| KENYAN WEATHER : |
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 30ºC, Min 22ºC |
| Nairobi: |
Max 25ºC, Min 13ºC |
| North Plains: |
Max 34ºC, Min 23ºC |
| 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 VISIT
| 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. |
|
|
| TRAVEL INFORMATION : |
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 |
| 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$20 for
international flights (not payable in KSh). A number of
airlines operate between Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nanyuki,
Malindi, Lamu and the national parks/reserves of Amboseli,
Masai Mara and Samburu. |
| |
| ROADS |
|
There are 63,800 km of highways in Kenya, 8,863 km of
which are paved. Roads are generally in good condition,
but have deteriorated and some stretches are very unsafe.
The A104 running from Mombasa to Malaba via Nairobi is a
heavy truck route. High speed and unpredictable local
driving habits are daily hazards on Kenyan roads. Roads in
the north and north-east are predominantly dirt roads and
in the rainy season are only navigable by four-wheel drive
vehicles. Your national driving license is accepted, with
an English translation if necessary. Driving is on the
left side of the road. As fuel shortages can occur, it is
best to fill your tanks before leaving a major town. |
|
|
GENERAL
ACCOMMODATION INFO
| Most safari lodges vary in size and style, and are built
to blend in with the local environment. Accommodation
tends to be of rondavel or banda type, with a lounge,
central dining and bar in single unit hotels. Do not be
misled by the term “tented accommodation” – this
tends to be luxurious insect-proof tents and are usually
permanently pitched on concrete bases, often including en
suite bathrooms with flush toilets. These are very popular
and give the visitor the true experience of being close to
nature without the inconvenience and discomfort that can
be associated with camping in the open. In the towns,
cheaper hotels are definitely avoidable. Prices for higher
range hotels vary according to season. Note that although
prices may be quoted in US$, 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. |
|
|
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 the following countries do
not require visas for a tourist stay of 30 days or less: |
| South Africa, Switzerland, Belgium, France,
Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria,
Japan, Australia, New Zealand, United States and Canada |
| |
| 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$30 and are valid for
three months. All visitors may be requested to show proof
of sufficient funds and onward travel / return ticket. |
|
|
| HEALTH REQUIREMENTS : |
|
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. |
|
|
Travel Tips
| Safety |
| 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, Somalian 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. |
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| CURRENCY
& MONEY : |
|
| The unit of currency is the Kenya
Shilling (KSh), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are
in KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are KSH 1, 5,
10, 20 and Cents 50, 10, 5. |
|
|
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 KSh55. A traditional meal will
cost about KSh150, while you can expect to pay about
KSh700-1500 for a more classy meal. Petrol costs about
KSh55 per litre. A roll of 36-exposure print film will
cost about KSh280. |
| |
| BANKS |
Banking hours: Mon – Fri 09:00
– 14:00
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. |
|
|
Souvenirs
| 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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| CANCELLATION
RULES : |
| In the
event of any cancellation or reduction in numbers, a rate as
mentioned below will be charged:
a. Between 35 - 20 days from date of
occupancy - 15%
b. Between 19 - 10 days from date of
occupancy - 25%
c. Between 9 - days from date of
occupancy - 35%
d. Within 48 hours of occupancy -
100%
The rate charged will be the
percentage total bed night cost. In the case of a cancellation
within 48hrs of occupancy any transportation costs applicable will
also be chargeable.
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