Kenya welcomes large numbers of visitors every year and safari areas are well organised for tourists. In cities, use the same common sense you would anywhere: avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight and use transport arranged by your hotel or by us. Check your own government's travel advice before booking and again before you fly.
The currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops, and M-Pesa mobile money is used almost everywhere. Carry some small notes for tips and markets. US dollars are useful, but notes printed before 2013 are often refused. National park and reserve fees are paid electronically - no cash at the gates - and we handle these for you when they are included in your safari.
Most safari areas are malarial, so speak to a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets and use repellent and long sleeves in the evenings. Drink bottled or filtered water. Your doctor will also advise on routine vaccinations and yellow fever - see our separate yellow fever guide for the entry rules.
Kenya uses UK-style three-pin plugs (Type G) at 240 volts. Mobile coverage is good in towns and many parks, and a local SIM card is cheap and easy to buy with your passport. Most lodges offer Wi-Fi, though it can be slow in remote camps.
Single-use plastic carrier bags are banned in Kenya, and visitors are asked to leave them at home. Flying a drone requires a permit, so please do not pack one without speaking to us first. Always ask before photographing people, and avoid photographing government buildings, police or military.
Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated - most travellers tip their driver-guide per day and use the communal tip box at lodges. Kenyans are warm and courteous; a friendly "Jambo" (hello) and "Asante" (thank you) go a long way. Dress modestly in towns, particularly on the coast.
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