Africa
Kenya
Tanzania
Uganda
Egypt
Botswana
South africa
Zimbabwe
Asia
India
Sri lanka
Nepal
Malaysia
Indian Ocean islands
Zanzibar
Seychelles
Mauritius
Maldives
Adventures plus
Walking safaris
White water rafting
Mountain climbing
Specials
Honeymoons
Accommodation
Gorilla tracking
Special offers
All inclusive
Testimonials

Home | Travel Tips

TRAVELING TIPS-KENYA & TANZANIA
Below are some travel tips that will come in handy whilst preparing your holiday to this area. We shall endeavor to update this page as and when the information changes, and we would also advise you to consult your nearest Diplomatic Mission for updates.
1. KENYA 

INTERNATIONAL AIR SERVICES
 
A number of International Airlines fly into Kenya frequently. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi is the hub of our local and international airline, Kenya Airways partners with KLM Royal Dutch have connections to/from all over the world. Moi International Airport, in Mombasa has both regular and charter flights arriving from most European capitals. Apart from Kenya Airways, many other International Airlines fly to J.K.I.A. Air Kenya Aviation also operates flights out of both Nairobi and Mombasa to Zanzibar 4 times a week. The have also recently introduced flights direct out of Mombasa to Kilimanjaro Airport in Arusha.  

PASSPORT AND VISAS.
 
Your passport must be valid six months after date of travel. 
All visitors require a tourist visa that can be procured at the Kenyan High Commission in their respective country or on arrival. 
The fee remains US$ 50.- per passport .  

LANGUAGES
 
The main languages spoken in Kenya are Kiswahili and English, but you will find most staff in the hospitality services speak French, German or Italian, Dutch etc. Many driver-guides also speak one or more of these languages. 

TIME ZONE
 
Kenya is +3 hours GMT and +2 hours Central Europe in Winter time and +1 hour in summer time. 

HEALTH AND IMMUNISATION

A course of anti-malarial tablets is indispensable .Seek advice from a GP. A mosquito repellent is also advisable. Yellow-Fever vaccination is not mandatory, however we would recommend that you check with your local authorities as some countries require their nationals to immunize against yellow-fever.Hotels and Game Lodges supply clean drinking water in Thermos Flasks for drinking or brushing; bottled mineral water is available widely everywhere in the country and we highly recommend the use of mineral water. 

DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER.
 
If on medication, it is best to take a supply of medicines to last the entire trip. 
 
AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX

An International airport departure tax of US$ 20.- or the equivalent in any other foreign currency is levied. Since September 1998, this tax should be collected by the International airline as part of the airfare. A service charge of sh.200 is due on domestic flights which could be included in your flight ticket or may be payable direct at the counter. Your agent will advise you accordingly. 
 
CUSTOMS
 
Visitors may import, duty-free, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and one litre of spirit. 

CURRENCY
 
The unit of currency is the Kenyan shilling, Exchange rate is $1 = KSH 70.- (20 May 2003). 
Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the country. 

COST OF LIVING
 
The average cost of eating out is equivalent to that in most developed countries. Lunch costs around $9 per head and an "a la carte" dinner is between USD $25 and USD $35 per person. Diners can choose between Kenyan, Indian, European-Continental and Asian cuisine. There are also fast food outlets and fish-and-chip shops! Kenyan beer is constantly winning medals and costs around USD $2 a bottle, while local wine is produced in the Naivasha region.  
 
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
 
January 1, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May 1, June 1, October 10, October 20, December 12, and December 25-26. Eid-Ul-Fitr, Eid-Ul-Haj ( Religious Holidays) 

SHOPPING/ SOUVENIRS
 
There is a big variety of souvenirs to take home. Most hotels have licensed souvenir shops and there are a large number of such outlets in the main towns. The African Heritage, Nairobi, stocks a wide range of African crafts, while the Paa ya Paa Arts Centre, Ridgeways, Nairobi, displays and sells by indigenous artists, charging a nominal entrance fee. Interesting artifacts are also sold in the City's market.  
The Jacaranda special school, Nairobi and the Bombolulu Crafts Centre in Mombasa are charity-based, supporting the disabled.  
The ToToTo Home Industries in Mombasa helps local women to earn a living. 
Amongst the best buys are: wood carvings, art and batiks, ethnic and modern jewellery with a Kenya flavour, semi-precious stones (such as malachite and tanzanite), tie-dye cotton cloths, safaris outfits, soap-stone carvings and basketware. 

WHERE & HOW TO BUY:
 
As you move along from point to point, you will come across many souvenir shops "kiosks" , if you like something, BARGAIN and BUY. 
At several places, barter is also possible. You may want to bring your used T-shirts, caps, sneakers etc.. and in exchange pick up Masai bead bracelets, small animal carvings etc..  
As your time can be limited , don't put off your shopping till the 'last day'. 
Often some of these 'kiosks' stock items that are not available in the city. 
The traders accept Kenya Shillings, and all major currencies in cash and some of the bigger outlets also take International Credit Cards. 

WHAT TO WEAR
 
Summer clothing is worn throughout the year, although at times a jacket and light raincoat may be necessary. On dawn and dusk safaris, a sweater is likely to be needed.  
On safari, wear neutral colours, such as brown, beige and khaki - bright colours may alarm the animals.  
Sensible walking Shoes are also recommended. Casual wear is the norm during the day, a short-sleeved shirt for men, light cotton dresses, or a skirt and top for women. In the evening, in some hotels and restaurants, particularly in the cities, men may be required to wear a jacket and tie, while women will feel more comfortable in a cocktail dress. 
Sunglasses and a hat for protection against the sun are recommended and swimsuits should be packed for the swimming pool or beach. Topless sunbathing is not permitted.

WHAT TO BRING

Don't forget the camera, camcorder and a plentiful  
supply of film and spare batteries. 
A pair of binoculars will greatly enhance game viewing while a torch to find your way around camp after dark is a good idea.  
 
Books, pencils, crayons and candy are very welcome  
as gifts to the children of local villages that you would pass (or visit ) 
whilst on safari. 

PHOTOGRAPHY
 
It is forbidden to take photographs of official buildings, of the flag of Kenya and of the president. It is advisable to ask their consent before photographing the people. Useful tips: if you stay in Kenya long enough, have your photos processed there, it is cheaper than in Europe; the use of an U.V. filter on your lens is advisable in all circumstances. 

BEHAVIOUR IN TOWN
 
Kenya has several religions, but the Coast is predominantly Muslim, therefore you are requested to observe certain modesty in your dress. 

BEHAVIOUR IN PARKS
 
The animals are at home, do not disturb their daily life, do not throw litter and do not encourage your driver to drive off the track. Don’t be disappointed if you have not seen all the species on your list, consider on the contrary that you have been lucky to see what you have seen and enjoy the landscape and the immensity 

TIPPING & GRATUITIES
 
Tipping is customary in Kenya and in many occasions, actually 'paves the way'. It is indeed a way of life. 
Whilst the actual amount of money to tip is left at your discretion, we would like to offer some guidelines here below: 
 
Porter - per bag : US$ 0.35 each time 
 
Server in restaurant - per meal : US$ 0.50 per person 
Driver-guide - per day : US$ 3.- per person 
Tour Co-ordinator - per day : US$ 1.50 per person  
On average, we would recommend that you budget for US$ 50.- per person on a trip of 7 days, which would comfortably cover all tipping & gratuities.  
 
TRAVEL LIGHT
 
Some safaris / air charters limit baggage to a 10-15 kilos maximum.  
Baggage space in minibuses is limited too and we therefore recommend use soft bags and/or soft suitcases. 
 
 
2. TANZANIA
 
a)ROAD 
The best way to enter Tanzania is overland from Kenya. 
 
b)AIR 
There are plenty of flights from Europe to Tanzania. Most people fly into Dar-Es-Salaam but there are also international flights to KILIMANJARO  
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT to Zanzibar.
 
Kenya Airways operates a twice-daily flight to Zanzibar with ample connections to Dar-Es-Salaam. 
Regional Air operates a daily service between Nairobi and Arusha. Airport tax is supposed to be USD 30.- out of Dar-es-salaam and Arusha.Airport tax is USD 20.- out of Zanzibar.There is also a war insurance being levied and depends on the airline used.

PASSPORT AND VISAS.
 
A valid passport is required. Please check with our Mission Overseas whether you require visas. The Visa application varies. However, it is standard that 2 passport-sized photographs must accompany your application  

HEALTH & IMMUNISATION
 
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all visitors to Tanzania. 
Malaria exists below 1 800 m in malignant falciparum form. 
It is obligatory to buy bottled water. Private health insurance is recommended . 

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX,
 
Airport tax is supposed to be USD 30.- out of Dar-es-salaam and Arusha. Airport tax is USD 20.- out of Zanzibar. Domestic airport departure taxes are still payable in some airports, but in most cases included in the airfare quoted by the agent or airline.  

IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS
 
An onward ticket and sufficient funds are required when entering Tanzania.  

CURRENCY
 
1 USD is equivalent to 800 Tanzanian shillings. 
Bureau de Change offers favorable exchange rates.Credit cards – ACCES, VISA, MASTERCARD, DINERS are accepted at the larger hotels around the country. There is no limit on the importation of foreign currency. 

COST OF LIVING.
 
Compared to American / British standards, relatively cheaper.  

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
 
1 January, 12 January, 26 April, 1 May, , 7 July, 10 September, 9 December, 25 December, 26 December, Start of Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Haj and Easter.  
 
SHOPPING / SOUVENIRS
 
Tanzania offers the visitor a treasure trove of art, handicraft, spices, furniture and other collectibles. Curios are sold in markets and in city and town center.  
 
WHAT TO WEAR ETC..
 
Sharing the same climatic & time zone as well as culture and customs, hints given for Kenya would apply here also.