Kenya Travel Tips Kenya-Travel Kenya

Getting ready to travel or flight to Kenya vacation

Most travelers to Kenya come from Europe, North America, or Asia. This involves some serious travel, preparing for international formalities, and being ready for some cultural differences.

When to come/go to Kenya

The main tourist seasons are December-January and July-August, responding to international vacation schedules. The great Migration of wildebeests and zebra usually reaches Kenya’s Masai Mara during July-August. October-January is the best time for a beach holiday, as there is less seaweed.

Residents’ love the rest of the year as well-fewer tourists, brilliant green of new tropical growth, cooler temperatures, and lower rates everywhere. Temperatures are temperate all year. Day temperatures are typically between 20-30 c. or 65-85 F. The rainy seasons are usually in April – May and November.

Most people travel to Nairobi by air. It is not possible to fly directly to Nairobi from North America. You must connect with a flight leaving from London, Amsterdam, Paris, Geneva, Rome, or Zurich.

Reputable travel agents or the various airlines flying into Nairobi or connecting European city can sometimes find bargain fares, but beware of time and refund restrictions. Book in advance to be sure of a seat, especially at peak travel times. Be aware that there will be a $20 departure tax levied when you leave Kenya.

Passport and Visas to Kenya

Passports should be current and valid for at least six months after your stay in Kenya. Visas are required. Before you travel to Kenya, you should request your visa from any Kenyan embassy, consulate, or high commission, or from any British embassy in countries where there is no Kenyan embassy. Visas take at least 24hours to process plus mailing time if you live at a distance. You need to send two passport photos with the application and your passport, along with proof of your ability to leave Kenya such as an air ticket.

Although visitors are usually given six months visa, the length of stay granted at the airport may be less. It is important to know what is granted so that you can renew your length of stay if necessary. It is also possible to purchase a visa on arrival at the airport.

Kenyan Money

The number of shillings to the US Dollar varies often, but follows the central Bank of Kenya exchange rates which are quoted daily in the local newspapers. U.S. dollars and pounds sterling are easy to exchange as are traveler’s checks, which can be replaced if stolen. Kenya shillings are a soft currency.

Currency converter websites:

http://www.xe.net/currency/ The universal Currency converter-currency converter with information updated daily.

http://www.olsen.ch/cgi-bin/exmenu Currency converter-More than 80 foreign exchange rates for any day since Jan1 1990 for more than 80 countries.

Major credit cards accepted in Kenya

Also accepted by many Kenyan hotels, Kenya travel agencies, Kenya car rentals companies, Kenya airlines, restaurants, and city shops. Cash, especially in lower denominations, is needed in a bargaining situation.

Africa Kenya travel Immunizations/ jabs and injections

The US Department of State recommends that you carry up-to –date immunization records of the following

• Tetanus Boosters
• Polio Boosters
• Typhoid Shots
• Gamma-globulin shots (against hepatitis A)
• Yellow Fever vaccinations
• Cholera vaccinations

Sources for Africa Kenya travel health information

Centre for disease control http://www.cdc.gov/travel/travel.html

Travel Health advisories http://www.leland.stanford.edu/~naked/stms.html