Asha Cottage is within easy
access (250 metres by foot) to a fully-stocked supermarket and
shopping centre.
When visiting Kenya, visitors are advised that the rainy
seasons - usually in April/May (for two months) and October
(for a couple weeks) may make for a wet stay. However, the seasons
are changing and guests are advised to inquire first with Asha
Cottage about weather forecasts for specific periods. The climate
is such that it often rains in the evening but can be sunny
during the day, even during the lighter rainy season.
||currencies and money
Asha
Cottage accepts Euro, US Dollars, GB Pounds and of course Kenya
Shillings. All currencies may also be exchanged at any of the
local banks - Diani currently has branches of Barclays, Central
Bank of Africa, Equity Bank, Fidelity Bank, Imperial Bank and
Kenya Commercial Bank.
At Asha Cottage we can accept VISA credit cards, but
not Mastercard.
Given the number of banks present, there are also a number
of ATM machines around Diani, where visitors can access their
personal funds from abroad, provided they have ATM cards valid
for international circuits. The major hotels in Diani and some
of the shops and boutiques will accept credit cards - mostly
Visa and/or MasterCard - however it is best to be equipped with
cash as the credit card machines are not always reliable.
||general medical
Diani Beach is
home to two very modern hospitals (with the Diani Beach Hospital
highly recommended by Asha Cottage, see
www.dianibeachhospital.com) both of which can provide a
selection of general practitioners, but also paediatricians,
gynaecologists, surgeons, dentists and other specialists as
may be needed. The latest equipment is available for physiotherapy
and both host very modern laboratories for blood tests and other
analyses. There are three very well stocked chemists in Diani,
and in addition, any medicines not available in Diani may be
ordered through the hospitals and obtained from Mombasa the
next day. Emergency treatment and ambulance service is available
in both hospitals, and both have various operating theatres
available. Both hospitals also accept most major health insurance
schemes.
|| obligatory vaccinations
None. A Yellow
Fever vaccination may be required if guests are arriving in
Kenya from countries where yellow fever is present (in which
case it is essential that one have one's yellow international
vaccination booklet handy).
|| malaria
Malaria is present along Kenya's coastal area, around Lake
Victoria and in many of the parks, particularly during the rainy
season. It is therefore recommended that guests seek medical
advice and take an appropriate anti-malaria prophylaxis. In
all cases, if any symptoms such as fever, joint or bone pain
or general flu-like conditions should appear, visitors should
immediately seek medical assistance locally as opposed to taking
generic antibiotics.
|| entry visa
An entry visa may be obtained through the Embassy of Kenya
in one's country of origin, or upon arrival at the airport (USD
55 or EURO 50). Tourist visas are valid for three months and
can be renewed for an additional three months from within the
country.
A visa application form may be completed online through the
Kenya Airways official website - this is advisable as it
will save you time once you land.
