 |
VISITING
KENYA -
AND TANZANIA
TRAVEL TIPS
|
|
Below are some travel tips that will come in handy whilst preparing
your holiday to this area. We shall endeavor to update this page
as and when the information changes, and we would also advise you
to consult your nearest Diplomatic Mission for updates.
INTERNATIONAL AIR SERVICES
A number of International Airlines fly into Kenya frequently. Jomo
Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi is the hub of our local
and international airline, Kenya Airways partners with KLM Royal
Dutch have connections to/from all over the world. Moi International
Airport, in Mombasa has both regular and charter flights arriving
from most European capitals. Apart from Kenya Airways, many other
International Airlines fly to J.K.I.A. Air Kenya Aviation also operates
flights out of both Nairobi and Mombasa to Zanzibar 4 times a week.
The have also recently introduced flights direct out of Mombasa
to Kilimanjaro Airport in Arusha.
Your passport must be valid six months after date of travel.
All visitors require a tourist visa that can be procured at the
Kenyan High Commission in their respective country or on arrival.
The fee remains US$ 50.- per passport .
The main languages spoken in Kenya are Kiswahili and English, but
you will find most staff in the hospitality services speak French,
German or Italian, Dutch etc. Many driver-guides also speak one
or more of these languages.
Kenya is +3 hours GMT and +2 hours Central Europe in Winter time
and +1 hour in summer time.
A course of anti-malarial tablets is indispensable.
.Seek advice from a GP. A mosquito repellent is also advisable.
Yellow-Fever vaccination is not mandatory, however we would recommend
that you check with your local authorities as some countries require
their nationals to immunize against yellow-fever.
Hotels and Game Lodges supply clean drinking water in Thermos Flasks
for drinking or brushing; bottled mineral water is available widely
everywhere in the country and we highly recommend the use of mineral
water.
If on medication, it is best to take a supply of medicines to last
the entire trip.
An International airport departure tax of US$ 20.- or the equivalent
in any other foreign currency is levied. Since September 1998, this
tax should be collected by the International airline as part of
the airfare. A service charge of sh.200 is due on domestic flights
which could be included in your flight ticket or may be payable
direct at the counter. Your agent will advise you accordingly.
Visitors may import, duty-free, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and
one litre of spirit.
The unit of currency is the Kenyan shilling, Exchange rate is
$1 = KSH 70.- (20 May 2003).
Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the country.
The average cost of eating out is equivalent to that in most developed
countries. Lunch costs around $9 per head and an "a la carte"
dinner is between USD $25 and USD $35 per person. Diners can choose
between Kenyan, Indian, European-Continental and Asian cuisine.
There are also fast food outlets and fish-and-chip shops! Kenyan
beer is constantly winning medals and costs around USD $2 a bottle,
while local wine is produced in the Naivasha region.
January 1, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May 1, June 1, October 10,
October 20, December 12, and December 25-26. Eid-Ul-Fitr, Eid-Ul-Haj
( Religious Holidays)
There is a big variety of souvenirs to take home. Most hotels
have licensed souvenir shops and there are a large number of such
outlets in the main towns. The African Heritage, Nairobi, stocks
a wide range of African crafts, while the Paa ya Paa Arts Centre,
Ridgeways, Nairobi, displays and sells by indigenous artists,
charging a nominal entrance fee. Interesting artifacts are also
sold in the City's market.
The Jacaranda special school, Nairobi and the Bombolulu Crafts
Centre in Mombasa are charity-based, supporting the disabled.
The ToToTo Home Industries in Mombasa helps local women to earn
a living.
Amongst the best buys are: wood carvings, art and batiks, ethnic
and modern jewellery with a Kenya flavour, semi-precious stones
(such as malachite and tanzanite), tie-dye cotton cloths, safaris
outfits, soap-stone carvings and basketware.
As you move along from point to point, you will come across many
souvenir shops "kiosks" , if you like something, BARGAIN
and BUY.
At several places, barter is also possible. You may want to bring
your used T-shirts, caps, sneakers etc.. and in exchange pick
up Masai bead bracelets, small animal carvings etc..
As your time can be limited , don't put off your shopping till
the 'last day'.
Often some of these 'kiosks' stock items that are not available
in the city.
The traders accept Kenya Shillings, and all major currencies in
cash and some of the bigger outlets also take International Credit
Cards.
Summer clothing is worn throughout the year, although at times
a jacket and light raincoat may be necessary. On dawn and dusk
safaris, a sweater is likely to be needed.
On safari, wear neutral colours, such as brown, beige and khaki
- bright colours may alarm the animals.
Sensible walking Shoes are also recommended.
Casual wear is the norm during the day, a short-sleeved shirt
for men, light cotton dresses, or a skirt and top for women. In
the evening, in some hotels and restaurants, particularly in the
cities, men may be required to wear a jacket and tie, while women
will feel more comfortable in a cocktail dress.
Sunglasses and a hat for protection against the sun are recommended
and swimsuits should be packed for the swimming pool or beach. Topless
sunbathing is not permitted.
Don't forget the camera, camcorder and a plentiful
supply of film and spare batteries.
A pair of binoculars will greatly enhance game viewing while a
torch to find your way around camp after dark is a good idea.
Books, pencils, crayons and candy are very welcome
as gifts to the children of local villages that you would pass
(or visit )
whilst on safari.
It is forbidden to take photographs of official buildings, of the
flag of Kenya and of the president. It is advisable to ask their
consent before photographing the people. Useful tips: if you stay
in Kenya long enough, have your photos processed there, it is cheaper
than in Europe; the use of an U.V. filter on your lens is advisable
in all circumstances.
Kenya has several religions, but the Coast is predominantly Muslim,
therefore you are requested to observe certain modesty in your dress.
The animals are at home, do not disturb their daily life, do not
throw litter and do not encourage your driver to drive off the track.
Don’t be disappointed if you have not seen all the species
on your list, consider on the contrary that you have been lucky
to see what you have seen and enjoy the landscape and the immensity
TIPPING & GRATUITIES
Tipping is customary in Kenya and in many occasions, actually
'paves the way'. It is indeed a way of life.
Whilst the actual amount of money to tip is left at your discretion,
we would like to offer some guidelines here below:
Porter - per bag : US$ 0.35 each time
Server in restaurant - per meal : US$ 0.50 per person
Driver-guide - per day : US$ 3.- per person
Tour Co-ordinator - per day : US$ 1.50 per person
On average, we would recommend that you budget for US$ 50.- per
person on a trip of 7 days, which would comfortably cover all tipping
& gratuities.
TRAVEL LIGHT
Some safaris / air charters limit baggage to a 10-15 kilos maximum.
Baggage space in minibuses is limited too and we therefore recommend
use soft bags and/or soft suitcases.
a)ROAD
The best way to enter Tanzania is overland from Kenya.
b)AIR
There are plenty of flights from Europe to Tanzania. Most people
fly into Dar-Es-Salaam but there are also international flights
to KILIMANJARO
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT to Zanzibar.
Kenya Airways operates a twice-daily flight to Zanzibar with ample
connections to Dar-Es-Salaam.
Regional Air operates a daily service between Nairobi and Arusha.
Airport tax is supposed to be USD 30.- out of Dar-es-salaam and
Arusha.Airport tax is USD 20.- out of Zanzibar.There is also a war
insurance being levied and depends on the airline used.
A valid passport is required. Please check with our Mission Overseas
whether you require visas. The Visa application varies. However,
it is standard that 2 passport-sized photographs must accompany
your application
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all visitors
to Tanzania.
Malaria exists below 1 800 m in malignant falciparum form.
It is obligatory to buy bottled water. Private health insurance
is recommended .
Airport tax is supposed to be USD 30.- out of Dar-es-salaam and
Arusha. Airport tax is USD 20.- out of Zanzibar. Domestic airport
departure taxes are still payable in some airports, but in most
cases included in the airfare quoted by the agent or airline.
An onward ticket and sufficient funds are required when entering
Tanzania.
1 USD is equivalent to 800 Tanzanian shillings.
Bureau de Change offers favorable exchange rates.Credit cards –
ACCES, VISA, MASTERCARD, DINERS are accepted at the larger hotels
around the country. There is no limit on the importation of foreign
currency.
Compared to American / British standards, relatively cheaper.
1 January, 12 January, 26 April, 1 May, , 7 July, 10 September,
9 December, 25 December, 26 December, Start of Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Haj
and Easter.
SHOPPING / SOUVENIRS
Tanzania offers the visitor a treasure trove of art, handicraft,
spices, furniture and other collectibles. Curios are sold in markets
and in city and town center.
WHAT TO WEAR ETC..
Sharing the same climatic & time zone as well as culture and
customs, hints given for Kenya would apply here also.
1. Is there any electricity in Kenya?
A. Yes!
2.Can we photograph the locals?
A. It is wise to ask first before photographing any government
building or any locals. Some of the locals feel that you are taking
away their spirit, and some will play you to get money out of
you.
3. What kind of clothing will we need?
A. If you are in Mombasa, it is always warm so bring shorts, short
sleeves, and your swimming gear. It is also advisable to have
some smart clothes. Generally in Mombasa, you will not be expected
to wear a tie, but some restaurants still require long trousers
and shirt sleeves. Nairobi also gets quite cold in the evenings
during the rainy season, making a sweater a welcome garment. Once
again, it is advisable to bring some smart clothes for the evening.
|
|
