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GENERAL INFO:

Alcohol and Drugs
Kenya's drinking age is 18 years. Drinking culture in Kenya is more relaxed and not as strict as in the United States and other areas of the western world. There is no law restricting a driver's blood alcohol level. However, it is illegal to drink out of a bottle on the streets of many cities. Drugs and narcotics are illegal in Kenya - this is strictly enforced.

Arrivals and Departures
Kenya has two main ports of entry by air: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi (located 16 km from the city center) and Moi International Airport, Mombasa (located 12 km from the town center). Furthermore Mombasa is the main port of entry by sea.

ATM Machines
ATM machines are available 24 hrs at all major banks. You can use both your credit- and your ATM debit card on Kenya's ATM machines. However, you will incur a small international transaction fee when you use your ATM debit/credit card.

Baggage
We do not restrict baggage, but you should avoid to carry more than the neccessary (please see 'safari clothing'). Please use a soft bag instead of a suitcase. In case your itinerary includes a domestic flight baggage weight is restricted to 15 kg plus a small hand baggage per person. Hotels will normally store baggage at no extra cost so you can leave your luggage for a connection beach holiday at your Nairobi hotel.

Banks
Major banks are widely available throughout Kenya. They operate business hours of 9am - 3pm, Monday to Friday and one Saturday of every month. Kenya's banks are closed on weekends and during Kenya's public holidays.

Credit cards
VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS are widely accepted for tourist services. There's usually a 5% mark-up on top of the price as establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their transactions. Additionally you will need some cash handy because smaller shops will only accept cash.

Currency
Kenyan currency is Kenya Shilling (KSH). Hard currencies can be exchanged in cash or travellers cheques at banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in Nairobi and at most large hotels. Euro, US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most acceptable and will cause the least delay. As a norm, always ask what commission and charges will be deducted first and prior to transaction. The maybe most easiest way to provide yourself with local currency is withdrawal via credit- or bank card at one of the ATMs available in all bigger cities.

Dress Code
If you are going to Kenya for a vacation, holiday, safari or leisure, bring light-to-moderate casual wear such as cargo pants, jeans, cotton shirts and the like (please see also 'Safari Clothing'). The dress code in kenyan culture is conservative. Also, many Kenyans adhere to different cultural, religious and customary dress styles. Jeans and decent tops/blouses for ladies are perfect. If you are going for business, you can keep it business-casual, however, business suits, tie and formal wear are preferred. Swimsuits are acceptable at the beach but not in public places. Evening Wear: Kenyans dress up for special occasions, especially when going out clubbing/dancing, to church, to sporting and other events or out to dinner. In some restaurants and clubs, you will probably be fine wearing shorts and a t-shirt, but if you are considering dining at one of the more up-scale restaurants or having a social night out, you may want to show off your nicer clothing and join the party!

Drinking Water
Drinking water from the tap generally must be considered risky. Hotels, lodges and camps usually furnish safe water in a thermos flask or bottled mineral water in guest rooms. You should also use this water to brush your teeth. During transfers and game drives we do provide you with bottled mineral water.

Etiquette
Kenyans are very humble, friendly and social people. Shaking hands is a common greeting gesture and you are always welcome to strike a conversation with the person next to you. Just remember to respect Kenya's customs and culture in whatever you do and you will enjoy a pleasant relationship with its people.

Flying Doctors Society
We strongly recommend a membership of the Flying Doctors Society. In event of accident or sickness while on safari, the society will fly patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance to hospital. The current cost for a 14 days membership is US$ 15-30, for a 2-month membership is US$ 25-50 per person.

Health
Since rules concerning disease prevention change from time to time, a check should be made with the nearest Kenyan High Commission, Kenya Tourist Office or any airline flying scheduled services into Kenya. Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya and intending visitors should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and continue taking them for the prescribed time after their return. Insect repellents should be made use of after dusk and suitable cover up clothes should be worn in the evenings.

Internet
Internet access is available in all major hotels, lodges and post offices in Kenya. Business centers and internet cybercafés are popular in most cities throughout the country. Simply walk into a cybercafé or business center and pay per use. However, internet access is limited in very remote towns and camping sites. Smartphone owners can easily access the internet via a local provider's simcard.

Language
Official languages are Kiswahili and English. Swahili is the national language while English is the business language. In addition, most tribes have their own language.

Newspapers
There are eight major local newspapers.

Opening and Shopping hours
Major stores, tourist services, offices and museums open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm in large towns though offices often break for lunch. In rural areas and out in the bush small shops can be open at almost any hour.

Telephone
Kenya has a very accessible GSM cellular network. You can purchase a local SIM cards to make your international calls and save money, as long as your phone is SIM lock free. When you convert your phone to a Kenyan phone, you do not pay for incoming calls, only the calls you originate. Direct overseas dialling is possible from nearly everywhere and even increasingly from remote places such as game lodges and camps.You can also make international phone calls from your hotel or lodge, from cybercafés, phone booths and other places that offer international calling services.

Photographs
Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policeman, the president, the national flag, the State House, state lodges, soldiers, prisons and prisoners etc., is prohibited. Before photographing local people, permission should be obtained and a fixed price agreed. Your safari guide will be happy to assist you in this matter.

Public Holidays
In addition to Christmas and Easter holidays, Kenya celebrates the following public holidays: 1st of January (New Year); 1st of May (Labour Day); 1st of June (Madaraka Day); 10th of October (Moi Day); 20th of October (Kenyatta Day); 12th of October (Jamhuri Day). Most businesses, banks, schools and government offices remain closed during Kenyan public holidays.

Safari clothing
Most people make the mistake of taking along too much clothing for a safari. Take along comfortable, casual and semi-casual, "wash and wear" clothes. Bright colours and white are not suitable for game viewing. Please avoid clothing resembling army uniform (ie: camouflage clothing). We recommend you to bring 1-2 pair/s of smart/ casual trousers, 1-2 pair/s of shorts, up to 7 Shirts or T-shirts, a sweater or cardigan for the evenings, a windbreaker / rain jacket (December to March) respective a warm jacket (May to September; in this months nights and mornings can be very cold), a pair of walking shoes, a pair of sandals, underwear, a swimming costume (some lodges provide swimming pools) and a sun hat as well as sunscreen and insect repellent.

Security
Normal precautions as in any other destination world-wide should be taken. Visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel / lodge rooms or tents but to make use of safe deposit boxes and safes. While in towns, one should never carry large sums in cash and women should keep a tight grip on handbags in crowds or busy streets. Jewellery snatching is quite common in city streets. As in all major cities walking alone or in small groups at night should be considered a hazard and avoided. Reliable taxis are available at all the principal hotels.

Souvenirs
Souvenirs to take back home can include sculptures and carvings made of wood and soap stone, ciondos (sisal baskets), beadwork and tribal regalia, masks, textiles and gemstones set in unique jewellery pieces. Kenyan tea and coffee also make ideal souvenirs.

Tipping and Porterage
Although most hotels and lodges include a service charge in their bill, it is customary to tip porters and waiters. You may tip taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides at your discretion.

Time Zone
Kenyan Time Zone is GMT +3 hours.

Topography
Kenya has a geographical diversity from snow-capped peaks, the Rift Valley with extinct volcanoes and hot springs, wide open plains, forest and coastline with reefs and magnificent beaches. Kenyas low-lying coastal region is fringed with coral reefs and islands, many dry regions are covered with savannah and thorn bush and the highlands provide rich plateaus as high as 10,000 feet while northern Kenya consists of arid and semi-arid regions.

Traveller's checks
American Express and Visa are the most recognized brands of traveler's checks in Kenya. They are also accepted at restaurants, stores and major hotels. Always have a photo ID at hand and never sign the checks until you are ready to use them. If they are lost or stolen, contact the company that issued them. It may be wise to also contact the police as some companies that issue traveler's checks require a police report.

Voltage
Main electricity as well as generated power supply in lodges or camps provide 220/240 volts AC 50 cycles. Most large hotels and some game lodges provide shaving points with 110 volt 50 cycles. Sockets are normally three pin and of the 'square' variety. You should carry an 'UK'-Adapter.

Weather
As a basic rule, Kenya experiences two, long dry seasons broken by rainy seasons between March and May and November and December. The downpours sometimes experienced during rainy months can be quite spectacular with impressive thunderstorms rolling across the savannah. The wettest area of Kenya is the Lake Victoria basin to the west although coastal regions can experience high annual rainfall - up to 41 inches per year in some places. After the rains, the country reaps the benefits and previously dry landscapes and waterways spring into life. The temperature generally remains warm in the wet season although mountain areas can become very cold. Outside the rainy seasons you can expect to enjoy dry, hot days. Generally high temperatures make the Kenyan coast the perfect destination for a beach holiday. April and May see the greatest amount of rainfall on the coast and therefore should be avoided for a beach holiday.



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