Royal Reserve Beach and Safari Club
DESTINATION GUIDE
Kenya Travel Information
Language
Kiswahili is the official language, although English is widely spoken in commercial areas. In remote areas, the majority of people will only speak their tribal language.
Getting to Kenya
Kenya is well served by major international airlines, which fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa). Mombasa is a popular charter destination from most major European cities. We strongly recommend you check with the nearest Kenya Embassy or Tourist Office to ensure you have the most up to date visa information. Yellow Fever and Cholera are required only for visitors arriving from countries where these diseases are endemic. Check with your Embassy and/or local health office for more details.
Visas:
Visitors from most countries are required to obtain a visa that costs 50 USD. Visas can be obtained directly on entry. All visitors coming to Kenya are required to obtain a visa that costs 50 USD. Visas can be obtained directly on entry. The quickest way is download the form from the kenya embassy, http://www.kenyaembassy.com/visa.html fill the form in before you arrive, when you get to passport control at the Kenyan airport, hand in the form with your passport and the fee, it saves you time at the airport. However, if there is a Kenyan Diplomatic Mission in your country, it is advisable to obtain the visa in advance. The visa is valid for 90 days.
Customs:
Custom restrictions in Kenya are similar to those in other countries. Guns are totally forbidden since hunting was banned in 1977. There is no problem with photo or video cameras.
Leaving Kenya
An airport departure tax of US$20 per person, or its equivalent, is payable when leaving Kenya. This fee is often included in your international airfare, unless stated otherwise. Please check with your agent when purchasing your international tickets. A local departure tax of Kshs 200 (approx. US$2.50) per person, per flight is payable for internal flights.
Climate
Kenya offers warm days and cool, early mornings and evenings throughout most of the country. At altitude the temperatures are moderate. The Coast is often humid and tropical. There are two primary rainy seasons: the long rains roughly from April to June and the short rains during October and November.
Health & Precautions against Malaria
Malaria is a common illness in Kenya and as a precaution anti-malarial prophylactics should be taken. Mosquito nets are provided in almost all hotel rooms. For headaches, colds and similar body ailments medication can be bought from anywhere within the country. When travelling to remote areas medication must be carried. To prevent a sunstroke spoiling a trekking expedition or beach fun have a sunscreen lotion and protective headgear handy. Protective clothing and footwear is also important.
All hotels provide safe drinking water but bottled water must be carried especially for drinking during safari. Please do not drink the tap water.
Security
In keeping with the acceptable practice elsewhere in the world visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms but to make use of hotel safe deposit boxes or safes. Visitors should not carry large sums in cash on their persons while walking on the streets. Lady visitors are advised to be careful with their handbags in crowded places and busy streets. Necklaces and jewelery should be left at home or kept with other valuables in the hotel custody. As in all major cities walking at night alone should be avoided.
Clothing
Informal, lightweight clothing is recommended. Mornings and evenings can be cool at altitude, so bring a sweater or cardigan. A hat is highly recommended due to the sun. On the Kenya coast, ladies are expected to dress modestly in public. Nude or topless sunbathing is not only illegal, but also affects the sensibilities of the Muslim community.
Communications
Telephone, fax and some email services are available, though prone to difficulties. Most Clubs, lodges and camps will have at least a radio link with their primary offices. In the major cities and on the Coast, international direct dialing should be available, if a little costly.
Tipping
Most hotels, game lodges and tented camps include a service charge in their tariff as do most restaurants and in such cases tipping is not necessary unless exceptional service inspires a desire to express extra
Currency
The Kenya shilling is freely exchangeable, and most major facilities accept major credit cards.
Banking hours
Monday to Friday: 09:00-14:00 (16:30 in the major cities). The airport banks are open until midnight every day.
Local time
Kenya is 3 hours ahead of GMT
Electricity
220 / 240 volts AC. Plugs are the UK-type, round 2-pin or flat 3 pin.