There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency you may bring into any of the East African countries. It is advisable to change the foreign currency into local currency only in banks and forex bureaus. Before you leave you can change the local currency back into your currency but you may be asked for the initial exchange receipt. US$ are acceptable for payments in most tourist establishments and are more commonly used than the Euros. Many hotels and all National Parks quote their rates in US$ for visitors.

The present Exchange Rate is 1 US$ = 73.5 kshs. Due to fluctuations it is advisable to check rates.

Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist establishments, however often a 5% surcharge for processing card payments is charged. In Kenya there are many ATMs where you can use credit cards to obtain cash. The banking system in Kenya is very advanced as compared to Uganda and Tanzania. Banking hours are usually from 8.00 am – 3.00pm from Monday – Friday. At the Airport in Nairobi the banks are open 24 hours.

Visitors arriving from yellow fever and cholera infested countries must have valid vaccination certificates. This is particularly important when crossing from one East African country to another one.

No other vaccinations are required to enter into Kenya at this time.

Malaria is rare in Nairobi and the highland but prevalent in hot and humid low altitudes around the costal region, Lake Victoria and the savannah. Malaria prophylactics should be taken when visiting East Africa and must be started 2 weeks before the intended date of travel and continued 2 weeks after departure.
It is safe to swim in the sea and swimming pools but it is not recommended in lakes, rivers and open reservoirs as they maybe infested with bilharzias parasites. Tap water is usually safe for drinking but it is advisable to use bottled water during your stay in East Africa. Bottled mineral water is widely available.

The Flying Doctor Service provides a very effective air ambulance in case of accidents and covers the whole of East Africa. We can arrange an independent rescue cover for you if this is not included in your package. East Africa’s top medical facilities are in Nairobi. At the Aga Khan Hospital and Nairobi Hospital there are highly qualified medical personnel readily available to deal with any emergency.

Nairobi’s international status is attested by the availability of first class service offered in its range of fine hotels. These have professional staffing from the KENYA UTALII COLLEGE, a specialized institution for training staff for the tourism industry. Standards of hygiene in hotels and lodges are high. Most lodges maintain international standards, graded by the Ministry of Tourism by star categories: Five stars are the finest, - fit for royalty - while 3 stars is an acceptable international standard. Salads are safe at international Hotels and lodges. A variety of cuisines are available at numerous restaurants in the cities. Hotels and lodges always offer international menus and may feature a few ethnic foods for guests to sample. Fruits you can peel are the safest to eat. Outside of your lodge it is advised to purchase bottled mineral water or use filtered water found in carriers in most hotels and Lodges. HTT supplies all our clients with 2 bottles of bottled mineral water per day while on safari. The local Kenyan beer is an ideal thirst quencher too!

Ideal clothing includes a light weight cardigan, shorts, long pants, t-shirts and a few long sleeve shirts for milder evenings. If you are coming between the months of June – August you may want to bring a slightly heavier cardigan, due to Global Warming we have seen temperatures during these months become chillier in the evenings. Sandals are fine though Safari shoes are recommended if you anticipate going on walking safaris or any adventure sports. A hat is essential for sun protection as vehicle roof hatches are left open whilst game viewing. Sunscreens are recommended, sunglasses and a swimsuit is essential for lodges with pools. Although evening wear is informal, Mount Kenya Safari Club, Nanyuki and some Nairobi restaurants do require gentlemen to wear a tie and jacket for dinner. Please do not offend local customs by wearing very skimpy shorts or miniskirts. Note that none of the beaches in Kenya are nude beaches.

Take a small, lightweight flash light as electric generators at lodges and camps are sometimes turned off after 2200 hrs or 2300 hrs until 0500 hrs in the morning. Most lodges do provide these and candles in rooms. Carry binoculars for added pleasure in game viewing.

Most lodges outside Nairobi and Mombasa use generators. The voltage is 220-240 AC, suitable for appliances, with the exception of those manufactured in the USA and Canada. However, some generators are usually only run for short periods in the early morning and again in the evening from 1830 hrs to 2230 hrs. You would be wise to bring battery operated razors, battery operated curlers and a good quality torch with extra batteries. For those coming from the USA and Canada, an adaptor with a power converter may also be worth carrying.

Nairobi is like any major city in the world be it New York, London or Paris. Take care of your valuables concealing jewellery and watches and hold handbags tightly when walking on the streets. Gold neck chains can be snatched with ease and it’s inadvisable to wear them. Keep valuables in the hotel safe. Do not leave money, passport, jewellery or watches in the rooms or tents; carry them with you at all times. Be careful late at night in towns or whilst on a lonely beach.

Phones and fax facilities are available in Nairobi, Mombasa, Arusha, Mt. Kenya Safari Club, most lodges and major towns. However, all our vehicles have both short and long range radios with direct communication with our Nairobi office. This ensures your safety at all times and allows for easy communication for any messages you may have to receive or send. Mobile phone usage is possible within all major towns and in some national parks. A few however have not been covered on the local mobile phone networks.

East Africa is the photographer’s dreamland, abounded with wildlife and bird life in their natural habitat, magnificent scenery, colourful people and reliable and unlimited sunlight. While on safari one must remember that the animals are not tame and it is advisable to keep a distance or remain in the vehicle. When taking shots of local people permission from them should be sought and the local culture respected.

Kenya is certainly in the mainstream wildlife safari photography destinations and is photographically productive enough to warrant the time and expense it takes to travel thousands of miles to photograph wildlife there. Wildlife can easily be photographed; just ask the driver to stop and ask any questions you may have about the animals. It is advisable to carry your cameras in dust-proof bags on safari, especially in the dry season. Film is available in most hotels and lodges but it is advisable to stock up in Nairobi. Memory chips and storage cards can be found in Nairobi, though these can be pricey and hard to find.

Visa extensions can be applied for to the Principal Immigration Officer at Nyayo House in Nairobi or the immigration office in Mombasa. As long as your visa is valid, you do not need to ask for re-entry passes if you travel to Uganda or Tanzania. Tourist Visa can be obtained at most entry points though visitors are advised to obtain their visa from the High Commissions in their home countries to avoid delay at the entry points.

The fees vary for different nationalities and between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. When travelling between the 3 countries multiple entry visas are advisable. Visitors are not allowed to engage in any paid or unpaid employment during their stay except with written permission from the Department of Immigration
Apart from personal effects visitors may bring along with them cameras, films, binoculars, non - consumable provisions, cigarettes, perfumes and spirits in such quantities as are in the opinion the authorities consistent with the visit. Gifts are dutiable while firearms; illicit drugs and obscene literature are prohibited.

Kenya's national carrier is Kenya Airways. This is a modern airline that flies to many destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Other airlines that fly to Nairobi include British Airways (London), KLM (Amsterdam), SN Brussels Airlines (Brussels), and Swiss/Cross air (Zürich).

From the USA, a connecting flight to Europe or the Middle East [Dubai] must be taken. Other international airlines that fly to Nairobi include El Al, Egypt Air, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Pakistan International Airlines and South African Airlines.

Qatar Airways has recently started flights into Nairobi. A few German airlines fly direct from Europe to Moi International Airport in Mombasa, from Münich (LTU) or Frankfurt (Condor).

You can find flight schedules and connections to Nairobi at Amadeus [http://www.amadeus.net/home/index_toplevel.htm ]