The END Fund Mount Kenya Trek
July 13 – 22, 2022
TRAVEL RESOURCES & GUIDES:
- Country Guide: Download here – a country guide that contains comprehensive information about money, local customs, a packing list, and other need- to- know information for traveling to Kenya.
- Packing List: Download here
- Passport & Health Guidelines: Download here
- Trek Training Guide: Download here
Note: It is recommended to begin your training 3 months prior to the trek.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES:
Upon arrival in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will go through immigration, baggage claim, and customs before exiting the airport. A representative will be waiting for you with a sign that has The END Fund logo on it.
HOTELS:
| Villa Rosa Kempinski | Sweetwaters Serena Camp | Enasoit Safari Camp | Ciala Resort | |
| Location & Phone | Nairobi +254 703 049 000 |
Nanyuki | Laikipia highlands | Kisumu +254 705 333 555 |
| Shampoo, soap, hairdryer | En-Suite Bathrooms | Yes | ||
| In-room safe | Yes | |||
| Pool, gym or spa | Spa Swimming Pool Fitness Center |
Massage Room Swimming Pool |
Spa Gym |
|
| WiFi in lobby and rooms | Both | The Study | Both | |
| Laundry Services | Complementary | Yes (extra cost) |
MONEY:
Please be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans, in case they view your activity as fraudulent.
In Kenya, the unit of currency is the Kenyan shilling, which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 50, 100, 500, and 1000 shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 5, 10, and 50 Cents and 1, 5, 10 and 20 shillings. The current exchange rate is $1 = 105 KES (as of November 2019)
The small amount of local currency you may need during your stay in Kenya can be obtained at authorized facilities (such as at hotels, banks, and foreign exchange bureaus). In general, we suggest that you limit the amount of money you convert into local currencies and exchange only what you think you will spend before leaving any foreign country. It is suggested that you save all receipts from your currency exchange transactions in Kenya. Be aware that only paper currency will normally be accepted for exchange.
Cash: Kenya is primarily a cash economy, so we recommend bringing the funds you will need for personal spending in cash. US dollars are accepted as a means of exchange. We recommend traveling with $200 – $300 US dollars as ATM machines can be finicky. If you bring USD, your bills should be:
- New (printed in the last 5 years)
- In pristine condition (no rips, tears, smudges, markings, creases, etc)
- Larger denominations (the $50 and $100 bills attract the best exchange rate).
Forex bureaus, banks, and ATMs are available in most major cities, and your guide can generally help with currency exchange throughout your trip. Note that traveler’s checks are no longer commonly used.
Change: Ask for smaller bills when you change money, or use your large bills at large shops to receive more change. In many cases, people (local vendors especially) don’t have change.
Credit Cards: Credit cards (Visa preferred) are acceptable in larger establishments, while cash is more appropriate everywhere else. Most merchants will charge an additional 3-5% of the bill for a credit card transaction.
ATM/Debit Cards: Bank or debit cards that allow you to withdraw money directly from your bank account at home are not accepted in the country at either banks or ATMs, so please do not rely on this option. It is usually best to be equipped with a mix of cash and a credit card (preferably Visa).
