Kenya is country with a wide range of cultures, wildlife and contrasting landscapes. It is among the world's traditional and most exciting safari destinations.
Kenya always thrills the visitor who may be expecting the rolling plains of the famous Masai Mara game reserve but is pleasantly surprised with the dramatic escarpments of the Great Rift Valley, the numerous picturesque lakes, the dense tropical rain forest, the harsh arid land in the north and a splendid coastline.
Almost all species of African wildlife are accessible in Kenya. Birdlife is prolific and a great number of species can be identified.

The People of Kenya
While the national language of Kenya is Kiswahili, English is the official language and is widely spoken and understood. Key Swahili works for a visitor are Jambo (hello) and Karibu (welcome).

Health
Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. In the more remote areas drink water at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is perfectly safe. Bottled water is readily available in the bigger towns and it is advisable to use it.

Chemists
Most chemists in the major towns are open from 0830h to 1230h and 1400h to 17h00. There are no emergency chemists open after hours or Sundays.

Safety
It is preferable and usually more enjoyable to walk with company or in groups while in the cities. Be aware of the possibility of pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas. Don't leave money or valuables in a hotel room. Most hotels offer safety deposit box service.

In the game parks, always remember that while some animals have become accustomed to the presence of people they are still wild animals. Keep your distance. It is illegal to feed any animal, make excessive noise to attract their attention, or deviate from designated roads for that closer photograph. Never get out of your vehicle except at designated points. Close all windows when you leave your room or tent and spray it with insect repellant.

The best way to get the most out of your safari is to take an active interest in everything going on around you, not just the number of species you can see in the shortest possible time. Ask all the questions you can think of and take reference books on wildlife, birds, insects and trees.

Accommodation
Deluxe and first class hotels are found in the main cities and the resorts on the coastline of the country. Luxurious lodges are set in exotic locations, while comfortable tented camps and lodges are found in the main game parks.Depending on ones budget one could stay at the lodge or tented camp.

Electricity
Power supply is 220/240 volt 50 cycle. Plugs are usually 13-amp 3 pin square (British type)

Banks
Many banks are in the major towns as well as many bureau de change. Hours of business vary from bank to bank, but most are open from 9 hrs to 15hrs, Mondays to Fridays, and 9hrs - 11hrs on Saturdays. Hotels and lodges change money outside these hours. Banking services are also available at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and at Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

Currency
Currency unit is the shilling, comprising 5, 10 and 20-shilling coins. Bank notes are in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings. Importation of foreign currency is unlimited and does not have to be declared on arrival. The importation and exportation of Kenyan currency, however, is illegal.
It's best to come into the country with either Travellers checks or dollars or pounds, which can be exchanged at any of the many Bureau de Change in the main Towns. If you are offered an exchange on the black market at the borders (when crossing into Uganda or Tanzania), exercise extreme caution, as they are notorious for cheating you without you even realizing it.

Credit Cards
Most restaurants, stores, hotels, lodges, camps, car rental firms, etc accept international credit cards. However, many small shops in rural areas will not accept them. American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa and MasterCard Traveler's Checks are widely accepted.

Giving tips
A tip of 10% for good service is adequate. Service charges are frequently added and it is usual to tip a tour driver or guide at least US $5 a day.

Communications
Most hotels provide internet and international telephone services for guests at a cost. Fax machines are also available for guests.  Telephone directories will list all the international dialing codes. Both local and long-distance calls are metered on a time basis. (Note the surcharge at hotels is quite high, but it will cost less in frustration).

Climate
Kenya is considered to fall in the tropics but climate and temperature varies depending on altitude and proximity to the ocean. Coastal regions are hot and humid while the central plateaus are warm and dry, with cool nights.

Clothing
Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or sweater for early winter mornings and evenings. On safari keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral coloring - khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are a must. Bring a hat, good walking shoes and sunscreen. Don't forget swimwear and binoculars.

Laundry
Most hotels and lodges will offer a laundry service. For low budget travelers there are no coin operated laundromats at all so consider drip dry clothing and be prepared for hand washing. In most places one could hire someone to do your washing.

Photography
Kenya is considered to be a photographers dream destination. From panoramic scenery, wildlife and birds to people and vibrant ceremonies. Rich color and good low lighting conditions abound. It is considered rude to take pictures of people without asking them first. Maasai and Samburu warriors will expect payment for posing. Always bring plenty of film and video cassettes if you're bringing a camcorder as well as batteries - as these items are difficult to get in Kenya. Keep your cameras in a dust resistant, padded case and out of the midday sun. A 200mm (or longer) telephoto lens will prove very useful on safari, and an ultra violet filter and lens cap are strongly recommended. Please note that taking pictures of government and military personnel and installations is prohibited!

Transportation by Air
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa are main points of entry. Many charter services operate out of Nairobi's Wilson Airport. Regular services link Kisumu, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa and Nairobi.
Charter flights are available from Wilson Airport to Amboseli, Lamu, Masai Mara, Nyeri, Nanyuki and Samburu. Kenya Airways is the national airline.  The airline operates regular flights to London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Paris, Bangkok. It also flies to Guangzhou and Hongkong in China. The airline offers a perfect connection to other african cities from its Nairobi hub. These are Johannesburg, Kampala, Dar es Salaam, Cairo, Khartoum, Addis Ababa and other West African cities.

Customs Requirements
All visitors must have a valid passport and are subject to clearance through customs. In addition, all non-Commonwealth citizens require a visa, to be obtained from Kenyan Missions abroad or at the post of entry. Personal effects, including cameras, binoculars and film are allowed into the country duty free

Time Differences
Throughout the year, Standard Time in Kenya is two hours ahead of Central European Winter Time, and eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time in the U.S.