Trave Tips Kenya

By:David Kiarie

Are your planning your nest holiday to Kenya? Then here what you need to know

INSURANCE

You are strongly advised to take out travel and medical insurance in your country of origin. However, most travel agents can arrange medical and personal insurance if required.

Within Kenya, I recommend joining the Flying Doctor’s Society which, for a small membership fee, will provide an airlift free of charge from anywhere within Kenya accessible by air to Nairobi

HEALTH

Malaria is endemic to certain areas of East Africa and all visitors should begin taking their anti-malaria prophylactics two weeks before arriving, throughout their stay and for a minimum of three weeks after leaving. Pharmaceutical facilities are adequate in the big City centers. There are chemists (drug stores) in all major urban areas but any visitors requiring special and continuing medication should bring sufficient quantities. The equatorial sun is deceptive and can inflict severe burns even on overcast days. Good sun cream and lip balms, with a high degree of sun protection factor, are strongly recommended. Piped water supplies are generally safe in municipal areas but local advice should be taken particularly on safari. Bottled mineral water, both local and imported, can be purchased in hotels, sundry shops and other tourist kiosks. Filtered and safe drinking water is often provided (in thermos flasks) in hotels or lodge rooms, but it is advisable not to drink water from the taps, rivers or lakes. Do not bathe in rivers and lakes.

SECURITY

Security is really a matter of common sense, and the same precautions should be taken in our towns and cities as in any city worldwide. It is advisable not to wear jewellery (especially necklaces and expensive watches), do not carry large sums of money, and keep a close watch on handbags, wallets and camera equipment. When walking in town keep to the main thoroughfares and avoid walking at night, especially alone. Make use of hotel safe or deposit boxes and never leave valuables in hotel rooms or safari vehicles. It is a good policy to travel with photocopies of your passport, traveler’s cheques, and any other important documents.

IMMIGRATION

All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport. Visa requirements vary from time to time and are dependent on the nationality of the visitor. Valid passports and visas for everyone, with the exception of citizens of most Commonwealth and certain other countries with which East Africa has reciprocal waiver arrangements. Since it is essential that no visitor arrive without the correct documentation, visitors are strongly recommended to check the latest requirements either from Airline offices or through the nearest Tourist Office, Embassy or High Commission. Visitors with the proper documentation and holding onward return tickets may obtain “Visitor Passes” (normally valid for three months) on arrival at any Kenyan Port of Entry free of charge. Visitors who arrive without an onward ticket maybe asked to purchase one before obtaining a visitors pass. Visitors are not allowed to take up work or residence in Kenya without the authority of the Principal Immigration Office.

CUSTOMS

All reasonable volume of personal effects can be reasonably import together with cameras and any amount of film. Unused personal effects, unexposed film, cameras and accessories (except cine and slide projectors may be temporarily imported free of duty. A visitor wishing to bring home video equipment in the form of cameras and cassettes should consult the nearest Consulate or High Commission as a Customs Bond is normally required for the period such equipment is in the country. Refundable deposits may be required for the temporary import of radios, tape recorders and similar equipment including musical instruments.

DUTY FREE

Visitors are restricted to duty free items of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and one litre bottle of spirits.

MONEY

Travelers’ cheques and major credit cards are generally accepted in Kenya but the latter not all over other regional countries where you would be advised to carry travelers’ cheques and cash. Only authorized dealers and banks are allowed to change currency. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be imported. It is strongly recommended that visitors carry little cash and as much money as they wish in freely convertible travelers cheques. It is advisable for visitors to use up or convert back any local currency before leaving, as it will be difficult to change once overseas.

Please note it is an offence to destroy local currency or to deface the currency in any way.

DRIVING

Driving is on the left-hand side of the road and many of the road signs will be familiar to European drivers. Major cities are connected by roads, which for the most part are well metalled with long straight stretches. Self-hire is arranged locally but not recommended, you will need an International Driving Licence. A maximum speed limit is 100 kph.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

Safari wear should be comfortable and casual. Evenings and early mornings can be chilly so warm sweaters are recommended. Low heeled comfortable shoes are best, and suitable walking shoes should you intend joining any walking safaris.

A hat, sunglasses, flashlight and binoculars are useful accessories. Most hotels, lodges and camps have swimming pools so you are advised to bring swimsuits. Some specialist safaris, i.e. mountain climbing, require extra items of clothing and footwear – details would be provided on booking. Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.

Laundry is possible on some safaris but not all. Although many places offer `same day’ service, in practice this is not always reliable. We recommend you `save’ your laundry until in a city or at the coast•

PHOTOGRAPHY

Its recommend that you bring your equipment, extra batteries and all your film with you although all normal types of film can usually be bought in major towns. A telephoto lens is essential for good game pictures. Most lodges and hotels have facilities for recharging batteries for video and digital cameras.

Please respect the local people and only photograph them with their permission. Please be strongly advised never to attempt to take photos of border posts, airports, persons in uniform and military installations where photography is strictly prohibited.

ELECTRICITY

Voltage in East Africa is 220 – 240 AC. An adapter will be necessary for appliances, which operate on 110 – 120 AC.

RESTAURANTS

The major cities have restaurants offering International Cuisine, in Nairobi there are two excellent Italian and a number of Indian Restaurants. Traditional African food focuses on fish dishes.

TIPPING:

It is customary to give a tip of about 1 USD for 2 cases to your porter in the hotel. Waiters in restaurants can be tipped about 10% of the meal cost, if service has been good. Safari driver guides should be tipped at the end of the safari, at about USD 3 – 5 per day.

PUBLICK HOLIDAYS

New Year’s Day – January 1st

Good Friday

Easter Monday

Labour Day/May Day – May 1st

Madaraka Day – June 1st

Moi Day – October 10th

Kenyatta Day – October 20th

Eid ul Fitr – end of Ramadan, depending on the sighting of the Moon

Independence Day/Jamuhuri Day – December 12th

Christmas Day December – 25th

Boxing Day December – 26th

(Should a holiday

BANKING HOURS

Mon. – Fri: 0900 – 1400 hours

Sat: Some Banks 0900 – 1100 hours

On first/last Saturdays each month

NB: Banks & International Airports operate a 24 hour service