DOCUMENTS
Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months and contain at least one blank page.
ETA Form – https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en – required for ALL travelers without exception, including children and passport holders from previously visa-free countries.
The form must be filled out and paid for independently by tourists or their agents.
Printed or saved (on mobile device) approved ETA form
Return ticket
If you’re taking a combined tour (e.g., Kenya + Tanzania or Ethiopia + Kenya), a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required (not needed for transit only).
DON’T FORGET BEFORE YOUR TRIP
USD or EURO (issued no earlier than 2009 or 2013)
Credit cards – Union Pay, Visa, Mastercard
UK-style power adapter (can be bought in Kenya)
FIRST AID KIT
Standard travel kit: cold medicine, headache relief, stomach & intestinal remedies.
Kenyan pharmacies have a wide selection – ask your guide or contact us if you need anything
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES FOR SAFARI AND BEACH
Military-style camouflage clothing is prohibited
Clothes suitable for temperatures from +15°C to +30°C
For safari: cotton T-shirts and shirts, hoodie, windbreaker, cotton trousers, capris, socks
For beach: usual beachwear, also bring a light jacket or sweater for windy evenings
Safari clothing can be any color
Hat
Scarf or light shawl (safaris can be windy)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen SPF 30–50 (also for safari)
Wet wipes
Comfortable breathable shoes for safari, flip-flops, sandals... high-heels - optional
Casual dinner wear (in 3-star hotels and above wearing shorts to dinner is prohibited)
Please leave valuable jewelry at home.
IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
Wearing swimsuits or swim shorts in shops or on streets outside of hotels and beaches is not allowed in resort areas.
LUGGAGE
Plastic bags are banned in Kenya. Please pack using paper or cloth bags. Zip-lock pouches and cosmetic bags are allowed.
Hand luggage should include essentials for the first days of safari in case of lost luggage.
If your luggage is delayed:
Fill out the necessary form at the Lost Luggage desk
Provide contact number and your first and second hotel
Proceed to the arrival area to meet your guide
IMPORTANT
We are not responsible for luggage delays caused by the airline or for luggage delivery. However, we will do our best to help you get updates and resolve the issue. If the airline does not provide free delivery, extra fees may apply for baggage delivery services. These may later be reimbursed by the airline or your insurance.
DURING THE FLIGHT
If you are taking Malarone or Lariam for malaria prevention, do not drink alcohol. We are not liable for side effects, hospitalizations or safari cancellations caused by misuse.
AT THE BORDER
Present all required documents (ETA visa)
Migration cards are currently not required
IN NAIROBI
Upon exiting the airport, company representatives will greet you with a sign with your name in English outside the terminal. Your guide will be with you for the entire safari: organizing accommodation, itinerary, helping with SIM cards, adapters, water, drinks, etc. Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nairobi streets
MONEY & EXCHANGE
Exchange rate: from 128 Kenyan Shillings per USD (may vary)
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Union Pay) are accepted in hotels, cafes, large stores, and supermarkets (some exceptions apply for Union Pay)
MONEY DURING SAFARI
Cash may be needed for: drinks, snacks, fruits, souvenirs
USD is accepted for tips - tipping guideline for guides: $30–$40 per day per vehicle
MOBILE & INTERNET
Buying SIM cards requires a passport and each person can only register a limited number of SIMs. We cannot provide SIM cards in advance, but our guides will assist you in purchasing one with an internet package (bundles).
Useful links:
Safaricom: https://www.safaricom.co.ke/personal/
Telkom: https://www.telkom.co.ke/
Airtel: https://www.airtelkenya.com/
SAFARI SOUVENIRS
Export of any items made from animal bones, horns, etc., is strictly prohibited. Customs won’t accept explanations and you risk over a year in prison and a million-shilling fine.
Export of shells, starfish, etc. is illegal. Do not buy these from beach vendors. You’ll need an official receipt to export such items and vendors do not provide any documentation.
MALARIA IN KENYA
Malaria risk is extremely low
Do not drink raw water, swim in freshwater bodies (except pools) or visit unhygienic places
No malaria mosquitoes during daytime.
None at all in Nairobi day or night
Strengthen your immune system before the trip
Use mosquito nets and repellents
Hotels above 2 stars conduct regular anti-mosquito treatment
Recommended to buy Coartem and malaria test kits in Kenya – bring them just in case. With Coartem, malaria is treatable in 3 days
If you choose to take Malarone (or similar) as prevention: Start 1 day before arrival, take daily, avoid alcohol and note possible side effects: liver damage, depression, vision issues. Not recommended for children
PROHIBITED IN KENYA
Plastic bags
Smoking on Nairobi streets
Exporting shells, corals, starfish, plants
Exporting souvenirs made from wild animals (teeth, horns, skins, hooves, etc.)
Drones
Import or use of hookahs
Use of narcotic or psychotropic substances
RECOMMENDATIONS
Always close balcony doors at beach resorts and secure tents on safari – monkeys may break in looking for food
PHOTO & VIDEO
Prohibited to photograph or film government officials (police, military) and government buildings
Ask permission before filming or photographing locals
LANGUAGE
English and Swahili are widely spoken