KENYA

Generally, Kenya has a pleasant climate throughout the year with temperatures ranging between 10º C and 25º C. This varies depending on the region.

The Coastal region is hot and humid, but the temperature falls sharply at night. Across the country, the Lake Victoria region has a similar climate.

The Kenyan inland is relatively cool due to its high altitude, and mornings can be extremely chilly.

However, as you move toward the lowlands of the Northern and Southern regions, the temperature increases significantly – sometimes over 30º C. The evenings, though, can be surprisingly chilly.

There are two rainy seasons; the “long” rains between April and June, and the “short” rains between November and the middle of December. The coldest months are July and August, while the hottest are January and February.

While travelling in East Africa, it is advisable to exercise the same caution and awareness normally accorded in any large city.

Passports must be valid 6 months after the anticipated travel date. Leave a blank page for each country to be visited. It is advisable to obtain visas in advance, from Embassies and High Commissions or online
at http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html visa/ VISAS can also be obtained on arrival at all entry points.

Regulations vary depending on nationality and country of origin, and requirements may change. For more information contact the appropriate Kenyan diplomatic/consular authority or the government portal: https://immigration.ecitizen.go.ke/ visa/ VISAS can also be obtained on arrival at all entry points.

Currency

The currency unit is the Kenya shilling (Ksh.)

For current exchange rates, please refer to the Internet or a newspaper.

The importation of both local and foreign currency is unrestricted, but any amounts exceeding US$ 9,999 must be declared. The exportation of both local and foreign currency is also unrestricted, but amounts totalling to US$ 4,999 require documentation showing both the source and the purpose of the money. The most popular global foreign currencies can be traded at any of the Forex Bureaus (Bureau De Change) establishments in the main towns. Their rates are usually higher than bank rates.

How to carry your money

Cash is more readily exchanged and accepted and commands a better exchange rate in East Africa. Try for a diversity of denominations.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards (and debit cards with Visa or Master Card logos) are a superb emergency back-up. Every traveller is encouraged to carry one, even when there are no intentions of using it – it comes in handy during an emergency, for instance, if you are called upon to fly home or alter your general travel arrangements.

Credit cards are accepted in most establishments in Kenya.

How much money to take

Carry enough money to cover all expenses (souvenirs, laundry, drinks) plus a small reserve. Although ATMs are widely available in all major cities, they may be unreliable. Credit cards should be a financial emergency kit.

During the safari, all your meals will be taken in the hotels, lodges & Camps.

The food is of excellent quality. A majority of hotels grow organic vegetables, and to some extent fruits.

In Nairobi and the coastal region, dinner and lunch are billed separately.

The meal timings are usually as follows:

Most hotels have both local and imported alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments available (beers, wines, liquors, liqueurs, and fruit juices).

Drinks are not included (unless otherwise stated).

Throughout the year, the Standard Time in Kenya is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3), two hours ahead of Central European Winter Time, and eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time in the U.S.

While donations may seem charitable, they can be disruptive and intrusive especially when a portion of people get them while the others are left empty-handed. Other times, it could place the traveller in danger of being hustled by a mob. As such, avoid distribution of money, pens, candy, and left-over food to children or adults encountered on the way.

If beggars approach, make eye contact, smile politely and keep moving. Offering anything to one beggar will open the harassment floodgates to the whole group.

During community visits, it is advisable to contribute towards community development as opposed to benefitting a few individuals. For example, instead of giving stationery to a few students, bring a large package of pens or pencils and hand it to the school head or administrator for distribution.

Every traveller should be mindful of the effects of their actions.

The intention may be good, but the effect may be negative. For example, sweets/candy may cause tooth decay yet remote villages have few, not to mention expensive, dentists. Also, giving out sweets and other gifts encourages children to run to every foreigner in the neighbourhood, leaving their school or house chores undone. It may also project a bad impression of their parents who may not afford the same gifts.

Shop till you drop is the name of the game whenever you travel. Memories fade, but relics will always stand the sands of time. Leave plenty of space for memories (if you have a photographic memory), photographs and SOUVENIRS.

There are well-stocked gift shops in many hotels, lodges and camps throughout the country, offering a wide array of traditional artefacts, jewellery, Kenya’s famous tea and coffee, all-purpose fabric wraps to some beautiful stone and wood carvings – all inspired by the diverse range of cultures within Kenya’s borders.

These are some of the other shopping places to try:

Most businesses operate from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm then from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm from Monday through to Friday.

On Saturdays, they operate from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm.

Most businesses do not operate on Sundays and Kenyan public / National holidays.

The supermarkets operate all day, including over lunch hour, until 8.00 pm on weekdays, and until 6.00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Leave any luggage that will not be in use during the safari at the City Hotel, for collection upon return.
• Carry a piece of small luggage if staying at The Ark and leave the rest of the luggage at the base hotel (ABCC) for overnight.
• Note that international airlines allow a luggage allowance of 20 – 30 Kgs whilst LOCAL carriers allow 15 Kgs only – especially those flying into and out of the bush (Parks and Reserves)
• On Check-out / departure day, place all luggage at the door while heading for breakfast to cue the porters to take it to the reception, to await check-out.

• There are a few Dos to keep in mind while travelling.

  • Upon arrival at the hotel, register at the reception to get the room key.
  • Check-in is generally from 12.00 hrs while check out is at 10.00 hrs
  • Check out for day-use rooms is at 6.00 pm.
  • For concessions on late check-outs, it is recommended to contact/liaise with the Hotel Reception, the night before.
  • Upon checkout, return the key to the reception while settling the bill (if possible, settle all bills the night before to avoid the long queues in the morning).
  • Once checked out, request for a luggage ticket, which is required to leave the hotel.

Respecting Wildlife:

Conserving East Africa’s Natural Environment:

Kenya is considered to be a photographer’s dream destination. From the panoramic scenery, varied wildlife and birds to the culture-centric people and the vibrant ceremonies; rich colour and good lighting conditions abound.

Note that it is considered rude to take pictures of people without asking for their permission. The Maasai and Samburu warriors will expect a token for posing.

Please note that it is prohibited to take photos of:

It is recommended to bring a power bank with sufficient storage and memory cards as they may not always be readily available on the ground.

Keep cameras in a dust-resistant padded case, away from direct sun.

An ultra-violet filter and a lens cap are strongly recommended.

A 200mm (or longer) telephoto lens will prove very useful on safari.