Kenya

Passports & Visas
British citizens require a valid full 10 year passport which must be valid for 6 months from date of entry. Visas are required by British Citizens and currently cost £35 for a single entry visa. You should contact the Kenyan Embassy/Consulate for an application form. Other nationalities should check with the Kenyan Embassy for their requirements.

Health
It is recommended to vaccinate yourself against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever and Polio, but you are advised to consult your local GP for up to date policy on vaccination.  See health leaflet T5 for full details.

You may find that anti-malaria tablets are essential.  Do not forget to start your malaria tablets at least two weeks before you leave for Kenya.  Your GP will recommend/prescribe the type of tablets currently necessary.  Continue taking the tablets on your return for at least four weeks.  Also remember to take plenty of insect repellent.

Do not drink the water whilst abroad, stick to bottled mineral waters if in doubt.  Avoid ice cubes in drinks which may contain contaminated water.  To avoid upset tummies avoid salads, ice cream, uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruits.

Currency
The currency is called the Kenyan Shilling.  Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted.  Import allowance is KES 200 - Foreign unlimited.  Always ensure that the bulk of your money is in traveller cheques and that you have sufficient local currency for your immediate needs on arrival.

Weather
Much of Kenya is over 5,000 feet, so apart from the cool months of July and August, it is hot during the day and cool at night.  On the coast it is always warm.  The rain when it falls, comes in short, heavy downpours usually in the afternoon and evening with sunshine in between.  The long rains fall between March and June and the short rains in November and early December. For December the temperature is between 55-73 degrees Fahrenheit.  Humidity is 81% in the morning and 54% in the evening.  Average rainfall 86 mm.

General information about Kenya
Location: East Africa
Local Time: GMT+3
Capital: Nairobi
Language: Kiswahili, English, many local languages
Electricity: 220/240V AC50HZ
International dialling: 254
Driving: Driving is on the left. International Licence recommended.
Airport: Mombassa and Nairobi international
Business Hours:
Banks: 0900-1400 Mon-Fri 0900-1100 Sat first & last Sat monthly
Offices: 0800-1300 & 1400-1700 Mon-Fri 
Shops: 0830-1230 & 1400-1730 Mon-Sat
Departure tax: None
Flying time: Approx 8.5 hours

Food & Drink
Choose between Kenyan, Indian, Chinese, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, Spanish or English food.  Kenya has its fair share of hamburger and fish and chip shops, too.  Most visitors find the quality and quantity and cost of food a pleasant surprise.  Food costs can be very inexpensive.  Restaurant food is available to suit all tastes and budgets.  Outstanding Indian restaurants abound.

Fruit is exotic and excellent.  Pawpaw, passion fruit, pineapple and mango can be bought almost the whole year round.  Kenya beer is constantly winning medals internationally.   Wine is considered to be on the expensive side.

Clothing
Summer clothes are worn throughout the year; at times a jacket and a light rain coat come in handy.  Good sunglasses and suntan lotion are essential.  On safari, cool mornings and evenings warrant a sweater. Please ensure that upon entry into the country that all sports/walking shoes are clean and free of mud as they may be confiscated to be disinfected which may take several days and will incur a charge to the owner.

Sport in Kenya
Cricket is available from June to March. There is a very good schools tournament in July each year.

Rugby, hockey and football season is April to October.  Tennis is played year round.

• Kenya Tourist Board