Stress-Free Holiday in 6 Steps

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.

Mombasa 101

Many travelers looking for a beach holiday in the warm Indian Ocean waters off East Africa know what they want, but don’t know where to find it.  Some want a quiet, relaxing few days, others want a bonfire party on the beach every night, while others want activities (both on land and in the ocean) to keep them active.  This will be the first of a several part series that explores the coastal destinations of Kenya and Tanzania.

Mombasa – North Coast

Located relatively close to the Moi International Airport in Mombasa, it is typically a 30-minute drive to your hotel.  The North Coast is perfectly suited for those looking to take part in excursions in the city of Mombasa.  Fort Jesus, Old Town, and more can be experienced either before or after time spent in the surf.  Known for its festive atmosphere, the North Coast often plays host to nights of partying into the early morning hours.  For those looking for an active nightlife and the true Swahili culture that dominates Mombasa, the North coast is the perfect location. 

Mombasa – South Coast

More laid back and with more resorts and large hotels than the North Coast, the South Coast offers a different take on the beach holiday.  Located further from the city of Mombasa, beach go-ers must drive to the docks (approx. 30 min) before boarding the ferry that takes one to the South Coast.  If you’re looking for the majestic blue waters found in postcards, Mombasa’s South Coast is for you.  Relax in the white-sand beaches under the shade of a coconut tree, mojito (or pina colada) in hand.

 

Both Coasts

A quick run-down of what both beaches offer.  Enjoy the same exhilarating activities, including: snorkeling, scuba diving, kite-surfing, windsurfing, jet-ski, deep sea fishing, boating, tubing, and more.  White-sand beaches and blue waters.  Warm weather year round (rainy season from March to May).  February is the hottest month.