Kenya has been a focus of attention for its varied wildlife for many years. The country has had its fair share of international publicity too. Adventurous hunters like Teddy Roosevelt and Earnest Hemingway have contributed significantly in promoting Kenya as a popular wildlife destination in Africa. 
its countryside are an indication of the commercialisation of Kenya's popular wildlife tourism sector. However, Kenya has been coping extremely well with the hordes of package tourists coming in. To counter this trend many new 'Boutique' lodges have also cropped up, which host only a limited number of guests in an exclusive and remote setting.
What does L and H stand for?
L- Low season.The rainy times, March to mid June and November to mid-December, are periods of low tourism (hence low season).
H- High season.Mid June to October and mid-December to February are periods of dry weather and high tourism(hence high season). Many tourists planning a safari to Kenya & Tanzania prefer the high season, with its dry weather and spectacle of annual wildebeest migration, on the other hand,the weather certainly does not disappoint youDo I require a Visa? There is NO visa requirement for citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Commonwealth countries with EXCEPTION to citizens of the following countries who do require visas: Antigua,Bermuda,Guyana,India,South Africa (for visitors staying more than 30 days),Sri Lanka ,United Kingdom,Malaysia (for visits of more than 30 days),New Zealand (for visits of more than 30 days),Nigeria,Canada, Ireland and Australia
Citizens of the following countries need to HAVE a visa PRIOR to arriving in Kenya:
Afghanistan,Somali,Iran,Lebanon,Iraq,Syria,Senegal,Mali,Nigeria (residing outside Nigeria),Cameroon,Pakistan,North Korea andAzerbaijan
The following countries have concluded visa abolition agreement with Kenya:
Visas are readily obtained at the Airport upon arrival as well as from the Kenya Embassies and High Commissions abroad prior to departure.
Travel within East Africa Currency: The Kenya Shilling (KES) Approximate Exchange rates USD 1 = KES 80 GBP 1 = KES 120 EUR 1 = KES 90
Please check the rate of exchange prior to travel.
Banking hours- 0900 to 1500 hrs Monday to Friday 0900 to 1100 hours, Saturday (first and last Saturday of every month). Banks at International Airports are open 24 hours a day.
Payment in US Dollars is more common in Kenya.
Currency Exchange is offered in all banks, foreign exchange bureaus and most hotels. Foreign exchange bureaus are recommended as they do not charge commission. All major credit and charge cards are accepted in most large shops and major hotels but NOT outside the main cities. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are easily accessible to withdraw money using major credit cards. Travelers cheques are accepted and exchanged in all banks. Travelers cheques in US Dollars (USD) Pound (GBP) and South African Rand (ZAR) are recommended.
Clothing: Lightweight clothing is generally required in Kenya, although warmer clothing may be necessary for the evenings and the higher areas of the region. Rainwear is advisable during rainy season.
Climate: Kenya has a temperate to tropical climate all year round. How ever the highlands where a number of the national parks are located are cool all year round and evenings may be chilly even during summer. Rainfall is mainly from April to May and between October and December. During the winter months, the higher mountain regions have low enough temperatures for frost and snow.
Airport Information: Nairobi - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is approximately 16 kilometers south east of the city centre.
Mombasa – Moi International Airport (MBA) is approximately 13 kilometers west of the city centre.
Customs: Duty free allowance for persons of 18 years of age and above and above. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225 grams of tobacco; half litre of wine or half litre of spirits; and 570 milliliters of perfume.
Meet and assist: At Nairobi, Mombasa, or Zanzibar international airports you will be met by representative of Worldsites Tours & Travel. The representative will assist you transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Driving Licence: Driving is on the right hand side of the road. International Driving Permit is recommended.
Emergency telephone numbers in Kenya: Ambulance Fire and Police – 999 For all enquiries - 900 Directory enquiries – 991
Medical Services: Worldsites Tours & Travel obtains temporary membership for its visitors of the Famous Flying Doctor Society which operates in East Africa. In the event of a serious illness or an accidental on safari, the doctors fly out from their headquarters at Wilson Airport or Moi International Airport, Mombasa and either treat the casualties or fly them to a hospital in Nairobi.
In Kenya, most pharmacies are closed on Saturday afternoon, Sunday and public holidays. Working hours on the weekend for pharmacies are published in the national newspapers or alternatively, please check with the concierge of your hotel.
Recommended hospitals in the main cities: Nairobi
Tel #020 722160
Tel#02 74 0000 Mombasa
Tel#041 227710/5
Tel#041 312190/1
Language: Swahili is the national language and English is the official language.
Tipping: In most restaurants and hotels, a service charge is included in the bill. Extra tipping is optional. On safari we recommend that drivers and guides are given tips on daily basis.
Sports & leisure activities: Tennis, squash, golf, horse riding, game viewing safaris, balloon safaris, in the Maasai Mara and swimming. In addition, big game fishing, water sports like sailing, scuba diving and surfing are available on the Kenyan Coast.
Suggested Restaurants in Nairobi: American cuisine – Ngong Road – Horseman Barbecue - Langata Road – Carnivore Continental cuisine – Karen Road – The Rusty Nail, Karen Blixen
Shopping: Good buys include local handicrafts, Kenyan gems, African Art, locally woven cloth referred to as khanga, kitenge and kikoi, wooden statuettes known as makonde carvings and maasai necklaces. |