Tips for travellers

#1 Friendly People

It’s definitely worth knowing that Kenya has some incredibly friendly people.

Open, hospitable and delighted to welcome you into their country, the people of this beautiful nation are one of its highlights to any traveler to Kenya.

As such, don’t shy away from meeting, greeting, talking and getting to know Kenyans on your travels in their country.

In my experience, they are willing to help you enormously and are delighted if you share a passion for their beautiful nation too.

#2 Safe

As a result of such tensions and terrorist activity, it’s important to rest assured that security runs high in Kenya, especially at major airports, like Nairobi and in many of the city’s malls.

At the airport especially, all cars and persons are checked on entering the area, bags have to be screened and you need to walk through a body scanner.

As such, do allow plenty of time for this process on top of the usual check-in procedures.

#3 Visa

Like many people adventuring throughout the region, It is good to opt for the East Africa visa, which grants multi-country country access (Rwanda, Uganda & Kenya) and works out much cheaper than buying individual visas for these 3 nations. East Africa Visas must be applied for online, in advance of travel.

If you are just visiting Kenya, then we suggest applying for an eVisa online ahead of your travels. This is an easy process and will save you a lot of time when you arrive at the airport.

Otherwise, you can get regular entry visas at all border posts, as well as transit visas which you’ll need if you have a layover.

*It is important to check your government’s website for info relating to your particular citizenship and passport. In relation for Visa Acquisition to Kenya and East African countries*

#4 Currency and Payments

In Kenya most hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and supermarkets accept debit and credit cards for payments. (Visa Cards, Master cards and American Express)

The main touristic sites accept the following currencies; US Dollars, Sterling pounds and Euros. You might as well change to the local currency by using the prevailing exchange rate which you can be informed at the bank or hotel facility.

Bringing cash will save you foreign withdrawal fees at ATMs and will also help in an emergency if you get stuck.

ATM’s are common across Kenya.

#5 Travel Documents

When arriving in Kenya, have your passport and stamped visa ready for inspection by customs officials. You must also have with your itinerary for your tour in Kenya, return tickets, medical and travel insurance papers. Also, include a document that has details of close relatives or friends that can be contacted in case of emergencies. Make copies of all your important documents and store one set in your check-in luggage. Have a second set with you in your hand baggage.

We also recommend you keep a digital copy of your passport pages and other travel documents on your phone or tablet. While you can use Visa or MasterCard credit cards, you will have to pay a high transaction fee, and they are acceptable only in the cities. You will have to render cash when staying in remote locations, and US dollars are the preferred currency. Make sure the bills have been issued no later than 2004, have an updated version and are in good condition without any rips and tears.

You are required by Law to carry your passport at all times for easy identification.

Should you be caught by the local police without one it will be a tedious process and might land you into problems with the authorities.

#6 Languages

here are 2 official languages in Kenya, English and Swahili and many local people speak a mixture of both.

In addition, lots of tribal dialects and local languages exist in rural parts of the country.

Trying to get to grips with a bit of Swahili can be a lot of fun.

Most driver guides and hoteliers understand different foreign languages like Spanish, French, German and Chinese.         

# 7 Health

Malaria is common in Kenya and if you’re travelling here you are advised to take suitable precautions including covering up at night, using a and taking some anti-malaria medication.

You may also want to consider getting your yellow fever certificate before travelling to Kenya.

I highly suggest taking out travel insurance before you visit Kenya.

#8 Safari Luggage Guidance For Kenya

If you are planning a safari vacation in Kenya, it is advisable that you carry your belongings in soft-sided, sturdy duffle bags. This is because the smaller aircrafts that transfers you to the parks and reserves of Kenya have luggage compartments that cannot fit suitcases. Also, they allow you a luggage allowance of only 15 kilograms or 33 pounds per passenger. Any added baggage weight is chargeable. If you expect you will be carrying extra baggage, make sure you inform your travel planner in advance and prepay the excess fee to ensure your excess luggage is allowed on your flight dates. You also have the option of storing any excess baggage that you will not need at a designated location as you will be guided by your travel planner. You could also store it at your city or beach hotel but at their front desk storage room to avoid paying room tariff. If you are doing a complete road safari in Kenya, you can carry luggage weight up to 20 kilograms or 44 pounds but again in soft-sided bags

#9 General Packing Suggestions for Kenya

In addition to the recommendations listed above, we have more tips that allow you to enjoy your vacation in Kenya to the maximum because at Lazizi Expeditions we hold your satisfaction and safety in high regard. So carry all baggage in strong, soft-sided bags that are easy to stow in compact luggage holds. Travel as light as possible because, at times, you might have to handle your own baggage at the airport custom entry and exit areas. Carry all important documents, cash, medication and expensive gadgets in your hand baggage to avoid losing or damage them.

Make sure your baggage is always locked with the approved TSA standardized locks before handing it over for storage or transit. Distribute your cash in different places rather than at one place. For your safety, avoid wearing jewelry during your travels in Kenya, and do not carry objects that you could not bear to lose. You simply need to enjoy the African wilderness parks and reserves in complete seclusion and detox yourself from material items. Pack your cameras and other gear in waterproof bags to prevent dust and water damage.

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