Geography
Located in the Heart of Africa, Kenya shares borders with
Ethiopia in the north, Sudan in the Northwest, Uganda
in the West and Tanzania in the south. The Indian Ocean
lies to the East. The Rift Valley runs through the country
north to south. There are four primary regions: The northern
deserts, including Lake Turkana and the Laikipia Plateau.
The southern savannah, including the Masai Mara and the
Great Rift Valley. The coastal lowlands, including Mombasa
and the Watamu National Marine Park. The highlands, including
Nairobi and Mount Kenya.
Language
English is the official language, and is widely spoken
in commercial areas. Kiswahili is the unofficial language,
used throughout the country. In remote areas, the majority
of people will only speak their tribal language.
Getting to Kenya
Kenya is well served by major international airlines,
which fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)
or Moi International Airport (Mombasa). Some Commonwealth
citizens do not require visas. We strongly recommend you
check with the nearest Kenya Embassy or Tourist Office
to ensure you have the most up to date visa information.
Yellow Fever and Cholera vaccinations are required only
for visitors arriving from countries where these diseases
are endemic. Check with your Embassy and/or local heath
office for more details.
Leaving Kenya
An airport departure tax of US$40 per person, or its
equivalent, is payable when leaving Kenya. This fee is
often included in your international airfare, unless stated
otherwise. Please check with your agent when purchasing
your international tickets. A local departure tax of Kshs
200 (approx. US$3) per person, per flight, is payable
for internal Kenyan flights.
Climate
Kenya offers warm days with cool early mornings and evenings
throughout most of the country. At altitude the temperatures
are moderate. The Coast is often humid and tropical. There
are two primary rainy seasons: the long rains roughly
from April to June and the short rains during October
and November.
Clothing
Informal, lightweight clothing is recommended. Mornings
and evenings can be cool at altitude, so bring a sweater
or cardigan. A hat is highly recommended due to the sun.
On the Kenya coast, ladies are expected to dress modestly
in public.
Communications
Telephone, fax and some email services are available,
though prone to difficulties. Most resorts, lodges and
camps will have at least a radio link with their primary
Kenyan offices. In the major cities and on the Coast,
international direct dialing should be available, if a
little costly.
Tipping In East Africa
It has been customary since safaris began to consider
tips for your driver/guide and support staff. However,
tipping is a very personal subject and the decision to
tip and how much to give is entirely yours. Unlike in
the USA or most of Europe, tips in Kenya are considered
a gift; they are not a part of wages or payment. They
are considered a bonus and are not expected or required.
An average daily wage in East Africa is just over US$
1.20. As such, giving a porter a tip of a dollar is very
generous. Room or tent stewards would be delighted with
a tip of between US$0.50 - US$ 1.00 per day.
In a restaurant, if service has not been added to the
bill, then a tip of 10% is suitable, if you are satisfied
with the service. In most safari camps and lodges, a service
charge has been included in your accommodation rate, which
is paid to the staff by the establishment.
In general, the only person who will expect a tip from
you is your driver/guide, who would be very happy with
a tip of around US$ 2- US$ 3 per couple per day. If you
are camping rather than staying in a lodge, your camp
cook would appreciate approximately US$ 10 per person
for the entire trip. If you also have a camp assistant,
then a tip of US$ 5 per person for the entire trip would
be suitable.
Currency
The Kenya shilling is freely exchangeable. Most major
facilities accept major credit cards; Visa and Master
Card are the most widely accepted.
Driving
Kenyans drive on the left hand side of the road. It is
recommended that you travel with an international driving
license if you plan to drive in Kenya.
Health
Anti-malarial prophylactics should be taken before, during
and after your visit to Kenya, especially if you visit
the Coast. Good medical facilities are available in the
major cities. Membership with groups such as the Flying
Doctors is also recommended; Eco-resorts includes Flying
Doctor emergency evacuation coverage in all of our safaris,
unless otherwise stated. Hotels, camps and lodges should
provide either bottled water, or filtered water for drinking.
Please do not drink the tap water.
Local time
GMT plus 3.
Safety precautions
Common sense precautions should be taken at all times.
Please check the travel advisories from the US State Department
and the British Foreign Office.
Electricity
220 / 240 volts AC. Plugs are the UK-type, round 2-pin
or flat 3 pin.
