Kenya flights and travel guide

Language

English is the official language but Swahili is the national language, with 42 ethnic languages spoken.

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Communications

The international access code for Kenya is +254. The outgoing code is 000 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00027 for South Africa), unless dialling Tanzania or Uganda when the outgoing codes are 007 or 006 respectively. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)41 for Mombasa and (0)20 for Nairobi. International Direct Dial is available throughout most of the country, but the service is expensive and inefficient. Hotels usually add a hefty surcharge totheir telephone bills; it is less expensive to either call from one of the international phone services, which are available in larger towns or buy a pre-paid calling card for use in the public telephone booths. For international operator-assisted calls call0196. All major urban areas are covered by the mobile phone network; the local cell phone operators use GSM networks that have roaming agreements with most international cell phone operators. Internet cafes are widely available in most towns and tourist areas.

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Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Kenya, however, a 10 per cent service charge may be added to bill in more upmarket restaurants. Otherwise small change in local currency may be offered to taxi drivers, porters and waiters. On safari, however, drivers, guides and cooks often rely heavily on tips to get by, but these are discretionary.

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Safety

Nairobi is notorious for robberies and muggings and visitors should be alert at all times, but particularly at night. Recent armed attacks on golf courses have occurred and players should be cautious while playing in remote areas away from the club house.

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Health

Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided. Travellers should get the latest medical advice on innoculations and malaria prevention at least three weeks prior to departure. Immunisation against yellow fever, Hepatitis A, polio and typhoid are usually recommended. A malaria risk exists all year round, but more around Mombasa and the lower coastal areas than in Nairobi and on the high central plateau. Other risks include diarrhoeal diseases, hepatitis A, B and E and dengue fever. Protection against bites from sandflies, mosquitoes and tsetse flies is the best prevention against dengue fever and other insect-borne diseases. AIDS is a serious problem in Kenya and the necessary precautions should be taken. Water is of variable quality and visitors are advised to drink bottled water wherever possible. There are good medical facilities in Nairobi and Mombasa but health insurance is essential. A yellow fever certificate is required by anyone arriving from an infected area.

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Electricity

240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style square three-pin plugs are used.

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