IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Vaccinations
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are immunised.
We recommend consulting your GP or a travel clinic now so you can make an informed decision about your health and travel vaccination requirements.
There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entry to Kenya unless you are arriving from a country listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as having Yellow Fever, in which case a Certificate of Inoculation against Yellow Fever is required from travellers older than one year. It is also required for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Some countries, including Australia require arriving visitors from Kenya to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. So if you are returning to or travelling to one of these countries after a stay in Kenya then you need to have a Yellow Fever certificate.
Other health precautions recommended by the WHO and CDC include:
Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Meningitis, Polio, Influenza & Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
Malaria
The risk of contracting Malaria is prevalent throughout Kenya, including game parks below 2,500m elevation and parts of the rift valley. Cases in the highly urbanised central part of the city of Nairobi are rare. The most important preventive strategy is to avoid getting bitten.
Malaria transmission is limited by temperature, humidity and altitude and can vary significantly from region to region. Malaria is no longer a risk at elevations between 2,000-2,500m and above. Because mosquitoes like hot, damp conditions, coastal areas are usually at higher risk, as are low areas of rainforest and jungle. The rainy season increases your risk of infection as this is when mosquitoes are most prevalent.
Whether or not you opt to take anti-malarial medication, we recommend the following (particularly at dawn and dusk when significant risk exists):
Use insect repellant - DEET (Insect repellents that contain DEET offer the best protection against mosquito bites.)
wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing, mosquitoes easily get attracted to dark colours. For extra protective measures, cover yourself up in full sleeves shirts, t-shirts & trousers as mosquitoes find it hard to bite through fabric.
wear shoes and socks as some mosquitoes tend to focus on the ankles and feet rather than other exposed areas of the body
sleep with a mosquito net
Mosquitoes easily get attracted to the smell of sweat so be sure to shower regularly
Mosquitoes are also attracted to certain fragrances in perfumes, colognes, lotions, soaps, and shampoos so avoid scented soaps, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes or after-shaves
Travel Insurance
It is compulsory that you purchase travel insurance.
We recommend making sure your policy covers you for accidents, sickness, emergency medical, international medical evacuation, baggage loss and trip cancellation. If you are considering using complimentary Credit Card travel insurance here is some useful information.
Be sure to consider:
Activation and eligibility: Cover is activated in different ways. Some require a minimum spend on the card, some need a return ticket. Some activate automatically while others need an online request. The PDS will tell you how to make sure you're covered.
Length of travel: Check how long the standard cover goes for. It could be 2 weeks, 30 days or 6 months. Some need a specific request for longer cover.
Excess: Whether excess is payable depends on the card and the cover policy. Think about how much you are willing to pay in excess, and whether the policy still offers value if you have to make a claim.
Terms and conditions: It's tedious, but important that you read the terms and conditions in full. Do this before you rely on the cover – not after you want to make a claim.
You are required to provide us a with a copy of your travel insurance policy before departing Australia. It is your responsibility to understand the costs and procedures your policy requires in an emergency.
If you are climbing Mt Kenya it is important that you ensure that you are covered for a high altitude climb as some policies do not cover this without an additional premium. Mt Kenya is 5199m above sea level.
International Flights
You need to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to begin your safari. The Airport is located 18kms from Nairobi, or approximately 30 mins by car. Facilities include money exchange, ATM’s, SIM Cards, Wi-Fi, Luggage wrapping, baggage storage, a pharmacy, post office, souvenir shops, cafes, bars & restaurants. Forex bureaus are open 24 hours and you can exchange your cash immediately on arrival.
We recommend allowing at least 1 rest day between arrival at NBO and the start of your safari or climb to allow for any flight delays and to recover from your international flight.
Sometimes luggage is delayed during air transit. It is recommended to take a change of clothing and any essential medication in your hand luggage. At the very least a pair of clean underwear, toothbrush and walking shoes.
Please ensure all your bags have baggage tags with your name and contact telephone number. It is also a very good idea to put a label with your name, address and telephone number, as well as a copy of your hotel details inside each piece of luggage. Locks are advisable inflight and in room during your stay.
Strikes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi can occur without notice. Check with your airline or travel provider before you travel, and arrive early at the airport to ensure you have enough time to clear security and immigration.
Internal Flights
We use a variety of airlines for domestic flights within Kenya, depending upon the route and budget. Please note that flight times may be subject to last-minute changes by the airlines, so it’s important to stay flexible and prepared.
Wilson Airport (WIL) is the second-busiest airport in Kenya and a major hub for domestic and regional flights in Kenya and also serves as a gateway to other destinations in East Africa. It lies approximately 5 kms south of Nairobi CBD.
Airstrips in the national parks and other remote areas are usually unpaved and the pilots are experienced flying in these conditions. Flights may include a couple of stops at other air strips and sometimes this will not be known in advance.
A local airport tax is payable on departure for domestic flights.
Republic of Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
Each eligible traveller is required to apply for an eTA before starting travel. It is mandatory to use the Government's official website to submit your application. Applications submitted via third party websites will be automatically denied.
Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The possession of an eTA is not the final authority to enter the Republic of Kenya. Admissibility will be determined at the point of entry.
The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveller. eTA applications for Kenya are usually processed in 3 days and there is an urgent processing service, however it is recommended applications be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to travel to ensure adequate time for processing. Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel. It is highly recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.
It is your responsibility to have a valid passport, with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank facing pages. We recommend you carry spare photocopies of your passport and any visa documents with you when you travel.
When entering Kenya you will need to fill out an arrival declaration form. Be sure to have your passport, eTA, return ticket and proof of accommodation handy.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Please check for updates on Kenyan Government websites.
Please Note for clients travelling to Kenya and Tanzania:
Your Kenyan eTA (electronic travel authority) remains valid for more than one entry if:
You visit one of the following EAC Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, AND;
You don't visit any other country, AND;
Your eTA has not expired (90 days from issuance)
Luggage Allowance
Regardless of your international luggage allowance, limitations are strictly adhered to on all flights within Kenya, and Regional flights to other East African countries. Aircrafts are small in size and therefore have regulations regarding baggage limitations with much smaller luggage holds than most typical airlines. This limitation includes hand baggage and is usually 20kg or 15 kg for bush flights.
Please carefully check the luggage allowance and restrictions for any internal flights with the airline. If excess luggage is allowed you will need to pre-book it to guarantee it can be carried. Not doing so you risk that any excess baggage will not be boarded on your flight and will be left at the airstrip. In this event, all costs in relation to onward transport of excess luggage will be at your expense.
Airport transfers and safari vehicles have been costed assuming one bag per person. In addition to your main piece of luggage, you may also bring a small bag in the safari vehicle to sit at your feet. If you have extra luggage extra vehicles may be required. Please notify us in advance.
Health
BEFORE DEPARTURE: Prepare a list of your medications, including the name, dosage, prescribing doctor and their phone number. A copy of your prescriptions is vital in case of any health problems. If you have health problems, ask your doctor to prepare your medical history for a foreign doctor. It should include your name, address, emergency contact, blood type, medical history, current medications and dosages, drug allergies, reasons for prior hospitalisations and list of immunisations and dates. Pack sufficient medication for the duration of your tour. Your medication should be kept close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag. Due to strict drug laws, medication will need to be in an original container that shows the prescription label. It is your responsibility to be informed of what medication is/isn’t permitted and to carry a Dr’s Certificate for any prescription essentials.
As a precaution, all water should be regarded as potentially contaminated.
We recommend using bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and washing fruit.
Avoid ice.
Water purification tablets are something to consider if you want to be extra cautious.
Use Alcohol-based hand sanitiser or antibacterial hand wipes.
Prepare a travel health kit with self-medicating items for common travel-related illnesses.
Money + Currency
Be sure to notify your bank with your travel dates to East Africa before you leave your home country or they may block your card. You also may want to consider a travel money card to avoid foreign transaction fees when withdrawing from ATMs abroad.
You can use your Visa/Mastercard/Eftpos etc and four digit PIN to withdraw KES from ATM’s or pay for extras. Cards may attract a surcharge so before to check before making payments/withdrawals.
The Kenayn Shilling is the official currency of Kenya, its international currency code is KES and the currency symbol is KSh. You’ll find Kenyan banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 - although the 10 and 20 KES notes are seldom used. Coins are available in 1, 5, 10 and 20 Ksh and 40 and 40 cents.
See HERE for current Exchange Rates.
The US dollar is the preferred means of payment for many tourist services and activities such as hotels, tipping & high-end malls. U.S. dollars older than 10 years are often rejected due to outdated security features. Torn, faded, or marked bills are usually declined. Banks and forex bureaus prefer crisp, clean notes to prevent counterfeiting.
It is advisable to carry some local currency, particularly in local areas. When you travel out of town or away from major tourist destinations, most establishments won’t accept cards or USDs. Be aware that some smaller vendors who accept USD may only dispense change in KES i.e. bars and supermarkets etc
At airports or in big cities like Nairobi there are plenty of ATMs, but in smaller villages ATM’s are rare. ATM's dispense KES and the withdrawal limit is normally 60,000 - 70,000 KES per day, lower in rural areas.
You cannot withdraw USD from ATM's.
You will be able to exchange dollars for the Kenyan shillings in forex bureaus found in the major towns such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu. Opening hours are generally 9-7pm, with a few 24 hour operators. As a general rule, you will get a better deal from Forex Bureaus if you want to exchange a small amount. If exchanging large sums you are better off transacting with a bank as they offer the best Kenya currency rate. To ensure secure transactions, Kenya enforces strict financial regulations and currency exchanges should only be done through licensed banks or forex bureaus.
Banking hours are generally 9am-4 pm Monday to Friday, and 9am-12 pm on Saturday. Do not change your money in the black market even with attractive rates. It’s illegal and the risk of being defrauded or going to jail is very high.
Ensure you retain receipts for any currency exchanges to KES as you will need these if you want to re-exchange the local currency on departure.
Plastic Bag Ban
In 2017, Kenya banned the use, manufacture and importation of all plastic bags used for commercial and household packaging.
Electricity
Depending on where you are traveling from, you might need to bring a travel power plug adapter or, for some devices, a voltage converter.
The British plug type G is standard in East Africa. It has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.
Kenya operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz. If this voltage or frequency differs from the frequency used in your home country, please use caution when plugging in your devices. Most modern digital appliances are built to be compatible with all worldwide voltages, from 100 volts to 240, but you should always check.
Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adaptors, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adaptor.
Many remote camps and lodges do not have 24 hour electricity and only offer power in the early mornings and evenings. Some charging facilities are available in centralised areas only.
Your safari vehicle will offer power/charging ports.
There are no charging facilities on Mt Kenya.
Communication
Most Lodges will have some Wifi available in communal areas and occasionally in rooms. If you want to stay connected we recommend you bring your phone, ipad, tablet or laptop and prepare for staying connected via Wifi.
Whatsapp is generally good for making phone calls via Wifi. If you are bringing a phone from Australia it needs to be unlocked to work in Kenya.
Several cellular phone networks operate in Kenya. Sim cards and phone credit are easily available with data packages with 3G and 4G. A passport is required for sim card registration and you should allow time outside the safari tour to organise your SIM card.
You may also want to consider an eSIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM. You need an eSIM-enabled smartphone and your cell phone must be compatible with the eSIM that you want to buy, not all eSIMs are compatible with all smartphones with eSIM technology. Remember that your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use the eSIM.
More mobile operators are opening up eSIM to prepaid customers.
Safari camps generally have some Wi-Fi / internet available for guests but it can be slow and unreliable and sometimes only available in communal areas.
Most major hotels in Nairobi and on the coast have internet (fees may apply).
Tipping
Similar to the US, those working in the service industry in Kenya (including drivers, guides, porters and waiters), tips form a significant part of their income. Most guests expect to tip and make provisions to do so in their budgets.
Tipping should always depend on the quality of service received, and it is your choice whether or not to tip.
We are often asked what to tip, we believe that it is a very personal choice and depends on your service experience, the number of people in your group, as well as your personal financial circumstances.
US$20 per room/tent per day (with 50% going to the lodge tip box and 50% to your driver guide.)
At lodges there is usually a tip box, many people work behind the scenes to provide the service you experience, and by putting your tip in the box, you can make sure everyone benefits from it. You may also choose to tip people directly if they have helped to make your trip more special.
It is often more convenient for clients to tip just once, usually at the end of their stay at each lodge, or drivers/guides at the end of the safari/climb or tour.
Tip in cash, drivers and guides generally prefer US dollars. Tipping by card isn’t an option for most guides and safari drivers.
Drones
Operating a drone in Kenya requires special permits and is the only legal way to fly a drone in the country.
In Kenya, drone ownership is restricted to citizens, residents, businesses, and governments. This restriction rules out foreign tourists, leaving only the option of renting a drone locally. The law does, however, include a 30-day temporary permit that may be appropriate for travellers.
All drones must be registered and approved by the KCAA. Without the necessary permits, customs officials may confiscate your drone during baggage inspection, and park rangers have the authority to seize it within protected wildlife areas. Drones are effectively banned within national parks, near airports, near sensitive installations (which include power lines and police stations), and over people.
For more information you should contact the KCAA directly before you travel with any questions.
Kenyan Drone Laws explained.
info@kcaa.or.ke
Photography
To capture stunning close-up shots of wildlife, it's recommended to use a camera with a telephoto lens, ideally between 300mm and 500mm for the best results.
If you can’t afford these lenses you may also like to consider taking an extender to adapt your telephoto lenses, generally available in 1.4 and 2x magnification. Be sure to pack plenty of charged batteries and extra memory cards.
LAWS
The Protected Areas Order, 1976 lists protected areas you are not allowed to film:
State House and State Lodges where no unauthorised personnel are allowed
Police stations
Military installations, including the Kenya Defence Forces headquarters in Nairobi,
Airports - The Kenya Civil Aviation Security Regulations 2020 59 (1-c) states that a person who engages in operating a portable electronic device is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding Sh500,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both.
Embassies
Banks
Some supermarkets and malls
As a sign of respect, always ask permission before photographing local people, as Kenyan’s, like many cultures, generally prefer not to be photographed without consent. Some may also kindly request a small donation in exchange for their cooperation. Please approach photography with sensitivity to local customs and traditions.
We don’t recommend displaying high value items like cameras at night.
Personal effects, film and cameras may be imported temporarily free of duty. However professional video and recording equipment may require a customs bond to ensure re-exportation.
Laundry
Laundry facilities are generally available at most camps and lodges throughout Kenya.
Please check with your hotel/camp on arrival regarding laundry. We recommend taking a small bottle of travel detergent, it often comes in handy.
Safety
Normal precautions as in any other destination worldwide should be taken.
Keep valuables out of sight, particularly when walking in towns and cities, pickpockets are common throughout the country and loiter in busy areas such as markets and transport terminals.
Use the safes provided in your room; don't leave valuables lying around.
Keep the side windows up in vehicles when stopped in traffic in cities and towns (particularly Nairobi) and keep your bags out of sight (e.g. on the floor behind your legs).
Don't hang your phone/camera out the window of a vehicle in populated areas.
When shopping in local markets and stalls have a wallet with small amounts of local currency, avoid opening a wallet stuffed with USD and cards.
Don't get out of your vehicle in game parks unless your guide advises that it is safe to do so.
While there are certain inherent risks involved in travel to most countries the chances of actually being caught up in a terrorist incident are extremely small.
We recommend that you are informed and determine your own level of comfort with the travel risk to Kenya.
Climate
During the Dry season daytime temperatures are usually vary between 23°C at higher altitudes, such as the Masai Mara, and 28°C at lower altitudes, like coastal areas. It’s generally clear skies and sunny days.
June, July, August, September & October are the coldest months. Early morning temperatures at higher altitude are typically cool and we recommend packing some warm clothing, as early morning game drives can be cold.