Journey through Kenya: culture, safari and courtside action.

This December, The Bitcoin Classic is set to make history with its first international tournaments in Kenya and Ghana, marking a bold step in its mission to use elite basketball as a vehicle for Bitcoin education and financial empowerment across the African continent.

Founded in 2021 in Springfield, Massachusetts by Yusuf Abdul-Ali, The Bitcoin Classic was created to use elite basketball as a gateway to introduce underserved communities to Bitcoin, blockchain technology, and financial autonomy. The tournament quickly expanded to cities including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington D.C., building a reputation for high-level competition, community engagement, and innovative educational programming. Through workshops, panels, and partnerships, the Classic has reached thousands of athletes, fans, and entrepreneurs.

Now the movement is going global. In Nairobi, Kenya, The Bitcoin Classic is partnering with Street League Africa (SLA) to host a tournament that blends sport, culture and financial literacy. The event will feature a 5-on-5 men’s competition, a high-flying slam dunk contest, a three-point shootout, interactive Bitcoin workshops and a youth basketball clinic led by The Bitcoin Classic founder Yusuf Abdul-Ali.

In Accra, Ghana, The Bitcoin Classic tournament will be featured as part of the Africa Basketball Festival, a major annual event that attracts over 5,000 basketball enthusiasts from around the world. The festival combines domestic and international basketball matchups with music performances, fashion shows and a basketball seminar, creating a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and youth empowerment.

Backed by Block, Inc., the fintech company founded by Jack Dorsey and FAMBUL GLOBAL, a Pan-African travel and lifestyle brand, The Bitcoin Classic’s Africa expansion is about more than competition, it is about creating long-term impact. By uniting sport, education and technology, the initiative seeks to empower Africa’s next generation with the knowledge and tools to thrive in the digital economy.

The Bitcoin Classic Kenya is designed as a multi-faceted event that engages audiences on and off the court.

• Elite Basketball Tournament: A 5-on-5 men’s single-elimination tournament will bring together the top four local teams, competing for Bitcoin prizes. The competition will also feature high-energy skills challenges, including a three-point shootout and a slam dunk contest to showcase top talent.
  
• Education and Financial Inclusion: Interactive Bitcoin and blockchain workshops will introduce practical, real-world applications to participants and attendees.
  
• Youth Development and Community Engagement: A co-ed youth basketball clinic led by The Bitcoin Classic founder Yusuf Abdul-Ali will focus on skill-building, mentorship and empowerment.
  
• Strategic Partnerships and Institutional Engagement: Collaborations with leading universities, innovation hubs and tech accelerators will extend the reach of the event, advancing financial literacy and digital inclusion across the region.

Yes, unless you are exempt. As of January 2024, Kenya requires most visitors to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before travel. You cannot board your flight without it. Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before departure, but apply 2–3 weeks ahead to avoid delays. Apply only via the official site: www.etakenya.go.ke.

You’ll need:

Passport valid 6+ months with at least one blank page

Proof of accommodation (your hotel confirmation)
A return or onward ticket
Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from a risk country

Exemptions: Citizens of East African Community states (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC) and some other countries (including Ghana, Jamaica, Barbados, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Zambia, Zimbabwe) may stay up to 90 days without an eTA. Diplomatic/official passport holders on duty are also exempt

Always check the official list on etakenya.go.ke before you book to confirm your specific requirements.

Traveler Tip: Print your eTA approval and carry it with your passport, immigration may request a hard copy.

Kenya is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular destinations like Nairobi, the Maasai Mara and coastal areas such as Mombasa and Diani. Like in any major city, travelers should stay alert in crowded areas and avoid displaying valuables. Some regions near border areas may be more volatile, but these are far from tourist routes. Traveling with a trusted tour operator ensures a secure experience, especially for safaris and city excursions. Always carry a copy of your passport and entry stamp, keeping original documents in a secure location. Keep updated on travel advisories, follow local guidance and you’ll enjoy a rich and rewarding trip.

Travel insurance is MANDATORY for all FAMBUL GLOBAL TRIPS to protect against trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage and unexpected travel disruptions. While travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for entry into Kenya by the government, it is mandatory for all our travelers.

Your policy should cover medical emergencies, evacuation and repatriation, trip cancellations or delays and lost or stolen baggage. If you plan to join adventure activities such as safaris, make sure they are included in your coverage. 

Traveler Tip: Always carry a digital and printed copy of your policy and emergency contact numbers.

Requirements depend on your nationality, travel history and personal health. Always consult your clinician or a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before your departure (some vaccines require several weeks).

• Entry requirement (conditional): A Yellow Fever certificate is required if you’re traveling from, or transiting through, a country with risk of Yellow Fever. Travelers aged 1 year and above in this category must carry the certificate.
  
• Commonly recommended vaccines:
  
  • Yellow Fever: Advised for nearly all travelers aged 9 months and older, even if not strictly required.
    
  • Hepatitis A & Typhoid: Both spread through food and water and are strongly recommended, especially if you’ll eat outside major hotels or visit rural areas.
    
  • Hepatitis B: Important if you may have medical procedures, new piercings/tattoos, or intimate contact.
    
  • Rabies: Recommended for long stays, rural travel, or expected contact with animals.
    
  • Cholera: Sometimes advised for travelers visiting areas with active outbreaks.
    
  • Routine vaccines: Make sure you’re up-to-date on MMR, polio, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, varicella and influenza. Older travelers may also be advised to get shingles and pneumonia protection.
    
• Malaria: Kenya has moderate malaria risk in many areas. The CDC recommends malaria prophylaxis medication, which must often be started days before travel and continued after you return. Combine this with insect repellents, nets and covered clothing at night.

Traveler Tip: Don’t leave this last minute — some vaccines need multiple doses or take time to work.

Malaria is common in many regions, especially outside central Nairobi and highland areas, so antimalarial precautions are recommended. Western Kenya, in particular, has an especially high risk of malaria. Yellow fever is a risk in some areas and vaccination may be required depending on your travel history. Other mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue and Chikungunya are also present. 

​Other potential concerns include hepatitis A and B, typhoid and traveler’s diarrhea, stick to bottled water and well-cooked food. Nairobi and Mombasa offer decent healthcare, but rural areas may have limited services and hospitals often require payment before treatment. Be cautious around wildlife and avoid swimming in freshwater lakes to prevent schistosomiasis, an endemic parasitic disease. Travel insurance with medical coverage and evacuation is strongly advised for all visitors. 

No, it’s generally not safe to drink tap water in Kenya. Tap water may contain bacteria, parasites, or other contaminants that could cause illness, especially for visitors not accustomed to local water sources. To stay healthy, drink only bottled, filtered, or boiled water. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth and avoid ice unless you’re sure it was made with purified water. Many hotels and restaurants cater to international travelers and offer safe drinking water.

Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Cash is essential for small purchases, taxis and local markets, but larger hotels, restaurants and shops in Nairobi and other cities usually accept Visa and Mastercard.

ATMs are widely available in cities, though less so in rural areas. Use machines located inside secure places like banks, malls, or airports. If you prefer mobile payments, M-Pesa is Kenya’s most widely used system and can be set up quickly with a local SIM card.

It’s useful to carry a mix: some cash in small denominations, at least one international credit/debit card and (if you’ll be staying a while) access to M-Pesa. 

Traveler Tip: avoid carrying large sums of any currency for safety.

Kenya has two official languages: English and Kiswahili (Swahili). English is commonly used in business, education and tourism, so most travelers will have no trouble communicating, especially in cities and tourist areas. Swahili, however, is the national language and is spoken by nearly everyone across the country. It’s a unifying language and used in everyday conversation, media and signage. Kenya is also linguistically diverse, with 42 different ethnic groups and dozens of indigenous languages spoken regionally, including Kikuyu, Luo and Luhya. The average Kenyan often speaks at least three different languages. A more modern language spoken among younger generations is Sheng, a hybrid of Swahili and English with words from other indigenous languages. Learning a few basic Swahili phrases (like Jambo for hello or Asante for thank you) is appreciated and can enhance your experience by showing respect for Kenya’s culture.

Kenya uses the Type G plug, identical to the UK standard with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The electrical voltage is 240V at a frequency of 50Hz. Travelers from countries using different plug types or lower voltages (like 110V in the U.S.) should bring a Type G adapter. For most modern electronics like phones, tablets and laptops, which are typically dual-voltage rated (‘INPUT: 100-240V’), only a travel adapter is needed. However, high-voltage appliances like hairdryers that are not dual-voltage may need a voltage converter. To stay charged while exploring, a universal travel adapter with surge protection is a great travel companion.

Tipping is common and appreciated in Kenya, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. While not mandatory, it is a common part of the culture and most service workers often rely on tips as a significant part of their income, directly supporting their livelihoods. 

​General Tipping Guidelines:

Restaurants: 10% if a service charge isn’t included
Safari Guides/Drivers: US$10–20 per person per day
Porters: KSh 100–200 per bag
Housekeeping: KSh 200–500 per night
Hotel Tip Box: Some hotels provide a communal box at reception for contributions shared among staff

Use Kenyan shillings (KES) where possible and carry small denominations for convenience.

Kenyan cuisine is diverse, reflecting the country’s many ethnic groups and regions. While there is no single dish that represents all of Kenya’s cuisine, certain foods are universally consumed. Expect hearty staples and coastal spice: 

​Ugali: A dense maize flour porridge, often served as a staple accompaniment to stews and vegetables. 

​Sukuma Wiki: Collard greens or kale, often simmered with tomato and onion. 

​Nyama Choma: Grilled meat (typically goat or sheep), considered an unofficial national dish, often enjoyed communally and served with ugali and kachumbari (fresh salsa). 

​Coastal Cuisine: Offers rich, spiced flavors with coconut milk and fresh seafood, such as pilau (spiced rice dish) and biryani (layered rice dish), reflecting Indian influences. Wali wa Nazi (rice cooked with coconut) is another flavorful coastal staple. 

​Other Popular Dishes: Chapati (flatbread similar to Indian paratha) , samosas, mandazi (fried dough/Kenyan doughnuts) , Maharagwe (red beans in coconut milk sauce) , Matoke (plantain bananas cooked with spices)  and Githeri (boiled kidney beans and corn kernels). 

Kenyan food is generally hearty and not overly spicy, though chili sauces are often provided on the side for those who want extra heat. The diversity is influenced by varied ethnic groups, geography and historical trade routes, making food exploration a key part of the cultural experience. 

Kenya is culturally diverse and places strong emphasis on politeness and respect, especially toward elders. A few key customs will help you navigate with ease:

• Greetings: Always greet first. Handshakes are common, sometimes with a slight bow of the head. A smile goes a long way, and simple phrases in local languages are warmly received.
  
• Respect Elders: Elders are highly valued. Use polite titles like Baba (father) or Mama (mother), and stand when an elder enters or speaks.
  
• Right Hand: Use your right hand when shaking hands, eating, or giving and receiving items.
  
• Dress: Modesty matters, especially in rural, religious, or non-tourist areas. Women should avoid revealing clothing; men should not wear sleeveless tops in formal or religious spaces.
  
• Photography: Always ask before taking photos of people. Avoid sensitive sites like government buildings or security areas.
  

Other Important Don’ts:

• Don’t touch someone’s head — considered sacred in many communities.
  
• Don’t point with a finger; use your whole hand or chin.
  
• Avoid political debates and public displays of affection.
  
• Remove shoes when entering homes and accept offered food or drink.
  
• Respect wildlife: stay in vehicles, avoid feeding animals, and keep noise low.
  
• Dispose of litter responsibly.
  

Approaching interactions with curiosity and respect will enrich your experience and strengthen connections across Kenya’s diverse cultures.

Kenya is in the East Africa Time (EAT) zone, which is UTC+3. The country does not observe daylight saving time and has not done so since July 1942, so the time remains the same throughout the year. For travelers, this means Kenya is 3 hours ahead of London (GMT), 8 hours ahead of New York (EST) and 11 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PST) during the standard time season. The steady time zone helps with travel planning and coordination. Be sure to update your phone or watch upon arrival so you can keep on schedule for safaris, tours and local experiences.

Yes, mobile phones work well in Kenya. Coverage is strong on the main circuits, supported by major operators like Safaricom and Airtel. To save on roaming charges, travelers are encouraged to buy a local SIM card from providers like Safaricom or Airtel. You’ll need to show your passport for SIM registration, as required by Kenyan law. You can easily top up with prepaid data and call bundles. Kenya has strong mobile coverage in major cities and safari destinations, though remote areas may have spotty reception. Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports GSM networks. 

​Acquiring a local SIM card is also the essential gateway to fully leveraging M-Pesa, which is standard for local transactions and crucial for daily financial activities. Many mobile operators in Kenya also support eSIM technology, offering a convenient option for travelers with eSIM-compatible devices, potentially streamlining the process of obtaining local connectivity without needing a physical SIM card upon arrival. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes and restaurants.

ATMs are widely accessible throughout Kenya, especially in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, as well as major tourist hubs. Most machines accept international cards (Visa and Mastercard) and you can withdraw Kenyan shillings (KES). Be aware of foreign transaction fees and daily limits. Let your bank know you’ll be traveling to avoid any issues. In rural or remote areas, ATMs may be less common or out of service, so having some cash on hand is wise. Kenya also has a robust mobile money system (M-Pesa), which can be used for many everyday purchases and transfers. It is advisable to diversify your payment methods, including cash, cards and mobile money, for a robust and adaptable payment strategy across various settings.

Bargaining is common in Kenya, particularly in markets and with street vendors. Places like Nairobi’s Maasai Market or Mombasa’s Old Town are great spots for bargaining. Vendors may start with higher prices and it’s normal to negotiate to find a price that works for both parties. Bargaining is also part of the experience in souvenir shopping and at local markets. However, always approach negotiations with respect and good humor—Kenyan vendors appreciate a friendly attitude. In larger stores or supermarkets, prices are fixed and bargaining is not typically expected.

Yes, you can generally drive in Kenya with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 90 days (three months) after entry. However, Kenyan law mandates foreign drivers to hold a valid home country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally drive on Kenyan roads. It is not merely a recommendation; major rental companies all require an International Driving License. Failure to possess an IDP may result in a fine, which can range from 3,000 to 10,000 Kenyan shillings (approximately 22-72 USD). If you plan to stay longer than three months, you will need to apply for a Kenyan driving permit. 

When driving, ensure you carry the originals of your passport, visa, valid foreign driving license and International Driving License. You also need proof of insurance and that your vehicle is properly registered. Traffic can be unpredictable, especially in urban areas, so driving carefully and adhering to local traffic laws is essential. Note: Kenya drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Not always, but it depends on your bank. Many larger institutions like Capital One and Bank of America no longer require travel notices, relying on fraud-detection systems. However, some banks—especially smaller or regional ones—still advise it.

The best strategy:Check your bank’s website or app for current policy.
If travel notices are still offered, set one up—it takes minutes and prevents card blocks.
Ensure your phone number and email are updated so your bank can reach you.
Enable transaction alerts for extra peace of mind.
Always carry a backup card or some cash.

Nairobi has a mix of transport options:

Rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt are widely available and safer than street taxis.
Matatus (minibuses) are cheap but often overcrowded and unsafe for new visitors.
Private drivers or organized transfers are the most reliable for airport pickups and longer journeys.
Domestic flights connect Nairobi to safari destinations and the coast (Mombasa, Diani, Malindi) quickly and are worth considering.

Traffic in Nairobi is heavy, so always allow extra time for travel.

Essentials include:

Light, breathable clothes for the day and a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.
Neutral-colored clothing for safaris (avoid bright colors and camouflage patterns).
Comfortable walking shoes.
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and strong insect repellent.
Sunscreen and refillable water bottle.
A universal adapter (Kenya uses UK-style plugs, 240V).
If going on safari, binoculars and a good camera are worthwhile additions.

No. Kenya has a strict nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags, including carrier bags, zip-lock bags and duty-free shopping bags. These are not allowed to be brought into the country, even for personal use.

When packing:

Avoid plastic shopping bags and replace them with reusable cloth or canvas bags.
Transparent zip-lock bags used for airport security (for liquids) are permitted only for transit but should be discarded before entering Kenya.
Hotel laundry bags are usually fabric, but double-check to avoid issues.

The ban is enforced at airports and fines can be issued for violations. It’s safest to travel plastic-free.