KENYA

In order to ensure that you have the best experience possible, we ask that you please read the following information:

PASSPORTS AND VISAS*

A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens, and it should remain valid for at least six months after completion of travel. There must be at least two blank visa pages. When traveling to multiple countries, be sure to calculate the total number of blank pages required for your specific journey. Please note that the last three pages for amendments and endorsements in the passport are not considered visa pages.

You should obtain an eVisa in advance for travel to Kenya. Follow the instructions at http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html. eVisas are valid for 90 days upon approval, so do not apply until it is within 90 days of your departure from Kenya. Visa requirements are waived for travelers who are under the age of 16 at the time of travel; they only need to present a valid passport upon arrival.

Until further notified, visas are also being offered for purchase ($50 USD pp using crisp bills 2009 series and newer) on arrival into main airports including Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta.

• Entry information is for U.S. citizens. Citizens of any other country should check with the Kenyan Embassy for specific entry requirements.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Vaccinations: Please check with the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc. gov) and your doctor for the most current information and advice about inoculation requirements specific to your trip. They typically recommend that you remain up to date with routine and other vaccinations. Kenya requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever, including neighboring countries. In this case, you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided when vaccinated. Anti-malaria medication may also be recommended.

Medication: If you or any of your traveling party are taking prescription medicine, please carry an adequate supply as it may not be easily obtainable while you are traveling. Always place your medication in your carry-on luggage to ensure you have access to it at all times.

Food and Water: Do not drink (or brush teeth) with tap water. We recommend that you drink bottled water, which is readily available. You should take the same precautions with food and water as you would at home.

Safety: It is always good practice to be aware of your surroundings and to not leave your personal items (especially money) vulnerable. Be especially conscious of your belongings at major tourist sites. When possible, we recommend that you leave your valuables in your hotel’s safe.

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you purchase adequate travel insurance to protect yourself and your investment against any mishap or unforeseen circumstances. It’s important to be fully protected prior (pre-departure trip cancellation) or during your travels, should there be any medical or other complication. It is important that you carry a copy of your policy while traveling.

CURRENCY

Kenya’s unit of currency is the Shilling (KHS), but US Dollars are widely accepted. Major credit cards are accepted by most larger stores and hotels/camps/lodges. We recommend that you carry some US Dollars for incidentals in addition to major credit cards. When traveling to Africa, carry only new-issue (within the last 5 years) notes in good condition, as older notes and those that are wrinkled, torn or faded may not be accepted.

See the current exchange rate at www.xe.com.

CLOTHING

Kenya is just north of the Equator, and at most times of the year the days are warm to hot and the evenings cool to warm. On safari, nights can be quite chilly, and a warm jacket is needed. A general rule of thumb is to choose layers for differences in temperature. Clothing should be light to medium weight. Rain wear is recommended March-May and November-December. When packing for safari travel, avoid bringing brightly colored clothing or anything with animal patterns. Also, avoid wearing perfume. Regardless of your destination, make sure that you bring comfortable walking shoes (preferably flat soled) for sightseeing. Please see our recommended packing checklist.

PACKING CHECKLIST

• Travel documentation (travel insurance policy, e-tickets, final itinerary with emergency contacts, etc.)
• Valid passport (plus a photocopy)
• Credit card/cash
• Appropriate layered clothing suitable for expected climate for your travel date/destination and activity
• Casual neutral/earth-tone colors for safari
• Warmer coat or fleece for evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes (depending on activities planned in your itinerary)
• Headscarf or bandana for dusty, dry regions
• Raincoat
• Swimsuit
• Prescription medication and over-the-counter medication
• First aid kit, band aids
• Insect repellent
• Extra contact lenses/eye glasses
• Personal toiletries, lip balm and hand sanitizer
• Sun protection (polarized UV sunglasses, UVA / UVB sunscreen, protective sun hat)
• Cameras and personal electronic devices, as well as extra memory cards / batteries
• Binoculars (recommend general purpose – 8x40 or 10x42)
• Compact flashlight
• Necessary chargers, converters and adapters/batteries for personal electronic devices
• Waterproof zip lock bags
• Laundry can be done at most hotels, camps and lodges.

TIME ZONE

+ 7 EST (New York)

+ 3 GMT Year round

BAN OF PLASTIC BAGS

Kenya has joined over 40 countries that have made plastic bags illegal, in an effort to reduce impact on the environment (including use and importation). The ban applies to duty free carrier bags, general shopping bags, dry cleaning bags, etc.

Travelers arriving into Kenya via airports, sea ports or land borders will be required to leave any bags deemed to be on the banned list at the point of entry. Travelers will not be fined so long as they surrender any prohibited bags.

We advise guests to refrain from using all forms of disposable plastic carrying bags in both main luggage and hand luggage, to avoid inconveniences and possibly prosecution. Instead, paper or cloth bags can be used.

ELECTRICITY

The electrical voltage in Kenya is 230 volts. A three-pin Type G plug (as in the UK) is standard. A voltage converter and appropriate plug adaptors are required if you are carrying electrical items with North American 110 voltage. Some safari camps and lodges may not have 230V and may operate on solar powered 12V electricity. Remember to bring spare batteries that can be charged while you are out on safari activities. Some camps/lodges may turn off power from late in the evening until early the next morning.

COMMUNICATION

Kenya’s communications infrastructure is not as good as it is in other countries. Check with your local cell phone provider prior to departure to determine the availability and charges to make and receive cell phone calls in Kenya. Internet service is available in Kenya, but it can be unreliable or slow. Please note that telephone and Internet service may not be available in safari camps and lodges.

SHOPPING

Kenya’s handcrafted items are beautiful and make excellent souvenirs. Look for beaded jewelry, mango wood carvings, soap stone pieces, batik and kikoi pictures, pottery, blankets and coffee.