Entry Requirements
- Valid passports are mandatory for all visitors.
- Visas are required for most non-Commonwealth citizens, except for specific countries (Germany, Denmark, Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Finland, Spain, Turkey, and Uruguay; this list is subject to change).
- Visa processing can take up to six weeks.
- Visitors with proper documents and onward/return tickets may receive free visitor passes upon arrival (valid for three months), but these prohibit work or business activities without authorization.
- Visitors without proper documents must pay a refundable deposit of Kshs. 5,000/= for visitor passes.
Climate
- Kenya has a tropical climate: hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland, and very dry in the north/northeast.
- Average temperatures:
- Mombasa (coast): 30.3°C max / 22.4°C min
- Nairobi (inland): 25.2°C max / 13.6°C min
- Eldoret (high altitude): 23.6°C max / 9.5°C min
- Lodwar (dry plains): 34.8°C max / 23.7°C min
- Sunshine is abundant year-round, requiring summer clothing. Nights and mornings are cool.
- Rainy seasons: Long rains (April-June), short rains (October-December).
- Hottest months: February-March; Coldest months: July-August.
- Annual wildebeest migration (Serengeti to Maasai Mara): June-September.
Practicalities
- Baggage: Limited to one medium suitcase/holdall plus hand luggage (exceptions for private safaris with fewer than 7 people). Air safaris have a **15kg** restriction.
- Currency: Hard currencies (USD, GBP) can be exchanged at banks, forex bureaus, and hotels. Banks operate weekdays 9:00 am-3:00 pm, Saturdays 9:00 am-11:00 am.
- Credit Cards: VISA, MASTERCARD, and AMERICAN EXPRESS are widely accepted, with a potential **5% mark-up**.
- Health: Malaria is endemic; **anti-malarial medication** and **insect repellent** are recommended. Bottled water is widely available.
- Security: Use safe deposit boxes, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and be cautious in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night.
- Voltage: **240 volts AC 50 cycles**, three-pin square sockets.
- Tipping: Customary for porters, waiters, taxi drivers, and safari guides.
- Language: Kiswahili and English.
- Communications: Direct overseas dialing, call home bureaus, and cybercafés are available.
- Arrival/Departure: Main airports: **Jomo Kenyatta (Nairobi), Moi (Mombasa)**. Departure tax: **US$40**.
- Shopping: Souvenirs include **wood carvings, sisal baskets, beadwork, and gemstones**.
