Going on safari in Kenya?
time zone
GMT + 3 hours.
language
Kenya's official languages are Swahili and English.
currency
The Kenyan shilling is divided into 100 cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. 50 cent coins are available, but not commonly used.
money matters
The local currency you will need during your stay in Kenya should be obtained at authorised facilities such as banks and foreign exchange bureaus. Currency can also be exchanged at the Nairobi airport on arrival. It is very difficult to exchange the shilling outside of Kenya so we recommend that you change only as much as you will need.
Major credit cards are accepted at most outlets in Kenya. At Sanctuary Olonana we accept Visa, MasterCard or Amex, as well as cash and travellers cheques.
tipping
Tipping is not compulsory and the following suggestions are only guidelines:
- US $1 per bag for a porter
- US $5-7 per traveller per day for a driver-guide - this is normally paid on the last day and is based on 4-6 travellers in the vehicle. If there are only 2 or 3 travellers you may consider increasing this amount to US $6-8 per traveller per day
- US $10-14 per traveller per day for Private Luxury Camping - this should be given to your guide on the last day for distribution among all camp staff. Again, smaller groups (in this case 5 or less) might consider tipping in the slightly higher range of US $12-14 per traveller per day
arrival & departure formalities
Travellers should check for visa requirements pertaining to their citizenship, as entry requirements vary between countries. All travellers, however, must be in possession of a passport with at least six months of validity left beyond the intended departure date from Kenya.
weather
The climate in Kenya is mainly characterised by warm days and cool evenings. December to March are usually the warmest months of the year, while June to August are the coolest. April and May often see intermittent rains, and from September to November the days are warm with short scattered rains falling in November. Click here for Temperature & Rainfall Charts.
health
For up to date information on the latest health and vaccination recommendations, please consult with a qualified health professional at least 6 weeks before your intended departure. Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended for all visitors to Kenya. No vaccinations are currently required for entry into Kenya if arriving directly from North America or Europe. If you are arriving (or planning to re-enter) from a country where yellow fever is endemic, then you are required to have a yellow fever vaccination. This vaccination is also recommended if you are travelling outside of urban areas. Do not drink or brush your teeth with tap water. Mineral water is available at lodges.
electricity
In Kenya, electricity runs at 220/240 volts. You may want to bring an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs as lodges are unable to provide adapters. We do, however, suggest that you consider battery-operated appliances wherever possible - and bring a supply of extra batteries. However, be aware that overnight recharging may not be possible where generator use restricts the availability of electricity.
photography
Many travellers, viewing this as their “trip of a lifetime” for animal photography, bring more than one camera in case of a malfunction. Sun filters will help block glare and heat haze. A dustproof camera bag and an air brush will help protect your equipment from heavy dust. If you plan to travel with digital photographic and/or video equipment, make certain to pack the specific charging apparatus for each piece of equipment (as well as the appropriate socket plug adaptor and voltage converter if required).
When photographing people, especially members of the Maasai tribe, always ask permission first. Because so many local people are asked for permission to be photographed, many will expect a tip or an outright fee for this. There are some places where photography is prohibited, and these areas are usually clearly marked.
clothing
Dress on safari is entirely casual. Because it can be dusty, neutral colours are most practical for game viewing. Remember to include one or two smart casual outfits for dining. Temperatures tend to be cooler in the early morning and after sunset - but warm up considerably by midday. To be prepared for such temperature variations and to maximise the versatility of your travel wardrobe, we recommend packing lightweight clothing that can be layered. Casual clothing of "breathable" fabric (such as cotton) is the most comfortable. In the cooler months (June to August) you should pack a heavier jacket, sweater, and pair of trousers made of warm, lightweight material (such as wool).
Good sunglasses and sun block lotion are essential for protection from the strong sun. You may also want to bring a sun hat. Olonana has a swimming pool, so bring a swimsuit. Binoculars will maximise the enjoyment of game viewing and bird watching. A compact and lightweight pair is suggested.
