WEATHER:
GEOGRAPHY:
Some 583 000 kilometers square, bisected by the equator, inhabited by over 40 different tribes, and populated by the most numerous and varied wildlife in the world, Kenya is the 'Cradle of Mankind' and a land of spectacular contrast. From the pre-historic splendor of the Rift Valley to the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean, from the cultural hub of Nairobi to the game-parks of Tsavo and the Masai Mara, this vast country is a traveler's heaven. Kenya. In Hemingway's words, “Unknowable, unimaginable, unbelievable." And completely unforgettable....read more
ECONOMY:
Before the turn of the twentieth century, Kenya was mainly inhabited by the African peoples and its economy was almost entirely at a subsistence level. Trade with the outside world was almost non-existent except for some Asian and Arab traders along the coast. The construction of the Uganda Railway and the coming to Kenya of the white settlers at the beginning of the 20th century marked a major development in the Kenyan economy. The settlers introduced plantation agriculture, the main crops including, coffee, tea, sisal, wheat and pyrethrum. The settlers also introduced livestock ranching. However towards the end of the colonial era some economic development had started. Africans were gradually allowed to grow cash crops such as coffee and tea, although to a limited extent. Nevertheless, participation of Africans in the modern economy remained limited. In addition almost the entire African labour force was unskilled. The coming of independence in 1963, therefore, generally involved accelerating trends which had already started to emerge, and altering the emphasis given to different objectives. Now tourism is a major contributor to the Kenyan economy.
CLIMATE:
The vegetation which covers the rocks and the wildlife that live there and the overall attractiveness of a climate essentially depend on three major factors: temperature, rainfall and humidity. In Kenya these three factors are con trolled by altitude. In general the low areas are very hot and the temperature falls as the land rises. The low areas also tend to have poor rainfall and a dry atmosphere with low humidity. The main exceptions are the coastal strip and the area along the shore of Lake Victoria in the west. Both are hot with high rainfall and high humidity.
MAJOR CITIES:
NAIROBI:
Just 140km south of the equator between the port of Mombasa on the Indian Ocean, 494 km to the east, and Lake Victoria, 338 km to the west at an altitude of 1670 m, lies Nairobi. It was not until the turn of the century when the Uganda railway reached half way across East Africa at "Enkare Nyarobe" (the place of the cold water), in 1896 that the area become a permanent settlement. In 1907 the British moved the colonial administration from Mombasa to Nairobi and since them, what was once a small group of huts has grown spectacularly into East Africa's most modern city. Nairobi's moderate climate, rich history, modern facilities and central location makes it an obvious start to any visit to Kenya.
MOMBASA AND THE COASTLINE:
The Kenya Coastline is truly a distinctive part of the country with a rich romantic history dating back over a 1000 years. It is home of the Miji Kenda civilization (the nine tribes who inhabited the area) from whose dialects the Swahili language, Kenya's Lingua Franca, evolved to be spoken across half of Africa. The island town of Mombasa, besides being the headquarters of the province, is the main sea gate on the Eastern African coastline and is Kenya's oldest and second major metropolis. Along the palm fringed coastline lies a spectacular coral reef running almost uninterrupted for 480 km teeming with wonders of marine life, lagoons, creeks and overwhelming bird life in mangrove forests or overhanging cliffs. These together with a variety of entertainment make a holiday at the coast a truly memorable experience. The 16th century fort Jesus in the old town is important for it's historical significance. The Fort is the oldest in Africa built by the Portuguese explorers. It is now a national museum and houses well preserved artifacts and relics, some dating 300 years ago. A visit to the fort is a journey back in time. At the end of your visit you may enjoy a refreshing chilled class of lime juice atop the battlements symbolic of the turbulent history of the Fort cooled by breezes from the Indian Ocean. Shimoni to the south of Mombasa is a popular fishing village. Nearby Funzi Island provides ideal bathing conditions and there is a Marine National Park. A variety of water sports are available at several hotels centered on the Diani Beach about 40km from Mombasa and the Shimba Hills National Reserve offer excursions for wildlife viewing. Jumba la Mtwana to the north offers insights to life during the 15'th and 16'th centuries when the economic and trading life of the Swahili people centered mainly on agriculture, wood carving, mangrove cutting, fishing, metal work, quarrying, boat building and construction as well as trade in ivory and gold.
BEST TIME TO GO:
The best time to go is traditionally July - February. The classic safari from July to September, as this is when the Mara provides one of nature's most dramatic spectacles, the annual migration of over a million wildebeest and zebras, teeming from the south to cross the Mara River into the Masai Mara National Reserve.
BORDER POSTS:
The major crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania is at Namanga, which is open 24 hours a day. Other crossings include Lunga Lunga and Taveta. The Ethiopian border post of Moyale is becoming increasingly dangerous because of civil fighting. The border was closed for a while but has now reopened. For those with four-wheel drive vehicles, a more adventurous route to the west near Lake Turkana is quite popular. Ask the locals for advice before trying this route. There is no border post on either side of the border crossing so you'll have to get your visa stamped in Nairobi. Malaba and Busimia are the main Ugandan border posts. At present there are no overland crossings with Somalia and Sudan as it is not safe to cross unless part of a refugee convoy.
BANKS:
All major currencies can be changed in East Africa, there are in principle no restriction in dealing with foreign currencies. Barclays Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank, which have a substantial network of branches in Kenya, also in resorts, provide local currency at ATMs against Visa or Master card. Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Some branches open on Saturdays from 9:00am to 11:00am. Many banks are now equipped with 24 hour ATM machines. The Bank branches at Jomo Kenyatta International airport (Nairobi) and Moi International Airport both run 24 hour forex services.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
Regulations regarding health may change from time to time, therefore a check with any airline flying scheduled flights to Kenya is advised. There is high malaria prevalence in some parts of Kenya and visitors are advised to take anti-malarial drugs two weeks before departing for Kenya. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is also required when entering Kenya
MEDICAL SERVICES:
There are good medical facilities in major towns and Nairobi has excellent medical specialists.
CURRENCY:
The Kenya shilling is freely exchangeable, and most major facilities accept major credit cards. The official currency is the Kenya Shilling. The written abbreviation is either KSh or using /= after the amount (i.e. 500/=). Available Notes are 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings. Available coins are 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings. Visitors to Kenya should change foreign currency at banks, bureau de change or authorized hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds sterling and Deutschmarks. Travelers Cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept Credit Cards. Most Banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on credit cards. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya. Before departure, travelers are advised to convert any excess Kenya shillings into foreign currency at a bank or bureau de change before departure. Departure taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency. Anyone wishing to take more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.
LANGUAGES:
English, Swahili and local languages are spoken.
SHOPPING:
If you'd like to take home more than just memories of your trip to Kenya, you'll find a wide range of local products that make ideal souvenirs or gifts. Kenyan products are as diverse and unique as the country itself. There are traditional artifacts, fantastic jewellrey, beautiful carvings, the world's best coffee, precious stones, furniture, beautiful cloth, excellent local music, wonderful modern art and so much more to be found. Excellent, well stocked gift shops can be found in may hotels, lodges and camps throughout the country. But often real finds can be found a little further off the beaten track. For the dedicated bargain hunter, Kenya's markets are the place to be. Markets selling all kinds of local arts and crafts can be found all over the country. In Nairobi, there are large open air markets held each week. Bargaining is the expected norm in Markets and even in some shops throughout Kenya. The art of bargaining has deep roots in Kenyan culture, and is regarded as an essential business skill. Visitors to Kenya should never be afraid to bargain; it is expected and rarely considered offensive. Opening prices are always an exaggerated gambit, and considered the first step in a long process of bargaining. The real price is usually somewhere in the lower vicinity of half the initial price. How close you come to the real price is up to you. Bargaining can be a long and convoluted process, involving protracted negotiations. Some westerners can find this frustrating, but it is an essential and usually amicable custom. If you are in a hurry and need to move on, it is the usual practice to finalize proceedings by declaring your 'absolute final price' (the Bei ya Mwisho) and asking for theirs. If you can both agree a figure between the two then the deal is done. The basic rule of bargaining is this: Bargain hard but don't be unreasonable. Don't forget that some work, especially good quality carvings and beaded jewellrey, takes a long time to make and involves a lot of hard work. Prices need to be fair from both sides. Some tourists barter goods like old t-shirts, pens and other items for local handicrafts. This practice can be culturally questionable, and it is usually much preferred to use money. Giving sweets and candy for children should definitely be avoided.
The following are samples of some of the best buys in Kenya:
- Basket Work
- Carving
- Artifacts
- Cloth, Clothing and Textiles
- Jewelry
- Musical Instruments
CULTURE AND RELIGION:
Coast Light clothing due to high humidity. Cotton and loose fitting garments are comfortable. Other towns Knee length shorts or skirts and T-shirts are acceptable. To a place of worship, men should wear long trousers and ladies skirts below the knee.
TRAVEL GUIDE:
Climate:
Kenya has different topographical regions that experience distinct climate. The hottest period is February and March while the coldest period is July and August. In the coastal region the weather is generally humid with temperatures ranging from 21C to 32C.The low plateau area to the north and north east are the driest parts of the country with temperature ranging from 19C to 37C.The temperate highlands including the city of Nairobi are generally cooler with temperatures between 13C and 25C
Facilities:
Kenya boasts world-class transport infrastructure, telecommunications, banking, medical and tourism facilities. Accommodation caters for all needs and is accredited by the national Tourism Grading Council, which upholds very high standards.
Electricity:
All areas in Kenya are supplied with 220/250 volts AC and the plug in use are 3-square pin and 2-pin. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical advice, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where appropriate.
Driving:
Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving license issued and valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English. If your driver’s licence does not meet these requirements, an international driver’s license is required. Driving is on the left and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory.
Peoples & Language:
The official language in Kenya is English and the national language is Swahili. Most people in Urban areas speak English while the vast majority in both urban and rural areas speak swahili.
Safety:
Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists, provided you take basic common-sense precautions like not walking alone in deserted areas at night, not flashing photographic equipment or jewellerys and maintaining a safe following distance in traffic. Most major cities run organized crime prevention programs and Basic Safety Tip guidelines are available at hotels and tourism information offices. Police Stations are located in all parts of the country.
Food & Water:
Kenya’s tap water is potable and some of the safest and cleanest in the world but it is advisable to drink bottled water. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots the standards of hygiene and food preparation are generally top-notch. It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks - a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or in the bush. Restaurants provide a wide variety of cuisines and visitors are normally very impressed with the food. The country’s many cultures make for varied traditional fare that is definitely worth exploring.
Time Zone:
Kenya is in the GMT +3 time zones, the same as Baghdad, Kuwait, Riyadh, Moscow and Tbilisi. It does not apply daylight saving, so its relative time remains constant.
