TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS TO KENYA GEOGRAPHY Lying along the Indian Ocean, at the equator, Kenya is bordered by Ethiopia (North), Somalia (North East), Tanzania (South), Uganda plus Lake Victoria (West), and Sudan (North West). Kenya is roughly the size of Texas or Spain. PEOPLE There are 52 tribes in Kenya, each with their own tribal language though most people in the country speak Kiswahili as well as their own tribal language. English is the commercial language, therefore is commonly spoken in the major towns and at all lodges and hotels. CLIMATE Kenya is on the equator therefore we do not have seasons. The climate is very pleasant and variations in altitude and terrain can create contrasts. Generally in the Highlands the climate is cool; elsewhere the temperatures can reach approximately 28 C - 35 C during the day. The coast is humid and balmy. Over most of the country there are two rainy seasons: The Short rains which occur from late October through November The Long rains which occur from late March to early June. It is possible to visit Kenya during the rainy season, few roads are affected, the parks are fresh and green and there are fewer people and vehicles. Rain usually falls in the late afternoon preceded by bright, sunny and fresh days. July and August are the coolest months and are often overcast especially in the morning. December Mid March is the warmest time of the year. PASSPORT & VISA For other nationals, visas can be obtained at the airport upon arrival in Kenya, or from the Kenyan Embassies / High Commissions abroad prior to departure. Currently the visa fee is US$50. Please note that if you obtain the visa on arrival at the airport, payment should be made in US$ cash banknotes and the immigration officers do not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so you will need to have the exact amount in cash.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS Kenya is considered a generally healthy place to travel. Malaria prophylaxis is imperative but there are no mandatory inoculations required for Kenya, We do recommend you contact your doctor or a specialized travel clinic for further advice. As with travel in any part of the world, it is advisable to know your blood type in case of an emergency. We do have good medical facilities and good hospitals. There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entry to Kenya unless you are arriving from an area infected with Yellow Fever, in which case a Certificate of Inoculation against Yellow Fever is required from travelers older than one year. INSURANCE There is no national welfare scheme and visitors to Kenya are responsible for their own medical expenses. All clients are requested to send us copies of their travel insurance with us at their briefing, along with copies of their airline tickets and passports. FOOD & WATER Although tap water can be reasonably safe, whenever possible, we recommend you drink bottled water; this is available in all lodges and camps. Meals include full English Breakfasts and/or Continental Breakfasts with fresh local fruits either where you are staying or in the bush ; lunches are either buffet or picnic lunches, and dinners. Please advise us of any allergies, likes or dislikes before you embark on your holiday. PHOTOGRAPHY Bring twice the amount of film / memory you think you will need, plus extra batteries/ chargers. MONEY & EXCHANGE The monetary unit is the Kenyan Shilling. There is no limit to the amount of currency or traveler s cheques that a client may bring into the country. Traveler s cheques are also recommended but please always carry your passports when you would like to change them. Most of the hotels, lodges and shops in Kenya will take the major credit cards. Converting your hard currency to Kenya Shillings easily done at the airport, hotels, banks and Forex bureau. VOLTAGE Voltage is 220-240 A. C. Most of the safari vehicles have a cigarette lighter socket operation on a 12-volt system. Please bring sufficient batteries for photographic equipment, many lodges have limited power supply, but all are
capable of re-charging your electrical goods for you. Please also bring adapter plugs (square pin, English standard). THEFT The first thing most visitors notice is that Kenyan s as a whole are extremely friendly, helpful people. Much of Kenya s population is extremely poor though so take good care of your money and valuables as you would anywhere else in the world. COMMUNICATIONS All camps and lodges have radio communication with Nairobi. Most lodges do have a mobile phone signal Safaricom, Orange and Airtel are the best ones but the signal can be weak, so please do not always rely on it. Most lodges and hotels also have internet access in case of emergencies. LUGGAGE Please ensure that when travelling to lodges especially by air baggage is packed in soft bags and should weigh no more than 15 kg per person. It is possible to store luggage not required during the safari either at your hotel if you are returning there after your trip or with us at our offices. Most lodges have laundry facilities. Please see below our recommended packing list. SUGGESTED PACKING LIST The below Packing List is supplied as a general guide on what to take on your safari. The secret to successful safari packing is less is more. Pack light and you'll save yourself many headaches. Space is limited in safari vehicles and your journey may include travel on light aircraft, which restricts luggage weight to 15 kgs. Small to medium-sized duffel bags or soft-sided luggage works best. There is no room for large, hard cases. Depending on your itinerary you could possibly store excess luggage at our offices in Nairobi. There is efficient laundry service at all lodges and hotels. Jeans are not recommended as they take long to dry and are heavy to pack. If you can live without it, leave your hair dryer at home and leave expensive jewellery and watches at home. Clothing: 2 pairs trousers (khakis or similar)
1 casual skirt for women 1 or 2 pair shorts 2 tee shirts 1 long-sleeved tee shirt or turtleneck 1 or 2 short-sleeved shirts or blouses 1 long-sleeved shirt or blouse 1 light to medium-weight cardigan or pullover sweater or sweatshirt Ladies might well want to pack a Pashmina 1 wind-breaker or light jacket (gortex is excellent) 2 pairs of shoes (One pair walking shoes) Swimming suit (if visiting properties with Swimming pools and for the coast) Underwear & socks for 3-5 days (women: a jog-bra is good for bumpy roads!) Sleep wear (light weight sweats double up nicely) Flip flops for pool or shower Personal toiletries etc. including adequate sanitary necessities General: Passport, visas, vaccination certificate, airline tickets, credit card, money Day pack or small carry-on bag A pair of Binoculars Camera equipment and specialized lenses to suit your level of expertise Adequate supply of memory cards or film take more than you think you will need Hat for sun protection & Sunglasses Extra pair of prescription glasses (important for contact lens wearers as well) Malaria prevention medication * very important * (Check with your GP on this) Personal First Aid Kit including necessary prescription medicines Insect repellent Sunscreen & unscented moisturizing lotion Lip balm, Travel tissues & Wet wipes Small flashlight (torch) with extra batteries & bulb Travel alarm clock WHILE ON GAME DRIVE Kenya offers a treasure of experiences, ecosystems, wildlife and cultures. Scott Travel encourages our guests to support our guides by learning and honoring their policies which helps preserve our precious environment. In order to promote responsible tourism, we ask that you join us in observing the following tips. Please do not litter. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Please do not collect insects, bones, wood, stones or plants as they are all mini eco-systems. Please do not buy wood, bones, feather displays or plants. WHILST ON A GAME DRIVE Please accept the decision of your guide to leave an animal if he feels it is becoming overcrowded, we recommend no more than 5 vehicles with one animal at any one time. Please do not get too close to the animals, this may distress them. Please do not get out of the vehicle without consulting your guide. Please try to be as quiet as possible when viewing wildlife close up. Your guide will turn off the vehicle s engine whenever possible. Please minimize off-road driving. The speed limit in parks is 40 km per hour. CULTURAL EXCHANGE Please do not take photographs of the local people without asking their permission first. Please do not encourage trade or give personal items away to the local people (if we support begging we promote begging). If you have brought gifts to give to the local people, please give them to your guide for proper distribution. Beware of anyone asking you for gifts or money do not feel obliged to donate anything. GENERAL CONSIDERATION Please be aware of other people, their viewing and their photography field. Please be considerate of other people s feelings about smoking, drinking or eating in the vehicles. TELEVISION & MUSIC Most Lodges and Camps have either and some safari vehicles do not have radios. The sounds of the bush are so special, unique and memorable. GUIDE TO TIPPING Although tipping is a safari tradition, it is never compulsory and should only be done if you feel you have received good service. The staff very much appreciate receiving gratuity from you, our guests, because it is one way of assuring them they are doing a good job. Most lodges have a staff tip box
located at reception, or in a central location. We recommend USD10 to USD20 per client per day for the tip box. These tips will be divided among all lodge staff. If you are particularly satisfied with assistance received from someone in particular, a personal tip is also acceptable. In most lodges the driver/guide is tipped individually. ENJOY YOUR SAFARI!