Organize your stay Kenya
Money Kenya
Since 1966, Kenya's currency has been the Kenyan shilling (symbol Ksh; code KES), divisible into 100 cents. It is minted by the Central Bank of Kenya. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 shillings, and more rarely in denominations of 50 cents and 40 shillings. Banknote denominations are 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings. The Central Bank has issued new shilling denominations in May 2019. Elephants, leopards, buffaloes, lions and rhinoceroses now adorn the 500 shilling bill. The old 1,000 shilling bills were then withdrawn from circulation.
In August 2024: €1 = Ksh141 and Ksh100 = €0.71. This means that 1,000 Ksh will cost just over €7.
For certain transactions (hotels, car rentals), Kenyans may display their prices in dollars, so you need to keep in mind a little three-value gymnastics. In practice, it's as if the US dollar were linked by a fixed parity to the Kenyan shilling (1 US$ = 100 Ksh; whereas in reality, in November 2024 the rate was closer to 1 US$ = 130 Ksh). Travel with dollars rather than euros, as lodges and hotels prefer dollars. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments, and there are cash dispensers in all towns for withdrawing shillings.
Budget & Tips Kenya
Compared with European countries, daily life in Kenya is cheap (public transport or market food, especially in supermarkets, and if you buy imported products, they will of course be more expensive). However, tourists often make use of expensive services: car rental and/or air transport (essential if you're planning to explore the country and don't have two months to spare), tours and excursions organized by travel agencies, hotels with comforts equivalent to those in Western countries, international restaurants. In these cases, the bill can quickly climb. Not to mention the fact that, as a general rule, expenses always exceed the initial budget: visitors are constantly being asked to buy this or that, and it has to be said that visiting mzungus ("whites" in Swahili) almost always pay a higher price than Kenyans. Hotels and tourist sites systematically display different rates for "residents", "non-residents" and "East African residents". Even for travellers who use local transport, eat and sleep in budget hotels or guesthouses, Kenya is still a fairly expensive destination, not least because access to most of the parks requires a vehicle.
A town car will cost at least €40 per day; a small 4x4, such as a Suzuki Sierra, costs around €75 per day (minimum), including insurance and unlimited mileage; an Isuzu Trooper or Toyota Landcruiser from €95, or even more. Minibuses can be an economical solution for small groups. Rental is widespread and easy to undertake (unlike in some other African countries). To avoid any hassle, we recommend that you travel with your international driving license as well as your original driver's license.
The train between Nairobi and Mombasa (Madaraka Express) is rather inexpensive. What's more, it allows you to make a stopover in Voi, if you wish to make a stopover in Tsavo National Park. Adult fares for Nairobi-Mombasa are Ksh. 1,500 in economy class and Ksh. 4,500 in first class, and Ksh. 750 and Ksh. 2,250 for children up to 11 years of age. Bookings can be made online (https://metickets.krc.co.ke/).
If you opt for air travel, you should know that low-cost airlines (Jambojet, Skyward Express, SafariLink...) are reliable and help to significantly reduce the cost of domestic flights. For round-trip flights from Nairobi, expect to pay between €50 and €150 each way to Mombasa, Lamu, Amboseli or Massaï Mara, depending on the airline.
Entrance to the parks costs between US$15 and US$60 per day for an adult (US$70 for the Maasai Mara). Visiting several parks and reserves can therefore quickly become expensive.
Passport and visas Kenya
Tourist visa. Citizens of the European Union, and therefore of France, are required to obtain a tourist visa to enter Kenya. Please note that since January1, 2021, visas are no longer issued on arrival in the country or at Kenyan representations abroad; travelers must obtain an e-travel authorization, acting as a pre-authorization before arriving in Kenya. This e-Visa allows entry to the country once for a tourist or business stay of up to 90 days, or a transit of up to 72 hours. It costs around US$35. Be careful not to apply too early, as you must enter Kenya within 3 months of obtaining your e-Visa. The average processing time is 3 days. Children aged 16 and over do not need to apply for an e-Visa, and need only present their identity papers. The application is made on the official Kenyan website of the Directorate of Immigration (http://etakenya.go.ke).
It is possible to extend the initial three months by a further three months through the Immigration Service (fns.immigration.go.ke). If you are going to volunteer in an NGO or orphanage, you are strongly advised to obtain the appropriate visa: the Kenyan authorities are not kidding around with this... Finally, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
East African Tourist Visa. For US$100, you can obtain a single East African Tourist Visa for travel to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
Driver's license Kenya
Driving license. To drive a rental car in Kenya (for a maximum period of 90 days), you must be between 23 and 70 years of age, and have held your French driving license for at least two years. It's best to be a fairly good driver, as the state of the roads and the way Kenyans drive require a definite sense of anticipation and good reflexes. You also need to have some mechanical knowledge (at least be able to change a wheel, for example), be able to string two words together in English, be at least two (and if possible, a little resourceful), have a good sense of direction and a good map. A word of advice: never drive at night, when the danger is multiplied by ten!
Speed limits. In built-up areas: 60 km/h. Outside built-up areas: 100 km/h. Freeway: 120 km/h.
Gasoline. With the exception of the north, where it's best to be far-sighted and find out about refuelling points before setting off, petrol stations can be found in all towns and in some lodges in national parks. However, few service 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 of the main roads and arteries have been resurfaced, or are in the process of being resurfaced. More generally, when you're driving, you need to keep one eye constantly on the potholes that sometimes look like real trenches, another on the dilapidated vehicles and trucks coming at you slaloming between the holes, and the third on your rear-view mirror to see the huge buses coming at full speed behind you. Be careful, too, with the bumpers that have become commonplace to limit speeding on the approach to towns and villages: there are a lot of them, and you can't always see them from a distance. A final word of advice if you're renting a car: as the road network is fairly dense, and road signs sometimes very inconspicuous, it's essential to have a good map of the country.
Traffic. First thing to know: in Kenya, you drive on the left and overtake on the right. In town, beware of prolonged stops at red lights at night. It's even advisable, once you've checked that the road is clear, not to stop at all, as at "Stop" signs. On the other hand, when you see the presidential convoy (the big Mercedes with their flags) in your rear-view mirror or in front of you, stop immediately. That's the law. In practice, everywhere else, it's often the law of the biggest, so just pass where there's room. If there isn't, stop and wait until the coast is clear! Beware of speed limits, too, as speed cameras have appeared on the country's main roads. Given the state of the roads, the dilapidated state of the vehicle fleet and the very particular local driving techniques, it's essential to be very vigilant. Particularly in rural areas and villages, be on the lookout for wild animals and livestock crossing the road. However, a reasonable driver can cover the country's main tourist routes without any problems. As soon as you leave the main roads or enter the parks, the asphalt gives way to dirt. Tracks are generally quite good, but sometimes become impassable after heavy rains. During the dry season and in the most visited areas, any cautious driver can get around. However, during the rainy season, or if you wish to venture into remote areas such as the north, it is essential to have mastered 4x4 driving and, if necessary, to travel with several vehicles.
Rentals and insurance. If you decide to rent a car, check with a number of companies, as prices can vary by as much as a factor of two. Beware, however: a particularly attractive rate often conceals something else. Local companies are cheaper, but insurance cover is sometimes less good, and the condition of vehicles is not always perfect, if not deplorable! To avoid unpleasant surprises, opt for "unlimited mileage" packages (but beware: some are subject to a ceiling) and carefully read the insurance clauses in your contract, especially the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which covers you in the event of an accident. The most important thing to check is the amount of the deductible(liability excess), as some unscrupulous companies (including the big international ones) set very high deductibles. Theft Protection Waiver (TPW) is absolutely essential. It is sometimes included in the CDW. Without it, you risk having to pay the full price of the vehicle in the event of theft. Last but not least, carefully check the condition of the vehicle before you leave, and ask what the contract covers in the event of breakdown (mechanical assistance, vehicle replacement, etc.). Some companies allow you to cross the border into Tanzania or Uganda, but for this they sometimes charge rather large sums and you'll need to apply a few days in advance.
Health Kenya
Kenya presents as many risks as it does attractions. Pathology differs according to the region visited, from the seaside to altitude sickness in the mountains, not forgetting malaria, which is very common below 2,000 m altitude.
Advice. For advice before your trip, don't 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 French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under "Conseils aux voyageurs" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs).
Tourista. Traveler's diarrhea" is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or drink. It occurs quite suddenly. Stools are generally liquid, but sometimes simply soft. It is not usually accompanied by fever, and often disappears within a few days. Take an anti-diarrheal, an intestinal disinfectant and keep well hydrated (no fruit juices). If the diarrhea persists or is accompanied by blood or mucus discharge, it's important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Hepatitis A. Previous immunity to hepatitis A makes vaccination unnecessary. It is common if you have a history of jaundice, have spent long periods abroad or are over 45 years of age. Hepatitis A is usually benign, but it can be serious, particularly over the age of 45 and in cases of 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 trip where hygiene is precarious. The first injection, one month before departure, is enough to protect you for a short trip. The second injection (six months to a year later) reinforces 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 is given in two doses, one month apart (although accelerated one-month vaccinations are available for travellers in a hurry), followed by a booster six months later to reinforce the duration of protection.
Malaria. Malaria is also known as malaria. If you're traveling through a malaria-transmitting country (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 travel and the person concerned. In addition to pills, reduce the risk of contracting malaria by avoiding mosquito bites (repellent and covering clothing). The risk of being bitten is highest between sunset and sunrise, near stagnant water and shady areas. In Kenya, malaria risks are present all year round, throughout the country with the exception of the far north.
Typhoid fever. Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection characterized by high fever, febrile diarrhea and loss of consciousness. The most severe forms can lead to digestive, neurological or cardiac complications. The incubation period varies from ten to fifteen days. Contamination occurs through stool or saliva, either directly (contact with a sick person or healthy carrier) or indirectly (ingestion of contaminated food: raw vegetables, seafood, water and ice cubes). The vaccine takes two to three weeks to take effect, and protects you for three years. In the event of contamination and non-vaccination, treatment with fluoroquinolones is recommended.
Mandatory vaccination Kenya
Vaccination against yellow fever is not compulsory if you are coming from Europe, North America, Oceania or Asia, but is strongly recommended. Vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis and hepatitis A (unless immunized) 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 most common in tropical regions. After a week's incubation, the disease causes fever, chills and headaches. In the most severe cases, a hemorrhagic syndrome characterized by vomiting of blackish blood, jaundice and kidney problems develops after several days. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever, other than bed rest and medication to combat the symptoms.
If the reason for your trip is to work with wildlife, we recommend you get vaccinated against rabies. As a reminder, this vaccination is preventive and does not in itself provide complete protection against rabies. In the event of exposure to the virus, you will need to undergo further injections as soon as possible.
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 little more nuanced... First of all, as far as we know, there is no gratuitous violence in Kenya. Violence accompanies theft, and therefore need. Robberies (violent or otherwise) occur only very exceptionally during the day and in crowded places, for the simple reason that the culprit would expose himself to popular retribution. In fact, the mob will sometimes seize a simple cell phone thief and pummel him with blows. So, if some poor devil should get hold of your bag, think twice before shouting "Thief! Be that as it may, this practice may be barbaric, but it's a serious deterrent to theft... That said, there are some very simple "safety" measures that everyone knows about, which will help you avoid these problems, especially in Nairobi. Avoid isolated, dark places. Close your car doors, especially at traffic lights and in traffic jams. Avoid walking at night, especially alone, and with a small fortune on your person... Don't expose objects to passers-by that might attract attention (cameras, rings, watches, cell phones, etc.). It's also advisable to leave your bundles of shillings and dollars in the hotel safe. It's 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 worrying, always face the person. Gratify them with a friendly "Jambo!", which will seem perfectly natural to an innocent passer-by, and quite disconcerting to a potential thief! Then don't hesitate 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 attack, don't hesitate (and don't make any sudden gestures) to hand over any money you have on you. There's little risk of encountering them during your stay, but be aware that armed gangs are usually very determined, because they know what penalties to expect if the police should happen to catch them. Real accidents usually occur when victims attempt heroic action.
Time difference Kenya
Kenya is in the UTC +3 time zone, which means that Kenya is 2 hours ahead of France in winter time and 1 hour ahead in summer time. In December, when it's 3pm in Nairobi, it's 1pm in Paris, Geneva or Brussels. On the other hand, in July, if it's 1 p.m. in Europe, it's 2 p.m. in Nairobi.
Spoken languages Kenya
English and Kiswahili are Kenya's two official languages. Both languages are taught in all schools in the country. The majority of Kenyans speak and understand English. You'll always find someone, even deep in the bush, who can give you information in English. So, not knowing the slightest rudiment of English can be rather awkward when it comes to communicating (unless, of course, you speak Kiswahili!). However, on the coast, Kenyans (especially young people) have adapted to the influx of tourists and can 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 around 96% of the population (30% smartphone users, 120 phones per 100 inhabitants). The average national coverage rate for 4G in 2023 is 60% (Safaricom has the best national coverage rate and 75% market share). With the widespread use of smartphones (few Kenyans do not have a cell phone, even in the most remote areas), cybercafés are becoming rare. Wi-fi is available just about everywhere, in restaurants, cafés, hotels and shopping malls. Broadband connections are widely available in Kenya, with 4G/H+ (Nairobi) or H+ (main cities). 3G connections are still available throughout most of the country, with the exception of remote areas. But you may well be pleasantly surprised, as network quality is sometimes much better than in some villages in the south of France (experience to back this up).
Electricity and measurements Kenya
British standard (240 volts, type G). However, some larger hotels and lodges also supply 220 V. You'll only find English 3-pin plugs. It is therefore advisable to take an adapter with you. However, you can buy one locally in Nairobi or Mombasa, or obtain one from the lodges (if they haven't all already been borrowed).
Luggage Kenya
Don't overload yourself, and avoid impractical hard cases! Pack light clothing, especially cotton shirts or T-shirts in sufficient quantity to keep out the dust and heat (although laundry services are available in all hotels and lodges). Jeans are a little thick for the country: canvas pants or Bermuda shorts are more suitable. If possible, opt for neutral colors. However, bear in mind that, especially on the coast, although accustomed to tourists, respect for the local culture will encourage you to opt for more revealing clothing (shirts, shorts below the knee).
Whatever the time of year, evenings can be quite cool, especially in Nairobi and the highlands. So pack a warm sweater or cardigan. A raincoat or windbreaker may also prove useful, especially during the rainy season. When it comes to footwear, comfort is paramount. High-cut canvas shoes are ideal. Avoid sandals on a bush safari. Finally, a hat and a good pair of sunglasses will complete your outfit. Finally, protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. Kenya is below the equator. Sunburn can be dreadful. Remember to pack a good sun cream and an anti-UV T-shirt if you intend to go snorkeling. Mosquitoes may be rare above 1,500 m altitude, but they are voracious everywhere else, and are vectors of malaria. Soak your clothes before you leave, and apply effective anti-mosquito repellents in line with Ministry of Health recommendations (Insect Ecran®, Cinq sur Cinq Tropic®, Repel Insect®). All hotels are equipped with mosquito nets. When camping, be sure to close your tent after dark. Although we have a network of well-stocked pharmacies, it is advisable to travel with a few basic medicines.
And don't forget your flashlight, power bank, water bottle, scarf, padlock, etc.
