Kenya High Commission

CLIMATE

Although Kenya lies along the equator, the climate and temperatures vary according to the altitude and the distance from the sea. Along the coast, the climate is tropical (hot and humid), except in the months of July and August, which are cold and less humid. Inland, the days are generally hot and sunny, with limited humidity. On the higher plateaux, the nights can be quite cold, especially during the cloudy months of July and August. The long rains are from end of March to end of May, and the short ones from mid-November to mid-December. Sunny periods alternate with short rainy ones during the rainy seasons.


VISA FORMALITIES
Australian visitors must be in possession of a passport and entry visa, which should be valid throughout their stay in Kenya. For more information on visa formalities, click here.


MEDICAL COVER
Visitors are advised to get medical cover with a company that provides medical assistance. In the event of an accident or illness while on safari, these companies will airlift the visitor to hospitals in Nairobi (with the prior agreement of local doctors who provide the initial medical care).


ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply is 220/240 volts/50 Hz. Electric sockets are three-pin square (British-type). Visitors are advised to ensure that their electric appliances such as shavers and battery chargers for video cameras operating on different voltage have in-built adapters.


HEALTH
Yellow fever and cholera vaccination certificates are not mandatory. Malaria is endemic in some of parts of Kenya and prophylactic drugs, which are available across the counter, should be taken according to the doctor's prescription. Visitors following specific course of treatment should ensure that they carry enough medicine for the duration of their stay.


AIRPORT TAX
A departure airport tax (currently $40) is charged at Kenyan airports. The tax can be paid in Kenya Shillings or foreign currency.


BUSINESS HOURS
Banks are open from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on weekdays and from 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. on the first and last Saturdays of the month. Hotels, bureaux de change and other tourist-related establishments can make foreign currency transactions outside the above hours. Shops are open from 8.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on Saturdays. Many of them are also open outside these hours.


CURRENCY
There are no foreign exchange restrictions in Kenya. Major international credit cards (Visa, Access, Amex, Diners, etc) are accepted in most places. The use of Travelers Cheques in dollars or other currencies is advised. Visitors are advised not to carry large sums of cash on them.


DRIVING
Short stay drivers require only their own valid driving licences which have to be endorsed at the Road Transport Office, Income Tax House. An international driving licence is the most convenient. Your travel agent can organize a carnet de passage for you, which covers, amongst other things, international driving licence and insurance. Petrol is sold in litres
and distances are measured in kilometres.


SECURITY
In keeping with the acceptable practice elsewhere in the world, visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms but to make use of hotel safe deposit boxes or safes. Visitors should not carry large sums in cash on their persons while walking on the streets. Female visitors are advised to be careful with their handbags in crowded places and busy streets. Necklaces and jewellery should be left at home or kept with other valuables in the hotel custody. As in all major cities, walking at night alone should be avoided. Kenya has
an efficient Police Force as well as a special "Tourist Police Unit" with highly trained officers. In additional, most hotels employ experienced security personnel. However, it is advisable to always take those precautions you would take anywhere else in the world.


TELEPHONE/POSTAL SERVICES

Kenya has an excellent telecommunication network for both domestic and international services. International STD system is fully operational in most urban centres. There are also excellent Telex and Fax facilities in hotels providing direct links with most parts of the world on a 24-hour basis. Radio Call Equipment is available in most lodges and tented camps in remote areas where telephone facilities have not yet been installed.

MEDIA
International papers as well as the local English Newspapers are available. Kenya has three television stations - the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, The Kenya Television Network and Stellavision. Other international television stations are received via satellite.