We shall be taking a Collettte Expeditions 14 day Kenya trip (Plains of Africa) in late April and early May, from the United Sates. As first time travelers to this region, we could use some tips... specifically:
* How best to carry currency in to Kenya (travelers checks and a bit of cash are our usual method), and the best way to convert between US dollars and Kenya shillings.
* Shoes for a trip that is mostly "camera safaring" in the parks. We have good sneakers and some heavier hiking boots that we would prefer not carrying if possibly. Any ideas on best footware for this type of trip?
* The US States Department has put out a fairly scary warning about travel in Kenya. We are going anyway, but any tips for US travelers particularly when in the cities-- only Nairobi in our case.
If you experienced Africa travelers have any other helpful tips for us, we would appreciate them.

On our 2 recent trips to Kenya we took only credit cards and US$, changing some into Kenyan shillings at the airport. We don't bother with travellers checks anymore. We had no problem using Visa in Kenya but I guess it depends where you are going.

We didn't bother with sneakers, just used our hiking boots as it covers most things. We also took a pair of light sandals/thongs/flip flops/crocs type of thing. We wore the boots on the plane to avoid heavy luggage. As long as they are well worn in!

The warnings will stay in place but it is interesting to check out warnings for other countries, I was surprised to see warnings out for countries I feel are very safe. It puts things into perspective. Just avoid the sorts of places and gatherings that you would avoid in any big city, including dark alleyways and unlit places … common sense really.

Travellers with a guide, visiting game parks should be fine, IMHO.

Travelers checks only for emergency, otherwise no need and difficult to exchange with terrible rates. USD are fine. Do exchange from ATM for some local currency, but be sure to use all before returning home as it can be difficult to reexchange to USD.

Unless you're doing heavy duty hiking, sneakers are fine. Or sandles with thick soles is wearing outside... accacia tree needles can get thru anything. Keep the flip-flops for inside as slippers or in safari vehicles.

Those warnings are issued regularly, but Kenya is safe. Just don't be walking about at night, carrying flashy cameras, jewelry or showing your cash.. Be a smart travelers as you should be anywhere.

Safari njema.

Good tips given. You'll have a fantastic time and want to go back.

And bring new bills that have not been damaged very much. Lots of $1 bills for tipping.

What's the deal with US $100 bills now? Are they acceptable if they are the newer ones?

We saw several signs in Kenya that they would not accept US $100 bills. The first was at the visa counter at the airport. We used $50 bills and I noticed that most people did the same. We tipped in shillings.