Passport & Visa Requirements

In order to enter Kenya and Tanzania (on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of your return home. U.S. and Canadian citizens are also required to obtain a visa in order to enter Kenya and Tanzania. Though it’s possible to obtain a visa at the airport upon arrival, we recommend that you apply for your visa before departure using our service provider VisaCentral (visacentral.com/goaheadtours). If you’re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the consulates of Kenya and Tanzania as soon as possible for your specific entry requirements.

Baggage Allowance

Due to limited luggage space in transfer vehicles and on internal flights, you’ll need to pack in a duffel or soft-sided bag. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. In any case, your luggage may not exceed 15 kilos due to restrictions on internal flights in Kenya. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed the airline regulations of 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you’ll have to handle your own bag, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage. Laundry services are available at select accommodations for a nominal fee.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Safaris are informal, and dressing in comfortable, lightweight cottons is appropriate. Since the temperature varies significantly from midday to evening, clothing that can be layered is a good idea, as are comfortable shoes, such as sneakers or lightweight hiking boots. Sandals or other shoes that expose your skin are discouraged. Be sure to wear a hat during the day and use strong sunblock.

Health

Travelers visiting Kenya may be required to provide a yellow fever vaccination certificate (unless in possession of a valid waiver certificate). Please check the State Department website (travel.state.gov) for the most up-to-date requirements in the countries you’re visiting. Because of Kenya’s proximity to the equator, you may sunburn very quickly. Some areas in Kenya still carry malaria. Please check with your healthcare provider about possible malaria medications or other medical requirements. See below for information on drinking water.

Important Health Tips

In order for you to stay healthy throughout your tour, we recommend the following:

• Drink bottled water. Refrain from drinking tap water, including when brushing teeth.
• Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
• Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, antidiarrhea medication and any prescription medications.
• Apply sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Climate

Kenya enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year due to the high altitude of most of the area. Temperatures seldom vary from a norm of about 70 degrees, except in the mountain areas (low 50s in the evening) and at the beach (80s). The rainiest part of the year is March to May, with a secondary rainy season in November to December. The driest months are generally June to October.

Cuisine

You’ll find that most cuisine in the game lodges reflects the region’s British colonial influence. Nairobi boasts exceptional establishments, featuring French cuisine, East African curries and fresh African fish and game.

Transportation

Round-trip flights arrive in and depart from Nairobi, routing through Europe on both arrival and departure flights. On safari, you’ll be traveling in an open-air safari 4x4. The vehicle is usually covered, but open on the sides for better viewing during game drives. Please keep in mind that roads in the conservation areas can be dusty and bumpy. Internal flights are on reputable local airlines on propeller planes, typically seating 12–20 passengers. Baggage weight limits are strictly enforced.

Electricity

Kenya operates on the British standard 240 volts, while Tanzania (on the extension) uses 230 volts.

Time Zones

Kenya and Tanzania are three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), or eight hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST). When it’s noon in New York, it’s 8 p.m. in Nairobi.

Currency

The currency you’ll be using on your tour is the Kenyan shilling (and the Tanzanian shilling, on the tour extension). All East African countries have stringent exchange regulations. Their currencies are not interchangeable. We recommend that you carry as little local cash as possible, other than what you may need for purchasing souvenirs, and small amounts of the U.S. dollars for small purchases. (Please make sure that you only bring U.S. dollars printed in 2004 or later.) It’s important to keep a receipt whenever you convert foreign currency. No local currency can be taken in or out of the country. As your tour spends very little time in cities, we recommend exchanging your money at the airport or using an ATM there before departure in order to avoid unfavorable exchange rates at your lodges. Major American credit cards are accepted in Kenya. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

All porterage gratuities are included on safaris. However, it’s customary to tip the driver/guide at the end of the program. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalency of $8USD/CAD to $10USD/CAD per person per day. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.

Items to Give or Trade

Kenyans are fond of North American goods. Many travelers bring token items to offer as gifts or when bartering for souvenirs. Offering Kenyan children candy and gum is somewhat controversial because the availability of dental care for these children may be limited. Instead, offer children’s books in English or crayons. During school visits, basic school supplies (books, pencils, notebooks) are much appreciated.

Shopping

During your trip you’ll have the opportunity to shop at outdoor markets, small shops and tribal roadside stalls, where you’ll find local handicrafts. These handicrafts are generally inexpensive, and prices are almost always negotiable, providing an excellent way of meeting the Kenyan people up close.

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