2025:Travel

06th – 09th August 2025, Nairobi and Online
Wikimania@20: Inclusivity . Impact . Sustainability

Portal

Home

Scholarships

Organizers

Travel

Help

Travel Sheet

Kenya
Timezone	UTC+3 (3 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time)
Currency	Kenyan shilling (KES) USD 1 = KES 128.095 (as of 18 December, Currency converter)
Driving side	right
Phone country code	+254
Dominant religion	Christianity
Electricity	240V / 50Hz Plug type G British BS 1363 (rectangular three-pin)
Emergency contact	999 / 112
Main mobile carriers	Safaricom, Airtel Kenya, Telkom Kenya
Ride hailing	Uber, Bolt, Little Cab

Before You Arrive

1. Visa Requirements: Kenya is a visa-free country for tourists. All you need to do is apply for the electronic travel form (ETA) 72 hours before your planned travel online through this link.
2. Vaccinations and Health:
   • Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travelers from endemic regions. We advise you to get the yellow fever shot at least 72 hours before travel to avoid any inconveniences.
   • While Nairobi is not a malaria-prone region, you may consider carrying a mosquito repellent. In case you plan to visit coastal Kenya e.g. Mombasa or Diani, you need not to worry as well as the climate and altitude just Nairobi are not conducive to malaria transmission.
3. Currency:
   • Kenya's official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES).
   • M-Pesa, a mobile money transfer platform, is king in Nairobi for any small or major payments. Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted as well, but having cash or Mpesa for small purchases is helpful as small traders do not run bank cards. ATMs and currency exchange services are readily available and some (in major shopping malls) can dispense USD or Euro.
4. Travel Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance covers health emergencies and personal belongings if your travel is self-sponsored.

Climate

Nairobi has a moderate climate year-round, with warm days and cool nights.

1. Average High Temperature: 25°C (77°F)
2. Average Low Temperature: 15°C (59°F)
3. Rainfall is infrequent throughout the year.

What to pack

1. Lightweight clothing for warm days (e.g., t-shirts, shorts, dresses)
2. A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
3. Comfortable walking shoes
4. Sunhat and sunscreen
5. Universal adapter if your electronics use different plugs

Getting to Nairobi

1. By Air: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is Nairobi’s primary airport, with connections to major cities worldwide. The national airline is Kenya Airways (KQ), which is part of the Sky team Alliance and flies to major destinations in and out of Africa.
2. By Road: If traveling from neighboring countries in the East Africa Region, buses such as Easy Coach and Tahmeed link Nairobi to cities like Kampala, Dar es Salaam, and Kigali.

Accommodation

Nairobi offers a wide range of accommodation options; from luxury to budget.
For those wishing to book accommodation in advance, we suggest booking in the Gigiri or Westlands areas.
NB:These are in close proximity to the venue which will be announced soon.

Transportation in Nairobi

1. Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber and Little Cab are reliable and affordable. Avoid Uber chap chap(economy) at all times, the vehicle quality is often wanting and drivers are abit unprofessional. Go for Comfort or at the very least Uber X. Same to Little Cab, avoid economy rides and opt for Comfort.
2. Matatus: These hip and colorful mini buses are a cultural experience but may be overwhelming for first-timers. Some routes are also notorious with pick-pockets. Consider this option when you have a company from local Wikimedians.
3. Boda Bodas: Motorcycle taxis are quick to avoid traffic but less safe—we discourage use by foreigners who are new in Nairobi, as they are best navigated with some local expertise.
4. Walking: Avoid walking alone at night or for long distances.

Exploring Nairobi/Social Tours

When you’re not at the conference, or planning to take a few days of “Tembea Kenya”; or “Visit Kenya” immerse yourself in Nairobi’s vibrant culture:

1. Major Attractions within Nairobi:
   • Nairobi National Park: Wildlife safari just minutes from the city.
   • Karen Blixen Museum: Home of the "Out of Africa" author.
   • Nairobi National Museum: Dive into Kenya’s history and culture.
   • Giraffe Centre: Get up close with endangered Rothschild giraffes.
2. Major Safaris outside Nairobi:
   • Tsavo National Park
   • Maasai Mara

Transport to the Maasai Marais best done as a complete Tour package providing transport either in a landcrusier or van, accommodation and meals. Contacts for bookings will be shared here soon.

Beach Holiday

Kenya is home to some of the World’s best beaches and an award-winning beach holiday destination. Diani Beach, located in Kenya's coastal region has been voted the world’ best beach by World Travel Awards and Trip Advisor.

How to get to Mombasa or Diani

1. Domestic flights: Jambo Jet or Skyward can fly from Nairobi to Mombasa or Diani. It’s a 50 mins flight at a cost of approximately 60 USD one way.
2. Train (SGR): The SGR, operated by the Kenya Railway Service connects Nairobi and Mombasa. You can book the SGR (a 6 hr journey) on this portal. Despite the duration, the experience is worth it especially when travelling in a group.The train snakes through Kenya’s countryside and the Tsavo National Park and in most occasions, you will spot some wild animals. Once you get to the SGR station in miritini (Mombasa) you can use a local taxi or pre-arranged hotel shuttle for the transfer to your hotel. Little cab or Faras online APPs are more common in Mombasa than Ubers.
3. Markets:
   • Visit Maasai Market for handcrafted souvenirs.
   • Explore City Market for local art and curios.
4. Cuisine:
   • Try Kenyan dishes like nyama choma (charcoal-grilled meat), ugali, kachumbari (salsa), and Kienyeji mboga, sukuma wiki (Kales).
   • Popular restaurants: Glee, Lord Eroll, Steak & Grill, Carnivore (popular with game meat), Inti Nkie (Jaonese), Mercado, Fogo Gaucho-Westlands.
5. Nairobi Nightlife (Recommended night clubs)
   • Aloy Lounge (Sarit center 6th flr)
   • Kettle House (Lavington)
   • Brew Bistro (Westlands)
   • Wine and Bottle
6. Our Safari Recommended Tour Company (Give Code #Wikimania254 for discounts)
   • Contact Person: Gideon Moitalel (+254738445441)

Safety Tips

1. Avoid displaying valuables in public.
2. Only use online-hailing taxis, especially at night.
3. Be cautious when exploring unfamiliar neighborhoods—consult locals or your hotel for advice.
4. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

Key Phrases in Swahili

1. Hello: Jambo or Mambo (general greeting)
2. Thank you: Asante
3. How much is this?: Hii ni bei gani? Or Hii ni how much?
4. Goodbye: Kwaheri
5. Mpesa 😉

Contact Information

1. Emergency Services: Dial 999 or 112 for police, fire, and medical assistance.
2. Conference Help Desk: We will have a help desk and Trust & Safety Volunteers at the venue. You can also Check the Wikimania Telegram channel or email for contact details.
3. Local Embassy: Keep your embassy’s contact details handy in case of emergencies.

Enjoy Your Stay!

Nairobi promises to be an exciting and enriching destination for Wikimania 2025. With its blend of vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and unique experiences, your trip will be unforgettable.