Abdull Safari Kenya

Useful info

Everything you need to know
before you go

Documents, health, climate, packing and payments: the answers to the questions travellers headed to Kenya ask us most often.

How do quotes and bookings work?

Tell us about the trip you have in mind through our configurator and we'll reply within 48 hours with a clear, no-obligation quote. Safari bookings are confirmed with a deposit paid online through Stripe; for day excursions, where a deposit applies, you only pay that online: the balance is settled in cash on the spot. The deposit is non-refundable: if you cancel you do not owe the balance, if we cancel we refund it in full.

What documents do I need to enter Kenya?

You need a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry, with one free page, and the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), the online authorization that replaced the tourist visa in 2024: apply on the official website etakenya.go.ke a few days before departure (around 34 USD). A return ticket is also required.

Do I need vaccinations or prophylaxis?

We strongly recommend seeing a travel-medicine doctor before arriving in Kenya to assess any vaccinations. Depending on your situation and the countries visited before arrival, the yellow fever vaccine may be required or malaria prophylaxis recommended. Check your government's travel-health advice for up-to-date information.

What health precautions are useful?

Pack a personal health kit with medicines for diarrhoea, fever and general aches, rehydration salts and after-sun cream. Only drink from sealed containers, avoid raw vegetables and uncooked seafood, and skip the ice in drinks. If you have medicines left over at the end of the trip, you can donate them to local communities.

Can I drink tap water?

Better not: always choose cooked food and vegetables, fruit you can peel, and bottled mineral water - even for brushing your teeth. Remember that water is a precious resource in Africa and a luxury many villages cannot access: keep that in mind as you use it.

What is the climate like in Kenya?

Kenya enjoys pleasant weather all year round, with temperatures between 20 and 30 °C. Its equatorial position guarantees a constant 12 hours of daylight, with sunrise at 6 and sunset at 6 pm. Rain falls in two periods: the long rains (March-June) and the short rains (October-December) - usually intense but brief showers, after which the sun quickly returns. Highland areas are milder, with cooler nights as the altitude rises.

How do I handle money and payments locally?

The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES); the exchange rate varies, so check it before departure. Euros and US dollars (banknotes issued after 2009) are accepted in many places. It's best to exchange small amounts at a time. Cash is preferable for everyday spending on the ground: cards work in major hotels, but not everywhere. Your booking deposit, on the other hand, is paid online through Stripe on our website, while the balance is settled in cash on site.

How do I protect myself from mosquitoes?

Mosquito protection is essential. We recommend repellents designed for tropical areas, available in pharmacies or online: apply them every 8 hours and after every swim or shower. They are especially important in the evening and on safari, although tourist areas are regularly treated against mosquitoes.

What should I wear on safari?

Choose comfortable clothes and trainers you've already worn (the red earth can stain them). Bring warm layers for the evening, when temperatures can drop. Essentials: sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a swimsuit for the lodge pools. Towels are provided by the lodges.

What should I bring for sea activities?

For sea excursions and the Blue Safari we provide mask and snorkel, but you're welcome to bring your own gear. Recommended: swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, beach towel and reef shoes. Given the equatorial position, very high sun protection (SPF 50+) is essential, especially for children.

How important is sun protection?

Essential: Kenya's equatorial position makes the sun's rays much stronger than in Europe. Choose a protection factor suited to your skin type, remembering that exposure will be more intense than usual.

How does tipping work?

Tips are not compulsory but are appreciated for good service. As a guideline: 1-5 € per person per day for lodge staff and 5-10 € per person per day for guides and drivers. You can of course adjust the amount based on the service you receive.

How do I get to Kenya?

Kenya is served by several international airlines - including Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, KLM and Qatar Airways - flying to Nairobi and/or Mombasa, plus charter flights. For domestic travel there are local airlines with frequent connections; the baggage limit on internal flights is usually 15 kg.

How do internet and phone work?

The easiest way to stay connected is a local prepaid SIM or eSIM, much cheaper than roaming. 4G covers most inhabited areas, while the signal is weaker in the savannah. Lodges and resorts offer Wi-Fi in common areas.

What are the power sockets like?

The grid runs at 220-240V with British-style three-pin sockets. Many lodges provide adapters, but it's wise to bring your own. In lodges inside the parks, electricity is often switched off overnight, typically from 11 pm to 6 am.

What languages are spoken? And the time zone?

The official languages are English and Swahili, and in tourist areas many operators also speak Italian. Kenya is 2 hours ahead of Italy in winter and 1 in summer, with a constant 12 hours of daylight all year round.

What can I expect from the local cuisine?

Kenyan gastronomy blends African, Arab, Indian and British influences. Lodges and resorts serve both international cuisine and local specialities, plus fresh tropical fruit, excellent local beer and South African and European wines. Typical dishes include ugali (maize polenta), irio (a mash of legumes and vegetables), samosas and various meat and fish dishes. The food is spiced but rarely hot.

What is the local beer?

The national beer is Tusker, brewed since 1929: it's the famous beer with the elephant on the label, a symbol of the African savannah, and today the best-selling beer in East Africa. Don't miss the chance to enjoy an ice-cold one at sunset.

Is it worth bringing a camera?

Absolutely: from the majestic animals of the savannah to breathtaking sunsets, from unique landscapes to special moments, a good camera is the perfect tool to bring home unforgettable memories of your African adventure.

What should I know about customs?

On arrival at the airport all luggage goes through customs. It's important not to carry anything new (boxed or packaged), or to declare items you intend to leave in Kenya, otherwise you'll be liable for the relevant duties. Exporting coral, reptile skins, ivory and other items considered hunting trophies is prohibited.

Do you have a support team in Italy?

Yes! We have a dedicated contact in Italy who assists you at every stage of planning, with personalised advice and answers to all your questions - before, during and after the trip. Write to us from the contact page for any information or doubt.