Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Information coming soon..
About Kenya
Should I bring my children to Kenya? Is it safe for them?
Kenya is a terrific country for families and it is an amazing experience to share with children who are already enchanted with the idea of Africa and its wildlife. If you’re considering taking young children, however, you should ask yourself if both you and your child could deal with the adventure. For children under 5, Kenya is a mixture of fun – in the pool, on the beach, with other kids – and tedium – on a game drive, or in a restaurant. Consult your doctor about your health-related concerns related to bringing your child to Africa.
Is the food/water safe for me to consume?
Kenya is renown for its wonderful gastronomy and array of exotic and international cuisine. Keep to established hotels and restaurants for meals.
Drinking water from the tap is considered risky. Hotels and lodges usually furnish safe water in a thermos flask in guest rooms. Bottled mineral water is available in every hotel and supermarket.
What type of currency is used in Kenya?
The official currency is the Kenya Shilling. Visitors to Kenya can change foreign currency at banks or authorized hotels and Bureaus. Most international currencies are easy to exchange in Kenya. Traveler’s cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept credit cards. Most Banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on major international credit cards. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya. Anyone wishing to take more than Kenya Shillings 500,000 out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.
Do I have to pay a departure tax at the airport?
Like most international destinations, Kenya charges an airport departure tax for all international flights. The tax is $20, but is included in the airline ticket price. If it is not included, visitors may be required to pay the tax at the airport upon departure. Departure taxes can be paid in Kenya Shillings or U.S. Dollars.
Is tipping required in Kenya?
Most major hotels and restaurants include a service charge. Tipping is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion. Porters at airports, hotels or lodges may be tipped a $1.00 per piece of baggage. A gratuity of 10% is customary at restaurants and bars where a service charge is not included.
Note that on safaris, tips are considered almost part of the pay. A tip for your guide of $2.00 to $5.00 per person per day is appropriate.
Will I be able to use my electrical equipment in Kenya?
The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 volts AC, 50HZ. Plugs are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical device, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where appropriate. Major hotels usually provide hair dryers, irons and other electrical amenities upon request.
What languages are spoken in Kenya?
English is the “language of communication” in Kenya. It is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and visitor establishments.
Swahili is Kenya’s national language. A little Swahili goes a long way in Kenya. It is worth learning a little, and most Kenyans are thrilled to hear visitors attempt to use any Swahili at all. For example, “Jambo” means hello and is often the first word learned by visitors to Kenya. Additional translations can be found in the Kenya Tourist Board’s Web site www.magicalkenya.com or most travel guides.
What types of activities are available in Kenya?
Kenya is where you can experience a different safari every day. The country offers an endless array of activities for travelers: Here are just a few:
• Wildlife spotting by 4-wheel drive, horseback, camel, walking, night drives, hot-air balloon, and mountain biking to name just a few.
• Bird watching - (Kenya holds the world record for the most birds seen in one country in one day). Or visit famous Lake Nakuru to see up to 2 million pink flamingos on one lake!
• Golfing at any of the 32 18-hole courses.
• Beach - Kenya has 300 miles of coral reef protected beaches. Some activities include SCUBA certification, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, swimming in coral reef protected waters, sailing, deep sea fishing, sunbathing on white sand beaches and more.
• Shopping - beadwork, woodcarving, basketry, and pottery are among the traditional handicrafts.
• Hiking, trekking & rock climbing at a variety of altitudes -- as easy or challenging as you want them to be.
• Cultural safari - Arrange a visit or home-stay with one of Kenya's 42 cultures.
• Eco-tourism safari. Kenyan Conservationist Wangari Maathai was awarded the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, making us the leading eco-tourist destination.
• Agro safari – Kenya is the worlds’ largest exporter of cut flowers, tea and pyrethrum. A quick tour of the farms can be arranged.
• Balloon Safaris over various the Great Rift Valley.
• Paragliding – Over the great rift valley
• Skydiving at the Kenyan Coast
What kind of accommodation is available in Kenya?
There is just as much variety in the types of accommodations in Kenya as in its terrain. The sheer scale and breadth of our accommodation will come as a pleasant surprise to those not familiar with what Kenya has to offer. The spectrum runs the gamut from five-star hotels, to exclusive lodges and bush homes, to budget camping and all-inclusive beach resorts. We recommend working with your travel agent to find a quality tour operator that meets your budget and travel expectations. The bed capacity and the level of service quality is improving year in year out in response to the growing demand for Kenya and rising level of expectations amongst tourist. Mid this year, most facilities have undergone renovations while new accommodation facilities with unique and upscale services have opened up which include Joy’s Camp located in Shaba National Park in Northern Tourism Circuit and the Sands at Chale at Kenya’s South Coast.
Internal air connections
Kenya boasts of 6 international airports and numerous airstrips strategically locally in areas of interests for our visitors. This has boosted the accessibility to Kenya. Various Airlines have entered the market given that Nairobi is the regional hub in East and Central Africa. For internal connections, various airlines have recently spread their wings to reach to any destination imaginable.
New products/ new developments
Balloon safaris over the Rift Valley
Many hotels at the Coast have introduced new services & facilities including Health & Fitness Centers
Branding of Various National Parks such as Meru National Park, Saiwa Swamp National Park. Soon Impala National Park and Ruma National Park will receive a face-lift.
What if I get sick?
There are very good private hospitals in Kenya with facilities comparable to those in other parts of the world. Some of these boast five star hotel facilities. The flying Doctor Service operates immediate help and evacuation services from the remotest part of the country to the nearest hospital, perhaps even faster than you might get through the traffic to your local hospital at home. The facility is available for a small membership fee and can be organized by your tour operator.
