Kenya Travel Basic Information

Money
There are no restrictions on the foreign exchange you may bring into the country. However, if you wish to take out of the country amounts exceeding Ksh 500,000, you require written authorisation from the Central Bank of Kenya.

Foreign-exchange bureaus are the best places to change money compared to banks. They offer better competitive rates and they don't charge commissions. Banks will change money for you but the commissions charged can be very high. Don't visibly carry your money around as this makes the work of petty thieves very easy.

With a vibrant tourist industry, here is a country where tipping is expected. In anything more than a basic eatery, 5-10% of the bill is the usual amount expected. On safari, guides, drivers, often rely heavily on tips to get by. Around US$3 per employee per day is sufficient. for excellent service you can always add.

Photography
In Kenya there is abundant wildlife and birdlife in their natural habitats, magnificent scenery, captivating avifauna, colourful people, reliable as well as unlimited sunlight. It is therefore not difficult to take memorable photographs even if you are not a professional photographer. When on safari in Kenya please remember that animals you encounter are not tame and as such it is advisable not to get out of your vehicle.

Avoid photographing the local people, government building, military facilities you meet while on safari. If you want to photograph local people ask for permission first.

Telephone and Postal Services
Kenya has an excellent telecommunication network for both domestic and international services. International STD system is fully operational in most urban centres. There are also excellent Telex and Fax facilities in hotels providing direct links with most parts of the world on a 24-hour basis.

Souvenirs
Ornamental souvenirs are plentiful. Most hotels and game lodges feature a boutique or two, stocking a wide variety of Kenyan souvenirs. However, the real test is in the art of bargaining at market stalls, wayside outlets and bazaars. The most famous is the Maasai Market

Products on offer include accessories such as safari suits kiondos, hats, mats, baskets and containers made from indigenous fibres. Kenya coffee and tea make thoughtful presents to take back home.

Your local driver guide in Kenya can offer very useful tips on shopping.

Kenyan Road Conditions

Foreigners may encounter road conditions in Kenya that differ significantly from those in the their countries. Drivers are required to have a valid license that must include a picture of the holder. A foreign license may be used for upto 90 days, but only after it has been endorsed by the local Transport Office in Nairobi.

The major crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania is Namanga Town, which is open 24 hours a day. Other crossings include Lunga Lunga and Taveta. The Ethiopian border post of Moyale has become increasingly dangerous to cross due to civil fighting. For those with four-wheel drives, a more popular and adventurous route to the west near Lake Turkana is quite popular. It is important to ask the locals for advice before trying this route

It is important to be very careful in towns and villages and not leave your vehicle open and unattended. Most of the local people are poor and this might tempt them to steal. You should have no problem sleeping outdoors in designated camping areas or remote places along the way, but get into the habit of locking your things up before you go to sleep.

There are a lot of local and international car rental companies in Kenya. Have a look at our Kenya Car Rental options. In Kenya, one drives on the left side of the road. Excessive speeding is common. Unpredictable driving habits, poor vehicle maintenance, and lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles are daily hazards.

When there is a heavy traffic jam either due to rush hour or because of an accident, drivers will drive across the median strip and drive directly toward oncoming traffic. There are often fatal accidents involving long-distance, inter-city buses, or local buses. Also, vehicle travel outside major cities at night should be avoided due to poor visiblity.

Kenya has a good network of public transport including buses, as well as minibuses but none are very safe as drivers tend at times to overload and overspeed. You also have the option of us hiring a private 18 seater bus or shuttle. Though the prices are a bit expensive, the ride is more comfortable and safer.

There are over 63,000 km of highways in Kenya, of which 8,000 km of which are paved. Roads are generally in good condition, but deteriorate in times of long rainy seasons. During the rainy season, many unpaved roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance

Wanderlust Safaris uses customised 7-seater minibuses, especially adapted for safari work. They have sliding windows, roof hatches and high ground clearance to improve all around visibility and photography. On long journeys and sometimes rough roads, the safari microbus provides a superior degree of comfort and manoeuvrability.