Travel information

Documents

To enter Kenya you need a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive.

You also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before you travel. You apply online through the Government of Kenya’s official portal:

• www.etakenya.go.ke

Always check the current entry requirements for your nationality before you leave.

What to pack

Bring comfortable, light clothing suited to what are generally warm temperatures.

Useful things to put in the bag:

• A hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• High-protection sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Comfortable shoes — for the safari, walking shoes if you can
• Swimwear
• A light jacket or layer for the cooler mornings and evenings
• Your own medicines, and anything your doctor has prescribed

On safari, neutral, natural colours are better than very bright clothes.

Check your airline’s baggage weight and size limits too, especially if you have internal flights or are bringing special equipment.

Health

No vaccinations are generally compulsory for travellers arriving from Europe, except in particular circumstances connected with where you are travelling from or the countries you have visited beforehand.

Before you leave, it is still worth seeing your doctor or a travel clinic for up-to-date advice on the health situation, any recommended vaccinations and whether you need malaria prophylaxis.

On safari, use insect repellent regularly, especially around sunset and in the evening.

Time zone

Kenya is on UTC+3. Compared with Italy and the rest of central Europe, Kenya is generally:

• 2 hours ahead in European winter time
• 1 hour ahead in European summer time

From the UK, add an hour to each. Kenya does not change its clocks during the year.

Language and religion

Kenya’s official languages are Swahili and English.

Swahili is spoken right across the country, and English is widely used in business, tourism and hotels.

Kenya is a country of many faiths. The main religions are Christianity and Islam, alongside traditional African religions, and there are other religious communities too.

When to go

Kenya’s climate is generally tropical, with big differences from one region and altitude to another.

Broadly, the driest periods are:

• January to March
• July to October

These are the best times for safari, although wildlife can be seen all year round.

The main rainy seasons generally fall between April and June, and in November and December.

The coast — Watamu and Lamu included — is hotter and more humid than the interior.

Money

Kenya’s official currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES).

Euros may be accepted by some hotels and tourist businesses, but for most everyday spending it is better to use local currency.

You can change money at banks and authorised bureaux de change. There are ATMs in the main towns and tourist areas.

Carry some cash as well, for places where card payments may not be available.

Phoning

The international dialling code for Kenya is +254.

To call home from Kenya, use your own country’s code: +39 for Italy, +33 for France, +44 for the UK.

For calls and internet during your stay, you can use a local SIM card or, if your phone supports it, an eSIM.

Hotels and restaurants

Hotels and restaurants in Kenya’s main tourist areas, Watamu among them, pay close attention to hygiene and food safety.

Professional establishments follow set procedures for storing food, preparing meals and cleaning, with regular cleaning of shared areas, tables and the surfaces guests use.

As anywhere, choose reliable places and take the usual precautions with water and food.

Electricity

Mains electricity in Kenya is generally 220–240 volts at 50 Hz.

Sockets are mainly the British BS 1363 type, with 3 rectangular pins, so bring a travel adapter for British sockets.

Before you leave, check that your chargers, cameras, phones, laptops and other devices work on Kenya’s voltage.

On safari

On safari, always follow your guide’s instructions and the rules of the park. For your own safety, and to protect the wildlife:

• Do not approach animals unless your guide says so
• Do not get out of the vehicle except where it is allowed
• Do not feed the animals
• Avoid noise and behaviour that could disturb the wildlife
• Do not leave litter behind
• Keep a safe distance from the animals
• Always follow the instructions of the park authorities and your guide

A safari is an extraordinary experience, and it should be lived with respect for nature, for the animals and for the local communities.