Kenya is the land that has given delivery to the most well-liked African exercise for vacationers, specifically the safari, and its simple to see why. Blessed with super topographical variety stretching over 4 climatic zones and that includes coral reefs, desert landscapes, volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, Kenya has it multi functional.
Inhabiting these various landscapes and wilderness areas are Kenya’s world-famous wildlife, which will be considered from horseback, 4×4 automobile, verandah or on foot. There are over 1000 species of birds and big colonies of vibrant butterflies. Additionally enticing is the wealthy historical past, which dates again to the Stone Age, and the assorted cultures expressed by way of 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 might be certain to get pleasure from a world-class expertise.
CAPITAL:
Nairobi
CLIMATE:
4 climatic zones exist: tropical, equatorial, semi-desert and desert. Solely two seasons are recognized, specifically dry and wet. As a consequence of altitude and topographical variations of the assorted areas, these seasons and temperatures are usually not uniform and differ significantly. Nonetheless, on the whole the local weather is heat and humid on the coast, cool and humid within the central highlands, and scorching and dry within the north and east.
CURRENCY:
The official foreign money is the Kenya Shilling. Traveller’s cheques are broadly accepted and plenty of inns, journey businesses, safari firms and eating places settle for bank cards. International foreign money comparable to US {dollars}, British kilos and Deutschmarks will be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and approved inns. There aren’t any restrictions on the quantity of overseas foreign money that may be introduced into Kenya, however taking out greater than 500,000 Kenya Shillings requires written authorization from the Central Financial institution. Earlier than departure, travellers are suggested to transform any extra Kenya Shillings into overseas foreign money at a financial institution or bureau de change. Departure taxes will be paid in native or overseas foreign money.
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. Guests are additionally suggested to take pre-arrival precautions in opposition to typhoid, hepatis A, polio, malaria and meningitis relying on the realm visited and time of yr. Different well being issues 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 12 months’s Day (1 Jan); Good Friday (09 Apr); Easter Monday (12 Apr); Labour Day (1 Could); Madaraka Day (01 Jun); Moi Day (10 Oct); Kenyatta’s Day (20 Oct); Finish of Ramadan (14 Nov); Independance Day (12 Dec); Christmas Day (25 Dec); Boxing Day (26 Dec)
SHOPPING:
Conventional artefacts, beaded jewelry and ornamental objects, animal wooden and soapstone carvings, furnishings, espresso, valuable 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:
Tradition here’s a mixture of the fashionable and the normal, 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 workers will be tipped at your discretion.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
Maasai Mara:
Nationwide Reserve The world’s most well-known Recreation Reserve as a result of annual wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migration over this huge plain providing breathtaking views; house to a profusion of wildlife and birds; actions embody wonderful sport viewing yr spherical, balloon rides and chicken watching.
Tsavo East and West:
The dual nationwide parks of Tsavo, totalling 10 million acres of wilderness, kind Kenya’s largest Nationwide Park, which make it supreme for individuals 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 novel underwater observatory.
Mombasa:
One of many world’s most unique tropical ports with a turbulent historical past. Go to the magnificent Fort Jesus and harbour, see the Arab structure in Outdated City and odor the scent of spices. Many tremendous temples and mosques will be explored such because the Shiva Temple, the Baluchi mosque and the Dawoodi Bohra Mosque. Additionally do not miss the Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park, the Moi Avenue gateway arch, dhow cruises and the seashores.
Amboseli Nationwide Park:
One of the crucial in style nationwide parks in Kenya with a variety of lodging; the panorama is dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro and the park is legendary for its huge sport and scenic magnificence; chicken life is considerable.
Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park:
Well-known for its flamingoes and so in style with chicken watchers and different nature lovers. Make full use of the view level and go to the Euphobia forest.
Mount Kenya Nationwide Park:
The nation is called after Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. For mountain climbers and hikers, it gives simple and difficult ascents with excellent scenic magnificence. The native tribes consider it’s the house of Ngai (God). Quite a few distinctive, uncommon and endangered species will be discovered right here and there’s considerable chicken life.
Lamu:
A peaceable tropical island with a captivating historical past, which will be explored within the winding streets of its medieval stone city, a World Heritage Website partly resulting from it being the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa.
Lake Turkana Nationwide 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 research of plant and animal communities and the Koobi Fora fossil deposits have contributed extra to the understanding of paleo-environments than another website in Africa, it is usually probably the most saline of Africa’s massive lakes and a World Heritage Website.
Aberdare Nationwide Park:
A should for panorama lovers, the place one can view spectacular mountains, waterfalls, rainforest, trout streams, moorlands, thickets of big heath, caves, considerable 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 Nationwide Park:
One in all Kenya’s most stunning and pristine areas the place you could find big 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 a fantastic wealth of Afro alpine flowers. Sizzling springs happen and sport fishing is in style on the Suam river.
