GEOGRAPHY
Kenya has an area size of 586 000 km2 lying on the East Coast of Africa. Compared to many African countries, it has an average surface area. From seashore to 5199m above the sea level, the country is blend by the coastal lowland forest, savannah & open plateau, the northern most Eastern Arc mountains, central highlands with substantial areas of mist forests, the rift valley and it's alkaline lakes, volcanic mountains, escarpments, semi deserts, the western part of the country with it's lowland Kakamega Forest which is the eastern most remnant of the Congo-Guinea rainforest, Lake Victoria and it's papyrus fringed shores and the north eastern areas of arid, semi-arid and desert. As a result of these varied habitats, over 1090 species of birds, over 126 large mammals, over 900 species of butterflies, over 700 species fishes and in total over 25000 species of plants and animals have been recorded in her geographical boundaries.
PEOPLE
Their are over 42 tribal ethnic groups, each with their own dialect though most people in the country speak Kiswahili as well as their own tribal language. English is commonly spoken in the major towns and at all the lodges and hotels.
CLIMATE
The Kenyan climate is very pleasant and variations in altitude and terrain can create contrasts. Generally in the Highlands the climate is cool; elsewhere the temperatures can reach approximately 35 degrees C during the day. The coast is humid and balmy. Over most of the country there are two rainy seasons:
- The short rains which occur from late October through November.
- The long rains which occur from late March to early June.
It is possible to visit Kenya during rainy season. Few roads are affected, the parks are fresh and green and there are fewer people and vehicles. July and August are the coolest and are often overcast especially in the morning. December - mid March is the warmest time of the year.
BORDER POSTS
The major crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania is at Namanga, which is open 24 hours a day. Other crossings include Lunga Lunga and Taveta. The Ethiopian border post of Moyale is becoming increasingly dangerous because of civil fighting. The border was closed for a while but has now reopened. For those with four-wheel drive vehicles, a more adventurous route to the west near Lake Turkana is quite popular. Ask the locals for advice before trying this route. There is no border post on either side of the border crossing so you'll have to get your visa stamped in Nairobi. Malaba and Busia are the main Ugandan border posts. At present there are no overland crossings with Somalia and Sudan as it is not safe to cross unless part of a refugee convoy.
RAIL/BUS
Rail is a safe, reliable form of public transport. Passenger services run from Mombasa to Malaba via Voi, Nairobi, Nakuru and Eldoret. It is essential to book tickets two to three days in advance. Kenya has a good network of buses, as well as matatus (minibuses) and share-taxis, but none are very safe as drivers tend to speed, and horrific accidents are reported regularly. Where possible, rail travel should be the chosen means of transport. Private 18-seater buses offer shuttle services connecting Nairobi and Mombasa with Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania, which are more expensive, but more comfortable and safer.
AIRPORTS
Domestic air services operate between the major airports:
- Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi (NBO)
- Moi International, Mombasa (MBA)
Note that departure tax (US$20) is paid when you leave. For local flights this is KSh100 and US$20 for international flights (not payable in K. shs). A number of airlines operate between Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nanyuki, Malindi, Lamu and the national parks/reserves of Amboseli, Maasai Mara and Samburu.
ROADS
Their are 63,800 km of highways in Kenya, 8,863 km of which are paved. Roads are generally in good condition, but have deteriorated and some stretches are very unsafe. The A104 running from Mombasa to Malaba via Nairobi is a heavy truck route. Roads in the north and north-east are predominantly dirt roads and in the rainy season are only navigable by four-wheel drive vehicles. Your national driving license is accepted, with an English translation if necessary. Driving is on the left side of the road. As fuel shortages can occur, it is best to fill your tanks before leaving major towns.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
This is a guide only – please check with your nearest Kenyan Consulate for up to date information. All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival.
Nationals of some countries may obtain visas upon arrival. Check with the Kenyan Consulate beforehand. Those wishing to enter Kenya on business or for longer than 30 days should obtain a visa from their nearest Kenyan Consulate.
Requirements for this are:
- visa application form,
- business letter (for business visa),
- one passport photograph,
- proof of sufficient funds and onward travel / return ticket.
Visas cost about US$50 and are valid for three months. All visitors may be requested to show proof of sufficient funds and onward travel / return ticket.
GENERAL ACCOMODATION INFO
Most safari lodges vary in size and style, and are built to blend in with the local environment. Accommodation tends to be of rondavel or banda type, with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit hotels. Do not be misled by the term “tented accommodation” – these tends to be luxurious insect-proof tents and are usually permanently pitched on concrete bases, often including en suite bathrooms with flush toilets. These are very popular and give the visitor the true experience of being close to nature without the inconvenience and discomfort that can be associated with camping in the open. In the towns, cheaper hotels are definitely avoidable. Prices for higher range hotels vary according to season. Note that although prices may be quoted in US$, payment in local currency is the accepted norm. Campsites in national parks and game reserves tend to be very basic, with running water, but only pit toilets. It is strongly recommended that you reserve all your accommodation as far in advance as possible as availability is often at a premium, especially in peak season.
HEALTH
Everyone entering Kenya must be in possession of a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever. It is imperative that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Kenya. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend visiting Kenya. It is important to note that the Kenyan authorities have banned the use of chloroquine combinations as prophylaxis, and instead recommend the use of either mefloquine (Lariam/Mefliam) or doxycycline. Start your course at least one week before entering Kenya and continue taking the pills for six weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night, after dinner. Precautionary measures that you can take to prevent contact with mosquitoes are: sleeping under a bed net or in room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times), spraying your accommodation with insecticide, making use of a mosquito repelling lotion or stick and wearing long sleeve clothes, trousers and socks when outside at night. Immunization against typhoid, tetanus, tuberculosis, polio, & meningococcal meningitis are recommended.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Medical services in Kenya are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but are limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment, but usually accept major credit cards. It is advisable to secure medical cover on your medical insurance before arriving in the country. Note that major hotels have contracts with physicians and dentists. Visitors are however advised to bring along supplies of specialized medication they may require. Otherwise, medicine may be purchased at pharmacies and emergency pharmacies are open all night.
SAFETY
Travel in Kenya is generally safe; however, there are the occasional regional ethnic skirmishes. You are advised to remain informed as to the situation in areas to which you plan to travel, particularly remote parts and borders. Ugandan, Somalia and Sudanese shifta (bandits) rove their borders with Kenya. Violent cross-border attacks and cattle raids occur, so it is best to avoid the border regions. Border crossings into Somalia and Sudan are strongly discouraged. Petty crime and theft occurs in some of the urban areas, so be vigilant and keep valuables concealed. Security within the parks is quite good, but never leaves possessions unattended. It is always better to travel in a large group.
WATER
While water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, there are frequent breakdowns and this can lead to mild to serious abdominal upsets for first time African travellers. Rather stick to sealed bottled water, which is available from most hotels and lodges, and which is highly advised for the first few weeks of your stay. Do not use ice cubes or eat rare meat, raw seafood or dairy products. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors and only eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination.
CLIMATE
Summer: December – March
Winter: July – August
Kenya is divided by the equator and enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and north-eastern parts of the country. The hottest time is in February and March and the coldest in July and August.
The average annual temperatures in the main areas are:
Mombasa (coastal):
Max 30ºC, Min 22ºC
Nairobi: Max 25ºC, Min 13ºC
North Area: Max 34ºC, Min 23ºC
The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. Rainfall is sometimes heavy and tends to fall in the afternoon and evenings.
WHAT TO PACK
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack for safari are:
- Dry fast clothes, beige, tan and neutral colors.
- Blouses and shirts with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes)
- T shirts.
- Shorts or a light skirt.
- Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days.
- Some hotels and country clubs require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie and women to be suitably attired for dinner.
- A jacket and sweater are recommended for early morning and evening game drives.
- Swimwear and beach apparel.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturizer and lip salve are all essentials.
Good quality locally made clothing and shoes for safaris are available in Nairobi and Mombasa at reasonable prices.
If you are traveling with an organized safari, it is important to check what your weight limit is. Generally you will need to restrict your luggage to 10-12 kg (packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment.
WHEN TO GO
Kenya is a year round destination with excellent bird watching and game viewing. One of Kenya’s greatest attractions is the annual wildebeest migration between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This takes place between June and September. Traditional peak season is January to March as this is when the weather is hot and dry and most comfortable for traveling. This is a good time for bird viewing on the Rift Valley lakes. Game viewing at perennial water holes is also good at this time. April – June and October – December are less popular times for visiting Kenya as these are the rainy seasons and flooding often occurs. However, it is usually possible to get around easily during these times and the rains do not hinder visibility.
CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling (KShs), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are KSH1, and 50, 10 and 5 cents.
EXCHANGE RATE
The exchange rate is in your favour. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world. The price of a beer starts at KSh35. A traditional meal will cost about KSh150, while you can expect to pay about KSh500-1000 for a more classy meal. Petrol costs about KSh35 per litre. A roll of 36-exposure print film will cost about KSh200.
Banking hours: Mon – Fri 09:00 – 13:00
First Sat of each month 09:00 – 11:00
National and international banks have branches in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho and Nyeri and in most other major towns. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier. Banks and foreign exchange bureaux at international airports are open 24 hours a day
CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club and American Express) are widely accepted.
TIPPING
This is not required but, unlike in some other African countries, is not forbidden either. Most hotels include a 10% service charge on the bill. If the service charge has not been included a KSh100 tip is usual, although the amount is entirely at the visitor’s discretion. Bear in mind that salaries in East Africa tend to be very low, and that people working in service industries rely on tips to supplement their wages. On safari you should tip your driver, cook and guide. These people do not earn very much so you should tip as much as you feel you can, about KSh150 per employee per day is about right, but of course this depends on you and how happy you were with your service.
As in most African countries, there is a huge range of cheap souvenirs to be purchased along the roadside. These are handmade, but mass produced so always check the quality before buying. Materials include ebony, soapstone and ivory. Note that it is illegal to export products that contain any elements of elephant, rhino or sea turtle. Tribal souvenirs are available, including Maasai beaded jewellery, kiondos (woven sisal baskets) and natural or decorated calabashes (dried gourds). Bright sarongs (kangas or kikois) make good wearable souvenirs. If you are after quality artwork, it is probably wisest to look in galleries and shops that deal in it, rather than buying on the black market.
KENYA NATONAL PARKS AND RESERVES
ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK
The Aberdare National Park, was established in 1950, comprises an area of 590sq km (228sq miles). This includes the moorlands and part of the forest of the Aberdare Mountains. The mountains are part of the Central highlands of Kenya, running roughly north-south between Nairobi and Thomson’s falls. The altitude rises to some 3,930m (12,900ft).
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Amboseli is well known for its scenic beauty and famous both for its big game- elephants, lions and cheetahs are the main attractions. The 3,810sq km (1259sq miles) has 5 main wildlife habitats; the landscape is everywhere dominated by glistering, majestic snowcap of Kilimanjaro-Africa’s highest mountain (5894m-19,340ft)
MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK
The Mount Kenya National Park was established in 1949 and covers an area of 588sq (227sq miles). The park includes a variety of habitats ranging from higher forest, bamboo, alpine moorlands, glaciers, tarns and glacial moraines.
The park, which was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997, is also a Biosphere Reserve.
MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
The Maasai Mara Game reserve has an area of some 1,812sq (700 miles) was established in 1961. The Mara country is world famous for its vast assemblages of plains game together with their associated predators.
The whole is bisected by the Mara River and its tributaries which are margined by luxuriant riverine forest and in every direction; there are the seemingly endless herds of game animals.
MERU NATIONAL PARK
The Meru National Park, an area of some 1813sq km (700 sq miles) The Park is part of the domain made famous by Elsa the lioness, with its wild and lovely country is known through Joy Adamson’s books. The area is well watered, the main rivers being the Rojerwero, Ura and Tana; all three are margined by dense riverine forest and raphia palms.
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
The area of Nairobi National Park is a little over 44sq miles. Nowhere else in the world does there exist a wild life reserve with such a variety of animals and birds so close to a major city. Over much of the park open plains country predominates, with or without scattered acacia bush, there’s a section of highland forest in which crotons, Kenya Olive, Muhugu, ekebergia, markhamia and Cape chestnut.
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
Lake Nakuru National, the World famous haunt of flamingoes, is a shallow alkaline lake in Kenya’s Rift Valley, some 62sq km (24sq miles). The Park was established in the 1960 as a bird sanctuary. At times vast concentrations of more than a million flamingoes live on the lake, forming the bird spectacles in the World.
Today is also well known as Rhino sanctuary for its population of the Black and White Rhino.
SAIWA SWAMP NATIONAL PARK
This is one of the smallest National Parks in Kenya, covering an area of only 15.5sq km (6 miles). The Park was established specially to protect a small population of the semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope and encloses the swamp fed by the Saiwa River together with its fringing belts of rain forest. Besides the Sitatunga other mammals have been recorded and Birds are abundant.
TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK
Tsavo West National Park lies on vast arid region and its one of Kenya largest wildlife stronghold. The park is watered by the Tsavo River. Most of the Park is made of basement gneisses and schist’s, but part of the western sector is of recent volcanic origin, including the Chyulu Hills. Here one may see many lava flows and cones. This volcanic zone also contains the famous Mzima Springs, where some 50 million gallons of sparkling crystal-clear water gush out daily from below a lava ridge. A section of Lake Jipe is included in the extreme south west of the Park, an extremely rich bird locality where Pygmy Geese, Zanzibar Bishop and Taita Taveta Weaver can be seen.
TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK
One of the spectacles of Tsavo East, perhaps is greatest, is Mudanda Rock, this one and half km-long outcrop is water catchment area which supplies a natural dam at its base. During the dry seasons hundreds of elephant come to drink and bathe. The Lugard Falls on the Galana River, 40km (25 miles) are remarkable for the fantastic shapes of the water-worn rocks. The Park is a good place to see one of the beautiful antelopes, the Lesser Kudu with spiral horns and white striped coat. Birdlife is legion in the Park and constantly you may encounter new species of birds.
MARINE NATIONAL PARKS
Kenya posses 3 Marine National Parks, two sited on the north coast at Watamu and Malindi and north of Mombasa. Their combined area is 19sq km (7 ½ sq miles). The best time to visit the Marine Parks is during the dry seasons, January-March and June-October. In the south coast is the slightly smaller Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park situated off Wasin Island. At low tide 80-100 species of fish can be seen around every distinct reef or sand bank.
SAMBURU-BUFFALO SPRINGS-SHABA NATIONAL RESERVES
The Samburu Reserve covers an area of 104sq km (40sq miles) on the northern bank of Uaso Nyiro River. The adjoining Buffalo Springs Reserve of 194sq km (75sq miles) lies in the southern bank, the Shaba Game Reserve covers some 130sq km (50sq miles). In addition to the rugged splendour of its landscape, the region has an atmosphere of mystery and adventure. The main attractions are Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy Zebra, Beisa Oryx, the Somali Ostrich and crocodiles in the river. Elephants are plentiful and Black Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Gerenuk, Buffalo and the two species of hyaenas, brown and spotted hyaena. Birdlife here is prolific and colourful, in a single day you may spot over 100 different species of birds.
LAKE BOGORIA NATIONAL RESERVE
Kenya’s Rift Valley Lake, is a region of great scenic beauty. To the east steep hills descend abruptly to the lakeshore, whilst along the western shores, which are flatter, are series of spectacular hot springs. The reserve covers an area of114sq km (44sq miles). The Lake Bogoria area is known best for its Greater Kudu.
SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL RESERVE
The park comprises rolling park-like country, open grasslands alternating with majestic stands of coastal rain forest. The reserve is known for its Sable antelopes, besides the Sable antelope, which are relatively tame and easy to photograph, Roan antelope. In addition to its fauna, is very rich botanically and its one of the bird spectacular concentration of Palearctic migrants, especially during spring migration.
KONGELAI ESCARPMENT
The Kongelai Escarpment immediately north of Kapenguria is an easy day trip from Kitale. Is an extremely rich bird locality with some over 300 species recorded? Special species include White-crested Turaco, Eastern Grey Plaintain eater, Senegal Coucal, Yellow Billed Shrike, Stone Partridge, Lesser Blue-eared Starling and among many other species of birds.
MIDA CREEK
Mida Creek is a vast expanse of almost land-locked tidal mudflats a few miles south of Gedi Ruins, and is one of the best localities to study the spring migration of waders, migrating flocks of Little Stints, Curlew Sandpipers , Whimbrels, Curlews, Great and Mongolian Sand Plovers and Grey Plovers assemble briefly in their flight northwards. The belt of Mangrove swamp which fringes this tidal basin offers ideal concealment from which to watch or photograph shore birds at close quarter.
KAKAMEGA FOREST NATIONAL RESERVE
The Kakamega Forest Reserve covers an area of about 240 km2 and was established to protect the only mid altitude tropical rainforest in Kenya, a remnant and eastern limit of rainforests of Zaire and West Africa. Its West African affinities are unique in Kenya and the forest contains many species found nowhere else in the country. It was first gazetted as a trust forest in 1933 and two small Nature Reserves, Yala and Isecheno were established within the forest reserve in 1967.
LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY
Its unique geographical situation makes the 35000 acre ranch a haven for a wide diversity of wildlife-Lion, Elephant, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Buffalo, Reticulated Giraffe, Patas Monkey’s and Leopards. The Laikipia Wildlife Forum is a pioneering community conservation and wildlife management association, representing a complete cross section of diverse land-owners and land-users within the Laikipia District of Kenya.
MUSEUM, HISTORICAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES
GEDI RUINS
This is a ruined city of Swahili origin dating from the 13th century, set in the midst of tall coastal forest and has much interest to naturalist, especially the colony of the uncommon Mottled-throated Spinetail, which nest in the disused wells. Abandoned in the 18th century, the walled town which occupies about 45 acres seems to be typical of early Swahili settlements, a Palace with sunken courts, a grand Mosque with three stone steps, large number of stone houses, a tall pillar tomb which is normally associated with burial of men of importance is inscribed with the date equivalent to AD 1399.
FORT JESUS
Built by the Portuguese in 1593 to protect their communication routes with India from attacks by their Turkish rivals, the fort is still a landmark overlooking Mombasa harbour. The Fort which has violently changed hands several times between the Portuguese and the Arabs. The Portuguese regarded themselves as the representatives of Christendom rather than Portugal, and they sailed under the flag of the order of Christ hence an obvious name for the fort.
OLORGESAILIE PRE-HISTORIC SITE
The site comprised of a series of excavation sites along the fluctuating shoreline of an ancient lake bed, this site presents the visitor with unique opportunity to see artifacts from the Acheulian hand axe culture of 400000 to 500000 years ago. The site was developed during the early 1940s by the famous Kenya prehistorian Dr L.S.B Leakey and Mrs. Mary Leakey. Its surroundings are also of Zoological interest.
NAIROBI MUSEUM
Initiated in 1910 by then East Africa and Natural History Society now known as Nature Kenya. The first site was at the present Nyayo house down town, the site proved to be small. In 1922, a larger building was put up where the present Serena Hotel stands. The constructions of the present museum hill site began in 1929 after the government set aside the land, it was until 22nd September 1930 it was officially opened and named in honour of Sir Robert Corydon, one time Governor and staunch supporter of the society. In 1964, the Corydon Museum changed its name to the National Museums of Kenya.
KAREN BLIXEN MUSEUM
Located in southern suburb of Nairobi Karen, this museum was the home and centre of Karen Blixen’s coffee farm from 1917 to 1931. Restored by the Danish Government, the house and surrounding garden area was given to the government of Kenya in the 1980s. The grounds are pleasant to walk in and many visitors find the setting very photogenic.
BOMAS OF KENYA
Bomas of Kenya lets you see the wonderful diversity of cultures that makeup this fascinating country. At Bomas different aspects of Kenyan culture are displayed including living styles, craft music and dancing. The word Bomas was derived from “Bomas” each one representing one of Kenya’s major groups. Take a leisurely tour to the traditional villages before or after watching the Bomas dancers for an insight into the rich diversity of the Kenyan culture.
LAMU ARCHIPELAGO
The buildings in Lamu historical core date from the 18th century though both folklore and archaeological evidence point to an older settlement just south and possibly also north of today's town. Lamu continued to prosper in the 19th century under the protection of the Sultan of Oman who in about 1820 built the Fort. The streets of Lamu are narrow, cool and quiet. They are surprisingly intimate spaces enclosed by massive stone buildings whose thick coral rag walls give the town its distinct colour and texture. It is not a town of landmarks and monuments; the Fort alone stands out. Religious and domestic buildings are difficult to distinguish from one another. Both are simple with few openings and neither has any exterior decoration except for Lamu characteristic heavy carved doors. The art of carving plaster was perfected more than 200 years ago, yet many examples may still be found in the old town. One of the loveliest is in a "Little House" owned and restored by the National Museums of Kenya. |
