The Very Best of Kenya

Frequently asked questions

• Is there a time difference?

  Kenya +3hrs

• What is the currency?

  Country / Currency / Additional information

  Kenya / Kenyan Shilling / USD widely accepted in hotels.

  No matter which country you are travelling to please take note of the following general advice;

  • ATMs are generally available in major cities, less so in rural areas.
  • Credit cards are generally widely accepted in the majority of hotels, cruises, larger international restaurants and shops, although be aware credit card payments may incur an additional fee.
  • If purchasing small items or purchasing from local shops, restaurants and markets, local currency is always recommended.
  • Outside of major cities, with the exception of hotels, local currency is always recommended.
  • If you are planning to use your debit or credit card whilst travelling, advise your bank of your travel plans in advance so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to withdraw cash or make a payment.
  • When you change money, ask for some small bills and keep these, along with coins separate from the larger ones, so that they’re readily accessible. Carrying small notes and coins separately is also handy for tipping.
  • It is always worth carrying a small amount of UK Sterling or US Dollars as these can always be readily exchanged.
  • Keep your exchange receipts as these may be needed if you want to exchange any remaining currency you have at the end of your trip.

  Currency Cards

  In addition to using Travel Credit cards and Debit cards, a currency card is also a popular way of buying currency for your holiday. You can preload these before leaving the UK and many also offer advantageous exchange rates. If travelling to multiple countries, different currencies can be loaded and used for card payments or ATM cash withdrawals. We recommend the Revolut card, which offers 150 currencies and enjoys favourable exchange rates, making it a perfect card to use for any card payments, such as hotels and restaurants. You can withdraw cash from ATMs whilst abroad, but there is a limit of £200 per month, before paying a 2% fee. For further benefits on using currency cards and more information on Revolut please visit distantjourneys.co.uk/revolut-currency-card

• What will the weather be like?

  Below is a guide on the typical weather you can expect whilst on tour, however it is important to note that climates may vary between different regions. Note: Weather patterns are generally becoming less predictable so the information we provide should be used as a guide only and is no guarantee of the weather at the time you travel. We also recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you travel.

  Kenya
  The climate varies across Kenya, from the cool air of the highlands, the dry heat across the savannahs or the tropical humidity along the coast. There are two distinct rainy seasons with the “long rains” from April to May and the “short rains” from November to December. The rest of the year is fairly dry with fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing.

• What clothing should I take to Kenya?

  Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. Evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm. Whilst on safari in Africa, is it recommended to wear natural colours such as khaki, green or beige as bright colours can attract insects and cause diversions for the wildlife. It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions – remember it will be cooler at higher altitudes – and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof, good insect repellent, a high factor sunscreen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

• How much should I tip in Kenya?

  In Africa, it is customary to offer gratuities, particularly in the hospitality industry, as a way of showing your appreciation for good service. Tips remain discretionary, however if you are happy with the service you have received, we would suggest the following amounts:

  • Driver Guide: KES1325 – KES1990 per person per day, up to a maximum of KES12500 per couple

• What are the entry requirements for Kenya?

  The following information on entry requirements, passports and visas is for British Citizens only. Any visa information covers visa requirements for the duration our tour stays in any given country. If you intend to stay longer you should seek additional information before booking. Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship. It is important to recognise that whilst the information below is correct at the time we go to print, all requirements may change, and all clients must check the up-to-date position in good time before departure with the Embassy or consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling through and to. We also suggest referring to the UK government’s Foreign Travel Advice website gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

• Do I need to renew my passport?

  A valid ten-year British passport is required for all our holidays, valid for a minimum of six months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport, please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document. A full British passport presently takes approximately up to 10 weeks to obtain. If you are 16 or over and have not yet arranged a passport, you should apply for one at least 10 weeks before your departure from the UK. The UK Passport Service must confirm an applicant’s identity before issuing their first passport and will ask them to attend an interview to do this. Please note, if you need to apply for visas after you receive your new passport, you will need to factor in additional time for this. For more information on passport and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website or see our website for more details.

  Passport validity requirements

  To enter Kenya, your passport must have:

  • an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive
  • at least 2 blank pages

• Will I need a visa to enter Kenya?

  Visitors to Kenya are required to obtain an eTA visa before travelling. You can apply online for your visa within 90 days of travel on the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority website.

  The cost is USD $32.50.

  For more information on passport information and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports and the Foreign Office website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

  Please note entry requirements may change and it is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of all necessary travel, passport, visa and other entry requirements before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to obtain and carry all required documentation.

  The information provided is for British citizens only. Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

• Do I need to have any vaccinations for Kenya?

  Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel. In addition to the UK government’s own travel advice website, we also recommend visiting the NHS Travel Vaccinations website, nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations for more information any required vaccinations.

• What is my baggage allowance?

  You are entitled to carry one soft sided bag per person. Dimensions must not be over – height 66 centimetres / length 42 centimetres / width 28 centimetres. It must weigh less than 15kg. In most instances this will be less than the airlines permitted allowance and is restricted to accommodate for coach and, or train capacity, domestic flights and where applicable local health and safety laws. We are unable to accommodate more than one soft sided bag per person, or any oversized pieces of luggage. Personal and valuable items such as cameras, medication, money / credit cards etc. should be carried in a travel bag or on your person.

  Baggage allowance for The Ark

  Guests will be asked to leave their bigger bags at Aberdare Country Club and pack a small overnight bag for their one night stay at the Ark.