Dedicated to Kenya for all you Gappers , Volunteers & Travellers having the time of your life.

Want to know about Kenya how to get there, where to stay, where to go then you are in the right place. These pages are full of information & facts about places that have been visited and recommended by people who have travelled & explored Kenya. From your big game parks to out of the way places, budget camping to luxury this site is dedicated to Kenya & you the traveller!

These pages are forever growing and changing so check them out regularly especially the message board if you have
something to say!


The Vital Bits!

Getting There - Visa's - Insurance - Health - Money & Security
Getting Around

We recommend that you get a good guide such as Rough Guide to Kenya or Lonely Planet they can be invaluable sources of information.

Getting There!
Flights can cost approximately £350 to £600 depending on availability and when you want to go. British Airways, Kenya Airways & Virgin all fly direct to Nairobi. The flight takes 8 & ½ hours and planes fly mainly from London Heathrow or some from Gatwick.

Booking your Flight -  Always check out Kenyan Airways & British Airways direct flights, Swiss Air & Ethiopian Airlines are often very cheap but you normally have to have a stop in another country so read carefully the flight details. Many airlines have special price fares but beware as these often have restrictions that cannot be changed! Check out the following websites to search for flights to give you an idea of price.

Lastminute - www.lastminute.com
Travelocity - www.travelocity.co.uk
Opodo - www.opodo.co.uk
Travelbag - www.travelbag.co.uk
Expedia - www.expedia.com

Kenyan Airways - www.kenya-airways.com
British Airways - www.britishairways.com
Virgin Airways - www.virgin-atlantic.com

 Insurance - Health - Money - Getting Around

Visa's
Nationals of the UK & all EU Countries need a visa to visit Kenya. You should always check the current requirements with the Kenyan embassy, consulate or high commission. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your stay.

You can apply for one in advance from the Kenyan Embassy in London (check out missions section of www.statehousekenya.go.ke for a full list)  or buy one on arrival at the airport, which often means queuing, so it is best to get one in advance. Applying in advance can take two to four working days and you will need a couple of passport photos. The application form can be printed off the Kenyan High Commission website the address is below.

If you decide to get one on arrival be prepared to queue and make sure you have $50 dollars as this is an acceptable form of payment (it has to be hard cash).

A single entry visa will cost approx £35 ($50) for up to 3 months & allows re entry after a visit to Tanzania or Uganda. A multi entry visa valid for 9 months costs approx  £70 ($100) if you wish to travel outside of East Africa. If you decide to stay longer than your 3 month visa you can extend it for another 3 months (max) for approx £10 when in Kenya. Do not leave it till the last minute to renew your visa as it can lead to a night behind bars and a fine!

You can apply for your visa online from the Kenyan High Commission Website or contact them in person.
Visa Section, Kenya High Commission, 45 Portland Place, London, W1B 1AS. Tel: 020 76362371 www.kenyahighcommission.com

Getting There - Insurance - Health - Money - Getting Around

Insurance
It is vital that you take out insurance before you travel, you need to check that it covers you against theft, loss, illness or injury and that you know the procedure to contact them in case of emergency or need to be repatriated. Plus what they require from you to make a claim for instance keeping your receipts, statement from the police,  will they pay for on going medical treatment or refund you when you get home. There are many companies offering travel insurance tailored to backpackers, gappers and travellers so make sure you pick one that understands your needs. Usually you will have to pay an extra premium for dangerous sports like scuba diving, white water rafting etc.

Getting There - Visa's

Health
Before travelling to Kenya you will need to have inoculations for Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and boosters for Tetanus & Polio are recommended. Malaria is endemic so it is strongly advised that you take anti malaria tablets, your doctor will advise you on the best type to take. The best advise is not to get bitten cover arms & legs at night use Deet inspect repellent and sleep under a net but the chances are you will get bitten so it is vital that you take your tablets correctly.

Do not drink the water always drink bottled water and in bars & restaurants make sure you see yor drinks opened in front of you. If the place does not look clean then use your common sense and avoid it. You can pick up stomach ugs just bear in mind refrigeration is limited and often does not work so pick what looks fresh or ask what is good today off the menu.

Money & Security
In Kenya they use the shilling, a left over of the old colonial days, the exchange rate varies greatly anything from 120 Kenyan shillings up to 160 to the £ is possible. Check before you travel but rates in the UK will be slightly different to that in Kenya. It is best to change a small amount of money in the airport before you depart so that you are prepared on arrival. If paying for trips etc they will also accept dollars in some cases.

When travelling no matter in what country use your head and do not carry round large quantities of cash or valuables. Always look after your luggage and don't wear lots of flashy jewellery to minimise the temptation and you should be fine. Never be complacent or too trusting and you wont have a problem.

Getting There - Visa's - Insurance

Getting Around
If you have enough time you can get any where, there are two main roads the Uganda Highway from Nairobi you guessed it to Uganda and the Mombasa Highway. From these two roads are a number of off shoots that wind round the country to some of the more major towns. You can always find a matatu or bus going the way you want but it may only be a once a week service!!! The Mombasa Highway has just been refurbished so the ride is not quite so bone shaking and the Uganda Road is in the process of being done so major delays!

Matatus - The cheapest form of transport is to use the many types of  matatus (minibuses) that roar up & down nearly every street & road. They do have set routes depicted by a number on the side and all now should have a yellow stripe on the vehicle & seat belts as part of new rules to regulate the service. A journey can cost from 20 shillings upwards depending on the length. They are often packed to over flowing and wont leave their stop till it is nearly full so you could sit there for 15 mins or more before it will leave! They are the most convenient way to get around a town or to out of the way places larger buses do not go to.

Buses - There are several good companies that operate on the major routes such as Nairobi to Mombasa, Nairobi to Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu etc. The buses are reasonably comfortable and some even have air conditioning! They normally leave on time and you have to book seats. The well known ones are usually the best such as Akamba, Coast Bus, Falcon, Easy Coach they normally have booking offices near most major bus stops if not keep asking.

Shuttles - These are minibuses very similar to matatu's but they only carry 10 passengers with better seats and go direct they do not stop plus leave on time. You have to book seats and they mostly go from Nairobi to Nakuru or Nairobi to Eldoret. Mololine, Rift Valley Shuttle, Budget are just a few of the better names. Costs vary from 500 to 1000 shillings.

Trains - Kenyan Railways have been taken over by a South African Consortium (April 2007) and train services have since improved with passenger trains now 3 times a week from Nairobi to Kisumu. The main attraction for travellers is the overnight Nairobi to Mombasa train. Once an icon of colonialism with silver table wear and waiter service it is still going however some what tarnished round the edges! It is worth the trip and is reasonably priced and much more relaxing than the bus. There are 3 classes 1st Class - 2 berth cabin with dinner 2140ksh, 2nd class - 4 berth cabin & dinner 1445ksh, 3rd Class seat only no food 300ksh.

Internal Flights - If you cant face the road or train then you can fly to Mombasa & Eldoret. Flights to Mombasa can be booked with Kenya Airways and depart from Jomo Kenyatta Airport. Flights to Eldoret are with AeroKenya and depart from Wilson Airport. Flights to various lodges & parks are available with Safari Link & Air Kenya. If you want to splash out you can always charter a plane!

Getting There - Visa's - Insurance - Health - Money - Getting Around