Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Kenya Essentials

📍 Country: Kenya
🕓 Time Zone: East Africa Time (GMT +3)
💱 Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
💳 Cards Accepted: Yes (hotels, restaurants, malls)
📱 Mobile Money: M-Pesa (very common & convenient)
🚗 Getting Around: Uber, Bolt, private taxis
🌤️ Weather: Mild days, cooler evenings
👗 Dress Code: Elegant, comfortable, weather-appropriate
💸 Tipping: Appreciated, not mandatory
🔌 Power Plugs: UK-style (Type G, 3-pin)
💧 Water: Bottled water recommended

Travel & Entry into Kenya

Which airport should I fly into?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

Do I need a visa?
Category one countries do not require a visa to enter Kenya e.g Mauritius. Check HERE to confirm. if your country requires an eTA, apply online, at least 3 weeks in advance. Entry requirements vary by nationality, so we recommend checking HERE early.

How far is the airport from Nairobi neighbourhoods?
Travel times typically range between 20–60 minutes, depending on traffic and location.

How do I get from the airport to my location?
We recommend Uber or Bolt as they are reliable and widely used. Private taxis and arranged transfers are also available but usually with a higher price tag and less security. Click HERE to view our recommendations.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?

All travelers arriving in Kenya from countries where yellow fever is endemic should present a valid yellow fever certificate. Read the Kenya guideline HERE.

Mosquitos and Malaria

Being aware of the risks is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. Malaria transmission occurs in almost all regions throughout Kenya, and understanding these risks is crucial for travellers. Learn more HERE . We recommend educating yourself on the symptons of malaria and using a good quality mosquito repellent throughout your visit.

Weather & Packing Tips

What is the weather like?
Nairobi enjoys a mild climate year-round.

• Daytime: ~20–26°C (68–79°F)
• Evenings: Cooler, especially in leafy areas
• Rain: Possible light showers depending on season

What should I pack?

• Light, breathable clothing and warmer clothes for the colder days
• A light jacket, shawl and warm sweaters for evenings
• Comfortable shoes – pack a variety depending on your activity plans
• Sunscreen & sunglasses
• An umbrella
• A raincoat
• Mosquito repellent

Don’t Carry Plastic Bags

Kenya banned single-use plastic bags in 2017. Leave plastic carrier bags at home. Replace plastic carrier bags with recyclable material or tote bags.

Single-use plastic bottles and straws are banned in national parks; bring a reusable water bottle from home instead.

Dress Code & Attire

What is the wedding dress code?
There’s no strict dress code — we want you to feel comfortable and like yourself. That said, we would love to see colourful outfits or traditional attire if you feel inspired. Think joyful, vibrant, and celebratory.

Our reception will take place in a garden, so please keep this in mind when choosing your shoes. Heels may sink into the grass, so you may wish to opt for block heels, wedges, or bring an extra pair of shoes to change into for comfort.

As the celebration will be outdoors, we also recommend bringing a light jacket, shawl, or wrap in case the evening turns cool or rainy. Most importantly, come ready to celebrate!

Day to day local dressing tips:

• Nairobi style is elegant but relaxed and sometimes trendy.
• Outdoor venues may have grass or uneven ground — block heels or comfortable flats are recommended
• Dress like you!

Accommodation

Where should I stay?
We’ve shared recommended neighbourhoods across Nairobi (including Karen and surrounding areas) to suit different budgets and preferences. Click HERE to view.

Are Airbnbs safe to use?
Yes. Airbnb and Booking.com are widely used in Kenya and globally. Choose listings with strong reviews and clear communication.

Can I get help planning my stay?
Yes — curated holiday and accommodation assistance is available. Scroll to the bottom of this page to get that option.

Transportation & Traffic

What’s the best way to get around?
Uber and Bolt are reliable and widely used. Private taxis and arranged transfers are also available.

Is traffic something to plan for?
Yes — Nairobi traffic can be unpredictable. Please allow extra travel time, especially during morning and evening peak hours.

Currency, Payments & M-Pesa

What currency is used?
The Kenyan Shilling (KES).

Are credit cards accepted?
Yes — widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and malls.

What is M-Pesa?
M-Pesa is Kenya’s mobile money system and is used almost everywhere — from cafés to taxis.

Do visitors need M-Pesa?
It’s optional but very convenient. Visitors may:

• Use cards and cash
• Or set up Mpesa with a local SIM card for ease. Learn more HERE.

Can I bargain?
Bargaining is part of the culture in Kenya. Feel free to bargain with respect. Few sellers will accept an offer that’s too low, so have some fun in banter with the locals.

Tipping Guidelines

Is tipping expected?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

General guidance:

• Restaurants: Amount at your discretion
• Drivers & guides: Small tips are customary
• Hotel staff: Optional, at your discretion

Electricity, Internet & SIM Cards

What power plugs are used?
UK-style Type G (3-pin) plugs. We recommend bringing an adapter.

Are there many power outages?
Daily outages are possible (depending on the location) but don’t usually last the entire day. Look for accommodation with backup generator to avoid inconveniences.

• Bring Backup Power
  Carry a charged power bank if you rely on your phone. If you’re going on safari, pack an extra camera battery as well.
• Pack a Flashlight or Headlamp
  Lighting can be limited at safari camps at night. A small torch or headlamp will help you move around safely and is especially useful for reading or nighttime bathroom trips.

Will I have internet access?
Yes — Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, Airbnbs, cafés, and venues. One can also use a local SIM card to obtain internet services. Check with Safaricom or Airtel for further details on data bundles.

Should I get a local SIM card?
Optional but helpful. SIM cards are affordable and available at the airport and shopping centers.

Food, Health & Comfort

Is the food safe?
Yes — restaurants and venues follow international standards. Feel free to communicate concerns to waiters or the chef in case you feel unsure about the food.

Water tips:
Bottled or filtered water is recommended for drinking.

Dietary requirements?
Please let us know in advance so we can accommodate where possible. Contact us

Where can I buy food and other items?

There are many supermarket chains in Kenya. Look out for supermarkets such as: Chandarana, Naivas, Carrefour, and Quickmart.

Exploring Kenya During Your Visit

What else can I do while visiting?
We’ve curated recommendations for dining, culture, nature, lakeside escapes, and safaris.

Can I go on safari during my stay?
Absolutely — from Nairobi National Park to longer excursions, there are great options available.

Support & Peace of Mind

Safety Concerns
Keep your belongings secure, travel in groups and always let your group know your location to ensure safety. Late night walks are not advisable!

What if my plans change?
We understand — just let us know if anything significant changes.

Keep Embassy Information Handy
Before traveling, note the contact details of your country’s embassy or consulate in Kenya. It’s also wise to keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and important documents saved securely in your phone or email.

Carry Proper Identification
Whenever possible, have an official form of ID with you. If you prefer not to carry your passport daily, a driver’s license or national ID can be a practical alternative.

❤️ A Note to Our International Guests

Thank you for traveling from near and far to celebrate with us. Nairobi is warm, vibrant, and welcoming, and we’ve designed this guide to help you feel informed, comfortable, and at ease throughout your journey.