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Airport departure tax (US$20
in hard currency) is payable upon departure from Kenyan airports, if you
have scheduled flight tickets this will be included in the price.
Yellow Fever / Other vaccinations
/ Malaria
It is now generally accepted that the Cholera vaccination
is ineffective. Vaccination against Yellow Fever is recommended, check with
your Embassy and/or local heath office for more details.Anti-malarial prophylactics
should be taken in accordance with medical advice,especially if you visit
the Coast. Good medical facilities are available in the major cities.Comprehensive
Travel Insurance is essential,this can be reinforced by membership of Flying
Doctors or similar Medical Evacuation organisations which can be arranged
through us at a reasonable rate. Use only bottled or filtered water for drinking.
All tap water should be treated - with caution !
Security:- commonsense
precautions should be taken in urban areas. Elsewhere security is good and
incidents rare. Valuables should be kept in hotel/lodge safety deposit.
Currency: The
local currency is the shilling ( Ksh/-) and is freely exchangeable within
this country and neighbouring countries but not elsewhere. Make sure that
you use or exchange any local currency before departure.Most major establishments
accept the main Credit Cards but may charge a premium. Cash dispensers (
ATMs) and Forex Bureaux are infrequent outside of the main centres, make
sure that you have sufficient local currency before leaving on Safari. Most
major credit cards are accepted however charges are high compared to Europe.
Social Behaviour:- Kenya
was a British colony and for this reason the influence is still strongly
felt and Western habits prevail. The English language is widely spoken. Photographing
people in Kenya is a sensitive issue; many people, including the Masai make
a living from it, and should be asked permission. Do not photograph Muslim
women. Tipping is normally 10 Kenyan Shilling, except where it is included
in the price. Possession and trafficking of drugs is a serious crime in Kenya
and jail sentences for these activities can be expected
Ivory & Skins:- Hunting
is banned in Kenya. The government continue to do their utmost to protect
wildlife, therefore it is consdidered a very serious offense to buy and attempt
to export ivory, animal skins or stuffed animals.
Cuisine :- Food
in Kenya is of a superb quality and includes fantastic game meat, seafood,
tropical fruits, freshwater and river fish and other local delicacies. Restaurants
are in abundance and the standard of service is excellent. Indian and Arab
food is also widely available. Kenya produces its own tea, coffee and an
excellent beer.
Climate :- Tropical - hottest
times are between the rains which are mainly April and May, and again in
November. The hottest months are February and March. Due to elevations up
country temperatures can be quite mild.
Clothing:-
Informal lightweight clothing is recommended. Mornings and evenings can be
considerably cooler so include a cardigan or lightweight jacket but don't
forget that all-important hat for protection against the equatorial sun.
Dress is normally informal on most occasions. On the coast ladies are expected
to dress modestly in public places. Nude or topless bathing does not have
the approval of the Kenyans or the government.
Photography:-
Films are widely available but you are advised to take a plentiful supply
together with batteries
Electrical Supply:-
230/240 volts 50Hz. Sockets are usually 3 pin square (British type). It is
advisable to check that any appliances (e.g. video battery charger) operating
on other voltages have a builtin in adaptor or bring one with you.
Local Time:- GMT
plus three hours.
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