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KENYA - TANZANIA
Unearth the facts about ecotourism!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kenya.
 ur East African based sales team provides you with our personal, professional service. Arranging a safari may not be your forte, but it is ours!
With access to the latest, accurate local information, let us answer your questions for your dream tour. |
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There are 5 pages of FAQs and suggestions you can use to help
you:
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- Geography
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Located in the Heart of Africa, Kenya shares borders with Ethiopia in the north,
Sudan in the Northwest, Uganda in the West and Tanzania in the south. The Indian
Ocean lies to the East. The Rift Valley runs through the country north to south.
There are four primary regions: The northern deserts, including Lake Turkana and
the Laikipia Plateau. The southern savannah, including the Masai Mara and the
Great Rift Valley. The coastal lowlands, including Mombasa and the Watamu National
Marine Park. The highlands, including Nairobi and Mount Kenya.
- Language
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English is the official language, and is widely spoken in commercial areas. Kiswahili
is the unofficial language, used throughout the country. In remote areas, the
majority of people will only speak their tribal language.
- Getting to Kenya
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Kenya is well served by major international airlines, which fly into Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa). Some Commonwealth
citizens do not require visas. We strongly recommend you check with the nearest
Kenya Embassy or Tourist Office to ensure you have the most up to date visa information.
Yellow Fever and Cholera vaccinations are required only for visitors arriving
from countries where these diseases are endemic. Check with your Embassy and/or
local heath office for more details.
- Leaving Kenya
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An airport departure tax of US$40 per person, or its equivalent, is payable when
leaving Kenya. This fee is often included in your international airfare, unless
stated otherwise. Please check with your agent when purchasing your international
tickets. A local departure tax of Kshs 200 (approx. US$3) per person, per flight,
is payable for internal Kenyan flights.
- Climate
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Kenya offers warm days with cool early mornings and evenings throughout most of
the country. At altitude the temperatures are moderate. The Coast is often humid
and tropical. There are two primary rainy seasons: the long rains roughly from
April to June and the short rains during October and November.
- Clothing
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Informal, lightweight clothing is recommended. Mornings and evenings can be cool
at altitude, so bring a sweater or cardigan. A hat is highly recommended due to
the sun. On the Kenya coast, ladies are expected to dress modestly in public.
Nude or topless sunbathing is not only illegal, but also affects the sensibilities
of the Muslim community.
- Communications Back
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Telephone, fax and some email services are available, though prone to difficulties.
Most resorts, lodges and camps will have at least a radio link with their primary
Kenyan offices. In the major cities and on the Coast, international direct dialing
should be available, if a little costly.
- Tipping In East Africa Back
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It has been customary since safaris began to consider tips for your driver/guide
and support staff. However, tipping is a very personal subject and the decision
to tip and how much to give is entirely yours. Unlike in the USA or most of Europe,
tips in Kenya are considered a gift; they are not a part of wages or payment.
They are considered a bonus and are not expected or required.
An average daily wage in East Africa is just over US$ 1.20. As such, giving a
porter a tip of a dollar is very generous. Room or tent stewards would be delighted
with a tip of between US$0.50 - US$ 1.00 per day.
In a restaurant, if service has not been added to the bill, then a tip of 10%
is suitable, if you are satisfied with the service. In most safari camps and lodges,
a service charge has been included in your accommodation rate, which is paid to
the staff by the establishment.
In general, the only person who will expect a tip from you is your driver/guide,
who would be very happy with a tip of around US$ 2- US$ 3 per couple per day.
If you are camping rather than staying in a lodge, your camp cook would appreciate
approximately US$ 10 per person for the entire trip. If you also have a camp assistant,
then a tip of US$ 5 per person for the entire trip would be suitable.
- Currency
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The Kenya shilling is freely exchangeable. Most major facilities accept major
credit cards; Visa and Master Card are the most widely accepted.
- Driving
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Kenyans drive on the left hand side of the road. It is recommended that you travel
with an international driving license if you plan to drive in Kenya.
- Health
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Anti-malarial prophylactics should be taken before, during and after your visit
to Kenya, especially if you visit the Coast. Good medical facilities are available
in the major cities. Membership with groups such as the Flying Doctors is also
recommended; Eco-resorts includes Flying Doctor emergency evacuation coverage
in all of our safaris, unless otherwise stated. Hotels, camps and lodges should
provide either bottled water, or filtered water for drinking. Please do not drink
the tap water.
- Local time Back
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GMT plus 3.
- Safety precautions Back
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Common sense precautions should be taken at all times. Please check the travel
advisories from the US State Department and the British Foreign Office.
- Electricity
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220 / 240 volts AC. Plugs are the UK-type, round 2-pin or flat 3 pin.
**This information provided with thanks by the Kenya Tourist Board
and other sources.**
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