Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Kenya located?

Kenya lies across the equator on the east coast of the African continent. Neighboring countries are Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to east, Tanzania to south, Uganda to west and Sudan to north-west. The Indian Ocean lies on the southeastern border of the country. The country occupies an area of Sq Km 582,646 (the size of France)

2. Do I need a passport to travel to Kenya?

Yes, visitors require a passport to enter Kenya. Passports must have a sufficient number of unused pages for endorsements abroad and they must also be valid for at least six months past the projected stay in Kenya.

3. Is a Visa required for entry into Kenya?

Yes, visitors require a visa to enter Kenya. For details, please consult the Kenyan embassy or Consulate nearest to you. You can also apply for a visa at the point of entry. To download a visa application form, log onto: http://www.immigration.go.ke

4. How much does a visa cost?

Kenya: A visa is required and costs $50. The visa can be obtained through a Kenya embassy in advance of your trip or upon arrival at the airport. Namibia: A visa is not required for tourists.

Tanzania: A visa is required and costs $50. The visa must be obtained in advance of your trip unless you live in a country that does not have a Tanzania embassy.

Uganda: A visa is required and costs $50. The visa should be obtained through a Uganda embassy in advance of your trip.

5. What vaccinations or medications should I get before my trip to Kenya?

A health certificate is not a requirement for travel to Kenya unless traveling from a Yellow fever zone. It is highly recommended that travelers to Kenya take precautions against Malaria. The best choice in vaccines for your trip depends on many individual factors, please consult your doctor on specific information regarding your health needs prior to departure.

6. Is it safe to travel in Kenya?

Kenya is no different from any other destination in the world. Common sense is all that is required. Avoid displaying expensive possessions; walking through unlit urban areas at night, and follow the guide’s instructions in the bush. It is also recommended that you leave valuables and airline tickets in the hotels safe.

Yes, Kenya is a safe destination. However, we are host to over 300 foreign correspondents in East Africa. Kenyans recognize the economic value of tourism to the country’s economy. Disturbances are infrequent and tourists are very rarely affected. Use common sense when traveling in Kenya or any other developing country.

7. What is the weather like in Kenya?

Kenya enjoys a mild tropical climate. The average annual temperature for the capital city, Nairobi (altitude 4,980 feet) is 77ºF maximum and 56ºF minimum. The coastal town of Mombasa (altitude 50 feet) is 86ºF maximum and 73ºF minimum.

There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning.

The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and when it does come it often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and coolest in July to August.

8. When does the famous animal migration take place?

The annual migration of wildlife between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya takes place between July and November. The migration of almost two million wildebeest, zebras and other species is nature’s greatest spectacle on earth.

9. When is the best time of year to visit Kenya?

Kenya is a great destination year round. The main tourist season is December to March, since the hot, dry weather at this time of year is generally considered to be the most pleasant. It’s also when Kenya’s bird life flocks to the Rift Valley lakes in the greatest numbers. June to September could be called the ‘shoulder season’ as the weather is still dry. The rains hit from March to May (and to a lesser extent from October to December). During these months things are much quieter – places tend to have rooms available and prices may decrease. The rains generally don’t affect travelers’ ability to get around because it usually rains in the evening while the days are dry.

10. What kind of clothes should I pack for my trip to Kenya?

Both temperatures and climate vary drastically from region to region and even throughout a single day. You should be prepared for hot, cold, wet and dusty conditions. Ultimately your packing should be dictated by the activities you are planning to undertake.

If you are traveling extensively throughout the country make sure that you bring suitable luggage. Suitcases and bags should be able to withstand plenty of handling.

If you are traveling by domestic/chartered flights within Kenya, remember that there are luggage weight restrictions, particularly on smaller aircraft. Check in advance with your Charter airline or Safari/Tour operator.

• A small daypack is ideal for carrying cameras, travel documents and basic everyday items.
• Casual, lightweight, and comfortable clothing is usually the best. For walking safaris or game viewing on foot clothing should be of neutral color, and white, bright or vividly patterned clothing avoided.
• Strong footwear is advisable if you are planning to do any walking. For serious climbers and trekkers a good pair of hiking boots should be brought with you.
• Remember that the tropical/Equatorial sun is strong and burns quickly. Wide brimmed hats are preferable to baseball caps for sun protection.
• Both sunglasses and a good quality sunscreen (rated SPF15 or higher) should be used.
• In some areas, mostly coastal, it is considered inappropriate for women (and in some cases men) to wear shorts or short-sleeved shirts. It is always best to seek local advice.
• For some up-market lodges and nights out in Nairobi you may wish to bring some more formal evening wear.
• Other recommended items for packing: bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars for game viewing, A small daypack is ideal for carrying cameras, travel documents and basic everyday items; camera & extra batteries, plenty of film, flashlight (for tented camps when the generator goes out at night).

11. What type of animals will I see in Kenya?

Kenya’s wilderness areas are famous worldwide. Kenya represent far more than you would ever expect, protecting and showcasing a broad range of habitats and species. Some of the many animals that you may see may include the fabled “Big Five”: Elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Just a few other examples include: zebra, wildebeest, cheetah, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, monkey, gazelle, impala, and bird life. Take a beach safari on the coral-reef protect coast and you can also experience tropical fish, dolphins, sea turtles and more.

If you have a particular wildlife or birding interest, look for a Safari operator who can offer you specialized guiding and services to suit your needs.

12. What resources are available to help me plan my vacation in Kenya?

The Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife website: www.tourism.go.ke offers a lot of information about the destination.

The Kenya Tourist Board offers the following resources:

• Brochure with an overview of the country, destinations and various safari types
• Map of Kenya
• For information on Kenya Tourist Board offices abroad, go to: http://www.magicalkenya.com

13. Should I bring my children to Kenya? Is it safe for them?

Kenya is a terrific country for families and it is an amazing experience to share with children who are already enchanted with the idea of Africa and its wildlife. If you’re considering taking young children, however, you should ask yourself if both you and your child can deal with the adventure. For children under 5, Kenya is a mixture of fun – in the pool, on the beach, with other kids – and tedium – on a game drive, or in a restaurant. Consult your doctor about your health-related concerns related to bringing your child to Africa.

14. Is the food/water safe for me to consume?

Kenya is renown for its wonderful gastronomy and array of exotic and international cuisine. Keep to established hotels and restaurants for meals.

Drinking water from the tap is considered risky. Hotels and lodges usually furnish safe water in a thermos flask in guest rooms. Bottled mineral water is available in every hotel and supermarket.

15. What type of currency is used in Kenya?

The official currency is the Kenya Shilling. Visitors to Kenya can change foreign currency at banks or authorized hotels and Bureaus. Most international currencies are easy to exchange in Kenya. Travelers checks are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept credit cards. Most Banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on major international credit cards. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya. Anyone wishing to take more than Kenya Shillings 500,000 out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.

16. Do I have to pay a departure tax at the airport?

Like most international destinations, Kenya charges an airport departure tax for all international flights. The tax is $20, but is included in the airline ticket price. If it is not included, visitors may be required to pay the tax at the airport upon departure. Departure taxes can be paid in Kenya Shillings or U.S. Dollars.

17. Is tipping required in Kenya?

Most major hotels and restaurants include a service charge. Tipping is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion. Porters at airports, hotels or lodges may be tipped a $1.00 per piece of baggage. A gratuity of 10% is customary at restaurants and bars where a service charge is not included. Note that on safaris, tips are considered almost part of the pay. A tip for your guide of $2.00 to $5.00 per person per day is appropriate.

18. Will I be able to use my electrical equipment in Kenya?

The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 volts AC, 50HZ. Plugs are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical device, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where appropriate. Major hotels usually provide hair dryers, irons and other electrical amenities upon request.

19. What languages are spoken in Kenya?

English is the “language of communication” in Kenya. It is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and visitor establishments.

Swahili is Kenya’s national language. A little Swahili goes a long way in Kenya. It is worth learning a little, and most Kenyans are thrilled to hear visitors attempt to use any Swahili at all. For example, “Jambo” means hello and is often the first word learned by visitors to Kenya. Additional translations can be found in the Kenya Tourist Board’s Website http://www.magicalkenya.com or most travel guides.

20. Can I use my credit card in Africa?

Kenya: Most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa and American Express) are widely accepted. Diner’s Card is not generally accepted.

Tanzania: Most top hotels and lodges around the country accept Visa and MasterCard. In addition to credit cards, clients should bring US dollars and traveler’s checks.

Uganda: Credit cards are accepted at the major hotels. However, there are few other places where international credit cards are accepted.

21. What type of vehicles do you use on safari?

One World Tours uses custom built 4×4 safaris vehicles, and sometimes open-sided vehicles in the parks for good viewing. All our vehicles are maintained to provide the maximum level of comfort and safety.

22. Are foods for special dietary needs available?

Yes. Special dietary requirements are catered for throughout Africa. Please give us advanced notice so that we can make arrangements with the lodges and camps you are scheduled to stay at. Most restaurants offer selections for vegetarians, depending on their forte. Local specialties can be surprisingly good! With the exception of a few lodges, halaal and kosher food is not available at most camps/lodges.

IIs the water safe to drink?

Kenya: While water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, it is safer to drink sealed bottled water, available from most hotels and lodges.

Tanzania: It is advisable to drink boiled or bottled water. If camping – bring drinking water and other bottled drinks.

Uganda: It is advisable to drink boiled or bottled water.

23. What types of accommodation are available?

The accommodation type in Africa varies from hotels and inns to luxury lodges and tented camps.

Kenya: Advanced bookings recommended. Most safari lodges have luxurious type of accommodations, with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit hotels. Tented accommodations vary from super deluxe to standard tents.

Tanzania: Advanced bookings recommended. Lodges tend to be of rondavel or banda type with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit hotels. Luxurious “tented camps” pitched on concrete bases are popular. National parks also offer ordinary campsites. All major towns have luxury hotels and good guesthouses.

Uganda: Advanced bookings recommended. International hotels are available in cities. In national parks, there is camping, self-catering huts or chalets and top end lodges with luxury chalets or permanent tents.

24. When is the best time to go on a safari?

It really depends on the type of animal you wish to see. Certain reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times of the year. It is generally felt that the African winter (June – August) is the best time to go on safari, as the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals are on the move looking for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration of over two million animals.

Temperatures in winter are generally mild but can become considerably cooler in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. It goes without saying that the standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. In areas where malaria is prevalent, summer is generally a more risky time to travel. So, before you go on safari, consult your doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication.

Kenya: All year round. Great Migration: June-November.

Tanzania: All year round. Best climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Aug-Oct and Jan-March. Great migration: April-June and Oct-Dec.

Uganda: All year round. Day temperatures range between 77° and 95° F. January is the hottest month. In general there are two main rainy seasons: March – May and October – November.