Entry
Visitors to Kenya are required by law to have passports with validity of not less than six months and prerequisite visas. You can obtain your visa at the Kenya Embassy in your country or on arrival at the airport. We however advise you to have your visa prior to travel since most airlines and airport authorities expect you to have one prior to travel to Kenya. Check visa requirements to Kenya from your tour operator, airline, Kenyan tourist office or embassy in your country before embarking on your visit.
Health
Visitors from Europe do not require yellow fever and or cholera vaccinations. However, visitors from countries where the diseases are prevalent require yellow fever and cholera vaccination certificates. Carry along some anti malaria tablets. Avoid foods and drinks from backstreet vendors. Under no circumstances should you bathe in rivers and / or lakes.
There are a number of reputable hospitals in the cities and large towns as well as Flying Doctor services which cover remote areas.”
In Mombasa there are some hospital with European standard. Between Germany and Kenya is a social security agreement, so we recommend a health insurance.
Currency
Kenya’s currency, the Kenyan Shilling (Ksh) is liberated therefore money is freely changed at banks, forex bureaux, and at the hotels. We advise that you check exchange rates regularly, and that you exchange your currency at banks or licensed foreign exchange bureaus – avoid street dealers altogether. Major Credit Cards are widely accepted and Banks at international airports operate 24-hour service. Also there are ATM available.
Weather and Climate in Kenya
Kenya’s different topographical regions experience distinct climates.
Generally, the hottest time is in February and March and the coldest in July and August.
The coastal region is largely humid and wet. The city of Malindi, for instance, receives an average rainfall of 1,050 mm (41 in) per year, with average temperatures ranging from 21° to 32°C (70° to 90°F) in January and 20° to 29°C (68° to 84°F) in July.
The low plateau area is the driest part of the country. There, the town of Wajir receives an average annual rainfall of 320 mm (13 in) and experiences average temperatures ranging from 19° to 37°C (66° to 99°F) in January and 19° to 34°C (66° to 93°F) in July.
Nairobi, in the temperate Kenya highlands, receives an average annual rainfall of 790 mm (31 in) and experiences average temperatures ranging from 9° to 29°C (48° to 84°F) in January and 7° to 26°C (45° to 79°F) in July.
Higher elevation areas within the highlands receive much larger amounts of rainfall. The Lake Victoria basin in western Kenya is generally the wettest region in the country, particularly the highland regions to the north and south of Kisumu, where average annual rainfall ranges from 1,740 mm (70 in) to 1,940 mm (80 in). Average temperatures in this region range from 14° to 34°C (57° to 93°F) in January and 14° to 30°C (57° to 86°F) in July.
The average annual temperatures in the main areas are:
Mombasa (coastal): Max 30ºC, Min 22ºC
Nairobi: Max 25ºC, Min 13ºC
North Plainlands: Max 34ºC, Min 23ºC
Rainfall occurs seasonally throughout most of Kenya. The coast, eastern plateaus, and lake basin experience two rainy seasons:
the “long rains” extends roughly from March to June,
and the “short rains” lasts from approximately October to December.
The highlands of western Kenya have a single rainy season, lasting from March to September.
All parts of the country are subject to periodic droughts, or delays in the start of the rainy seasons. Kenya’s climate has had a profound effect on settlement patterns, as for centuries population has been concentrated in the wettest areas of the country.
Clothing
Dress decently to keep up with African culture and traditions, dress warmly for cold weather and light at the coast.
Tipping
A service charge is usually included in all tariffs, however tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated and is largely at your discretion. Customary tips for bar service and room porters are 10% whereas restaurant tariffs that exclude service charge will anticipate a 5-10% tip.
Code of Conduct
- Driving
Please ask your driver to stay on the designated tracks, even if it means you may not get the best photograph. Off-road driving causes irreparable damage to the vegetation and may kill or injure baby animals hiding in the grass.
- Wildlife viewing
Wildlife surrounded by vehicles is unpleasant and causes great distress. Cheetahs hunt only during the day and can easily be deprived of their meal if surrounded by vehicles. Please be quiet when viewing: ask the driver to switch off the engine and keep a minimum distance of 20 metres. Do not, under any circumstances, get out of your vehicle. Many animals will become aggressive when harassed or provoked. In addition, adhere to instructions from your nature guide while on a nature walk.
- Feeding and smoking
Never feed animals at your hotel or in the wild since it upsets their diet and leads to unnecessary dependence on people. Smoking while on a game drive is highly discouraged and always dispose off cigarettes carefully while at camp. Careless disposal of a burning cigarette can start a wildfire that will cause damage to vegetation and suffering to wildlife and people.
- Litter
Litter and garbage in nature-viewing areas is unsightly, affects your enjoyment and threatens the survival of wildlife. It can also cause accidents to people and marine life.
- Corals
These are fragile living organism, they being destroyed by careless recreational activities, to avoid damage-use the established mooring points. Coral reefs provide essential feeding grounds for many species of marine life. When diving or swimming, avoid kicking up sand or stepping on coral, at it suffocates and kills coral polyps.
- Language
Swaheli, English for government and business.