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Kenya Travel Information, Kenya
Travel Advisories
ACCOMMODATION:
In East Africa, a number of good hotels are
available to choose from to fit every budget.
Elsewhere across the countries and in the National
Parks, hotels and inns are generally available,
but quality of service and quantity of rooms vary
greatly. We take care in booking the best
accommodation available for your safaris. All of
our prepared itineraries start from the cities. If
you require pre-or post -safaris hotel bookings in
any city or airport transfers to /from Entebbe,
JKIA or Kilimanjaro contact us so that we can make
these arrangements for you. Reservations should be
made in advance.
AIRPORT:
Most guests to East Africa arrive by air, landing
at the Entebbe, Jomo Kenyatta or even Kilimanjaro
International Airports; approximately 45 minutes
drive from or to the cities. Transfers to and from
the airports are available for any size group.
Your Departure tax is incorporated in your
tickets.
AIRLINES:
Several airlines land within the three east Africa
countries, they include, Uganda Airlines, Air
Tanzania, British Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian
Airlines, Gulf Air, Inter Air, Kenya Airways,
Sabena and South African Airways. There are daily
connections of Nairobi. There are also several
reputable domestic charter companies to choose
from.
ALCOHOL:
Several brand of local beer are available,
including Bell, Club and Nile Special. Most
spirits and wines are imported and are readily
available at slightly elevated prices. There are
no longer limitations on the drinking of alcohol
in Uganda.
BANKING:
Several international banks operate in East Africa
cities including Barclays, Standard Chartered and
Stanbic. Many local banks and forex bureaus also
operate across the countries. Generally the
banking hours are 8.30A.M. To 3:00 P.M., Monday to
Friday, though some institutions are open longer
hours and on Saturdays. There are no longer
restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and
currency is easily convertible. Use only USD notes
dated after 1990.
CLIMATE:
East Africa enjoys ideal weather conditions
ranging from the warmth of the lowlands to the
coolness of the highlands. Mean temperatures are
between 21C and 31 C all the year around. Wet
seasons are March - May and October - November.
CLOTHING:
Light summer clothing supplemented by a sweater or
jacket should be sufficient all year round.
Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks and
flats-heeled comfortable walking shoes are
recommended on safari. Don't forget to bring a hat
for sun protection and a swimsuit. Umbrellas and
windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons.
Request additional details at the time of booking.
CREDIT CARDS:
AMEX, Visa and MasterCard are accepted at some
establishments in East Africa cities and some
lodges.
CURRENCY:
The Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania Shilling are the
currency used. It is issued in different
denominations. The rates vary from time to time
but are readily available from banks and forex
bureaus. We accept US Dollars, the Euros or even
the Travelers' Cheques.
DRINKING WATER:
We recommend that you do not drink tap water. Most
hotels and restaurants provide previously boiled
drinking water. Mineral water is also available.
FOOD:
Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables are plentiful
throughout the country. A wide range of dishes,
both traditional and international, is served in
the hotels and restaurants.
HEALTH
REQUIREMENTS: Certificates are required
for vaccination against yellow fever. Check
current medical advice on typhoid, cholera and
hepatitis. Malarial risk is general and
prophylactics should be taken. It is advisable to
start anti-malaria medications 10 days prior to
arrival and continue with the same until 14 days
after leaving East Africa.
LANGUAGE:
The official language is English though Kiswahili
is commonly spoken throughout the countries.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Though some types of film are available in many of
the lodges, it is advisable to bring films and
batteries with you or to purchase them in Kampala.
A pair of binoculars will prove extremely useful
for the keen game viewer. There is no charge for
photography cameras but there may be a charge for
video cameras in some places. Clients are directly
responsible for any such fees.
SECURITY:
Precautions should be taken as in any major city.
Unless safety deposit boxes are available in your
hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents,
travelers cheques, cash and other valuable with
you at all times. We recommend that you do not
walk late in the night but instead take a taxi.
SPORTS
FACILITIES: There are a variety of sports
available in the East Africa cities - squash,
golf, tennis, etc. Fishing, on Lake Victoria or
the Nile River, and White Water Rafting from
Bujagali Falls is also popular. Arrangements can
be made for these activities depending on
individual's interests.
TRANSPORT:
The roads are generally in good condition.
Four-wheel drive vehicles may be required for
up-country use, especially in the national park
during the rainy seasons. We maintain a fleet of
saloon cars, mini-buses and four wheels drive
vehicles, available on either a self-drive or
chauffeur driven basis. Please enquire for further
details and tariffs.
VISAS: All
PTA countries, EEC Countries, Japan and USA are
exempt from visas. Visas are generally available
at all entry points.
OUR FINAL WORD:
Things in Africa may not work in the same way as
home; some times there are inexplicable delays. We
appreciate your patience. Sit back and enjoy your
safari. Everything will work out in the end.
Vacation Trip to Kenya
If you are looking for a vacation option that is a
little outside of the ordinary, why not consider a
break in Africa? Kenya is a popular choice of
getaway for people from across the world, with is
stunning savannah landscapes, amazing big game
reserves and superb safari options. Kenya is also
a great destination for a beach vacation, with
amazing resorts sitting along the Indian Ocean
giving those who choose a Kenya getaway the chance
to enjoy the best of both worlds
Why Choose Kenya?
Kenya is home to some of the most stunning natural
habitats on earth, from mountain peaks and fertile
plains to the safari lands of the savannah or the
warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Kenya offers an opportunity to discover some of
the most exciting environments, getting up close
and personal with big game animals usually only
available to us via television documentaries.
Kenya vacations are available at a range of
prices. There is something on offer to suit all
styles and tastes, from five star luxuries to back
to nature bivouacking with a qualified safari
guide. How ever you want to see Africa, Kenya will
offer you the opportunity.
Before Travelling to Kenya
While Kenya is an established tourism destination,
there are certain steps that travelers should take
before jetting off on a break to this part of the
world including:
•Check government travel advice – While resort
areas are generally considered a safe travel
option, there is advice available to help keep
visitors to the country safe from any possible
civil disturbances. Check online before
travelling.
•Sort your visa and passport – You will need a
visa to enter Kenya, and you will need to have at
least six months left on your passport to enter.
•Get vaccinated – If you are travelling to this
part of the world, it is important to protect
yourself against infections. Recommended vaccines
for travelers heading to Kenya are tetanus,
diphtheria, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and B,
yellow fever, rabies and meningitis. Check with
your family physician in advance of travel to
arrange a vaccination schedule.
Advice for Kenya Visitors
Discovering the delights of Kenya is, for many, a
once in a lifetime experience. Ensuring your
vacation runs smoothly should be a top priority.
Tips to bear in mind include:
•Water – Drink only bottled water when visiting
the country, avoid iced drinks and washed salads
to minimize the risk of stomach problems.
•Tipping – Tipping is discretionary in Kenya but
do reward good service, as local wages are low.
•Electricity supply – Kenya uses three pronged
plugs. Make sure you have the relevant converter;
these can usually be bought at the airport.
•Travel – If you want to see more of the country,
it is advisable to take guided transport. This can
be pre booked in advance of travel or through
recognized resorts. While there is cheap car hire available, it
is only really recommended for those with a good
knowledge of the country and local culture.
•Packing – Take lightweight clothing that will
protect against the sun and keep you cool in the
day. Layers are a good idea, if you are worried
that you may feel cool at other times. Check with
a guide as to whether it is appropriate to have
arms and legs uncovered in any given area, so as
not to offend.
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