Before traveling anywhere, it is always best to research the destination and have facts. Below are tips to consider before traveling to Kenya:
- Mode of transportation.
- Accommodation
- Language Spoken
- Local Cuisine
- Shopping malls
- The mode of transaction
- Security of the area of stay
Also read: Kenya Travel Guide
Mode of transportation
Before you go anywhere, it is best to understand the transportation system of the country. Will you be using public transportation? If so, how reliable is it? What modes of transportation are there? How easily can you change modes without paying extra fees or getting lost? You will want to think about these things before departing on your trip so that there are no surprises when you arrive.
After arriving in Kenya, here are some tricks to consider. It is very useful that you familiarize yourself with public transport usage.
In Kenya, the public transport means used are the “matatus”, which are vans that take you into the estates from the town.
It is also important that on your daily commute, particularly in the capital city of Nairobi, you travel in the off-peak hours to avoid getting stuck in traffic. Uber services are also available on call and come very cheap rather than taking a taxi.
Accommodation
When you travel, there is always a possibility that you might need to stay at a hotel. The quality of the hotel is a very important factor in enjoying your trip. There are many things to consider before you go so that you can stay at the best place possible.
Kenya certainly has a lot of good decent hotels that you could check out.
It is important essential that you conduct personal research and compare the prices of these hotels so that you may get a good deal for your stay.
Language Spoken
The language of the country you are visiting can be a tremendous asset in terms of communication with local people. Knowing how to say “hello,” “how much,” “thank you,” and other basic greetings is always helpful. Even if you know the language of your destination, it is important to remember that each nation has its own different version of English.
In Kenya, English is pretty much the national language spoken together with Swahili. It would be very beneficial to learn a few Swahili words here and there just to get along with the locals.
Local Cuisine
While there is the “wow” factor that can certainly be found in traveling to a foreign destination, there are also some things to consider when visiting a new place.
What local cuisines or dishes should you try? What should you avoid? Well, Kenya certainly has a lot to offer from the traditional ugali to the pilau and biryani, You’ll never run out of choices.
Arming yourself with information about the various foods locals eat could greatly save you bucks since other foods prepared at expensive hotels come at overpriced bills.
Shopping malls
If you are planning a vacation to a foreign country, you’ll want to do some shopping while you’re there. Shopping is a key part of your trip, so it helps to have a plan in place to make the most of the time and money you spend.
These are the best places to buy souvenirs, clothing, and other items that will remind you of your vacation. Kenya, in particular, Nairobi has a huge variety of shopping malls from The Two Rivers Mall which is the largest in East Africa to the average size of malls, you can never fail to get your favorite place to shop.
The mode of transaction
Check out how you will be paying for your trip. Will you be paying with a credit card or cash? Consider how much you are prepared to spend as well as the mode of the transaction (cash or credit/debit card) before choosing a travel destination.
Fortunately, Kenya uses a cashless mode of sending money called Mpesa.
To be able to use it you’ll have to procure a Safaricom sim card and register your sim card.
Other modes are also available like the visa card options and also paying via cash.
Security of the area of stay
Let’s be honest. Whether you’re on a trip to an exotic locale or visiting a place closer to home, safety worries are inevitable. A little pre-trip planning goes a long way toward avoiding—or at the least being prepared for—dangerous situations.
It is important to note that not all sections of cities in Kenya will have the best security.
Carrying out research for recommendations online would actually do the trick and also getting information from reliable guides and locals.
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