What currency for a Kenya Safari? – Currency to use on Safari in Kenya – Can I use US Dollars on safari in Kenya?
What currency for a Kenya Safari? – Kenya’s national currency is the Kenyan Shilling and although foreign currencies such as US Dollars are widely accepted (and indeed the currency required for activities like hot-air balloon safaris) we’d recommend using local currency to pay for bar bills, souvenirs, and meals not included in your itinerary.
Please note that due to the number of fake notes in circulation, no US Dollar bills printed before 2015 are accepted in Kenya and your safest bet is to carry notes printed after 2010.
Banking facilities and ATMs are found throughout Kenya’s major travel destinations and all major credit cards are widely accepted, in particular MasterCard, Visa, and American Express.
Banking hours are from 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 11 am on the first and last Saturday of the month for most banks.
Tipping
Tipping for a great service provided, although it is of course at your discretion – bear in mind that some of the larger hotels will add a service charge onto your bill. A 10% tip is customary in city restaurants and bars when a service charge is not included.
For in-depth tipping guidelines, enquire with one of our Africa Safari consultants – they’d be happy to share their knowledge with you.
What to Pack
For your Kenya safari, pack light casual wear in neutral colors (try to avoid white, black, and blue) and a warm jacket for evening game drives.
In Kenya’s major cities, the dress code is conservative but not overly formal – jeans and modest tops for women are fine. Swimsuits are acceptable on the beach but you’ll need to cover up in public places.
Etiquette
Kenya is a fairly conservative society, especially where Islam holds sway and much emphasis is placed on courtesy and manners. Care needs to be taken when photographing local people – always ask permission and prepare to be asked for reward in Kenya’s most popular destinations – but by and large the people of Kenya are easy-going, amiable, humorous, and helpful, making traveling and interacting with them a real pleasure.
