The national language of Kenya is Swahili, with English being the official language and is widely spoken across East Africa.

Kenya is no different to any other country in the world - there are some people who may try to take advantage of visitors should they be given the opportunity. For this reason, please do take extra precautions. While walking on the beach or in the street, avoid wearing valuable jewellery and ensure that your wallets are in a secure place, handbags are carried tucked under the arm.
Do not take long walks along the beach or walk along open roads, particularly at night – always take a taxi. Be aware of the possibility of pick-pockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas.
We recommend that you put passports, money, traveler’s cheques, jewellery, your tickets and other valuable items in the safe or safe deposit boxes as it is inadvisable to leave these items in your room or take them to the beach. There may be a small charge for this service at some hotels. Keep the key safe – there will be a charge if you lose it.

On going for a game drive, close all windows including your tent zippers and do not forget to spray it with insect repellant. Always remember to keep your distance from the wild animals as some of them can be quiet dangerous. Never get out of your vehicle except at designated points and be sure to shut all windows. Remember, it is illegal to feed any animal, make noise in order to attract them, or deviate from designated roads for a closer photograph. In order to get the most of your safari take notice of everything around you, asking all the questions you can think of and carry reference books of wildlife, birds and trees.

It is advisable to take a medical insurance prior to entering Kenya. If you need medical care whilst in Kenya, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In such circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

Even though Kenya water is safe to drink, it may cause some stomach problems in the few days you’ll be here as it is probably treated with a different combination of chemicals from those used at home. For this reason we recommend that you use bottled mineral water to minimize the risk. Do remember that an excess of iced drinks in hot weather is more often responsible for causing upset stomachs so try to take it slowly at first and have drinks that have been chilled in the bottle rather than adding extra ice.

Travelers should carry an adequate supply of medicines and first aid accessories with them as supplies are limited in Kenya. Most chemists in the major towns are open from 0830h to 1230h and 1400h to 17h00, Monday to Friday and 0800h to 13h00h on Saturdays. There are no emergency chemists opened after working hours.

When it comes to accommodation, Kenya has a fine diversity of accommodation options ranging from camping, at some of the finest campsites to luxury hotels and lodges, from youth hostels to five star luxury suites, the possibilities are endless.
Your choice of accommodation will depend on your interests and personal travel budget. For some people, sleeping under canvas in the bush surrounded with wild animals kept away by an open fire is a life time experience that has greater value than the most costly hotel or lodge.
For others, the experience of costly and luxury accommodation mixes with fine cuisine and world class service while surrounded by wild animals, makes Kenya the ultimate destination.

Power supply is 220/240 volt 50 cycle. Plugs are usually 13-amp 3 pin square (British type).

Banks are numerous in major towns and airports as well as many bureau de change. Business hours are from 900h to 1500h, Mondays to Fridays, and 900h – 1130h on Saturdays though hotels and lodges change money outside these hours.

Kenya unit of currency is the Shilling. Coins are in denomination of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. Please note that Kenyan currency cannot be exported and any surplus can be re-exchanged into foreign currency at the airport bank.

International credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, stores, hotels, lodges, camps, car rental firms, etc. However, many small shops in rural areas will not accept them. American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa and MasterCard Traveler's Checks are widely accepted.

Communication in Kenya is quite reliable owing to the many modes available such as the internet, mobile/cell phone communication, direct land line telephone and telephone booths plus radio call, just to name but a few. Nairobi, Mombasa and the main towns in Kenya and East Africa are well connected for all modes of communications. The most reliable is the mobile phone, which is widely used and cheap to buy. Out in the national parks, virtually all safari lodges have a fixed line phone link though cell phone coverage in the safari locations is often not present or reliable. Some lodges also offer internet connectivity.

The quality of service will obviously dictate the amount to give otherwise it is largely up to you. Service charge is included in most hotels and lodges. It is advisable to tip the tour drivers as well.

Kenya is blessed with a very beautiful weather. Throughout the year there’s plenty of sunshine and summer clothes are worn throughout the year though it is usually cool at night and early in the morning. Around April to May rainfall is sometimes heavy while some areas are cloudier though without much rain around July / August. The central plateaus are warm and dry with cool nights but towards the Coastal regions the climate is quite hot and humid.

Kenyan people are very friendly but please respect their right to privacy and ask permission before taking their photograph. Maasai and Samburu warriors will expect payment for posing. Do not take pictures of government and military personnel and installations. Remember to keep your cameras in a dust resistant, padded case and out of the midday sun.