Our Kenya specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Kenya inside out.
Practical Information
Kenya is widely perceived as being full of tourists, with hundreds of mini-buses and not a patch of untouched wilderness.
Off the beaten track
People imagine the coast as a hot bed of beach-hawkers and large hotels. In fact, the busy parts of the country are few and the mass market tends to stick to the same routes and hotels without venturing off the beaten track.
At Audley we know Kenya inside out, and it is a beautiful, wild and superb place with huge tracts of wilderness where you will not see another soul. These are the areas that we like, and we are sure you will too.
Light aircraft flights
To access these areas, we'll fly you in light aircraft. Once there, we'll have pro guides on hand to ensure you get the most out of your safari.
Language
The official language of Kenya is English and Kiswahili (also known as Swahili) is the National Language. There are also various tribal languages spoken throughout the country. Almost everybody involved in the tourism industry, either directly or indirectly, will be able to speak some English.
Tipping
The traditional gratuity to safari guides or camp staff is not included in the price of your tour but is completely discretionary. If you want to tip because you have received good service, a brief guideline is as follows:
- On average driver-guides are tipped around US$10 per day which is usually given at the end of a safari.
- General camp/lodge staff: We recommend US$10 per guest per day. This should be placed in the communal tipping box.
Where restaurant meals are involved, the tipping standard is usually 10% of the bill.
Money
The currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KSh). The exchange rate is approximately UK£1 = KSh119, US$1 = KSh76 and €1 = KSh81.
A few restaurants and shops in the tourist areas may also accept payment in US$.
Credit cards are accepted at some of the major hotels but a 5-10% surcharge will usually be added. There are ATM's in most banks in Kenya from which you can withdraw cash, however, pin fraud is relatively common so we don't recommend this. The best way to take money is in US$ cash.
Social issues
Conservative casual wear is generally acceptable everywhere, but revealing clothes should be avoided since they may cause offence. When on the coast it is fine to wear your swimsuits around the hotel and private beaches, however you should cover up if going into villages and towns. Do not take pictures of people without asking permission.
Under The Skin
Read
'Born Free' by Joy Adamson, and 'I dreamed of Africa' by Kuki Gallman.
Listen
Kenya is home to an eclectic mix of music with traditional music still a real part of Kenyan life, with drumming, humming, singing and chanting playing a crucial role. Seek out the Kayamba Africa Group and Suzanna Owiyo, both nominees for Kora Awards (the African equivalent to the Grammy's) for a flavour of some of Kenya's more popular rythms.
Watch
Try and watch 'Out of Africa', starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, and the 'Big Cat Diaries', 'Elephant Diaries' and 'Game Ranger Diaries', filmed on location by the BBC.
Eat
Posho and schuma is a traditional dish consisting of maizemeal and a spinach sauce that you maybe able to try during your stay.
Drink
Tusker beer is the country's most famous and favourite beer and well worth a try.
Word
'Safari njema' (Have a good safari!).
Trademarks
Safari, Maasai, Swahili, Maasai Mara, Amboseli, dhows, palm trees, wildebeest, migration, big cats, coffee, tea and marathon runners.
Kikois / sarongs, beaded jewellery and leather handicrafts.
