FAQ

Where and when will the festival take place?

The festival will take place in Mpesa Foundation Academy which is a boarding High School in Thika, a town 40km far from Nairobi. It will take place from the 22nd to 29th of august 2020.



Is Kenya a safe country to travel to?

By choosing Kenya, we've chosen a safe country to host the first Africa Cantat Festival. For further informations, please check the current travel advises of the foreign affairs of your country. Mpesa Foundation Academy is a residental High School which is based a bit outside of Thika. It's an enclosed area where you'll find only participants of the festival Africa Cantat, Staff members of MFA, their families and security guards. Be aware not to move around alone outside of MFA, if you're not familiar with Thika and the surrounding area. Check travel advises in english: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya in french: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/kenya/ in german: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/aussenpolitik/laender/kenia-node



How safe is Mpesa Foundation Academy as our accomodation?

Mpesa academy is a residental High School, in which your safety is guaranteed. On the campus you will find only staff members of MFA, their families, students or other participants of the festival. Nevertheless, it will be good to carry your valuables with you or to lock them in your room.



How big are the rooms we will be staying in?

All rooms will be 4-bed rooms. If you prefer staying in a single room, we'll be happy if you like to book a Hotel close by Mpesa Foundation Academy. This will have to be booked and covered by yourself. We'll be happy supporting you to find a hotel. Soon you will find further informations about available hotels here.



Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?

Depending on your origin country, you might have to get a visa in advance – or you can get it on arrival at the airport. For more detailed informations check the eVisa service: https://www.evisa-kenya.com



How far is Mpesa Academy from the center of Nairobi?

Mpesa Foundation Academy is located in Thika, which is a town about 45km from Nairobi. The easiest and safest way to reach Nairobi Town is using Uber or Bolts for transport. This will cost you around 15 to 20USD per vehicle. Anyway, downloading those Apps before coming to Kenya is always a good idea! If there is no vehicle in the area available, we'll be happy to find a driver for you. Just come to the festival office and we'll help you out!



Is it possible to take a day off from Ateliers to discover Nairobi or the environment?

We like you to get the most out of your stay here at Festival Africa Cantat. So, for the idea of the Ateliers to perform during a concert on the last day of the festival, it will be really good to participate every day. In case you rather decide to take a day off, just inform the Atelier guide in advance. There will be one afternoon off for you to discover either Nairobi National Parc or other attractions around Thika and Nairobi. You'll be able to book that during the first days of your stay in our Festival Office for additional fees.



Do I have to participate with a choir or can I also participate as an individual?

You can either participate with your choir or individually. The registration procedure will be the same and you'll also choose an atelier as well as you'll perform in the final concert, together with other atelier participants.



Is it possible to use public transport to move around?

The best way of moving around in Nairobi and the area is by using a cab or an Uber. The festival will offer a shuttle from and to the airport which you can book in advance. If there is no Uber available, we'll be happy to find a driver for you. Just come to the festival office and ask for one! If you like to try using public transport, which is called Matatu, ask one of the volunteers to explain the route you need. Since there is no schedule, you'll need support to find the right route. Please take care of your belongings while using a Matatu and enjoy the exciting experience of moving around by public transport in Thika!