The following tips will help you plan ahead of your travel to East Africa.
Customs Export
Export of gold and diamonds is prohibited, as is the export of game trophies and skins, unless acquired from personnel of the Government of Kenya. Game trophies, plant materials, hard drugs and pornographic literature are all prohibited. You are permitted to leave the country with a reasonable amount of tobacco and alcoholic products.
Climate
There are two rainy seasons, the long rains from March to May and the short rains in October and November. On the plateau the weather is hot and dry with temperatures during the day of between 25C and 31C all year-round. During the night, the temperatures can be as cool as 5C during the months preceding the short rains. Inland rainfall ranges from 500mm in the south to 250mm in the north. The climate is generally tropical and on the Indian Ocean Coast, humid and hot. The average rainfall in Mombasa is 1200mm and the average daily temperature ranges from 27C to 31C. It’s very dry in the north and northeast of Kenya. Nairobi and its environs enjoy a tropical climate with heights of 27C and lows of 13C.
Transport
Public transportation is easy to access and certainly not expensive. Commuter train services are available to every main city in the country. And for shorter distances public taxis (minibuses commonly known as “Matatus”) are also an option. The passenger train services between Nairobi and Mombasa operate on alternate days. These are overnight and depart at 1900 hrs to arrive the following morning at approx. 0805 hrs (First class (2-man coupe) and 2nd class (4-man coupe) fares are inclusive of dinner, beddings and breakfast). Travel by these colonial-time sleepers and get to a glimpse of game as you traverse through Tsavo – an experience to behold!
Kenya /Uganda / Tanzania Visas
These can be obtained at the border for most nationalities, but you are advised to confirm with the Kenya / Uganda / Tanzania Embassy or consulate in your country or contact us before travel. If obtainable on arrival at the port of entry, two passport size photos and a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel will be required. For UK and American passport holders, Visas can be obtained upon arrival at a reasonable delay. Visa Fees vary.
Electricity
Voltage in Kenya is 220 – 240AC. An adapter is necessary for appliances which are manufactured in the U.S.A and Canada, and can operate on 110 - 120AC. The sockets are made according to the British system (3 pins).
Public Holidays
The main public holidays are: January 1st (New Year’s day), Good Friday, Easter Monday, May 1st (Labour day), June 1st (Madaraka day), October 10th (Moi day), October 20th (Kenyatta day), December 12th (Jamhuri / Independence day), December 25th and 26th (Xmas days), and the Islamic Idd-Ul –Fitr which depends on the sighting of the moon. Whenever a designated date falls on a Sunday, then the next day is normally declared a public holiday.
Language
Both English and Ki-Swahili languages are widely spoken in the three East African countries. English is the official language and Ki-Swahili is the national language in both Kenya & Tanzania. In Uganda, English is the official language and Ki-nyarwanda the national Language.
Security
The government has done a lot to improve security in all areas. However, as at any other cosmopolitan and busy city, do not carry large sums of money around. Keep a close watch on handbags, luggage and wallets, especially in crowded areas. Lock valuables in hotel/lodge safety deposit boxes and never leave valuables on show in unattended car or tour bus. Avoid walking at night especially alone in the dark alleys/streets. Always take a taxi and inform someone of your whereabouts and like in any other city around the world, use common sense and take precautions.
Banks
All major towns in Kenya have banks with a bureau de change (foreign exchange offices). Banking hours are between 09.00a.m - 03.00p.m and 09.00a.m - 11.00a.m on the first and the last Saturday of the month. Banks at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) are 24hrs in operation. Forex bureaus are open from 08.30a.m to 05.30p.m and unlike the banks, usually do not charge commissions.
Currency
Kenya currency is based on decimal system, the unit of currency being the shilling; abbreviated by Ksh, which is divided into 100 cents. You are allowed to leave the country with a limited amount of Kenyan shillings. It’s recommended that foreign currency be exchanged at recognized foreign exchange bureaus and banks.
Tipping
Tipping is considered a token of appreciation and is by no means mandatory. One usually tips when services rendered are deemed better than satisfactory and basically at one’s discretion. Giving money to the street children again is up to you. It is however considered good practice to appreciate services where tipping is indicated as excluded. It’s probably better still to give your donation to a charity home of your choice.
Main Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi is an half hour’s drive from the city center, while Moi International Airport in Mombasa is sited much closer to the city, but most of the tourist hotels are situated much further out along the beachfront. Allow an extra hour for long journeys to the south coast because of the ferry crossing across Likoni.
Health
Kenya lives within the tropics hence the prevalence of cholera and yellow fever. A certificate showing vaccination of these deceases is vital. This should be done 10 days before traveling. Like in any other country within the tropics, Malaria prophylaxis is recommended too.
Driving
International Driving licenses that are valid are allowed for use in Kenya. The driving code is to keep left while driving always.
Photography
Photographs give vivid memories of the places visited. However some places should not be photographed, video recorded or other due to security reasons and these includes; Police barracks, State House, Police stations, Harambee House, Foreign Ministry building e.t.c. Again, it is important to request / inquire from the locals before taking their photos.
Communication
Several Network Providers are available. It might be easy and cheaper to bring your mobile handset / phone and get a Mobile Network line. International phone calls require a 000 pre-dial while local and regional calls are preceded by an area code.
Baggage
Baggage space on safari is normally restricted to one medium suitcase or hold-all per person hand baggage (private safaris where there are less than 7 persons in the vehicle are not in this restriction though). Visitors to Treetops and The Ark (Tree Hotels) are asked to take overnight bags only - extra luggage can be left at the base hotel/s for each). Hotels will normally store baggage (while you are away) at an extra cost. A baggage weight restriction of 15kg per person applies on air safaris. Where very small aircraft are used this may be reduced to 10kg.
General Informaiton
Tap water is not safe for drinking; therefore bottled water (which can be purchased locally at very reasonable rates) is always recommended.
Weather is mostly warm and dry therefore light clothing is recommended
Credit Cards
VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS are widely accepted for tourists. There’s usually a 5% mark-up on top of the price as establishments are charged a fixed of their transactions.
Arrivals and Departures
Kenya has two main ports of entry by air; Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi - located 16km from the city center and Moi International Airport, Mombasa. Mombasa is the main port of entry by sea.
Airport Departure Tax
International Airport departure tax equivalent to US$ 40 per person is payable on departure from the International airports. A local airport service charge is also payable on departure for domestic flights. As this varies from country to country, please check with the prevailing amounts payable prior to your flight departure.
Shopping Hours
Major stores, tourist services, offices and museums open from 08.00a.m to 05.00p.m in large towns though offices often break for lunch (usually 1300 hrs – 1400 hrs). They are all close over Sundays and public holidays.
