10 top tips for selling Kenya
When it comes to selling Kenya, the charm and vibrancy of the destination means you don't have to work too hard.
But in order to keep intrepid travellers flying to this fascinating country, we give you our top agent tips for selling this African gem to your clients.
1. Depending on clients' needs and budget, suggest they book during the wet season as hotels have more rooms available at cheaper prices and tourist sites aren't as crowded.
This doesn’t necessarily mean missing out on great experiences as the annual migration occurs during this time.
2. Being situated so close to the equator, Kenya is understandably a hot place to visit and requires appropriate summer clothing to manage the heat. Inform your clients that they also need to bring warmer clothing for evening drives as it gets cool at dusk.
3. Plan transfers in advance. Getting from one place to another can often take a long time in Kenya, especially on the rougher roads encountered beyond Kenya’s major town centers.
Flying transfers on light aircraft may prove to be the more comfortable and time efficient alternative while also providing a bird's eye view of the country.
4. Ensure your clients are aware of the appropriate visas required to enter Kenya and the costs involved in obtaining them. Visas can be obtained upon arrival at most international airports.
5. Drinking tap water is not recommended in Kenya, so remember to inform your clients of the risks involved in consuming ice in their drinks and the need to peel fruit and vegetables before consumption. Most properties accommodate for this by using only bottles or filtered water for all their catering needs, but be sure to ask.
6. While English is widely spoken and understood in most parts of Kenya, learning a little of the local Kiswahili/Swahili language is easy and will break the ice when greeting and talking to locals.
7. Tipping is not mandatory but a little generosity is greatly appreciated by the typically low-paid service workers. While most people in Kenya, especially service workers, live on a very limited income they are some of the happiest and most helpful people you could ever meet.
A little generosity in return for services is greatly appreciated.
8. When visiting the local communities or villages it is polite to purchase some of the handmade jewelry as a way of saying thank you. It's certainly a better option than handing out sweets or money to local children. And when visiting markets, be prepared to haggle when making a purchase.
The prices tend to start high but locals love a good negotiation. A wide variety of unique arts and crafts can be obtained at reasonable prices this way.
9. Be considerate of local customs, traditions and cultural practices. Be sure to dress considerately and respectfully especially when entering places of worship.
10. While travel through Kenya is overwhelmingly safe, there are some remote regions of the country that are best avoided. It never hurts to keep an eye on the advisories on the Smart Traveller website to assess travel options.
Similarly, recommend travelling with established and trusted tour operators to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.
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