Tour Guide, Amboseli National Park, Kenya
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Kenya Visa Information
A visa is required prior to entry into Kenya. A transit Visa costs US$ 20, Ordinary or Single Entry Visa costs US$ 50 and Multiple entry costs US$ 100. No Visa is required for persons aged 16 years and below.
Nationals of the following countries do not need visas to travel to Kenya:
Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Botswana, Brunei-Darussalam, Cyprus, Dominica, Ethiopia, Fiji Islands, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Citizens of the following countries need visa prior to arrival in Kenya:
Afghanistan, Jordan, Senegal, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Somali, Armenia, Mali, Syria, Cameroon, North Korea, Tadjikistan, Iraq and Stateless Persons.
For travellers whose country do not need Visa prior to arrival, visas can be obtained at the airport upon arrival. However, it’s advisable to obtain the visa from the Kenyan Embassy/High Commission in your country prior to departure.
Note: passport must be valid for at least 6 months and must have a clean and full visa page for endorsement.
Download Kenya Visa Application Form Here
For more information visit www.immigration.go.ke
Health information
Visitors travelling to Kenya are advised to carry personal medical kits that may include remedies like antacids, cold remedies, painkillers, insect-bite cream, rehydrate tablets, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-histamines and first aid items. As a precaution, anti-malarial should be taken before, during and after visiting Kenya.
All Visitors travelling from yellow fever infected areas require Yellow Fever International Certificate of Vaccination. Other recommended vaccines include Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A & B, it’s advisable to talk to your doctors.
Currency
Kenya shilling (KSH or KES) is the local currency. Major world currencies can be exchanged in banks, forex bureaus in major urban areas and most hotels. There are no restrictions on the import and export of local or foreign currency, but for amounts exceeding US $ 5,000.00 in cash must be declared.
Visit www.oanda.com to obtain exchange rates of Kenya Shillings against world major currencies.
Credit cards
Hotels restaurants and most shops throughout the Country accept major credit cards such as: VISA American Express and MasterCard.
Time, Business hours & Holidays
East Africa, Kenya included has single time zone- which is GMT+3. Most businesses in Kenya are open from Monday to Friday, though some also trade in all 7 days of the week. Business hours are generally 0900hrs to 1700hrs, Monday to Friday and 0900hrs to 1300hrs on weekends.
Kenyan Public holidays include:
1st January – New Years Day
March/April Good Friday*
March/April Easter Monday*
Idd il Fitr **
1st May – Labour Day
1st June – Madaraka Day
20th – October Mashujaa Day
12th December – Jamhuri Day
25th December Christmas Day
26th December Boxing Day
* Dates for the Christian festival of Easter commemorating death and rise of Jesus Christ vary from year to year.
**The Muslim Festival of Idd il Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadhan. The date varies each year depending on the sighting of a new moon in Mecca.
Climate
Because of East Africa’s diverse geography, temperature, rainfall and humidity vary widely. There are effectively 4 zones about which generalizations can be made.
The area around the Lake Victoria is generally hot and fairly humid with rainfall spread throughout the year. The greatest precipitation with 200mm is usually during the month of April while the lowest are in January. Temperatures range from 18 to 34 degrees Celsius.
The highlands around Mt. Kenya and Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley enjoy perhaps the most agreeable in the country though there is quite a variation between the hot and relatively dry floor of the central Rift Valley and the snow capped peaks of Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya. The rainfall varies from 20 mm in July to 200mm in April and falls essentially into 2 seasons (March – May, long rains and October – December, short rains). Temperatures vary from a min of 10 degree Celsius to 28 degree Celsius.
In the vast semi arid bush lands and deserts of northern and eastern Kenya and eastern and southern Tanzania the most extreme variations in temperature are found ranging from 40degrees Celsius during the day to 18 degrees Celsius at night. Rainfall is sparse and when it falls it often comes in the form of violent storms.
The costal belt, the fourth climatic zone is hot and humid all year round though tempered by coastal sea breezes. Average temperatures vary little throughout the year ranging from a min of 24 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Security
Like any other country, Kenya has a few security concerns but every effort is in place to ensure your safety during your visit to Kenya. Below are a few basic precautionary measures you should take during your visit:
i. Avoid walking outside your hotel after dark and seek advice before walking alone during the day because some areas are risky.
ii. Keep your valuables in a safe place and when possible, out of view.
iii. Avoid carrying lots of cash money and any important documents.
iv. Always book your cab through a licensed and reputable company. Avoid taking cabs off the street.
Besides an efficient police force and a special Tourist Police Unit, most hotels employ experienced security personnel in an effort to complement government efforts.
All in all it is advisable to take precautions as anywhere in the world.
Photography
Kenya is the photographer’s dreamland since there is abounded wildlife and bird life in their natural habitat, magnificent scenery, colorful people and reliable and unlimited sunlight. Please respect the local people and only photograph them with their permission.
A UV filter and lens hood is required everywhere to reduce the glare while a camera bag comes in handy to protect the equipment from the dust.
If you have a Digital or Hi8 Video camera bring plenty of tape and long life batteries and adaptors for their rechargers (the electricity supply is 220 Volt, 50 Hz with a square pin 13 amp plug). Most hotels have charging facilities.
NOTE: You are strongly advised to restrain from taking photos of airports, State House, persons in uniform and military installations or any building where photography is strictly prohibited.
Language
JAMBO is one of the most common words you will hear spoken throughout Kenya. This is the simplest Swahili greeting, and is often the first word learned by visitors to Kenya.
English is an official language and is widely spoken, however, Swahili is Kenya’s national language and is spoken in all of East Africa. Swahili originated in the East African coast, as a trade language used by both Arabs and coastal tribes. The language incorporates elements of both classical Arabic and Bantu dialects, and became the mother tongue of the Swahili people who rose from the intermarriage of Arab and African cultures.
A little Swahili goes a long way in Kenya. It is worth learning a little, and most Kenyans are thrilled to hear visitors attempt to use Swahili. Click here to learn some helpful Swahili phrases.
Clothes
Cotton and linen dresses light slacks and short sleeved shirts are essential with pullovers for chilly nights at high altitude. Some hotels will require smart attire for dining in the evenings.
Carry a change of cloths in your hand luggage in case your bags get lost during air travel. Trousers or long skirts are recommend after dark to stop the mosquitoes biting. Many hotels, lodges and camps have swimming pools so be sure to carry some swimwear.
While in East Africa always remember you are a guest in another culture so please respect the culture and religion by dressing appropriately.
Communication
Mobile phones are based on GSM 900 network. Coverage extends to the principal urban centres, major highways and parts of popular game reserves such as the Mara. You can obtain a GSM SIM -card that will allow you to make international calls to any country. Currently the country is served by three major network operators: Airtel Kenya (www.airtel.com), Safaricom (www.safaricom.co.ke ), and Orange Mobile (www.orange.co.ke ). There are Internet cafes in urban centres and hotels around the country.
Tipping
Most hotels, game lodges and tented camps include a service charge in their tariff, as do most restaurants. Though not mandatory, tipping is well appreciated if you are inspired by exceptional service and wish to express extra appreciation.
Driver guides and other safari and hiking crew will generally expect some form of appreciation if you were happy with their services. The amounts are at your discretion. Recommendation for tipping can be obtained from our office and vary from program to program.
Electricity
The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 v 50hz. Plugs are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical advice, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where applicable.