IMMIGRATION (VISA) :All Visitors arriving in Kenya must posses a valid passport. Visas are required by citizens of certain countries who should check with their nearest embassy, high commission of Kenya and Kenya Tourist Office. Visitors passes are in most cases valid for three months. Those who do not have an onward air ticket may be re­quired to lodge a refundable deposit with immigration officials. It is illegal to work or take up residence in Kenya without the appropriate work permit. .CURRENCY :Kenya currency is based on the shilling. Kenya currency may neither be imported nor exported. Visitors may only change foreign currency into Kenya Shillings at banks and through licensed c0 dealers, such as principal hotels. Visitors must complete a currency declara-tion form on arrival and all transactions must be recorded on this. The form is surrendered on departure. Exchanging money through black market street dealers is illegal, as is defacing Kenya currency. Visitors may exchange excess shillings back to foreign exchange at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport banks .BANKS: Nairobi, Mombasa and most other principal centres in Kenya have banks with a Bureau de Change. Banking hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday, though some open between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the first and last Saturday of each month. Banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport operate a 24-hour service. Service at many commercial banks can be excru-tiangly slow and a degree of patience is called for on the part of visitors. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Personal effects including cameras and films may be imported temporarily without permit. A customs bond may be demanded from visitors bringing in video equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure the goods are re-exported. Firearms require special permit and the importa tion of agricultural goods or domestic pets are strictly forbidden, except by special permit. PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT: Films are available at most game lodges, even in remote areas, but stocks are usually small and are of the common size only. The main towns and cities carry plentiful supplies of all makes and sizes. A telephoto lens for game photog raphy, lens hood and ultra violet filter will be found useful, as also a dust cover (Plastic bag). Binoculars are necessary for the keen game viewing. The advice of driver/guide should be sought before photographing local people. MEDICAL CARE: Whilst malaria is generally rare in most of highland areas, it is nevertheless "advisable to take precautions particularly when travelling in the bush and coastal areas. Modern anti-malaria pills, which are easy to take, are readily available and should normally be started at least 10 days before arrival. Piped water supplies in urban areas are quite safe practically anywhere but local advice should be taken. Main town and cities have normal chemist facilities and hospitals, staffed with doctors with internationally recognized degrees, but supplies of medicines that may have to be taken regularly should be carried. COURIERS: Our English-speaking African drivers/guides are trained in game recognition and are thoroughly acquainted with local; attractions, routes and conditions. However, experienced couriers speaking most foreign languages are also available and may be arranged, at extra cost, on request. DRESS: A jacket and tie will be required for most hotels and restaurants in the main cities, but in game lodges and country hotels the emphasis is on informality and comfort. On safari cotton slacks and shirts or, for ladies, cotton shirts or culottes are recommended. Special clothes (bush jackets and khaki slacks or shorts) can be purchased in most main cities. Flat-heeled shoes are recom mended and a light raincoat and at least one heavy pullover and one light one should be brought as nights are often chilly. Many lodges and hotels have swimming pools, so bathing costumes will be useful even if the safari does not include the coast. A hat scarf for protection against the sun and dust are advisable as well as sunglasses. A safety razor and flashlight will be found useful. DRIVING: IDriving is on the left.GAME-VIEWING:The best times for game-viewing are normally in the early morning or afternoon, as animals tend to hide up during the heat of mid-day. LAUNDRY: There are laundry facilities at practically all hotels, lodges and safari camps and laundry will often be returned on the same day. MEALS AND TIPPING: Food is generally English style with added luxury of tropical fruits, and excellent seafoods, curries and cold tables. Most hotels in the main centres offer bed and breakfast rates, whilst lodges, safari camps and country hotels generally have full board rates, usually with a full (English) breakfast and 3 to 4 course lunch and dinner. Tea or coffee after main meals is normally in cluded. Some hotels and restaurants add service charges to bills, but otherwise it is general practice to tip personally and 10 per cent of the bills is fair. Personal gratuities for drivers are left to the client's discretion but our local offices will be happy to give advice on this if required. ELECTRICITY SUPPLY Lodge generators and Kenya's main supply, provide 240 volts, though many hotels and lodges have 110 volt socket for electric razors for shavers.