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Welcome to Kenya
Kenya, in Eastern Africa is one of the prime travel destinations in the world, due to the country’s scenery, wildlife and climate. Conservation of the environment has long been a priority in Kenya, and it has over 60 national parks and reserves, each with something special to offer.
Kenya is one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations. It is one of the best safari destinations for the country; Kenya is the favorite for big game safaris, beach vacations, mountaineering and cultural tours. Kenya is a land of many contrasts ranging from varied traditions to the culture of the people, the superb beaches along the coastal area, the equatorial glaciers of Mt Kenya at an altitude of more than 4,573 meters, to the natural habitat inhabited by different types of animals big and small, herbivorous and carnivores. All this combine to make a small world of Kenya with natural features of its own.
Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a sovereign state in East Africa. The capital and largest city is Nairobi. Kenya lies on the equator with the Indian Ocean to the south-east, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the north-west, Ethiopia to the north and Somalia to the north-east. Kenya covers 581,309 km2 (224,445 sq mi) and has a population of about 44 million in July 2012. The country is named after Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa.
Kenya, in Eastern Africa is one of the prime travel destinations in the world, due to the country’s scenery, wildlife and climate. Conservation of the environment has long been a priority in Kenya, and it has over 60 national parks and reserves, each with something special to offer.
No other country on earth can offer the visitor as much to see and do. Within the borders of a single country, you will find savannahs rich with big game, timeless cultures unchanged by the modern world, pristine beaches and coral reef, equatorial forests and mighty snow-capped mountains, searing deserts and cool highland retreats and endless opportunities for adventure, discovery, relaxation; more than you would ever expect…
Kenya’s independence from the British Empire was marked by the election of Jomo Kenyatta as the first President of Kenya in 12 December 1963. He ruled until his death in 1978, leading the KANU party as a single party state. The country enjoyed development and stability. Daniel ArapMoi followed Kenyatta and remained in power for 25 years conducting a rigid autocratic regime. Democratic elections were first held in 1993 and confirmed the presidency of Moi. In 2002 the opposition coalition led by MwaiKibaki was able to win the elections.
Kenya is generally a dry country; over75% of its area is classed as arid of semi-arid with only around 20% being viable for agriculture. Inland, rainfall and temperatures are closely related to altitude changes, with variations induced by local topography. Generally the climate is warm and humid at the coast, cool and humid in the central highlands, and hot and dry in the north and east. Across most of the country, rainfall is strongly seasonal, although its pattern, timing and extent vary greatly from place to place and from year to year.The relatively wet coastal belt along the Indian Ocean receives 1,000 mm or more rain per year. Most rain falls from April to July as a result of the southeasterly monsoon.
Another moist belt occurs in the Lake Victoria basin and its surrounding scarps and uplands, mainly due to moist westerly winds originating over the Atlantic Ocean and Congo Basin. Except immediately adjacent to the Lake, rainfall occurs reliably from March to November.
The upland plateau adjacent to this area is less influenced by the lake, and rain falls mainly in March-May and July-September. In much of the central highlands, there is also a bimodal rainfall pattern, with rainy seasons in March-May and October-December.
The remaining 70% or so of the land area falls into the ‘arid lowlands’ zone (NRI 1996), with rainfall averaging less than 500 mm and varying greatly from year to year.
Rainfall peaks in most areas are in November and April. Some 30% of this zone can be classed as semi-desert, with rainfall averaging less than 300 mm per year and evaporation often greater than 3,000 mm. Except for the coast and Lake Victoria region, altitude is the main determinant of precipitation. The high-attitude areas (over c. 1,500 m) in the central Kenya highlands usually have substantial rainfall, reaching over 2,000 mm per year in parts of the Mau Escarpment.
However, topography also has a major influence, with strong rain-shadow effects east of Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare mountains. Here, even areas higher than 1,800 m may be relatively dry. In the arid lowlands the peaks of isolated mountains attract cloud and mist, and may support very different vegetation to that of the surrounding plains.
The best time of the year to visit Kenya is the boreal summer, from July to September. A second choice is the boreal winter from January to February. There are two rainy seasons, the “long rains” from March to June and the “short rains” from October to December. Seasonal rains condition both road communications and some cyclic wildlife movements. Wildlife is more abundant in Masai Mara during the boreal summer.
Kenya, in Eastern Africa is one of the prime travel destinations in the world, due to the country’s scenery, wildlife and climate. Conservation of the environment has long been a priority in Kenya, and it has over 60 national parks and reserves, each with something special to offer.
Being home to Walt Disney’s “Lion King”, it would be a shame not to spend at least a few days going on a safari here. There are so many game-parks throughout this beautiful country; with each one having it’s own unique landscape, flora and fauna. Seeing the big 5 is the attraction for many visitors, which means; lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. In addition to the big 5, you’ll be sure to see an incredible variety of wildlife roaming freely through the open savannah. There are too many animals to mention here, but you’ll be sure to see many species of gazelles and antelopes, zebras, different types of wild cats including cheetahs, mongooses, monkeys, bat eared foxes, warthogs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, crested cranes and the extraordinary sight of lakes, literally pink with huge numbers of flamingoes.
Generally the climate is warm and humid at the coast, cool and humid in the central highlands, and hot and dry in the north and east. Across most of the country, rainfall is strongly seasonal, although its pattern, timing and extent vary greatly from place to place and from year to year.
Kenya has a culture born of countless sources. This region has been crossed by the paths of a long and complex history. From the prehistoric records of early man to the present day, Kenya has been a land of unending change, contrasts and diversity. The early tribal states saw cycles of migration and shifting power, with Kenya as a meeting place for peoples from the plain lands of the south, the forests of the West and the deserts of the North.
The colonial legacy lives on in the traditions of the great safari, and the pursuit of adventure and freedom. Kenya has drawn on all of these influences to develop its own unique culture. This is the nation’s greatest strength- the ability to blend the best of many worlds into a strong, singular identity.
Today, Kenya welcomes the world to its shores and continues to evolve a modern culture that is born of endless variety, and yet purely, proudly Kenyan.
One of the most amazing wildlife spectacles in the world is the annual wildebeest migration which happens in the Masai Mara game reserve. Literally millions of these ungainly creatures attempt to cross the Mara River and escape the snapping jaws of hungry crocodiles. The sight and sound of this incredible event is one that will last with you for a lifetime.
Kenya is a golfer’s paradise with its yearlong sunshine and a climate that is neither too hot nor too cold. There are almost 40 beautiful courses to choose from. Tropical vegetation surrounds the perfectly manicured greens – what could be better?
Traditionally, Kenyan music originates from several sources. Many of the Nomadic tribes of this region share some common ground in the use of songs and chants, particularly among Maa speaking groups. Maa song has always played a large role in ceremonial life, and continues to. One of the best known Maasai ceremonial songs is the Engilakinoto, sung after a victorious lion hunt.
Structured around a deep rhythmic chant it is accompanied by a spectacular dance in which warriors display their strength and prowess by leaping directly and vertically into the air. Elsewhere, the use of drums became widespread and central to elaborate traditional dances. The word Ngoma (drum) is still used to describe most forms of traditional music and dance.
A variety of drums were used throughout the country. The Luhya of Western Kenya developed a very distinctive dance style called Sikuti after the local name for a drum. This extremely energetic dance is usually performed by paired male and female dancers, and accompanied by several drums, bells, long horns and whistles. The Kamba and Chuka people both developed a distinctive drumming style, in which a long drum is leant forward and clasped between the thighs. The Kamba were well known for their athletic, almost acrobatic dancing.
Mt Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa being 5,199m above sea level. It offers a 3-5 day mountaineering experience to the top of the snow-capped peak. Some say it’s a more interesting climb than the neighboring Kilimanjaro and this is no easy climb! Before undertaking a climb of this magnitude, climbers must be fully prepared.
These are among the most diverse and dramatic on the African continent. The eco-systems range from vibrant coastal marine parks, indigenous forests in western Kenya (Kakamega), afro-alpine moorland, wetlands, savannahs, teeming with large mammals and in the North there are wild scant deserts, great for camel trekking and wilderness tours.
Last, but not in any way least, is the beauty of the Kenyan People. As diverse as the landscapes they live in, the Kenyan people are vibrant and beautiful. Among the many other tribes, the colorful Masai and Samburu tribesmen and women retain traditions that date back to the origins of mankind itself. Nomadic and regal, they continue to live in perfect harmony with their natural environment.
How to reach Kenya by air
There are many international airlines reaching Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The major airlines that fly to Nairobi from Europe include British Airways (London), KLM (Amsterdam), SN Brussels Airlines (Brussels), and Swiss/Crossair (Zürich). From the USA, a connecting flight must be taken. Other international airlines that fly to Nairobi include El Al, Egyptair, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Air Malawi, Air Zimbabwe, and Qantas. Only a couple of German airlines fly direct from Europe to Moi International Airport in Mombasa, from Münich (LTU) or Frankfurt (Condor).
Best Travel Period
The best time of the year to visit Kenya is the boreal summer, from July to September. A second choice is the boreal winter from January to February. There are two rainy seasons, the “long rains” from March to June and the “short rains” from October to December. Seasonal rains condition both road communications and some cyclic wildlife movements. Wildlife is more abundant in Masai Mara during the boreal summer.
Luggage
We shall advise you to travel light as most of the trip will be on the safari vehicles. Remember your hand bag for the trekking.
Documents and Visa entry fees
Visas to Kenya can be obtained directly on entry and costs 50 USD for 90 days. The passport must be valid for at least six months starting from the date of entry.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: REVISION OF VISA RATES
For those who will be arriving in Kenya on and after July 1st 2011, the new Visa rates will be as follows:
Single Journey Visa (SJV)- $50.
Multiple Journey Visa (MJV)-$100.
Transit Visa (TV)-$20.
Referral Visa-$20
Or the equivalent amount in Euros, GBP and SwissFrancs
Kenya has three international airports; Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Moi International Airport, Mombasa and Moi International Airport, Eldoret. These airports service numerous international carriers including the national airline Kenya Airways. Kenya has good connections to destinations throughout Europe, the Asia- Pacific region, USA and Africa.
Kenya can be accessed by road from Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia. Immigration should be processed at land border stations. Entry by sea is possible, and immigration should be processed at a port facility.
Kenya Visa Information
A visa is required prior to entry into Kenya. A single Entry Visa(valid for three months from date of issue) will cost US$ 50.OR EAST AFRICAN VISA , A transit visa will cost US$ 20 (You can also pay using Euros, GBP or Swiss Francs).
For those whose country doesn’t appear in the list above, visas can be obtained at the Airport upon arrival. It’s advisable to obtain the visa from the Kenyan Embassy/High Commission in your country prior to departure.
* Note: The list of countries shown above is subject to change – For more information please check http://www.immigration.go.ke
Health requirements
It is advisable to have the vaccinations against yellow fever, hepatitis, typhus and tetanus. Risk of malaria is low in Nairobi and the Highlands above 2,000 m, whereas the risk rises in the Indian Ocean coast. The malignant type of the illness, produced by Plasmodium falciparum, is the most frequent in Kenya. The usual prophylaxis consists of a combination of chloroquine and proguanyl, or otherwise drugs that combine the two compounds. Prophylaxis with mefloquine (Lariam) is specially recommended for high risk areas, given the presence of strains resistant to chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimetamine.
What to dress
Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.
Gedi Ruins
Gedi is one of Kenya’s great unknown treasures, a wonderful lost city lying in the depths of the great ArabukoSokoke forest. It is also a place of great mystery, an archaeological puzzle that continues to engender debate among historians.
Haller Park, Mombasa
Haller Wildlife Park (Lafarge Ecosystems) is a former disused quarry that has been reborn as a small private game sanctuary. A major initiative has been made to “green” the quarry, and these efforts have literally blossomed into an area of lush beauty…
Karen Blixen Museum
For anyone with an interest in Karen Blixen’s book Out of Africa or the subsequent film, this museum is a must see. The author lived on a coffee estate in a house known as Bogani from 1914 until 1931. This area has now developed into the modern suburb of Karen on the outskirts of Nairobi.
Nairobi National Museum
The recently renovated Nairobi National Museum is a good place to learn more about Kenya’s history and culture. The construction of the present Museum Hill site began in 1929 after the government set aside the land for it.
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is located near Nairobi National Park. This orphanage for Elephant Calves and Rhinos from all over Kenya was founded and still managed by Daphne Sheldrick, the widow of one of Kenya’s best known Game Wardens David Sheldrick.
Giraffe Center – Nairobi
The AFEW (African Fund for Endangered Wildlife) Giraffe Centreis located in Langata, just outside Nairobi. The centre has been ostensibly set up as a breeding centre for the endangered Rothschild giraffe, but now operates conservation/education programs for Kenyan school children.
Fort Jesus, Mombasa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Today the majestic Fort Jesus is a National Monument, standing high over the Mombasa harbor. Fort Jesus is an interesting place to spend a day exploring the gun turrets, battlements and houses within the walls. There is an excellent Museum and trained guides available.
