Kenya

For you to have an adventurous and successful safari, proper planning needs to be done. Some of the Frequently Asked Questions and tourist information for Kenya and East Africa are found here. And for more information contact us.

Visa

All visitors require a visa except citizens of some Commonwealth and East African countries and citizens of British Passport holders who are subject to control under the Migration Act 1971 e.g. Denmark, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, South Africa and Sweden.

Consular fees are currently as follows:

• $50.00 Per Visa Single Entry Stay up to 30 days
• $100.00 Multiple Entries Stay up to 30 days
• $10.00 Per Visa - Additional rush fee for insurance in 24-48 hours

Countries whose nationals require Referred Visas - Applications are sent to Nairobi for approval. Apply well in advance for your visa - especially if doing it by mail.

Visa regulations can change so please obtain current visa information directly from appropriate consulates. A few countries including Kenya issue visas on arrival but these are more costly and could involve long periods of waiting at the airport.

Apply for appropriate visas well in advance, e.g. multiple-entry visas for multiple visits to a country.

All visitors are required to carry a valid passport. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from date of travel. Children may travel on their parent's passports but separate passports are recommended. Passport copy should be carried separately.

Please show respect for local law and customs, and the sensitivities of your host country.

Getting to Kenya

Air India, British Airways, Emirates, Kenya Airways, KLM, South African Airways and Qatar to name a few are several among the airlines which fly to Kenya. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the main international airport in Kenya.

Bank services

Hard currencies can be exchanged in cash or travelers cheques at banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in Nairobi and at most large hotels. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most acceptable and will cause the least delay.

As a norm, always ask what commission and charges will be deducted first and prior to transaction. Banks are usually open from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, Mondays through Fridays and from 9.00 am and 11.00 am on Saturdays.

VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS are widely accepted for tourist services. There's usually a 5% mark-up on top of the price as establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their transactions.

Currency and Credit Cards

The unit of currency here is the Kenya shillings. Notes are available in the denominations of Shs. 1000/-, Shs. 500/-, Shs. 200/-, Shs.100/- and Shs.50/-. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Kenya.

Health

1. Inoculation against Yellow fever and Cholera may be mandatory depending on the country where the travel originates. Anyone entering Kenya from or through a Yellow Fever infected area must be in possession of a valid International certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever.
   It's advisable to take malaria preventative. Please consult your physician or General Practitioner.
2. Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Our Safari vehicles carry a complimentary stock of bottled mineral water and you will find that in most safari lodge, there will be a flask of drinking water on your bedside table.
3. The sun in East Africa is hotter than you may imagine. One can get sun burns even on a cloudy day. Please take care, and on first exposure, use a protective lotion.
   We believe prevention is better and cheaper than cure.

Security

Like any other country, Kenya has a few security concerns but it's being taken care of by the tourism industry and the government to ensure your safety during your visit to Kenya. The precautions below are for your own good.

1. Try to avoid walking at wee hours of the night especially in quiet dark streets, especially carrying bags or cameras. In short, please take the same care as you would normally take in any part of Europe, America or elsewhere in the world.
2. Keep your valuables including the cameras and binoculars in a safe place do not leave them anywhere.
3. You are advised to take cabs rather than walk in strange areas and you should first check if the meter is working and/or agree on a price before the journey.
4. Make use of hotel safe as much as possible, avoid carrying valuables to the beach e.g. travelers' cheques, money and any important documents.
5. When on safari, never get out of your vehicle, unless you are told it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to go for walks when staying in game lodges.

Tipping

1. A fixed service charge is normally included in the tariff of most hotels. Restaurant and bar waiter are accustomed to clients leaving 10 per cent of the meal bill.
2. Please do not hesitate to seek local advice on tipping and remember that tip are generally given only for good, attentive service and paid only on final completion of services.

Photography

1. Please do not photograph the president, police, soldiers, military installations, prisons, prisoners, prisons and airports.
2. Please always enlist the cooperation of your subject before photographing strangers as people do not like to be regarded as exhibits and many may not understand that your photo is merely a personal record of your trip.

Your driver/guide will be able to advise you more on this matter.

Languages

State official language and the most popular languages are SWAHILI (a mixture of African, English and Arabic) and ENGLISH.Your driver/guide and all people in the hotel industry speak reasonable good English.

LION KENYA TOURS & TRAVELS SERVICES can provide on request, French, Spanish, German, Italian & Japanese speaking driver guides.

Weather and Clothes

During your safari to Kenya you will cross several diverse climatic ranges which vary from extremely hot and dry regions to cold and wet zones.

1. Coastal region is hot and humid, its ideal to wear loose cotton for your comfort and you are advised to use sun screen.
2. Nairobi - cool and dry, while in Nairobi you don't need to dress heavily unless it's cold and rainy season.
3. Samburu and Masaai Mara - pleasant weather but chilly during the early morning game drives and that is when you will need a sweater.
4. Tsavo and Amboseli - pleasant and the dressing should be moderately rated.
5. Eastern region - normally hot, dry and dusty, it's advisable to carry a hat, cotton pants and long sleeved shirts. Sun protection can be of great use to you.
6. Highland areas,here the climate that ranges from cool / hot days and cold nights in addition to frequent rainfall, you are advised to add a heavy sweater and rain jacket.
7. Mountain region -the climate here is wet and cold (chilly). Add gloves, strong foot wear and heavy rain gear.
8. If you travel during rainy seasons (November , December and April & June) expect rains everywhere. Prepare your clothes accordingly.

Accommodation

Kenya has a fine diversity of accommodation options ranging from camping to luxury hotels and lodges spread all over the country. For more details and accommodation options, please click here to view them.

Food and Restaurants

In general, the food served in hotels and lodges is European food. Breakfast and lunch will be buffet and dinner is usually a set menu. In Mombasa and Nairobi you will find a variety of restaurants - European, Indian, Chinese, African and Seafood. The degree of cleanliness in restaurant is very high, as is the quality of food.

Game viewing

To get animals in their natural habitat is a rare thing; you are advised that seeing animals is not a guarantee but a privilege.

Communication

In East Africa, there are many different modes of communication for example cell phones, internet or direct land line services, telephone booths or radio calls. Mobile phones are the most common modes since they are available and cheap to purchase.

Most lodges out in the bush have fixed phone links, however, cell phone coverage is present but not that reliable.

Road Travel

Kenya in particular has a large road network. Most of the roads are tarred and sealed but some in the national parks are not sealed posing a problem during the rainy season if you do not travel in a 4 wheel drive. However, travel is very interesting and comfortable. For more information on Road travel, please visit our car hire page.

Things to Carry

The following are the things that you can carry on any safari: -
Drinks/ Bottles of mineral water, a camera. Binoculars, Sun screen, Swim suits, Skin and hair moisturisers, Eye drops, Sun glasses, cap or a hat, Insect Repellant, Personal medication, Wet wipes or small wet towelettes, 2 or 3 pairs of comfortable shoes and a pair of sandals, 4 or 5 changes of casual clothing (t-shirts, shorts, long sleeves shirts, a jacket or sweater in case it becomes cold, slacks, a dress, a blouse)