KENYA TRAVEL GUIDE

All you need to know before visiting Kenya

General Information

Location:
Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania.

Land Boundaries:
Ethiopia (861 km), Somalia (682 km), South Sudan (232 km), Tanzania (769 km), Uganda (933 km).

Geography:
Kenya covers an area of 582,650 sq km, slightly more than twice the size of Nevada, USA. Low plains rise to central highlands, bisected by the Great Rift Valley, with a fertile plateau in the west. The lowest point is the Indian Ocean, while the highest point is Mount Kenya at 5,199m.

The climate varies from tropical along the coast to arid in the interior. The Kenyan Highlands are among the most productive agricultural regions in Africa. Glaciers are found on Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, and the country’s unique landscape supports abundant and diverse wildlife of both scientific and economic importance.

Languages:
Kiswahili is the lingua franca, while English is the official language. In addition, most communities have their own indigenous languages.

Ethnic Groups:
Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1%.

Religion:
Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, Indigenous beliefs 10%, Muslim 10%, other 2%.
Note: A large majority of Kenyans are Christian, though estimates for other religions may vary.

Travel Advice

Baggage

Baggage space on most safaris is limited to one medium-sized suitcase or soft bag per person, plus hand luggage. On air safaris, a weight limit of 15kg per person applies, which may be reduced to 10kg on smaller aircraft. Visitors to properties such as Treetops and The Ark are advised to carry overnight bags only. Main luggage can be securely stored at base hotels or at Scott Travel offices.

Currency

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, forex bureaus, major hotels, and lodges. U.S. dollars and British pounds are widely accepted. Always confirm applicable charges before exchange. Banks typically operate from 08:30 to 15:00/16:00 on weekdays and 09:00 to 11:00 on Saturdays.

Credit Cards

Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted. Some establishments may apply a small surcharge. ATMs are available in major towns and cities.

Health

Travellers are advised to consult their local health authorities prior to travel. Malaria is present in many regions; appropriate preventive medication is recommended. Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing in the evenings.

Flying Doctors Society

Membership is highly recommended. In case of emergency, the service provides air evacuation to Nairobi for medical care. The approximate cost is USD 30 per person for one month and can be arranged in advance.

Drinking Water

Tap water is not recommended for consumption. Bottled or filtered water is readily available in hotels, lodges, and supermarkets.

Security

As with any destination, basic precautions should be taken. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and use hotel safety deposit boxes for valuables.

Photography

Photography is prohibited in sensitive areas such as airports, military installations, and government buildings. Always seek permission before photographing local people.

Voltage

Electricity supply is 240V AC. Sockets are typically 3-pin (British standard).

Tipping

Tipping is customary, though not mandatory:

Porters/Waiters: USD 2–5 per service
Drivers/Guides: USD 8–15 per person per day

Passports & Visas

Visas can be obtained before travel or on arrival, subject to current regulations. Requirements may vary depending on nationality.

Zanzibar Travel

While yellow fever certificates are not required for Kenya, they may be required when travelling to Tanzania, including Zanzibar.

Climate

Kenya lies along the equator, resulting in generally warm conditions throughout the year. Coastal areas are hot and humid, while highland regions are cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Recommended Packing List

Comfortable shoes that are appropriate enough for dining in the evening.
Walking/hiking shoes/boots
Socks (bring enough pairs.)
Gentlemen: shorts are not permitted in the dining rooms in the evening. As such, please bring at least one pair of long trousers.
Ladies: when visiting Muslim/Arabic areas such as Zanzibar and some coastal areas of Kenya, please note that some shorts and minis will not be appropriate. Please bring a long skirt or trousers.
Shorts for during the day.
Swimming attire.
Cotton T shirts that will not irritate you during the heat of the day.
Long sleeved shirts for the nights (mosquito protection).
Something warm. It can get very cold in the early mornings and at night, especially on safari.
A light rain jacket.
A hat for sun protection.
Sunglasses – the sun in East Africa is extremely strong and bright even on overcast days.

Recommended Miscellaneous List

Insect repellant. This is bought in Nairobi and in all large towns that you pass through.
Sun screen.
Binoculars.
Normal traveling first aid kits. Elastoplast/band aid, paracetamol, eye drops, stomach pills.
Camera and film (film can be bought in Nairobi and other larger towns). The cost of film at lodges and hotels is far more expensive than at the supermarkets.

Where can we take you?

Enjoy an unforgettable, hassle-free travel experience with Scott Travel. Tell us where you want to travel, and our team will guide you.