Travel Tips & FAQ

Before traveling to Kenya, ensure you're up to date with the latest travel advice. For vaccinations, consult a Travel Vaccination Clinic or your local doctor to discuss your plans. Malaria: There's no malaria at Ololo or in Nairobi, but it is present in other areas. Ask your doctor about suitable prophylactics. Yellow Fever: There is a risk in Kenya, and vaccination is required if arriving from or transiting through high-risk countries. Carry a Yellow Fever card, especially if continuing to countries without Yellow Fever risk.

It is a condition of booking that you carry comprehensive travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip. Compulsory Insurance: - Emergency evacuation expenses - Medical expenses - Repatriation expenses Recommended Insurance: - Cancellation or curtailment of trip - Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

Please be advised that on domestic flights, luggage is limited to one soft bag per person with a maximum weight of 15kg/33lbs. Guests with extra luggage are welcome to store bags at Ololo or at airport storage facilities and pick them up on return. For photographers carrying extra equipment, there's the potential to buy a 'freight seat'. Please reach out if this interests you.

Currency: Kenya Shilling (KSh) and USD are widely accepted. You can convert money at banks, Forex Bureaus, or ATMs in major airports and towns. VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted; American Express is not. IMPORTANT: When bringing foreign currency, ensure it's in new format with no damage. Only US Dollars from 2009 onwards are accepted. Tipping: If satisfied with service, Ololo recommends: - $15 USD per day for your guide - $25 USD per day for general staff tip box Tips can be given in KSh or USD, in cash or by card on departure.

Climate: Kenya has warm days and cool mornings/evenings year-round. Long rains: April-June. Short rains: October-November. Dress Code: Modest clothing advisable in towns/cities. In lodges, camps, and coastal areas, casual wear is fine. Neutral safari colors (green, khaki, beige) recommended. Essentials: - Layers (long/short sleeve shirts and trousers) - Warm fleece or jumper - Lightweight waterproof jacket - Comfortable sturdy shoes - Swimming costume - Hat and sunglasses - Sunscreen and mosquito repellent - Small torch, spare batteries, plug adaptors - Binoculars - Books or loaded Kindle/iPad

Kenya requires all travelers to fill in an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) form at https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en prior to arrival. Requirements: - Valid passport (at least 6 months validity) - Selfie or passport-type photo - Contact information (Phone: +254 708 844818, Address: Ololo Safari Lodge, Nairobi National Park) - Accommodation booking details - $30 USD payment Apply at least 2 weeks prior to travel. Processing time is typically 3 working days.

Electricity is available at 220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Primary Socket Type: British BS-1363 (3-prong). Important: Bring at least one adaptor plug. We recommend buying a universal plug adapter which will be useful for all future travels (click here) Power supply is subject to cuts and voltage fluctuation even in major cities. On safari, most lodges are powered by generators or solar panels, often turned off during parts of the day/night. Many camps don't allow hairdryers due to high power usage. In some camps, charging sockets are only in the main area.

Most camps and lodges have WiFi, though it's often patchy. For those who need reliable connectivity: E-SIM Option: We like to use Airalo to stay connected when we travel. Use our referral code JIM8514 to get AUD $5.00 off your first eSIM, or click this link: (click here) Physical SIM: You can purchase a Safaricom SIM card upon arrival at the airport. Safaricom offers the best coverage across Kenya. Both options provide good data packages for staying connected during your safari.

Distances and driving times in Africa vary. In Kenya, roads are narrow and may not be well maintained in places. The roads immediately leading to the National Parks and Game Reserves are rough. Please note that advertised driving times on safari itineraries are estimates and may vary depending on road conditions and traffic.