KENYA

GENERAL INFORMATION

PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Please ensure that you are holding a valid passport with sufficient blank pages for entry stamps in each country visited, and that you apply for visas prior to your departure. Nationals of certain countries do not require visas depending on the country you are visiting. It is advisable to check with the Consulate of the country you intend visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements beforehand or contact us and we'll gladly advise you with regard to documentation

PHOTOGRAPHY
Film is available at most game lodges, even in remote areas, but stocks are usually small and of the common sizes and brands. Nairobi and Mombasa have supplies of the most normal types of film. For game and bird photography a telephoto lens of 200-300mm is strongly recommended. Twin lenses reflex cameras are generally impractical. It is wise to equip yourself with plenty of batteries, ultra-violet filter and lenses hood as these are seldom available when on Safari. 
Visitors are advised that it is an offence to photograph Kenya 's head of state, military installations, policemen in uniforms, etc. As a general rule elsewhere, visitors are strongly advised to seek permission before taking any photographs

ELECTRICITY
The power supply is at the UK / European standard voltage of 220/240, and power sockets are the U.K. square pin type. Remember if you want to use U.S. appliances you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug converter. Mains power supply is subject to cuts and voltage fluctuation. On safari, most lodges' power supplies are from generators, and these are often turned off during parts of the day and night to reduce noise and fuel consumption.

LANGUAGE
The official language of Kenya is Kiswahili. This is spoken and understood by the great majority of the population, many of whom also speak a tribal language. There is a wide usage and understanding of English, and virtually everyone the average tourist is likely to meet in the course of the safari will be fluent.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
There are some long distance coaches which are suitable for use by visitors, such as the daily Nairobi to Arusha shuttle bus There is a railway link between Nairobi and Mombasa , but the service can at times have long delays.

Taxis are available everywhere in urban areas. You can obtain one by contacting our office and also better hotels generally have a superior selection of taxis available. Self drive car and safari vehicle hire is available but we recommend that you have a driver.

CURRENCY
The official currency in Kenya is the Kenya shilling abbreviated as KES or KSH. Available notes are in denominations of 50, 100,200,500,100 and available coins are 1, 5, 10 and 20 shillings. Visitors to Kenya should change foreign currency at banks, bureaux de change or authorized hotels. Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept Credit Cards. Most Banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on credit cards.

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya .
Before departure, travellers are advised to convert any excess Kenya shillings into foreign currency at a bank or bureau de change before departure. Departure taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency. Anyone wishing to take more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.

BANKS
Nairobi , Mombasa and most other principal centers in Kenya have banks with Bureau de Change. Banking hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, though some open between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the first and last Saturday of each month. Banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airports operate a 24-hour service. 

VACCINATIONS
A yellow fever and Cholera vaccination certificate is required in Kenya if visitors are arriving from a country where these diseases are present. Yellow fever certificate is required in Tanzania regardless of country of origin. We advise that all clients seek advice from their doctors when planning to travel.

HEALTH 
Malaria is endemic to certain areas of Kenya all visitors should begin taking anti-Malaria prophylactics two weeks before arriving in Kenya , throughout their stay and for a minimum of three weeks after leaving Kenya . Bottled mineral water, both local and imported, can be purchased in hotel sundry shops and other tourist kiosks. You will find filtered and safe drinking water in thermos, bottles in your hotel or lodge rooms, but it is advisable not to drink water from the taps, rivers or lakes. Do not bathe in rivers and lakes. 

TIPPING
A Service Charge is usually included in all tariffs; however the tipping of exceptional service is always appreciated. Customary tips for bar service and room porters are 10% whereas restaurant tariffs that exclude service charge will anticipate a 5% to 10% tip. 

SECURITY
In keeping with many tourist centers worldwide, visitors are advised not to leave any valuables in their hotel room when they go out, but to make use of the safe deposit boxes which are available at most hotels and lodges. As in all major cities, it is advisable to avoid back streets at night (especially alone); in fact is it much safer to avoid night walking altogether and use taxis or self-drive hire cars instead. Kenya has an excellent police force and most hotels have experienced security personnel and caring doormen. 

Telecommunications
Kenya has a good network of telephone, cellular and satellite connections. Work is under way to expand this network and introduce fiber optic cables. Most hotels and lodges offer International telephone and fax services. In larger towns, private telecommunication centers also offer international services. If you have a mobile phone with a roaming connection, then you can make use of Kenya 's excellent cellular networks, which covers most larger towns and tourist areas.When calling Kenya , the International code is 254+ local area code.

INTERNET
Kenya has good Internet Service Providers Email and Internet services are offered by many hotels and lodges. In most towns, there are plenty of private business centers and cyber cafes offering email and internet access.

MEDIA
Kenya has several English language newspapers. The most popular are the Daily Nation (www.nationaudio.com ) and the East African Standard ( www.eastandard.net ).
The East African is a weekly newspaper sold throughout Kenya , Tanzania and Uganda . There are two separate Swahili newspapers, Taifa Leo and Kenya Leo. There is also locally produced television and radio media. International newspapers and magazines are widely available in Kenya .
Digital Satellite Television has become widespread throughout Kenya . Many hotels provide this South African based service, offering a wide range of channels.

WHAT TO PACK
We advise clients to pack only what is necessary. Space on safari vehicles is limited and on all domestic charter and scheduled flights baggage allowance is limited to 15kg/33lb per person. Extra luggage can be stored depending on your itinerary. Here are some packing suggestions:

• Lights cotton trousers and cotton shorts
• Cotton shirts – long & short sleeved
• T-shirts
• A swimming suit
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals
• A pullover or sweater for cool evenings
• Sun protection hat & cream
• Insect repellant and personal toiletries
• Sun glasses
• Binoculars & camera
• Adequate supply of film
• Small carry on bag

SHOPPING
Excellent, well-stocked gift shops can be found in may hotels, lodges and camps throughout the country.
Bargaining is the expected norm in Markets and even in some shops throughout Kenya . The art of bargaining has deep roots in Kenyan culture, and is regarded as an essential business skill.

Visitors to Kenya should never be afraid to bargain, it is expected and rarely considered offensive. Opening prices are always an exaggerated gambit, and considered the first step in a long process of bargaining. The basic rule of bargaining is this: Bargain hard but don't be unreasonable. Most shops open from 0830-1730hrs on weekdays and 0900-1300hrs on Saturdays.