Capital City: Nairobi

Population: 54 million

Government: Republic

Currency: Kenya Shilling (KES); however, USD, English Pounds, and Euro are also used.

Time: 3 hrs + GMT

Weather and climate

Kenya’s climate is similar to its neighbouring country, Tanzania, with two rainy seasons from mid-March until June and October-November. The European summer and winter periods are good for wildlife viewing since it’s generally dry then but remember that it’s a prevalent and busy time to travel.

Language

Kenya comprises about 40 ethnic groups, making the country extremely multilingual. However, English and Swahili are the two official languages and are widely spoken.

Security

 Kenya is generally a safe country; however, use common sense. Keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t walk in the towns or cities at night – take a taxi instead.

 Airports

Kenya’s main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located 15km southeast of Nairobi. Kenya’s second international airport is Moi International Airport (MBA), located 9km west of Mombasa, but this is primarily used for domestic and charter flights aside from flights to Zanzibar. Most domestic flights out of Nairobi depart from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4 mi south of Nairobi.

Getting there

International flights arrive at Jomo Kenyatta Airport, about 20 minutes from central Nairobi. A vast number of international airlines fly direct to Nairobi, including Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, Egypt Air, Oman Air and RwandAir.

Domestic airlines include Air Kenya, Mombasa Air Safari, Safarilink, Fly540, Kenya Airways, Jambo jet, African Express Airways and East African Safari Air.

Luggage

Due to limited space for storage in safari vehicles, we strongly recommend using soft duffle bags. Some air charters limit baggage to a 10 – 15kg maximum.

 Insurance

Take out travel insurance to cover loss of baggage or valuables, personal accident and medical expenses.

 Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory but a tip for exceptional services.

Electricity

The power plugs and sockets are type G. The standard voltage is 240 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (ensuring surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.

Cuisine

Local and international cuisine is served in the lodge.

A single-entry visa for Kenya is US $50 per person, plus US $1 for the service charge and handling fee. Visas must be applied and paid for online via the eCitizen portal before arrival. A copy of the eVisa has to be presented upon immigration. Please consider that the approval of your visa application may take up to one week.

Health

Yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling from susceptible countries; Malaria is endemic but is preventable. In addition, it is advisable to take malaria prophylactic. Always consult your travel doctor for the latest health advice before travelling to Kenya.

COVID-19 

All passengers over 12 years must provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Vaccination means receiving the prescribed doses of the specific vaccine at least 14 days before arrival (not including the day of vaccination).

Before arrival, all passengers arriving in Kenya must upload vaccination certificates or negative PCR test results to the PanaBIOS (or Global Haven) website (a QR code will be issued).

Passengers over the age of 12 years with no proof of vaccination or a PCR test will be subject to a Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival at their own cost. Any passenger over 12 years who tests positive on that Rapid Antigen Test will be subject to a PCR test at their own further cost and must isolate as per the latest Ministry of Health guidance.

Passengers below 12 years of age are exempt from the vaccination certificate or PCR test requirements.

Any passengers arriving in Kenya with flu-like symptoms must complete a passenger locator form. These passengers will also be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test at their own cost upon arrival. Pre-departure Rapid Antigen Tests or COVID-19 PCR tests may be considered at the airlines’ discretion for passengers travelling out of the country.

Kenya parks are best visited during the dry season, especially between June to October. Likewise, the short rains fall in November and December, followed by a partial drying out in January and February, which is the ideal period to enjoy Kenya’s fantastic birdlife.

The wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve can be witnessed from July to October. Therefore, if you plan to stay in the coastal area, it’s better to avoid the (long) rainy season, particularly from March to May.