About Kenya: Fact File

Guests should always check what the rate and commission is when changing hard currency travelers cheques and cash as it varies greatly from place to place.  Hotels tend to give the worst rates and it is often worth a trip to either Barclays Bank or Standard Chartered Bank to change money at a reasonable rate. It is advisable to carry a small amount of small denomination hard currency in cash at all times (US dollars are the most usable). Most restaurants and hotels take credit cards but there is usually a 2%-5% commission charged.

Photography

Photographing of people, in particular the popular Samburu and Maasai people can be a sensitive issue and usually requires permission and / or payment.   It is inadvisable to randomly try and take photographs of people along the roadside as many people now use it as an income and can get fairly upset and unpleasant if a deal isn't negotiated. 

Government buildings such as police stations, border posts, military bases, airports, prisons etc. are considered to be strategic installations and the taking of photographs is illegal.  This rule also applies to the national flag and His Excellency the President who is often seen attending state occasions in Nairobi.

A wide range of film and batteries are available in Nairobi, but can be expensive.  Outside the main cities it is often difficult to get exactly what you want, in particular video camera film.  The guideline is to pack twice as much film as you think you are going to need.

Seasonality

Low season:  Post Easter weekend to the beginning of July ("long rains")
Mid season:  Early July to end November, mid-December ("short rains")
High season:  End November, mid-December to Easter (hot, dry weather)

Mid season and high season take into account the annual wildebeest and Zebra migration that crosses from the Serengeti in Tanzania into the Masai Mara in Kenya around July / August.  The animals remain in the Mara for most of the 'short rains' period and head back south to Tanzania again around October.  This event is spectacular and a definite highlight if guests are privileged enough to experience it.