General Information on Kenya Geography Kenya lies on the equator and shares common borders with Tanzania and Uganda, which make up the region of East Africa. People There are over 40 tribal ethnic groups, each with their own dialect though most people in Kenya speak Kiswahili as well as their own tribal language. English is commonly spoken in the major towns and at all lodges and hotels. Climate The Kenyan climate is very pleasant and variations in altitude and terrain can create contrasts. Generally in the Highlands the climate is cool; elsewhere the temperatures can reach approximately 35C during the day. The coast is humid and balmy. Over most of the country there are two rainy seasons: - the short rains occur from late October through November - the long rains which occur from March to early June. It is possible to visit Kenya during the rainy seasons. Few roads are affected, the parks are fresh and green and there are fewer people and vehicles. Rain usually falls in the late afternoon preceded by bright, sunny and fresh days. July and august are the coolest months and are often overcast especially in the morning. December - mid March is the warmest time of the year. Health precautions Kenya is considered a generally healthy place to travel to. Malarial mosquitoes are not present in large quantities inland due to the high altitude of the country, but there is a higher risk at the coast and it is recommended that you take Malarial prophylaxis. There are no mandatory inoculations required for Kenya, but you should contact your doctor or a specialised travel clinic for further advice. Insurance There is no viable national welfare scheme and visitors to Kenya are responsible for their own medical expenses. We insist on our clients being covered by Flying Doctors' Service. All clients are requested to leave a copy of their travel insurance with us at their briefing, along with copies of their airline tickets and passports. Drinking water Visitors are advised to drink only bottled water throughout their stay. Currency The monetary unit is the Kenyan shilling. There is no limit to the amount of currency or traveller's cheques that a visitor may bring into the country. Traveller's cheques are recommended. Most hotels, lodges and shops in Kenya will take the major credit cards. Reverting your Kenyan shillings into hard currency is easily done at the airport, hotels & banks. As there is no longer "exchange control", the rate of exchange varies between banks, foreign exchange bureau and hotels. Luggage Visitors are advised to ensure that baggage is packed in soft bags and should weigh no more than 15kgs per person. It is possible to store luggage not required during the safari either at the clients hotel if they are returning there after their safari or with us at our offices. Most lodges have laundry facilities. Tipping Tipping is not compulsory in Kenya, however, if guests are happy with the service that they have received, any gesture of appreciation will be enthusiastically received. Voltage Voltage throughout the country is 220-240AC. Most of the safari vehicles have a cigarette lighter socket operating on a 12 volt system. Most lodges & camps are run on generators and solar invertors which will provide power during limited times during the day & evening. Please carry adaptors with a square 3-pin English standard option and sufficient batteries for photographic equipment. Kenya Tourist Visa These are available at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upon arrival. Visa fee US$ 50 per person. Safari Checklist Women's Clothing Men's Clothing Others Toiletries Equipment Sports shoes Flip flops Hat Windbreaker/ Jacket Sweater/ Pullover/ Fleece Long trousers Shorts Socks T-shirts Long sleeve shirts Pyjamas Swimsuit Underwear Casual evening outfit Belt Sports shoes Flip flops Hat Windbreaker/ Jacket Sweater/ Pullover/ Fleece Long trousers Shorts Socks T-shirts Long sleeve shirts Pyjamas Swimsuit Underwear Casual evening outfit Belt   Passport Health card Air Tickets/ vouchers Money Credit cards Traveller's cheques Sun glasses Prescription glasses Books/ Magazines Playing cards/ travelling games   Malaria Prophylactics Insect repellant Sun screen Motion sickness pills Lip balm Shampoo & Conditioner Deodorant Toothpaste & Toothbrush Hair brush/comb Wet shave razor (no electricity) Small scissors & tweezers Feminine hygiene supplies Hair dryer (may not be able to use in all camps) Camera & camera bag Lens cleaning equipment Camera Batteries Battery charger Binoculars Flash light (small, with batteries) Converter/ plug set