Destinations Services Limited

Before you leave for Kenya, make sure you have the following in order

1. A valid Passport
2. Arrival Ticket
3. Return Ticket
4. Adequate Funds
5. Visa if Required

Visa and Passport Information

Depending on your nationality or country of origin, you may need to apply for and receive a visa before visiting Kenya. It is important that you do so immediately upon making the decision to travel to the country, and that you make sure your visa does not expire during your travel. Visas can be obtained at the airport upon arrival.Nationals from Commonwealth countries (including Canada and the UK) do not need a visa.A single Entry Visa (valid for three months from date of issue) will cost US$ 25. A transit visa will cost US$ 10.No visas required for persons under the age of 16 years.
To apply for visas please contact your nearest Kenyan Embassy or Consulate. Application forms can be downloaded from The Government Of Kenya Ministry Of Foreign Affairs.

Health & Immunization

No immunization is required by law to enter Kenya if you are travelling directly from Europe or the US.You will need to prove that you have had an innoculation if you are travelling from a country where yellow fever is present. Vaccinations highly recommended are yellow fever,typhoid,Hepatitis A&B and diptheria.

Malaria

There is a risk of catching malaria so it is advisable for you to contact your doctor so as to prescribe anti malaria.Tips on how to avoid malaria

Safety and Security

Kenya is secure and you see this by the way people are friendly and always ready to assist you. Never the less you should be vigilant at all times.You always want to be safe when leaving home so Kenya is no different. Basic safety rules are:

1. Make a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage
2. Dont walk on your own at night
3. Dont carry too much cash
4. Dont wear too much jewellery so as to attract people to yourselves

Currency

The unit of currency in Kenya is Kenya Shillings abbreviated as Ksh. For foreign currency usually the US dollar and Sterling Pound and not forgetting the Euro are accepted widely by the banks and foreign exchange bureaus. You can also change your foreign currency in the hotel that you stay in.Notes are in 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings while coins are 5, 10 and 20 shillings.

Tipping

Tipping in Kenya is acceptable but not mandatory. How much to give is at the discretion of the visitor.

Time Zone

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

Kenyan Food

Although the large majority of Kenyans are Africans, people from other cultures – Arabs, Europeans, Indians and Pakistani – have led to quite some diversity in Kenyan cuisine. Traditional African food is supplemented by British, Arab and Indian fare.

Telecommunications

Kenya has a good network of telephone, cellular and satellite connections. With the introduction of fibre optic to the current internet is virtually everywhere.
Most hotels and lodges offer International telephone and fax services and internet. In larger towns, private telecommunication centres also offer international services.
If you have a mobile phone with a roaming connection, then you can make use of Kenya’s excellent cellular networks, which covers most larger towns and tourist areas.
When calling Kenya, the International code is 254+ local area code.

Wildlife Areas

While the animals are used to seeing human beings at the parks it is important to note that they are still wild animals. The wildlife code that can be followed are as follows:

1.   Respect the privacy of the wildlife and their habitat
2. Beware of the animals,they are wild and can be unpredictable
3. Don’t crowd the animals or make sudden noises or movements
4. Don’t feed the animals, it upsets their diet and leads to human dependence
5. Keep quiet,noise disturbs the wildlife and may antagonize your fellow visitors
6. Stay in your vehicle at all times,except at designated picnic or walking areas
7.   Keep below the maximum speed limit
8. Never drive off-road, this severely damages the habitat
9. When viewing wildlife keep to a minimum distance of 20metres and pull to the side of the road so as to allow others to pass
10. Leave no litter and never leave fires unattended or discard burning objects
11. Respect the cultural heritage of Kenya,never take pictures of the local people or their habitat without asking their permission,respect the cultural traditions of Kenya and always dress with decorum