Kibera UK - The Gap Year Company
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Flights from UK
Groups depart from London Heathrow every Tuesday. Individuals to suit. Having agreed a date with Kibera UK, book with BA / Virgin / Kenya Airways or use your travel agent – we recommend in the UK Trailfinders Tel 0207-9383939. Book your out-bound leg for the exact date and your return leg for perhaps 9 months later. Always ensure that the homeward bound date can be changed in Nairobi (at a travel agent or your airline) for the exact date you require. Please contact us (info@kibera.org.uk) if you have any questions about booking your flight.
Flights from other countries
Book through your own travel agent.
Passport
Should be valid for at least 12 months from date of travel. Also take a photocopy of the photo page to be carried in Kenya as ID (also leave a copy at home).
Insurance
Travel Insurance absolutely is essential. We recommend Trailfinders or Amex.
Visa
Visas can be purchased on arrival at Nairobi. However, to avoid queues at the airport we recommend applying beforehand – apply direct to the Kenyan Embassy in London or through your travel agent.
Vaccinations
We recommend: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hep A&B, Yellow Fever and Malaria pills. See your own doctor for up to date advice.
Money
We recommend taking about £100 (USD 200) cash to be changed on arrival at one of the banks in Nairobi airport. The exchange rate is about: Ksh130=£1.00 (Ksh 65=$1.00). Also take an ATM card and use this to withdraw cash in Nairobi from your UK account where we recommend you have access to a minimum of £1,200 to last you 3 months.
Climate
The Nairobi climate is very pleasant, usually warm. Due to the altitude be careful of too much exposure to the sun. April, May and November are wet months, June /July can be cool.
Packing
- You will need a sensible good-sized rucksack.
- Passport, tickets, money plus……
- Comfortable walking boots (Kibera paths are quite rough).
- Loose, light, easily washed clothing.
- Swahili phrase book, your Kibera UK notes, malaria pills and medicines, mobile phone (you will need to buy a Kenyan pay-as-you go SIM card on arrival e.g. Safaricom).
- A hat and good sun protection are very important.
Heathrow Terminal 4
You will be given email addresses and phone numbers of group members. Liaise with each other and arrange to meet before the trip. If this is not possible then meet up at Heathrow. There are many bars to meet up in, Wetherspoons is always popular.
Nairobi Airport
Having cleared customs, collect your rucksack and change some money. Go to the airport taxi desk and book a taxi to your hostel. Cost to one of our recomended Hostels (see Living & Working) is approx. Ksh 1,100.
Kibera UK - The Gap Year Company