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TOURISTIC INFORMATIONS
Kenya General Information: East Africa
Local Time: 3 GMT
Capital City: Nairobi
Language: English, Kiswahili & other local languages
Electricity: 220/240v AC 50 Hz
Country Code: 254
Nairobi Code: 20
Driving:
Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit recommended. National licences are renewable after every 3 years and must be endorsed by the Kenya Revenue Authority Headquarters, Times Tower, Haile Sellassie Avenue.
Business/ Social Hint: Most Kenyans speak English. On social occasions, e.g. invitation to restaurants or clubs, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. Formal Invites will indicate dress code.
Passports & Visas
Restrictions
Passports: Required by all and at least 6 months validity from date of entry.
Visas:
The following DO NOT require a visa:
1) Nationals of Kenya
2) For tourism vists up to 3 months by nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Cyprus, San Marino & Namibia
3) For tourism visits up to 30 days by nationals of Bahamas, Belize, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia & Zimbabwe.
4) Holders of passports endorsed with a Kenya re-entry pass granted by the Government of Kenya.
Notes :
A Visitor’s Pass is obtainable on arrival (except to nationals of Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Korea (North), Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan & Yemen), however, it is strongly recommended to obtain a visa prior to departure.
Transit:
Required by all except those as noted above and:
1) Persons continuing their journey to another country without leaving the airport, provided holding confirmed onward/return tickets & documentation for their next destination.
Notes:
All visitors must hold onward/return tickets, documents required for next destination & sufficient funds for length of stay (minimum USD 500).
Useful Information on Kenya
Accommodation:
In Nairobi, a number of good hotels that fit your budget are available to choose from. Elsewhere across the country and in the National Parks, hotels and inns are generally available, but quality of service and quantity of rooms greatly varies. Oasis Camping Tours will book the best accommodation available for your safaris. Most of our itineraries start from Nairobi. If you require holiday bookings in Nairobi, please feel free to contact us so that we can make arrangements for you. Reservations should be made in advance.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport:
Most visitors to Kenya arrive by air, landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport approximately 20 minutes drive from the capital Nairobi. Transfers to and from the airport are available for any group size.
Alcohol:
Several brands of local beers are available; including Tusker, Guinness, Castle and Pilsner. Most wines and spirits are readily available and at reasonable prices. There are no limitations on the drinking of alcohol.
Banking:
Several international banks operate in Kenya. They include: Barclays, Standard Chartered, Bank of Baroda, CFC Bank, Citi Bank and Stanbic bank. Many banks and forex bureaus also operate across the country. Generally the banking hours are between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday to Fridays though some institutions are open longer hours and on Saturdays.
Climate:
Kenya enjoys ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of the lowlands to the coolness of the highlands. Mean temperatures are between 25 degrees centigrade and 31 degrees centigrade all year round. Wet seasons are March – May and October – November.
Clothing:
Light summer clothing supplemented by a sweater jacket should be sufficient all year round. Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks and flat-heeled comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari. Don’t forget to bring a hat for sun protection.
Currency:
The Kenya shilling (KSh or KES) is the currency used. It is available in denominations of 1, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000.
Drinking water:
We recommend that you do not drink tap water. Most hotels and restaurants provide previously boiled water. Mineral water is also available.
Food:
Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables abound throughout the country. Wide ranges of traditional and international meals are offered by most hotels and restaurants.
Health Requirements:
A yellow fever certificate is required. Check current medical advice on typhoid cholera and hepatitis. Malaria risk is general and a prophylaxis should be taken. It is advisable to begin anti-malarial medication 10 days prior to arrival and continue with the same until 14 days after leaving East Africa.
Language:
The official languages are English and Swahili.
Photography:
You are advised to bring cameras, films and batteries or purchase them from any of the major towns or cities in Kenya. A pair of binoculars will be useful for the keen game viewer. There is no charge for photography cameras but there may be charge for video cameras in some places. Clients are responsible for such fees.
Security:
Precaution should be taken as in any major city. Unless safety deposit boxes are available in your hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents, travelers cheque’s, cash and any other valuables with you at all times. We recommend that you do not walk late in the night but take a taxi.
Sports Facilities:
There are a variety of sports available in Nairobi and Mombasa cities – golf, squash, tennis etc. Arrangements can be made for these activities depending on individual interest.
Transport:
The roads are generally in good condition. 4WD vehicles may be required for up country use, especially in the national parks. We maintain a fleet of saloon cars, mini buses and four wheel drive vehicles, available on either a self drive or chauffeur driver basis.
Destination Information
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