Flying to Kenya
There are frequent direct and indirect flights to Kenya by numerous major airlines. The national airline is Kenya Airways. Other airlines offering flights to Kenya include British Airways and Emirates. There are no significant seasonal factors affecting flight prices.
Air notes:
Kenya has two international airports. The main point of arrival is Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), which receives the majority of scheduled international flights. Mombasa’s Moi International Airport (MBA) also receives some international scheduled flights, and is the main point of arrival for charter flights from Europe. Both are managed by the Kenya Airports Authority.
Flight times:
To Nairobi: from London – 8 hours 30 minutes; New York – 17 hours (including stopover).
Starting October 2017, Kenya Airways introduced a direct flight from New York – 14 hours non stop.
Departure tax:
Included in the air fare.
Airport guides
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Airport Code: NBO. Location: Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located 16km (10 miles) to the southeast of central… Money: ATMs, banking facilities and currency exchange services are available in the terminal building.
Mombasa Moi International Airport
Airport Code: MBA. Location: Mombasa Moi International Airport is located approximately 10km (6 miles) west of central Mombasa… Money: There are ATMs and three banks in the terminals. The banks also offer foreign exchange services.
CREDIT CARDS :
Most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa and American Express) are widely accepted though it is advisable to carry easily convertible currency in cash.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travelers should have proper medical insurance, as they will be responsible for all medical expenses they may incur.
VACCINATION :
We advise you to contact a medical specialist or family doctor well before travelling to Kenya.
ACCOMMODATION ON SAFARI :
Safari hotels/ logdes/ tented camps are carefully chosen and are named on the safari itinerary/program.
Most are unique and add flavor/ romance to your safari tour. They are comfortable and sufficiently luxurious. They vary from economy, standard and luxury options. Luxury lodges blend nicely with the landscape and have rooms with all amenities you would expect from a good hotel. Tented camps are on permanent foundations and have en suite bathrooms.
The amenities can include hot water bottles to warm your bed before you turn in coffee, tea and hot chocolate served in your tent as part of your early morning wake up call. Except the tree lodges, most other lodges and camps have swimming pools.
DRINKING WATER & BOTTLED DRINKS:
Avoid drinking water straight from the tap. Complimentary bottled drinking water will be provided in the safari vehicle. Soft drinks, beer and other bottled beverages can be purchased at the lodges and camps throughout the safari as they have bars and comfortable lounges with fire places for those cool evenings. Tea or coffee are served after meals.
PACKING ON A SAFARI :
It is advisable to spread packing between you and your partners suitcases. This is in case of loss of luggage. All the important items and information should be carried in your hand luggage: passport, visa, airfare, insurance, credit cards, money and prescriptions if necessary.
You should carry information about your specific health condition plus malaria pills, any lifesaving medication (diabetics), anything used to treat allergies or a sudden stomach upset (maybe Imodium) and analgesic aspirin should all be kept accessible to you. Any expensive electrical equipment, such as a camera or computer should be well looked after.
Please note that all use, import and production of plastic bags, such as those we know from supermarkets, etc., is prohibited in Kenya.
We therefore recommend that you avoid using plastic bags when packing your luggage. Use fabric bags instead, or bags made of a waterproof material other than plastic. If, for example, you are visibly carrying hand luggage in plastic bags upon your arrival in Kenya, you will be asked to hand them in. This also includes plastic bags from “Duty Free etc.
On light aircraft flights in Kenya the baggage allowance is limited to a maximum of 15 Kilograms, including camera and video equipment. Any additional luggage can be stored at the hotel in Nairobi until end of safari. Luggage and personal effects are at owner’s risk throughout the tour.
Baggage insurance is recommended.
PHOTOGRAPHY / CAMERA ON SAFARI :
The recommended camera for a safari is a 35mm camera with automatic exposure and interchangeable lenses. For the best results in photographing wildlife (including birds), you should have a zoom lens. Remember to bring extra batteries for every camera and flash unit.
SAFARI CLOTHING :
We recommend that you bring casual summer clothes that are easy to launder and quick to dry. Go for neutral colors that do not reflect the heat and do not show the inevitable safari dust. With cool morning and evening, layering is suggested.
Laundry service is available in most safari lodges and tented camps which can help you replenish your supply of clean clothing, as you need it. Much of the time on safari is spent in the vehicle so lightweight and comfortable walking shoes are appropriate. The style is casual – even in the evening.
For Dinner in Nairobi and at the Mount Kenya Safari Club, dress is smart casual. You will be in the sun a great deal and at these altitudes it is easy to sunburn very quickly. Pack a swimsuit and cover-up, as most of the safari accommodations have swimming pools.
CURRENCY:
Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan shilling (KSH). Check online for the current rate. You can exchange your convertible foreign currency in to shillings in a forex bureau and shall find the best rates at the airport. Small cash denominations are handy for tipping and minor expenses. You can also withdraw Kenya shillings at the ATM (VISA & MasterCard). Cash USD, Euro, British pounds are readily accepted in many outlets. In Kenya, the unit of currency is Kenya Shilling.
CUSTOM DUTY KENYA :
Customs regulations are quite straightforward. The usual one bottle of spirits, 200 cigarettes, a reasonable amount of camera equipment, film and one tape recorder are allowed to enter Kenya duty free.
DRIVER / GUIDE:
Your safari Driver/Guide will be an integral part of your safari tour experience. You will spend many days together as he narrates the wonders of Kenya’s geography, history and of course the wildlife.
Each safari guide is a local Kenyan, steeped in the traditions and folklore of his country as well as exceptionally knowledgeable in areas such as local flora and fauna, tribal lore and regional geography.
TIPPING
It is customary to tip the driver / guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered.
The amount is also at your discretion, you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staff who have provided special services.
MEDICAL FACILITIES :
Nairobi has excellent international medical facilities. Most camps and lodges have a doctor on call who is experienced with common travel related ailments. We suggest that you make certain your health insurance has adequate coverage, as once you are returned to Nairobi any further medical expenses will need to be covered by you.
MEALS:
All meals are included on safari. This is from lunch on day 1 until lunch on last day of safari tour. During your safari all meals shall be provided by your respective lodge or tented camps or at restaurant on safari route.
Packed / picnic lunches are provided during full day game viewing drives and on long day drives. The quality of the cuisine in East Africa game lodges and camps is superb, with all meats, vegetables and fruits arriving fresh daily from the surrounding farmland areas.
SAFARI SOUVENIR SHOPPING:
Affordable and attractive baskets, copper jewellery, batik cloth, beads, carvings, Kenya coffee and tea are all for sale in the shops and markets of Nairobi. Boutiques sell fine art and handicrafts, gemstones and jewellery, including a locally mined semiprecious stone called tanzanite.
Most popular are items carved from wood, which range from small trinkets such as animal head salad spoons and letter openers, to world-class ebony sculpture. Carved soapstone from napkin rings and candlesticks to complete chess sets, are also attractive. Bags woven from sisal and baobab are available in myriad colors, sizes, styles and shapes much more artistic and unique than those reaching the US Market.
East African artisans have responded to the increasing appreciation of tribal artifacts with a variety of stunning original pieces and faithful reproductions: drums, headrests, stools, shields, and beaded necklaces and belts from various parts of the region.
Some of the most prized pieces feature elaborately worked silver, malachite and amber beads. We suggest that you take all goods you purchase with you as shipping and duty cost may easily exceed the cost of the item. When purchasing large pieces, if you must have the items shipped, please note that freight can run into many hundreds of dollars.
SAFARI TRANSPORTATION:
Our experienced and knowledgeable driver / guide shall collect you up at Nairobi Airport, Nairobi local hotel or local residence. He will take you on safari and other sightseeing adventures and return you back to the hotel or airport on your last day.
Because most of the safari journey includes most hours of safari trip, the quality of the safari vehicle is of high importance. As much of the journey is long hours on the trail on wildlife, the quality of the ground vehicle is of the utmost importance. Each comfortable safari vehicle carries a maximum of 6/7 guests, thus providing a guaranteed window seat and access to the roof hatch.
MOSQUITO NET :
Mosquitoes appear when the sunsets, temperatures drop and the evening night sets in. This is when most bites happen. We advice that you wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
It is also important to make sure any exposed parts of the body are protected with insects repellent. All safari lodges and camps are fitted with mosquito nets over the bed.
CHECK IN / OUT OF THE HOTELS
At hotel / lodge check in always fill out one of registration cards at the front desk before key collection. Check in after 11:00am and check out before 10:00am. When checking out you pay the extra bills for drinks from the restaurant and bar.
