General Information about Kenya
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR THE VISITOR
Arrivals & Departures
Kenya is readily accessed by air from Europe, the USA, Southern America, the Middle East and Australasia to two main ports of entry by air.
Jomo Kenyatta international airport – Nairobi.Located 16 km from the city center.
Moi International Airport – Mombasa. Located 12 km from the town center.
Our own National carrier; Kenya Airways, is highly regarded international carrier, with a modern fleet of aircraft. Mombasa is the main port of entry by sea.
Visa & Immigration
Tourist visas are required by some nationals. Please contact your nearest Kenyan Embassy or High Commission for further details.
Health
Since rules concerning disease prevention change from time to time, a check should be made with the nearest Kenyan High Commission, Kenya Tourist Office or any airline flying scheduled services into Kenya. Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya and intending visitors should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and continue taking them for the prescribed time after their return. Insect repellants should be made use of after dusk and suitable cover up clothes should be worn in the evenings.
Baggage
Baggage space on safari is restricted to one medium suitcase or holdall per person, plus hand baggage (private safaris where there are less than 7 persons in the vehicle are not subject to this restriction). Small duffel bags are however comfortable to travel with.
Currency
The official currency is the Kenya Shilling. Visitors to Kenya should change foreign currency at banks, bureau de change or authorized hotels. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most acceptable and will cause the least delay. Most hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept visa and master credit cards. As a norm, always ask what commission and charges will be deducted first and prior to transaction.
Banking
Banks are open from 0800hrs to 1600hrs Monday to Friday. Some branches open on Saturdays from 0900hrs to 1100hrs. Many banks are now equipped with 24 hour ATM machines. The bank branches at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) and Moi International Airport (Mombasa) both run 24 hour Forex services.
Credit Cards
VISA and MASTERCARD are widely accepted for tourist services. There’s usually a 4% mark-up on top of the price as establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their transactions.
Hotels & Accommodation
All over the country, we have accommodation that can cater for any possible budget, taste, interest or preference. Hotels, hostels, luxury tented camps, guesthouses, resorts, campsites, backpacker lodges, village home-stays and more can be found in Kenya.
Time
Kenya has a single time zone which is GMT +3.
Language
Kiswahili is the lingua franca while English is the official language. In addition, most Kenyan tribes have their own language.
Communication
Post
Kenya has a good postal service for both local and international post. Many shops in tourist lodges and hotels sell stamps
Telecommunications
Kenya has a good network of telephone. Cellular and satellite connections. Most hotels and lodges offer international telephone and fax services. In larger towns, private telecommunication centres also offer international services. If you have a mobile phone with roaming connection, then you make use of Kenya’s excellent cellular networks which cover most larger towns and tourist areas. When dialing Kenya, the international code is 254 + local area code.
Internet
Kenya has good internet service providers. Many hotels and lodges offer email and internet services. In most towns, there are plenty of private business centres and cyber-cafes offering email and internet access.
Electricity
The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 v 50hz. Plugs are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical device, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where appropriate. Most large hotels and some game lodges provide shaving points with
Drinking Water
Drinking water from the tap must be considered risky. Hotels and lodges usually furnish safe water in a thermos flask in guest rooms. Bottled mineral water is available in every hotel and supermarkets.
Cuisine
The multicultural nature of the population is reflected in the international cuisine and any dietary needs are easily accommodated.
Security
Normal precautions as in any other destination worldwide should be taken. Visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms but to make use of safe deposit boxes and safes. One should never carry large sums in cash and women should keep a tight grip on handbags in crowds or busy streets. Jewelry snatching is quite common in city streets.
As in all major cities walking alone or in small groups at night should be considered a hazard and avoided. Reliable taxis are available at all the principal hotels. Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policeman, the president, the national flag, the State House, state lodges, soldiers, prisons and prisoners etc., is prohibited. Before photographing local people, permission should be obtained and a fixed price agreed. Seek the assistance of your driver/guide in this matter.
Opening hours and Shopping
Major stores, tourist services, offices and museums open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm in large towns though offices often break for lunch. In rural areas and out in the bush small shops can be open at almost any hour. Souvenirs to take back home can include wood and soap stone sculptures and carvings, ciondos (sisal baskets), beadwork and tribal regalia, masks, textiles and gemstones set in unique jewellery pieces.
Tipping and Porterage
Although hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides.