Kenya Travel Tips

Climate
Kenya’s climate is warm and humid at the coast, cool and humid in the central highlands, and hot and dry in the north and east. Rainfall is strongly seasonal, although its pattern, timing and extent vary greatly from place to place and from year to year. Heavier rains fall in November, April and May.

Visas
For US and Canadian citizens a single Entry Visa (valid for three months from date of issue) will cost US$50.  You can purchase this on arrival in Kenya.

Health
We recommend getting vaccinated for:

• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Polio
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Yellow fever*
• Rabies
• Meningitis

 * Certificate required for entry into, or travel between, some African countries. Several of these vaccines require more than one dose, or take time to become effective. It is always best to seek advice on immunization well in advance, if possible around 6 weeks before departure.

Electricity
The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 v 50hz. Plugs are 3 point square (similar to the United Kingdom).

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What to pack
Both temperatures and climate vary drastically from region to region and even throughout a single day. Come prepared for hot, cold, wet and dusty conditions. Casual, lightweight, and comfortable clothing is usually the best.

Remember that the tropical/equatorial sun is strong and burns quickly. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (rated SPF35 or higher) and pack some insect repellent too.

Don’t forget to bring basic medicines such as antacids, painkillers, anti-histamines, cold remedies and anti-diarrheal medication such as Imodium.

Bring lots of US one dollar bills for tipping.

Take a decent camera..one with a zoom lens.

What NOT to do
Don't drink tap water in Kenya. We recommend only drinking bottled water while in Kenya. Stay away from salads and ice in your drinks. (Bring anti-diarrhea medication, in case you can't stay away from salads or ice!)

The monkeys here are very resourceful! Don't leave food in your vehicle and make sure to close your vehicle's windows at the end of the day... There are monkeys in Samburu and Lake Nakuru getting fat on bags of potato chips we inadvertently left in our 4WD!

When on safari in the National Parks, reserves or conservancies, don't get out of your vehicle unless your guide tells you it is OK.

When staying in tented accommodation, keep your tent zipped... again - those darn monkeys!

Interesting stuff
Hardly anyone smokes in Kenya.

Cell phone coverage is very good in Kenya - even in the National Parks, so contact your provider before you depart to see what kind of international calling plan will work for you, if you want to stay connected while on safari.

There are 42 different tribes in Kenya.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Kenya. American Express... not so much.

Everyone in Kenya has a cell phone. (OK not EVERYONE, but it sure seems like it.)

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