Travel Information - Kenya
About Kenya
Kenya is ranked among the best destinations in the world. The country is home to: the big five; a rich cultural heritage; a pristine coastline with clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean and white sandy beaches; the annual Masai Mara wildebeest migration spectacle; the great rift valley with its volcanic mountains and soda lakes; and a breathtaking landscape from the snow capped Mount Kenya in the central area, a semi arid North and lush green topography to the West that culminates with Lake Victoria (the World's second largest freshwater lake). Most importantly, Kenyans are warm and hospitable people who are always ready to greet visitors with a smile.
Climate
Although Kenya is considered to fall in the tropics, climate and temperature varies depending on altitude and proximity to the ocean. Coastal regions are hot and humid while the central plateaus are warm and dry, with cool nights. So pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. It goes without saying that the standard safari gear must include a sunscreen and mosquito repellent. In areas where malaria is prevalent, summer is generally a more risky time to travel. So, before you go on safari, consult your doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication.
Public Holidays
| Date | Public Holiday |
|---|---|
| 1st January | New Years Day |
| 25th March | Good Friday |
| 14th April | Easter Monday |
| 1st May | Labour Day |
| 1st June | Madaraka Day |
| Eid al-Fitr | (end of Ramadan) |
| Eid al-Adha | |
| 20th October | Mashujaa Day or Heroes' Day |
| 12th December | Jamhuri / Independence Day |
| 25th December | Christmas Day |
| 26th December | Boxing Day |
Eid al fitr and Eid al adha are commemorated depending on the sighting of the new moon
Dates for Good friday and Easter Monday also vary every year
Customs Regulations
Prohibited items
Include counterfeit money and goods, pornography, matches made using white phosphorus, narcotics, soaps and cosmetics containing mercury, and used tyres.
Restricted items
Include animal traps, unwrought precious metals and stones, arms and ammunition, ivory, hippopotamus teeth, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, whalebone, antlers, coral, endangered species, and historic artefacts.
Visa fees
Transit eVisa/visa on arrival: US$21.
Single-entry eVisa/visa on arrival: US$51.
East Africa tourist visa: US$100.
Transit visa: £10.
Single-entry visa: £30.
Multiple-entry visa: £60.
East Africa visa: £65.
These fees are for visas obtained in advance from the embassy/high commission.
Kenya has an agreement with Tanzania and Uganda to waiver visa re-entry fees if travelling between the three countries as long as single-entry visas remain valid for each country. This means multiple-entry visas are not required if going from Kenya to Tanzania or Uganda and back to Kenya. The same applies for travel from Uganda and Tanzania.
Taxi Services
Taxis are immediately available at the main entry points Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Mombasa International Airport. Taxis are also available outside most hotels in Nairobi, Mombasa and at most of the country's major towns.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is Kenya's main entry point and the biggest airport in East Africa. Located in the Embakasi suburb 15 kilometres (9 mi) southeast of Nairobi's central business district, the airport has scheduled flights to destinations in over 50 countries.
Security
Similar to other cities and towns around the world, it is advisable to take the usual precautions to safe-guard yourself and your belongings. Do not leave valuables in your car.