<Kenya Travel Guide>

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Travel Guide

Fast Facts, Holidays                                   Getting Around

Lay of the Land                                          Money

Climate and Best Time to Go                      Food, Clothing and Modes of Dress

Passport or Visa?                                       Packing Tips

Health and Safety                                      Helpful Websites

Fast Facts Ricci on a rock

Capital: Nairobi

Population: over 31 million

Language: English, Swahili

Religion: Christian (65%); Muslim (30%); Animist (5%)

Currency: Kenyan Shilling

Dialing code: 254

Electricity: 240V, 50Hz

Airport Code: WIL – Wilson Airport, Nairobi

Holidays

New Year’s Day (Jan 1)

Easter (March/April)

Labor Day (May 1)

Madaraka Day (June 1)

Moi Day (Oct 10)

Kenyatta Day (Oct 20)

Independence Day (Dec 12)

Christmas (Dec 25)

Boxing Day (Dec 26)

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Lay of the Land

Situated on the eastern border of Africa with Ethiopia to the north and Tanzania to the south, the Republic of Kenya is home to such landmarks as Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro, the two highest points in Africa. Outside the capital city of Nairobi, in national parks, game reserves and other sparsely populated areas, you will find an abundance of wildlife, including lions, leopards, Three Zebras buffalo, rhinoceros and elephants…oh my!

There are over 42 tribal groups with the main languages being English and Swahili. Asking someone if they are a member of the Luhya tribe is probably similar to asking a US citizen what state they are from. The Kikuyu is one of the largest tribes, and while the Maasai is small in number, they are well known by tourists for their dress and the jewelry they adorn themselves with.

Best Time to Go and Climate

Although the tropical climate of Kenya varies from the dry northern regions and the temperate inlands to the hot and humid coast, there are two main tourist seasons coinciding with Kenya’s dry seasons. The first is from January to February when temperatures are higher and the second is from July to August, revealing cooler days. However, if you go during the rainy seasons from March to May or October to December, you will find lower prices and fewer tourists.

No matter when you decide to go, there is always something to see or do. The famous wildebeest migration from the Serengeti to Masai Mara happens from June to September. Are you a bird watcher or maybe wishing to see some game? Then you should travel in January or February, although the best months for game viewing are July and August. For an under the sea adventurer, October to January provides great snorkeling and diving as the ocean water is normally clearer.

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Passport and Visa? Group of children in school uniforms

Anyone from the US will need a valid passport and visa to enter Kenya. You may also be asked to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Be sure to apply for a passport and visa if you do not already have well in advance of your departure date. You can get passport photos taken at any photography shop. For a passport application and information, you can go to many federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. To find a location near you, go to http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ and type in your zip code.

You can obtain visa information from the Embassy of Kenya in Washington D.C. or from the Kenyan Consulates General in New York City or Los Angeles. We recommend visiting the Kenya Embassy website at http://www.kenyaembassy.com.

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Health

In the capital city of Nairobi and other large cities, you will find all the amenities of any metropolitan area, including shopping malls, restaurants and state of the art medical facilities. Some hospitals are private, which also means they are more expensive, but there are also public clinics that are more affordable. In less densely populated regions, you will most likely encounter small clinics and pharmacies here and there. For the common cold or minor aches and pains, medication or antibiotics can be obtained easily. Just be careful because many of the medications that you would need a prescription for in the US due to certain side effects or complications are given over the counter without prior examinations.

You should plan to see your doctor or health care provider at least 4-6 weeks before your departure date to allow vaccines or other medications to take effect. Do not take preventative medication or get vaccinations unless recommended by your health care provider, as he or she will be able to determine how you should prepare based on prior medical history and any health conditions you have experienced. Specific vaccines for travelers going to East Africa and Kenya are:

Volunteers in a boat Yellow Fever

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Typhoid

Meningitis

Polio

Rabies

Antimalarial medication is usually taken before your trip. Halofantrine, marketed as Halfan, is widely used overseas to treat malaria, but is NOT recommended by the CDC as there are serious side effects, including death, from taking this drug. We highly recommend that you visit the CDC’s website for updated information about health precautions, travel notices and vaccinations. http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationKenya.aspx

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Safety

Avoid eating street food or drinking water unless it is bottled if at all possible, as you can easily get sick from food sold by street vendors. Although the locals may tell you the food or drink is safe, and even eat it themselves, it is highly discouraged. Diseases and other infections can be prevented by only consuming food and drinks from people you know and trust.

Preventing mosquito bites is important, and to do that you should use bug repellent, wear longer pants or shirts, avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, and sleep in beds covered with mosquito nets treated with permethrin.

Car crashes are the leading cause of injury among travelers, so be sure not to drink and drive, wear a seatbelt if possible, adhere to driving laws and drive during the daylight hours.

Mugging and petty theft or crime can happen anywhere, especially in crowded markets or while taking public transportation. Always keep your personal belongings in sight, and as stated earlier, do not carry large amounts of cash or several credit/debit cards. You should place your cash in a different place than your credit card, and also try to keep your ID separate. Putting valuables in your back pockets is a bad idea as that is the first place petty thieves look to take something. A money belt is a good way to keep important things hidden.

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Getting Around Maasai Warrior

Depending on how adventurous you are or where you are going, there are several modes of transportation at your fingertips.

Matatus: Also referred to as “Nissans,” a matatu is like a mini bus or van and is the most common form of transportation in Kenya. There are all different types, including box matatus that are simply pick up trucks with covered beds/trunks, and riding in one is not just a mode of transportation, it is an experience! The Nissans or van like matatus are the most comfortable, and you can purchase a ticket at the “stages” or departure points, which are found everywhere. If you are already on the road and see one coming your way, just stick out your arm with your palm down, and if it is not full the driver will stop. You can pay for your way right then and there, but remember that bartering is expected and you would be smart to ask other passengers what they paid before giving up your cash.

There are two people working on each matatu; one being the driver and the other is the ‘tout.’ The tout’s job is to convince people to ride his matatu, and sometimes he can be aggressive if there is competition from other touts at the stages, so watch out and use their competitiveness to your advantage by negotiating prices.

Air: For far distances, airplanes are recommended as a quick and relatively cheap way to cover a lot of ground. With about 250 airports, it is easy to get from one destination to another.

Bus: If you are not in much of a hurry, riding the bus is a pretty cheap and somewhat comfortable option. They normally depart from larger cities in the mornings, and although night buses are available, there are not as many. The most reliable bus companies are EasyBus, Eldoret Express, Coast Bus, Stallion Bus, Akamba, and Kenya Bus.

Girl feeding giraffe Train: This is the slowest way to get to your next adventure, but it can be the most comfortable and the safest of all. There are 3 classes, first – where you get your own bed, great service and free drinking water, second – which provides you with your own bed but not the free water and extra attention, and third – where you may or may not be accommodated with your own seat.

Car: You have the option of renting a car, but it is the most expensive mode of travel with prices ranging from USD 50 – 150 per day. Budget has an office at the Nairobi airport, but renting a car is not very recommended, as driving in a foreign country can be dangerous if you are not used to their traffic laws. It is also expensive, and it is hard to know which agencies are reputable and follow certain safety regulations.

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Money

Bartering is a part of daily life in Kenyan markets and on the streets. Whether you are buying a ticket for the Matatu, or shopping for souvenirs from a street vendor, people expect for you to negotiate the price. If you are at a shopping mall, grocery store or other permanently established place of business, bartering is not the normal protocol. In that case, the marked price is what you pay. As far as tipping, in restaurants 10% is expected normally unless a service charge was included. For bellhops at hotels, 20 shillings per bag is the norm. The currency in Kenya is the shilling. USD $1 equals approximately 81 shillings, but for updated exchange rates visit www.xe.com.

There are banks and ATM’s in all the larger cities in Kenya that will accept international debit cards, and most businesses will allow this form of payment. Smaller corner stores or shops may only take cash.

As always, no matter where you go, be careful, and do not carry large amounts of cash or several credit cards at once. If by chance you get mugged or lose your wallet or purse, cancelling one card rather than two or three is less of a hassle, and you will still have your spare credit card to pay for food and accommodation.

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Food Volunteer with host family

Many would say that there is no certain food or meal that represents all of Kenya because of the varying tribal cultures and traditions. However, nyama choma, also known as barbecued goat meat, is a local specialty typically served with matoke or vegetable mash. It is a great, hearty meal, but you may want to grab a toothpick as the tenderness of the meat is nothing to brag about!

Staple foods vary, but often Kenyans use maize, ngwaci (sweet potatoes), nduma (taro root), ikwa (yams), mianga (cassava), and various legumes in their every day cooking.

Clothing and Modes of Dress

Like many other developing countries, fashionable dress and clothing styles are becoming more similar to those of Western Europe and North America, yet still have a distinctively African feel. However, sporting tiny tank tops or shorter skirts and shorts may still be seen as inappropriate apparel unless you are getting ready for bed or sunbathing.

A popular item in most Kenyan homes is the kanga, or sarong. It is adorned with bright colors and Swahili proverbs, and is typically worn by women around the waist or torso. It has a number of other uses, such as aprons, baby carriers or picnic blankets.

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Packing Tips

Bringing an electrical converter and plug adapter is essential if you plan to use hair dryers or other electronics. The voltage in Kenya is 220-240V, plug type G, and any universal converter and adapter kit should be fine. Other things you might consider packing if you plan to be one with nature are:

Prescription medicines you take every day

Medicine for diarrhea, usually over-the-counter

Antimalarial drugs prescribed by your doctor

Mosquito nets

Insect repellant

First aid kit

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots

Camera – you wouldn’t want to miss a photo op!

Helpful websites

Travel/Safety information and warnings: www.travel.state.gov