Time

Local time is G.M.T +3 hours

Climate

The climate is generally warm and humid at the coastal region. The highlands are mainly cool and humid while the northern and eastern regions are dry and hot. Rains are seasonal although its pattern, timing and extent greatly vary from place to place each year. The long rains are experienced between March and April, while the short rains experienced between October and December.

Best time to travel to Kenya

Kenya offers excellent game viewing and safari experience throughout the year. The long dry season is from July to September which coincides with the tourism peak season in Kenya when the great migration of the wildebeest takes place. National parks, reserves and conservancies offer varied experience all year round.
Visa applications should be made at least thirty days before departure day. It is recommended to have the visa with you while traveling. They are also obtainable on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other border stations. Visa charges; single entry visa USD 50, Multiple entry visa USD 100, Transit Visa USD 20 and Referral Visa fee USD 20.

Passports must be valid for at least six months and should have a clean and full page for endorsement. Make sure your passport is valid and store it separately and in a safe place. While on safari, you will be required to carry your passport around frequently.

Health

Any visitor to Kenya arriving from yellow fever and cholera infested countries must have valid vaccination certificates. It is strongly recommended that you have travel insurance in place as at time unexpected events or accidents can leave you with cancelled plans and significant unbudgeted expenses. It is advisable to take Malaria tablets before entering Kenya. A course should be taken at least a week before entering Kenya. Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Bottled mineral water is widely available at reasonable prices and provided as a complimentary in tour vehicles while on safari.
Communication is reliable owing to good network of telephone, cellular and satellite connections. Most of the country has good cellular phone network coverage but patched in remote and wilderness areas. While out in the national parks and reserves virtually all lodges have fixed lines as cell phone coverage is often not reliable.

Currency

The official currency is the Kenyan shilling. Check www.xe.com or local daily papers for current listings of exchange rates once you get here. Major currencies can be exchanged locally or in advance of departure. Exchange facilities are available at various Bureau de change and banks in major towns have ATMs. Request for notes in smaller denominations as they come handy for smaller purchases and for gratuities.

Security

In keeping with global acceptable practice visitors are advised to leave their valuables and cash in the safe deposits boxes or safes provided by hotels. Ladies are advised to avoid wearing expensive Jewelry and necklaces and handle their bags carefully when in crowded places. Avoid walking in major cities alone after dark. Avoid carrying lots of money and any important documents. Within parks, you are expected to take precautions regarding wildlife.