CLIMATE:
The average temperature oscillates between 25º C during the day and 10º C during the night in the interior and between 30º C and 15º C at the coast with a high level of humidity seemingly intensifying the heat.
Nairobi stands at 1,700 metres above sea level, and some of the areas that you may visit, for example the Aberdares, the Mount Kenya area or the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania stand at around 2000 metres above sea level, and the nights are chilly and humid.
The rainy seasons are between April and June, and November to the middle of December.
The coldest months are July and August, while the hottest are January and February.
CLOTHING:
It is advisable to carry light and comfortable clothing; long-sleeves for the nights for protection against insects, and a light raincoat in case it rains.
It is necessary to carry warm clothing for the cold nights, whilst on safari. Lightweight boots, sports shoes and cotton socks are the recommended footwear. At the coast, summer clothing is ideal, however please note that the population there is mainly Muslim, and in the town, it isn’t advisable for the ladies to wear sleeveless tops or shorts. This applies only to the town centres, and during a visit to some coastal village, for example. We recommend you carry a bathing suit, as almost all the hotels have a swimmimg pool. During dinner at the Mount Kenya Safari Club, and in some restaurants in Nairobi and Mombasa, please note that the dress code is a bit strict, and they do not allow jeans, T-shirts or sports shoes.
IT IS CONVENIENT TO TRAVEL LIGHT:
The safari vehicles do not have a lot of luggage capacity and for this reason, we recommend soft, light luggage. In any hotel with a stay of 2 days or more, laundry service is available.
WE RECOMMEND YOU CARRY:
- Binoculars (INDISPENSABLE).
Many more rolls of film than what you thought enough!: upto 3 x 36 per day during the safari. (It doesn’t weigh much, and could be slightly more expensive here). - A torch.
- Insect repellant.
- Lip balms and sun creams.
- Coloured biro pens, pencils, pictures, small books, balloons, etc. to give out as presents in case you visit a local village (they are more appropriate than sweets, and are more appreciated).
- Disposable lighters, caps, scarves, T-shirts, etc. as “barter material” in souvenir shops (although in actuality, no “barter” without some money changing hands, exists!).
- Waist pouches for carrying money, passports and small valuables are very practical.
DON’T CARRY:
Your gold Communion medal, diamonds, Grandmother’s pearls, gold watches, $200 sunglasses, etc.
In other words, carry things that will not be sorely missed in case of loss.
SECURITY:
As is the case in most regions of the world, security is a topic that should be kept in mind.
Nairobi, Mombasa and Arusha are generally safe during the day, as long as narrow alleys or isolated streets are avoided. We advise you not to walk in the streets in the dark. If you wish to travel by night, always call for a taxi.
Don’t carry a lot of money with you when you go out;only the amount you think you will spend. While walking in the streets, don’t wear jewellery or valuables that bring attention to yourself.
Please leave all valuables (jewellery, travel documents, cameras etc) in the safes or safety deposit boxes of the hotel you are staying at.
Please don’t leave anything of value lying around your hotel room.
HEALTH:
A certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required. Malaria is endemic to Kenya and Tanzania, so please remember to take anti-malaria tablets.
In case of any medical emergency, your hotel will have a doctor on call, or will have the medicine you may require, including the parks on safari.
All the same, please take the following precautions:
Dress in warm clothing in the evenings and at night; use repellants against mosquitos and use insecticide sprays in rooms before sleeping ( or before going for dinner). This area is right at the Equator, and the hot sun can cause sunburn very quickly- including on cloudy days.
Sun creams, lip balm, hats and sunglasses are recommended.
Although tap water in the big towns is potable, we advise you to drink mineral water always. In the hotels/ lodges during the safaris, there is always a jar/bottle/thermos of filtred water in the rooms, which is convenient for using for cleaning your teeth.
The mineral water in the hotels/ lodges has quite an elevated price. You may buy some bottled water at the local supermarkets at a more reasonble price.