Tailor-made Kenya Holidays

Time difference: GMT +3

Flight time: London + 8.5-9.5 hours

Currency: Kenyan shilling (Ksh)

Language: Swahili and English

Electricity: 220-240v

Telephone code: +254

Tipping: Has become customary in up-market hotels, many of which will have a tip box in reception. It’s normal to tip bellhops an additional Ksh100 and to leave a 10 percent tip for great service in tourist restaurants. When you’re on safari, your tour manager or a printed guide in your lodge will explain how to tip correctly. As a general rule, budget around Ksh2,000 per room, per day of your safari, to be paid at the end of the experience.

Etiquette:  Kenyans love small talk and long greetings complete with a friendly handshake but as a rule, women should only shake hands with men in formal settings. When chatting, be sure to ask after the person’s health and family before you settle into the main conversation. In Kenya, ultimate respect is given to elders in the community and hissing isn’t considered rude, it’s simply a way to attract someone’s attention. However, be careful not to point your finger at anyone and always ask before taking photos of locals.

Religions: Christianity is the main religion in Kenya, brought over by missionaries in the 19^th century. While around 85 percent of the population identify as Christian, around 11 percent are Muslim due to Arabic traders who settled in Kenya’s coastal ports as far back as the 8^th century. Alongside these key religions, many Kenyans have indigenous beliefs that are unique to their specific ethnic group.

Use of plastic: The law bans the use, manufacture, and importation of all single-use plastic bags. Travellers arriving in Kenya with duty-free plastic bags will be required to leave them at the airport. The government however confirms that reusable zip lock bags are permitted. Plastic bottled water may be provided in vehicles although to stay hydrated on the go, we recommend travelling with a personal, reusable bottle which you can refill at airports, hotels and lodges.

Visas: You can look up the latest advice on https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya. Please be aware that this information can change at short notice.

Vaccinations: Health risks vary depending on the destination so it’s essential to check the specific vaccination and hygiene requirements for Kenya on the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Kenya is a year-round destination in terms of sunshine and wildlife sightings. However, it’s best to avoid the Long Rains, which stretch from April to May and can cause roads to become impassable. The most popular time to visit is during the Great Migration between July and September, when you can watch millions of herd animals, pursued by fierce predators, flood the Maasai Mara. Visit between December and March and you’ll enjoy hot, dry weather that draws animals to key watercourses for easier viewing.

Most Kenya trips begin and end in Nairobi, which is connected to the country’s national parks and coastline by a vast road network. The colonial railway system has received a funding boost in recent years and a high-speed Nairobi to Mombasa line will whisk you to the coast in just four and a half hours. Otherwise, getting around by bus or private car can be a long, arduous task so if you’re short on time, hop on a domestic flight. Carriers like Kenya Airways and AirKenya serve regional cities and some swanky lodges even have private airstrips.

No doubt you’ll spend plenty of time on safari, bumping across the plains in a jeep with a private driver and guide. When it comes to boats in Kenya, ferries will shuttle you across Lake Victoria and traditional dhows with white sails, originally brought over by traders, are great for exploring the coastline. As you travel through Kenya’s towns and cities, you’ll notice plenty of matatus, Nissan minivans that act as cheap shared taxis for locals, which are often painted in wacky designs. Matatus are usually crowded and are rarely used by tourists, although classic three-wheeled tuk tuks can be good for a quick ride.

Unless you’re dining in Nairobi’s international eateries or lavish safari lodges with five-star spreads, expect dining in Kenya to be a simple, carb-heavy affair. Most dishes revolve around potatoes, rice and the country’s signature doughy porridge, ugali, which is made from cassava flour or maize. Nyama choma, barbequed meat, is as close as it gets to a national dish and is usually accompanied by a healthy serving of ugali. When it comes to sweet treats, there’s plenty of tropical fruit and many hotels offer decadent afternoon teas, while locals love deep-fried mandazi cakes.

The most flavourful aspect of Kenya’s cuisine is its Indian fare, which was brought over by ancient Arabic traders who settled along the coast. Enjoy plenty of fragrant curries and biriyanis infused with coconut, tamarind and spices, served with fluffy pilau rice and chewy chapatis. Samosas are often eaten as quick, street-side snacks alongside mini kebabs and cassava chips. Along the coast and Lake Victoria region, you can also expect freshly-caught seafood on the menu. This is all washed down with the national drink, chai, and plenty of icy Tusker Beer.

Kenya is famed for its intricate wooden carvings, which usually come in the form of animal statues and kitchenware. The Makonde and Kamba artisans are some of the country’s most famous, with the latter also producing detailed woven baskets made from sisal. It’s best to buy straight from communities and local markets if you can. Most towns and villages will have a market or two heaving with carvings, as well as regalia aimed at tourists, such as colourful beads, drums, shields and even mock-traditional tribal spears.

You’ll be expected to haggle for your purchases. Start by knocking the price down by half and then negotiating up to a mutually-agreeable price, but always do so with a smile and after engaging in some all-important small talk. If you’re looking for typical African fabrics, brightly-printed swaths of Khanga, Kitenge and Kikoi cloth can be easily found, although much is imported. Team this with beaded sandals and some striking metal jewelry. Nairobi’s huge markets, including Gikomba and Kariokor, are a particular treasure-trove.

As well as observing the main Christian holidays, Kenya’s calendar is dotted with cultural and tribal festivities. The three-day Lake Turkana Cultural Festival in August is a favourite. Devised to bring together and celebrate the 14 diverse communities that live around the lake, this festival is bursting with colourful costumes, music and dance. Similarly, the UNESCO-listed Swahili coastal town Lamu hosts a cultural festival in November, complete with show sailing, carnivals and plenty of food.

While you’re travelling in Kenya, expect local businesses to close for national holidays, many of which commemorate Kenya’s historical moments. Madaraka Day on June 1^st marks the day Kenya shed its colonial British rule in 1963, while Jamhuri Day on December 12^th celebrates full independence. In some areas, especially along the coast, Ramadan and the Muslim festivals of Id al-Fitr and Maulidi may also affect your travel plans.