Conference Venue
Safari Park Hotel & Casino, Nairobi is located on Thika road. 15 minutes from city centre and 30-40 minutes from JKI Airport. A Five Star Deluxe of two storey buildings beautifully spread over 64 acres of landscaped gardens. P.O. Box 45038, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Tel: 254-020-3633000, 3633137
Fax: 254-020-3633919, 8561584
Email: sales@safariparkhotel.co.ke
Internet : http://www.safaripark-hotel.com
Dropping Zone : Revlon Professional Plaza, 2nd floor, P.O. Box 7543 Nairobi 00300
Tel : 254-020-211474/5 ; Fax : 254-020-211476
Country and City
Kenya, Republic of Kenya or Jamhuri ya Kenya lies across the equator in east-central Africa, on the coast of the Indian Ocean and has of a land area of 569,250 square km. As Africa’s original ‘Safari Capital’, Kenya still boasts some of the greatest and most varied wilderness adventures. From the great wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara to the less explored corners of Tsavo and Samburu to some of Africa’s most beautiful beaches. And with the magnificent Great Rift Valley, it is one of the most spectacular countries on Earth! Nairobi is the capital and largest city in Kenya and lies in the Central South of the country. In just 100 years,Nairobi has grown from a murky swamp to a booming economic capital of much of eastern and central Africa. It is a transit point for thousands of African tourists, Nairobi serves as the regional headquarters of numerous multinational companies and major aid organisations, and the global or regional headquarters of the UNEP, UN-HABITAT and UNESCO. Nairobi has one of the most pleasant climates in the world, and – in its residential suburbs at least – retains a noticeably green, pollution- free environment. The city’s status as regional capital has also helped to create one of Africa’s most cosmopolitan leisure spots, with some of the continent’s finest hotels, restaurants, and modern and cultural entertainments.
Population: The population of close to 35,000,000 (est. in 2006) is divided into numerous ethnic groups: Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin, Kamba, Kisii, Meru, other African and Asian, European, and Arab minorities. The majority of Kenyans are Christian – some 45% are Protestant and another 33% Roman Catholic – while Muslims make up about 15% of the population.
Government: In the last 10 years Kenya’s government has adopted a multi-party political system, with over 25 registered political parties. There are three arms of Government: the Legislature, which enacts laws, the Executive, and the Judiciary, which acts as an arbitrator.
Languages: The official language is English, but the national spoken language is Kiswahili. There are also several other indigenous languages.
Local Time: Kenyan time is three hours ahead of the Day Light Savings Time or Greenwich Mean Time: DST + 03:00 hrs.
Visas and Destination Information
VISA Requirements - http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
All incoming visitors to Kenya (except East African Citizens and a few other exempt countries) require a visa, irrespective of nationality. Check here to see if your country Is exempt: http://evisa.go.ke/eligibility.html
E Visas applications are available from this website: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html It is advisable to obtain the visa in advance, but visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport except if your country appears on the list below. A list of countries whose nationals will need to apply for entry visa one month prior to the symposium. Afghanistan, Armenia, Cameroon, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Formerly North Korea), Iraq, Kosovo, Libya, Mali, Senegal, Somalia, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Eritrea, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria.
Visa Fees
Single entry e-visa USD $32.50. Please refer to the E Visa website above for more information. The Kenyan Immigration website refers all visas enquiries to that website. There are FAQs http://evisa.go.ke/evisa-faqs.html
Money
The official currency is the Kenya shilling. Exchange rate from 06/06/2024
1 USD = 130.29 KES. . . . 1000 KES = 7.68 USD
1 EUR = 141.79 KES. . . . 1000 KES = 7.05 EUR
1 GBP = 166.46 KES. . . . 1000 KES = 6.01 GBP
Banks and Exchange Bureaus: There are several banks (Barclays, Standard Chartered Banks) and exchange bureaus (Forex) at the Jomo Kenyatta International (JKI) airport, in Nairobi city, Nairobi Westlands and major cities. Money can also be cashed at several ATMs placed in foyers of major banks. The ATMs are open 24 hours. Telephone numbers can be obtained in the yellow pages or form the operator. Tipping usually 10% at hotels and about 100-200 KShs to doorman, waiter, taxi driver, etc
Climate and clothing
Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very arid in the north and northeast parts of the country. The sun shines almost all year round and summer clothes are worn (see also ‘Clothing’). The average annual temperature for the coastal town of Mombasa is 30-30°C maximum and 22-40°C minimum, and for the capital city, Nairobi 25-20°C maximum and 13-16°C minimum. However, it is usually cool at night and in the early morning. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and when it does rain, this often happens in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and the coldest in July and August. The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. For the weather forecast click on: http://www.worldweather.org/ Early December 2024 forecast: Temp 18-24oC with some clouds. Clothing: As Kenya represents a cultural melting pot, visitors should not walk in towns or public areas in their swim-wear as this is against African culture and offends a large section of the community. Nude bathing is not allowed. Kenyans appreciate decent behaviour devoid of immoral tendencies. Visitors are therefore advised to show respect to the local people, their culture and traditions. As for Safari-clothing the best is the ‘onion philosophy’, i.e. dress in layers. Safari clothing can be comfortable, light and loose, mainly cotton or linen. Light clothes are worn in the heat of the day and a sweater is added in the cool and sometimes chilly nights.
Communications
Mobile/Cell phones are very commonly used. Time cards with codes can be purchased at the Airport (just after Customs) or from supermarkets, shops and corner kiosks for use on the Safaricom, Safaricell and other systems. Time cards can be purchased in denominations of KShs 100, 200, 500, 1,000. One can also purchase the SIM cards for use locally. Telephones: International calls can be made direct or operator-assisted by dialling 0195 and 0196. Public telephones which work with coins or with phone cards are available in the major towns. Many hotels also offer a phone service, but they usually charge much more than the providers. Country Calling Code: The international country calling code for/to Kenya is +254. Internet: Local connection and WI-FI is available at the venue hotel.
Transportation
Transfers from JKI Airport: Speakers and delegates can be picked up at the airport if prior arrangement has been made with Secretariat. In the event the designated driver does not meet you on arrival please take a reputable Taxi (see below) to the Safar Park Hotel, Nairobi. It is a 30-40 minute ride from the International Airport. As well as Kenya’s major means of transport, the narrow-gauge railway, Kenya also has numerous highways, waterways, ports and airports. The main airports are Nairobi and Mombasa. Nairobi maintains strong air links with Europe and the rest of Africa, with major airlines flying from the city’s JKI Airport. The major airlines such as Kenya Airways, KLM, British Airways, SN Brussels, Emirates, etc. operate more than 15 flights daily to Europe, the Middle and the Far East. The JKI Airport is also a hub for connections to major cities in Africa. Local airlines including Kenya Airways, AirKenya and Safari Link fly to the major capitals in Eastern and Southern Africa and the main national parks. All public transport within Nairobi is by public bus (Kenya Bus, City Hoppa) or large minibuses (Metro Shuttles). JKI Airport +254 2 822111; Wilson Airport +254 2 501943
Taxis: Taxi cabs are available at all times of the day and night and are just a phone call away. Most of the taxi cabs can be seen parked outside hotels, restaurants, at the airport and in the city centre. If you decide to take a taxi, it is important to agree the fare before setting off as rates vary widely. Some taxi companies are Pewin cabs - www.pewin.co.ke Tel: +254 716 623919 JATCO - www.jatcotaxis.com +254 2 444 6096 or +254 722 648383. From Airport take yellow cabs. Cost approx $30 to Safari Park Hotel.
Emergency Numbers
Nairobi Hospital - +254 722 204 117; Kenyatta National Hospital- +254 722 829 500; St. John Ambulance-+254 224066; Police – 999; Fire - 999
Vaccination
It is important that you contact your local doctor regarding the recommended vaccinations before you travel to Kenya. Most visitors have yellow fever vaccination if they are venturing in the bush.
Malaria Prophylaxis
Most visitors use them, particularly if they are travelling to the low land areas and the coast. Be Aware of the risk, the incubation period and the main symptoms. Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, especially between dusk and dawn. Take antimalarial drugs (Chemoprophylaxis) to suppress infection where appropriate. Immediately seek diagnosis and treatment if a fever develops one week or more after entering an area where there is a malaria risk, and up to 3 months after departure. Several medications are available including Atovaquone/Proguanil hydrochloride (a generic version of Malarone); Chloroquine (Nivaquine, Avloclor), Proguanil or chloroguanide (Paludrine), Mefloquine (Lariam), Doxycycline (Doxy, Vibra-tabs, Doxine), Pyrimethamine and dapsone (Maloprim), Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), Pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine (Fansidar). Malarone seems to be popular. Please obtain advice from your family doctor prior to travel.
Photography
Free to take pictures of course. However, some ethnic groups or individuals (especially if wearing traditional clothes) might not like to have their picture taken. Please make sure to obtain the person’s permission prior to taking a photo.
Other Accommodation Close to Venue Hotel
Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club:
Windsor Hotel is a Kenyan 5 star hotel resort with a cluster of impressive Victorian style buildings. Their greatest asset is space and an awesome ambience.
Kigwa Road, off Kiambu Road, along the Northern Bypass
P. O. Box 45587 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 20 8647003/4
Mobile: +254 722 203 361/2/3/4, +254 733 333 217/8
Fax: +254 20 233 8093/6
E-mail: reservations@windsor.co.ke
Website: www.windsorgolfresort.com
ICIPE Guest House:
The Guest House is a 3 star accommodation facility, which may be booked directly. Single Room $60-70 per person. ICIPE is situated opposite the Safari Park Hotel. A short taxi ride across a busy highway is the best way to get to the venue hotel. If walking across take extra care over the busy roads. International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)
Duduville, Kasarani P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 (20) 8632000
Fax: +254 (20) 8632001/8632002
E-mail: icipe@icipe.org
Internet : http://www.icipe.org
Electricity
The electrical supply in Kenya is the same as in Europe: 220-240 volts at 50 cycles, mostly using 13-amp three-pin square sockets (Type G).
Security
As a visitor in a foreign and unknown city/country, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and ensure your own personal safety. As anywhere else it is wise never to leave valuables (brief cases, laptops, electronic equipment) unattended.
Useful Links
Kenya Tourist Board: Visit Kenya - Where Safari Was Born; About Kenya: www.wikitravel.org/en/Kenya; About Nairobi: Explore Nairobi | Nairobi City County Government of Kenya: www.kenya.go.ke
Tours and Safaris (Appointed Operator for Symposium)
Magical Skies will be your official GROUND HANDLING AGENT for any tours / safaris and Nairobi day excursions you may wish to undertake during your visit to Nairobi, Kenya. Individual enquiries to: ncl@magicalskies.com mentioning Dementia in LMICs 2024 Symposium.