Ultimate Ambassador Retreat: Kenya

Complete Your Checklist Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Important Documents

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past the end of your travels     
  Visa: U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Kenya without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 90 days. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.       
  Electronic Travel Authorization: Travelers entering Kenya must obtain an electronic transit authorization (eTA). Standard processing time is 3 business days, however it is recommended applications be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to travel to ensure adequate time for processing. You can find the application here. For more information on filling out this eTA, check out our Help Center article.
  Additional: The CDC recommends travelers obtain a Yellow Fever vaccine prior to your travel to Kenya. Travelers should consult your doctor or a travel medicine clinic to determine if this is the best option for you.
• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.
• Health Insurance: You will need to carry your primary insurance card with you while overseas. This is a critical item in the event of a medical emergency.

Tour Preparation

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.
• Traveling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, though charges may apply and it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

Flight Preparation When preparing for your international flight to Nairobi, check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. With this information, you can check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

• If your flight is canceled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancelations. Work with the airline to get re-booked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time
• If you slept in and missed your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.
• Travel from the U.S. to Kenya is a long process (15-20+ hours total travel time). Bring a book, watch a movie (or five), and drink plenty of water!

Arriving in Nairobi Congratulations! You’re about to set foot in the #1 Safari Destination of the WORLD. Before you arrive, your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app! Once you arrive in Kenya it will be late evening so you’ll have time to sleep upon arrival.

• If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.

Transfers & Game Drives (Safari) On this trip, you’ll drive via private vans, safari vehicles, or bus between cities which can take anywhere between 2-8 hours depending on distance, local traffic, and bathroom or photo-stop breaks. Note that the road conditions in Kenya can be rough at times, and some stretches of roads may be dirt.

Game drives are drives or safaris through the wild to see animals in their own environment. During game drives your group will be in safari vehicles, which are usually a 4x4 jeep, van, or Land Rover-style vehicle that can handle the off-road terrain. These vehicles typically accommodate 4-10 people so your group may be split up when driving.

• If you’re prone to getting car-sick, please bring motion-sickness medicine like Dramamine with you
• Remember the days can be hot and the nights are chilly, so pack your layers and sun protection!
• Bring your camera or phone fully-charged on game drives, along with a water bottle and anything you need to be comfortable. Safaris can last 2-3 hours, 4 hours at the most.
• Game Drive vehicles are open, allowing for panoramic views. Window seats are guaranteed for all travelers.
• Transfers between parks are long and cross bumpy terrain, so we recommend bringing a small pillow to ease the ride.

General Recommendations Fact: Travel is exhilarating. And FOMO is real. So, we understand why you don’t want to miss a second of the action. But there’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon siesta, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after spending all day in the sun!
• Be Prepared: The most prepared travelers will bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a couple mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • MindShift: Focused on anxiety management, this app has an array of cognitive behavior therapy features including journaling, goal-setting, calming audio, and a community forum.
  • Ten Percent Happier: Filled with videos and guided meditations intended to help with everything ranging from sleep to stress reduction.

Destination-Specific Information There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Kenya, but we strongly recommend you consult your physician or local travel clinic, and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) at lease 60 days prior to departure for the latest updates and entry requirements. See more tips below for staying healthy in Kenya:

• Many parts of Kenya are considered high-risk for malaria. Wear long clothing at night to help prevent being bitten, apply insect repellent to exposed skin, and take anti-malaria pills. Please note that depending on what type of malaria pills you purchase, you may need to begin your regiment before departing the U.S.
• Local governments may require proof of a yellow fever vaccination (often referred to as a yellow card ) or a statement of medical exemption from the vaccine. This is only required of travelers arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission (Please note: This does not include the U.S. or Canada). Visit cdc.gov/yellowfever for more information.
• Drink bottled water only. Avoid tap water even when brushing your teeth or showering. We recommend travelers purchase bottled water when given the chance. DO NOT refill your water bottle with tap water.
• Take proper care with sun exposure, the sun is very strong in some of the areas you are visiting
• Travelers’ diarrhea is a fairly common illness among travelers to Kenya. Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself or wash them in bottled or disinfected water.
• Certain medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) are banned in foreign countries. Consult your physician at least four weeks prior to departure to make sure any medications you want to bring with you are legal.
• Public restrooms in Kenya can be quite bare. We suggest carrying bathroom tissue and hand sanitizer with you.

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart: 

• Avoid walking on your own at night in major cities or at your safari camps. In safari camps, the staff at the accommodation will likely not allow you to wander camp grounds unsupervised due to animal precautions
• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry. 
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind! 
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later. 
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi and always have cash on hand. 
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags are preferable to hard luggage for storage on safari vehicles within Kenya. Large suitcases of dimensions greater than 24"x 17"x 7" are impossible to store in safari vehicles and should not be used.
• The Kenyan government has a strict ban on plastic bags. It is illegal to use, sell, or carry plastic bags anywhere in the country under the new law, and violators will face charges including high fines or imprisonment. Please bring reusable cloth bags if you plan to go shopping on tour, and do not pack any plastic bags, including small resealable bags.
• For game drives, we recommend muted colors as bright clothing may scare animals away, and blue or black clothing attracts tsetse flies.
• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! Your international airline ticket does include a checked bag, but years of customer feedback tells us a carry-on is the way to go. You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!

The currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling. Although US Dollars are widely accepted, we recommend using local currency to pay for bar bills, souvenirs, and non-included meals on your trip. You should order some local currency from your bank before this trip, and we also recommend you bring a debit/credit card with you, which you can use to withdraw cash at local banks or ATMs if needed. See more information about money abroad below:

• While better exchange rates are usually found overseas, it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• US Dollars are accepted in Kenya, but they need to be newer, cleaner bills.
  • No bills printed before 2003 are accepted due to a high number of fake notes in circulation.
  • Bills with rips, toner stains, etc. may also be denied.
• It’s extremely useful to have supply of U.S. currency and local currency in small denominations for this trip.
• If you do decide to withdraw Shillings from an ATM in Kenya, make sure your accounts are open for foreign withdrawals.
• Budget around $40-$50 per day for meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips or extra activities.
• We recommend tipping $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Driver Guide.
• Tipping is an important part of Kenya’s local economy, and tipping $1 per person per meal is considered customary. This applies to all meals on tour.
• If someone helps you with your baggage, we recommend tipping them $1 per piece.
• Let your bank and credit card companies know your travel plans ahead of time to avoid potential complications while abroad.

Your guide for this tour will be different than a typical EF Ultimate Break Tour Director. You will be met by a representative from EF Ultimate Break upon arrival and will then meet your guide the morning of your first full day on tour. He or she will act as both your tour guide and driver for the duration of your tour.

Your tour guide will tell you best way to communicate with them during the trip (WhatsApp, EF Ultimate Break app, etc.). They will be with your group from start to finish so if there is anything you need, connect with them. Concerned about international cellular data and staying in touch with your group? Check out “Phones and Electronics” further down in this guide.

As you prepare to spend time in a new culture, here are some expert tips to help you understand the ins and outs of East Africa, and feel like a local Kenyan:

• Though English and Swahili are the official and most common languages, there's estimated to be over 70 languages spoken throughout the country.
• Local culture dictates you always eat with your right hand - do not touch food with your left.
• Animal protection efforts are strong in Kenya, so keep this in mind when buying souvenirs and observing animals in their local habitats.
• Kenya is a fairly conservative society, especially where Islam is practiced. Courtesy and manners are highly valued.
• Kenya is the world’s top safari destination - get your contact lens renewed and your camera film ready.
• Be mindful when photographing local people - always ask permission and be prepare to be asked for payment.

Please note that a majority of the dinners included on this tour will be buffet-style at the overnight accommodation the tour resides for that evening. Travelers will have the opportunity to dine outside of the hotel in certain areas if they wish to try local dishes.

Cuisine in your game lodges reflects the region’s British colonial influence—you may find that many locals pause for afternoon tea, most restaurants offer curries and other South Asian cuisine brought over by the many Indian immigrants. Maize, sweet potatoes, and pineapple were brought over by the Portuguese, and beef has been a staple since the 1600s. You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Ugali: A staple of Kenya, this is a maize and cassava flour combo typically eaten with your hands
• Mushy Peas: Irio is a mix of mashed peas and potato. A famous dish in Kenya, this is best served with roasted meat or some sort of Kenyan-style stew
• Githeri: Otherwise known as beans and corn, this dish keeps things simple.
• Kenyan Pilau: A glorified combo of rice and spices is great with stew, tomatoes, and onions!
• Wali wa Nazi: Aka, coconut rice. Need we say more?
• Kenyan Stew: This typically includes different meats (goat, beef, chicken) as well as carrots, peppers, or potatoes, plus a tomato base and mchuzi mix!
• Nyama Choma: Nyama Choma, or, roasted meat. Enough said.
• Mandazi: Kenyan donuts! Not your average donut, these are best served with a cup of chai.

We’ve packed a lot of activity and sightseeing into this tour, which means there is less free time than a typical Ultimate Break trip. Plus, many of your accommodations are in National Parks/Reserves, rather than major cities or hubs. We recommend purchasing the EF Ultimate Break optional excursions for this trip in order to make the most of your time in Kenya.

Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account for available add-ons.

If you have signed up for the Hell's Gate National Park optional, please note that this activity is part game drive, part hike. The hike along the gorges last 1-2 hours over uneven terrain. You will need hiking boots or very sturdy walking shoes. Other recommended items to bring include: plenty of water, binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.