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Travel Guide
This guide is designed to help get you prepared for your trip of a lifetime. It is worth taking your time to read through each of the sections to ensure your prepared for life in Kenya!
If you would like more information or if you would like us to give you a call, please visit our contact page.
Contents
Section 9: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenya safe?Will I make a difference?
What happens when I step off the plane?
What kind of accomodation will I be staying in?
What kind of food will I be eating?
What will I be doing day-to-day?
How old do I have to be?
Do I need an Entry Visa to get into Kenya?
How far will my money go in Kenya?
What medical precautions do I need to take?
Which type of holiday insurance do I need to cover myself with?
Will I be able to contact people at home from Kenya?
Can I take any items with me to Kenya to donate to worthy causes?
Should I take any equipment / materials with me when working on my project?
What is a 'Project Orientation'?
Is Kenya Safe?
Kenya is visited by more tourists every year than any other east African country.
Despite violence that marred the general elections at the end of 2007, Kenya remains one of the safest, most stable countries in Africa. Your orientation will provide you with all of the information you are likely to need. Kenyans are very friendly and grateful towards tourists as they appreciate it generates the revenue the country needs to continue to grow.
As with most foreign countries, tourists are advised to be vigilant at all times and not to walk alone at night. It is also advised to check the foreign embassy’s website prior to departure. For your personal assurance, there is a ‘safe travel’ section in the pack that you receive once you have booked your placement with us.
Will I make a difference?
No one person can change the world overnight, but working together with local people in projects such as the ones
offered by KenyanAdventure.com does make a difference. Whether you go for one week or three months, there is little doubt you will make an impact on people’s lives. The contribution from your Placement Fee alone could fund hundreds of meals.
Find out here how your KenyanAdventure will make an impact on the project you'll visit.
What happens when I step off the plane?
It’s quite straightforward really! A representative from KenyanAdventure.com will be waiting for you at the airport
once you have gone through Passport Control and collected your luggage from the relevant terminal.
We will even provide you with our representative’s telephone number for your own self-assurance.
What kind of accommodation will I be staying in?
All homestays offer a safe, secure abode which include basic western amenities, namely hot showers, electricity and running water. Accommodation is clean, tidy and should provide everything you are likely to need.
What kind of food will I be eating?
Breakfast is likely to consist of toast/cereal/fruit and evening meals are based around local staples such as
potatoes, rice, pasta with beef/chicken/vegetables.
Local foods such as chapati and ugali are widely available.
What will I be doing day-to-day?
Please refer your respective project/placement for an guide of what you can expect on your KenyanAdventure.
How old do I have to be?
You must be at least 18 years old to travel as an individual with KenyanAdventure.com. Any minors must be accompanied with a responsible adult who assumes all liability for his/her welfare.
It is becoming more and more common for older people to volunteer abroad too so you need not worrying about
feeling out of place! Life experience can be invaluable when working with/mentoring young adults, particularly those who may have had a difficult upbringing.
Do I need an Entry Visa to get into Kenya?
Yes – the standard Kenyan visa issued to the majority of foreign nationals is for three months. Generally, people experience very little difficulty in being granted one. A tourist visa for a UK national in Kenya currently costs £20 and can be paid at the airport at passport control when you get to Kenya, though it is recommended you obtain your visa before departure.
Please click here for information regarding visas and permits.
How far will my money go in Kenya?
Generally, you get around 120KSH (Kenyan Shillings) to £1 – though this is subject to varying exchange rates.
The cost of living in Kenya is considerably cheaper than the UK. Tourist attractions are naturally more expensive.
When you book your project placement with KenyanAdventure.com, you will receive a comprehensive welcome pack, detailing some great local information and ways to economize.
What medical precautions do I need to take?
KenyanAdventure.com recommends you see your GP six weeks before you travel to ensure you are up to date
with the required medical vaccinations to visit Kenya.
HIV/AIDs remains a prevalent problem throughout Africa and, although Kenya has taken great strides to reduce
its record level of STIs, all precautions possible should be taken.
Please click here for information regarding medical precautions.
Which type of holiday insurance do I need to cover myself with?
Travel insurance is a requirement for anybody travelling with KenyanAdventure.com. Ultimately, your insurance package is your choice. KenyanAdventure.com strongly recommends that, in the event of an emergency, you are covered for repatriation to your home country.
KenyanAdventure.com requires proof of your travel insurance at least three weeks before departure. You will be contacted once you have booked to forward on a copy.
Will I be able to contact people at home from Kenya?
The vast majority of Kenya is hooked up to the World Wide Web. Although you shouldn’t expect the speeds you are likely to enjoy at home – the socialites among you will be able to keep up to date with your Facebook account with little trouble.
In addition, mobile phones are becoming increasingly popular and easily accessible in east Africa. You are able to buy cheap Kenyan SIM cards locally which will enable you to call/SMS people at home relatively inexpensively.
Can I take any items with me to Kenya to donate to worthy causes?
It would be a fantastic help if you are able to bring anything items new or old with you.
We would ask, however, that you allow your Project Co-ordinator to distribute them as he/she will know the most where they are most needed. Some of the projects’ equipment and facilities - particularly sports ones - are limited and, therefore, equipment is warmly appreciated.
Remember to check with your airline to find out your luggage allowance or you may incur additional charges.
Should I take any equipment / materials with me when working on my project?
It would be a fantastic help if you are able to bring anything items new or old with you.
We would ask, however, that you allow your Project Co-ordinator to distribute them as he/she will know the most where they are most needed. Some of the projects’ equipment and facilities - particularly sports ones - are limited and, therefore, equipment is warmly appreciated.
Remember to check with your airline to find out your luggage allowance or you may incur additional charges.
What is a 'Project Orientation'?
Every volunteer receives an orientation from their Project Co-ordinator at the beginning of their trip detailing what exactly your project involves and how you can expect to spend your time.
You will be briefed on –
- Culture shock.
- Do’s and don’ts (in reference to the ‘Volunteer Code of Conduct’ you will receive when booking).
- Etiquette Guide.
- Tips for not getting ripped off by local businesses.
