Banking and Currency

• Currency:

  • Kenyan Shilling (KSh/KES)

• Banking:

  • Cards are widely accepted but ATMs limited to cities and towns

  • Tips and Gratuities can be paid for in major international currencies, though the US$, GB Pounds and Euros are most commonly used (and appreciated!).

  • If local currency is required, then we suggest you obtain this upon arrival at the airport, either from an ATM or a Bureau de Change.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

• The main arrival points for tourists in Kenya are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi and Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa. Both are served by major international airlines.

• KLM, which both codeshare with Kenya Airways and is part of the same frequent flyer group, offer excellent regional connections to Kenya from many European regional airports. They also codeshare and interconnect with Delta from the US.

• We provide transfers from airports to accommodation and then the safari operators coordinate all travel on your tour per your itinerary.

• UK, EU, and US citizens require a visa to enter Kenya. This can be obtained online prior to travel through the the government's eVisa system. It's recommended to apply in advance to avoid any last-minute complications. Please check your local Embassy, Consulate or Kenyan Visa issuing authority website for links to the eVisa system, and details of cost and application duration.

  
  

Health & Safety

• Tanzania is generally a safe country for tourists, but there are a few health and safety points to keep in mind:

  • Malaria is a risk in some parts of Kenya. It is important to take precautions against malaria, such as taking antimalarial medication, using insect repellent, and wearing long sleeves and light trousers.

  • Visitors should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus.

  • Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

  • Sun exposure is a real risk, so it is important to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

  • Equally a risk is dehydration so it is important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

  • Always consult your doctor and provide them with specific information on where you are travelling to, and in what season.

  • Crime is relatively low in Kenya, but it is still important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.

  • Travellers should respect local customs and traditions, dress modestly, and avoid displaying signs of wealth.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

• Kenyan cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavours, reflecting the country's diverse cultural influences. Staples like ugali (maize porridge) and irio (mashed peas and potatoes) form the base of many meals, often accompanied by hearty stews (beef, goat, or chicken) and flavourful vegetable dishes. Coastal areas offer a delightful array of seafood, including grilled fish and coconut-infused curries. For adventurous eaters, nyama choma (grilled meat) and mutura (sausage) are must-tries. Kenya's tropical fruits, like mangoes, pineapples, and passion fruit, are a refreshing treat.

• Local beers, including Tusker and White Cap, are widely available, and Kenyan tea and coffee are renowned for their quality. New World wines are generally widely available and not too expensive.  

• It's crucial to drink bottled water and practice good hygiene to prevent waterborne diseases.

When is the best time to visit Kenya? Climate and Weather:

• Kenya enjoys a pleasant tropical climate, and there are 2 distinct weather patterns to consider - Interior and Coastal:

• Interior:

  • The dry seasons, from late June to October and January to February, offer ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and beach holidays.

  • The wet seasons, from March to May and November to December, bring lush landscapes and fewer crowds, but travel can be challenging due to heavy rainfall.

• Mombasa and Kenya's coastal regions enjoy a tropical coastal climate with warm temperatures year-round.

  • The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from December to March and July to October, when you can expect sunny days and less rainfall, ideal for beach activities and water sports.

  • However, even during the wetter months, showers and rainfall usually give way quite quickly to sunshine.

    
    

Clothing and Dress Recommendations

• Much of Kenya is very high above sea level (Nairobi sits at 1,800m and some areas you travel in even higher), so temperatures can change considerably in a day, and as you travel through the country.

• Cool, comfortable, light and breathable clothing is recommended. Due to the sun, we advise you to take cool long-sleeved shirts and trousers, to protect your skin and sun exposure. These also help against mosquitos, in lower altitude areas.

• Nights, early morning and evenings can be cool, particularly in the higher altitude areas, so a cotton sweater and/or a fleece are highly recommended, especially in winter.

• Rainfall is to be expected outside of dry season, so we advise to pack a light waterproof jacket.

• Sturdy good walking shoes are an essential wherever you go in Kenya!

• Coastal regions have

• Note that parts of Kenya's coastal regions have large Muslim populations and while these areas are welcoming to tourists, it is advisable to dress in consideration of local practices.

Language, Local Customs and Communications

• Swahili, the official language, is widely spoken alongside English and various indigenous languages.

• The Maasai, Samburu, and Kikuyu are among the prominent ethnic groups, each contributing to the nation's rich heritage. Visitors can experience this cultural mosaic through traditional music, dance performances, and vibrant local markets.

• Kenyan etiquette emphasizes respect and hospitality. Greeting elders, dressing modestly, and using the right hand for gestures are customary.

• It's also polite to ask for permission before taking photographs of people.

• Mobile signals are generally good in cities, towns and along the coast, though often non-existent in the more remote parts.

• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and lodges.

Electricity and Plug Standards

• Plug Type: G 

• Voltage (V): 240 

• Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Disclaimer

While every effort is taken to provide accurate and up-to-date information, particularly about health and visa/passport information, we urge you to seek independent advice from the proper medical or government authorities. n, we urge you to seek independent advice from the proper medical or government authorities in good time before you travel.