Smooth and Seamless
How to make your Kenyan holiday stress-free
1. Get your visa before you arrive.
Anyone who has flown into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport knows this rule. 30 min, 45 min, 60+ min. Especially during the high season, it can take a long time to receive your visa upon arrival. By receiving your visa before you arrive, you skip the long line at the airport, get to your luggage quickly, and start your holiday without stress or having to wait in a queue.
2. Have US Dollars and Kenyan Shillings with you before you leave the airport.
Don’t stress about needing an ATM or cash machine before you head out on safari or head to the coast. You can get USD at the airport, which also has a number of ATMs that will allow you do withdraw Shillings using your Visa or Mastercard. Most hotels and lodges accept credit cards, but for tipping, souvenirs, and other purchases, it’s always nice to have locally accepted money on hand.
3. Know general tipping guidelines.
These are some basic guidelines…but tipping obviously depends on your appraisal of the level of service you experienced:
Waiters – 10-20%
Hotel Staff (that provide personal service or tend specifically to your room) - $5-10 per day
Safari Driver/Guides - $5-10 per day*
Porters - $1 per piece of luggage
*Tip the drivers at the end of your trip.
4. Have the telephone number of the person meeting you at the airport.
5. Expect to hear animal noises at night.
Hyenas, birds, and a host of other animals will bring the wild of East Africa to your senses at night. Relax to the nightly melody or bring ear plugs if you require complete silence.
6. Know your back…and how many bumps it can handle.
The road to the Mara, the road between Tsavo and Amboseli. These two roads are quite bumpy and can surprise travelers if they are not prepared. Bring back support and sit near the front if you experience regular back pain. Alternatively, book a fly-in safari and skip the roads altogether.
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