Travel Guide
The KenyanAdventure Travel Guide is designed to help prepare you for your time in Africa. It is recommended that you read through each of the sections to ensure you are aware of some key information, which will help save you time and money whilst you are away.
If you would like more information or if you would like us to give you a call, please get in touch - a member of the team will be happy to assist you.
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 UK 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.
It is recommended that you visit the FCO (Foreign Commonwealth Office) official
website for up to date travel advice.
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 at projects such as the ones supported by KenyanAdventure 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. Our placements provide two benefits
for the projects in Africa - humanitarian and financial aid. The support, skills
and enthusiasm you bring as a volunteer is enhanced by the financial donation we
make directly to the project you choose to work with, every time we
send a volunteer.
Find out here how your KenyanAdventure will make an impact on the project you'll visit.
What happens when I step off the plane?
A KenyanAdventure Project Co-ordinator will be waiting for you at the airport
once you have gone through Passport Control and collected your luggage from the relevant terminal.
They will be holding a clear, bold sign reading, 'KenyanAdventure'.
You will be provided with your Project Co-ordinator's contact details prior to
departure.
What kind of accommodation will I be staying in?
All homestays offer a safe, secure abode which include basic western amenities such as hot showers, electricity and running water. Accommodation is clean, tidy and provides everything you are likely to need. Though not a requisite, most home-stays have televisions and refrigerators. Kenya uses the same three-point plug sockets as those in the UK.
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 on a day-to-day basis at my project?
Please refer your respective project/placement for a guide of what you can expect on your KenyanAdventure.
How old do I have to be to travel?
You must be at least 18 years old to travel as an individual with KenyanAdventure.
16-year-olds can travel independently, subject to providing written permission
from their Parent/Guardian. Any minors must be accompanied with a responsible adult who assumes all liability for his/her welfare.
There is no upper age limit for volunteering with KenyanAdventure, though those
over 65 may be asked to provide a medical certificate.
It is becoming more and more common for older people to volunteer abroad, so you need not worry 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 a visa to get into Kenya?
Yes – you need to apply for a Single Entry Visa to visit Kenya, which is valid for three months. Generally,
British nationals experience very little difficulty in being granted a visa on
arrival, which saves time applying for one in advance. A Kenyan visa currently costs £20 and can be paid at the airport at passport control when you
land, 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 in the UK. Tourist attractions are naturally more expensive.
When you book your project placement with KenyanAdventure, you will receive a
comprehensive welcome pack, detailing some great local information and ways to
save money whilst in-country.
What medical precautions do I need to take?
KenyanAdventure 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. Ultimately, your insurance package is your choice. KenyanAdventure strongly recommends that, in the event of an emergency, you are covered for repatriation to your home country.
KenyanAdventure 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?
Large parts of Kenya are 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 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
otherwise you may incur additional charges at the airport!)
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.
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 making sure you don't get over-charged by local businesses!
