Nairobi Highlights

Nairobi has two main commercial airports. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the main hub that major international airlines fly in and out of and is likely to be your first arrival port when entering Kenya. The smaller regional airlines, such as Air Kenya and Safarilink operate out of Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, which is 17km away from JKIA. The newly constructed byway has made travelling between these two airports much quicker, but it is still important to factor in an adequate amount of time between connections, as the city’s traffic situation varies significantly throughout the day.

Please note that all scheduled internal flights carry a luggage restriction of 15kg per person in soft bags, including carry-ons. The acceptance of excess baggage is at the sole discretion of the airline but some offer the option to purchase an additional freight seat for luggage weighing up to 75kg.

The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES) and the current rate of exchange is approximately KES 100 = US$1. US dollars are widely accepted, though you may have some trouble with notes of larger denomination or those issued prior to the year 2000. At certain bank branches US$ are available over the counter, but are not available for withdrawal from ATMs. We recommend travelling with some US$ in cash, for any eventuality, and in multiple denominations. Many local restaurants will accept US$, though prices are shown in Kenyan Shillings and typically inclusive of all taxes and levies. All major credit cards are widely accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Diner’s Club.

Based in Nairobi, Angama Safaris has a dedicated ground handling team ready to ensure your travels will be carefree, with the same high-touch approach to service that you have come to expect from Angama. With offices at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, we have two five-passenger WiFi-enabled, air-conditioned Hyundai vehicles and professional city driver guides. Nairobi has a reputation for high levels of traffic congestion but the completion of several byways throughout the city has resulted in a significant improvement in jams and delays. It is strongly recommended, however, that you have an adequate amount of time between flight connections, as traffic remains an ongoing issue and is somewhat unpredictable.

While theft is not terribly common, please take responsibility for your safety and that of your valuables by keeping them in a money belt or a safe, and take caution when in the urban areas, especially at night. All the properties Angama Safaris recommends have been vetted to ensure safety procedures are in place and are well-equipped to deal with any security concerns.

Angama Safaris offers a meet-and-greet service at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This service is on a par with a diplomatic meet-and-greet standards, is discreet and seamless. You will be met airside as you enter the terminal building and will be graciously escorted to the front of the queue at diplomatic immigration counter where formalities are finalised. The host will then accompany you to the luggage carousel, assisting with bags before escorting you through customs. The host is in constant contact with our city driver guide who will be waiting to collect you just outside the terminal building

In an effort to reduce the impact on the environment, Kenya has recently made the use and importation of all plastic bags illegal. The ban applies to carrier bags, flat bags, zip lock bags etc, with severe consequences if not complied with. Plastic bags (includes those from duty-free shopping) are known to be confiscated upon arrival in Nairobi.