TRAVEL ADVICE FOR HOLIDAYS TO KENYA

TIME:

GMT : +3 hours

LANGUAGE(S)

English is the official language, Swahili is the national language. There are 42 ethnic languages used.

WEATHER:

Kenya is on the equator so, therefore, does not have seasons. The climate is very pleasant with variations in terrain and altitude creating contrasts. Generally in the Highlands the climate is cool. Elsewhere temperatures reach approximately 35°C during the day. The coast is humid and balmy. Over most of the country there are two rainy seasons; the first occurs between late March and May and the second is in late November and December. It is possible to visit Kenya during the rainy season. Few roads are affected, the parks are fresh and green and there are fewer people and vehicles. Rain usually falls in the late afternoon/evening preceded by bright, sunny and fresh days.

PASSPORTS & VISAS:

For UK, EU & USA nationals visas must be obtained prior to departure from Kenyan embassies overseas or they can be obtained online. Please make sure you have a minimum of 2 blank pages in your passport and that it is valid for a minimum of 6 months from date of entry.

The online E-Visas will normally be issued in less than 3 days but we recommend that Online Applications should be made at least 7 working days prior to travel to give plenty of time for the application process to be completed. Please note that Single Entry Visas are valid only for 90 days after date of issue, so you should not apply until less than 90 days before date of arrival in Kenya. If you are travelling back into Kenya from other East African Countries on the same trip within the 90 day validity then you do not require an additional visa and the Single Entry Visa will be accepted. How To Apply Online For A Kenya E-Visa: Click http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html to register with the Kenya Immigration Department for an E-visa Account.

HEALTH:

Vaccinations are recommended, but not legally required, for passengers travelling to Kenya. If you are travelling from a Yellow Fever area you will need the relevant vaccination and vaccination certificate. Malaria is prevalent in most areas of Kenya and it is imperative that visitors take anti-malaria tablets. Please contact your GP or health worker prior to departure. Further health recommendations can also be found on the website www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk and on the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk

Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne infection, has been recorded in Kenya. Instances of tourist infections are rare. However, we recommend you take along and use mosquito repellent to minimise mosquito bites. Precautionary measures should be taken at all times as these mosquitos are also active during daylight hours. If you require further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

ENJOY YOUR KENYAN SOJOURN

Please Note: Whilst we have made every effort to ensure the information provided in this document is accurate, Africa Collection is in no way responsible for the information provided. We will endeavour to communicate any amendments to the information in a timely manner.

ASSISTANCE IN KENYA:

Africa Collection has a close working relationship with our ground handlers. Should you need any assistance whilst in Kenya please contact the relative numbers on your service vouchers. Alternatively, whilst in resort, you may prefer to liaise directly with your hotel/lodge where the staff will be happy to assist with any queries you may have.

INSURANCE:

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and is not automatically included in your booking. Please ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and take any relevant documentation with you.

CURRENCY:

The currency is the Kenya Shilling. Kenya Shillings are widely available at local banks and foreign exchange departments in the UK and at the departure airports. Kenya Shillings are useful for paying for taxis, drinks, snacks and tipping whilst more major currencies, credit/debit cards or travellers’ cheques can be used to settle hotel or restaurant bills. Us Dollars & Sterling are widely accepted.

CHECK IN, CHECK OUT AND YOUR ROOM:

Check-in time is generally 14h00. Should you arrive prior to this time, the hotel / lodge will usually make every effort to let you have your room on arrival but this cannot be guaranteed.

Check out time is between 10h00 and 12h00. Should your departure be later than this, please advise the hotel / lodge on your arrival and they will typically do everything possible to assist you, though this cannot be guaranteed.

SECURITY:

Please ensure that your passport, air tickets and travellers cheques are safely stored in the safe in your room or with the camp manager. We recommend that you do not leave jewellery, mobile phones, cameras or any other valuables in your room or in public areas. When travelling please ensure that your cases are securely locked.

WHAT TO PACK:

Kenya has mild winters and the summer days can get quite hot. Lightweight, casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey and perhaps something to keep your legs warm for early mornings and evenings.

WEATHER:

Kenya is on the equator so, therefore, does not have seasons. The climate is very pleasant with variations in terrain and altitude creating contrasts. Generally in the Highlands the climate is cool. Elsewhere temperatures reach approximately 35°C during the day. The coast is humid and balmy. Over most of the country there are two rainy seasons; the first occurs between late March and May and the second is in late November and December. It is possible to visit Kenya during the rainy season. Few roads are affected, the parks are fresh and green and there are fewer people and vehicles. Rain usually falls in the late afternoon/evening preceded by bright, sunny and fresh days.

LOCAL LAW AND CUSTOMS:

Smoking in public places is banned in the cities of Nairobi, Nakuru and Mombasa. Anybody found smoking in a public place is liable to be arrested and prosecuted. First offenders can expect a fine of 2,000 Kenya Shillings or six months imprisonment. If in doubt about whether smoking is permitted in a certain place, it is recommended that you check before doing so or refrain from smoking.

The taking of photographs of official buildings, including Embassies, is not recommended and can lead to detention. If in any doubt about what a building is used for, do not photograph it or film around it.

You should dress conservatively away from the tourist resorts and hotels, especially in Mombasa town, to avoid offending local sensitivities. You should respect local customs and sensitivities at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

RAMADAN:

Ramadan is celebrated annually in Kenya and is approximately from 09 July 2020 and 28 June 2021 and lasts for one month. Ramadan dates cannot be guaranteed as it commences with the sighting of the New Moon. During Ramadan all Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Eating, drinking and smoking in public areas as well as live entertainment during this time is generally prohibited. Hotels make special arrangements for their guests including certain restaurants that open all day. Alcohol is served from sunset (19h00) onwards although you are allowed to drink alcohol in the privacy of your room prior to this time.

ELECTRICITY:

The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 v 50 Hz. Plugs are 3-point square.

TIPPING:

Tipping of lodge and hotel personnel is not mandatory, but a demonstration of your appreciation for good service is welcomed. Personnel who are deserving of tips are guides, porters, room cleaners and waiters in bars and restaurants who have been particularly helpful. Tipping of transport personnel is also appreciated and drivers of transfer vehicles, tour coach drivers and guides are deserving of recognition. Tipping can be in local currency although many prefer US$ or £sterling.

SPECIAL DIETS:

Special diets can easily be catered for, and dietary requests must be made to airlines no less than 48 hours prior to departure. It is worth mentioning any special requests on check in, and again when you confirm your return flight.

MOBILE PHONES:

The mobile phone network in Kenya is good in the larger towns and tourist areas. Please ensure you have international roaming installed on your phone. All GSM phones are compatible.

AFRICA COLLECTION CONTACT INFORMATION:

Office Hours: 09h00 – 17h30, Tel: +44 (0) 1403 256655, Fax: +44 (0) 1403 253325