Travel Information

All visitors to Kenya are required to have valid passports. Visas are also required for visitors who are not citizens of Commonwealth countries. Currently, visitors from Germany, Denmark, Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Finland, Spain, Turkey, and Uruguay do not require visas.

Since visa requirements may change, it is advisable to check the current requirements through airlines, tour operators, Kenya Tourist Offices, or Kenya Embassies/High Commissions before departure. Visas normally take up to six weeks to process and are valid for up to a three-month period.

Those visitors with proper documents and return tickets may be issued visitor's passes free of charge on arrival at any Kenyan port of entry.

Kenya enjoys a tropical climate — hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland, and very dry in the north and northeast. Sunshine is plentiful year-round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year, though it can be cool at night and in the early morning.

The long rains occur April–June, and short rains October–December. Rain typically falls in the afternoons and evenings. The Great Migration takes place between June and September.

Baggage space on safari is restricted to one medium suitcase per person, plus hand luggage. Hotels will normally store excess baggage at no extra cost.

• Standard safaris: one medium suitcase plus hand baggage per person
• Air safaris: maximum 15 kg per person (may reduce to 10 kg on small aircraft)
• Private safaris with fewer than 7 passengers: no baggage restrictions

Hard currencies can be exchanged at banks, forex bureaus in Nairobi, and most large hotels. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most accepted. Banks are open Mon–Fri 9am–3pm and Saturdays 9–11am.

Credit Cards: VISA, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted, though a percentage mark-up may apply.

M-PESA: Mobile money payments are accepted by Paws & Treks for deposits and balances.

Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya. Visitors should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and continue for the prescribed time after return. Use insect repellent after dusk and wear suitable cover-up clothing in the evenings.

Flying Doctors Society: Membership is strongly recommended. In the event of accident or sickness on safari, the Society will fly patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for hospital admission.

Drinking Water: Tap water should be considered unsafe. Hotels and lodges provide safe water in thermos flasks. Bottled mineral water is widely available.

Normal precautions as in any world destination apply. Do not leave cash and valuables in hotel rooms — use safe deposit boxes. Avoid carrying large sums of cash. In busy streets, keep a firm grip on bags and valuables.

Walking alone at night in cities should be avoided. Reliable taxis are available at all principal hotels.

Photography is prohibited at airports, military installations, near government buildings, and of the President, soldiers, prisons, or prisoners. Always obtain permission before photographing local people.