Kenya Travel Guide

Quick Links about Kenya

• Country Facts
• Kenya Travel Guide
• Tourist Attractions
• Kenya National Parks

How to reach Kenya by flight

There are many international airlines reaching Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The major airlines that fly to Nairobi from Europe include British Airways (London), KLM (Amsterdam), SN Brussels Airlines (Brussels), and Swiss/Crossair (Zürich). From the USA, a connecting flight must be taken. Other international airlines that fly to Nairobi include El Al, Egyptair, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Air Malawi, Air Zimbabwe, and Qantas. Only a couple of German airlines fly direct from Europe to Moi International Airport in Mombasa, from Münich (LTU) or Frankfurt (Condor).

When to go

The best time of the year to visit Kenya is the boreal summer, from July to September. A second choice is the boreal winter from January to February. There are two rainy seasons, the "long rains" from March to June and the "short rains" from October to December. Seasonal rains condition both road communications and some cyclic wildlife movements. Wildlife is more abundant in Masai Mara during the boreal summer.

Luggage

We shall advise you to travel light as most of the trip will be on the safari vehicles. Remember your hand bag for the trekking.

Documents and Visa entry fees

Visas to Kenya can be obtained directly on entry and costs 50 USD for 90 days. The passport must be valid for at least six months starting from the date of entry.

Health requirements

It is advisable to have the vaccinations against yellow fever, hepatitis, typhus and tetanus. Risk of malaria is very reduced in Nairobi and the Highlands above 2,000 m, whereas the risk rises in the Indian Ocean coast. The malignant type of the illness, produced by Plasmodium falciparum, is the most frequent in Kenya. The usual prophylaxis consists of a combination of chloroquine and proguanyl, or otherwise drugs that combine the two compounds. Prophylaxis with mefloquine (Lariam) is specially recommended for high risk areas, given the presence of strains resistant to chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimetamine.

Currency and Exchange rate

The national currency is the Kenya shilling (Ksh or KES). Each shilling is divided into 100 cents. In 2006 1 USD is exchanged at the average rate of 73 Ksh. It is a good idea to carry cash and traveller cheques in US dollars. The most widely used are American Express, Thomas Cook and Citibank. Restaurants, hotels, lodges and big shops accept the major credit cards.

What to dress

Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.