during the rainy seasons.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
If you're going on safari, it's wise to pack decent walking shoes, light or neutral coloured clothing (not white) and a warm top or jacket for the evenings. A sunhat is vital, as are sunglasses, binoculars, a camera, spare batteries or a charger, insect repellent and sunscreen. An international plug and small daypack are also recommended.
Mombasa
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year for beach holiday. Pack plenty of light cotton tops and shorts, as well as a hat, sunglasses, beach sandals, swimming costume and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
In Kenya's major cities the dress code is conservative but not overly formal – jeans and decent tops for women are fine. Swimsuits are acceptable on the beach but you’ll need to cover up in public places.
Internet Availability
Wi-Fi is readily available in major cities and hotels, as well as in luxury game lodges.
Electricity and Plug Standards
240v / 50Hz (UK Style 3 pin plugs are used)
General Guidance
Swahili is Kenya’s national language. PronouncedKiswahili by the locals, it originated on the East African Coast as a trade language used by both Arabs and coastal tribes. It incorporates elements of the local Bantu dialect and the classical Arabic of the original traders.
Frequently Used Terms
Jambo or Hujambo – “Hello”, “good day”, “how are you”, “problems?” (multi purpose greeting)
Jambo or Sijambo – Response to above greeting meaning “no problems”
Habari? – “How are things?” (literally “news?”)
Nzuri – “Fine”, “good”
Hodi! – “Hello?” “Anyone In?”
Karibu – “Come in”, “enter”, “welcome”
Kwaheri/ni – Goodbye to one/many
Asante/ni – Thank you to one/many
Bwana – Title meaning “Mr”
Mama – Title for adult women
Kijana – Youth, teenager (plural vijana)
Mtoto – child (plural watoto)
Jina lako nani – What is your name?
