Where is Kenya located?
Kenya lies across the equator on the east coast of the African continent. Neighboring countries are Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to east, Tanzania to south, Uganda to west and Sudan to north-west. The Indian Ocean lies on the southeastern border of the country.

Do I need a passport to travel to Kenya?
Yes, U.S. citizens require a passport to enter Kenya. Passports must have a sufficient number of unused pages for endorsements abroad and they must also be valid for at least six months past the projected stay in Kenya.

Is a Visa required for entry into Kenya?
Yes, U.S. citizens require a visa to enter Kenya. They should contact the Kenyan Embassy in Washington DC at (202) 387-6101. Canadian citizens can contact the Kenya High Commission in Ottawa, Ontario at (613) 563-1773 or via http://www.kenyahighcommission.ca/. Persons outside the United States should contact the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.

How do I obtain a Visa for travel to Kenya?
Visas should be obtained in advance from the Kenya Embassy in Washington D.C., although Visas are available at the airport. Travelers who opt to obtain an airport Visa should expect delays upon arrival.

There is a $50.00 fee for a single journey visa which is valid for 3 months, or a $100 fee for a multiple journey visa which is valid for 6 months. Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested.

Your travel agent or tour operator can provide you with assistance in obtaining the required documentation for entry. However, the following items are required to process your visa request.

1.       Valid passport with sufficient number of unused pages for endorsements abroad. Passport must be signed and valid for at least six months.

2.       Visa application form (available online at http://www.kenyaembassy.com/)

3.       2 recent passport size photos attached to the completed application form.

4.       A photo copy of your round trip ticket, itinerary or a letter from your travel agent certifying that the applicant holds prepaid arrangements.

5.       A self-addressed stamped envelope for certified, registered or express mail. Metered stamps are not acceptable.

6.       Work and home telephone numbers

7.       A money order or cashiers check payable to the Embassy of Kenya for $50 for a single journey visa or $100 for a multiple journey visa. Personal checks, cash and credit cards are not accepted.

We recommend allowing 2 weeks for processing and delivery. Visa applications can be submitted to:

Embassy of Kenya
Consular Affairs
2249 R Street NW
Washington, DC 20008

Additional information can be obtained by calling the Kenya Embassy at (202) 387-6101 x38 or x42 between 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Central time.

How many hours does the flight to Kenya take from the United States?
Most flights from the United States stop in London or Amsterdam on their way to Nairobi, Kenya. Here is an example of a typical flight from New York to Nairobi with a connection in Amsterdam:

What is the weather like in Kenya?
Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. The average annual temperature for the capital city, Nairobi (altitude 4,980 feet) is 77°F maximum and 56°F minimum. The coastal town of Mombasa (altitude 50 feet) is 86°F maximum and 73°F minimum.

There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning.

The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and when it does come it often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and coolest in July to August.

When does the famous animal migration take place?
The annual migration of wildlife between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya takes place between June and September. The migration of almost two million wildebeest, zebras and other species is nature's greatest spectacle on earth.

When is the best time of year to visit Kenya?
Kenya is a great destination year round. The main tourist season is in January and February, since the hot, dry weather at this time of year is generally considered to be the most pleasant. It's also when Kenya's bird life flocks to the Rift Valley lakes in the greatest numbers. June to September could be called the 'shoulder season' as the weather is still dry. The rains hit from March to May (and to a lesser extent from October to December). During these months things are much quieter - places tend to have rooms available and prices may decrease. The rains generally don't affect travelers' ability to get around.

What kind of clothes should I pack for my trip to Kenya?
Both temperatures and climate vary drastically from region to region and even throughout a single day. You should be prepared for hot, cold, wet and dusty conditions. Ultimately your packing should be dictated by the activities you are planning to undertake.

If you are traveling extensively throughout the country make sure that you bring suitable luggage. Suitcases and bags should be able to withstand plenty of handling and dusty conditions.

If you are traveling by domestic/chartered flights within Kenya, remember that there are luggage weight restrictions, particularly on smaller aircraft. Check in advance with your Charter airline or Safari/Tour operator.

• A small daypack is ideal for carrying cameras, travel documents and basic everyday items.

• Casual, lightweight, and comfortable clothing is usually the best. For walking safaris or game viewing on foot, clothing should be of neutral color, and white, bright or vividly patterned clothing avoided.

• Strong footwear is advisable if you are planning to do any walking. For serious climbers and trekkers a good pair of hiking boots should be brought with you.

• Remember that the tropical/Equatorial sun is strong and burns quickly. Wide brimmed hats are preferable to baseball caps for sun protection.

• Both sunglasses and a good quality sunscreen (rated SPF15 or higher) should be used.

• In some areas, mostly coastal, it is considered inappropriate for women (and in some cases men) to wear shorts or short sleeved shirts. It is always best to seek local advice.

• For some up-market lodges and nights out in Nairobi you may wish to bring some more formal evening wear.

• Other recommended items for packing: bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars for game viewing, A small daypack is ideal for carrying cameras, travel documents and basic everyday items; camera & extra batteries, plenty of film, flashlight (for tented camps when the generator goes out at night).

What types of animals will I see in Kenya?
Kenya's wilderness areas are famous worldwide. Kenya represents far more than you would ever expect, protecting and showcasing a broad range of habitats and species. Some of the many animals that you may see may include the fabled "Big Five": Elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Just a few other examples include: zebra, wildebeest, cheetah, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, monkey, gazelle, impala, and bird life. Take a beach safari on the coral-reef protect coast and you can also experience tropical fish, dolphins, sea turtles and more.

If you have a particular wildlife or birding interest, look for a Safari operator who can offer you specialized guiding and services to suit your needs.

How do I find a good tour operator?
There are hundreds of tour operators in the United States and Kenya that offer a wide array of travel packages and experiences in Kenya. We recommend working with your travel agent to find a quality tour operator that meets your budget and travel expectations.

The Kenya Tourist Board web site http://www.magicalkenya.com/ provides web site links to several tour operators in Kenya. Go to the "Travels & Tours" section to research these operators yourself.

What resources are available to help me plan my vacation in Kenya?

The Kenya Tourist Board offers the following resources:

• Brochure with an overview of the country, destinations and various safari types

• Map of Kenya

• New web site with lots of information about Kenya: http://www.magicalkenya.com/

Should I bring my children to Kenya? Is it safe for them?
Kenya is a terrific country for families and it is an amazing experience to share with children who are already enchanted with the idea of Africa and its wildlife. If you're considering taking young children, however, you should ask yourself if both you and your child can deal with the obstacles. For children under 5, Kenya is a mixture of fun - in the pool, on the beach, with other kids - and tedium - the 17+ hour flight to Kenya, on a game drive, in a restaurant. Speak with your doctor about your health-related concerns related to bringing your child to Africa.

Is the food/water safe for me to consume?
Always choose food that has been freshly and thoroughly cooked, and is served hot. Raw fruits and vegetables tend to be very difficult to sterilize: don't eat them unless they have been carefully and thoroughly washed in clean water, or are easy to cut open or peel without contaminating the flesh. In the tropics, the easiest and safest fruits are bananas and papayas.

Do not be afraid to reject food you consider unsafe.

Drinking water from the tap is considered risky. Hotels and lodges usually furnish safe water in a thermos flask in guest rooms. Bottled mineral water is available in every hotel and supermarket.

What type of currency is used in Kenya? How do I exchange my US Dollars?
The official currency is the Kenya Shilling. Visitors to Kenya can change foreign currency at banks or authorized hotels. The U.S. Dollar is one of the easiest currencies to exchange in Kenya. Travelers checks are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept credit cards. Most Banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on credit cards. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya. Anyone wishing to take more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.

Do I have to pay a departure tax at the airport?
Like most international destinations, Kenya charges an airport departure tax for all international flights. The tax of $40 may be included in the airline ticket price. If it is not included, visitors must pay the tax in cash at the airport upon arrival. Departure taxes can be paid in Kenya Shillings or U.S. Dollars.

Is tipping required in Kenya?
Most major hotels and restaurants include a service charge. Tipping is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion. Porters at airports, hotels or lodges may be tipped a $1.00 per piece of baggage. A gratuity of 10% is customary at restaurants and bars where a service charge is not included.

Note that on safaris, tips are considered almost part of the pay. A tip for your guide of $2.00 to $5.00 per person per day is appropriate.

Will I be able to use my electrical equipment in Kenya?
The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 volts AC, 50HZ. Plugs are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical device, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where appropriate. Major hotels usually provide hair dryers, irons and other electrical amenities upon request.

Do people speak English in Kenya?
English is the "language of communication" in Kenya. It is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and visitor establishments.

Swahili is Kenya's national language. A little Swahili goes a long way in Kenya. It is worth learning a little, and most Kenyans are thrilled to hear visitors attempt to use any Swahili at all. For example, "Jambo" means hello and is often the first word learned by visitors to Kenya. Additional translations can be found in the Kenya Tourist Board's Web site http://www.magicalkenya.com/ or most travel guides.

What types of activities are available in Kenya?
Kenya is where you can experience a different safari every day. The country offers an endless array of activities for travelers: Here are just a few:

• Wildlife Spotting by 4-wheel drive, horseback, camel, walking, night drives, hot-air balloon, and mountain biking to name just a few

• Bird watching - (Kenya holds the world record for the most birds seen in one country in one day). Or visit famous Lake Nakuru to see up to 2 million pink flamingos on one lake!

• Golfing at any of the 32 18-hole courses

• Beach - Kenya has 300 miles of coral reef protected beaches. Some activities include SCUBA certification, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, swimming in coral reef protected waters, sailing, deep sea fishing, sunbathing on white sand beaches and more

• Shopping - beadwork, woodcarving, basketry, and pottery are among the traditional handicrafts

• Hiking, trekking & rock climbing at a variety of altitudes -- as easy or challenging as you want them to be

• Cultural safari - It is possible to arrange a village visit or home-stays within one of Kenya's 42 cultural tribes.

What kind of lodging is available in Kenya?
There is just as much variety in the types of accommodations in Kenya as in its terrain. The spectrum runs the gamut from five-star hotels, to exclusive lodges and bush homes, to budget camping and all-inclusive beach resorts. We recommend working with your travel agent to find a quality tour operator that meets your budget and travel expectations.

Important phone numbers in Kenya:
U.S. Embassy in Nairobi: telephone (254) (2) 537-800; facsimile (254) (2) 537-810. In the event of an after-hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (254) (2) 537-809. The Embassy's international mailing address is P.O. Box 30137 Nairobi, Kenya. Mail using U.S. domestic postage may be addressed to Unit 64100, APO AE 09831.