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Discover Africa with Beachcomber
As a specialist tour operator we have made a conscious decision not to try sell the whole of Southern Africa. Instead we have chosen to focus on just a few very special destinations, namely South Africa, where we have our own office, Botswana, Namibia and Victoria Falls.
These countries are fantastic destinations in their own right, can be combined together or added with time spent on an Indian Ocean island. And as all of our luxury Africa holidays are tailor-made you get to choose where, what and how you see these beautiful countries.
The Beachcomber website, we hope, gives you some holiday inspiration. For a personal understanding of these great destinations and specialist advice on planning your own Africa holiday call and have a chat with our Africa team.
Travel tips on our destinations can be found below, to delve right into our holidays to Africa click on one of the following links:
South Africa holidays, Botswana holidays, Namibia holidays, Victoria Falls
Kenya Holidays
When to Go
‘When's the best time to go to Kenya' and ‘what's the weather like' in many cases form one and the same question. Kenya is Equatorial so the climate is fairly constant with coastal temperatures averaging 27 degrees Celsius and inland temperatures a couple of degrees below this, dropping down further as your altitude rises.
Although Kenya is a year round destination there are a couple of points to note. Kenya has two rainy seasons the ‘long rains' which generally fall March, April and into May and ‘short rains' in November and December. It is however still possible to visit Kenya during the rainy season as the parks are fresh and green and there are fewer people and vehicles. The other key factor of when to travel is the yearly migration of game from the Serengeti up and into the Maasai Mara between July and October. This is a busy time of year so if your are keen to travel during this period early booking is a must.
Passport & Visas
EU passport holders require a visa for entry into Kenya. An entry visa can be arranged either prior to travel or at the entry airport. We recommend getting your visa before entry into Kenya as this helps ease your passage through Arrivals at the airport. It can be expected that a prearranged visa will take between three and five working days to process and the cost is £30 per person for single entry. An application form can be downloaded from the Kenya High Commission www.kenyahighcommission.net . If you choose to obtain your visa on arrival in Kenya, a fee of US$50 per person is levied.
Time
Kenya is 3 hours ahead of GMT.
Health
Vaccinations are recommended, but not legally required, for passengers travelling to Kenya. If you are travelling from a Yellow Fever area you will need the relevant vaccination and vaccination certificate. Malaria is prevalent in most areas of Kenya and it is imperative that visitors take anti-malaria tablets. Please contact your GP or health worker prior to departure. Further health recommendations can also be found on the website www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk and on the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and is not automatically included in your booking. Please ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and take any relevant documentation with you.
Currency
The currency is the Kenya Shilling. Kenya Shillings are widely available at local banks and foreign exchange departments in the UK and at the departure airports. Kenya Shillings are useful for paying for taxis, drinks, snacks and tipping whilst more major currencies, credit/debit cards or travellers' cheques can be used to settle hotel or restaurant bills.
Check in, check out and Your Room
Check-in time is generally 14h00. Should you arrive prior to this time, the hotel / lodge will usually make every effort to let you have your room on arrival but this cannot be guaranteed.
Check out time is between 10h00 and 12h00. Should your departure be later than this, please advise the hotel / lodge on your arrival and they will typically do everything possible to assist you, though this cannot be guaranteed.
Security
Please ensure that your passport, air tickets and travellers cheques are safely stored in the safe in your room or with the camp manager. We recommend that you do not leave jewellery, mobile phones, cameras or any other valuables in your room or in public areas. When travelling please ensure that your cases are securely locked.
What to Pack
Kenya has mild winters and the summer days can get quite hot. Lightweight, casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey and perhaps something to keep your legs warm for early mornings and evenings.
Local Law and Customs
Smoking in public places is banned in the cities of Nairobi, Nakuru and Mombasa. Anybody found smoking in a public place is liable to be arrested and prosecuted. First offenders can expect a fine of 2,000 Kenya Shillings or six months imprisonment. If in doubt about whether smoking is permitted in a certain place, it is recommended that you check before doing so or refrain from smoking.
The taking of photographs of official buildings, including Embassies, is not recommended and can lead to detention. If in any doubt about what a building is used for, do not photograph it or film around it.
You should dress conservatively away from the tourist resorts and hotels, especially in Mombasa town, to avoid offending local sensitivities. You should respect local customs and sensitivities at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
Ramadan
Ramadan is celebrated annually in Kenya and is approximately from 01 September 2008 for one month. Ramadan dates cannot be guaranteed as it commences with the sighting of the New Moon. During Ramadan all Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Eating, drinking and smoking in public areas as well as live entertainment during this time is generally prohibited. Hotels make special arrangements for their guests including certain restaurants that open all day. Alcohol is served from sunset (19h00) onwards although you are allowed to drink alcohol in the privacy of your room prior to this time.
Electricity
The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 v 50 Hz. Plugs are 3-point square.
Tipping
Tipping of lodge and hotel personnel is not mandatory, but a demonstration of your appreciation for good service is welcomed. Personnel who are deserving of tips are guides, porters, room cleaners and waiters in bars and restaurants who have been particularly helpful. Tipping of transport personnel is also appreciated and drivers of transfer vehicles, tour coach drivers and guides are deserving of recognition. Tipping can be in local currency although many prefer US$ or £sterling.
Special Diets
Special diets can easily be catered for, and dietary requests must be made to airlines no less than 48 hours prior to departure. It is worth mentioning any special requests on check in, and again when you confirm your return flight.
Mobile Phones
The mobile phone network in Kenya is good in the larger towns and tourist areas. Please ensure you have international roaming installed on your phone. All GSM phones are compatible.
