Practical information Kenya

86517  sq.mi

Direct flights take around 9-10 hours. Nairobi is 4,235 miles from London.

GMT+3

39002772 hab.

Nairobi: Jomo Kenyatta airport is 11 miles southeast of the city. Taxis are the best means to get into town, hey cost about KES 900 (£7.70) for a 20-30 minute journey (depending on traffic). Some hotels have shuttles and will provide and pick up and drop off service between the city and the airport.

Mombasa: Moi international airport is 9 miles north of the town centre. The quickest way to reach the city centre is by taxi. It takes 20 minutes and costs USD 13 (£8.90).

Since the double anti-Israeli terrorist attack perpetrated on 28th November 2002 close to Mombasa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advise tourists travelling to Kenya to be cautious and remain vigilant. Avoid political rallies and public demonstrations at all times.

Attacks and crime: Always keep your valuables in the safe in your hotel room or at hotel reception. Be vigilant in public areas and airports and avoid deserted neighbourhoods. You are also recommended to avoid beaches and non-lit streets at night, notably in Nairobi (especially in the Eastleigh neighbourhood), Kisumu and Mombasa. Beware of individuals feigning to be students, police officers, hotel employees or government representatives - some might be swindlers (always ask for professional ID).

Animal danger:In the reserves, wildlife represents a limited danger, as visitors are guided by professionals. On the coast, the coral fence protects swimmers from possible shark attacks. However, you are advised to put on light shoes to protect yourself from stone fish and dragon fish hiding amongst the coral, whose poison can be deadly.
For up to date information on tourism; the state of roads and possible assistance in emergencies, please contact the Kenyan tourism board which has a safety and communications centre. Their telephone in Nairobi: 254 2 604 767, or email: safetour@africaonline.co.ke.

Among the languages spoken in Kenya are English and Swahili (official) as well as several local dialects.

A visa is required to enter Kenya (about USD25), this can be issued at the Kenyan embassy or bought on arrival at Nairobi airport however it is strongly recommended you purchase one before arrival (especially if you are transferring to another flight). Your passport must be valid for six months after your return date and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel.

38% Protestant, 28% Roman Catholic, 26% local religions, 7% Muslim and 1% other religions

Train: Two train lines exist from Nairobi to Mombasa and Kisumu. While the train is very cheap, it's also slow and old and can be subject to significant delays.

Coach: Coaches are the most economical means of travelling in Kenya, but they are the least comfortable due to overcrowding.

Plane: Kenya Airways regularly flies to Mombasa, Malindi and Kisumu. As the reserves are accessible by plane, there are several smaller airlines flying at regular hours or private planes for hire, taking off at Wilson airport in Nairobi.

Vehicle: It is quite easy to hire cars (including chauffeur-driven cars) from hire companies in Nairobi or Mombasa. In Kenya, you drive on the left, as in the UK and you must have an international driving licence. Watch out for the curious driving habits of some Kenyan drivers, they can often be unpredictable and at the wheel of a car in a very poor state.

No particular vaccine is required. However, it is strongly recommended that you are vaccinated against yelllow fever, hepatitis A and B, and meningitis.

An anti-malaria treatment is also highly recommended.

Always drink mineral water or at least water that has been boiled. Avoid eating raw vegetables, or unwashed fruit & veg and do not put ice cubes in your drinks. Avoid swimming in the local lakes or rivers.

Don't be complacent about the threat of AIDS and be aware that 1 in 7 Kenyans is HIV-positive. Condoms are widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets.

Useful numbers
Flying doctors: 254 (2) 50 13 01/50 05 08.
Nairobi Hospital: 254 (2) 72 21 60.

Voltage is 220-240V (three-pin plugs) so an adaptor is needed.

As in many other countries, it is customary to leave a gratuity of around 10% when eating out if service is not included in your bill.

When on safari tours, tipping is of your own initiative, depending on the professionalism of your guide. As a general rule, allow £2 per person per day for this, and don't forget the porter either, if there is one - around 80p a day is the rule of thumb. Of course, these amounts are only given as a rough guide.

Be aware that anyone entering a park or nature reserve will be required to pay an entrance fee, and unless you are travelling with a tour operator (in which case all extra costs will generally be factored into the price of your stay) you will need to allow for this additional expense. The tourist tax can vary from one place to another.

From the UK to Kenya: 00 254 + code (Nairobi: 2, Mombasa: 11) + the number you are calling.
From Kenya to the UK: 00 + 474 + the number you are calling.