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Kenya FAQ

Is tipping customary in Kenya?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Kenya but a little generosity will be received positively, especially considering the low wages that Kenyan service workers are typically paid. Setting aside a small amount for porters, guides and drivers is wise, as is leaving spare change at restaurants.

What is the internet access like in Kenya?

Travellers will be able to access the internet quite easily in the internet cafes of Kenya’s large cities, but should expect limited or no access in regional and rural areas.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Kenya?

Mobile phone coverage is good in Kenya’s large cities and towns, but less so in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile phone.

What are the toilets like in Kenya?

Squat/pit toilets are the standard in Kenya, except for western-style flushable toilets that are sometimes available in large hotels and other modern buildings. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper, as this is rarely provided.

What will it cost for a…?

Street food (plate of stew) = 80 KES
Bottle of beer in a local bar = 150 KES
Food court or fast-food meal = 300-400 KES
Meal at a sit-down restaurant = 700-800 KES

Can I drink the water in Kenya?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Kenya. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Kenya?

Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and western-style restaurants but not by smaller vendors. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

What is ATM access like in Kenya?

ATMs are easily found in large cities and tourist areas like Nairobi and Mombasa, but are rarer in small towns, rural areas and villages. Be sure to have other payment methods available when venturing out of the big cities, as ATMs aren't always an option.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Kenya?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Kenya?

Jan 1 New Year’s Day
Apr 6 Good Friday
Apr 9 Easter Monday
May 1 Labour Day
Jun 1 Madaraka Day
Aug 19 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
Oct 10 Moi Day
Oct 20 Kenyatta Day
Oct 26 Feast of the Sacrifice
Dec 12 Independence Day (Jamhuri Day)
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day

Please note these dates are for 2012. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Kenya/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • KENYA - overland from Ethiopia:
    Kenyan visas can be obtained by most nationalities on arrival at the Moyale border crossing. The cost is approximately US$25. Kenyan visas are required by most nationalities, including the EU, US and Australia. If you plan to purchase your visa on arrival you'll need new (post-2003), clean US dollars cash. Currently you don't require a multi-entry visa between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda due to an agreement between the three countries (eg. if you exit Kenya to Tanzania you can re-enter Kenya on the same visa). If your trip visits Rwanda and re-enters Kenya you may require a double entry visa to Kenya, depending on the border guard on the day. This can easily be purchased at the border if required.
  • KENYA:
    Australia: Yes - Visa required
    Belgium: Yes - Visa required
    Canada: Yes - Visa required
    Germany: Ye - Visa required
    Ireland: Yes - Visa required
    Netherlands: Yes - Visa required
    New Zealand: Yes - Visa required
    South Africa: Yes - Visa required if travelling for more than 30days
    Switzerland: Yes - Visa required
    United Kingdom: Yes - Visa required
    USA: Yes - Visa required
    Kenyan Visas can be obtained at point of entry for most nationalities, although some are required to purchase visas in advance. You MUST check before departure. If you plan to purchase your visa on arrival you'll need new (post-2003), clean US dollars cash. The cost is around US$50. Currently you don't require a multi-entry visa between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda due to an agreement between the three countries (eg. if you exit Kenya to Tanzania you can re-enter Kenya on the same visa). If your trip visits Rwanda and re-enters Kenya you may require a double entry visa to Kenya, depending on the border guard on the day. This can easily be purchased at the border if required.
  • KENIA:
    Australien: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Belgien: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Kanada: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Deutschland: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Irland: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Niederlande: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Neuseeland: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Südafrika: Ja – Visum erforderlich, wenn Sie über einen längeren Zeitraum als 30 Tage reisen wollen
    Schweiz: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    Großbritannien: Ja – Visum erforderlich
    USA: Ja – Visum erforderlich

    Kenianische Visa können von Angehörigen der meisten Staaten bei Einreise beantragt werden. Alle anderen müssen bereits vorab ihr Visum beantragen. Welche Regelung für Ihre Staatsangehörigkeit gilt MÜSSEN Sie vor Beginn der Reise selbst in Erfahrung bringen. Sollten Sie bei Ankunft das Visum beantragen können, benötigen Sie hierfür neue (nach 2003) US Dollar in bar. Die Kosten liegen bei ca. USD50. Derzeit benötigen Sie aufgrund eines entsprechenden Abkommens kein Visum mit mehrfacher Einreise zwischen Kenia, Tansania und Uganda. (Wenn Sie z.B. Kenia verlassen und nach Tansania einreisen, können Sie mit dem selben Visum wieder in Kenia einreisen.) Sollten Sie auf Ihrer Reise Ruanda besuchen und wieder nach Kenia einreisen wollen, benötigen Sie – je nach Grenzbeamtem – ein Visum mit zweifacher Einreise. Ein solches kann bei Bedarf problemlos an der Grenze erworben werden.

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Kenya at a glance

  • 56
  • Nairobi (population 2 million)
  • 40 million
  • Swahili, English
  • KES
  • (GMT+03:00) Nairobi
  • Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)
  • +254

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