LOCAL CULTURE
DRESS CODE
The dress code in Nairobi is multi cultural and relatively relaxed. In rural areas For ladies however,avoid transparent or overly revealing clothing as Conservative hemlines in ladies fashions are appreciated.
GREETINGS
Most social interactions begin with a greeting. It is considered rude and disrespectful not to greet someone with a shake of the hand. Telephone conversations will often start with a polite greeting and an inquiry into one's health.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Photography of the State House government institutions & military installations is prohibited in some cases. It is polite to always ask before taking pictures of local people.
SAFETY
It is advisable to avoid wearing jewellery and talking to strangers. The use of hotel taxis is highly recommended and it is probably safer to avoid walking in the city after 6pm.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Hot Springs
Marvel at Lake Bogoria's hot springs and even take some cooking lessons. There is plenty of birdlife and game to see, including flamingos, the Great Kudu, leopards, gazelles and buffalos.
Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is 270km from Nairobi. Every year people from all over the world come to see the migration of over 1,000,000 wildebeest following the rains north from the Serengeti.
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa. This extinct volcano lies in the central highlands and is one of the few places in Africa that has permanent glaciers near the equator.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru, home to a vast number of pink flamingoes, has been described as the world's greatest bird spectacle.
Rift Valley
The Rift valley is one of the wonders of the world. It is 6000 km long. It stretches from Syria and Lebanon in the Middle East down through Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi to the lower Zambezi River Valley in Mozambique.
WHAT TO PACK
Camera
Nairobi is pleasantly known as the City under the Sun. There are so many photo opportunities in Kenya, ranging from the people to the scenery and local culture.
Insect repellent
Carry insect repellent and apply it to your body before going out, and always at night. Sunscreen lotion, sunglasses and a hat are also essential. If you plan to travel outside of Nairobi it is advisable to take anti-malarial medicine and insect repellent.
Language
Though most Kenyans speak English it is recommended that you carry a small dictionary or learn a few key phrases in Swahili.
Money
We recommend you change your money into local currency at the hotel cashier. Major international credit cards are accepted in Kenya and most Automated Teller Machines can accept international VISA and MASTERCARD credit cards.