Tourist Office Nairobi:
Kenya Tourist Board
Kenya Re Towers, Ragati Road
Upper Hill
P.o. Box 30630
Nairobi
Tel: +254 020 2719924/26/28/31
Fax: +254 020 2724169
Airport in Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International airport is about half an hour's drive from the city center or from the Youth hostel. Taxis, Airport metro shuttle buses by Kenya Bus Services are readily available. Confirm prices for transfer before getting into the vehicle. Avoid people who misdirect you about the hostel. Call the hostel to arrange pick up or drop off at the airport.
Public Transport
City buses do operate in Nairobi and upcountry at very reasonable rates, so does the small minibuses referred to as MATATUS 14 or 30 seater buses. Fare is usually paid to the conductor.
Trains
There are train services to Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri and are extending to other towns in Kenya. Tickets can be obtained in advance; the second class has accommodation available.
Postal Services
Post Offices are identified by the word Posta Kenya and mail-posting boxes are red in the post offices or main streets. You can get stamps mainly at post offices, stationers, some hotels, and souvenir shops. Hours of business from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to noon at main offices.
Telephone Services
The Telkom Kenya provides advanced telecommunication services that include voice data, Internet and multimedia, whilst Safaricom provides cellular mobile services (0722,0721,0720) and Kencell communications (0733,0734,0735). Public payphones both coin and card operated are available in most major towns.
Currency
Kenya's unit of currency is the shilling (Kshs) divided into:
• Cooper coins of 50c and Kshs 1
• Silver copper coin of Kshs 5, Kshs 10, Kshs 20, Kshs 40
• Bank notes available in Kshs 5, Kshs 10, Kshs 20, Kshs 50, Kshs 100, Kshs 200, Kshs 500 and Kshs 1000
Banking Hours
Banks in most towns are open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 11am on first and last Saturday of every month, with the exception of the airport.
There are very few bureaus. Most banks in Kenya have 24hr access to your account and can be facilitated by the ATM's countrywide.
Traveller's cheques are readily recognizable and accepted in most places.
Credit Cards
All major international credit cards are accepted in Kenya and most ATMs accept international VISA and MASTER credit cards.
Voltage
All regions in Kenya are supplied with 240volts AC. The plug in use throughout Kenya is of the three square pin, 13amp type.
Security
It is advisable to always hand in your valuable items like passports, traveller's cheques excess money and other valuable items at hotel reception desks for safekeeping. Some hotels have safety deposit box in rooms.
It is sensible precaution not to walk alone in isolated areas of most towns or beach areas particularly after dark. Seek advice from your hostel/hotels management always on local security.
Tipping:
Tipping is not mandatory but not forbidden. It is at your discretion and most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge to the bill.
Water
Nairobi and Mombasa hotels are safe for drinking water. However, if in doubt, a variety of bottled water is available in most places. It is advisable to conserve water as much as possible due to inadequate rainfall.
Visas
All in coming visitors in Kenya, whether for business or pleasure, now require a visa irrespective of nationality. Multiple and single entry visas are available at a fee of $ 50.or equivalent in local currency and can be obtained on arrival.
You may be able to apply for a visa at certain Kenya High Commission prior to travelling to Kenya. For more information contact you're nearest Kenya High Commission office.
Public Holidays
Jan 1 st New Years Day
May 1 st Labour Day
June 1 st Madaraka Day (Self rule)
October 10 th Moi Day
October 20 th Kenyatta Day
December 12 th Uhuru/Jamuhuri Day (Independence/Republic)
December 25 th Christmas Day
December 26 th Boxing Day
N.B:
Public holidays falling on Sunday, the following Monday is observed as the official holiday. Good Friday, Easter Monday and Idd-ul-fitr are moveable dates.
Safari Companies
There are many safari companies in Kenya whose price and service vary tremendously. You are advised to use only ones that are members of KATO (Kenya Association of Tour Operators). If in doubt contact KATO:
Jubilee Exchange Building,
Mama Ngina Street
Tel: +254 020 225570
Fax: +254 020 188402
Smart cards:
To enter any national park, a smart card is now required. These can only be obtained at a national parks main entrance or at the Smart Card office, KWS HQ, Nairobi.
Health Requirement:
Visitors from, or who have recently passed through a yellow fever zone must have a valid international certificate of vaccination. Rules regarding health change regularly when planning your trip, therefore check with your airline for the latest information
James Muraguri gichohi
AFRICAN HOME ADVENTURE TOURS AND SAFARIS
http://www.africahomeadventure.com
