Kenya preparation
Check out this guide before heading to Kenya. See even more detailed information on our Kenya Country Information Pages.
Flights to and from Kenya
There are three international airports in and out of Kenya: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Moi International Airport in Eldoret. However, the most convenient point of entry into Kenya is via the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JRO) in Nairobi.
Kenya Airways (KQ) and British Airways (BA) offer daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Nairobi. Flight times take approximately 8 hours 30 minutes.
There are also other flights to Kenya but with stop-overs and connections en route which include: Ethiopian Airlines, KLM Air France, Qatar and Emirates. Generally, all flights take at least 9-11 hours.
Kenya offers some of the world's most beautiful scenery and people.
We can give you advice and help reserve the seats for group flight bookings but we cannot sell them to you because we are not a ticketing agency with ATOL (Air Traffic Operators License). If you are traveling as a small group is worth getting together and all booking tickets at the same time to ensure that you are all on the same flight.
If you do want to get someone else to do the legwork of finding the best deal then you may choose to use an agent. An agent that we recommend is dialaflight.com. They handle our own staff flights and they have a proven track record. You can reach them on aa@dialaflight.co.uk or 020-8935-9040 and tell her that you are an Adventure Alternative client.
Kenya Visa
Visas are now purchased through an e-visa portal for UK citizens prior to flying. You are advised to do this some time prior to your flight.
Baggage
Do check the baggage allowance for your particular airline and flight. Also, be sure to mark your bags clearly with your own name and address and the contacts for Adventure Alternative Kenya:
Adventure Alternative Kenya
P.O Box 9388,
Code 00200 Nairobi Kenya,
Telephone Number 020 386 4420 / 0720 859681
Mount Kenya is a spectacular peak surrounded by unique flora and fauna.
Electrical
In most parts of Kenya they use the same 3-pin (type G) plugs as in the UK. The vast majority of UK electrical devices should charge and work fine. However, the electrical supply in Kenya is not as closely controlled or as reliable as the UK. If you have any very expensive equipment then please be aware that an electrical surge or voltage/frequency change could potentially affect it. An expert might be able to advise on surge protectors if you have any concerns.
Vaccinations and Travel Health While in Kenya
You will need to visit your GP prior to your trip to discuss vaccinations and prophylactic medications; we recommend asking about tetanus and hepatitis A & B. You do not need a yellow fever certificate to enter Kenya unless you are entering from another country where yellow fever is prevalent. You are advised to also speak to your healthcare professional about anti-malaria medications.
We have a contract with Interhealth in London which can provide expert travel advice and guidance on travel in any country. Benefits include:
- Free travel consultations and health advice with a medical team to discuss pre-travel requirements such as malaria prevention and vaccination requirements. Tel: 020 7902 9033- 2-3pm Mon-Fri or doctors@interhealth.org.uk
- Access to our own Online Travel Health Advice Centre
- Urgent medical advice – for serious health issues, available 24 hours a day. emergency phone line: 079 7325 0026
Volunteer and change lives in Kenya
Insurance for Travel to Kenya
You will need a policy that covers the activities and locations on your trip. Remember to notify the insurer of all the areas that you will travel to and that you may need an upgraded policy for volunteering work and trekking to high altitude if you are climbing Mt Kenya for example. There are plenty of companies to choose from, such as DogTag, Campbell Irvine, Snowcard, the British Mountaineering Council or STA Travel.
We encourage people to buy insurance as soon as you have booked your flight and trip, in case there is a need for cancellation. Do also take your papers with you and make sure your teammates and group leader know where it is, in case somebody else needs to make a phone call for you.
Money in Kenya
The local currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling. You can check the current exchange rate at xe.com. You can obtain Shilling in the UK before you travel or at the airport on arrival. There are ATMs in larger towns which take Visa and Mastercard, and there are banks with forex facilities. Be aware that the exchange rate offered at the airport is likely to be unfavourable. Do also remember to have small denomination notes whenever possible because many local places will not be able to offer change for large notes. You can take sterling, euro or dollars, and change it easily. If you are travelling from Northern Ireland or Scotland then remember to bring Bank of England sterling notes, you will probably have trouble changing regional notes.
Experience the wonders of the animal kingdom on safari in Kenya.
Research
It can add a lot to your trip if you have done a bit of background research before you travel. This is especially true of the history, cultures, flora and fauna. Knowing a few polite words and phrases in Swahili will help you to show affinity with your hosts. If you come across interesting information that you think other travellers to Kenya would be interested in then please do contact us so that we can share it. Equally, if there are any issues to which you cannot find an answer please do contact us for further advice.
Arrival in Kenya
On arrival at the airport, you will be met by members of Adventure Alternative Kenya staff. They will be holding an Adventure Alternative name board. You will then be taken to your accommodation, where you will have time to freshen up and relax after which you will be introduced to our team and brief you on your staff and trip itinerary. The briefing is very relaxed and will cover everything that you will need to know, there will be time for questions and introductions.