Circuits and trips to Kenya

Most visitors require a visa to enter Kenya, except South Africans who only need a valid passport. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days and cost US$50. This visa is mandatory to do before leaving the page https:evisa.go.ke/evisa.html. Spaniards only need a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the return date and visitors must have a return ticket.

Swahili and English are the official languages. There are many other languages spoken in the country, mostly African tribal languages, as well as a minority of Middle Eastern and Asian languages brought by immigrants.

The predominant religion in Kenya is Christianity, which is adhered to by approximately 86% of the total population. Islam is the second largest religion in Kenya, practiced by 11% of Kenyans.

The climate is tropical and temperate at the same time. On the coast, it is warm and humid year-round, while the highlands and inland experience more rainfall and cooler temperatures. The northern regions generally remain dry and Nairobi has hot summers and cool winters. The rainy season runs from April to June and from October to December, so the best seasons to travel to the country are during the boreal summer (July to September) and boreal winter (January to February). Regarding temperatures, the coastal regions, Lake Victoria and the southern regions maintain a constant temperature throughout the year in the range of 30° C, while in the interior of the country the temperatures are lower.

Malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever are common, you must protect yourself with a suitable mosquito repellent that contains DEET (consult with International Health). Most of the water in big cities is good, but bottled water is recommended. It is advisable to wear long-sleeved garments and pants in the late afternoon and at night and use insecticides in hotel/hostel rooms before going to bed (or before dinner, so as not to breathe it in). The use of protective creams, hats, cocoa for the lips and sunglasses is recommended. The area is located on the equator and the sun burns very quickly even on cloudy days. Medical services in Nairobi and Mombasa are very good, but it is imperative that visitors have travel insurance that includes medical insurance.

The official currency is the Kenyan shilling (KSH) which is divided into 100 cents. There are bills of: 1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50; and 20, 10, and 5 coins. There are approximately 141 shillings in one euro. The currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange houses and hotels. The airport exchange office is open 24 hours a day and is the best place to exchange US dollars, pounds or euros for cash and pounds for travelers checks.

Major credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops. Travelers checks are very convenient and are accepted in many places.

220V - 240V/50Hz, British type 3 pin plugs. Adapters can usually be obtained at hotel reception by paying a small recoverable deposit, but there are not always enough as they are limited in number, so it is advisable to carry some in your suitcase.

It has many different influences (Arabic, Portuguese, English, Asian and Indian) and is one of the richest and most varied in sub-Saharan Africa: meat, seafood, cuisine with spices, Chinese specialities, Indian chutney and typical French cuisine, etc. . There is a good variety of restaurants in both Nairobi and Mombasa.

Moving from one point to another within the country is easy to do by plane or buses from reputable companies. Avoid the ubiquitous public transport vans known locally as “matatus”.

Shopping: There are numerous markets and curio shops in the towns and along the roads during the safari tour, where you can buy traditional jewelry, canvases, shields, spears, wood carvings, sculptures, figures and objects made of talc stone, baskets, bags, safari clothing, objects made from banana fiber, khangas (colorful fabrics worn by women, especially in the countryside and on the coast) and kikois (fabrics that men usually wear on the coast). It is important to haggle in most stores.

Clothing: Warm clothing is necessary for cold nights, especially in the winter months (June-August), during the safari. The recommended footwear is: light, sports boots and cotton socks. On the coast, summer clothing is ideal, however, keep in mind that the population there is mainly Muslim, and in the city, it is not recommended for women to wear tank tops or shorts. This applies only to city centers and while visiting a seaside town. It is recommended to bring a swimsuit, since almost all hotels have a swimming pool, and a light raincoat in case it rains.

Luggage: Safari vehicles do not have much luggage capacity and that is why soft and light luggage is recommended. In any hotel, laundry service is available. It is suggested to bring all medications, basic necessities, etc. in your hand luggage, including a change of clothes, as international airlines sometimes have problems with delayed luggage. It is also essential to bring binoculars.

The sense of time in Africa has nothing to do with that of Europe, you have to be patient, understand their sense of time and let yourself go and enjoy without haste. It is advisable to wear the body more well covered in the villages. If you want to take some things, it is preferable that they be useful or necessary, such as pens, notebooks, etc. for children and/or generic drugs, which are in short supply in these places.

Kenya's time zone is GMT+03:00