Kenya is the land that has given delivery to the preferred African exercise for vacationers, particularly the safari, and its straightforward to see why. Blessed with large topographical variety stretching over 4 climatic zones and that includes coral reefs, desert landscapes, volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, Kenya has it multi function.
Inhabiting these numerous landscapes and wilderness areas are Kenya’s world-famous wildlife, which could be considered from horseback, 4×4 automobile, verandah or on foot. There are over 1000 species of birds and big colonies of vibrant butterflies. Also engaging is the wealthy historical past, which dates again to the Stone Age, and the varied cultures expressed via the sought-after arts and crafts.
So, if you’re lazing on the white sand seashores of unique Mombasa or gazing on the world’s biggest wildlife spectacle, the annual wildebeest migration, you’re positive to get pleasure from a world-class expertise.
CAPITAL:
Nairobi
CLIMATE:
Four climatic zones exist: tropical, equatorial, semi-desert and desert. Only two seasons are recognized, particularly dry and wet. Due to altitude and topographical variations of the varied areas, these seasons and temperatures should not uniform and range significantly. However, on the whole the local weather is heat and humid on the coast, cool and humid within the central highlands, and sizzling and dry within the north and east.
CURRENCY:
The official forex is the Kenya Shilling. Traveller’s cheques are broadly accepted and plenty of accommodations, journey companies, safari firms and eating places settle for bank cards. Foreign forex akin to US {dollars}, British kilos and Deutschmarks could be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and approved accommodations. There are not any restrictions on the quantity of international forex that may be introduced into Kenya, however taking out greater than 500,000 Kenya Shillings requires written authorization from the Central Bank. Before departure, travellers are suggested to transform any extra Kenya Shillings into international forex at a financial institution or bureau de change. Departure taxes could be paid in native or international forex.
ELECTRICITY:
220/240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are 3-pin sq..
HEALTH:
A yellow fever vaccination is beneficial if the traveller comes from an contaminated nation or space. Visitors are additionally suggested to take pre-arrival precautions towards typhoid, hepatis A, polio, malaria and meningitis relying on the realm visited and time of yr. Other well being considerations embody cholera, rabies, the Nairobi beetle (do not contact, threaten or kill), dysentery and diarrhoea.
LANGUAGE:
English is the official language, however Kiswahili is the nationwide language.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Year’s Day (1 Jan); Good Friday (09 Apr); Easter Monday (12 Apr); Labour Day (1 May); Madaraka Day (01 Jun); Moi Day (10 Oct); Kenyatta’s Day (20 Oct); End of Ramadan (14 Nov); Independance Day (12 Dec); Christmas Day (25 Dec); Boxing Day (26 Dec)
SHOPPING:
Traditional artefacts, beaded jewelry and ornamental objects, animal wooden and soapstone carvings, furnishings, espresso, treasured stones, furnishings, Khanga and Kikoy cloths, musicical devices, fashionable artwork, basket work e.g. Kiondoo/Chondo sisal baskets, Maasai Shukka blankets, ‘Thousand Miler’ sandals, ‘elephant hair’ bracelets.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
Culture here’s a mixture of the fashionable and the standard, with European habits prevailing all through the nation. Kenyans are a really pleasant nation and you may costume informally for many events.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT +3
TIPPING:
Not necessary. Guides, drivers, waiters and resort employees could be tipped at your discretion.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
Maasai Mara:
National Reserve The world’s most well-known Game Reserve because of the annual wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migration over this huge plain providing breathtaking views; residence to a profusion of wildlife and birds; actions embody glorious sport viewing yr spherical, balloon rides and chicken watching.
Tsavo East and West:
The twin nationwide parks of Tsavo, totalling 10 million acres of wilderness, kind Kenya’s largest National Park, which make it ultimate for many who get pleasure from solitude; of the 2 Tsavo West is visited extra; other than the wildlife and birds, go to Lugard Falls, the volcanic Mzima springs and a singular underwater observatory.
Mombasa:
One of the world’s most unique tropical ports with a turbulent historical past. Visit the magnificent Fort Jesus and harbour, see the Arab structure in Old Town and odor the scent of spices. Many effective temples and mosques could be explored such because the Shiva Temple, the Baluchi mosque and the Dawoodi Bohra Mosque. Also do not miss the Mombasa Marine National Park, the Moi Avenue gateway arch, dhow cruises and the seashores.
Amboseli National Park:
One of the preferred nationwide parks in Kenya with a variety of lodging; the panorama is dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro and the park is known for its massive sport and scenic magnificence; chicken life is ample.
Lake Nakuru National Park:
Famous for its flamingoes and so well-liked with chicken watchers and different nature lovers. Make full use of the view level and go to the Euphobia forest.
Mount Kenya National Park:
The nation is called after Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. For mountain climbers and hikers, it affords straightforward and difficult ascents with very good scenic magnificence. The native tribes imagine it’s the residence of Ngai (God). Various distinctive, uncommon and endangered species could be discovered right here and there’s ample chicken life.
Lamu:
A peaceable tropical island with an interesting historical past, which could be explored within the winding streets of its medieval stone city, a World Heritage Site partly as a consequence of it being the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa.
Lake Turkana National Parks:
The three nationwide parks function a stopover for migrant waterfowl and are main breeding grounds for the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus and a wide range of venomous snakes. Turkana is excellent for the examine of plant and animal communities and the Koobi Fora fossil deposits have contributed extra to the understanding of paleo-environments than another web site in Africa, it’s also probably the most saline of Africa’s massive lakes and a World Heritage Site.
Aberdare National Park:
A should for panorama lovers, the place one can view spectacular mountains, waterfalls, rainforest, trout streams, moorlands, thickets of large heath, caves, ample chicken life, duikers, the black rhino and the elusive, uncommon Bongo – a forest antelope. This space is right for walks, picnics, trout fishing, tenting and evening sport viewing.
Mount Elgon National Park:
One of Kenya’s most lovely and pristine areas the place you could find large bushes, about 400 animals, over 240 chicken species and ‘cave elephants’ that enterprise deep into the 4 caves at evening to feed on the salt wealthy deposits. Mount Elgon can also be a well-known botanical locality with an awesome wealth of Afro alpine flowers. Hot springs happen and sport fishing is well-liked on the Suam river.
