In Kenya one can find a fantastic climate all year, with temperatures that oscillate from 25 to 35º C. The high tourist season is the summer that goes from December to March. In this period the climate is warm and humid. The period from July to October has dry climate, while between April and June (and to a lesser extent in November) rains may affect the country but normally they do not prevent visits to the parks. During the rainy season hotels are less crowded and therefore prices are more convenient. The best period to witness the majestic spectacle of the Great Migration that takes place between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the neighbouring Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is between July and October. For lovers of birdwatching the best months are from December to February, during which time the great migratory flocks of birds head to the lakes of the Rift Valley.

Cameras, video cameras and binoculars. Flashlights for the night. Batteries may be recharged in the camps and lodges where you will stay or in the vehicle during transfers. Comfortable and light clothing with colours that echo the savannah: khaki, green or brown. Avoid loud colours because they could bother the animals. A hat and sunglasses and sunblock. Comfortable or hiking shoes if you intend to take part in walking safaris. Sweater and long trousers for the evenings.

Personal health insurance is advisable, in view of the high costs of treatment in Europe. If you intend to visit remote areas you are advised to take out an insurance cover for air emergencies with the Flying Doctors of AMREF. It can be done directly on their website www.flydoc.com at US$ 16 and it lasts one month.

In Kenya English and Swahili are spoken. At the coast Italian is also catching on.

The official currency is the Kenya Shilling (Ksh or Kes). 1 Euro = Approximately 100 Kes. The more common credit cards are accepted, with which it is also possible to withdraw from the numerous ATMs but with commission charged. Dollars and Euros are accepted and are in any case easily exchangeable into the local currency in banks or hotels.

A passport is necessary and has to be valid for at least six months at the time of applying for the entry visa, which may be done at the Kenyan Embassy or directly at the airport at US$ 50 (€ 40).

There are no mandatory vaccinations. Vaccination against Yellow Fever may be required if you are coming from Tanzania or from countries where the disease is widespread. Anti-malaria medication is often recommended. For ten years now we have preferred adopting behavioural prevention, using mosquito repellent on the exposed areas of the body and dressing in light-coloured clothing in the evenings (black attracts insects). Preventive products like Malarone or Lariam are harmful to the body and besides are very costly. Few know that malaria, if contracted, is perfectly curable with a drug known as Coartem, easily available locally (not in Italy) and at a paltry cost. We advise everyone however to consult their trusted doctor.