Frequently Asked Questions

Kenya (FAQ’S)

1. When is the best time to visit Kenya?
Kenya is a all year round destination and it is possible to see wildlife at all times of the year. Depending on your interests, certain times may be better than others. For instance, if you want to see the Great Wildebeest Migration the time to visit is during the month of June to October. However, even this can be difficult to determine, as the movements of the wildebeest is highly dependant on climatic condition in Kenya and Tanzania.

2. Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?
Visas are compulsory for all visitors, including those from countries that were previously exempt, such as the USA, UK, Germany and Belgium. Visas may be applied for at a Kenyan embassy in your home country or upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta or Wilson Airports. However, it is recommended that visitors obtain their visas prior to arrival to avoid the possibility of long queues at the airport. Passports are required by all foreign visitors and must be valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Please ensure that there are sufficient blank pages for any visas as well as for entry stamps upon arrival.

3. Is it safe to travel in Kenya?
Kenya is one of Africa’s top tourist destinations. It is a perfectly safe country to visit, although the usual safety guidelines apply – don’t leave your luggage unattended and always keep your valuables close by or locked away.

4. Can I use my credit card in Kenya?
All major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club and American Express) are widely accepted.

5. Are banking services easily available in Kenya?
National and international banks have branches in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho and Nyeri, as well as most other major towns. Banks and bureaux de change at international airports are open 24 hours a day.

6. What languages are spoken in Kenya?
More than 40 ethnic languages are spoken in Kenya. The national language is English and Swahili. Most Kenyans can communicate in English.

Tanzania (FAQ’S)

1. Do I need a visa to travel in Tanzania?
Most visitors require visas, with the exception of natives of certain countries of the Commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain a visa in advance of travel, as certain airlines insist on them prior to departure. Depending on your nationality and country of origin, you may be able to obtain a visa on arrival at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro Airports or at the Namanga Border Crossing on the Tanzania/Kenya border. If you plan to obtain your visa at the border, please remember to carry the exact amount in USD to pay for your visa. Only this currency will be accepted and change may not always be available. Passports are required by all travellers and must be valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Please ensure that there are sufficient blank pages for visas as well as for entry stamps upon arrival.

2. Should I take out travel insurance before travelling to Tanzania?
It is essential you take out adequate travel insurance at the time of confirming your booking. This should cover any medical situation (such as hospitalisation), as well as cancellation or curtailment of travel and loss of baggage. When you travel with &Beyond, you are automatically covered by our emergency evacuation insurance, through Europ Assistance. This guarantees assistance in obtaining emergency medical services/evacuation to hospital should you suffer severe illness or an injury whilst travelling with us.

3. Can I use my credit cards in Tanzania?
Most top hotel-bookings and lodges around the country accept Visa and MasterCard. Please note that park fees can only be paid in cash or traveller’s cheques. US dollar notes dated before 2003 are not accepted since they have a lower value compared to notes dated after 2003.

4. When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
The best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are considered to be from August to October and from January to March.

5. How fit do I need to be to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Despite its awesome height and fearsome size, Kilimanjaro is a gentle hike that usually takes place over five days. Guides recommend basic fitness, as the main challenge is posed by the altitude. There are six different routes up the mountain and more advanced hikers and full-on climbers will be able to consider those, as they are more scenic.

6. Are there special health requirements when visiting Tanzania?
Visitors must be vaccinated against yellow fever no less than 10 days prior to travel to Tanzania and need to produce a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate at the point of entry. If you do not have one, you will be given an injection at the airport. If you cannot have a yellow fever injection for medical reasons, you will need to produce a doctor’s letter stating these reasons. Tanzania is also located in a malaria area and malaria prophylactics are highly recommended. Please consult your medical practitioner when planning your trip.