Travel Documents

Passport
Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the trip's return date. Children may travel on their parent's passports but separate passports are recommended. Passport copy should be carried separately.

Visas
Visas required for some countries. Visa regulations can change so please obtain current visa information directly from appropriate consulates. A few countries 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.

Driving Licence
Although not required if not driving, it serves as a useful identity card. Carry a valid International driving licence if a car it to be driven or hired. However, some countries and car-hire companies accept EEC licences.

Flights
Always re-confirm return flights at least 72hrs prior to departure - we will be glad to help our clients.
Airport tax is payable in many countries on domestic and international flights on departure. Some countries require the tax to be paid in US dollars while others accept local currencies. The regulation on airport tax changes frequently so please check at the airport on arrival what the airport departure tax is and what currency it can be paid in.

Health

Visitors to Kenya arriving from yellow fever and cholera infested areas must have valid vaccination certificates.
Malaria is rare in Nairobi and the highlands but prevalent in the hot and humid low altitude areas around the Coast, Lake Victoria and the Savannah. Prescribed doses of Malaria Prophylactics should be taken two weeks before travel, during your stay in Kenya and continued for two more weeks after your departure. It is safe to swim in the sea and swimming pools but it is not recommended to do so in lakes, rivers and open reservoirs as they may not be infested with bilharzia parasites. Drinking water from these places is also not advisable. Bottled water is widely available. An independent cover from the Flying Doctor Service can be arranged through our office. Kenya has excellent medical facilities which include Nairobi Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, Aga Khan Hospital, Pandya Memorial Hospital as well as Air Ambulance Services offered by Africa Medical Research Foundation Flying Doctor Service (AMREF), Africa Air Rescue (AAR) and EAR – Medivac Ltd.

WATER

Drink only bottled water or from flasks of filtered and boiled water provided by most hotels and lodges. Chemists / pharmacies Travellers should carry an adequate supply of medicines and first aid accessories with them as supplies are limited in Kenya. Most chemists in the major towns are open from 0830h to 1230h and 1400h to 17h00. Monday to Friday and 0800h to 13h00h on Saturdays. There are no emergency chemists open after hours or Sundays.

ELECTRICITY

Power supply is 220/240 volt 50 cycle. Plugs are usually 13-amp 3 pin square (British type)

CURRENCY

Currency unit is the shilling, comprising 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. Bank notes are in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings. Importation of foreign currency is unlimited and does not have to be declared on arrival. The importation and exportation of Kenyan currency, however, is illegal. It's best to come into the country with either Travellers checks or dollars or pounds which can be exchanged at any of the many Bureau de Change in the main Towns. If you are offered an exchange on the black market at the borders, exercise extreme caution as they are notorious for cheating you without you even realizing it.

CLIMATE
Although Kenya is considered to fall in the tropics, climate and temperature varies depending on altitude and proximity to the ocean. Coastal regions are hot and humid while the central plateaus are warm and dry, with cool nights.

CLOTHING

At the coast during the day time, beach wear is acceptable while in the hotel or on the beach.
Light cotton dresses or shirts are recommended when walking around the city. While on safari, “Safari Suits” are the most suitable attire and in the evenings if in the highlands, warm clothing is essential.
For Nairobi and the highlands lightweight clothing and dresses are suitable throughout the year except during the cooler months of June to August when warmer clothing is advisable. A wide brimmed hat, sun tan oil and sun glasses are recommended for a sun bathing holiday at the coast while a rain coat and insect repellent can be handy during a safari. Some establishments insist on evening wear and we will be able to advise you on this based on your chosen itinerary. Please do not walk away from the hotel oe off the beach in your beach wear as it may offend the cultural and religious sensibilities of the local people.

SAFARI ESSENTIALS

A zippered rucksack (backpack).
A warm pullover or lightweight fleece.
A windproof/waterproof jacket.
Walking boots or shoes.
Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers.
Sunglasses and sun hat.
Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent.
Swiss army knife. Camera and binoculars.
Film for your camera.
Flashlight and compass.
Guide books and travel literature.
Light reading. Mobile phone charger.
Your own snorkelling mask.
The Safari Medical Kit Anti-malarial prophylactics.
Aspirin or Paracetamol for pain or fever.
Anti-histamine for allergies, insect bites or stings, and to prevent motion sickness.
Cold or flu tablets and throat lozenges.
Diarrhea blockers (note these should not be used for children and only under desperate circumstances for adults).
Oral re-hydration solution for diarrhea and sunstroke. Insect repellent, sunscreen lip balm and eye drops.
Calamine lotion, sting relief spray or Aloe Vera to ease sunburn, insect bites or stings.
Antiseptic, for cuts and grazes.
Alcohol swabs to clean minor wounds, bandages and sticking plasters.
Water purification tablets. Scissors and tweezers, kit containing syringes and needles.