Tips on Namibia

F.A.Q'S

KENYA

Currency & Money:
Currency = The Kenyan Shilling
There are many Exchange Bureaus and banks where you can change money and Traveller's Cheques. Some ATM's dispense cash on VISA, but the rate is often low and the banking costs high. You will receive a better exchange for higher value cash denominations, i.e. US$50's and 100's

Visas:
Required by most visitors, but not South Africans.

Language:
English is widely spoken. Kiswahili is the predominant local language.

Climate:
The weather is tropical; lots of heat and humidity at the coast, and only slightly less humid inland due to the rains. It does get a little chilly at night in winter. There are two rainy seasons; the long rains and the short rains. The best time to visit is between June and October or from late November to February.

Accommodation:
Backpackers and campers are reasonably well catered for, although there is sometimes not much choice. A number of up-market hotels and lodges can be found in the cities and at tourist spots.

Tourism Information and bookings:
Kenya Travel Guide:
www.bwanazulia.com

Things to consider:
Road Usage Permit/Road Tax: Payable by all foreign registered vehicles. For a small vehicle expect to pay US$40.00 per month. For a vehicle the size of ours, we paid US$70.00 to travel a specified distance.

Road Blocks: There are many roadblocks; they have strips of nails across the road, so don't try to ignore a signal to stop! We found the Police very friendly, and when they saw we were tourists, we were waved through with a smile (and often a salute!)

Price of Diesel: As at September 2005 the price was lower than in Tanzania or Uganda at about US$0.85c.

Road conditions: Some of the main roads are good with the occasional pothole just to remind you that you are in Africa! Others, such as the "highway" from Nairobi to Nivasha and Lake Nakuru are really bad; broken tar, potholes and huge "strip dents" from heavy vehicles make driving a nightmare; not to mention the busy traffic and reckless taxi drivers! Once off the main roads, seasonal rains can cause major mayhem and wash aways, so check locally first.

Visas: Make sure your passport is stamped at your point of entry and the visa you are issued is for more time than you intend staying in the country. If you have a breakdown you don't need your visa expiring to add to your problems.

Third-party: You are required to either buy Third-party insurance at your point of entry or have COMESA cover. Both can be bought at the border.

Muslim sensitivities: Many hotel owners are Muslims; therefore no alcohol can be bought or consumed on the premises. It is also advisable for women and men to dress conservatively and avoid excessive displays of affection in public.

Places we stayed:

Place Comments Cost

Upper Hill Campsite,
Upper Hill, Nairobi This campsite is not really suited to overland travellers with their own vehicle; they have rooms and a grassed area for backpackers with small tents. Hot showers and clean ablutions. There is a reasonably priced menu for light meals. US$4.50 per person per night for camping in your own tent

Indaba Campsite, Langata Rd, Nairobi This campsite is really dedicated to the large overland trucks. Two large grassed areas are ideal for rows of tents. However, they will take in private overlanders (we left our vehicle here while we travelled to Egypt). Dorms, rooms, clean ablutions, hot showers and a laundry service are offered. There is a reasonably priced menu for light meals. An internet cafe is within walking distance and one can hear the roar of lions in the nearby Nairobi National Park at night. US$4.50 per person per night for camping

Fish Eagle Campsite, Lake Naivasha Situated on the banks of Lake Naivasha, watch a myriad of birds and hippos. Ablutions are not great and there is often no hot water in the showers. The campsite is grassed with great views, but is noisy and busy over the weekends. US$4.50 per person per night for camping

Crater Lake,
Lake Naivasha The campsite is under renovation at present so we stayed in the car park. We had to use the restaurant toilet and there was no showers available. However, we recommend Crater Lake for a night's stay - you have the option in staying in luxury tents (a bit pricey, but an experience!) We had dinner in the restaurant; the food was wonderful, plentiful and reasonably priced. US$1.00 entry fee and US$4.00 per person per night for camping

Naiberi Campsite,
Eldoret Probably the best campsite we have ever visited! The NEW campsite (make sure you visit the new one and not the crummy old one!) has clean ablutions - make sure they fire up the boiler for hot showers. They have a brilliant bar area with a roaring fire and a pool table. Food will be available once the kitchen area is finished. There is a separate area for groups and private travellers. You can camp, stay in a dorm or in a private suite. US$4.50 per person per night for camping

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