Kenya

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Travel Notes

These notes cover some of the practical aspects of a visit to Kenya.
Some sections may not apply to you, depending on your itinerary.
You should study this carefully and take the advice given.
The benefits could range from giving you a more enjoyable trip to,
in the extreme, serious problems!

Visas

Visas are at present required for citizens of commonwealth countries. This may change in the future and so it is worth delaying application until about a month before departure. They are expensive - £35 - and so another reason to delay application is in case you are not able to travel. It is possible to get a visa on entry. This is cheaper but a bureaucratic process and can cause delays.
Passports should have at least 6 months validity after your return.

Tickets

Your full ticket will be sent to you a few weeks before departure. Please check all details. The return will need to be reconfirmed a few days before your return, but this can usually be done through our agent. If you have local flights or trains, the tickets will be given to you by our agents on arrival.

Health Requirements & Information

At present, the following immunisations are advisable but not essential:- Tetanus (if not vaccinated in the last 10 years), Polio (as above), Typhoid, Meningitis A and C, Hepatitis A (Havrix gives long term protection) and Yellow Fever(10 years). Antimalarial - Paludrine and Chloroquine and/or Mefloquine (this can have serious side effects). There are also several new drugs. Malaria tablets are a strict requirement and must be started at least two weeks before leaving the country to give full protection. This should also ensure that you will not have an adverse reaction while abroad. Remember that tablets do not give full cover against malaria - the only sure way is not to get bitten. So insect bite precautions are essential. Insect repellent containing DEET (Autan or Jungle formula recommended) and long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk. Nets are provided in hotels. Most GP's will give these vaccinations and general advice with the exception of Yellow Fever. They will however, have the address of the nearest clinic to have the injection. The London School of Tropical Medicine will also give advice and immunisations.

We must stress that our suggestions for medical protection are purely advisory and you should consult your GP for the latest information.
A small personal first aid kit is recommended and details are given in the kit list.

Mountain Sickness

Most people will experience some form of mountain sickness during the climbs of Kilimanjaro & Meru. This is due to lack of oxygen and is not related to age or physical fitness. Some will develop symptoms at 3,500 metres (11,500ft.), but usually it is higher before any serious problems occur. Many more will experience the symptoms if a rapid ascent from 3,500 to 5,000 metres is undertaken. However, for all of our tours we have arranged itineraries to include appropriate periods for acclimatisation. The symptoms of mountain sickness include: Headache, fatigue, forcible heartbeat, nausea, poor sleep, loss of appetite. These are usually accompanied by general feelings of malaise. They are common and not serious. If heart and breathing rates do not return to normal after about an hour's rest, you should not normally go higher. In the very rare and unlikely event of pulmonary or cerebral oedema (both very serious conditions) you must descend rapidly and receive medical attention. A drug, Diamox, helps toward the prevention of mountain sickness. There are however some side effects and it is only obtainable on prescription from your doctor. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe this and can be referred to: BMJ (1987) 294, 1380 - 1382. Our guides and leaders all have experience of dealing with mountain sickness and should be heeded at all times.

Fitness

The well worn phrase "Kilimanjaro can be climbed by any normally fit person" is true and applies even more to Mount Kenya, but it's a lot easier if you are fit and you are used to the boots you will climb in.
The best training is hill walking; but jogging in good running shoes is a reasonable substitute if it suits you. Walking poles are recommended if you have knee problems, and if you want to prevent them.

Tourist Facilities

In Kenya, the tourist infrastructure is reasonably developed, but conditions for local people are often poor. The facilities that you will use are of a high standard and comfort and convenience should not be a problem.
You should also be aware that in hot countries insects such as lizards, beetles etc. are commonplace indoors. Roads are often poor and transport and safari vehicles are designed to be robust rather than luxurious. Most of our transport is carried out in either long wheel base Landrovers, Toyota microbuses and Toyota 4Wd Landcruisers.

Currency

In Kenya the currncy is the Kenya Shilling and the rate is about 1US$ = Ksh74. The same conditions generally apply as in Tanzania.
Major credit cards are accepted at the larger hotels around the country but their use is limited and it is difficult to obtain cash with them. However if you do decide to use credit cards retain all the slips and check amounts carefully. Try to ensure that your card does not leave your sight. Not all merchants are honest

Climate

Kenya is on the Equator and so there are minimal temperature changes throughout the year. Altitude is the main factor, with central mountain and game parks area being much cooler than the coast. Coastal areas are hot and humid, with an average day temperature of 30c, although this is tempered by onshore breezes. The "long rains" are from March to May with occasional rain between October and December.
The sun is high and intense and so a good sun cream is needed, as well as a lip salve with a built in sun protector.

Security

Kenya, particularly Nairobi, has a bad reputation for crime. This is often exaggerated but you should take all sensible precautions. There is a certain amount of petty theft in Kenya, although violent crime is rare. Be discreet and sensible with all your possessions, particularly those which are obviously expensive. Money, passport and airline tickets are difficult to replace, and so it is advisable to carry them under your clothes and preferably in different pouches. A separate purse or wallet for day to day expenditure saves conspicuous public groping. Use hotel safes whenever possible. Photocopies of important documents are a bit belt and braces, but invaluable if you do loose something.

Photography

Taking photos whilst travelling can be very rewarding and there will be many amazing subjects. Remember that your camera gear may be worth a year's income for many local people and so be discreet with it. Many people find it offensive to be photographed without being asked - it is much better if a photo can be the result of a natural meeting or shared experience rather than being the reason for it.

-oOo-

Any of this information may be rendered inaccurate, misleading and downright untrue by circumstances unimaginable from cosy Britain. If you are not travelling for excitement, adventure and challenge, ask yourself why you are going. Have faith that most people are on your side most of the time and you will have a memorable trip.

Facts

Mountains & Game Parks

For most people, safaris mean Kenya. This is the original and classic area for wildlife and known throughout the world. And for good reason, as here are some of the greatest concentrations of large animals and the greatest expertise for seeing them.
Kenya also means Mount Kenya, that old volcanic stump offering some of the most challenging and spectacular climbing and trekking in Africa. Footloose has arranged many climbs, treks and safaris, and has great experience in Kenya, particularly the more remote areas.

For a trip with variety, Kenya is hard to beat. Safaris can be combined with a trek or climb on Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon or the Aberdares, followed by a few days sunning, swimming or diving on the coast.

If you prefer to go with a group, we are agents for many operators offering all-inclusive fully organised trips to all parts of Kenya. Several operators do various mountain trips, from a basic climb up Mount Kenya to longer itineraries, which can include other mountains (some include Kilimanjaro) and game parks. Talk to us before you decide because just about every combination of safari and mountain is available - we can help you find the trip you're looking for. We can check space availability and make the booking for you at no extra cost to you.

We can help you plan your own trip (for yourself or your own small group), using our up-to-date knowledge and the expertise and enthusiasm of our own local contacts in Kenya. If you want a safari to the well-known parks and reserves, or to some of the more remote parts of the country - we can help; if you want to trek on the popular routes or through obscure mountain areas, we can help; if you want to visit the coast - we can help. You decide departure dates and destinations - we organise everything else.

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

Kenya is on the East coast of Africa, north of Tanzania, bordering the Indian Ocean. The capital is Nairobi and this is the usual entry point. The main other town is Mombasa on the coast.

Language

The official languages of Kenya are English and Swahili, and there are many local languages. Swahili is a common language used by most people as a second tongue, although on the coast it's a first language in its own right. English is widely spoken in areas used to tourists but far less so in rural or remote areas.

Visas

Visas are at present required by British passport holders on holiday. The cost is £35.

Money

The unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling (TSh), divided into 100 cents, although cents are hardly used.
Although most hard currencies are officially acceptable, US dollars are the most convenient way to pay, and work out cheaper. The best way to carry your money is in a mix of high and low denomination US dollar bills and travelers' cheques, although the rate for cash is better. Most prices connected to tourism are quoted in US dollars.

Weather

In Kenya, seasons are wet and dry, rather than hot and cold. The long dry season, when conditions are cool, is from June to early October, and the short dry season, when it's warmer, is from mid-December until March. In the south there is only one rainy season, from December to April. Temperatures vary considerably in different parts of the country, and are
generally influenced by altitude. On the savanna plains (eg Masai Mara), maximum daytime temperatures can rise to 28C, although nights are cool. On the mountains, temperatures rise and fall only slightly throughout the year, but vary considerably between night and day. On the lower slopes, maximum daytime temperatures are normally around 15-20C, falling to a chilly 5C at night. At higher altitudes daytime temperatures are between 10C and 15C, and it can drop to around freezing point at night. On the high mountains, above 4000 metres, maximum daytime temperatures are usually around 5C, while it's always below freezing at night, sometimes dropping to -10C, with strong icy winds that make it seem even colder.

Guidebooks

Lonely Planet's "Kenya Travel Survival Kit" and Rough Guides "Kenya" have detail for general travel around the country. There are many coffee table safari books with excellent photographs.
For trekking information Lonely Planet's "Trekking in East Africa" has a good chapter on Kenya's mountains.

Altitude

The days given for a trek on each route is the usual number most trekkers take, but not all people make it to the summit due to problems with altitude sickness. If you can spend an extra night on any of the routes, at about halfway, this helps acclimatisation and you also get to see some other parts of the mountain. It also greatly increases your chances of actually getting to the top.

TREKKING IN KENYA

Most walkers and trekkers come to Kenya for Mount Kenya, the highest mountain in the country and one of the great mountains of Africa. There are several outstanding trekking routes, starting from the forested foothills at its base and leading to the top of Point Lenana. The main summits of Nelion and Batian require technical climbing skills.
Kenya's other mountains include Mount Elgon, the country's second highest peak, in a remote area on
the Ugandan border, and the Aberdares, a rolling upland area.
Away from the high peaks, trekking is also possible in many of the game parks (with guides) and in the Loroghi Hills.

When to go

The best time for trekking in Kenya is during the two dry seasons. These dry months are dry only when compared to the wet season. Rain and snow are less likely during the dry months, but can occur (sometimes very heavy) on the mountains at any time of the year.

Organised Treks

Although it is possible to just turn up and organise your own trek, it can take time and is often hard work. Most people use a specialist company to organise at least guides, food and transport.

MOUNT KENYA

At 5199 metres, Mount Kenya is one of the highest mountains in Africa, and one of the few that are difficult to ascend. For walkers, a trek up to Point Lenana is particularly attractive because, with the right preparation, it's possible to walk all the way to the summit without technical climbing gear or experience.
The massif is roughly circular in shape, 40 km in diameter, and rising more than 4000 metres above the surrounding plains. Mount Kenya is not part of a chain or extended range, and its rock and snow-capped summit can be seen from many of the great game parks.
The two main peaks are Nelion and Batian, with Point Lenana slightly lower. The mountain is complex, but there are several well established routes leading to the summit area. These are all connected by the summit circular path, which means that it is easy to connect different routes up and down.

Routes

Mount Kenya is surrounded by a zone of dense forest, so to reach the higher slopes and main peaks, you have to follow an established route. Three routes are described below to give you an idea of what's available.
The Naro Moru Route is the easiest and most popular route. The path is straightforward and there are huts conveniently spaced along the way. A trek on this route usually takes four days (three nights) for the round trip, but an extra night greatly increases your chances of reaching the summit.

The Sirimon Route is much quieter and has several good alternatives for adding a day or two for acclimatisation. A trek on this route usually takes five days (four nights).

The Chogoria Route is usually combined with the Sirimon to give an excellent traverse of the mountain. It has the advantage of being easy to organise from Chogoria town if you are setting up the trip yourself. If you are doing the traverse, transport will need to be organised from the other side of the mountain.

MOUNT ELGON

Mount Elgon is the second highest mountain in Kenya. It is the far west and is difficult to reach, both because of the terrain and because of bureaucracy. The national park surrounding the mountain only allows cars and these have to be accompanied by an armed ranger. There is also a poaching and smuggling problem on this border. There seems to be a policy of discouraging trekkers from going high, although lower walks are possible. This being the case, if you want to climb Mount Elgon, it is probably better to do it from the Ugandan side, where everything is much easier.

ABERDARES

This area of rolling hills and moorland rises to 4000 metres and is easily reached. It gives a number of multi day treks. There is wildlife in the area and so an armed guard is essential. Most of the campsites can be reached by a car, and so it is usual way to use the car to transfer gear every day.

OTHER AREAS

Two other areas with good trekking are the Loroghi Hills and the Sugata Valley in the north. These are rarely visited.

SAFARIS IN KENYA

Kenya has some of the best wildlife reserves in Africa. Most are very large, but are well organised for access and accommodation: A safari to any of these parks is an ideal way to see the splendid wildlife at close quarters.
The most popular game parks are Masai Mara, Tsavo and Amboseli. These parks are all within a few hours drive of Nairobi. There are plenty of animals to see, and safaris here are relatively inexpensive.

MASAI MARA

The most popular park and with good reason. It is a huge area of grassland connected to the Serengeti in
Tanzania, and is the scene of the migration of tens of thousands of wildebeest each year. These grasslands are home to elephant, lions, rhino, zebra and giraffe. There is a wide range of accommodation available, from simple tented camps to luxury lodges.

AMBOSELI

At the base of Kilimanjaro, which feeds the swamps and springs from the snow cap. This is one of the best places for elephant and leopard. The nomadic Masai people can be seen herding their cattle in this area.

SAMBURU

In Kenya's arid northern frontier district and home to the Samburu people. The landscape here is very dry and there are several species here which are unique in Kenya.

RIFT VALLEY

The chain of lakes which follow the line of the rift valley south are home to great numbers of birds, including flamingoes and pelicans. Hippo and crocodile can also be seen by boat.

OTHER NATIONAL PARKS

Kenya has many other parks, each with their own character and beauty. They are usually not as dramatic ass the well known places, and do not have such large numbers of game, but have the great advantage of being much quieter and giving perhaps a more true experience of African bush.

THE COAST

The Kenyan coast has a rather dubious reputation due to the great development of beach holidays and cheap flights. There are of course many places where there is no development, where beaches are empty, where the sea is blue, the diving spectacular and the accommodation unpretentious. It is certainly an excellent place to round off a trekking or safari trip.

PRICES

Prices for independent travel vary enormously, mainly depending on the number of people in your group. Joining an organised group is usually a little cheaper and certainly much easier. Footloose uses only experienced, reliable and insured operators in Kenya. Therefore our prices are not the cheapest, but offer excellent value.

Footloose

Whether you want to put your own holiday together or don't really know where to start, our team is more than willing to share their knowledge with you. Our speciality is after all tailor-made holidays, so whether you want to travel on your own, with a friend or any number of people in a group, we can help.

You can ring us on 01943 604030, or pop in to our shop at 3 Springs Pavement in Ilkley. more contact details

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