Useful information for your trip to Kenya
Republic Democratic of Kenya
Capital
Nairobi
Government
Presidential Republic
Independence
12 december 1963
Population
47.000.000
Surface
580.367 kmq
Religions
Christians (60%), Muslims (10%), animists / followers of traditional religions (28%), others (2%)
Area code to Italy
00039 / +39
Area code from Italy
00254 / +254
Documents
Passport with residual validity of at least six months from entering the country.
Currency
The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan shilling: 100 shillings are equivalent to approximately Euro 1.00. Major credit cards such as Visa and Master Card are accepted but a surcharge of 3% to 5% is generally applied.
Currency exchange can be done at airports, banks and hotels.
We kindly ask you to take note that in the countries of East Africa in the structures, shops and airports, Dollars are NOT accepted in old matrix banknotes, but only banknotes minted after the year 2000.
Time zone
The time zone difference is 2 hours more than in Italy when solar time is in effect; this difference is reduced by 1 hour during the summer time period.
Language
The official languages are Kiswahili and English.
Climate
Kenya enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year with temperatures ranging between 24 and 30 degrees. On the coast, the climate is tropical, hot and humid, while on the plateau it is very temperate. In parks, however, the temperature range between day and night is sensitive and the temperature can vary from 5/7 degrees during the night to about 24 degrees during the day. There are two wettest seasons: from April to June and from October to November. The driest months are January and February.
Vaccinations and health precautions
No compulsory vaccination is currently required for Kenya. It is advisable to stay little exposed to the sun, wear hats and sunglasses, high protection sun creams and any remedies for sunburn. In addition to personal medications bring insect repellents.
Electrical devices
In all locations the voltage is 220/240 Volts. We recommend that you have adapters for flat-blade power sockets (English type).
Safari
In the parks and reserves there are specific rules and prohibitions in order to preserve nature in its integral beauty and ensure the safety of those who want to enjoy this natural spectacle.
For example, it is not possible to ask the drivers to go off the permitted slopes, to approach animals or to get off the vehicle except in specially equipped areas.
Clothing
During the safari we recommend practical and light clothing in neutral colors, comfortable shoes, a hat, binoculars, flashlight and a heavy garment for the evening or for days without sun.
Don't forget your swimsuit, sunglasses, rubber shoes, hat and sunscreen for your seaside holidays.
Photography and video
It is advisable to bring the necessary from Italy (rolls, batteries, video cassettes) due to the difficult availability in the area.
For photographic shots, the inhabitants are required to have the utmost respect and their permission to be filmed.
Gastronomy
International cuisine in hotels and lodges, even if it is worth tasting the local one of which the most common recipe is stewed beef or sheep, accompanied by "ugali" a kind of white polenta, sweet potatoes, millet, grilled cassava, boiled rice.
Excellent tropical fruit which also here is seasonal.
Tips
Tipping is welcome and is meant to ensure better service. It is customary to offer it also at the end of the service to drivers and waiters.
Shopping
The craftsmanship is very rich: objects and jewels in hard stone, tanzanite, bracelets in wrought metal, copper and brass, woodworking, sculptures and masks in soapstone, woven bags, leather objects, drums, colored cotton fabrics, batik, in addition to the Masai necklaces.
The trade in ivory or animal-based objects, knives, spears, arrows of local craftsmanship, considered real weapons, shells and the export of live animals is prohibited. We remind you that the import and export of ivory, skins or animal trophies is prohibited in Kenya. Important recommendation.
Parks Map
From 1 January 2024 visitors must apply for the eTA via www.etakenya.go.ke and pay a processing fee of $34 USD. All eTA requests for Kenya must be submitted at least 3 days before travel, to ensure adequate time for authorization. Travelers are strongly advised to apply as soon as they have booked their accommodation and flight tickets, and we suggest that families apply as a group.
The colors of Africa
