Travel Tips: Kenya

BORDERS                 :    Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania
CAPITAL                   :    Nairobi
LANGUAGES             :    Kiswahiu, English as well as tribal languages
CURRENCY               :    Kenyan Shilling (KSH)
COUNTRY CODE       :    +254
NETWORKS              :    Orange, Safaricom and Airtel
MUST TO SEE & DO  :    Mount Kenya National Park
                                        Lake Nakuru
                                        Mombasa and the Coast
                                        Masaai Mara Game Reserve
                                        The Great Migration
                                        The Giraffe Manor
                                        Tsavo National Park
                                        Amboseli National Park
CLIMATE                   :    Rainy (March – May), (October – December)
                                        Dry (January – February), (June – September)
ELECTRICITY            :    East Africa has a standard electricity voltage of 230/240 with 3 pin square sockets, (British standard).

 

GETTING THERE
All depending on which country you are coming from as to what form of transport you take. Here is a guide to help your planning go more smoothly:

By air:
A number of international airlines fly from the rest of the World to Kenya:

From US, North America:
Daily Flights from JFK, New York to Nairobi via either London, Amsterdam Zürich or Dubai, depending on airline. Airlines serving the North America to Kenya route include:

• Kenya Airways
• British Airways
• KLM
• Emirates Airlines
• Qatar Air
• Swiss
• Virgin Airlines

From Europe:
Daily flights available to Nairobi from London, Amsterdam and Zurich. Airlines serving Europe to East Africa route include:

• Kenya Airways
• British Airways
• KLM
• Emirates Airlines, via Dubai
• Qatar Air, via Doha
• Swiss
• Virgin Airlines

From Asia, the Far East and Australia:
Regular flights into Nairobi from India and the Far East, including India (Mumbai), Thailand (Bangkok), China (Shanghai and Guangzhou) and Hong Kong. Flights from Sydney are via Singapore or Dubai. Airlines serving these routes include:

• Kenya Airways
• Air India
• Emirates Airlines
• Qatar Air

From other parts of Africa:
Nairobi is the major African air hub and is daily connected to over 20 destinations in North-, South- and West Africa; from Cairo to Cape Town and from Dakar to the Seychelles. Major carrier: Kenya Airways

Arriving:
Kenya has three international airports:

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
• Moi International Airport, Mombasa
• Moi International Airport, Eldoret

These airports service numerous international carriers including the national airline Kenya Airways. Kenya has good connections to destinations throughout Europe, the Asia- Pacific region, USA and is a major air traffic hub in Africa. Nairobi is Kenya's capital, and the arrival point for most visitors. Jomo Kenyatta International, is located just 15 km from downtown. JKIA handles both international and domestic carriers. Wilson airport, located 11 km outside of the city centre, is the domestic hub for both scheduled and chartered domestic air traffic to all major national Parks and Reserves.

Mombasa is the central access point for the entire coastal region. There are scheduled international flights to Mombasa and numerous charter flights from Europe land directly in Mombasa.

By road:
Kenya can be entered by road from Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia. Immigration should be processed at land border stations. Nairobi is the centre of Kenya's extensive bus network, with many bus companies operating to and from destinations throughout the country.

By sea:
The Port of Mombasa is one of the world's favourite ports of call for cruise liners on international itineraries. The attractiveness of Mombasa with its unique cruise/safari experiences makes it one of the most exciting and exotic destination for cruise passengers. Entry by sea is possible, and immigration can be processed at a port facility.

By rail:
Nairobi Railway station is the centre for railway traffic with daily arrivals/departures from Mombasa and Kisumu.

VISAS
Visitors to Kenya are required by law to have passports with validity of not less than six months and prerequisite visas. You can obtain your visa at the Kenya Embassy or at the border. Single entry costs $50USD multiple costs $100USD.  However, it is advised that you obtain your visa prior to travel since authorities at the border expect you to have one prior to travel to Kenya. Check visa requirements to Kenya online with the Kenyan Embassy before embarking on your visit.

CURRENCY
Kenya’s currency is liberated therefore money is freely changed at banks, forex bureau, and at the Hotels. It is advised that you check exchange rates regularly, and that you exchange your currency at banks or licensed foreign exchange bureaus – avoid street dealers altogether. Major Credit Cards arewidely accepted and Banks at international airports operate 24-hour service.

HEALTH
Visitors from USA do not require yellow fever and or cholera vaccinations. However, visitors from countries where the diseases are prevalent require yellow fever and cholera vaccination certificates. Carry along some anti malaria tablets. Avoid foods and drinks from backstreet vendors. Under no circumstances should you bathe in rivers and / or lakes.

SECURITY
Kenya, like any other country, has its share of crime and there are a few basic rules you can observe to avoid unpleasant situation(s). Avoid carrying large sums of cash and do not display jewellery or valuables. Do not walk through unlit areas at night. If you are using private taxi hire agree on the price BEFORE getting into the car.

JUST SO YOU KNOW
A majority of National Parks now run on what they call “smart-card” so before heading to a National Park double check first. As you don’t want to get all the way only to find you have to double back and purchase a smart-card. They work bit like a credit card, you purchase them from KWS (Kenyan Wildlife Service) you load on Kenyan Shillings. BUT be warned if you don’t use all you load on, you don’t get refunded. So it’s earlier to reload rather than put a lump sum on your card.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
If you need to contact the police, fire brigade or ambulance service in an emergency dial 999, to contact the nearest police station dial 122, or visit Kenya police website at www.kenyapolice.go.ke.
For Mombasa, Police Headquarters (041) 2311401 and Central Police Station (041) 2225501

HOSPITALS
There are a number of reputable hospitals in the cities and large towns as well as Flying Doctor services which cover remote areas.”

KENYA GOVERNMENT
Government offices operate from 08.00 to 17.00 hours from Monday to Friday, but are closed on weekends and public holidays. To access all government ministries visit the website www.kenya.go.ke

PHOTOGRAPHY
Restrain from taking photos of people without permission and government installations filming is prohibited. You may bring any reasonable amount of personal effects together with cameras and any amount of film duty free. Film is usually available at most game lodges but stocks are usually few and of the common sizes and brands. Ensure you have a good supply of batteries for your camera, as these are seldom available when on safari.

TIPPING
A service charge is usually included in all tariffs, however tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated and is largely at your discretion. Customary tips for bar service and room porters are 10% whereas restaurant tariffs that exclude service charge will anticipate a 5-10% tip.

TELECOMMUNICATION & ELECTRICITY
East Africa has a standard electricity voltage of 230/240 with 3 pin square sockets, (British standard). Telephone and faxes services are available at the hotel rooms. Charges can be exorbitant. To contact telephone customer service helpline please dial 980, local operator assistance at 900 and international operator assistance at 0195

CLOTHING
Dress decently to keep up with African culture and traditions, dress warmly for cold weather and light at the coast.

CODE OF CONDUCT
Feeding and smoking
Never feed animals at your place of stay or in the wild since it upsets their diet and leads to unnecessary dependence on people. Smoking while on a game drive is highly discouraged and always dispose of cigarettes carefully while at camp. Careless disposal of a burning cigarette can start a wildfire that will cause damage to vegetation and suffering to wildlife and people.

Litter
Litter and garbage in nature-viewing areas is unsightly, affects your enjoyment and threatens the survival of wildlife. It can also cause accidents to people and marine life.

Corals
These are fragile living organism, they being destroyed by careless recreational activities, to avoid damage-use the established mooring points. Coral reefs provide essential feeding grounds for many species of marine life. When diving or swimming, avoid kicking up sand or stepping on coral, as it suffocates and kills coral polyps.

Water sports
Enjoy water sports at designated points. Please practice water safety at all times. If you are not a strong swimmer then keep close to shore.

Fishing
Fishing is prohibited in marine parks. It is only permitted in the ocean and some Marine Reserves. Spear guns are banned in both Parks and Reserves.

Souvenirs
It’s illegal to collect or buy souvenirs such as coral, shells and starfish, as it contributes to the degradation of the reef and marine life. All environmentally conscious visitors can participate in, or help to organize environmental awareness campaigns e.g. beach cleaning, tree planting, conservation publications and also contribute financially to local .Products made from any part of the Elephant, Rhino, Sea Turtle as well as Ostrich Eggs (unless you have certificates from registered farmers) are also illegal.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS& BUSINESS HOURS
This is only a guide, as some dates change from year to year.
New Year’s Day                             1st January
Good Friday                                 **
Easter Monday                              **
Labour Day                                   1st May
Madaraka Day*                             1st June
Moi Day*                                      10th October
Kenyatta Day*                               20th October
Jamhuri (Independence Day)*         12th December
Christmas Day                              25th December
Boxing Day                                   26th December
Idd – ul – Fitr
*Kenya National Holidays
** Dates change from year to year
Any holiday that falls on a Sunday becomes a public holiday the following Monday.

KENYA BUSINESS HOURS

Government working hours:
8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Monday to Friday with a one-hour lunch break.
Private-sector working hours: 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Monday to Friday, with a one-hour lunch break. Most private-sector organizations also work half days on Saturday.
Banking hours: 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. on the first and last Saturday of the month for most banks.
Shopping hours: Most shops are open from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. on weekdays. Some are also open during weekends from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Most shopping malls stay open until around 8 p.m while others operate 24-hours.

 

Please note all information in travel tips is only a guide, we advise that you also do your own research as dates and information changes without warning.