Kenya

Australia: Yes – Visa required
Belgium: Yes – Visa required
Canada: Yes – Visa required
Germany: Yes- Visa required
Ireland: Yes – Visa required
Netherlands: Yes – Visa required
New Zealand: Yes – Visa required
South Africa: Yes – Visa required if travelling for more than 30days
Switzerland: Yes – Visa required
United Kingdom: Yes – Visa required
USA: Yes – Visa required

Visas can be obtained either on arrival in to Kenya or as an e-Visa online prior to travel. Single-entry visas (business or tourism) are USD50 and a transit visa (valid for three days) USD20. The single-entry visa allows for multiple entries in to Kenya for a period of 90 days provided you have not left East Africa. The four-step e-Visa procedure is completed through the immigration website: www.ecitizen.go.ke and requires visitors to apply form and passport-sized photo. e-Visas can take around seven working days to process. Visitors will then be required to present their printed e-Visa upon entry to Kenya.

**IMPORTANT** If you are travelling on one of our itineraries that re-enters Kenya, you will need to take multiple copies of your e-Visa – one to present at each border crossing.

Don’t assume that the great migration is the best time to visit Kenya; the wildlife can be seen year-round, with babies being born towards the end of the year, and migratory bird species visiting from September to April. During the long rains – from March to May – some accommodation may shut down, and travel can be tough. However, photographers may enjoy the challenge of stormy skies and vibrant green landscapes. November – December’s short rains cause less disruption and refresh the vegetation.

Kenya and East Africa are great year-round destinations. The main tourist season is in January and February, since the hot, dry weather at this time of year is generally considered to be the most pleasant. It’s also when bird life flocks to the Rift Valley lakes in the greatest numbers. June to September could be called the ‘shoulder season’ as the weather is still dry. The rains hit from March to May (and to a lesser extent from October to December). During these months things are much quieter – places tend to have rooms available and prices may decrease. The rains generally don’t affect travelers’ ability to get around.

July/August and December are the busiest times when parks and lodges get a bit crowded and reservations often must be made at least 6 to 8 months in advance. Travel during rest of the year primarily depends on the weather.

Kenya and East Africa enjoy a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the region. The average annual temperature in Nairobi (altitude 4,980 feet/1,518 meters) is 77°F(25°C) max 56°F(13°C) min. The coastal town of Mombasa (altitude 50 feet/15 meters) is 86°F(30°C) max and 73°F(22°C) min.

There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning. The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and when it does come, it often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and the coolest from July to August.

The annual migration of wildlife between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya takes place between June and September. The migration of almost two million wildebeest, zebras and other species is nature’s greatest spectacle on earth. During the rest of the year the herd can be seen in different parts of the massive Serengeti

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Kenya, but a little generosity will be received positively, especially considering the low wages that Kenyan service workers are typically paid. Setting aside a small amount for porters, guides and drivers is wise, as is leaving spare change at restaurants.

Travelers will be able to access the internet quite easily in the internet cafes of Kenya’s large cities but should expect limited or no access in regional and rural areas.

Mobile phone coverage is good in Kenya’s large cities and towns, but less so in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile phone.

Squat/pit toilets are the standard in Kenya, except for western-style flushable toilets that are sometimes available in large hotels and other modern buildings. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper, as this is rarely provided.

Street food (plate of stew) = 80 KES
Bottle of beer in a local bar = 150 KES
Food court or fast-food meal = 300-400 KES
Meal at a sit-down restaurant = 700-800 KES

Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Kenya. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It’s also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and western-style restaurants but not by smaller vendors. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

ATMs are easily found in large cities and tourist areas like Nairobi and Mombasa, but are rarer in small towns, rural areas and villages. Be sure to have other payment methods available when venturing out of the big cities, as ATMs aren’t always an option.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

• 1 Jan New Year’s Day
• 2 Jan New Year Holiday
• 14 Apr Good Friday
• 17 Apr Easter Monday
• 1 May Labour Day
• 1 Jun Madaraka Day / National Day
• 26 Jun Idd ul Fitr / End of Ramadan*
• 1 Sep Idd ul Azha (Muslims only)*
• 18 Oct Diwali (Hindus only)
• 20 Oct Mashujaa Day
• 12 Dec Jamhuri Day
• 25 Dec Christmas Day
• 26 Dec Boxing Day

Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Kenya go to: https://www.worldtravelguide.net/kenya/public-holidays

Yamral Africa is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It’s important to remember that what may be acceptable behavior, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

Responsible travel tips for Kenya

1. Be considerate of Kenya’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.
2. Dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders to knees should be covered, especially when entering places of worship.
3. Help protect endangered species by choosing not to buy ivory, coral or animal products.
4. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.
5. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.
6. When bargaining at markets, stay calm, be reasonable and keep a smile on your face. It’s meant to be fun!
7. Learn some local language and don’t be afraid to use it – simple greetings will help break the ice.
8. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.
9. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.
10. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.
11. When on community visits or homestays, refrain from giving gifts or money to locals.
12. Be aware that many coastal communities in Kenya are quite conservative. Beach attire, when swimming, is fine but topless sunbathing isn’t. Don’t forget to cover up when leaving the beach and entering towns or urban areas.