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Time to Visit

The best months are January to March and June to October.

Photography

In Nairobi you can find almost all types of film (prints and slides) except for high sensitivity (400 ASA and above) however we recommend that you take your film from home. On safari, whenever you take pictures with a zoom or telephoto lens, it is preferable to use 200 or 400 ASA. Certain tribes will accept being photographed, usually in exchange for a small sum of money

Safety

In town, do not wear jewellery in public and do not carry large sums of money or a handbag. Use the hotel safe for all your valuables, cameras and passports. Do not respond to proposals made in the street. As a general rule take a taxi, particularly after dark. On safari take the advice of your guides, hosts and lodge management.

Areas of Interest:

Masai Mara Game Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Samburu & Shaba National Reserves, The Great Rift Valley, Lamu and the Laikipia Plateau

Banking

Credit cards are accepted by major hotels, most airlines and increasingly by smaller shops. You can also use them to obtain money from automated teller machines. The Kenyan unit of currency is the Shilling, which is subdivided into 100 cents.

What to Carry

Depending on the time of year and whether you are going to the coast, to Nairobi or to the reserves, you will need a fairly comprehensive wardrobe (including warm clothing for nights, especially in July and August). Remember much of Kenya is at high altitude and it does get cold. Take clothing that layers so you can start out well rugged up but as the day warms up, you can "peel off".

On safari, it is advisable to wear trousers and stout, lace-up shoes, clothing should be in natural, earthy or khaki tones. Remember to take a hat, sunglasses and sun block, a torch, insect repellent, binoculars and plenty of camera film. A detailed "What to Pack" list will be provided with your documents.

Electricity

Kenya uses the British 240-volt system and 3-pin plugs. Electrical goods designed for 220 volts can be used safely. Most camps provide a facility for recharging video batteries, be sure however to check with your guide and plan a few days ahead.

Weather

Take special care with the sun, you are close the equator and the cool air can be misleading. Be wary of swimming in lakes, rivers and natural reservoirs as they can be infected with the bilharzia parasite. For entering some countries after visiting Kenya vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory. There are many highly recommended vaccinations and malarial treatments - for information see your doctor or travellers medical centreThe coast is hot and sunny for most of the year.

Despite being close to the equator, much of Kenya has a mild climate because of its altitude. In the highland regions it can get very cold at night. At lower altitude, such as the Rift Valley and Samburu, the temperature is moderate, with the summer months, being hot and dry. The "long rains" are generally April / May and the "short rains" from mid October to mid December. June to October and January to March are generally dry and are the best game viewing times.