Organize your stay Kenya
Covid-19 : current situation Kenya
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, entry and travel restrictions may apply Kenya. Remember to visit the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave for the latest information
Money Kenya
The Kenyan currency has been the Kenyan shilling (symbol Ksh; code KES) since 1966, divisible into 100 cents. It is minted by the Central Bank of Kenya. There are coins of 1, 5, 10 and 20 shillings, more rarely of 50 cents and 40 shillings. The banknotes are in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings. The Central Bank has issued new shilling denominations in May 2019. Elephants, leopards, buffaloes, lions, rhinos now adorn the 500 shilling bill. The old 1,000 shilling bills were then withdrawn from circulation
In March 2022: 1 € = 126 Ksh and 100 Ksh = 0,79 €. For 1,000 Khs, it is therefore necessary to count nearly 8 €.
For some transactions (hotels, car rentals), Kenyans may display their prices in dollars, so keep in mind a little three-value gymnastics. In practice, it is as if the US dollar is tied by a fixed parity to the Kenyan shilling (1 US$ = 100 Ksh). Travel with dollars, rather than euros, as lodges and hotels prefer dollars. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments, and you will find ATMs in all towns to withdraw shillings.
Budget & Tips Kenya
Compared to European countries, daily life in Kenya is cheap (public transportation or market food, especially in supermarkets, and if you buy imported products, it will of course be more expensive). However, tourists often use expensive services: car rental and/or air transport (essential if you intend to discover the country and you don't have two months to spare), tours and excursions organized by travel agencies, hotels with comfort equivalent to those in Western countries, international restaurants. In these cases, the bill can quickly rise. Visitors are constantly being asked to buy this and that, and it must be said that visiting mzungus ("whites" in Swahili) almost always pay a higher price than Kenyans. Hotels and tourist sites routinely charge different rates for "residents", "non-residents" and "East African residents". Even for travelers who use local transportation and eat and sleep in inexpensive hotels or guesthouses, Kenya is still a fairly expensive destination, especially since access to most parks requires a vehicle.
A city car will cost at least 40 € per day; a small 4x4, such as a Suzuki Sierra, will cost around 75 € per day (minimum), including insurance and unlimited mileage; an Isuzu Trooper or a Toyota Landcruiser will cost 95 € or more. Minibuses can be an economical solution for a small group. Rentals are widespread and easy to undertake (unlike some other African countries).
The train between Nairobi and Mombasa (Madaraka Express) is rather cheap. In addition, it allows you to make a stop in Voi, if you wish to make a stop in the Tsavo National Park. Nairobi-Mombasa economy class is Ksh 1,000 and first class is Ksh 3,000 (adult fare), Ksh 500 and Ksh 1,500 for a child up to 11 years old. Reservations can be made online (https://metickets.krc.co.ke/).
If you choose to travel by air, be aware that low cost airlines (Jambojet, Fly 540, East African...) are reliable and help to reduce the cost of domestic flights significantly. For round-trip flights from Nairobi, count on 50 to 150 € one way to Mombasa, Lamu, Amboseli or Massaï Mara, depending on the company.
Entrance to the parks costs between 15 and 35 US$ per day for an adult (70 US$ for the Maasai Mara). Visiting several parks and reserves can therefore be expensive
Passport and visas Kenya
Tourist visa. Citizens of the European Union, and therefore of France, must obtain a tourist visa to enter Kenya. Please note that since January1, 2021, no visa is issued upon arrival in the country or in Kenyan representations abroad, travelers must obtain an e-Visa before their arrival in Kenya. This e-Visa allows entry into the country once for a tourist or business stay of up to 90 days or a transit of up to 72 hours. It costs US$51. The average time to obtain the e-Visa is 3 days. Children under 16 years old are exempted from the application process and will only need to present their identity papers. The application is done on the official Kenyan website: eCitizen/eVisa (https://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html). Other sites, such as kenyaonlinevisas.com and kenya.go.ke are not affiliated with the Kenyan government and are not authorized to process or issue e-Visas.
It is possible to extend the initial three months with the immigration authorities (fns.immigration.go.ke). For those who are going to volunteer in NGOs or orphanages, it is strongly advised to get the appropriate visa: the Kenyan authorities do not joke with this... Finally, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.
East African Tourist Visa. It is possible to obtain, for 100 US$, a single visa ("East African Tourist visa") for East Africa, in order to travel to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
Driver's license Kenya
Driving license. To drive a rental car in Kenya (for a period of 90 days maximum), you must be between 23 and 70 years old and have held your French driving license for at least two years. It is better to be a fairly good driver because the state of the roads and the way Kenyans drive require a certain sense of anticipation and good reflexes, to have knowledge of mechanics (at least to know how to change a wheel, for example), to be able to align two words in English, to be at least two (and if possible, a little resourceful); to have a sense of orientation and a good map. An advice: never drive at night, when the danger is multiplied by ten!
Speed limit. In built-up areas: 60 km/h. Outside built-up areas: 100 km/h. Highway: 120 km/h.
Gasoline. With the exception of the north, where it is best to be proactive and find out about refueling points before any expedition, gas stations are available in all towns and in some lodges in the national parks. However, few gas stations are open 24 hours a day; most are open every day of the week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Road conditions. Kenya has a fairly extensive road network. Most major roads and highways have been upgraded or are under construction. More generally, when you are driving, you need to keep one eye on the potholes that are sometimes like trenches, another on the vehicles and trucks coming at you through the potholes, and the third on your rear view mirror to see the huge buses coming at you. Also be careful with speed bumps that have become commonplace to limit speeding in towns and villages: there are many of them and you can't always see them from a distance. Last advice if you rent a car: the road network being quite dense and the signs sometimes very discreet, it is essential to get a good map of the country.
Traffic. The first thing to know is that in Kenya you drive on the left and overtake on the right. In the city, beware of long stops at red lights at night. It is even recommended, after checking that the road is clear, not to stop at all, like at "Stop" signs. On the other hand, when you see the presidential convoy (the big Mercedes with their flags) in your rearview mirror or in front of you, stop immediately. This is the law. In practice, everywhere else, it is often the law of the biggest, just pass where there is room. If there is no more room, stop and wait until the road is free! Also, be careful with speed limits because speed cameras have appeared on the main roads of the country. Given the state of the roads, the dilapidated state of the car fleet and the very particular local driving technique, it is essential to be very vigilant. However, a reasonable driver can travel the main tourist routes of the country without any problem. As soon as you leave the main roads or drive through the parks, the asphalt gives way to the earth. The tracks are generally quite good, but sometimes become impassable after heavy rains. During the dry season and in the most visited areas, any careful driver can drive. However, during the rainy season or if you wish to venture into remote areas such as the north, it is essential to master the driving of a 4x4 and, if necessary, to leave with several vehicles.
Rentals and insurance. If you decide to rent a car, check with several companies as prices vary from simple to double. Be careful, however, as a particularly attractive rate often hides something. Local companies are less expensive, but the insurance coverage is sometimes not as good and the condition of the vehicles is not always perfect, even deplorable! To avoid unpleasant surprises, choose "unlimited mileage" packages (be careful, some of them have a ceiling) and read carefully the clauses of the contract concerning insurance, especially the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) which covers you in case of an accident. What you must absolutely check is the amount of the deductible(liability excess), because some unscrupulous companies (including the big international companies) set very high deductibles. Theft Protection Waiver (TPW) is absolutely necessary. It is sometimes included in the CDW. Without it, you risk having to pay the price of the vehicle in case of theft. Finally, one last important point, check the condition of the vehicle carefully before you leave and ask what the contract provides for in case of breakdown (mechanical assistance, change of vehicle, etc.). Some companies allow you to cross the border into Tanzania or Uganda, but for this, they ask for sometimes quite large sums and you will have to make the request a few days in advance
Health Kenya
Kenya presents as many risks as attractions. The pathology differs according to the regions visited, from the seaside to the altitude sickness in the mountains, including malaria, which is very present below 2,000 m of altitude
Advice. To receive advice before your trip, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society of the Institut Pasteur medical center (www.pasteur.fr/fr/sante/centre-medical) or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under the heading "Advice to travelers" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs)
Tourista. Traveler's diarrhea" is related to the ingestion of contaminated food or drink. It occurs quite suddenly. The stools are usually liquid, but sometimes just soft. It is not usually accompanied by a fever and often disappears within a few days. Take an anti-diarrheal, an intestinal disinfectant and stay well hydrated (no fruit juice). If the diarrhea persists or is accompanied by blood loss or mucus, it is important to see a doctor quickly
Hepatitis A. For hepatitis A, the existence of previous immunity makes vaccination unnecessary. It is common if you have a history of jaundice, a prolonged stay abroad or are over 45 years old. Hepatitis A is usually mild, but it can be serious, especially after age 45 and if you have pre-existing liver disease. It can be caught through water or poorly washed food. If you have liver disease, vaccination against hepatitis A is highly recommended before any type of trip where hygiene is precarious. It must be done in two doses, but the first injection, one month before departure, is sufficient to ensure protection for a short trip. The second injection (six months to a year later) reinforces the duration of immunity for decades.
Hepatitis B. High risk in the country. Hepatitis B is more serious than hepatitis A. It is contracted through sexual intercourse or blood. The hepatitis B vaccine should be given in two doses, one month apart (although there are accelerated one-month vaccinations for travelers in a hurry), followed by a booster dose six months later to extend the duration of protection.
Malaria. Malaria is also called malaria. If you are traveling through a country that is a malaria transmission zone (especially in Africa, but also in all humid and/or equatorial zones), consult your doctor about the appropriate preventive treatment: it differs according to the region, the period of the trip and the person concerned. In addition to pills, reduce the risk of contracting malaria by avoiding mosquito bites (repellent and covering clothing). Between sunset and sunrise, near standing water and shaded areas, the risk of being bitten is highest.
Typhoid. Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that results in high fevers, febrile diarrhea and confusion. The most severe forms can lead to digestive, neurological or cardiac complications. The incubation period of the disease varies between ten and fifteen days. Contamination occurs through stool or saliva, either directly (contact with a sick person or a healthy carrier) or indirectly (ingestion of contaminated food: raw vegetables, seafood, water and ice cubes). The vaccine is active after two to three weeks and protects you for three years. In case of contamination and if the vaccine is not given as a preventive measure, treatment with fluoroquinolones is recommended.
Mandatory vaccination Kenya
Vaccination against yellow fever is not mandatory if you are coming from Europe, North America, Oceania or Asia, but strongly recommended. Vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis and hepatitis A (unless you are immune) are recommended. The more cautious and adventurous should add hepatitis B and typhoid fever. Plan your vaccinations several weeks before departure
Yellow fever is a viral disease, transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. It is mostly present in tropical regions. After a week of incubation, the disease causes fevers, chills and headaches. In the most serious cases, after several days, a hemorrhagic syndrome appears, characterized by vomiting of black blood, jaundice and kidney problems. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever other than bed rest and medication to combat the symptoms
Security Kenya
While some people talk about staggering crime rates, carjackings and armed robberies, not to mention all the horrible exotic diseases, our view on the matter is a bit more nuanced... First of all, to our knowledge, there is no gratuitous violence in Kenya. Violence accompanies theft and therefore need. Robberies (violent or not) occur only very exceptionally during the day and in crowded places, for the simple reason that the culprit would expose himself to popular punishment. The reason for this is that the perpetrator would be exposed to popular retribution. It happens that the crowd seizes a simple cell phone thief and beats him up. So, if some poor bastard takes your bag, think twice before shouting "Thief! In any case, if this practice is barbaric, it seriously reduces the desire to steal... This being said, there are some very simple "security" measures that everyone knows about, which will help you avoid these problems, especially in Nairobi. Avoid isolated and dark places. Close your car doors, especially at traffic lights and in traffic jams. Avoid walking around at night, especially alone, and with a small fortune on you... Do not expose to the view of passers-by objects that could attract attention (camera, ring, watch, cell phone...). It is also advisable to leave your bundles of shillings and dollars in the hotel safe. It is better to leave with the idea that nothing can happen to you than to adopt an attitude of distrust and suspicion that could provoke negative reactions around you. When you sense a presence that seems disturbing, always face the person. Give them a friendly "Jambo!" which will seem quite natural to an innocent bystander and quite disconcerting to a potential thief! Then feel free to strike up a conversation. Kenyans are not generally violent, quite the contrary. On the other hand, many of them are in need. If you are ever confronted with an assault, give any money you have on you without hesitation (and without any sudden gestures). There is little risk of encountering them during your stay, but be aware that armed gangs are usually very determined, because they know what punishment to expect if the police should happen to catch them. Real accidents usually occur when the victims try to do something heroic.
Time difference Kenya
Kenya is in the UTC +3 time zone, which means that Kenya is 2 hours ahead of France in winter time, 1 hour ahead in summer time. In December, when it is 3pm in Nairobi, it is 1pm in Paris, Geneva or Brussels. On the other hand, in July, if it is 1pm in Europe, it is 2pm in Nairobi.
Spoken languages Kenya
English and Kiswahili are the two official languages of Kenya. Both languages are taught in all schools in the country. The majority of Kenyans speak and understand English. You will always find someone, even deep in the bush, who can give you information in English. Also, not knowing any English at all can be quite embarrassing to communicate (unless of course you speak Kiswahili!). However, on the coast, Kenyans (especially the young ones) have adapted to the influx of tourists and get by in French, Italian or German. Most tribes (Kikuyu, Maasai...) have their own languages but communicate with each other in Kiswahili
Communication Kenya
Cell phone users represent about 96% of the population (43% smartphone users). National 3G/4G coverage in 2022 is 96% (Safaricom has the best national coverage and 75% market share). With the widespread use of smartphones (few Kenyans do not have a cell phone, even in the most remote areas), internet cafes are becoming rare. Wi-fi is available everywhere, in restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping malls. Broadband connection is widely available in Kenya in 4G/H+ (Nairobi) or H+ (main cities). 3G connection is still available in most of the country, except in remote areas. But you might be pleasantly surprised, because sometimes the network quality is much better than in some villages in the south of France (experience shows).
Electricity and measurements Kenya
English standard (240 volts). However, some large hotels and lodges also provide 220 V. You will only find English 3-pin plugs. It is therefore advisable to bring an adapter. However, you can buy one in Nairobi or Mombasa or get one at the lodges (if they are not all borrowed).
Luggage Kenya
Do not overload yourself and avoid impractical hard cases! Bring light clothing, especially cotton shirts or T-shirts in sufficient quantity because of the dust and heat (laundry service is available in all hotels and lodges). Jeans are a bit thick for the country: canvas pants or Bermuda shorts are more suitable. If possible, opt for neutral colors.
Regardless of the time of your trip, the evenings are quite cool, especially in Nairobi and the highlands. Therefore, bring a sweater or a warm vest. A raincoat or windbreaker may also be useful, especially during the rainy season. As far as shoes are concerned, comfort is the most important thing. Canvas boots are ideal. Avoid sandals for a safari in the bush. Finally, a hat and a good pair of sunglasses will effectively complete your outfit. Finally, protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. Kenya is under the equator. Sunburns can be dreadful. Remember to bring a good sunscreen and an anti-UV t-shirt if you intend to go snorkeling. As for mosquitoes, if they are rare above 1,500 m of altitude, they are voracious everywhere else and vectors of malaria. Soak your clothes before leaving and apply effective anti-mosquito repellents, in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health (Insect Ecran®, Cinq sur Cinq Tropic®, Repel Insect®). On the other hand, all hotels have mosquito nets. When camping, make sure to close your tent at nightfall.
