Country: Kenya Capital City: Nairobi Time Zone: GMT +3 hours |
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A connection hub in the region - The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the main airport in Nairobi. It is the largest and busiest airport in East and Central Africa. It serves as a transit hub for major airlines as well as the gateway for visitors to Africa’s treasured game parks, cultural heritage, scenic landscapes and business opportunities. The airport also serves as a major cargo centre for both inbound and outbound goods.
JKIA is situated in naiorbi, 20 minutes from the Central Business District. Most major hotels in Nairobi have their stations at the arrival terminal for facilitation of guests on arrival. Its connectivity to the rest of the world is also enhanced by the presence of the world’s popular airlines.
» Transportation from the airport
CLIMATE & CLOTHING
At 5,889 ft above sea level, Nairobi enjoys a moderate climate. The altitude makes for some chilly evenings for jackets, sweaters and scarves, especially in the June/July season when the temperature can drop to 10 °C (50 °F). Light clothes can be worn during the warmest part of the year from December to March, when temperatures average the mid-twenties during the day. For coats, boots and umbrellas Nairobi experiences two rainy seasons in a year long rains from March-May and short rains from October- November.
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CUISINE
Kenyans are formidable meat eaters. One of the best known Kenyan specialities is Nyama Choma- meaning literally ‘roasted meat’. There are many popular 'Choma Joints' in most Kenyan towns. Probably the best known is Nairobi's Carnivore, Kenya’s most famous restaurant.
This is usually slow roasted over an open fire or charcoals, and served with a mixture of basic greens (known as Sukuma Wiki) and Ugali. Ugali is the much loved staple food of Kenya. Essentially a stiff porridge of maize flour, Ugali is served in large, freshly cooked bricks. Pieces of Ugali are broken off and used to eat either meat, stews or vegetables.
Vegetarians need not feel threatened- Kenya's large Asian population has led to a great many Indian, Pakistani and sub-continental restaurants throughout the country. Excellent vegetarian meals can always be found alongside the best of regional Indian cuisine.
All over Kenya, the climate is ideal for alfresco dining. In many camps, lodges and restaurants, meals are served outside,letting you enjoy a feast with a view. You can start the day with a bush breakfasts after an early morning game drive, and finish it with sundowner drinks and snacks taking in the view of one of Kenya's spectacular sunsets.
There is an incredible range of restaurants in Nairobi covering a world of cuisines. From Korean BBQ to French Novelle Cuisine, Ethiopian Injera to a Traditional Roast Sunday lunch, Hamburgers to Tandoori specialities, you'll find exactly what you're looking for, or a new and unexpected treat.
You may not have associated Kenya with world class cuisine, but after a safari here, you most certainly will. We have provided recipes to let you try some great Kenyan cuisine at home.
CURRENCY & EXCHANGE
The unit currency is the Kenya Shilling. Bank notes are available in denominations of KSh 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000. Ksh 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 are available in coins.
Currency can be exchanged in foreign exchange bureaus or banks. Banks operate between 9 am- 3pm weekdays and 9-11am weekends. Easiest currencies to exchange are the US Dollar, Sterling pounds and the Euro.
Credit Cards
Major international credit cards are accepted in Kenya and most ATM’s. Traveler’s cheques are the best and safest ways to carry money with you and most hotels and service providers accep them.
DIALING CODES
+254 is the international dialing code for Kenya and
20 is the area code for Nairobi
ELECTRICAL POWER
All regions in Kenya are supplied with 240 volts AC. Some lodges have independent power generators, which may vary. The plug in use throughout Kenya is of the three square pin. 13 amp type.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Ambulance 999
Police 122
Flying Doctors Service- 020 600090, 020 2240800
AAR Ambulance- 020 271374, 020 271375
LANGUAGE
The national language is Kiswahili and the official language is English.
MOBILE PHONE SERVICE
Nairobi and Kenya as a whole is serviced by four mobile phone operators, Safaricom, Zain, Orange and Yu. They offer competitive rates on their services while mobile phones, SIM cards and credit are easily accessible. Excellent roaming facilities are available (kindly refer to your provider).
REGISTRATION FEES
Registration and attendance at the meeting is free. You are required to pay for your accommodations and meals. Coffee breaks are provided during the meeting.
REMOTE PARTICIPATION
Information on remote participation resources are available here.
SAFETY AND SECURITY IN NAIROBI
As in many other big cities, it is important to take responsibility for your personal safety and exercise caution while in Nairobi. To avoid being the victim of a crime, observe the following commonsense rules.
WHILE IN PUBLIC
- Always be vigilant and alert for muggers/robbers/gangs and rioters.
- Do not wear expensive jewelry, including valuable watches. Jewelry snatches can occur at any time, even through open car windows.
- Women should secure their handbags, and men should never carry wallets in their rear trouser pockets.
- When in public places, do not display your wealth, do not leave mobile phones unattended, and do not leave your handbag or briefcase hung on restaurant chairs or under the table.
- If approached on the street by an individual or a group, be polite, but wary and exercise caution. There has been an increase of con men on the streets. They are normally very polite and well dressed and might ask you to change money, split a bill, or offer services. Some claim they are plainclothes police officers or NGO workers and want information, etc.
- Never accept beverages or food from strangers, especially in hotels and bars. There have cases reported where victims have been drugged and robbed.
- Under no circumstances should you walk the streets of Nairobi anywhere at night even for the shortest distance. During the day, it is advisable to walk in groups.
- Power blackouts may occur at any time and crime may increase during these periods.
Do not carry or display large sums of money, especially while shopping. Use credit cards where possible
Be wary of young children who are often used as diversions for pickpockets lurking nearby.
LOCAL ORDINANCES
- Please be advised that it is not allowed to smoke in public places in Kenya, this includes anywhere outside on the streets and inside or outside shopping malls or restaurants in any town.
- The Municipality of Nairobi has also prohibited the use of mobile phones while crossing the streets.
BANK TRANSACTIONS
- Caution should be exercised at ATM machines when withdrawing money from banks. Be cautious about who sees you withdrawing cash and where you withdraw it.
CREDIT CARD FRAUD
- Credit card fraud is common in Nairobi as in many other large cities, so follow commonsense rules. Try to ensure that credit card slips are endorsed in your presence. If you have to use a slip as a deposit, always fill the amount in and check that you get the slip back.
ROAD TRAVEL
- Taxis - Jatco, Kenatco, and Jim Cab provide reliable taxi service. Unlicensed taxis are often unreliable or unsafe and should be avoided. Always confirm the fare in advance if there is no meter. Never take a lift from a stranger.
- Matatus and Buses - You are strongly advised not to travel in these at all, however exciting they might look. In the case of matatus, they are often unsafe, and badly driven, and accidents are not uncommon. Pickpockets have been known to frequent both buses and matatus.
DRIVING
- Armed Vehicle Hijacking - This is unfortunately a common crime in Nairobi. If you become the victim of a car hijacking, do as you are told and do not resist the hijackers. Do not attempt to escape by driving fast. If you comply, there is a good chance that you will be released unharmed.
HOTEL SECURITY
Hotels for delegates have been carefully selected. However, delegates are advised:
- Never give out your room number to strangers
- Never invite strangers / anyone to your room
- Avoid leaving valuables lying around in your room while you are out, ever for the shortest of moments
- Never leave a bag or valuables unattended in restaurants, swimming pool area, etc.
- Always use safety lock on the door, even during the daytime.
- Always use room safe for valuables, or use lockable storage for valuables at the front desk, but make sure they issue a receipt for your items.
EXCURSIONS/SAFARIS
Most Kenyan game parks and tourist areas are usually safe, however muggings and armed attacks can occur.
- Book your safaris through a reliable travel agent and you can then be fairly certain that any vehicle provided will be roadworthy and that the safari will be conducted safely.
- If you travel outside Nairobi, go well prepared and avoid travel at night.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Take essential spares and some food and water.
- Be very reluctant to stop for people apparently looking for help on the roadside. Frequently they wait for people to stop and either rob you, or steal your car.
- The Samburu, Shaba, and the Masai Mara game reserves have all experienced bandit attacks directed at visitors. On security grounds, you are strongly advised to avoid the whole of North Eastern Province, Tana River District in Coast Province and Isiolo and Marsabit Districts in Eastern Province. If you go to Lamu, you are strongly advised to fly; from Malindi to Garsen to Lamu, the road is both insecure and in poor condition and you have to travel by convoy.
- If you wish to go to Samburu or Shaba game parks, you should go with a tour operator or, if on your own, take a KWS guard whilst in the park.
If you hire or borrow a vehicle, make sure that it is in good condition
ADDITIONAL LINKS
- CDC Health Information for Travelers to Kenya
- World Travel Guide - Kenya Health
- Recordings of Security and Logistics Teleconferences on 27th and 29th
January 2010
TIPPING & TAX
Tipping is not customary in Kenya, however a 10% service charge may be added to bill in more upmarket restaurants. Otherwise small change in local currency may be offered to taxi drivers, porters and waiters. On safari, however, drivers, guides and cooks often rely heavily on tips to get by, but these are discretionary.
TOURS
The following tour groups are recommended to attendees interested in booking tours before, during, or after the ICANN meeting in Nairobi.
- BCD Travel is offering Day Safaris, 2-Nights Flying Safari Programs, and excursions in Tanzania. Read More about Tours offered by BCD Travel
- Express Travel Group offers a wide range of tours and activities throughout East Africa. Download the Express Travel Group Safari Planner
- Acacia Holidays offers a variety of daily excursions, fying safaris, driving safaris, and other custom tours for attendees. Download Acacia Holidays Tour Information
TRANSPORTATION
Taxis. Jatco, Kenatco, and Jim Cab provide reliable taxi service. The local unlicensed taxis are often unreliable or unsafe and should be avoided. Always confirm the fare in advance if there is no meter. Never take a lift from a stranger.
Matatus and Buses. You are strongly advised not to travel in these at all, however exciting they might look. In the case of matatus, they are often unsafe, and badly driven, and accidents are not uncommon. Pickpockets have been known to frequent both buses and matatus.
AIRPORT ARRIVALS
Look for the ICANN Meet and Greet service desks located both inside immigration AND outside the baggage claim area at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The desks will be available 5-8 March, 24-hours a day, to assist attendees with arranging transportation to their respective hotels.
TRANSPORTATION SHUTTLES
Daily shuttle service for the Kenyatta International Conference Centre will be provided from/to all recommended hotels. Shuttles will run from Saturday, 6 March through Friday, 12 March. A detailed shuttle schedule will be posted shortly.