Kenya is a diverse and beautiful country in East Africa with coastlines on the Indian Ocean. It is known for its stunning landscapes including the Great Rift Valley and its vibrant culture. It is also home to wildlife like lions, elephants, and rhinos. If you are planning a trip to Kenya, here are some useful tips and information for tourists.
On this page, we give you some tips and information that will prepare you for your trip.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Location: Kenya is located in East Africa and is bordered by Tanzania to the South, Uganda to the West, South Sudan to the northwest, and Ethiopia to the north, and Somalia to the northeast. It borders the coastline along the Indian Ocean.
Capital: Nairobi is the Capital City of Kenya
Currency: Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES) as its medium of exchange
Official Language: Kenya uses English and Swahili as its official language of communication
Time Zone: Kenya operates on East African Time (EAT), which is 3Hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+3)
Culture: Kenya is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage with over 40 ethnic groups. The Maasai people are the most well-known tribes and are known for their distinctive clothing and traditions.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
- Safari adventures
Safari is a Swahili word that means trip or journey. We take you on a ‘safari’ to the magnificent national reserves to see the different array of wildlife. These reserves include:
- The Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara is a wonder of the world famously known for its wildebeest migration on its sprawling savannahs each year July through October. It is the most populated park with predators. The predators range from big cats like Lions, and leopards to other wild animals such as hyenas, jackals, and many more.
- Amboseli National Park
Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest Peak, Amboseli is known for its great elephant herds. It is also home to more than 400 bird species.
- Others
Other national parks include Tsavo National Park, Aberdare National Park, and Nairobi National Park among others.
- African cultures
Kenya is made up of 43 tribes offering different cultural experiences. The most famous tourist culture experience is the Maasai who are known for their ability to jump very high. They are nomads who live off their cattle and live in semi-permanent huts called manyattas that are made of grass and mud. They are known to adorn their bodies with “shukas” and beautiful beaded jewelry.
- Mount Kenya
The highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa. It offers opportunities for trekking and climbing.
- Others
Other tourist attraction sites in Kenya include; The Great Rift Valley, the Coastal Paradise in Mombasa with beautiful beaches, and the historic Fort Jesus as well as the capital, Nairobi, which has several museums including the Nairobi National Museum and Karen Blixen Museum.
CLIMATE
Kenya has two seasons; wet seasons and dry seasons. The temperatures are favorable throughout the year but the highlands are cooler than the coast.
Short rains in Kenya are usually around November while long rains run from the end of March to the end of May. However, the roads are passable and rain shouldn’t be a hindrance to booking a visit.
This being the case, it is important to check the weather conditions before your visit as climate is subject to changes.
SAFETY
While Kenya is generally safe for tourists, it is important to take necessary caution, especially in overcrowded places, and avoid displaying expensive items like cameras and jewelry, especially within the city. Some important things to keep in mind while on your trip include;
- Never leave your passport, phones, or other valuables unsupervised or in your room, unless a safe is provided.
- Always leave your valuables either in a safe or at the reception
- In case you use a taxi, use registered companies only. Ask for help from the reception or we would recommend Uber and Bolt. Also, remember you have the option to share your location while in transit
- Avoid walking at night, especially around the cities. If need be, ask someone to accompany you or order a taxi.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
Ensure you consult with your doctor on the necessary medication and vaccination needed before traveling. Some common vaccinations include; Malaria, Hepatitis A, yellow fever, and COVID-19.
Insurance
We advise our clients to get travel insurance which covers medical expenses, damages, and/or loss of luggage. The client has the option of accessing the flying doctors’ insurance. For that, we recommend AMREF.
The AMREF Flying Doctors are a flying ambulance service with standby doctors and pilots 24/7 which has been operational since 1950. Kindly note this is just an additional insurance and is therefore not compulsory. Kindly visit this web page to view their pricing options.
Other safety measures.
Make sure to consume food from trusted places only. Avoid street food and drink purified water. However, it is important to note that the healthcare industry is well-trained and equipped in the event such services are needed.
Remember to carry sanitary towels and pads or tampons especially when going for a safari as they may be hard to find.
CURRENCY.
The local currency is the Kenyan shilling which is available in denominations of 50,100,200 and 1000 notes. 1 Euro is equivalent to approximately Ksh 156 and approximately Ksh 147 per dollar. (September 2023)
It is a good idea to exchange some currency upon arrival for small purchases, but major credit cards are acceptable. You can find ATMs in international airports as well as cities and villages near national parks. MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are accepted by ATMs as well as hotels and lodges.
TRANSPORTATION
We advise that you use reputable taxis or ridesharing apps such as Uber or Bolt. Please note that there are many available payment options for the same but we would advise that you have some cash.
TIPS
Tips are allowed but they are not mandatory. We would advise for tips if you are satisfied with the service. Staff shouldn’t pressure you to give “kitu kidogo” as it is referred to. Tipping should only be done at the option of the client. Some hotels have a box, especially for this purpose.
Normal tips are about 20 USD. The wage rate in Kenya is a bit low and these staff e.g. tour guides, room assistants, benefit from the additional cash.
DRESS CODE AND CULTURE.
Kenya is a culturally diverse country and it is therefore important to respect the customs and traditions of the communities you visit. It is important to ask for permission and offer gifts before taking photos and interacting with local communities.
You can also appreciate their crafts by purchasing their work and souvenirs. Bargaining is common in markets, so don’t be afraid to negotiate.
Kenya is generally open about the choice of dressing. However, most people prefer to cover their shoulders and wear clothes slightly below the knees. Coastal areas are dominantly Islamic and women cover their hair as well. It is important to respect their customs but it is not an obligation.
Most people wear shorts around their hotels, on the beaches, and on safaris. However, the sun can be too hot as Kenya runs straight through the Equator. It is advisable that you pack some sunscreen, dark sunglasses, and a hat, and remember to drink water.
While on a safari, it is best to wear neutral-colored, cotton clothing. Colors such as red attract flies and insects. Colors that stand out are khakis and olive green which will give a perfect blend with the wild environment.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
If you are interested in taking shots of the beautiful scenery and capturing the beautiful adventure of your safaris, you can carry binoculars and a good camera. Remember to carry extra memory cards while you’re out in the field. A zoom lens is recommended for photographing wild animals.
Drones are only allowed for licensed citizens, businesses, and government officials.
Remember to ask permission before taking photos of the local people and their belongings.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is not a common problem in most hotels.
Camps in the national parks run on solar power and generators and don’t offer electricity 24/7. Power is available from 5.00- 9.30a.m and 7.00- 11.00 p.m.
Kenya uses type G electric outlets, so bring adapters if your devices have a different plug type.
Remember to do thorough research and plan your trip well in advance to make the most of your time in Kenya and ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
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