Kenya

Summary

Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this: an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breathtaking golden sand beaches; gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities; and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.

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Activities: Chobe Game Drive

Spanning over thousands of hectares of vast open savannah grasslands in northern Kenya, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to the world’s largest population of Grevy’s zebra. Renowned as a pioneer and leader in responsible tourism, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy actively advances and develops community engagement and wildlife conservation. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as an important sanctuary for a large selection of wildlife including the endangered black rhino as well as the white rhino. Lewa offers visitors the opportunity to have close encounters with these prehistoric creatures against an unspoilt backdrop, making it one Kenya’s top game-viewing destinations. Boasting one of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya, the park is also inhabited by elephants, lions, buffalo, wild dogs, giraffes, cheetahs, and over 400 bird species.

Set in Northern Laikipia in Kenya, East Africa, Loisaba Conservancy stretches over 20 000 hectares of magnificent African landscape. The terrain is traversed by two permanent rivers and abundant springs which make it a perfect habitat to sustain a myriad of wildlife. It is known as a world-class ecotourism destination offering a variety of unique opportunities for visitors looking to immerse themselves in nature. Spot majestic elephants journeying along the elephant migration corridor, stay overnight in a tented camp under the stars, soak up the incredible views and enjoy a thrilling game safari. Other popular activities include camel-trekking, mountain biking, horse-riding, fishing, guided bush walks, and cultural visits to Samburu villages.

Situated east of Meru, in beautiful Kenya, Meru National Park is one of the most popular parks in Kenya. Covering over 800 square kilometres, this park is wild and beautiful featuring diverse scenery with lush swamplands, thick jungle, vast savannah, and no less than thirteen rivers. Game to view includes some of the less regularly sighted animals like oryx, lesser kudu, duiker, dik-dik and over 300 species of birds have been recorded. It is here that Else the famous lion from the book and movie ‘Born Free’ lived out the latter part of her life and is buried. Visitors can soak up the spectacular views of Mount Kenya, spot game along the Tana River and view the cascading Adamson’s Falls.

The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises Africa for many, then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve. Aside from horse riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential.

Resting at the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountain Range, in central Kenya's Laikipia County, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. It is also home to the last three remaining northern white rhino in the world. Originally a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya and now a pioneering wildlife conservancy, Ol Pejeta works to protect wildlife and provide a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. The Conservancy is a popular safari destination and is home to the renowned ‘Big Five’ as well as a wide selection of other African animals including: zebra, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, jackal, serval, hyena, vervet monkey and many more. Visitors can enjoy an assortment of outdoor activities such as horse rides, game walks, and nocturnal game drives.

Bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve to the southwest, the Olare Orok Conservancy to the west and the Ol Kinyei Conservancy to the east, the Mara Naboisho Conservancy is comprised of over 50 000 hectares of unspoilt wilderness in Kenya’s Greater Mara Region. The area is renowned for its bountiful biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty with a wide range of wildlife on offer including lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, wild dog, and a host of plains game. Visitors can look forward to guided walking safaris, spending the night in a transient fly camp, heading out on a night game drive in search of elusive nocturnal creatures, joining the Mara Naboisho Lion Project as they track lions across the conservancy, or visiting Maasai villages to learn about this fascinating indigenous culture.

Sandwiched between the Tsavo West National Park and Amboseli National Park, the Chyulu Hills National Park protects an important water catchment area. This unique habitat features vast grass plains, forested rolling hills and rugged volcanic cones and craters set against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Visitors can look for to a wide selection of exciting activities including camping, mountain climbing, horse riding, and excellent bird watching. Commonly spotted wildlife include: elephant, bushbuck, eland, leopard, bush pig, reedbuck, buffalo and giraffe. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the longest lava tube in the world.

Bordering the capital city of Nairobi, in beautiful Kenya, Nairobi National Park is one of Africa's smallest parks and one of the only parks on earth to be in such close proximity to a city centre. It boasts a large and varied wildlife population, amid wide open grass plains against a backdrop of city scrapers. It is home to one of Kenya's most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries with the world's highest concentration of black rhinoceros. It's wetland areas are abundant with birdlife boasting over 400 bird species. Visitors can enjoy the many facilities the park has to offer such as scenic picnic sites, well-positioned campsites and hiking trails. Commonly spotted species include: lion, hyena, warthog, zebra, giraffe, ostrich, gazelle, buffalo, and sometimes if you're lucky, leopard and cheetah.

The Olare Motorogi Conservancy is an 85 square kilometre expanse of prime private wilderness in southwest Kenya which forms part of the Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and wildlife dispersal zone. The conservancy lies immediately to the northwest of the main Maasai Mara Reserve. Tourism is limited to a maximum of 94 beds which maximizes the client wilderness experience and minimizes the environmental impact of tourism. Open hills provide a habitat for a diverse range of grazers, including giraffes, zebras, hartebeests, and warthogs. These herds attract large numbers of predators, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals. In between the hills run a number of small seasonal streams, fringed by stretches of forest which are home to a broader range of species including baboons, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and leopards.

Sandwiched between Mount Kenya and the northern deserts, Laikipia is where Kenya’s wild and semi-arid northern frontier country begins. The region is made up of privately owned and community ranches centred around the Laikipia National Reserve. Known as one of Kenya’s best safari areas, the high plains of Laikipia feature vast open stretches of African savanna scattered with abundant game including: Grevy’s zebras, black rhino, lion, leopard, wild dogs, buffalo and thousands of elephants. Visitors can enjoy a luxury safari experience at a private lodge or stay in the worthwhile community-run lodges which support the local Samburu and Ilaikipiak and Mokogodo Maasai communities.

Situated in along the Nairobi River in beautiful Kenya, the capital of Nairobi is East Africa's most cosmopolitan city. It serves as an excellent starting point for African safari trips around Kenya. Nairobi is Africa’s 4th largest city and is a vibrant and exciting place, and although it has developed a reputation which keeps tourist visits brief, there are some fascinating attractions: its cafe culture, unbridled nightlife, the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum and most notably just 20 minutes from the city centre wild lions and buffalo roam in the world’s only urban game reserve. Make sure you pay a visit to the elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Travel Information

Nairobi has two airports for domestic and regional flights: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport (www.kaa.go.ke). Kenya has over 150 domestic airports and airstrips and there are daily flights to the most popular destinations. In addition to the scheduled airlines, several private charter companies operate out of Wilson Airport.Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com), Air Kenya (www.airkenya.com), Fly 540 (www.fly540.com), Mombasa Air Safari (www.mombasaairsafari.com) and Safarilink (www.flysafarilink.com) serve the most popular safari destinations, plus many others such as Lake Victoria.On smaller, domestic planes the baggage allowance is restricted to 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs). Arrangements can be made to leave excess luggage with hotels or airlines.Main roads between the major cities and towns are generally in good condition, and easily navigable in a normal saloon car. Most highways in the south are paved, but that’s not the case in the north.Vehicles are driven on the left side of the road.While major roads are generally in a good condition, most minor gravel roads have deep potholes which deteriorate further in the rainy season. Dirt roads, including those in the parks and reserves, are extremely rough, and some are only passable with a 4-wheel drive.You can hire self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars from travel agents and international hire companies. Drivers must be at least 23 years of age. Budget (www.budget.com) and Europcar (www.europcar.com) have outlets at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Budget also has a desk at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, while Europcar has an office in town. Car hire can be expensive and rates vary significantly.A driving licence from a home country (and a translation if this is not in English) or an International Driving Permit is required. Third-party insurance is mandatory when hiring a car and it’s recommended to take out the additional collision damage waiver. A valid credit card is also needed.Matatus (shared minibus taxis) hop from town to town, starting and finishing at bus stations. Fares are paid to the conductor. Private taxis can also be hired for long-distance journeys.It is not possible to rent motorbikes or mopeds but some of the beach resorts hire out bicycles.Numerous private bus companies operate in Kenya. Most vehicles are old and tend to depart when full, which means there are no set timetables. Petty theft on the vehicles and at bus stations can be a problem. Nevertheless, buses are cheap and link all long-distance destinations. Plus, seatbelts are now mandatory, so buses are relatively safe.Nairobi and Mombasa have efficient local bus systems and there are also frequent matatus, but reckless driving and petty theft makes them a dodgy option for tourists. Three-wheeled auto rickshaws are popular in town centres and carry up to three passengers.The newer fleets of taxis (usually painted white with a yellow band) are reliable and have meters. The older yellow taxis do not have meters, so fares should be agreed in advance. In Nairobi, there is a fleet of London-style black cabs. A 10% tip is expected. Cabs cannot be hailed in the street, but can be found parked in taxi ranks.

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever – all travelers ≥9 months of age coming from a yellow fever infected country will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Recommended Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Malaria prophylaxis – highly recommended for all travelers

Malaria

Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. Both chloroquine-resistant and normal strains of malaria are prevalent in Africa.

Malaria is transmitted by a very small percentage of female Anopheles mosquitoes. They are mainly active in the early evening and throughout the night. Malaria transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months. We strongly recommend you take the following preventative measures:

Use plenty of mosquito repellent. Some camps provide a locally made repellent but please bring your own as there may be skin sensitivity.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available.
If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with a suitable insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
Mosquito coils are also effective.

There is a six to seven day minimum incubation period before symptoms present themselves. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your doctor does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. Please remember the best precaution is the preventative kind.

It is inadvisable for pregnant women to visit malarial areas as malaria infection during pregnancy can be detrimental to both mother and child.

Stomach Upsets

It is advisable to carry medication supplied by your physician for simple stomach upsets. In the first few days of your trip you may suffer from mild upsets attributable to a change in food and water.

Ticks

Ticks exist all over the world and are well known carriers of diseases that affect both animals and humans. Symptoms of this disease present after a 5-7 day incubation period and include fevers, headaches, malaise and even a skin rash, but effects can vary dramatically from person to person. A dark black mark usually results at the site of the infected bite and is a helpful diagnostic. The disease is easily treated with antibiotics although this is not always necessary.

After walking in the bush it is best to brush your clothes down and to examine your body for ticks. If a tick is found, remove it entirely without leaving the biting mouth parts in your skin. Anti-tick sprays such as Bayticol can be very effective against ticks and wearing long pants will prevent many bites.

Tsetse Flies

Tsetse flies exist in large areas of sub-Saharan Africa including parts of Kenya. They are best known as the carrier of trypanosomiases – causing sleeping sickness in humans which can be fatal but is easily treated and cured. In the unlikely event that symptoms are recorded after a visit to an area containing tsetse flies, we recommend that a doctor be consulted. These symptoms can present a few weeks to months after a visit and begin with fever, headaches and pains in the joints followed by dramatic swelling of the lymph nodes. If left untreated these symptoms can evolve to cause anaemia, cardiac and kidney disorders; alternate bouts of fatigue and insomnia can disrupt the sleep cycle.

U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa for entry into Kenya. All visitors are strongly encouraged to obtain visas in advance. Although visas are currently available on arrival, Kenyan Immigration plans to end visas upon arrival in the future. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.Travelers on flights from JRO – WIL (Kilimanjaro International Airport to Nairobi Wilson Airport) with onward connections must have their visa in advance or their connecting flight may depart without them. The airlines have requested that travelers submit a copy of their visa stamp at least 7 days before travel. (Effective 15 June 2013)If you do not have your printed copy of your e-visa with you, you may be denied boarding of your flight to Kenya or denied entry to Kenya. (Effective 01 September 2015)Children under 16 years of age accompanying their parent(s) to Kenya will be exempted from paying visa fees. (Effective 01 February, 2016)Important Notes:The visa approval process takes up to one week and must be completed in advance.The single entry tourist visa is valid for 3 months. It is permitted to travel between East African countries with valid visas for each and then re-enter on the same visa. You do not need “multiple entry visas” for this so long as you are not resident in East Africa and the current visa has not expired. For multiple visits to the country, do not depend on a visa on arrival. Obtaining a visa on arrival is only for single trips.The East African Tourist Visa allows for travel between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda with the same entry visa. The holder of the East African Tourist Visa shall enter the region from the country that issued the visa and move within the two other countries without applying for another visa or paying another visa fee. It is multi-entry within the three countries; however, this expires automatically if a traveler goes outside of the three (3) countries. This visa can now be applied for online for Uganda and Rwanda. It must be paid for online in U.S. dollars or the equivalent in pounds sterling or euros. Note if not paid online, the application remains pending. This visa expires as soon as you leave the participating countries, but is otherwise valid for up to 90 days. Approval and issuance of the visa does not guarantee entry into Kenya.Any form of business or employment on a visitor’s visa is an offence.No visa is required for persons on direct transit who are not leaving the airport.Visa Fees:US$50 for a Single Entry Visa – allows for re-entry to Kenya from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and RwandaUS$100 for Multiple EntriesUS$100 for East Africa Visa – Travel between Kenya, Rwanda, UgandaUS$20 for Single Transit of not more than 3 days for traveler’s stopovers in Kenya while proceeding to other destinationsVisa Application Instructions:Before beginning your visa application, please collect the following items. This is important because you will be automatically logged out if you have to stop for some time and you will have to start again.Confirmation letter – please request this from your consultant for each guestPhysical addresses to be visited in Kenya – ask your consultant for the address of the supplier who will be operating your trip in KenyaDates and duration of recent visits to other countries in the last 3 monthsDates and duration of previous visits to KenyaPassport size photo (you can take a picture digitally, according to the size requirements provided on the application site)Copy of passport including signature, name, date of birth, etc.Digital itineraryOnce you have collected the items above, continue with your application:Visit the electronic visa page at http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.htmlIn the top right, select “create an account” (or “sign in” if you’ve created an account before).Under “eVisa Visitors” select “create an account”As part of this process, you will receive a confirmation email that you need to click on to verify and confirm your registrationAt this point, you will be asked to upload a digital passport photo (maximum size 500 px by 500 px)Once logged in, select Department of Immigration ServicesSelect Submit ApplicationSelect Kenyan VisaSelect the type of visa (visitor) and read the instructions carefullyComplete the application form – please note that incomplete applications will be rejected and you will lose your processing fees. Here is a preview of the questions you’ll be asked to help you prepare:APPLICANTS DETAILS:Last nameFirst namesGenderFull names of parent/s or spouseDate of birthPlace of birthCountry of birthProfession/OccupationNATIONALITY AND RESIDENCECurrent NationalityCountry of ResidencePhysical address in Country of ResidencePhone numberEmail PASSPORT/TRAVEL DOCUMENTPassport NumberPlace of IssueDate of IssueExpiry date – must be valid for at least next 6 monthsIssued by TRAVEL DETAILSSpecify reasons for entry (vacation)Proposed date of entryProposed date of departureFull names and physical address of hotels/places/firms/friends or relatives to be visited in Kenya. Please ask us for the contact details of the local supplier operating your trip.Dates and duration of recent visits to other countries in the last 3 monthsDates and duration of previous visits to KenyaWill you be returning to your country of residence?Have you been previously denied entry into Kenya? If yes state when and give reasons for denial?Have you been previously denied entry into another country? If yes state when and give reasons for denial?Have you ever been convicted of any offence under any system of law? If yes give offense and penalty?Scan or take photo of your passports bio date page then attachAttach a passport photo 5.5cm by 5.5 cmUpload additional documents e.g. invitation letter, hotel booking or digital travel itineraryArriving by (air, road, ship)Entry pointPAYMENT DETAILSCredit card numberExpiry dateCCV #Review your application and make any necessary edits.Click SubmitClick under Invoice Status or Action – It will take you to your invoicePay using your Visa card, MasterCard or other debit card. If it says there is an error, it could be because you need to notify your card issuing company to approve the foreign transaction.Repeat the steps above for each adult traveler and every child over the age of 16.Await your approval which will be sent to you by email. This could take up to 7 days so give yourself plenty of time.Once you have received the email advising that your visa is approved, log back into your e-citizen account and download your visa.Print a copy of each individual’s visa to present to the immigration officer at your point of entry into Kenya.Less Common Circumstances:Diplomatic, Official, Service and Courtesy visas will continue to be issued for free.Applicants who intend to conduct temporary business, trade or profession must apply for a special pass from the Director of Immigration Services in Nairobi.Applicants seeking to undertake Internship/placement or academic research should liaise with their host organizations, institutions or companies to make applications for the necessary pass to the Director of Immigration Services in Nairobi prior to their engagements.Those travelling to Kenya with their pets must obtain pet permits.