East Africa Travel Information. Traveler Tips for Africa

Visa Rules
Visitors are required to have the correct visa documentation on arrival at any of our ports of entry and since these depend on nationality, country of residence and countries through which you have passed en-route, it is essential to check the rules applicable with your travel agent, airline, the nearest tourist office or diplomatic mission.

Security
Do not leave cash, traveller's cheques, credit cards and other valuables in your hotels rooms. Make use of the hotel's safety deposit boxes. Remember to retrieve your valuables from this deposit before departing to the next destination. Avoid carrying large sums of money up and about. As with any large city, Nairobi has its share of conmen and petty crimes. It is not advisable to walk down the streets after dark. It would be a wise idea to frequent international pubs and night clubs, travel by taxi-cabs whenever you want to go around.

Currency
The Kenyan currency is based on the decimal system, with 100 cents equalling 01 shillings. Available notes are Notes; KSHS. 1,000/=, 500/=, 200/=, 100/=, 50/=, Coins; 40/=, 20/=, 10/=, 5/=, 01/= and 50 cents. Accepted credit cards are: American express, visa and master card. Change your money at the banks, forex bureaus, hotels and lodges. The exchange rate is usually better at the banks and forex bureaus. Do not be lured by street vendors and beach boys who may want to change the money for you. In return faking your good money and leaving on you with counterfeit.

Water
You are advised to buy and drink mineral water at all times. Changes of diet and water often cause mild stomach upsets, so a supply of anti-diarrhoea pills is advisable. Do not drink tap water. Do not drink boiled water put in flask and left in your rooms. Brush your teeth using mineral water. Drinking more water is recommended to those clients departing for the safari heading towards the northern part of Kenya - Samburu Game Reserve, which is semi arid and therefore the rate of dehydration is high.

Weather
Even though Kenya straddles the equator, the climate is mild and pleasant with sunny days and temperatures varying form 80 0 F during the day and 55 0 F at night. The Coastal area is humid all year round. Kenya has an annual long rains from April to June and short rainy period form October to November.

Luggage
A medium sized suitcase and an overnight bag is the usual baggage allowance on most safaris. On your departure form Kenya, please ensure that the baggage total weight does not exceed 23 kilos per person. On the local charter flights only 15 kilos baggage is allowed. We suggest that you limit the baggage weight as much as possible to avoid payment of excess weight.

Customs
A customs bond may be demanded from the visitors bringing in heavy video equipment radios and musical instruments. Fire arms require a special permit. Customs official usually examine baggage on arrival and departure.