Kenya FAQs

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Written by
Amie Larsen, Tor Saner, James Harris, Jody van Merode, Iain McConachie & Angela Thomas

Published on: October 21st, 2012

Last modified: August 3rd, 2022

We've compiled our list of most frequently asked questions to help you get prepared before your big adventure to Kenya. Please read through the questions, using the navigation bar on the left hand side of your page to move easily between the different sections.

Please note that requirements and advice can change so we recommend you check in with your own travel insurer, doctor and relevant local embassies before embarking on your adventure.

Are there any entry requirements for Kenya?

 

Visas

Visas are required for Kenya. Most nationalities including US, Canadian and British must obtain an e-visa through the official government website, http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html at USD 50 per person. Some nationalities such as Indian passport holders will need to obtain visas in person from the embassy in their country, this can take a few weeks to arrange.

Please note that requirements can change and we recommend that our guests contact the local embassy in the country where you live for the most recent and up to date information.

Passports

It’s important that your passport is valid for at least six months after your intended departure and you should have two consecutive blank pages facing each other for the relevant immigration stamps.If you visit other countries you will need two blank pages per country.

We will confirm certain elements of your trip such as domestic flights, permits or train tickets using your current passport details. If a member of your party changes their name in their passport after booking (for example, through marriage or adoption) this could mean having to reissue important parts of the trip at an extra cost and subject to availability. 

Medical

If you are travelling between two East African countries or you are visiting Zanzibar you will require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. You will not need to show this certificate if you are coming from the USA or Europe, for example.

Are there any laws, rules or regulations I should be aware of?

Single use plastics are banned in Kenya. Zip lock bags used for storage that you will take home with you are allowed.

There are also rules on travelling with minors without both legal guardians so please check with your travel designer or concierge about this.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, once your trip is confirmed it is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in case anything unexpected happens. 

We always recommend that our guests get the maximum level of coverage that you feel comfortable investing in. Read more about travel insurance for US travellers here and for travellers from other countries here.

Do I need to visit a travel doctor before my trip?

Yes, you should visit a travel doctor before your trip as they may recommend certain vaccinations or medications before or during travel. Some vaccines commonly recommended for travellers to Africa include: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies and Meningitis.

There is a high risk of Malaria in parts of Kenya. Please speak with your travel doctor about the best anti malaria medication for you and bring insect repellent, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long trousers with closed shoes in the evenings and early mornings. Please seek medical advice before applying very strong insect repellent to young children.

As mentioned above under Entry Requirements you may need proof of yellow fever certificate if visiting other East African countries.

What do I need to know about my regional flights?

Flights in Kenya are typically taken on small, light aircraft with a strict luggage restriction of 15kg/33lbs in soft sided bags, per person – this includes hand luggage and camera equipement. The bags should be duffle style with no hard aspects or wheels. Please speak with your travel designer or concierge if you have any questions regarding excess luggage, for camera equipment for example. Please inform us in advance if anyone travelling has an individual weight of more than 100kgs (220lbs) as additional weight allowance on the aircraft must be purchased for safety and comfort.

We suggest that you check in online 24 hours before your domestic, regional and international flights. We will provide you with the tickets and details of the flights we have arranged for you approximately 2 weeks before travel.

What will I receive from Jacada before I depart?

 

Travel pack

Before you head off on your adventure you will be sent a travel pack. The travel pack is full of great information and is also a beautiful keepsake. It is not necessary to travel with vouchers or confirmations on your trip but we do recommend having a printed copy of your travel itinerary to hand when you arrive into Kenya.

Bon Voyage email

Around 2 weeks before you depart we will email you an electronic version of your travel pack including your domestic flight tickets. Once you’ve received this email your Travel Designer will reach out to arrange a time for you to talk on the phone to go over any last minute questions and talk you through the information we’ve sent over.

Do I need to bring the local currency?

 

Local currency and US dollars

Kenya’s local currency is the kenyan shilling. You will need local currency for tips outside of high-end lodges/hotels or purchasing items from local shops and markets. Obtaining local currency from ATMs and currency exchange counters in large airports and cities is straightforward. US dollars can be used for tipping on safari or larger transactions. Obtaining US dollars in Kenya can be difficult and the exchange rate is often poor. The US dollar bills you bring with you from home should be no older than 2011 with no damage such as rips, tears or even deep fold marks.

Credit and debit cards

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places visited by tourists (hotels or larger restaurants in cities) including the camps and lodges you will be visiting. There are some exceptions at small or remote camps so please check with your travel designer or concierge.

ATMs

ATMs are available in the major cities but not when you’re on safari so you must make sure you have the cash you need before heading into remote areas.. You will only be able to withdraw local currency at ATMs in Kenya. 

Travellers cheques

Although still accepted in some hotels in the major cities they can be difficult and time consuming to exchange. Most safari lodges cannot accept travellers cheques or exchange them.

Can you tell me about tipping and etiquette in Kenya?

Although tipping is discretionary many workers in the tourism industry do rely on tips to make up part of their income. The below is a rough tipping guide, you may wish to tip more or less depending on service. All the amounts are per day, per person recommendations based on two people travelling together.

In Cities:

  • 10-15% in restaurants
  • USD 10 for a half day with your city guide
  • USD 1-2 for hotel or airport porters per bag 
  • USD 1-5 for drivers on short transfers

On Safari:

  • USD 15 to your driver 
  • USD 5 to 10 for your tracker
  • USD 15 – 25 to your guide

 

Etiquette

Before taking photographs of local people you must ask permission first. It’s best to ask your guide, they will then tell you if it’s appropriate to ask or not. For some local cultures it’s considered ‘bad luck’ for a stranger to take your photo. That said, locals in Kenya are very friendly so if you strike up a polite conversation, using your guide to translate if necessary, you won’t be strangers for long.

What’s the weather like and how should I pack?

What you pack for your Safari can change depending on the time of year. January to March is hot and humid so you should bring lightweight clothing and waterproof jackets and shoes. July to October are dry months that can feel hot in the middle of the day but can get very chilly in the mornings and evenings – you will need jackets, beanies and thick socks.

What to pack

This is our essentials list, we recommend chatting with your travel designer or concierge for more personalised, comprehensive suggestions based on time of year and activities on your trip:

  • Layers – it can be cold during early game drives, even in summer.
  • Down jackets if your travel during the cooler months
  • Lightweight rain jackets for showers and to act as a windbreaker. 
  • Polarised sunglasses
  • Swimwear
  • Trousers and shirts with adjustable arm and leg lengths in lightweight, quick dry fabrics
  • Camera/Smartphone and/or camera with all the necessary charging leads, plugs and batteries 
  • Earplugs
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun hat
  • Binoculars – your guide will have a pair but having your own can mean that you see a bit more for a bit longer
  • Day bag for carrying your all daily essentials

Most Safari lodges do offer a laundry service for a small price or it’s included. This is normally done by hand so we recommend you wash your own personal items. 

 

Should I make restaurant reservations?

We highly recommend that you make restaurant reservations in advance of your trip. Once your trip is confirmed you will be introduced to your concierge who will be able to assist you in not only making the reservations but also  making  recommendations based on your preferences.

What’s the transport like?

We only recommend taking transfers arranged by Jacada travel, the team on the ground, your hotel or a restaurant we’ve reserved for you. Although there are metered taxis and even uber in the major cities it shouldn’t be necessary on your trip. 

Jeeps used on safari can be closed or open sided depending on the area. Typically a safari jeep will seat between 6 to 12 passengers and are shared with others at your lodge. Please ask your travel designer or concierge about possible upgrades to private vehicles if that’s of interest to you.

How can I keep connected on my trip?

 

Plugs and power

Kenya uses plug type G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Kenya operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Wifi and internet connection

Wifi is common in all larger city hotels and even on Safari too. On safari however the connection can be patchy and is not always available throughout the entire property, sometimes only being available in the common areas or in the rooms.  There are some exceptions, so if this sort of connectivity is very important to you please discuss this with your travel designer or concierge.

Remote areas

Cell phone reception and roaming is not always possible in some remote areas so please bear this in mind when planning communications while on your trip.

 

Please contact your Jacada travel designer or concierge before your trip with any further questions.