everything Essential

Passport and Visa Requirements

 

As of 02 July 2015, anyone requiring a VISA to enter Kenya must apply for an eVisa via. http://evisa.go.ke/ Passports are required of all foreign visitors and must be valid for 6 months after the intended duration of stay. Please ensure that you have at least two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport. Depending on your nationality and country of origin, visa requirements may vary. We recommend checking this with the relevant consular authority before departure.

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Clothing

 

It is a good idea to bring mosquito repellent, sun cream, hat, sunglasses and malaria medication. Kenyan supermarkets are very well stocked, but it doesn't hurt to come prepared. When you go on safari and get to the highlands, it gets cooler and during the early mornings and late evenings you will need a jumper and trousers.

When you are in Mombasa, it is always warm, so bring light and your swimwear. It is also advisable to have some smart clothes. Generally, you are not expected to wear a tie in Mombasa, but some restaurants always require long trousers and shirtsleeves. Nairobi also gets quite cold during the rainy season, so a jumper is a welcome item of clothing.

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Photography

 

Please be gentle when photographing people. Kenyans are known to be friendly. But it is polite to ask permission before taking photographs.

 

Ban on plastic bags

 

Please note that since 2017, if you make, sell or use plastic bags in Kenya, you risk imprisonment for up to four years or fines of $40,000. Travel with alternatives or buy a nice basket at a Kenyan craft market.

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Communication

 

Kenyan mobile phone networks have expanded greatly in recent years and cover most of the best safari areas. Most lodges and camps in the bush have satellite phone connections. Calling is usually possible but expensive. As mobile phones have been introduced, the radios used in safari vehicles usually have limited range, usually not enough to make contact with towns.

 

Food

 

Most hotels and lodges serve a buffet menu. There are a few lodges and hotels that serve a set menu. The food in all establishments is of international standard, prepared by well-trained chefs. While water in the larger towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, it is safer to drink sealed bottled water or in drinking water containers available in most hotels, lodges and also sold in local supermarkets.