• Unlike other African countries, it is best if you learn a bit of Swahili before going to Kenya, it’ll be easier for you to understand the Kenyans by this. JAMBO is the most simplest and common Swahili greeting that you can learn.
• Standard tipping includes that you give $1 to your porter, $5-$7 to your driver/guide, $10-$14 to your camp manager.
• Weather in Kenya is very unpredictable, it goes from being cold in one day to being hot in the other. Clothing suited for both weathers should be brought. Mostly, you should bring dressing suited for outdoor activities and more formal dresses for dinners. Lightweight clothing is best for visiting and staying on safari tours. It isn’t culturally accepted in Kenya for ladies to wear shorts on the streets.
• Rain coats and a light winter jacket is a must have for the weather in Kenya.
• Bring soft shoes which you can use for comfort and walking. Flip flops or sneakers will be alright.
• Sunscreens and sun glasses are a must to combat the sun
• Get vaccinations for Yellow fever, malaria, cholera, and hepatitis A.
• Tap water is not safe for drinking in Kenya. Drink a lot of bottled water to remain hydrated during your trip.
• Electricity runs at 220/240 volts in Kenya so bring electrical appliances as required.
• Bring all photographic equipment, batteries, and film from home. These things are rarely available in small towns and if they are available, they are very expensive.
• If you want to photograph the Masaii tribe, then ask for their permission first because they might mind it if you click their pictures without their permission.
• Business hours are from 9am to 5pm. Lunch break is from 1 pm – 2 pm.
• The best time for photography in Kenya is in early morning and afternoon.
• Mid-April and May are bad months for visiting Kenya. All other months are great for travel. If you want to view the ‘great migration’ of animals from Kenya to Tanzania, then August-October are the months when you’ll see animals on the move in Masai Mara.
• Credit cards are accepted in Kenya and so are US dollars, Euros, and travelers checks. ATM machines are very rare in Kenya so it’s useless to bring your ATM card with you.
• Kenyans do not encourage beggary, so it’s not wise to hand out money or snacks to poor children you might encounter on your safari tours.
• The tourist helpline number in Kenya is 02-604767.
• Do not show off your valuables as to avoid being a victim of theft and crime.
• Light color clothing is best suited for safaris because dark clothing attracts animals and insects.
Have you been to Kenya? Feel free to share your tips and suggestions.
Photo Credits (Flickr Creative Commons): Black Rhino by Julian Mason