What to carry

Luggage when on a Safari should be kept to the minimum. Space is normally limited. Luggage is preferably to be carried in a soft canvas bag. Your booked hotels in Nairobi and/or Mombasa have enough facilities for storage of excess luggage.

Climate

Kenya is considered to have very pleasant temperatures especially in the highlands. Temperatures range to a maximum of about 28 – 30^oC (daytime). Nights can sometimes be cold in the higher altitudes. The month of July usually has a minimum of around 10^oC. Coastal climate is tropical being hot and humid most of the year round.

What to wear

Informal wear will be your best choice. Remember when packing! - That comfortable clothing is important. Look for light cotton slacks, jeans, short sleeved shirts e.t.c. Avoid exposing yourself too much especially if you plan to mix with the locals. A lot of lodges and hotels have swimming pools, so you can bring your swimwear along. The glaze from sun could be softer on your eyes if you bring your sunglasses and a hat. Pack a warm pullover for those cold nights in the highlands.

Health

Our company policy strongly emphasises that you consult your General Practitioner (GP) or Doctor for expert advice before travelling. No Liability will be accepted by the company relating to health issues based on guess work speculations, assumptions and ignorance. The Company reserves the right to request for any set of medical records from a client whilst a Client is on Safari with us if it becomes necessary to do so. Malaria is endemic in the lower altitude areas such as the coastal regions of Mombasa. Always sleep under a mosquito net treated with mosquito repellents. If you intend to sleep in the tented camps, use recommended insect repellent sprays on your arms and legs. Also cover yourself with clothing as much as possible. Kenya’s strain of Malaria is resistant to Chloroquin. 

Drinking water

Bottled water is available from most shops and supermarkets in all the major towns. Always drink boiled water if bottled water is not available.

Currency

It is ILLEGAL to leave with any local Kenyan Currency. Kenyan currency is in Kenya shillings (Kshs). The exchange rate is roughly about Kshs 124 => £1.00 , Kshs 78 => 1.00$(Usd) and Kshs 90 => 1.00€. The £’s , $'s and €'s in cash or travellers cheques are readily accepted in Kenya. The major banks in Kenya are Barclays bank, Equity bank, Kenya Commercial bank and Co-operative bank of Kenya with a wide network of branches. Other banks are Standard Chartered, National Bank of Kenya and Diamond Trust amongst others. You can get ATM services and also all the banking services you may require in any of these banks. Banking hours are normally 9.⁰⁰am to 3.⁰⁰pm Monday to Friday. Most hotels and lodges change money outside these hours. Enquire at the reception. Forex Bureau/ux and services are widely available in the city of Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu and other major towns. They operate 7 days a week. You will get limited banking services during the weekend. Credit cards such as Visa and Master Cards are accepted in most major hotels, restaurants and supermarkets and shopping malls.

Safety

Safety precautions should be observed everywhere you stay or visit. Security in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu is like in any other city. Use safe deposit boxes and only carry small amounts of cash when walking around town. Avoid walking alone at night unaccompanied or in unfamiliar places. Cab services are cheap, safe and readily available if you need to move around town on your own. Just enquire from your hotel reception. Leave and lock your valuables in your hotel safe deposit box if you intend to mix with the locals.