Travel to Kenya
Kenya
A great safari attraction
Quick Reference
Currency: 1 Kenyan Shilling = 100 cents
Capital: Nairobi
Time: GMT +3
Main Languages: English and Swahili
Climate: Warm and dry north to humid coastal south. Temporate inland.
Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style square three-pin plugs
Safari Tours
Accommodation
Kenya is a land richly endowed by nature, situated on the east coast of Africa. It is a land where one can view snow-capped mountains one day and laze on palm fringed beaches the next. The lush farmlands contrast with the harsh desert area and the misty highlands with the sun-kissed savannah. Cosmopolitan cities are set amidst the last bastions of great herds of roaming wildlife.
Kenya offers the traveller a great safari attraction. It is also a country of great diversity with much more to offer than only splendid wildlife.
The outdoor enthusiast has a host of choices for adventure. From the coastbeaches and water-based activities, to the mountains which present a challenge to hikers and climbers. The rolling savannahs are a game-viewers paradise.
The country offers fabulous scenery and a variety of tribal cultures. From its central location, the sacred peaks of Mt Kenya which reign over a landscape primarily covered by grasslands and thorn trees, much of it enclosed within its many parks and reserves.
Kenya has a sophisticated tourism infrastructure, with Nairobi and Mombasacontrolling the majority of the tourism trade.
The people are friendly and visitors can choose to do as little or as much as they like, and the combination of wildlife, together with its beaches and mountains, make Kenya a fantastic holiday destination.
Currency
1 Kenyan Shilling (KES)= 100 cents. Kenyan Shillings are difficult to exchange elsewhere in the world, so it is not wise to take too much out the country. Travelers cheques in Sterling or US Dollars are recommended for your trip to Kenya. US Dollars in particular have become commonly used in many of the country's main hotels and safari lodges.
Health
International Travelers should getmedical advice on inoculations and malaria prevention at least three weeks prior to departure. A malaria risk exists all year round. Other risks include diarrhoeal diseases, hepatitis A, B and E and dengue fever. Other health concerns include influenza (risk throughout the year) and AIDS.As a precaution boil or sterilize drinking water when outside towns. Water is of variable quality and visitors are advised to drink bottled water wherever possible. There are good medical facilities in Nairobi and Mombasa but health insurance is essential.
Language
English is the official language and Swahili is the national language, with 42 ethnic languages spoken.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Kenya, however a 10% service charge may be added to bill in more upmarket restaurants. Otherwise small change in local currency may be offered to taxi drivers, porters and waiters. On safari, however, drivers, guides and cooks often rely heavily on tips to get by, but these are discretionary.
Geography and Climate
Due to the geographical diversity Kenya experiences a range of climates from dry northern desert areas to hot humid tropics on the southern coast. Nairobi is more temorate, with cool winters and mild, pleasant summer temperatures.
Religion
A large portion of the population are Protestant and Roman Catholic with a minority following indigenous beliefs and Islam. People enjoy freedom of religion.
Entry Requirements
All visitors must have valid passports, visas and return tickets, but nationals from South Africa will not require visas for stays under 3 months.
Internal Transport
Travel within the country can be conducted by road on good tar surfaces between major centres. For access to wilderness areas, air charter flights are the most convenient, or, in the case of very remote sites, 4X4 vehicles.
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