Kenya

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

**Requirements due to COVID-19 are constantly changing. Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.**

UK guests please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for the latest entry and exit advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya/entry-requirements 

US guests please see the Travel State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kenya.html 

**For those traveling on the Kenya tour extension to Rwanda: Please check the requirements for entry to Rwanda, as they differ from those for Kenya.

Passports
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay. It is advised to have 1 blank page in your passport. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport

Visas
You must apply online for electronic travel authorisation in advance of travel. The local authorities recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your departure.: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en 

• Travelers can submit applications up to 3 months prior to travel, but visas must be valid for the full duration for the expected stay in Kenya. 

**All nationalities must check the visa entry requirements before your departure. 

Consular Information

Several major international embassies, including those for the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK, are located in Nairobi. Embassies for other countries, such as New Zealand, are located in other African cities but offer coverage to Kenya. Please check with your government for relevant contact details.

**Note: Visa and entry requirements, regulations, and restrictions can change. Ensure you check the current requirements well in advance of travel.

Travel Insurance
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Ensure all pre-existing medical conditions are declared to the insurer. Provide the details of your insurance to The Big Journey Company at least 6 weeks before your departure date by emailing info@thebigjourneycompany.com. Take note of important information such as the insurer’s 24-hour emergency number and your policy number.

Medical Conditions and Personal Medication

Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you.
Important:

• Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the contact details of your doctor.
• Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.

LUGGAGE

What to Pack and Wear
On your safari you’ll want to dress for comfort, sun protection, and blending into the environment to avoid drawing attention from wildlife.

Here’s what we recommend to pack:

1. Neutral-Colored Clothing
Stick to colors like khaki, olive, beige, and brown. Bright colors can attract insects and may disturb animals.
Avoid black and dark blue, as they can attract tsetse flies, which can bite.

2. Lightweight, Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants
Protects you from the sun, insects, and scratchy bushes.
Choose breathable, quick-dry fabrics, as Kenya can get hot during the day but cooler in the mornings and evenings.

3. Comfortable, Closed-Toe Shoes
Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are ideal if you plan to go on bush walks.
For game drives, comfortable sneakers are fine, but avoid open-toe shoes to protect your feet from insects and dust.

4. Layers
Mornings and evenings can be chilly, while midday is warm. Bring a light jacket or fleece for early game drives.

5. Sun Protection
A wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential to protect against the intense equatorial sun.

6. Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes can be an issue, so bring a good repellent and consider wearing insect-repellent-treated clothing if you’ll be out during dawn or dusk.

7. Accessories
A small backpack for essentials (camera, water bottle, binoculars, and snacks) and a scarf or bandana to cover your face from dust during game drives can be helpful.

Luggage Allowances
Check with your airline for specific luggage requirements. We recommend one main suitcase (preferably soft-sided) and hand luggage. If your tour includes domestic flights, there is a strict 15kg/33lb luggage limit. Kenya and Rwanda tours include an international flight with a luggage limit of 23kg/50lb for the main suitcase plus 8kg/17lb hand luggage.

*Packing Tip
Soft-sided bags are easier to stow in safari vehicles and small planes if you’re flying between parks.

LANGUAGE

The main languages of Kenya are English and Swahili, with many regional languages spoken by different tribes. English is widely spoken in urban areas.

TIME ZONE
The time zone in Kenya is GMT+3, three hours ahead of London GMT.

WEATHER
The weather in Kenya will be warm, between 20-32°C, with cooler temperatures at night. On safari, it will be dry and dusty.

ELECTRICITY
In Kenya, the standard voltage is 240V, and the frequency is 50Hz. You will need a UK-style plug adapter and/or converter for your electrical appliances.

COMMUNICATION
Moblie coverage is widely avaliable across Kenya, be sure to check with your mobile provider for coverage and rates, as data roaming can be extremely expensive.

MONEY

• Currency

The currency of Kenya is the Kenyan shilling (KES), but US Dollars are widely accepted. Carry both Kenyan shillings and US dollars (notes printed after 2006). Credit cards are accepted at lodges, but it’s advisable to carry cash. Inform your bank if you plan to use debit or credit cards in Kenya.

• Gratuities

After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour, more information on this will be shared in the 'Pre-Tour Emails'.

WATER

Drink only bottled or treated water. Avoid tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or chemically disinfected. Bottled water is widely available.

SAFETY AND SECURITY
As visitors, tourists may be more vulnerable to petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams, so we recommend staying aware and taking simple precautions.

RELIGION

Kenya is predominantly Christian (70%), with significant Muslim and Hindu populations.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Kenya offers numerous photo opportunities. Bring your camera, charger, spare batteries, and a memory card.

ARRIVAL IN KENYA
Standard hotel check-in is around 3pm. If arriving early, your room may not be ready. Arrange airport transfers through The Big Journey Company or your hotel. Do not leave the airport with anyone until you have met our representative.

For further questions, contact us at: info@thebigjourneycompany.com

Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.

Updated November 2024