Yes, international visitors to Kenya need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online through the official eCitizen platform (www.ecitizen.go.ke) or the eTA website (www.etakenya.go.ke). We recommend applying at least two weeks before your travel date and a minimum of 72 hours before departure. You will need a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond your entry date and a digital passport-sized photo. Once approved, download and print your eTA to present to immigration officers upon arrival.

Important: An approved eTA is a pre-authorization but does not guarantee entry into Kenya. Immigration officials retain the right to deny entry. Always use the official government websites for your application to avoid scams.

The best option for safe and convenient travel from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is to use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Little Cab. You can also take a taxi from the airport (always negotiate the price beforehand), though the fare will likely be higher than an Uber. We do not recommend using buses or "matatus" (local minibuses) for airport transfers.

For getting around Nairobi during your stay, Uber and Little Cab remain the most reliable options.

Hearth Summit Nairobi will be held at the Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary in the Karen area of Nairobi. The venue also offers accommodation from $200/night, providing the convenience of no transport needed to and from the Summit.

Alternative accommodation options:

• Airbnb: Numerous options within a 10 to 30 minute drive from the venue. Book and pay directly through the Airbnb platform.
• Hotels in Karen: The Drexel Hotel, Severine Cottages & Lounge, Maison Mitwaba, The Cycads

Note on traffic: Road traffic can be heavy during rush hour (7am-9am and 3:30pm-6:30pm on weekdays). Plan accordingly depending on how far your accommodation is from the Summit venue.

Kenya uses the Kenya Shilling (KES). Exchange rates (as of September 2026): 1 USD = 129 KES, 1 Euro = 150 KES, 1 British Pound = 172 KES.

Where to exchange currency:

• Forex bureaus (official money exchanges) - best rates
• Banks
• Airport kiosks - typically the least favorable rates

Payment methods: Card payments are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls, but cash or mobile money (M-Pesa) is preferred in local markets. A local Safaricom SIM card is needed to use M-Pesa.

ATMs: Available throughout Nairobi. Ensure your card allows international withdrawals.

Cash handling tip: Carry smaller denomination notes (100, 200, or 500 KES) and avoid displaying large amounts of money in public.

For those who don’t want to buy another number or only want data, we recommend Airalo (https://www.airalo.com/) to buy data. Use the code WILDMANGO when checking out to receive a 10-20% discount. This code persists beyond the Summit so feel free to use it in the future.

Important: Make sure to buy an internet pack with validity covering the duration of your stay.

Nairobi in early 2026 will be warm during the day with daily temperatures ranging from 15-26°C (59-79°F). Lightweight clothing and sunscreen are recommended for daytime. However, nights can get chilly, so pack some warm clothing such as scarves and light sweaters.

Cultural Environment: Kenya has a relatively stable political climate, a free society, and democratic institutions. Nairobi is a very diverse city with a history of cultural openness and religious tolerance. Casual clothing is acceptable and encouraged for the Summit. English is widely spoken in Nairobi.

Safety Tips:

• Violent crimes and guns are rare, but street crime (pickpocketing, purse-snatching) is common in certain areas
• Be careful around the downtown area and when walking in crowded streets
• Foreign visitors may often be approached by vendors looking to sell something
• Always carry photocopies of your ID or Passport
• Feel free to explore Nairobi and the city's outskirts, but try to avoid isolated areas after sundown

Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority during the Hearth Summit. We have a comprehensive emergency response system in place, including on-site medical staff and direct communication channels with local emergency services. For any urgent situation during the event, our organizing team is available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance and coordinate with the appropriate emergency services.

Hearth Summit Nairobi Organizing Team:

For any emergency during the Summit or if you need immediate assistance, please contact our organizing team who will be available throughout the event. They can help coordinate medical assistance, security concerns, or any urgent matters requiring immediate attention.

• Primary Contact: Jonathan Munge | +254 710 351104
• Backup Contact: Winnie Mungai | +254 726 983176
• Email: jonathan.munge@axum.earth or winnie.mungai@axum.earth

Medical and Emergency Services:

The Entim Sidai venue has first aid facilities on-site, and we will have Alpha Ambulance Service staff present throughout the Summit. Karen Hospital, a fully equipped medical facility, is located approximately 15 minutes from the venue. In case of any medical emergency, our team will facilitate immediate transport and communication with medical services.

• Karen Hospital: +254 709 382000
• Alpha Ambulance Service (on-site during Summit): +254 715 000333 / +254 711 475475
• Karen Police Station: +254 721 336999

Important: Save these emergency contacts in your phone before the event. We also recommend having your country's embassy or consulate contact information readily available. At the Summit registration desk, you'll receive an emergency contact card with all essential numbers for quick reference.