Currency
The official currency is the Kenya Shilling. Available Notes are 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings. Available coins are 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. Visitors to Kenya should change foreign currency at banks, bureau de change or authorized hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds sterling and EURO.
Travelers Checks are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept Credit Cards. Most Banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on credit cards. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya. Most hotels/lodges will charge in US Dollars making it unnecessary to get local currency.
Before departure, travelers are advised to convert any excess Kenya shillings into foreign currency at a bank or bureau de change before departure. Departure taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency. Anyone wishing to take more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.
Weather
Kenya straddles the equator so there is little seasonal variation in temperature. There is much more variation between the coastal and low lying regions and the high plains and mountain regions. The game parks lie at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,000 feet and have a pleasant climate with warm days and cooler evenings year round.
There are two rainy seasons - the long rains during April and May and the short rains in November. The rest of the year is classified as dry season. In practice, the rainfall pattern has been neither regular nor predictable in recent years. In the rainy seasons, the rain often falls in heavy but brief tropical downpours during the evening or night with pleasant sunny days in between. The effects of the rain can cause some animals to disperse and may produce a few local problems with flooding of roads and bridges. On the other hand, rain makes the atmosphere clean and dust free and the vegetation beautifully lush and green.
Health Requirements
COVID PROTOCOL
Please check current covid-related requirements for entry to Kenya here:
https://ke.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
GENERAL:
If you have recently visited a Yellow Fever infected country, you are required to have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
Malaria is present in Kenya and you are also advised to take a course of anti-Malarial pills. We strongly advise you to reconfirm your medical requirements with your travel clinic who will assess your needs based on your personal health profile.
Visa Requirements
A visa is required prior to entry into Kenya. A single Entry Visa (valid for three months from date of issue) will cost US$ 50. A transit visa will cost US$ 20. No Visa is required for persons aged 15 years and below. Visas may be obtained in advance online at http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html. Travelers who opt to obtain an airport visa should expect delays upon arrival. Travelers to Kenya and neighboring African countries should ensure that the validity of their passports is at least six months beyond the end of their intended stay, and that their passport contains sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps.
Tipping & Porterage
Service staff in Africa depend on tips as part of their livelihood. As a guideline, hotel porters get about $1 per bag carried each way. City restaurant staff and bar waiters at 10% - 15% of the bill. Airport transfer drivers at $2 per person per transfer. Camp and lodge staff at $10 per person per night to be split between the entire camp crew – there is often a Tips box for this group tip in the main area of the camp or lodge. Driver- guides are with you the most and should receive $10 - $15 per person per day. If you have both a driver and a guide, the driver should receive $5 per person per day.
Credit Cards
Visa and MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted in Kenya. Other credit cards much less so. However, many shops etc. don’t have automatic dial-up systems for credit card transactions yet. They use manual systems that are more open for fraud. While there are no reports of massive credit card fraud, it may be wise to use your credit card only with more up-market places.
Electrical Appliances
The power supply is at the UK/ European standard voltage of 220/240 , and power sockets are the U.K. square pin type. Remember if you want to use U.S. appliances you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug converter. Mains power supply is subject to cuts and voltage fluctuation. On safari, most lodges’ power supplies are from generators, and these are often turned off during parts of the day and night to reduce noise and fuel consumption.
Water
It is generally recommended to drink only bottled mineral water which is readily available everywhere.
