| TRAVEL TIPS |
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Visas : Vistors to Kenya are required by law to have a valid passport and visa . One can obtain thier visa, from thier country of resisdents or upon arrival at the Airport. However, verify visa requirements from your tour opreator, airline, Kenya Tourism Office or The High Commission in your country you reside, before emarking on your visit.
Customs : Person(s) may bring any reasonable amount of personal effects including carmeras and any amount of film duty free. Any "home video equipment" person(s) should consult their nearest High Commission or Consulate, as a custom bond is normally required for the period of such equipment in the country.
Currency : Kenya's currency is based on the decimal system with the unit being Kenya Shillings; divided into 100 cents, with veried donomations of notes and coins. You can bring any amount of currency and take it out upon your departure. Howerver, your advised to check exchage rate regularly, and further advised to change your money in banks or licensed forex bureaux - avoid street dealers altogether. It is an offence to deface the Kenyan currency.
Credit Cards : Most credits cards are widely accepted throughout East Africa and they include American Express, Visa, Master Card, Access and other well known international cards. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday between 0900 - 1500 hrs, some banks are open from 0900 - 1100 hrs on the first last Saturday of each month. Banks at international airports operate 24hrs service.
Health : Yellow fever and/or cholera inoculations are recommended for visitors from the countries where the dieseases are prevanlent. Ensure you keep proof of such inoculation safely in your passports. It is also advisable to take full precaution against malaria as advised by your physician. Its best to avoid food from pavement vendors. Drink water that is known to be safe: the safest bet being filtered and bottled water as well as water provided in thermos flasks in the lodges. You are advised not to drink water from the taps, rivers or lakes, Avoid bathing in rivers and lakes.
Security : Kenya, like any other country, has its share of crime and there are few basic rules you can observe to avoid unpleasant situations. Leave your camera for the game parks and guided execursion only, and avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables. Do not leave travelers cheques or any valuable in your hotel room - use the safety boxes provided by the most hotels and lodges [some rooms are equipped with a safe]. Avoid back streets at night [especially alone]. It is much safer to avoid night walking all together. Ask your hotel doorman to call for a taxi and ensure you agree on the price prior to boarding.
Photography : We strongly advise you tyo seek permission from any person whose photograph you would like to take. Film is available at most game lodge, but stocks are usually limited and of common sizes and brands.Ensure you have ample supply of batteries for your camera, sas these are seldom available whilst on safari.It is an offence ot take photos of the Head Of State, border ports, airports and persons in uniform or millitary installations, etc.
Tipping : A service charge is usually included in all tariffs. However, tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated , and is largely at your discretion. customary tips for bar service, tour guides, driver guides, and room porters is discretionary. whereas restaurant tariffs that include service charge will anticipate a 5-10% tip.
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