Kenya

Overview

Visa & Entry

You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. In addition, your passport must have at least 2 blank visa pages per country to be visited.
If you are visiting Tanzania as well, When you arrive at Nairobi Airport, advise the immigration officer that you will also visit Tanzania. He will then issue a "Visitor's Pass". The pass will specify the period of time you are allowed to stay in Kenya and should be in your possession until your final departure from Kenya. The visitor’s pass will allow you to return to Kenya after your visit to Tanzania. Please note this visitor pass does not replace your Tanzania visa. You must be in possession of a Tanzania visa in order to enter Tanzania.

Health

The WHO recommends for anyone traveling to or coming from a yellow fever endemic country to take the Yellow Fever vaccine prior to travel. The WHO deems certain parts of Kenya to be at risk of yellow fever

Weather

Since Kenya is located on the Equator, the weather is temperate with average daytime temperatures in the 60's-80's. However, in higher elevations you may experience cooler temperatures enough for a sweater at night year-round. In the arid, desert like region like Samburu National Park, temperatures may be hotter.

Dressing

We suggest bringing clothes made of cotton, preferably in neutral colours. A hat, scarf, sunscreen and insect repellent are also valuable accessories for your trip. Bring at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes. Since weather can be unpredictable anywhere in the world and to be sure you are comfortable during your trip and prepared for all types of weather possibilities, we recommend that you carry a small folding umbrella (or poncho) and take with you a light jacket or sweater. Binoculars are also suggested. Finally, remember that comfort and convenience should dictate your wardrobe for the tour, and casual clothes are the order of the day for most occasions when traveling.

Credit Cards & Money

The local currency in Kenya is the Kenyan shilling. Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for "street shopping" you will need local currency. Your hotel will be able to exchange your cash to local currency.

Credit cards are the most convenient way to pay for items you purchase as you travel. Be sure to call your credit card providers to let them know you will be traveling abroad, the places you’ll be visiting and the dates of your trip. This is important for your own protection. We suggest that you bring along cash in small denominations and we highly recommended that you bring crisp, new bills. Travelers’ checks are not accepted in Kenya.

Shopping

There will be some opportunities to shop for souvenirs, including artwork and handicrafts. Cash may be the only form of payment accepted for shopping in Kenya, particularly throughout the Masai Mara and at the Masai Village. While we take great care in arranging the components of your tour, we have no relationship with the shopping venues you’ll encounter, and we cannot be liable for any purchases you make. Please keep in mind that many, if not most stores will not allow exchanges or refunds for your purchased items.

Please Note: Strict conservation laws in Kenya make it illegal to purchase coral, shells, ivory, or the skins of endangered species. The penalties for trying to transport or smuggle these items out of the country may be severe.

Electricity & Power

240 volts. Plug G. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

Cell Phones & Internet

Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Check in google world connections before

Photography

Cameras and video recorders are permitted, and photography is generally permitted everywhere except at airports and military installations. Memory cards for digital cameras will be available in major cities.

For your info

When greeting a local, just say Jambo! It’s the most common greeting in Kenya and is similar to saying "hello" in English.
Just like in the United Kingdom, in Kenya people drive to the left of the road rather than the right.
Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest freshwater lake by surface area, is shared between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The yearly wildebeest migration takes part in the Maasai Mara from Serengeti National Park.
Although there are more than 60 languages spoken in the country, the two official languages are Swahili and English.
There are two distinct seasons in Kenya: the rainy season and dry season. After the rainy season, the landscape is full of lush greenery.