Kenya is a breathtaking destination that beckons travelers with its natural wonders and vibrant culture. Before you embark on your journey, it’s wise to gather some essential information. Bush 2 City Kenya stands ready to assist with any inquiries you may have, ensuring your adventure is as seamless as it is memorable.

Every traveler must possess a passport valid for six months past their travel date to enter Tanzania. Adult passports are valid for ten years, while children’s passports need renewal every five years. Your passport should also have a minimum of four blank pages for visa stamps.

Along with a valid passport, as indicated in your Journey Confirmation document, all travelers must have a visa to enter Kenya. Note that Kenya now requires an eVisa, which can be applied for at http://evisa.go.ke/.

This eVisa should be processed no later than 90 days before your entry into Kenya.

For the Kenya Visa application, you’ll need to provide a local contact and the address where you’ll stay. Use the information of the first hotel listed in your Bush 2 City Adventure itinerary for this purpose.

Kenya Contact:
Please reference Mufasa Tours & Travels, LTD, located in Nairobi, Kenya, for your local contact. You can reach them at 254 701 302 035 or via email at joe@mufasatoursandtravels.com.

It’s critical to acquire all necessary travel documents prior to your tour to avoid being denied entry or facing entry delays. Those who don’t have their documents may have to stay at the airport and independently arrange travel to catch up with their group, incurring additional costs. Bush 2 City Adventure is not accountable for acquiring missing documents or for any costs, missed parts of the tour, or losses due to inadequate documentation.

We advise making two copies of all travel documents, including the photo page of your passport, showing issuance and expiration dates, and citizenship. Keep one set in your hotel room safe and leave another with a contact back home.

As travel requirements now often include digital proof of document submission, we recommend carrying a personal smartphone with an international data plan for a hassle-free experience.

Traveling with Minors as a Guardian:
Guardians should carry a consent letter from the child’s parents for emergency medical treatment. Be aware of specific requirements for minors traveling internationally without both parents, designed to prevent child abduction. Bush 2 City Adventure is not liable for travel interruptions due to incorrect documentation for minors without both parents.

Kenya’s climate is tropical, and it’s advisable to get certain vaccinations before visiting; Hepatitis A and Yellow Fever are typically recommended. While significant strides have been made in combating malaria in Kenya, many travelers still choose to take antimalarial medication as a precaution. It’s also wise to use mosquito repellent in the evenings and wear long sleeves and pants for additional protection. Lodges usually provide mosquito nets for their guests.

Please note that we are not medical professionals. Always consult with your doctor or local health authority for the most current travel health advice prior to your trip to Kenya.

For the latest information on Kenya’s COVID-19 guidelines, please refer to the Kenyan Ministry of Health’s official communications: https://www.health.go.ke/ 

The official currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling, which is widely used throughout the country. While many hotels also accept US dollars, the exchange rate is roughly 1 US Dollar to 110 Kenyan Shillings.

Credit card payments are accepted at most establishments, but it’s recommended to carry some Kenyan Shillings for convenience.

ATMs are readily available in major cities and tourist hotspots such as Nairobi and Mombasa but become scarce in smaller towns, rural regions, and villages. It’s advisable to have alternative forms of payment on hand when traveling beyond the larger urban centers, where ATM access may not be guaranteed.

Gratuities are not obligatory in Kenya, but they are welcomed and appreciated due to the generally low earnings of service staff. It is prudent to budget for modest tips for porters, guides, and drivers, and consider leaving your loose change at dining establishments.

Haggling is a standard practice in Kenya. Be aware that tourists may be presented with highly inflated prices, so it’s advisable to respond to the initial quote with a significantly lower bid. If you’re not accustomed to negotiating prices, it might be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the art of bargaining prior to your visit.

Accessibility to Kenya:
Kenya is well-connected by air, with Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serving as a central hub for East Africa. Most international flights from around the globe touchdown here, offering convenient access to the country.

Transportation within Kenya:
Upon arrival in Nairobi, travelers have various transportation options. Local airlines run frequent flights connecting to the key regions, so you can easily enjoy breakfast in Nairobi and by lunch find yourself in the Masai Mara, beside a Rift Valley lake, or in the serene Samburu National Park. For those preferring ground travel, Kenya’s overland safari offers an immersive experience of the country’s landscapes. While the road infrastructure is generally good, expect some rough patches, especially off the beaten track. Opting for a private vehicle with a driver-guide is advisable, and choosing a reputable provider is key to avoiding subpar services.

Global Connectivity:
Nairobi’s airport acts as the primary gateway for flights arriving from various international locations such as South Africa, the UK, France, the Netherlands, and Dubai. Local airlines provide seamless connections to popular spots in the National Parks and coastal regions.

Air Travel Options:
Regular Flights: Local airlines offer scheduled flights from Nairobi to numerous tourist destinations, including Kenya’s National Parks and beaches.

Shuttle and Charter Flights:
A comprehensive network of shuttle flights connects Nairobi with Kenya’s parks, Tanzania, and Zanzibar, available on a scheduled basis. Private charters can also be arranged for those under time constraints.

Ground Transfers:
Self-Drive Options: Road conditions in Kenya can be unpredictable, with some areas necessitating a 4×4 vehicle. Self-driving is not generally recommended for visitors.

Guided Safari Tours: Ideal for travelers looking to deeply explore Kenya, guided safaris with tailor-made itineraries are available, complete with a fleet of suitable vehicles.

Travel Time Considerations: Understanding the correlation between distance and travel time in Kenya is important for planning purposes. The guidelines below can help estimate travel durations.

Navigating Kenya:
Drivers in Kenya keep to the left side of the road. Road conditions can be challenging, and drivers should remain alert for various obstacles, including pedestrians, animals, and the infamous matatus. The roads can narrow into single lanes, and caution is needed due to potential hazards.

Modes of Travel to Avoid:
Train and bus travel is generally not recommended in Kenya.

Driving in National Parks:
A 4WD is essential for navigating the rugged terrain within National Parks. Roads can be uneven and bumpy, and caution is advised during rainy seasons due to the risk of flash floods and poor road conditions.

Pack your spirit of adventure, an open mind, and plenty of storage for all your photos! For a safari in Kenya, wear comfortable, casual, and easy-to-clean attire. Opt for subdued colors to blend in with the game-viewing environment. Since safari drives typically happen in the cooler early mornings and late afternoons, dressing in layers is wise to adapt to the changing temperatures.

Consider these essential items for your Kenyan safari packing list:

• > Clothing in neutral tones like khaki, green, and beige
• > Long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
• > T-shirts for casual wear
• > Shorts or light skirts for daytime comfort
• > Jeans or safari pants for evenings and cooler weather
• > Jackets and sweaters for layering during game drives
• > A light, waterproof jacket for unexpected rain
• > Swimwear for beach or poolside relaxation
• > Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes for any terrain
• > Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat
• > Insect repellent, moisturizer, and lip balm for skin care
• > Binoculars and camera gear to capture every moment

Remember that luggage limits on smaller flights typically cap at 15 kg (33 lbs), including carry-on items, so pack efficiently. Most lodges and camps offer same-day laundry services, making it easy to keep your garments fresh.

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of engagement with our safari services, all participants are required, as a condition precedent to participation, to secure comprehensive travel insurance coverage. Such coverage must, at a minimum, encompass medical expenditures, including, but not limited to, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services. It is also emphatically recommended that the policy extend to cover potential liabilities including, inter alia, cancellation, interruption, and the loss or damage of personal property.

Prior to the commencement of any safari activities, participants shall furnish verifiable evidence of the aforementioned insurance. Said evidence must include the insurance provider’s contact information for round-the-clock emergency assistance. Failure to provide satisfactory proof of insurance will result in the forfeiture of the participant’s right to partake in the scheduled safari excursions.

Many prospective visitors to Africa are concerned about safety. Is it safe to travel to Kenya? The answer is a resounding yes!

Traveling in Kenya can indeed be secure, particularly for those participating in structured safaris with private guides, like the ones we offer. While there are certain areas in larger cities such as Nairobi or Mombasa that are best avoided, common-sense safety measures, like in any major urban area, can make your stay secure. For instance, we recommend using a driver rather than walking alone when leaving your hotel at night. Additionally, it’s wise to avoid flaunting expensive jewelry and to stay vigilant about your personal belongings.

In Kenya, homosexuality is not legal, and societal norms typically do not accept transgender and non-binary gender identities, often perceiving them as unconventional. Members of the queer community might face discrimination in public, and there are no legal safeguards against discrimination in housing or employment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Nevertheless, for LGBTQIA+ travelers, Kenya can be considered relatively safe, especially due to the significance of tourism to the country’s economy, which has fostered a greater degree of tolerance. It is advisable for LGBTQIA+ visitors, as well as heterosexual couples, to refrain from public displays of affection, including kissing, hugging, or hand-holding, as such actions are generally not welcomed in public.

Provided that LGBTQIA+ travelers exercise a degree of discretion in public spaces and show respect for local customs, they should encounter no significant issues during their stay in Kenya.

Location of Kenya:
Kenya is situated in the region of East Africa.

Languages Spoken in Kenya:
The official languages are Swahili and English.

Appropriate Safari Attire in Kenya:
For cooler mornings and evenings on safari, warm layers are recommended, while lighter attire is suitable for the daytime in warmer months. Avoid bright and white clothing during game drives; neutral tones are preferable. Camouflage garments are generally not advised for travelers in Africa.

Safety of Kenyan Safaris:
Safaris in Kenya are widely considered safe, with a robust tourism infrastructure ensuring the welfare of its visitors.

Best Time for Kenyan Safaris:
Kenya offers excellent safari experiences throughout the year. However, the iconic Great Migration can be observed from June to October.