TRAVEL TIPS

Buy your Flight Ticket

Before departure, you will be required to buy an appropriate flight ticket to and from your tour destination. Double check your flight departure and arrival day, time and flight number and ensure that we are supplied with these details well in advance. These details will be very important to facilitate your arrival meet and greet service.

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 25Cand 31C all year-round. During the night, the temperatures can be as coolas5C during the months preceding the short rains. Inland rainfall ranges from 500mm in the south to 250mm in the north. The climate is tropical 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.

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 ?Matatus? are also an option. These minivans are no longer overcrowded. There?s only one passenger train that goes to Mombasa. It?s a wonderful experience, since the train is still in colonial-style. The train only departs in the evening at 07.oop.m from both Nairobi and Mombasa .Enjoy your dinner in the dining wagon. In the morning by daylight, You can still get the last glimpse of the game in Tsavo National Park that you?ve during the night.(Buses and train can be booked for you by us)

Kenya/Uganda visas

These can be obtained at the border for most nationalities, but you are advised to confirm the Kenya/Uganda Embassy or contact us before travel. Two passport size photos a passport valid for 6 months will be required.

Electricity

Voltage in Kenya is 220-240AC.An adapter is necessary for appliances, which are manufactured in the U.S.A and Canada can operate on 110-120AC.The sockets are made according to the British system.(3 pins)

Public Holidays

January 1st(New Years 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 also 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

English is the official language and Swahili is the national language.

Security

The government has done a lot to improve security in all areas. However, do not carry large s ums 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 every one else in the world use your common sense and take precautions.

Banks

All major towns in Kenya have banks with a bureau de change. 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 Airport are 24hrs in operation. Forex bureaus are open from 08.30a.m to 05.30p.m and 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 by no means mandatory in Kenya. One usually tips when services rendered are deemed better than satisfactory. Basically, one tips at ones discretion. Giving money to the street children, again is up to you. However it?s probably better to give your donation to a charity home of your choice.

Main Airport

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi is half an hours drive from the city center, Moi International Airport Momnbasa 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.

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.

Driving

International Driving licenses that are valid are allowed for use in Kenya. The driving code is to keep left while driving always.

Photography

They give vivid memories of the places visited. However some places should not be visited due to security reasons and these includes; Police barracks, State House, Police stations, Harambee House, Foreign Ministry building e.t.c .However, request from the locals before taking their photos.

Communication

Several Network Providers are available. It?s easy to bring your mobile phone and get a Mobile Network line. International phone calls require a 000 pre-dial.
General Information

Tap water is never safe for drinking; therefore bottled water is always advised.

Weather is mostly warm and dry therefore light clothing is recommended

Baggage

Baggage space on safari is 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). Visitors to treetops and ark are asked to take overnight bags only can be left at the base hotel. Hotels will normally store baggage at an extra cost. A baggage weight restriction of 15kg per person on air safaris. Where very small aircraft are used this may be reduced to 10kg.

Credit Card

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. 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.

Opening and 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.

Other important points

Please be punctual for all departures, game drives and schedules so as to make maximum use of your holiday time. Departure transfers for international flights are usually two and half-hours prior to flight times. Day rooms are reserved till 6.00pm.