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GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Visa and Health Regulation:
Visa requirements vary from time to time and should
be checked with nearest tourist office of diplomatic
mission. Health certificates are required but these
vary with country of origin and should be checked
with relevant authorities. Yellow fever and cholera
vaccinations are recommended. Anti malaria
medication should be started prior to arrival.
Photography:
Films and batteries are available at most lodges but
in restricted stocks and sizes so it is suggested
you bring your own supply. A 200 mm to 300 mm
telephoto lens is recommended for game and bird
photography.
Much of East Africa is generally warm, minimal
humidity and cool evenings. Temperatures vary with
altitude.
Clothing:
Cotton, linen dresses, light slacks and short
sleeved shirts are recommended. Bring a warm
sweater, as nights can be chilly at high altitudes.
Comfortable walking shoes, swim suit, sun glasses,
suntan lotion, flashlight and an alarm clock will
complement your safari gear.
Hotel Check in/check out:
Check out time is usually 1000 hours. Hence check in
cannot be guaranteed before 1100 hours unless room
is reserved from night before. Day rooms up to 1800
hours are usually available. |
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Accommodation and Meals on Safari
Lodges:
Rooms are singles, doubles, triples and suites.
Lodge facilities include lounges/bars with log
fires, dinning rooms and viewing platforms. Most
lodges have outdoor swimming pools.
Tented camps:
These range from simple luxurious and provide
spacious twin beds with mosquito netting, private
bathrooms and verandas.
Meals:
On safari, meals are provided on full board basis.
There is full English breakfast. Lunch is often
buffet style set out with salads, cold and hot
starters and hot main dishes. Dinner is 3-5 courses
with a combination of dishes.
Getting around
BORDER POSTS:
The major crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania
is at Namanga, which is open 24 hours a day. Other
crossings include Lunga Lunga and Taveta. The
Ethiopian border post of Moyale is becoming
increasingly dangerous because of civil fighting.The
border was closed for a while but has now reopened.
For those with four-wheel drive vehicles, a more
adventurous route to the west near Lake Turkana is
quite popular. Ask the locals for advice before
trying this route. There is no border post on either
side of the border crossing so you'll have to get
your visa stamped in Nairobi. Malaba and Busimia are
the main Ugandan border posts. At present there are
no overland crossings with Somalia and Sudan as it
is not safe to cross unless part of a refugee
convoy.
RAIL & BUS:
Wildlife Safaris Rail is a safe, reliable form of
public transport. Passenger services run from
Mombasa to Malaba via Voi, Nairobi, Nakuru and
Eldoret. It is essential to book tickets two to
three days in advance. Kenya has a good network of
buses, as well as matatus (minibuses) and
share-taxis, but none are very safe as drivers tend
to overload and speed, and horrific accidents are
reported regularly. Where possible, rail travel
should be the chosen means of transport. Private
18-seater buses offer shuttle services connecting
Nairobi and Mombasa with Arusha and Moshi in
Tanzania, which are more expensive, but more
comfortable and safer.
AIRPORTS:
Domestic air services operate between the major
airports:
Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi (NBO)
Moi International, Mombasa (MBA)
Note that departure tax (US$20) is paid when you
leave. For local flights this is KSh100 and US$20
for international flights (not payable in KSh). A
number of airlines operate between Nairobi, Mombasa,
Kisumu, Nanyuki, Malindi, Lamu and the national
parks/reserves of Amboseli, Masai Mara and Samburu.
ROADS:
There are 63,800 km of highways in Kenya, 8,863 km
of which are paved. Roads are generally in good
condition, but have deteriorated and some stretches
are very unsafe. The A104 running from Mombasa to
Malaba via Nairobi is a heavy truck route. High
speed and unpredictable local driving habits are
daily hazards on Kenyan roads. Roads in the north
and north-east are predominantly dirt roads and in
the rainy season are only navigable by four-wheel
drive vehicles. Your national driving license is
accepted, with an English translation if necessary.
Driving is on the left side of the road. As fuel
shortages can occur, it is best to fill your tanks
before leaving a major town.
Passports and Visas:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
(as at June 2000)
This is a guide only – please check with your
nearest Kenyan Consulate for up to date information.
All visitors are required to carry a passport that
is valid for six months beyond the intended length
of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for
entry stamps upon arrival.
Nationals of some countries may obtain visas upon
arrival. Check with the Kenyan Consulate beforehand.
Those wishing to enter Kenya on business or for
longer than 30 days, should obtain a visa from their
nearest Kenyan Consulate.
Requirements for this are:
» visa application form,
» business letter (for business visa),
» one passport photograph,
» proof of sufficient funds and onward travel /
return ticket.
»
Visas cost about US$50 and are valid for three
months. All visitors may be requested to show proof
of sufficient funds and onward travel / return
ticket.
General Accommodation Info:
Most safari lodges vary in size and style, and are
built to blend in with the local environment.
Accommodation tends to be of rondavel or banda type,
with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit
hotels. Do not be misled by the term “tented
accommodation” – this tends to be luxurious
insect-proof tents and are usually permanently
pitched on concrete bases, often including en suite
bathrooms with flush toilets. These are very popular
and give the visitor the true experience of being
close to nature without the inconvenience and
discomfort that can be associated with camping in
the open. In the towns, cheaper hotels are
definitely avoidable. Prices for higher range hotels
vary according to season. Note that although prices
may be quoted in US$, payment in local currency is
the accepted norm. Campsites in national parks and
game reserves tend to be very basic, with running
water, but only pit toilets. It is strongly
recommended that you reserve all your accommodation
as far in advance as possible as availability is
often at a premium, especially in peak season.
Kenya - Health:
Requirements:
Everyone entering Kenya must be in possession of a
valid International Certificate of Vaccination
against yellow fever. It is imperative that you
obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Kenya.
When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or
pharmacist that you intend visiting Kenya. It is
important to note that the Kenyan authorities have
banned the use of chloroquine combinations as
prophylaxis, and instead recommend the use of either
mefloquine (Lariam/Mefliam) or doxycycline. Start
your course at least one week before entering Kenya
and continue taking the pills for six weeks after
leaving the country. If you suffer from side
effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at
night, after dinner. Precautionary measures that you
can take to prevent contact with mosquitoes are:
sleeping under a bed net or in room/tent with
mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped
at all times), spraying your accommodation with
insecticide, making use of a mosquito repelling
lotion or stick and wearing long sleeve clothes,
trousers and socks when outside at night.
Immunisation against typhoid, tetanus, tuberculosis,
polio, & meningococcal meningitis are recommended.
Medical Services:
Medical services in Kenya are good in urban areas
and in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but
are limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often
require immediate cash payment, but usually accept
major credit cards. It is advisable to secure
medical cover on your medical insurance before
arriving in the country. Note that major hotels have
contracts with physicians and dentists. Visitors are
however advised to bring along supplies of
specialised medication they may require. Otherwise,
medicine may be purchased at pharmacies and
emergency pharmacies are open all night.
Safety :
Adventure Safaris Travel in Kenya is generally
entirely safe, however, there are the occasional
regional ethnic skirmishes. You are advised to
remain informed as to the situation in areas to
which you plan to travel, particularly remote parts
and borders. Ugandan, Somalia and Sudanese shifta
(bandits) rove their borders with Kenya. Violent
cross-border attacks and cattle raids occur, so it
is best to avoid the border regions. Border
crossings into Somalia and Sudan are strongly
discouraged. Petty crime and theft occurs in some of
the urban areas, so be vigilant and keep valuables
concealed. Security within the parks is quite good,
but never leave possessions unattended. It is always
better to travel in a large group.
Water:
While water in major towns is chlorinated and
relatively safe to drink, there are frequent
breakdowns and this can lead to mild to serious
abdominal upsets for first time African travellers.
Rather stick to sealed bottled water, which is
available from most hotels and lodges, and which is
highly advised for the first few weeks of your stay.
Do not use ice cubes or eat rare meat, raw seafood
or dairy products. Avoid roadside stands and street
vendors and only eat well-cooked foods while they
are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without
contamination.
Seasons and Climate:
SUMMER: December – March
WINTER: July – August
Kenya is divided by the equator and enjoys a
tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast,
temperate inland and very dry in the north and
north-eastern parts of the country. The hottest time
is in February and March and the coldest in July and
August.
The average annual temperatures in the main areas
are:
Mombasa (coastal):
Max 30șC, Min 22șC
Nairobi: Max 25șC, Min 13șC
North Plainlands: Max 34șC, Min 23șC
The long rains occur from April to June and short
rains from October to December. Rainfall is
sometimes heavy and tends to fall in the afternoon
and evenings.
WHAT TO PACK:
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable
throughout the year. The most practical items to
pack for safari are:
» Khaki, green, beige and neutral colours
» Blouses and shirts with long sleeves (even in
summer, they will protect you from the sun and from
mosquitoes)
» T shirts
» Shorts or a light skirt
» Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler
days
» Some hotels and country clubs require gentlemen to
wear a jacket and tie and women to be suitably
attired for dinner
» A jacket and sweater are recommended for early
morning and evening game drives
» Swimwear and beach apparel
» Comfortable walking shoes
» Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent,
moisturiser and lip salve are all essentials
Good quality, locally made clothing and shoes for
safaris are available in Nairobi and Mombasa shops
at reasonable prices.
If you are travelling with an organised safari, it
is important to check what your weight limit is.
Generally you will need to restrict your luggage to
10-12 kg (packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable
amount of camera equipment.
When to go:
Kenya is a year round destination with excellent
game viewing. One of Kenya’s greatest attractions is
the annual wildebeest migration between Serengeti
National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National
Reserve in Kenya. This takes place between June and
September. Traditional peak season is January to
March as this is when the weather is hot and dry and
most comfortable for travelling. This is a good time
for bird viewing on the Rift Valley lakes. Game
viewing at perennial water holes is also good at
this time. April – June and October – December are
less popular times for visiting Kenya as these are
the rainy seasons and flooding often occurs.
However, it is usually possible to get around easily
during these times and the rains do not hinder
visibility.
Currency:
The unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling (KSh),
which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in
KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are
KSH1, and 50, 10 and 5 cents.
Basic Costs
EXCHANGE RATE:
The exchange rate is in your favour. Generally, you
will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment
cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent
establishments elsewhere in the world. The price of
a beer starts at KSh35. A traditional meal will cost
about KSh150, while you can expect to pay about
KSh500-1000 for a more classy meal. Petrol costs
about KSh35 per litre. A roll of 36-exposure print
film will cost about KSh200.
Banking hours: Mon – Fri 09:00 – 13:00
First Sat of each month 09:00 – 11:00
National and international banks have branches in
Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho
and Nyeri and in most other major towns. Banks in
Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an
hour earlier. Banks and bureaux de change at
international airports are open 24 hours a day
CREDIT CARDS:
All major credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Diners
Club and American Express) are widely accepted.
TIPPING:
This is not required but, unlike in some other
African countries, is not forbidden either. Most
hotels include a 10% service charge on the bill. If
the service charge has not been included a KSh100
tip is usual, although the amount is entirely at the
visitor’s discretion. Bear in mind that salaries in
East Africa tend to be very low, and that people
working in service industries rely on tips to
supplement their wages. On safari you should tip
your driver, cook and guide. These people do not
earn very much so you should tip as much as you feel
you can, about KSh150 per employee per day is about
right, but of course this depends on you and how
happy you were with your service.
As in most African countries, there is a huge range
of cheap souvenirs to be purchased along the
roadside. These are handmade, but mass produced so
always check the quality before buying. Materials
include ebony, soapstone and ivory. Note that it is
illegal to export products that contain any elements
of elephant, rhino or sea turtle. Tribal souvenirs
are available, including Maasai beaded jewellery,
kiondos (woven sisal baskets) and natural or
decorated calabashes (dried gourds). Bright sarongs
(kangas or kikois) make good wearable souvenirs. If
you are after quality artwork, it is probably wisest
to look in galleries and shops that deal in it,
rather than buying on the black market.
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Africa Magical Tours. All rights reserved. Copyright 2013. P.O.
Box 20413 - 00100, Nairobi. Kenya
+254 20 316645 / +254 722 971 226 Fax: +254 20 318298
Email:
bookings@africamagicaltours.com |
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Kenya
Safari Holidays
