Destination Guide – Kenya

Kenya is one of the world’s great tourism destinations, known for its remarkable diversity of landscapes, wildlife and cultures. From sweeping savannahs to tropical beaches and coral reef, dense equatorial forests to mighty snow capped mountains and more, Kenya is a world unto itself.

Kenya is Africa’s oldest safari destination, attracting explorers, adventurers and travellers for centuries.


Time to Travel
Kenya is a fantastic year round destination with the vast majority of the year being hot and dry. The wet season, which usually runs from March to May, offers reduced rates and fewer crowds in what would normally be busy areas. Game viewing is also fantastic as the rain rejuvenates the planes and many animals take this opportunity to calf.

If you can choose when to visit opt for June to October as arguably the game viewing is at its best. Plus there is always the possibility of witnessing the great migration, one of nature’s greatest spectacles.


Currency
The official currency is the Kenya Shilling.

The written abbreviation is either KSh or using /= after the amount (ie 500/=)

Available Notes are 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings.

Available coins are 5, 10 and 20 shillings.

Visitors to Kenya should change foreign currency at banks, bureaux de change or authorized hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds sterling and EURO.

Travellers Cheques 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 credit cards.

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya.

Before departure, travellers are advised to convert any excess Kenya shillings into foreign currency at a bank or bureau de change before departure. Departure taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency.

Anyone wishing to take more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.


Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Kenya. Guides, drivers, waiters and hotel staff can be tipped at your discretion.


Time
Kenya has a single time zone- which is GMT+3.


Electricity
The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 v 50hz.

Plugs are 3 point square.


Internet
Kenya has good Internet Service Providers.

Email and Internet services are offered by many hotels and lodges. In most towns, there are plenty of private business centres and cyber cafes offering email and internet access.


Telecommunications
Kenya has a good network of telephone, cellular and satellite connections. Work is under way to expand this network and introduce fibre optic cables.

Most hotels and lodges offer International telephone and fax services. In larger towns, private telecommunication centres also offer international services.

If you have a mobile phone with a roaming connection, then you can make use of Kenya’s excellent cellular networks, which covers most larger towns and tourist areas.

When calling Kenya, the International code is 254+ local area code.