General Information on Kenya

GEOGRAPHY

Kenya lies on the equator and shares common borders with Tanzania and Uganda, which makes up the region of "East Africa". Kenya is roughly the size of Texas and Spain.

PEOPLE

There are over 40 tribal ethnic groups, each with their own dialect, though most people in the country speak Kiswahili as well as their own tribal language. English is commonly spoken in the major towns and at all the lodges and hotels.

CLIMATE

The Kenyan climate is very pleasant and variations in altitude and terrain can create contrasts. Generally in the Highlands the climate is cool, elsewhere the temperatures can reach approximately 35 degrees C during the day. The coast is humid and balmy.

Over most of the country there are two rainy seasons:

It is possible to visit Kenya during rainy season. Few roads are affected, the parks are fresh and green and there are fewer people and vehicles.
July and August are the coolest months and are often overcast especially in the morning. December - Mid March is the warmest time of the year.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

Kenya is considered a generally healthy place to travel. Malarial mosquitoes are not present in large quantities inland due to the high altitude of the country, but there is a higher risk at the coast and it is recommended that you take Malaria prophylaxis. There are no mandatory inoculations required for Kenya but clients should contact their doctor or specialized travel clinic for further advice (our personal recommendation would be Hepatitis A & B)

INSURANCE

There is no national welfare scheme and visitors to Kenya are responsible for their own medical expenses. We recommend our clients have evacuation insurance in Nairobi. All clients are requested to leave a copy of their travel insurance with us at the briefing, along with copies of their airline tickets and passports. Whilst every care is taken of you and your property, we cannot be held responsible for any accidents, injury, or illness that you may incur or for any loss or damage to baggage. We therefore advise that you and your property be fully covered by insurance and have separate baggage and ticket insurance.

DRINKING WATER

Please ensure that you drink bottled mineral water only throughout your stay in Kenya.

CURRENCY

The monetary unit is the Kenyan Shilling. There is no limit to the amount of currency or travelerâ€™s cheques that you bring into the country. Travelerâ€™s cheques are recommended though you would need the receipt to carry your receipt with you.
Most of the hotels, lodges and shops in Kenya will take the major credit cards. Reverting your Kenyan shillings into hard currency is easily done at the airport, hotels and banks. As there is no longer "exchange control" the rate of exchange varies between banks, foreign exchange bureaus and hotels. It is recommended that visitors do not change money on the black market, as they are more likely to receive a lower rate of exchange.
If you carry US Dollars, please ensure that the bills are not older than 2001. Any bills that are older than 2001 will not be accepted anywhere in Kenya

LUGGAGE

Please ensure that your baggage is packed in soft bags and should weigh no more than 15 kg per person. It is possible to store luggage during the safari either at your hotel if you are returning there after your trip or in our offices. Most lodges have laundry facilities at an extra charge. On air safaris the maximum luggage allowance per person is 15kg in Kenya.

VOLTAGE

Voltage throughout the country is 220-240AC. Most safari vehicles have a cigarette lighter socket operating on a 12-volt system. In most lodges and camps there is no main power and generators are used at limited times during the day and in the evening. Please carry adaptors with a square 3-pin English standard option and sufficient batteries for photographic equipment.

COMMUNICATIONS

All camps and lodges have radio communication with Nairobi. The outside world is of very little interest or consequence to us on safari, but if there are urgent messages they should be sent to our office in Nairobi for onward transmission by radio. E-mail/Tel/Fax communication is also generally available.

VEHICLE

Your vehicle will be specially equipped 4WD safari vehicle, not a pop-top van. Our vehicles have game viewing hatches or are open, are comfortable, are equipped with HF Radio and are prepared for any eventuality!

ON SAFARI

When you are out on safari our schedule is completely flexible. Our staff, and vehicles are there exclusively for your safari. We can spend the day exactly as you wish. The best times for viewing animals are the cool hours of the early morning and late afternoon. Therefore, our usual routine will be to have an early rise with a cup of tea or coffee before leaving camp on a game drive, returning to camp midmorning for breakfast. We'll stay in camp in the heat of the day and go out again after tea in the afternoon, or stay out the whole day with a picnic lunch. Your guide will be with you to plan your day, tell you about what you see, take you to the loveliest places, look after any formalities or negotiations with the local people, and take care of your safety and comfort. All our guides are fluent in English, speak the local language, are proficient in bush craft, and can tell you about the animals, identify the birds, and help you learn more about the world around you.

CLOTHING ON SAFARI

Light cotton clothing is recommended, ideal Safari outfits can be purchased in Kenya, T-Shirts, short and long cotton trousers (or jeans), a hat against the sun, long sleeved shirts and sweaters for game drives (it can be cold in the morning & evening), swimming costume as some lodges / camps have swimming pools. Good and comfortable walking shoes (e.g. sneakers). A rain / wind jacket is a good idea too. Dress code in general is casual on safari and formal in 5 star hotels in Nairobi.

SECURITY

Avoid carrying large sums of money. Be sensible with hand bags, jewellery and camera cases. Avoid walking at night. Lock up valuables in the safety deposit boxes provided by all hotels and lodges

PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT

Do not photograph local people without their prior permission. Your driver will advise you further on this sensitive matter.
Take a good supply of film as local supplies are limited when on safari. Please also carry spare batteries (please note that rechargeable batteries cannot be relied upon as some camps and lodges only have solar or generator power).
Binoculars are invaluable for game and bird viewing

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Kindly note that all nationals require a visa to enter Kenya. Visa fee is USD. 50 PER PERSON irrespective of adult, child or infant but may also increase. Visas can also be obtained on arrival at the Airport but it is recommendable to obtain them prior.

DANGERS OF THE BUSH AND PARK REGULATIONS

Although the animals we see may seem completely unconcerned by our presence, they are wild and dangerous.

All the above are against park regulations. It is also against regulations to sit on top of the vehicle, play loud music in the bush, or to attempt to provoke some "action" from an uncooperative animal by hooting, whistling, or banging the side of the vehicle etc. Littering is of course prohibited. Should you come across an unwelcome guest - please call a member of staff to deal with.