Plug and voltage
Kenya dey use Type G three-rectangular-pin plug, na the same wey UK dey use. The supply na 240V for 50Hz, so check say your charger fit handle 240V (most phone and laptop charger dey handle am — look for "100-240V"). Carry UK-style adapter, or buy am cheap for Nairobi inside supermarket like Naivas or Carrefour. Light dey off sometimes, so power bank and small head-torch go really help you, especially for safari camp wey dey run on generator or solar.
Language basics
Kenya get two official language: Swahili (Kiswahili) and English. Dem dey speak English well for city, hotel and safari, but small Swahili word go make people smile for you.
- Jambo — hello
- Habari? — how you dey?
- Asante (sana) — thank you (well well)
- Karibu — welcome / na you welcome
- Hakuna matata — no wahala
- Pole pole — slowly slowly (na correct travel philosophy)
Wetin to pack
- Light, plain-colour cloth for game drive; no wear bright white and dark blue (the last one dey attract tsetse fly)
- Warm fleece — Nairobi dey sidon for 1,795m so morning for safari dey cold
- Strong sunscreen, hat wey get brim and correct sunglasses
- Insect repellent wey get DEET plus antimalaria (ask your doctor first)
- Copy of your yellow-fever certificate if you dey come from risk country
Connectivity
Safaricom get the best network, including plenty safari area; Airtel dey cheaper option. Mobile money through M-Pesa dey everywhere — plenty shop, matatu and even small kiosk prefer am pass cash. You go need your eSIM or data to dey work well every day.
Quick tips
- Carry small Kenya shilling notes for tip, matatu and market
- Agree taxi fare first, or use Bolt and Uber for Nairobi and Mombasa
- Tap water no safe make you drink — stick to bottled or filtered water
- Tip safari guide around 10 USD per day; restaurant service dem don already include am sometimes
- Book national park entry and SGR train (Nairobi–Mombasa) before time
- Greet person before you start business — respect matter here
- Always ask before you snap person photo, especially Maasai communities
- Keep your passport copy on you, keep the original for safe inside your room
Stay connected for Kenya
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