Kenya: A trip to Kenya, for an exceptional safari in the Masai lands

Tips for your trip

Kenya is safari country. Needless to say, there are plenty of tour operators competing for the French "adventurers" who set off for Kenya every year. The competition is therefore fierce, but be careful about the quality of the service and the safety of the means of transport used on site, whether jeep, train or plane... It is strongly recommended that you contact a tour operator with experience of the destination. Travel in the reserves and on the roads is generally by minibus or 4x4 vehicle. If you hire a car, it is advisable to drive in short sections, as the roads are not always in the best condition. In town, prefer individual taxis to "matatu", crowded and unsafe minibuses that act as public transport. If you want to see animals, there are certain times of the year that are best. If you are going to Kenya to observe animals, avoid departures around and during the wet season. Instead, opt for the dry season, when many animals gather around waterholes. It is best to use a guide when venturing into the reserves and parks, particularly the Masai Mara. Although off-roading is sometimes permitted, it should be avoided as much as possible in order to preserve the vegetation. The various game parks are accessible via an entrance fee to improve the state of the infrastructure and meet visitors' expectations. Prices may vary from year to year.

Formalities and visa

A visa is required to enter Kenya. It is valid for a maximum of 60 days and can be obtained from the Kenyan embassy in Paris (€40 for one entry) or via an online service. The cost of a tourist visa is $51 (payable directly online by credit card). It takes 7 working days to obtain the visa online once payment has been received. You must then present your printed e-visa to the immigration department at the airport of arrival in Kenya to obtain the actual visa. This procedure applies to all types of visa (30-day visa, transit visa and single visa) for adults and children alike. Since 1 February 2016, children under the age of 16 can obtain their visa free of charge. In addition, your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date of your return. You may be asked to provide proof of this date. You should also have two blank pages: one page for the visa, the other for the exit stamp. Without this, you may be refused entry.

Language

English and Swahili (official) and many dialects.

Religion

38% Protestant, 28% Roman Catholic, 26% local religions, 7% Muslim and 1% other.

Getting around

Train: there are two train services from Nairobi to Mombasa and Kisumu. Although very inexpensive, they are slow and dilapidated (except in first class) and can be subject to long delays.

Bus: buses are the cheapest way to travel in Kenya, but certainly not the most comfortable, as they are usually overcrowded.

Plane: Kenya Airways operates regular flights to Mombasa, Malindi and Kisumu. As the reserves are accessible by air, a number of private companies operate scheduled or on-demand services from Wilson airport in Nairobi. Car: It is relatively easy to hire cars with or without drivers from major companies or local firms in Nairobi and Mombasa. In Kenya, you drive on the left. An international driving licence is required. As a general rule, beware of the driving habits of Kenyan motorists: they are often unpredictable and drive vehicles in poor condition.

Health

No vaccinations are required. However, it is strongly recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever, hepatitis A and B and meningitis. Treatment against malaria is also recommended (Malaron: check with a doctor). In the evening, mosquitoes are rampant... Drink preferably mineral water or water that has been boiled beforehand, do not eat raw vegetables, salads or fruit that has not been properly washed, and do not put ice cubes in your drinks. Avoid swimming in slow-moving lakes and rivers. Aids. You should also be aware that one Kenyan in seven is HIV-positive! Condoms are readily available from chemists and supermarkets.