What is the best currency to take to Kenya?

How much spending money and what currencies for 2 weeks in Kenya?

• Im going to Kenya at the end of June for 2 weeks. I am staying at the Flamingo Beach Hotel and meals are on a full board basis. I haven't booked a safari yet as apparently they are cheaper to book when we are out there. I was thinking of taking about £600 pounds each. Im also confused about what currency to take! The hotel is swiss and deals in euros and I can pay for a number of excursions through the hotel in euros. I was thinking of taking £300 in euros, £250 in Kenyan Shillings and £50 in dollars (visa). This is per person. Does this sound about right? And does anyone know roughly how much I will pay for a safari in Kenya if I pay for it out there? Any other advice and tips will be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

• Answer:

  Overall sounds about right but probably wouldn't bother with so much in Kenyan Shillings. Just take £50 worth of Shillings. It is best to take travellers cheques in small denominations of say £20 or £50 & I wouldn't get Euros or Dollars as you get a better exchange rate for GBP currently around 127 Kenyan Shillings to the pound. A big point to remember is that if you intend to take credit or debit cards on holiday you must inform your bank or credit card provider of the dates you will be in specific countries otherwise it is highly likely that transactions will be declined. Regarding your safari - it can be cheaper to organise once you are in Kenya but please be careful who provides your safari. Generally it is better to book & pay before you go - with a reputable company. If you do wait until you are there - only go with a provider who is recommended by your representative in resort or those operated by the hotels at your resort. We have travelled extensively throughout Kenya over the past 12 years & have always adopted this policy.However, more recently we have opted for tailormade safaris arranged in UK before departure. Prices vary dependant upon number of days, number of reserves & mode of transport - road or air. Advice & tips .. do you have all week to read them!! Sorry - could go on for ever but I wont - you will have an amazing 2 weeks. Just remain aware & take usual safety precautions as you would anywhere but avoid deserted beaches, lonely places etc. The Kenyan people are wonderful, friendly & helpful. It can be quite overpowering however when you are faced with numerous vendors on the beach. If you wish to purchase something, fine, you can barter, but be aware that some will not take no for an answer & this can be difficult. A polite No Thank you usually works but keep walking & no eye contact. You will get the idea after a few days. Hotels & lodges all have small shops & you will not be intimidated there but some local communities do rely on selling wooden ornaments & bracelets at the reserve gates & this is well worth buying. Dont forget to take camera chargers - sockets same as UK. Batteries & film if you need them can be expensive so take loads or memory cards for digital! Wildlife will not disappoint!! Monkeys are regular visitors to many hotels so be aware that they are inquisitive & will take anything they can if left unattended. If you need to know anything more specific, please ask. Sorry if I have gone on a bit much! I too will be going but in July for 3 weeks & I cant wait. Have a great time