General Information on Travel in East Africa
Our Terms and Conditions. Please click here for a complete list of our terms and conditions.
Tips on Travelling Responsibly.
Travellers Philanthropy. What it is and how you are involved?
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 accessible by air to Nairobi.
Health
Malaria is endemic in many parts of East Africa and anti-malarial prophylactics are strongly recommended. It is advisable to visit your local GP at least a month before travelling in order to update any vaccinations, obtain anti-malarial treatment; and any long term medication that you may require.
Security
Security is really a matter of common sense, and the same precautions should be taken in our towns and cities as in any city worldwide. It is advisable not to wear jewellery (especially necklaces and expensive watches), do not carry large sums of money, and keep a close watch on handbags, wallets and camera equipment. When walking in town keep to the main thoroughfares and avoid walking at night, especially alone. Make use of hotel safe or deposit boxes and never leave valuables in hotel rooms or safari vehicles. It is a good policy to travel with photocopies of your passport, traveller's cheques, and any other important documents.
Clothing and Accessories
Safari wear should be comfortable and casual. Evenings and early mornings can be chilly so warm sweaters/ fleeces are recommended. Low heeled comfortable shoes are best, and suitable walking shoes should you intend joining any walking 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. Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.
Laundry is 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.
Public Holidays 2010
1 January - New Year's Day.
2 April - Good Friday.
5 April - Easter Monday.
1 May - Labour Day.
1 June - Madaraka Day.
10 October - Moi Day.
Date to be announced -Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
20 October -Kenyatta Day.
28 November - Feast of the Sacrifice.
12 December - Independence Day.
25 December - Christmas Day.
26 December - Boxing Day.
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by citizens of most counties, except those of East Africa. For more information on Visa requirments.
3 month visitor's visas may be obtained on entry, at the airport or border crossing. US$ 25 is required in US dollars cash. Children do not currently need to pay for a visa. Download a visa form .
For most nationalities Visas are obtainable on arrival. Please check with your Travel Agent, the Kenya Embassy or online.
Helpful hint - it is advisable to bring the exact amount in US dollars. Payment is possible in Sterling or Euros but you may be asked for £25 or Euro 30, and change may not be available.
Money
Travellers cheques and major credit cards are generally accepted in Kenya but the latter not all over other regional countries where you would be advised to carry travellers cheques and cash. Only authorised dealers and banks are allowed to change currency. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be imported. It is strongly recommended that visitors carry little cash, in most towns money can be drawn from ATM machines. In lodges and hotels foreign currency can be exchanged, but usually not against cards. It is advisable for visitors to use up or convert back any local currency before leaving, as it will be difficult to change once overseas.
Please note it is an offence to destroy local currency or to deface the currency in any way.
PLEASE ENSURE ALL US DOLLAR NOTES ARE NEWER THAN THE YEAR 2000
WE CANNOT ACCEPT OLD NOTES AND NEITHER WILL THE BANKS.
Photography
East Africa offers tremendous opportunity for photography to both amateurs and professionals alike.
We recommend that you bring your equipment, extra batteries and any film with you. A telephoto lens is essential for good game and bird pictures. Most lodges and hotels have facilities for recharging batteries for video and digital cameras.Some specialised photographic safaris and courses are available.
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.