Climate

Kenya offers warm days and cool mornings and evenings year round, throughout most of the country. At altitude, the temperatures are moderate and the coast is often humid and tropical. There are two primary rainy seasons: the long rains roughly from April to June and the short rains during October and November. Kenya can be visited year-round, but the climate varies hugely between the rainy and dry seasons. Also, please be aware that climate can vary dramatically depending on altitude and proximity to the ocean.

Dress code

Modest clothing is advisable in the bigger towns and cities in Kenya, however in the lodges and camps and on the beaches at the coast, it is perfectly fi ne to wear shorts and shirts or beach wear. Generally speaking, light layers of clothing in neutral safari colours of green, khaki and beige are the best items to bring with you, as well as a warmer jacket or fleece for the colder evenings. A hat is also a must have! Dark colours such as navy or black can attract tstese fllies and are best avoided, as are bright colours like yellow, red and purple if you are going on safari.

What to pack

Layers - long and short sleeve shirts and trousers
A warm fleece or jumper
A lightweight waterproof jacket
Comfortable but sturdy shoes
Flip-flops
Swimming costume
A hat or baseball cap
Sunglasses
Sunscreen – a must!
Toiletries – most camps will provide shampoo, shower gel and soap
A small torch
Spare batteries, plug adaptors and charging equipment
A good pair of Binoculars
Books or a fully loaded Kindle / iPad for siesta time

PLEASE NOTE: Plastic bags are banned and carry a fine if brought into the country. Make sure you leave your bags on the aeroplane upon arrival.

Luggage

Many international airlines have a baggage allowance of 20 kgs or more per person, but please check this with your individual airline. Please be advised that on domestic flights, luggage is limited to one soft sided bag per person with a maximum weight of 15kg. No hardshell bags are permitted.

Money

The currency in Kenya is the Kenya Shilling (Ksh). You can convert money to Shillings at a bank or Forex Bureau, or withdraw from an ATM, all found in the larger airports and towns. Please check with your bank for charges and advice when using international ATMs. Major credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels and establishments however there may be a surcharge levied. It is advisable to have some cash for smaller shops and stalls. Banks are available throughout Kenya, operating business hours of 9am – 3pm, Monday to Friday

Tipping

We must stress that tipping is not compulsory or expected; rather it is an extra reward for excellent service. If you are pleased with the service you receive you are more than welcome to tip your guide or the staff in the various lodges and camps. As a guideline for tipping your guide and the staff , you can leave between USD 10 to 15 per traveller per day. Tipping is usually done at the end of your safari and most lodges and camps have a tip box in the main area. You may tip the staff individually, place a tip for all the staff in the box or do both. Tips can be made in Kenyan Shillings or US Dollars.