::: GENERAL
Kenya is located astride the Equator and
covers an area of 582,644 square kilometres.
The country has more than 42 different ethnic
groups and is home to the world's richest
and most varied wildlife. Kenya is also
known as "The Cradle of Mankind" (the oldest
fossil remains were discovered in the Rift
Valley). The land is full of spectacular
contrasts ranging from the prehistoric wonders
of the Rift Valley, the magnificent beaches
on the Indian Ocean, the centres of cultural
activities in Nairobi and the Tsavo and
Amboseli National Parks, among others. The
country is a real paradise for travellers.
Ernest Hemingway wrote that it was "unfathonable,
unimaginable and incredible. And totally
unforgettable".
Kenya has for long had the reputation of
being the home of Safaris. Its wildlife,
one of the richest in the world, first attracted
the British and European aristocracy. Until
the 1920s, Winston Churchill and Theodore
Roosevelt made the country their preferred
hunting ground. Later, Hollywood and Hemingway
took over and "safari" became synonymous
with Kenya. In Swahili (Kenya's national
language), the word "safari" means "journey".
Although the word "safari" brings to mind
the picture of intrepid hunters and colonial
hats, current emphasise is on the leisure
aspect, not on hunting. One finds cameras,
not rifles, behind the hats.
Kenya has over 50 National Parks, Game Reserves
and Marine National Parks. The country is
endowed with a diverse landscape and a unique,
wide range of animal species. Safaris are
done by car, minibus or 4-wheel drive vehicles,
in the company of tour guides. In the course
of the safaris, you will see magnificent landscapes
interspersed with undulating hills, mountains,
salty lakes and the savannah. The wildlife
is legendary and is a real mobile zoo that
encompasses the fastest, the biggest and the
most beautiful creatures on earth. You can
go on safari for a day, a week, a month or
longer. Whatever your choice, you will have
an unforgettable experience.
WESTERN KENYA
Some of the region's attractions include
Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, the latter being
home to thousands of flamingos. This is
a perfect destination for a day's excursion
from Nairobi. The shores of Lake Nakuru
are home to the extremely rare Rothschild
giraffe and provide a wonderful rhino sanctuary.
The most wonderful view of Lake Naivasha
is from a boat. Lake Victoria, further to
the West is the source of the Nile while
the Mount Elgon National Park has a special
African flora, which is almost similar to
that found in the Alps. To reach any of
the above destinations, you cross the Great
Rift Valley, a big geographical fault with
a wonderful landscape.
MOUNT KENYA AND THE ABERDARES
With snow throughout the year, Mount Kenya
is the second highest mountain in Africa,
and is the perfect destination for Alpine
and trekking lovers in search of heady sensations.
The prairies at the foot of the mountain are
home to elephants, black rhinos, buffaloes
and antelopes. Some distance away is the Ol
Pejeta Ranch, which also has a rhino sanctuary.
The famous Mount Kenya Safari Club, founded
by William Holden, is also close by. The Aberdare
ranges have an alpine climate and a primitive
aloe forest. From here, you can visit Treetops
hotel, which was made famous by Princess Elizabeth.
It was from this hotel that she learnt of
her ascension to the British throne. The hotel
is close to a watering point from which the
occasional leopard can be sighted.
MASAI MARA
Masai Mara is home to the classic Masai
Mara Game Reserve. Between July and September,
the Mara is famous for one of the most spectacular
events that nature has to offer - the annual
migration of over a million wildebeests,
gazelles and zebras tearing from the south
to cross the Mara river into the Masai Mara
Game Reserve. The formidable and mysterious
Savannah extends for miles on end and here,
it is possible to see cheetahs, the fastest
animals on earth, hunting antelopes and
gazelles. Hippos bathe in the Mara River,
on the shores of which crocodiles bask in
the sun. The Mara is arguably a special
place in the world.
SAMBURU AND BUFFALO SPRINGS
 Bounded
by volcanic cones, this northern region
of Kenya is semi-arid and is interspersed
with lakes, each of which is different from
the other. Lake Bogoria is famous for its
hot springs. Fishermen in papyrus boats,
the rare koudous, the reticulated giraffe,
the Beisa onyx, Grevy's zebra and the long-necked
gerenuk abound around the lake. Not too
far away is the beautiful Meru National
Park, which was home to Elsa, the lioness
that was tamed by Joy Adamson. Elsa is the
heroine of Adamson's book, and was made
famous by the film "Born Free".
AMBOSELI
The Amboseli National Park, lies at the
foot of the majestic Kilimanjaro and is
home to the most beautiful fauna in Kenya.
Hemmingway wrote that it was the "essence
of Africa". Elephants graze on the young
trees, leopards wander along the salty lake
while antelopes graze on the tender grass
- this is a classic picture of Africa…
Tsavo West and Tsavo East
No doubt the largest game sanctuary in
the world. "Red" elephants, which get their
colouring from the red soil in which they
roll, wander around the Eastern sector.
Hippos and crocodiles can be viewed at the
Mzima Springs on the western side. Tsavo
Park is located halfway between Nairobi
and Mombasa, which makes it an ideal destination
for tourists wishing to take advantage of
a safari and the sea in one itinerary. The
park has a wide range of flora and fauna.
In the evening, the Tsavo sunsets bath the
horizon with incredible colours.
CLIMATE
Although Kenya lies along the equator,
the climate and temperatures vary according
to the altitude and the distance from the
sea. Along the coast, the climate is tropical
(hot and humid), except in the months of
July and August, which are cold and less
humid. Inland, the days are generally hot
and sunny, with limited humidity. On the
higher plateaux, the nights can be quite
cold, especially during the cloudy months
of July and August. The long rains are from
end of March to end of May, and the short
ones from mid-November to mid-December.
Sunny periods alternate with short rainy
ones during the rainy seasons.
LANGUAGE
Kiswahili is the national language while
English is the official language. Ethnic
groups have their own vernacular languages.
VISA FORMALITIES
Visitors must be in possession of a passport,
which should be valid throughout their stay
in Kenya. Nationals from certain countries
require visas. Visitors are advised to apply
for visas at the nearest Kenya Embassy or
Consulate before leaving for Kenya. [more ...]
MEDICAL COVER
Visitors are advised to get medical cover
with a company that provides medical assistance.
In the event of an accident or illness while
on safari, these companies will airlift
the visitor to hospitals in Nairobi (with
the prior agreement of local doctors who
provide the initial medical care).
AIRPORT TAX
A departure airport tax (currently $40) is
charged at Kenyan airports. The tax can be
paid in Kenya Shillings or foreign currency.
BUSINESS HOURS
Banks are open from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
on weekdays and from 9.00 a.m. to 11.00
a.m. on the first and last Saturdays of
the month. Hotels, bureaux de change and
other tourist-related establishments can
make foreign currency transactions outside
the above hours. Shops are open from 8.30
a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on Saturdays. Many of
them are also open outside these hours.
INSURANCE
Visitors are strongly advised to take appropriate
insurance cover before leaving for Kenya.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply is 220/240 volts/50
Hz. Electric sockets are three-pin square
(British-type). Visitors are advised to
ensure that their electric appliances such
as shavers and battery chargers for video
cameras operating on different voltage have
in-built adapters.
HEALTH
Yellow fever and cholera vaccination certificates
are not mandatory. Malaria is endemic in
some of parts of Kenya and prophylactic
drugs, which are available across the counter,
should be taken according to the doctor's
prescription. Visitors following specific
course of treatment should ensure that they
carry enough medicine for the duration of
their stay.
CURRENCY
There are no foreign exchange restrictions
in Kenya. Major international credit cards
(Visa, Access, Amex, Diners, etc) are accepted
in most places. The use of Travellers Cheques
in dollars or other currencies is advised.
Visitors are advised not to carry large
sums of cash on them.
SECURITY
Kenya has maintained political and economic
stability since independence. The security
situation is, therefore, reasonable. Visitors
are however, advised to exercise care -
do not forget that expensive jewellery and
money are a temptation to thieves. Visitors
are advised not leave valuable items in
the hotel rooms and should use the hotel
safes.
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