Kenya Banking
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 0900 - 1500 and from 0900 - 1100 on the the first and last saturday of the month. Banks at the international airports are open 24 hours. ATMs are common in the main cities and generally work well. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Kenya Business Hours
Business hours are generally 9 - 5 and lunch is from 1- 2pm from Monday to Friday. Banks are open from 9 - 3 from Monday to Friday and some banks are open on Saturday morning from 9 - 11am. Banks at Jomo Kenyatta airport are open 24 hours.
Kenya Climate
The coastal area is tropical and the higher altitude areas are cooler. Rainfall can be expected between April to May (the long rains) and again between October and December. January to March is the dryer season and temperatures are generally higher. Snow is possible on Mount Kenya and frost on the other high mountain ranges. On the high lands around Nairobi temperatures are in the range 25 - 30 degrees and nighttime temperatures can do down to 5 degrees. On the coast daily temperature is between 27 and 31 degrees with high humidity.
Kenya Clothing
Lightweight clothing is generally required but cold nights can be expected in the high altitude areas which includes some of the game parks so bring a sweater and long sleeves for the evening. If you are in Kenya in the rainy season you will need a waterproof, a hat is advisable and walking shoes. It is not advisable to bring expensive jewellery and watches with you.
Kenya Currency
The currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES) divided into 100 cents. Notes in denominations of 1000, 500, 200 and 50 are produced. Coins are 5,10 and 20 shillings. Only change currency at official bureax de change, banks or authorized hotels. The best currency to bring is UK pounds, US dollars or Euros but other currencies will generally be exchanged. There is no restriction on the amount of currency that can be brought into Kenya. However the limit for taking out Kenyan Shillings is 500,000 unless written authorisation is given. Do not deface or destroy Kenyan currency.
Kenyan Customs
For visitors over 17 years of age the allowances are 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco (not exceeding 250 grams in total), one bottle of wine or half a litre of spirits and 250 millimetres of perfume. Cigarettes must be labeled correctly with the health warning conforming to Kenya standards, failure to do so will resulting a fine and or imprisonment. and so best not to bring any cigarettes into Kenya! The import of firearms, agricultural or horticultural produce and pets is prohibited.
Kenya Electricity
Kenya operates a 220/240V service. Plugs are three point square plugs as used in the UK. In rare cases such as old buildings and in the town of Kisii the large two round pin plugs are used.
Kenya Emergency Services
For Fire, Ambulance, Police dial 999. Kenya Health
Consult your doctor for advice on the latest vaccinations to be taken. The common ones are vaccinations for Tetanus; Diphtheria; Polio; Typhoid; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Yellow Fever; Rabies and Meningitis. A Yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for visitors arriving from infected areas.
Malaria does exist in Kenya and protection is required and advice must be taken as to choice of tablet and which areas are deemed to be high risk. Try and reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes as other diseases such as dengue fever are carried by mosquitoes. Use insect repellents and spray your room each night.
Bilharzia is a potential risk and comes from tiny flukes that live in the water. Check with locals on the safety of the lakes and rivers before you swim. Don't drink tap water and use the readily available bottled water. Rabies is common and if bitten by an animal seek immediate medical attention. There is a very high risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
If you join the Flying Doctor Service you will be covered for an evacuation flight but will also be supporting the work of AMREF which provides medical support in rural areas. It is not expensive to join (020 315454).
Nairobi Hospitals are good and the main ones are:
Aga Khan Hospital
(374000); Children's Hospital
(763474); Kenyatta National Hospital
(726300); Nairobi Hospital
(722160). In Mombassa the Aga Khan Hospital (041 312953); Coast Provincial Hospital (041 314204); Mombassa Hospital (041 312191) and Pandya Memorial Hospital (041 229252).
Kenya Language
Swahili is the national language and English the official language. Additionally there are over 40 tribal languages. Visitors will have no problem communicating in English.
Kenya Newspapers
The two main national English language papers are the Daily Nation and the Standard and both provide good local and international news.
International magazines are readily available in the main centres.
Kenya Public Holidays
1st January
Idd il Fitr (changeable dates)
Good Friday and Easter Monday (changeable dates)
1st May Labour Day
1st June Madaraka Day
10th October Moi Day
20th October Kenyatta Day
12th December Jamhuri Day
25th December Christmas Day
26th December Boxing Day
Kenya Post
The postal system is reliable and stamps can be purchased from hotels and many shops. Post Restante service is available in Nairobi and Mombassa.
Kenya Safari Code
Whilst on Safari please follow the Kenya Safari Code:
Keep to designated roads or tracks;
Minnimise disturb to animals;
Stay inside your vehicle at all times;
Keep to the speed limit;
Support eco-friendly accommodation facilities;
Never feed animals;
Take care not to disturb the ecological balance:
Take all your litter with you.
Kenya Safety
Crime is a risk in Kenya and is well reported in the local and international press which tends to exaggerate the risk. Huge numbers of tourists come to Kenya each year and have no problem at all. Just be sensible and do not walk around at night, use taxis, do not carry large amounts of cash on you and make full use of the hotel safe for all valuables. Do not carry a bag that identifies you as a tourist.
Watch out for con men and ignore people who come up to you with offers of services. Do not accept offers of food or drink for strangers in the street or on public transport as it could be drugged. In the unlikely event of being mugged do not resist and remember if you shout "thief" the mugger will be set upon by the crowd and most likely be killed and so best to move quietly away from the incident. If you go the police you will be involved in a lot of paper work and may have to spend time assisting the police find the criminal through an identification process.
Car jacking is a potential crime if you are driving yourself. Be aware at stop junctions, check your rear view mirror that you are not being followed, maintain a distance between you and the car in front. If you are car jacked do not resist, do not scream,follow instructions to the letter, do not argue,keep your hands in view and be polite. If you remain calm an helpful then no harm should come to. In the event you are locked in the boot, try and break one of the rear lights and wave to the car behind you.
There have been well reported terrorist incidents in both Nairobi and Mombassa. These have led to travel advisories being given. As in any country there remains a risk of terrorism but is a situation that is well monitored in Kenya and not representative of instability in Kenya but part of a world problem.
The area on the far north west and north east is a dangerous area due to bandits and should not be visited.
The Kenya Tourism Federation has established a security control centre to help ensure safety for visitors. They arrange assistance in the event of an incident involving visitors to Kenya. The centre operates a high frequency radio network and a tourist help line 02 604767 which accepts emergency calls 24/7. Please use this number if you require assistance and advice in case of a security incident.
Kenya Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in ALL public places and carries very heavy fines and a possible jail sentence. Smokers must take local advice as to what counts as a public place.
Kenya Telephones and Internet
The telephone system is good and continually improving. Mobile services are excellent and local SIM cards can be purchased from the airport and at many locations. Internet services are to be found and many hotels improving the level of internet service they provide guests. The international code for Kenya is 254. The outgoing code is 000.
Kenya Time Zone
Kenya is three hours ahead of GMT and has a single time zone.
Kenya Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory but is expected for tour guides and drivers, waiters and hotel staff. Where a service charge has been included then tipping is not really required but it does depend if you think the charge is going to the staff. Ask the waiters if not sure. Tipping is normally at the rate of 10% and about 25 Kshs/bag for a porter. It is normal practice to tip the driver and safari guide. Old clothes that you want to dispose are always appreciated by people like watchman or housekeeping staff. If you give to housekeeping staff do provide them with a note so that they are not accused of stealing your clothes!
Kenya Tourist Information
There is no tourist office in Kenya and so visitors have to rely on sites like Kenya Eguide. We do try and provide the best tourist information and make every effort to be fair, honest and comprehensive. If you notice something pleas do email us, we will correct and your help is appreciated. There are useful notice boards in the entrance to the Sarit Centre in Westlands and the Yaya Centre in Hurlingham.
Kenya Tourist Season
The high tourist season is in the dry season. That means December and January and again in July and August. The dry season makes it easier to travel around the game parks. July and August are normally the best times for game viewing and is the season for the Wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara. The sea is clearest from October to January and the best times for viewing the coral reefs that line the coast. Travel is still possible in the rainy season, between the rainfall the sun does shine! The landscape is very green during the rainy season and lodges are cheaper.
Kenya Visas
Nationals of the following countries require visas prior to arrival into Kenya: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Nationals of all other countries will be issued visas at the port of entry or at any Kenya Consulate, Embassy or High Commission. Visas regulations do change at short notice so please do check with the Kenyan authorities. The current cost of visa at the airport is US50, payable in cash and a good idea to have in US dollars. Visas can be extended and renewed at the immigration office in Nairobi located on the ground floor od Nyayo House on the corner of Kenyatta Avenue and Uhuru Highway.
Kenya Wildlife Service Smart Card
If you are driving yourself into the National Parks you will need a KSW Smart Card. The card is loaded with money and then at each entry point entry fees are taken from the card. Smart Cards are issued at the main gates for the main parks. The Smart card can be loaded with US dollars or Kenyan Shillings. The entry to parks does vary and is organised in 5 categories. The most expensive being Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserve and at the moment is $30/day for an adult. The cheapest are the marine parks with an entry fee of $5/day.
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Kenya Embassies
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