Check-list before you board the flight to Kenya

· Valid passport for international tourists
· Valid visa
· One other picture ID (driver's license etc)
· Photocopy of passport page to carry in wallet
· Air tickets
· Money (internationally acceptable credit cards)
· Recommended inoculations and prescription medicines
· Travel insurance
· Appropriate clothing
· Other essentials

Currency and banking

The amount of money in any currency brought into the country is not limited. Only change your money at the hotels, in official banks and bureau de change. Travelers' checks, US Dollars, and major credit cards are widely acceptable. However, you should change some small amount into local currency to use for tipping and buying curios. The currency in Kenya is the Kenya shillings and is divided into 100 cents.

Nairobi, Mombasa and other principal towns have banks with a bureau de change. Banking hours are 0900am to 3.00p.m, Monday to Friday and 9.00a.m to 11.00am on the first and last Saturday of the month. Banks at the Jomo Kenyatta international airport are open 24hours

Food and water

Standards of hygiene in hotels and lodges are high. Salads are safe at international hotels and lodges; Fruits you can peel are the safest to eat. Tap water in Nairobi is safe to drink, as it has been purified and filtered. Ice too is safe in Nairobi. However, outside Nairobi purchase mineral water or use filtered water found in carriers in most hotels and lodges. The local Kenyan beer is an ideal thirst quencher too.

Shopping and bargaining

Shop hours are from 8.30am to 12.30pm and from 2.00pm to 5.00pm Mondays to Fridays and 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays. Tourist shops usually remain open beyond these hours and through lunch hour. Bargaining is particularly used in markets and curio shops. Requesting for the final best price is almost expected and starts off knowing you are being charged tourist prices and end up paying what you think the item is worth to you. Do not purchase game skins, trophies or elephant hair bracelets. These items are prohibited as hunting was banned in 1976.

Photography

Ask for permission before photographing local people. Your driver/guide will assist you in this and will possibly help you agree on modeling fee. Do not take photographs of any official buildings such as airports; military installations, border posts or roadblocks. Wildlife can easily be photographed you just ask the driver to stop and ask any questions you may have about the animals, terrain, people and their culture. It is advisable to carry your cameras in dust-proof bags on safaris, especially in the dry season. Films are available in hotels and lodges but it is advisable to stock up in Nairobi as there is variety and are cheap.

Communications

Phones and fax facilities are available in Nairobi, Mombasa, Mount Kenya Safari Club, most lodges/Tented Camps and major towns. E-mail services can also be found from lodges and also hotel (ask at the reception).

Other important points
Please be punctual for all departures, game drive and schedules so as to make maximum use of your holiday time. Departure transfers for international flights are usually two and half-hours prior to flight times. Day rooms are reserved till 6.00pm.