PASSPORT AND VISAS - Your passport must be valid six months after date of travel.
All visitors require a tourist visa that can be procured at the Kenyan High Commission in their respective country or on arrival.

LANGUAGES - The main languages spoken in Kenya are Kiswahili and English, but you will find most staff in the hospitality services speaks French, German, Spanish, Japanese or Italian, etc. Many driver-guides also speak one or more of these languages.
TIME ZONE - Kenya is +3 hours GMT and +2 hours Central Europe in winter time and +1 hour in summer time.

HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION - A course of anti-malarial tablets is indispensable. Seek advice from a GP. A mosquito repellent is also advisable. Yellow-Fever vaccination is not mandatory; however we would recommend that you check with your local authorities as some countries require their nationals to immunize against yellow-fever. Hotels and Game Lodges supply clean drinking water in Thermos Flasks for drinking or brushing; bottled mineral water is available widely everywhere in the country and we highly recommend the use of mineral water.

DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER - If on medication, it is best to take a supply of medicines to last the entire trip.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX - An International airport departure tax of US$ 20.- or the equivalent in any other foreign currency is levied. Since September 1998, this tax should be collected by the International airline as part of the airfare. A service charge of sh.200 is due on domestic flights which could be included in your flight ticket or may be payable direct at the counter. Your agent will advise you accordingly.

CUSTOMS - Visitors may import, duty-free, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and one litre of spirit.
CURRENCY - The unit of currency is the Kenyan shilling, Exchange rate is $1 = KSH 70.- (20 May 2003).
Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the country.

COST OF LIVING - The average cost of eating out is equivalent to that in most developed countries. Lunch costs around $9 per head and an "a la carte" dinner is between USD $25 and USD $35 per person. Diners can choose between Kenyan, Indian, European-Continental and Asian cuisine. There are also fast food outlets and fish-and-chip shops! Kenyan beer is constantly winning medals and costs around USD $2 a bottle, while local wine is produced in the Naivasha region.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS - January 1, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May 1, June 1, October 10, October 20, December 12, and December 25-26. Eid-Ul-Fitr, Eid-Ul-Haj (Religious Holidays)

SHOPPING/ SOUVENIRS - There is a big variety of souvenirs to take home. Most hotels have licensed souvenir shops and there are a large number of such outlets in the main towns. The African Heritage, Nairobi, stocks a wide range of African crafts, while the Paa ya Paa Arts Centre, Ridgeways, Nairobi, displays and sells by indigenous artists, charging a nominal entrance fee. Interesting artifacts are also sold in the City's market. The Jacaranda special school, Nairobi and the Bombolulu Crafts Centre in Mombasa are charity-based, supporting the disabled. The ToToTo Home Industries in Mombasa helps local women to earn a living.
Amongst the best buys are: wood carvings, art and batiks, ethnic and modern jewellery with a Kenya flavour, semi-precious stones (such as malachite and tanzanite), tie-dye cotton cloths, safaris outfits, soap-stone carvings and basketware.

WHERE & HOW TO BUY - As you move along from point to point, you will come across many souvenir shops "kiosks" , if you like something, BARGAIN and BUY. At several places, barter is also possible. You may want to bring your used T-shirts, caps, sneakers etc.. And in exchange pick up Masai bead bracelets, small animal carvings etc. As your time can be limited, don't put off your shopping till the 'last day'. Often some of these 'kiosks' stock items that are not available in the city.
The traders accept Kenya Shillings, and all major currencies in cash and some of the bigger outlets also take International Credit Cards.
WHAT TO WEAR - Summer clothing is worn throughout the year, although at times a jacket and light raincoat may be necessary. On dawn and dusk safaris, a sweater is likely to be needed. On safari, wear neutral colours, such as brown, beige and khaki - bright colors may alarm the animals. Sensible walking Shoes are also recommended. Casual wear is the norm during the day, a short-sleeved shirt for men, light cotton dresses, or a skirt and top for women. In the evening, in some hotels and restaurants, particularly in the cities, men may be required to wear a jacket and tie, while women will feel more comfortable in a cocktail dress. Sunglasses and a hat for protection against the sun are recommended and swimsuits should be packed for the swimming pool or beach. Topless sunbathing is not permitted.

WHAT TO BRING - Don't forget the camera, camcorder and a plentiful supply of film and spare batteries. A pair of binoculars will greatly enhance game viewing while a torch to find your way around camp after dark is a good idea.
Books, pencils, crayons and candy are very welcome as gifts to the children of local villages that you would pass (or visit)
whilst on safari.

PHOTOGRAPHY - It is forbidden to take photographs of official buildings, of the flag of Kenya and of the president. It is advisable to ask their consent before photographing the people. Useful tips: if you stay in Kenya long enough, have your photos processed there, it is cheaper than in Europe ; the use of an U.V. filter on your lens is advisable in all circumstances.

BEHAVIOR IN TOWN - Kenya has several religions, but the Coast is predominantly Muslim, therefore you are requested to observe certain modesty in your dress.

BEHAVIOR IN PARKS - The animals are at home, do not disturb their daily life, do not throw litter and do not encourage your driver to drive off the track. Don’t be disappointed if you have not seen all the species on your list, consider on the contrary that you have been lucky to see what you have seen and enjoy the landscape and the immensity

TRAVEL LIGHT - Some safaris / air charters limit baggage to a 10-15 kilos maximum. Baggage space in minibuses is limited too and we therefore recommend use soft bags and/or soft suitcases.