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Travel Information
When to Travel
Kenya straddles the equator and enjoys a temperate climate for most of
the year. April, May, June and November are rainy months when the land
is green and refreshingly devoid of tourists. It seldom rains all day
and short, heavy rain showers are usually followed by sunny periods
making this a very pleasant time to visit Kenya. Camping, mountain
climbing and camel safaris are more enjoyable during the drier months of
the year. July to September are the coolest months with a low of 10
degrees centigrade and high of 26 degrees centigrade and December to
March the warmer months. December through January are high season with
Christmas and New Year being extremely busy. You are recommended to book
well in advance for this time of year. The scuba diving season runs from
September to April each year. Deep sea fishing is possible all year but
the seas can be rough during May, June and July. Booking or arranging
holiday in Kenya is much easier than you thought, Joining an overland
safari in Africa is also possible. A copies of Lonely planet Kenya guide
books are available in our library.
Taxes
Airport taxes will always be included in your tickets, unless on special
circumstances. Travellers are advised to carry small denomination notes
in excess of that needed to cover such taxes.
Passport / Visa Requirements in Kenya
A valid passport is required and most visitors require visas. We suggest
you contact your nearest relevant consulate for details.
Customs
Personal effects including cameras and film are not restricted into
Kenya, no need for a permit. Firearms require a special permit.
Inoculations Requirements
Visitors must have correct health documentation and since inoculation
requirements depend upon the country to be visited, country of residence
and countries passed through en route to your destination, it is
essential to check with your travel agent, the nearest relevant Embassy
or Consulate, your airline or doctor in good time before your holiday.
Medical Care
Malaria in some parts of Africa is common and prophylactics are
therefore imperative. Advice on medication should be sought from your
doctor before your visit. Insect repellents are recommended. There are
chemists in all major towns but any visitor requiring special or
continuing medication should bring an adequate supply to cover their
stay. We recommend you drink bottled water rather than tap water
wherever possible. Precautions should be taken against sunburn even at
high altitudes.
Insurance
You are strongly advised to take out travel and medical insurance in
your country of origin. However, we can arrange medical and personal
insurance if required. Within Kenya, we recommend joining the Flying
Doctor’s Society which, for a small membership fee, will provide an
airlift free of charge from anywhere within Kenya to Nairobi.
Money
Travellers cheques and major credit cards are generally accepted in
Kenya but the latter not in other regional countries where you would be
advised to carry travellers cheques and cash and not rely on credit
cards. Only authorised dealers and banks are allowed to change currency.
There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency which can be
imported. It is strongly recommended that visitors carry little cash and
as much money as they wish in freely convertible travellers cheques.
Generally in East Africa, no visitor is permitted to take any local
currency out of the country - all remaining local currency must be spent
prior to departure or converted through an authorised dealer back into
foreign currency.
All the major Credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers
cheques which can be changed in any bank. A commission charge is
normally added to any transactions using a credit card.
Seasons
East Africa has a diverse geography, temperature, rainfall and humidity
vary it’s neither too hot or cold with long sun- filled days. There is
no best season to visit Kenya. Day and night are almost equal all the
year round, with sun sunrise between 6.30pm and 7.00pm. Rain showers are
moderate in April, usually falling in the late afternoon and are
preceded by bright, fresh and sunny day. Despite the varying seasons,
safaris can be arranged all year round hence the low season prices
between April to June. July and August are the coolest months while
September to March are the warmest.
Transportation
Road transport varies with each itinerary but safari is usually by
9-seater minibuses with large windows, roof hatches and English-speaking
driver/guides or by self-drive or chauffeur-driven four-wheel drive
vehicles. Tours can be just a few days to one or two game reserves or a
few weeks, covering a much wider variety of scenery, wildlife and
cultures, perhaps combined with a beach holiday.
Almost all the parks, reserves and beach resorts have airstrips and
scheduled flights depart from Nairobi daily, for those who have limited
time or wish to avoid the long road stretch.
The overnight Nairobi Mombasa train from Nairobi to Mombasa runs three
times a week, departing from Nairobi at 1900 to arrive at approximately
at 0800 in Mombasa.
Banking Hours in Nairobi Kenya
Monday to Friday: 09.00-14.00 (16.30 in the major cities). The airport
banks are open until midnight every day. Banks typically give a better
exchange rate than hotels and we recommend you change some money at the
bank upon arrival. In Nairobi, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
has a bank located in the corner of the arrivals hall. ATM cash machines
are available at Nairobi airport and in most major towns allowing cash
to be drawn using an international Visa card with a P.I.N. use of credit
cards for payment in Kenya and Tanzania is generally acceptable.
Tipping in Kenya
Tipping is not compulsory in Kenya. However if you are happy with the
service you have received any gesture of appreciation will be
enthusiastically received.
Security in Kenya
Security is a matter of common sense and the same precautions should be
taken in our cities as in any major city. Do not carry large sums of
money, keep a close watch on handbags, wallets, etc. when walking in
crowded areas, avoid walking at night (especially alone), never leave
money or valuables unattended, even for a short time most hotels provide
safe deposit boxes. Generally security in Kenya is generally acceptable,
tourist police are sported in all major towns and cities.
Food & Beverages
Food is generally excellent in Kenya - full English breakfasts with
fresh tropical fruit, buffet style lunches and three or four course
dinners. Beers, wines and spirits are freely available.
Ecotourism in Kenya
Tourism and, sadly, poaching in East Africa over the past decades has
largely gone unchecked and has resulted in damage to our environment and
wildlife. We fully appreciate, as do most others, that our success
depends upon the care and preservation of our natural heritage and that
this too is crucial to your enjoyment of our countries. More important
than our success, we must preserve what we are so fortunate to have for
future generations and for the ecology of the continent and world as a
whole. Through our corporate membership of the East African Wildlife
Society we contribute towards conservation projects. We also endeavour
to ensure that our drivers respect the environment by not overcrowding
the game or leaving designated tracks within the Parks - not just
against the rules of the National Parks but also a cause of so much
damage by so many. We hope you will understand if you cannot get as
close to an animal as you may wish if, by doing so, damage to its
habitat, albeit small, may be caused. We are happy to tell you all our
Kenya safari and tours are designed with the environment in mind.
Laundry
Possible on some safaris but not all. Although many places offer ‘same
day’ service, in practice this is not always reliable. We recommend you
‘save’ your laundry until in a city or at the coast.
Children on Safari in Kenya
A few safaris are not suitable for very young children and some lodges
do not permit children under 7 years of age - notably treehotels. Serene
Africa Ltd can adapt any itinerary, including those published, to suit a
family and exclude such safaris or lodges. Children under 12 sharing
with parents generally pay a reduced rate.
Most lodges and hotels are child friendly some with children clubs and
staff who dedicate all their energy to the young ones making children
travel in Kenya and Africa very comfortable.
Special services
I the past we have handed special children safaris in Kenya and disabled
persons travel in Kenya and Africa, we have staff including guides who
are trained in different fields with special vehicles and supporting
equipments.
Let us know if you wish to do volunteer services in Africa and Kenya.
For missionary travel in Kenya, or missionary safaris in Kenya and
Tanzania we have special tarrifs too. For those who want to do a wedding
in Kenya we are happy to make this a reality.
Photography in Kenya
We recommend you bring your equipment, extra batteries and all your film
with you although all normal types of film can usually be bought in
major towns. A telephoto lens is essential for good game pictures.
Please respect the local people and only photograph them with their
permission. Please be strongly advised never to attempt to take photos
of border posts, airports, persons in uniform and military installations
where photography is strictly prohibited.
Please contact us for assistance in professional photography and filming
in Kenya
Game viewing in Kenya
The best times for game viewing are in the cool hours of the early
morning and late afternoon. Therefore, the usual routine on safari will
be to rise early for a game drive before breakfast and relax at your
camp or lodge in the heat of the day before a late afternoon game drive.
Documentation
• Passports (with visa entries)
• Health cards (vaccination certificate)
• Airline tickets
• Cheque book
• Cash & Travellers’ Cheques
• Separate record of T/Cheque numbers
• Credit Cards (VISA, Mastercard and/or American Express),
• Photo copy of passport/visas/Insurance papers
Clothing & Accessories - What to park on safari
The list given below is a basic indication of what you should bring. We
recommend that you bring khaki and green colored clothing. Bright colors
should be avoided while on safari (fine for the coast and Nairobi);
camouflage clothes are illegal because they are worn by local soldiers.
Safari wear should be comfortable and casual. A few Nairobi restaurants
require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie in the evenings and ladies to
wear formal evening dress. The same dress rules apply in the Members
Dining Room at Mount Kenya Safari Club with smart casual wear required
in the main dining room. Evenings and early mornings can be chilly so
warm sweaters are recommended. Low heeled comfortable shoes are best
although there is not much walking on most safaris. A hat, sunglasses,
flashlight and binoculars are useful accessories. Most hotels, lodges
and camps have swimming pools so you are advised to bring swimsuits.
Some specialist safaris, i.e. mountain climbing, require extra items of
clothing and footwear - details would be provided on booking.
• Tennis Shoes
• Flip flops
• Hat
• Pullover Sweater/Sweatshirt
• 2 pc. safari pants (or chinos)
• 2 pc. safari shorts
• 4 pair sport socks
• 3 short sleeve shirts
• 1 long sleeve shirt
• 2 t-shirts
• Pyjamas
• Swim Trunks
• 1 pair casual slacks (men) evening outfit (women) - for evening
• Bras (sports type) - women
• 6 sets underwear
• Belt
TOILETRIES & MEDICINE
• Malaria prophylaxis
• Prescription drugs (also bring the generic names for these drugs, good
idea to pack 2 separate lots)
• Insect repellant (containing DEET for mosquito’s)
• Sun Screen (SPF 15 or higher)
• Lip Balm
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste / Toothbrush
• Dental Floss
• Hair Brush / Comb
• Electric / Hand Razor
• Emery Boards
• Tweezers
• Hand Lotion
• Fem. Hygiene Supplies
Wear sunscreens and cover up during the hottest time of day - between
11H00 and 15H00.
Other Supplies
• Sunglasses / Case
• Prescription glasses (and a spare pair)
• Flashlight (small with extra batteries)
• Batteries (for electronic equipment)
• Converter plug set if needed (the electricity supply is 240 Volt, 50
Hz). Sockets are usually 3 pin and are of the square variety.
• Money pouch
• Pocket Knife
• Binocula
• Day pack
• Favourite road snacks
• Books, Magazines, a Journal or an Africa safari guide
• Small Sewing Kit
• Small Scissors
• Pen/paper
The small soft locable bag is recommended for the personal items
together with a small rectangular suitcase as the weight of luggage that
can be carried on small aircraft is limited to 25-53 pounds depending on
the size of the plane.
Driving
Driving is on the left in East Africa.
Waiver of Responsibility
On mountain climbing safaris, an adventure sport containing an element
of risk, you may be required to sign a ‘release and assumption of risk’
form indemnifying the operator of the safari against any untoward
occurrences. However, we would like to stress that the safety of clients
is of paramount importance to safari operators at all times and every
care is taken to avoid any accident, loss of baggage or other such
incident. Rules or contracts currently in use by any carrier, hotel,
restaurants or any other contractor rendering service shall constitute
between such contractor and the tour member. Further more Serene Africa
safaris accept no responsibility for any damage or delay due to
sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine,
government restrains, weather or any cause beyond. The right is reserved
to cancel or change itineraries or substitute service without notice and
decline to accept or retain any tour members at any time. No carrier
shall be responsible for any act, omission or event during the time
passengers are not on board its own conveyance.
How to book
Please email us your initial requirements and we will be happy to
respond with details.
If you would like to make an enquiry or to book any of our safaris
listed on this website then simply lets us know the date when you plan
to arrive in Nairobi, the number of persons, children ages, any special
need or other special details, meal requirements, Birthdays – ‘works
best if you alert us your parters birthday or aniversary and we do the
rest’ let us know what you wish to do and the number of days you will be
around or just highlight the safari you have chosen. We will respond
promptly to confirm the price and availability.
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