Kenya Travel Guide
The Kenya Tourist Board offices overseas are well equiped with Tourist Information and Maps which is more than adequate for people visiting Kenya. Other places to get information about Visiting Kenya are: Kenya Embassies and High Commisions and the Kenya Tourist Board website www.magicalkenya.com.
Passport Visa
A valid passport with minimum of six months left to run is required for entering Kenya, Visa are not required by Citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Commonwealth countries with the exception of Antigua, Bermuda, Guyana, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. All other nationals require a visa. The Fee for a single entry is as per february 2010 US$ 25 valid for three months. NOTE: If you plan trip to Tanzania, Uganda or any other country bordering Kenya you will be required to pay again when returning to Kenya. If You plan to get a visa on arrival, proceed to the visa dest first. Otherwise get the Visa in advance at some Kenya Embassies or Kenya High Commisions. Visa extensions can be given at immigration offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Lamu but some waiting may be involved.
Health Certificate
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving in Kenya from an infected area, but no other vaccinations or immunisation are required by law although some are advisable e.g Malaria.
How to Get There
Nairobi is the hub for East African air transport, with connection to many african, european and Asia-Pacific cities. In addition there are charter flights to and from Mombasa (Moi International Airport) Approximate flight time from Amsterdam is 8 hours on a direct Flight. Otherwise you could also enter Kenya by Road from Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania but not from Sudan or Somalia. Note that the train services from Kenya to Uganda and Tanzania is no longer operating. Cruise ships dock in Mombasa and there are Yacht anchorages along the coast from Lamu to Shimoni. There are no Feries running between Mombasa and Zanzibar likewise from Uganda. Although there are dhows sailing from Shimoni to Pemba in Tanzania. Provided you have all the correct documentation immigration procedures are straightforward and you can usually get a visa at the border.
Shopping and Business hours
As standard this range from 08.30-12.30 and 14.00-17.30 Monday to Saturday although the majority of shops , travel agents and supermakets remain open during the lunch hours. Most offices are open Monday to Friday and some government offices close on a Friday afternoon.
Smartcards
The Most popular national parks now operate using smartcards system for paying entry fees. If travelling independently take time and familirize yourself with the rules concerning entry to the parks. Park entry fees are charged in US dollars, payable in dollars or the Kenya shilling equivalent. Park fees are sometimes included in the cost of a tour.
Money
Visa and American Express are widely used for payments, also these include Mastercard and Diners Card
Tipping
Although this is not mandatory, it is customary, the amount is entirely at your own discretion.
Getting Around
Kenya has a good basic road infrastructure. The roads leading to major National Parks has been rebuild and set to international standards. Long gone are the days of pot holes which made the safari tour dreadful. Now you could just lay back and watch the scenery or read your favourite book while enroute the Game Park. While in the City you could board a Matatu or hire a Taxi for more information visit Fern and Fern Car hire " Car Hiring Company that meets your needs"
