Do you have questions or concerns about travelling to Kenya? Would you like to have some clarification and peace-of-mind before committing to this gorgeous, tropical destination? Then this is the blog for you! We want to put your mind at ease so that the decision to vacation in Kenya, more specifically, at Mnarani Club, becomes a walk on the beach. So without any further ado, let’s tackle VISA and vaccinations…
VISA & Vaccinations
Did you know that South Africans do not require a VISA when visiting Kenya? If you are a British national or are unsure if you need a VISA or not, visit the iVisa website. Remember that your passport is required as well as a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever.
If you’re travelling to Kenya for the first time, be sure to visit your local GP or nearest travel clinic for a yellow fever immunisation. Yellow fever immunisation is compulsory, and you will need to present your Yellow Card (International Certificate of Vaccination) when entering Kenya. Be sure to re-vaccinate at least ten days prior to your departure for Kenya as your Yellow Card in only valid ten days after vaccination – thereafter, it is valid for ten years. Your doctor may also advise on Malaria precautions.
Health & Medical Care
Your travel agent will be able to assist you with information and advice regarding travel medical or health insurance when planning your next Kenyan adventure. There are a few South African and European banks which provide limited free travel insurance with MasterCard, Visa cards or credit cards when paying your travel tickets with the same card. Be sure to check with your service provider to see if you are covered or if you would like to top-up your cover. Mnarani Club also has a team of first aiders on-site as well as a qualified nurse to assist guests. If there is a medical emergency where a guest must be transferred to the nearest hospital, our ever-willing team will jump into action and assist as far as they can. Please keep in mind that Mnarani Club’s nearest hospital is in Mombasa.
The health and safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. We have implemented numerous protocols and procedures to ensure that Mnarani Club remains a safe environment.
Click here to read more about the COVID-19 precautionary measures being taken by the Resort.
How to Book
Whether you are planning your next tropical vacation from Kenya, South Africa or an international location, the Mnarani Club booking process is quite simple. Our wonderful team in South Africa and at the Resort are here to assist you every step of the way.
Local & International Enquiries
Locals and international guests can make their bookings directly through the Mnarani Club Reservations Department. However, flights must be booked externally by the guest. Please feel free to contact our incredible team for advice regarding flights to Kenya.
The Mnarani Reservations Department can be contacted via email on reservations@mnarani.net or called on +254 020 807 0501/2/3. You can also view their Special Offers and Packages on the Mnarani Website.
South African Enquiries
Mnarani Club has partnered with ACT Travel – A travel and tour operator from South Africa, to offer our South African guests the best possible rates on flights and Mnarani packages.
ACT Travel can be contacted via email on info@actravel.co.za or called on +27 (0) 12 941 8522. You can also view their Special Offers and Packages on the Mnarani Website.
Sit back, relax and let Mnarani and ACT Travel take care of all your travel arrangements for you.
Money & Transport
The local currency is Kenyan Shillings (KSh). You can anticipate that all shops, market stalls and beach vendors will charge in Shillings. For your convenience, credit card facilities, as well as a currency exchange service (ZAR, USD, EURO and GBP), are available on the premises at Mnarani Club. Visa cards and MasterCard are gladly accepted. Regretfully, Diner’s Club cards, American Express cards, or personal/traveller’s cheques will not be accepted.
ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and the main towns, including Kilifi. You will find that credit cards are accepted throughout Kenya.
Whether you are a local or international guest, our on-site team can advise on options or provide packages that include travel arrangements; depending on your particular requests.
International Flights
We are pleased to advise that scheduled flights to Kenya run from all around the world. Check out the offerings from Kenya Airways, British Airways, Ethiopian Airways, Turkish Airways and Emirates when planning your Kenyan vacation. Should you be travelling from South Africa, be sure to chat with the ACT Travel Team for assistance with the best deals on flights.
Domestic Travel and Excursions
The nearest airports are in Malindi (north of Kilifi) and Mombasa (south of Kilifi). Keep in mind that transfers from Malindi take about 60 minutes, while transfers from Mombasa take about 90 minutes. Airline providers include Kenya Airways, Fly540 and Jambojet.
Mnarani Club offers guests an utterly reliable transfer service at a very competitive rate. Guests can rest assured knowing that their hosts will be collecting them from the airport (Malindi and Mombasa) or SGR train stations (Mariakane and Mititini) and returning them safely back at the end of their stay.
In Kilifi the main bus park hosts ‘matatus’ (taxis) that run north-south up and down the Mombasa-Malindi highway. It is also the starting point for the Mash Poa Executive Bus Service to Nairobi (3 buses daily). There are several local taxi services available for trips to Watamu, Mombasa or Malindi. You will find a tuk-tuk easy, safe and affordable for local excursions and day trips. Alternatively, the Mnarani Club team will gladly assist guests with transfers to all activities and excursions within a 60km radius – costs are then worked into the excursion or activity price.
When to Vacation & What to Pack
Mnarani is a perfect, all-year destination as Kilifi’s average temperature remains 26-30 ᵒC (78-86 °F) throughout the year, and the humidity along the coast is kept at bay by the cool ocean breeze.
During the rainy season, you can expect early morning and late afternoon bursts of rain. You can still enjoy a full day of leisure activities between the refreshing rain showers.
Reading Wet Season? Dry Season? What’s the difference? might help you decide which time of year you should visit Kenya.
Sunscreen is an absolute must when visiting Kenya; as well as light, breezy clothing that you can easily slip on after a refreshing dip in the ocean or the beautiful Mnarani infinity pool. But don’t forget to pack something nice to wear for your unique Mnarani dining experiences.
Besides these necessities, remember to pack a camera to capture the most unforgettable time of your life!
PS. Beach and pool towels are provided free of charge.
Wondering what you should pack or leave behind? Read Packing for Your Mnarani Vacation for our top tips and handy PDF guide.
Safety & Security
The area around Kilifi Creek is small and peaceful, away from major cities and far from the Somali border. Mnarani Village and Kilifi Town are both known for their warm, friendly and welcoming residents with the local area being safe for walking and cycling. Nevertheless, please follow simple precautions as you would when travelling anywhere in the world – consider things such as not wearing expensive jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash.
One of Mnarani Club’s biggest drawcards is our private beach. Here, guests can enjoy a wide range of water-based activities such as sailing, wind-surfing, water-skiing and wakeboarding through our partners at 3 Degrees South, without being accosted by hawkers selling their wares.
Local Laws & Customs
The coastal areas are predominantly Muslim. Although there are no strict dress codes, you should opt for a more conservative dress when you are away from tourist resorts and hotels, especially in Mombasa town and during Ramadan, or if you intend to visit religious areas.
Smoking in all public places, except designated areas, is prohibited throughout Kenya – this applies to areas like hotel grounds, lounge areas and entrances. However, smoking outdoors, in any public street or on the beach, is not banned.
Taking photographs of official buildings, including Embassies, is not allowed. An easy rule to remember is ‘when in doubt, seek permission’.
Are there any questions we have missed? Do you have more questions for us?
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