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Kenya is the land that has given birth to the most popular African activity among tourists, namely the safari, and it is easy to see why. Blessed with tremendous topographic diversity that spans over four climate zones and features coral reefs, desert landscapes, volcanoes, and snow-capped mountains, Kenya has it all in one.
Inhabiting these diverse landscapes and wilderness areas are Kenya’s world-famous wildlife, which can be viewed on horseback, in a 4×4 vehicle, on a terrace or on foot. There are more than 1,000 species of birds and huge colonies of colorful butterflies. Also attractive is the rich history, dating back to the Stone Age, and the diverse cultures expressed through the coveted arts and crafts.
So whether you’re lounging on the white sand beaches of exotic Mombasa or watching the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle, the annual wildebeest migration, you’re sure to enjoy a world-class experience.
CAPITAL:
Nairobi
CLIMATIZED:
There are four climatic zones: tropical, equatorial, semi-desert and desert. Only two seasons are identified, namely dry and rainy. Due to differences in elevation and topography in the various regions, these seasons and temperatures are not uniform and vary greatly. In general, however, the climate is hot and humid on the coast, cool and humid in the central highlands, and hot and dry in the north and east.
BADGE:
The official currency is the Kenyan shilling. Traveler’s checks are widely accepted and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept credit cards. Foreign currency, such as US dollars, pounds sterling, and German marks, can be exchanged at authorized banks, exchange offices, and hotels. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya, but taking more than 500,000 shillings out of Kenya requires a written authorization from the Central Bank. Before departure, travelers are advised to convert any excess Kenyan shillings into foreign currency at a bank or exchange office. Exit taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency.
ELECTRICITY:
220/240 volts, 50 Hz. Plugs are 3-pin square.
HEALTH:
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if the traveler is coming from an infected country or area. Visitors are also advised to take pre-arrival precautions against typhoid fever, hepatitis A, polio, malaria, and meningitis, depending on the area visited and the time of year. Other health problems include cholera, rabies, the Nairobi beetle (do not touch, threaten or kill), dysentery and diarrhoea.
IDIOM:
English is the official language, but Kiswahili is the national language.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Year’s Day (January 1); Good Friday (09 Apr); Easter Monday (April 12); Labor Day (May 1); Madaraka Day (June 1); Day of me (October 10); Kenyatta Day (October 20); End of Ramadan (November 14); Independence Day (December 12); Christmas Day (December 25); Boxing Day (December 26)
SHOPPING:
Traditional Artifacts, Beaded Jewelry and Decorative Items, Wood and Soapstone Animal Carvings, Furniture, Coffee, Gemstones, Furnishings, Khanga and Kikoy Fabrics, Musical Instruments, Modern Art, Basketry eg Kiondoo/Chondo Sisal Baskets, Maasai Shukka blankets, ‘Thousand Miler Sandals’, ‘elephant hair’ bracelets.
SOCIAL AGREEMENTS:
The culture here is a mix of modern and traditional, with European habits prevalent throughout the country. Kenyans are a very friendly nation and you can dress casually for most occasions.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT+3
TIPS:
It’s not mandatory. Guides, drivers, waiters and hotel staff may be tipped at their discretion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS:
Maasai Mara:
National Reserve The most famous Game Reserve in the world due to the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle over this vast plain that offers impressive views; home to a profusion of wildlife and birds; Activities include excellent year-round game viewing, balloon rides, and bird watching.
Tsavo East and West:
The twin national parks of Tsavo, totaling 10 million acres of wilderness, form the largest National Park in Kenya, making it ideal for those who enjoy solitude; of the two Tsavo West is the most visited; In addition to wildlife and birds, visit Lugard Falls, the Mzima Volcanic Springs, and a unique underwater observatory.
Mombasa:
One of the most exotic tropical ports in the world with a turbulent history. Visit the magnificent Fort Jesus and the port, see the Moorish architecture in the old town and smell the aroma of spices. Many excellent temples and mosques can be explored such as Shiva Temple, Baluchi Mosque and Dawoodi Bohra Mosque. Also don’t miss the Mombasa National Marine Park, the Moi Avenue Gateway Arch, the dhow cruises and the beaches.
Amboseli National Park:
One of the most popular national parks in Kenya with a wide range of accommodation; the landscape is dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro and the park is famous for its big game and scenic beauty; bird life is abundant.
Lake Nakuru National Park:
Famous for its flamingos and very popular with bird watchers and other nature lovers. Make the most of the lookout and visit the Euphobia Forest.
Mount Kenya National Park:
The country is named after Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. For climbers and hikers, it offers easy and challenging ascents with magnificent scenic beauty. Local tribes believe it to be the home of Ngai (God). A number of unique, rare and endangered species can be found here and there is abundant bird life.
The woman:
A tranquil tropical island with a fascinating history, which can be explored in the winding streets of its medieval stone town, a World Heritage Site in part because it is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa.
Lake Turkana National Parks:
The three national parks serve as stopovers for migratory waterfowl and are major breeding grounds for the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus, and a variety of venomous snakes. Turkana is noted for the study of plant and animal communities and the Koobi Fora fossil deposits have contributed more to the understanding of paleoenvironments than any other site in Africa, it is also the most saline of Africa’s great lakes and a World Heritage site.
Aberdare National Park:
A must see for landscape lovers, where you can see spectacular mountains, waterfalls, rainforests, trout streams, moors, giant heath thickets, caves, abundant bird life, duikers, the black rhino and the elusive and rare Bongo. , a forest antelope. This area is ideal for hiking, picnicking, trout fishing, camping, and night game viewing.
Mount Elgon National Park:
One of the most beautiful and unspoiled areas in Kenya where you can find giant trees, around 400 animals, over 240 species of birds and ‘cave elephants’ that venture into the four caves at night to feed on the rich deposits of Salt. Mount Elgon is also a famous botanical town with a wealth of Afroalpine flowers. Hot springs are produced and sport fishing is popular in the Suam River.
