Southern Sky Safaris of Kenya

Getting there
International Airlines with regular flights to Nairobi include Kenya Airways, ( twice daily) with once weekly flights direct to Mombasa from London, KLM, British Airways, Gulf Air, Emirates, Quatar Airways, South African Airlines, AirSwiss and SN Brusells.
There are also many European charter airlines that fly from Italy, Britain, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, France and seasonally from Czech Republic and Hungary to Mombasa, gateway to the playground of the Kenya coast.
LTU and Condor have the right to sell individual seats as does African Safari Club with their own Airbus departing seasonally from many points in Europe direct to Mombasa.

Currency
The Kenya Shilling is the currency of Kenya.
GBP1 = Ksh110 and the Euro Ksh95. Rates vary.
Other currencies are widely accepted including the US Dollar.
There are many reputable banks and foreign exchange agencies. Banks are open mornings and afternoons whilst exchange bureaus often stay open longer. Most hotels will exchange your currency but rates are higher than the banks or bureaus. Keep loose change ready for tips. Never leave cash lying around or in your room.
Children
Kenyans are naturally friendly and Kenya is a most child friendly country and nearly all camps and lodges accept children. However a few small or remote camps and lodges may not on the grounds that small children do not always have the patience to remain quite and not disturb the wildlife whilst on safari or for other safety considerations.

Climate
Kenya straddles the equator and has a hot tropical climate with temperatures reducing at higher altitudes. The sea level coastal belt is always hot whereas Nairobi and up-country game parks have hot days and cooler evenings. The northern parts of Kenya have harsh arid conditions. Rainfall is monsoonal with long rains during the months April, May and June with short rains in the months of November and December. Safaris are more popular during the dry months but many visitors enjoy the cooler, albeit wet conditions during the rains.

Time Zones
Kenya is two hours ahead of Middle European Time in winter and one hour in summer and three hours ahead of GMT in winter and two hours in summer.

Voltage
Main electricity is 240 Volts/AC. Plugs are square three pin but adaptors are available in stores, many hotels and camps.

Valuables
It is wisest to leave valuables such as money, jewelry and travel documents in the hotel safe. Kenya is a developing country and poverty may lead to crime.

Traveling by car
Traffic drives on the left. To rent a car you will need an international or valid driving license from your country and a passport. Self drive to the game parks is not advisable unless you are a very experienced traveler.

Taxis
Taxis are readily available at the airport, hotels and in town. Avoid the older ones and be ready to ask the correct fare in advance.

Golf
If you are an addict bring your clubs. Kenya has many attractive golf courses and golfing holidays are on the increase.

Conferences
Many Kenya hotels camps and lodges have invested in conference facilities in the past years and have gained considerable experience in professional hosting. Your group or corporation may consider a conference holiday combined with a safari.

Food
Food in all Kenya's hotels and lodges is generally of a high standard and service is excellent. Many quality restaurants abound in Nairobi and at the coast. Indian, Italian, Brazilian, German, Chinese, Japanese, as well as specialty Meat Carveries and seafood restaurants are all are to be found.
Standards may not be so certain however at the lower end of the scale and much depends on the quality of the accommodation used and the price you pay.
If you are a back-packer and eat every meal you are offered, anywhere in the tropics, you risk tummy bugs. Be selective. Possible hazards range from minor bouts of travelers' diarrhea to dysentery and more serious parasitic diseases that may ruin your trip, so precautions are worthwhile.
Always choose food that has been freshly and thoroughly cooked and
served hot and avoid doubtful buffet food, or anything that has been re-heated or left exposed to flies.
Do not be afraid to reject food you consider unsafe, to ask for something
to be prepared specially, or to skip a meal.

Language.
Kiswahili and English are the official languages however English is widely spoken. Some useful phrases are shown below.

Hello……………………….Jambo
Good Morning………..Habari za Asubuhi
Good afternoon………Habari za Alasiri
Good evening…………Habari za Jioni
Good Night…………….Lala salama
How are you……………Habari gaini?
Good, Very well……..Muzuri
Welcome…………………Karibu.
Goodbye………………… Kwaheri
Please……………………. Tafadhali
Thank you……………….Asante Sana

Photography
You travel to a photographer’s paradise. You may want to rent a powerful zoom lens for wildlife shots. 300 – 500mm is standard but for quality bird shots you need a steady support such as a tripod or beanbag and a 1000 mm lens. Use dust proof bags to protect your camera. Film is available at camps and lodges but don’t get caught short.
Use caution about photographing the military and police or at security conscious areas such as airports. Ask permission before taking pictures of local people and keep in mind that they may charge a fee.

Shopping
Bargaining is expected at curio dealers. Do not buy ivory, hides or elephant hair bracelets as they are prohibited.