First time traveller - I am off on the 9 day Kenyan Safari in October and am wondering what to do about money.

I am not sure whether to take Kenyan Shillings with me from the Uk or, use an ATM on arrival at Nairobi airport. The trip is 9 days and also wondering how much money to take bearing in mind return exchange rate.

Can other or fellow travellers help with these queries?

Thank so much.

Jennie

I did this as my first JY trip Nov 2016 - You'll have an amazing time. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime and I'd even consider going again.

I took Kenyan Shillings with me about £250 worth and it was plenty, most things are covered, you only need money for drinks and souvenirs really- so it all depends on how carried away you get at the road side stops.

Paula

I am also booked on the October's Kenyan Safari, and l was wondering the same thing, however l read somewhere that they also accept US dollars.

Can anyone else confirm ?

Thank you in advance

Denise

Hi Jennie

I did this as my first JY trip Nov 2016 - You'll have an amazing time. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime and I'd even consider going again.

I took Kenyan Shillings with me about £250 worth and it was plenty, most things are covered, you only need money for drinks and souvenirs really- so it all depends on how carried away you get at the road side stops.

Paula

Paula, thank you so much for this info, it has really helped.  Not sure why I was worried but you do I suppose.

I am so looking forward to this trip so your comments have increased the excitement somewhat - thank you. ?

Hi Jennie,

I am also booked on the October's  Kenyan Safari, and l was wondering the same thing, however l read somewhere that they also accept US dollars.

Can anyone else confirm ?

Thank you in advance

Denise

Hello Denise, 

Good to hear from you, I look forward to meeting you "on safari" ?

Yes same here, it sounds like we r going to have a great . We will probably catch at the airport , all going well ??

That was another query l had, so thanks again

That was another query l had, so thanks again

Denise

Glad to see that there are other Community members on this trip. There is a great review of this trip last year by Jaya. If you search for A Kenyan Safari : Kilimanjaro to Masai Mara - 12-20 September 2017 in the reviews section it will really whet your appetite for the trip. Look forward to meeting you in October.

Regards,

Roger

I did the Kenya trip last September, the same one as Jaya actually, and absolutely loved it. It exceeded all of my expectations and I am seriously thinking of going again.

With regard to what money to take, I agree with all Paula has told you i.e. no more than £250 in Kenyan shillings. There is not much opportunity for shopping only the roadside stops en-route, which usually consist of one shop or stall, and the hotel gift shops which are nice to look round but don't have an awful lot. Otherwise all you need is cash for drinks etc. 

There are ATMs at most of the lodges if you do run short and I would suggest a currency card is a good idea as you will then have it for future holidays as well.

Have a wonderful holiday, from the moment you arrive in Nairobi and meet the jeep drivers you will know you're in for a great time.

Best Wishes

Sue

I did the Kenya trip last September, the same one as Jaya actually, and absolutely loved it. It exceeded all of my expectations and I am seriously thinking of going again.

With regard to what money to take, I agree with all Paula has told you i.e. no more than £250 in Kenyan shillings. There is not much opportunity for shopping only the roadside stops en-route, which usually consist of one shop or stall, and the hotel gift shops which are nice to look round but don't have an awful lot. Otherwise all you need is cash for drinks etc. 

There are ATMs at most of the lodges if you do run short and I would suggest a currency card is a good idea as you will then have it for future holidays as well.

Have a wonderful holiday, from the moment you arrive in Nairobi and meet the jeep drivers you will know you're in for a great time.

Best Wishes

Sue

I look forward to meeting everyone, probably at the airport.

On our return to Nairobi I wonder if there will an opportunity to visit the Karen Blixen Museum - I have long admired her and her autobiography, which I am reading yet again, is showing signs of being well used!!

See you soon..........

Jennie (jenjoy)

Hi Jennie,

Yes same here, it sounds like we r going to have a great  . We will probably catch at the airport , all going well ??

Hello again Denise,

Yes, all going well here.  I feel much better having read Paula's reply about the money!

Enjoy the summer and see you in October!! ?

I doubt if you will have much time in Nairobi to visit the museum. It all depends on the traffic when you return from the safari. We were delayed and had a very late lunch and the Kazuri Bead factory just closed when we arrived just after 17:00. The shop was open and it was a truly lovely shop. I now wish I had bought a few more necklaces as they are really beautiful. I also bought a couple of plates and some decorations for the Christmas tree. All made by the ladies working in the factory! There really is not much time for shopping so buy anything you want as you go along. This is one holiday I would not mind going on again and hope I do get a chance to do so. You are in for a treat. We also had an opportunity for optional excursion to a Masai village a balloon flight over Masai Mara. Not sure if you too will get an opportunity as it depends on the tour manager, but if you do I thoroughly recommend it. You can pay for it by credit card. Have a wonderful time.

Best wishe

Jaya

With Regards

Denise

I am just wondering what other travelers are doing about vaccinations for The Kenyan Safari.

I went today for the yellow fever jab but was told as I am over 65 I am exempt and I have a stamped signed exemption certificate.

I don't know if I should have the Typoid and Hepatitus A - any advice from anyone please?

Thank you

You do not need Yellow Fever jab for Kenya. You should make an appointment to see the travel nurse at your GP's surgery who will advice you on what jabs you need. As I travel a lot, I make sure all my jabs - Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, Polio etc are all up to date. I try not to have jabs which are not really required.

You are going to have an amazing time on this holiday. I would love to go back one day and am going to do my best to do so despite having a very long list of destinations I want to visit!

Jaya

I am off on the October Safari, and hence I am wandering what type of luggage would be suitable. Is a suitcase and rucksack fine or something more like those large duffel bags (some have wheels) ?

Thank you in advance

Denise

Sorry, my initial question is really for anyone who have already travelled to Kenya

What is the best luggage to use on such a trip

And look forward to meeting the rest of my October adventurers at the Airport

Best wishes

Denise