Flight
Thank you for flying all the way to Africa to celebrate with us! ✈️ We are so grateful you are making this trip! Arrival & Entry: • Arrival: You’ll land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) • eTA (Visa): Apply for your Electronic Travel Authorization online at least 2 weeks before travel Welcome to Nairobi—we can’t wait to see you! 🇰🇪
Travel Note
• Transport: Uber and Bolt are very reliable, safe, and widely used in Nairobi. We recommend downloading these apps before you land. • Heading to Tigoni: Our venue, Zereniti House, is in a beautiful, lush area called Tigoni. It is about a 45–60 minute drive from the main city/airport depending on traffic.
Travel Note
Closest to the Airport (For immediate rest): • Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport: Located right at the airport with a free shuttle; ideal for a refresh after your 14–20 hour flight. Closest to Wedding Venue (5 mins away) • Muthu Sovereign Suites & Spa: An elegant boutique hotel with old-world charm, perfect for those who want to be right next to the wedding festivities at Zereniti House. Other options (20 minutes away) • Trademark Hotel: Modern and energetic, located inside the Village Market mall with plenty of dining and shopping. • Tribe Hotel: A chic, luxury design hotel for guests looking for a high-end experience. • Glee Nairobi: A sophisticated and trendy new option located on the Northern Bypass. *Pro tip: Be sure to check out Airbnb if you’re looking for more budget friendly options!
Hotel
Travel Note
• M-Pesa: This is Kenya’s "mobile wallet" and it is used everywhere. You can set it up at a Safaricom shop at the airport or in any mall. • Currency: While credit cards are accepted in major hotels/malls, it’s helpful to have some Kenyan Shillings (KES) for smaller tips or local markets. • SIM Cards: We highly recommend getting a local SIM card at the airport (JKIA) for the best experience. Look for the Safaricom kiosk immediately after you exit customs. It takes about 10 minutes to register with your passport. • eSIMs: If your phone supports it, apps like Airalo or Holafly work well in Nairobi, though a local Safaricom SIM is usually cheaper and faster. • Wi-Fi: Most hotels and cafes in Nairobi have reliable, free Wi-Fi. However, connection speeds can vary in the lush hills of Tigoni, so having mobile data is a helpful backup for using Google Maps or Uber.
Travel Note
To make sure you’re fully prepared for the magic of Nairobi and the beauty of Tigoni, here are a few "insider tips" for your journey. 🔌 Power & Adapters • Plug Type: Kenya uses Type G (the British-style 3-rectangular-pin plug). • Voltage: The standard voltage is 240V. • Tip: If you are coming from the US, check your devices (hairdryers) to ensure they are "Dual Voltage." Most phone and laptop chargers are already dual-voltage and only need the plug adapter. 💧 Water & Health • Hydration: Always drink bottled or filtered water. It is also best to use bottled water for brushing your teeth. • Sun Protection: Nairobi is at a high altitude and close to the equator—the sun is much stronger than it feels! Pack high-SPF sunscreen and a hat. 🛡️ Staying Safe Nairobi is a vibrant city, but like any major hub, it's important to stay alert: • Transport: Stick to Uber or Bolt rather than hailing taxis on the street. • Valuables: Keep expensive jewelry to a minimum and keep your phone secure in public areas or near open car windows. • Identification: It is a legal requirement to carry a copy of your ID (passport/driver's license) with you. A digital copy or a printed photo on your phone is usually sufficient. 🚫 The Plastic Bag Ban Kenya is strictly plastic-free to protect its environment. It is illegal to bring single-use plastic carrier bags into the country. * Tip: Avoid using plastic bags to wrap shoes or toiletries in your luggage. • Exception: Ziploc bags for toiletries are generally permitted, but avoid any "grocery style" or duty-free plastic bags. 🧥 The Tigoni Chill While Nairobi is warm, Tigoni (where our venue is located) is much cooler due to the high altitude. • Evening Wear: Even if it’s a hot day, the temperature drops significantly at night. We highly recommend bringing a warm wrap, shawl, or light jacket for the reception.