Samburu Regional Initiative - Wildlife and Communities
Other teleconference Q&A's
What's the best way to change money in Kenya?
Please change money before you leave Nairobi. You've got the following options:
If you fly through London or Amsterdam, you can change money at those airports using cash or traveler's checks.
1. You can use the ATM machines in NBO. (It's best to calculate how many Kenya shilling you'll want to withdraw beforehand so you don't stand there all confused like Mary does, and keep other people waiting). Just be aware that this can leave you with large bills, which can be hard to change.)
2. You can change money at the NBO airport upon arrival. If you are exchanging US cash, be sure to bring money dated no earlier than 1996, and bring new crisp bills. Old, dirty or torn bills will not be accepted. If you are exchanging traveler's checks, be sure to bring the receipt you were issued when you bought your checks. This is necessary to exchange them.
3. You can change money at the Fairview Hotel; The same cautions apply with respect to condition of US Bills and receipts for traveler's checks.
How much money will I need?
You should be able to get by with $100 or $200, more if you're a big shopper. There's a small souvenir shop in Lewa that accepts credit cards.
What's the best way to get from the Airport to the Fairview?
When you make your reservation at the Fairview, ask them to send a cab to meet you upon arrival. They will include the cost of this in your Fairview bill.
Is Nairobi worth visiting?
Mary votes no - downtown Nairobi, though it has lots of shopping opps, is not very pleasant, and muggings and other issues are not unusual.
If you are looking for one day jaunts close to town, the following are worthwhile:
1. Karen Blixen's home in the Ngong Hills
2. Giraffe Manor
3. Nairobi National Park <>
4. National Museums of Kenya <http://www.museums.or.ke/>
5. Elephant Orphanage <http://www.museums.or.ke/>
The Fairview Hotel can arrange a taxi for you to visit any of these places, or to shop in Nairobi if that's what you wish.
Here's a good general website on things to do and see in Kenya: www.magicalkenya.com.
How do we clean our clothes?
The staff at Wamba and Lewa will wash your clothes for you, but they are air-dried, so if it looks like rain, be patient.
Any packing tips?
Quick-dry clothes will give you the advantage (Mary flies in quick-dry clothes, staying comfortable and dry on her long journeys.). Pants that zip off and clothes that can be layered allow you flexibility.
Especially if you're traveling through London, assume that your baggage will take a few days to catch up with you and pack your essentials (Anti-mailarials, sun protection, prescription medication, contact information, camera, binoculars) in a carry on.
Please be sure to pack light as you are under strict weight allowances because you're flying in a small plane - it's a safety issue. You can leave any excess luggage at the Fairview. Though the luggage is watched with a video camera, you may want to leave something you can lock.
Do you recommend bringing a general antibiotic such as Cipro? Cipro can be very helpful with traveler's diarrhea. Though this is unlikely to be a problem on your expedition, since the care in food preparation is very good at the Fairview, Wamba and Lewa, you may be affected through other areas of Kenya.
How easy is it to cross the border into Tanzania?
Very easy. The Fairview can book your transportation on a comfortable and reputable bus company, Riverside or Davanu, that will pick you up at the hotel and take you to Arusha. The trip takes about 4 hours and costs about $35US. You can buy a visa to Tanzania at the border for about $50, but you will need cash, US or Kenyan, and there are no ATMs at the border.
How easy is it to get a visa in the Jomo Kenyatta airport in Nairobi? Many of the Earthwatch Institute staff have done it with no problem. The form is not extensive and folks are processed pretty quickly. The cost is $50 and you can use a credit card.
Any other questions? Just ask. Enjoy your expedition!