Travel Information for Kenya

Climate:
Kenya is considered to have climatic perfection. Although it can be hot and sticky by the sea, inland the air is dry and even at midday the temperatures are comfortable.
Sunrise occurs between 0600hrs and 0630hrs while sunset takes place 1800 - 1830hrs.
There are two main rainy seasons:
Mid-April to the end of May
November to mid-December.
Even during the rains, the weather is pleasant.

Visa Regulations:
Visitors must be in possession of valid visa on arrival.

Customs and Exit Regulations::
Personal effects, film and cameras may be imported temporarily free of duty. However professional video equipment, tape recorders, radios, musical instruments and souvenirs from other countries may require a customs bond to ensure re-exportation.

Firearms need a special permit .
Baggage is normally inspected by customs officials on arrival and departure.

Transportation to Kenya
There are many flights from Europe to Nairobi , and Mombasa International Airports and to Eldoret Airport .
Airlines serving Kenya include:
Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania , Alliance Air, Air Zimbabwe , Air India , British Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, KLM, Royal Swazi, Swissair, Virgin Atlantic, Air India , Pakistan International Airline, Air France, Emirates Air etc.
Coach, Bus and Taxi services are available to Nairobi City .
Airport facilities include a duty-free shop, restaurant, bank, post office, car hire and hotel reservations.

Kenya is accessible by Sea through Mombasa .
Kenya is also accessible by Rail and Road from other countries. Please make arrangements with us if you intend to enter the country this way.

Currency:
The Kenya shilling (KSHS), divided into 100 cents, is the national currency. It is a legal offence to deface local currency.

Foreign Exchange:
There is no restriction to the amount of foreign currency a visitor may import provided that it is exchanged through authorized dealers only. It is essential to retain a receipt for each transaction in order to re-exchange the local currency on departure.
Credit Cards: Visa, Amex, Mastercard, Travellers Visa Cheques,Travellers Cheques.

Telecommunications:
Telephone (including GSM technology), Fax, E-mail, Internet and telex services are generally available to most parts of the world.

Geographical Location:
Kenya is on the Eastern side of the African continent:
34 degrees - 41 degrees East of Greenwich
4 1/2 degrees North - 4 1/2 degrees South of the Equator

Health:
Visitors must be in possession of valid health documentation on arrival. The regulations vary depending on nationality and country of origin and should be checked with the nearest tourist office or diplomatic mission. Inoculation centres in the country of origin will provide updated information and advice on health regulations and recommendations (yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are recommended as is anti-malaria medication). Malaria exists throughout the year in all areas including urban areas. Resistance to Chloroquine is confirmed.

Medical Advice:
Visitors need feel no concern for their general health during their stay. However, malaria is endemic in certain areas and anti-malaria medication should be taken according to prescription recommendations. Visitor requiring special medication should pack sufficient supplies. Chemist shops are available, but we recommend you carry your own supplies.

The Flying Doctors' Society of Africa :
We would strongly recommend that clients take out a temporary tourist membership of this Society, if not covered already by their international insurance. In case of serious illness or injury, the Flying Doctors' Society will provide emergency treatment and air transportation to the nearest hospital. Please note that enrollment does not include the cost of medical expenses incurred.

Security:
Normal precautions as in any other destination worldwide should be taken. Keep a close watch on handbags, wallets and cameras when walking in crowded places and avoid walking at night, you should take a taxi. Please put all valuables in safety deposit boxes at hotels and lodges and only carry little amounts of cash. Wear as little jewellery as possible, if any, and never leave valuables on show in an unattended car or tour bus.

Time:
Local time is GMT + 3hrs.

Clothing:
Cotton tops, khaki trousers and light comfortable shoes with absorbent socks. Light-weight clothing supplemented by sweaters for the evening is most practical. Rainwear is needed during the rainy season. Safari clothing should be casual and comfortable. Please try to respect Kenya 's traditions on modesty in public places.

Public Holidays:
If any of the public holidays listed below falls on Sundays then the public holiday would be effected from the following Monday etc.
New Year - January 1st
Good Friday - As per calendar dates
Easter Monday - As per calendar dates
Labour Day - May 1st
Madaraka (Self Rule) Day - June 1st
Moi Day - October 10th
Kenyatta Day - October 20th
Jamhuri ( Independence ) Day - December 12th
Christmas Day - December 25th
Boxing Day - December 26th

Islamic Festivals:
Iddi El Fitry - 2 Days on sighting the moon

Photograpghy:
We recommend you bring your own film as film in Kenya , although highly available tends to be on the more expensive side, this is especially true for specialist film. An ultra violet filter, waterproof dust cover and spare batteries are essential. A pair of good quality binoculars for each person will be a great asset.
Note: Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policemen, 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. Seek the assistance of your driver/guide in this matter.

Banks:
Banks and forex bureaux are available at the airport and in all main towns.
Banking hours:
Monday - Friday: 0900 - 1500
Most Hotels and Lodges change money outside these hours.

Hotel Check-in/Check-out:
The standard check-out time is 10.00hrs hence rooms may not be ready for occupation until 12.00hrs. Should an early arrival be anticipated, please reserve rooms from the preceding night. Day rooms up to 18.00hrs are usually available.

Driving:
Driving is on the left in Kenya . A national driving licence or International Driving Permit is required.

Laundry:
Most hotels, game lodges and safari camps offer a 24-hour laundry service.

Electricity:
Electrical supply is generally 240 volts AC, 50 Hz. All installations are British standard and all appliances should be fitted with pin plugs of British specification.

Luggage:
We recommend you get personal luggage insurance before leaving home.