African travel tips when visiting Kenya
Kenya is the land that has given birth to the most popular African activity for tourists, namely safari, and it’s easy to see why. Blessed with tremendous topographic diversity spanning four climate zones and with coral reefs, desert landscapes, volcanoes, and snow-capped mountains, Kenya has it all in one.
These diverse landscapes and wilderness areas are inhabited by world-famous Kenyan wildlife, which can be seen on horseback, in a 4×4 vehicle, on a verandah or on foot. There are over 1000 species of birds and huge colonies of colorful butterflies. Also appealing is the rich history, dating back to the Stone Age, and the diverse cultures expressed through the coveted arts and crafts.
So whether you are lounging on the white sand beaches of exotic Mombasa or watching the world’s largest wildlife spectacle, the annual wildebeest migration, you are sure to enjoy a world-class experience.
CAPITAL:
Nairobi
CLIMATE:
There are four climatic zones: tropical, equatorial, semi-desert and desert. Only two seasons are identified, namely, dry and rainy. Due to the altitude and topographic differences of the different regions, these seasons and temperatures are not uniform and vary greatly. However, in general the climate is hot and humid on the coast, cool and humid in the central highlands, and hot and dry in the north and east.
BADGE:
The official currency is the Kenyan shilling. Traveller’s checks are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies, and restaurants accept credit cards. Foreign currencies such as US dollars, British pounds and German marks can be exchanged at authorized banks, exchange offices and hotels. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya, but withdrawing more than 500,000 shillings from Kenya requires a written authorization from the Central Bank. Prior to departure, travelers are advised to convert any excess Kenyan shilling into foreign currency at a bank or exchange office. Departure taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency.
ELECTRICITY:
220/240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are 3-pin square.
HEALTH:
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if the traveler comes from an infected country or area. Visitors are also advised to take precautions before arrival against typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, malaria and meningitis, depending on the area visited and the time of year. Other health problems include cholera, rabies, the Nairobi beetle (do not touch, threaten, or kill), dysentery, and diarrhea.
IDIOM:
English is the official language, but Kiswahili is the national language.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Year’s Day (January 1); Good Friday (April 9); Easter Monday (April 12); Labor Day (May 1); Madaraka Day (June 1); Moi Day (October 10); Kenyatta Day (October 20); End of Ramadan (November 14); Independence Day (December 12); Christmas Day (December 25); December 26 (December 26)
SHOPPING:
Traditional artifacts, beaded jewelry and decorative items, animal wood carvings and soapstone, furniture, coffee, gemstones, furniture, Khanga and Kikoy fabrics, musical instruments, modern art, basketry, e.g. Kiondoo / Chondo sisal baskets, Maasai Shukka blankets, ‘Thousand Miler Sandals, elephant hair bracelets.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
The culture here is a mix of the modern and the traditional, with European habits prevalent throughout the country. Kenyans are a very friendly nation and you can dress casually for most occasions.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT +3
TIPS:
It’s not mandatory. The guides, drivers, waiters and hotel staff can receive tips at their discretion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MAIN TEN ATTRACTIONS:
Masai Mara:
National Reserve The most famous game reserve in the world due to the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle over this vast plain that offers breathtaking views; home to an abundance of wildlife and birds; Activities include excellent year-round wildlife viewing, hot air balloon rides, and bird watching.
Tsavo East and West:
Tsavo’s twin national parks, totaling 10 million acres of wilderness, form the largest National Park in Kenya, making it ideal for those who enjoy solitude; of the two more is visited Tsavo West; In addition to wildlife and birds, visit Lugard Falls, Mzima volcanic springs, and a unique underwater observatory.
Mombasa:
One of the most exotic tropical ports in the world with a turbulent history. Visit the magnificent Fort Jesus and the port, see the Moorish architecture in the old town, and smell the aroma of spices. Many temples and mosques can be explored, such as Shiva Temple, Baluchi Mosque, and Dawoodi Bohra Mosque. Also don’t miss Mombasa National Marine Park, Moi Avenue entrance arch, dhow cruises, and beaches.
Amboseli National Park:
One of the most popular national parks in Kenya with a wide range of accommodations; the landscape is dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro and the park is famous for its great hunting and scenic beauty; bird life is abundant.
Lake Nakuru National Park:
Famous for its flamingos and very popular with bird watchers and other nature lovers. Make the most of the viewpoint and visit the Euphobia Forest.
Mount Kenya National Park:
The country is named after Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. For climbers and hikers, it offers easy and challenging ascents with magnificent scenic beauty. Local tribes believe that it is the home of Ngai (God). Here you can find a number of unique, rare and endangered species and there is abundant birdlife.
The mu:
A peaceful tropical island with a fascinating history, which can be explored in the winding streets of its medieval stone town, a World Heritage Site in part because it is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa.
Lake Turkana National Parks:
The three national parks serve as stopovers for migratory waterfowl and are the main breeding grounds for the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus, and a variety of poisonous snakes. Turkana stands out for the study of plant and animal communities and the Koobi Fora fossil deposits have contributed more to the understanding of paleoenvironments than any other site in Africa, it is also the most saline of Africa’s great lakes and a site of the World Heritage.
Aberdare National Park:
A must see for landscape lovers, where you can see spectacular mountains, waterfalls, rainforest, trout streams, moorland, giant heather thickets, caves, abundant birds, duikers, the black rhinoceros and the elusive and rare Bongo, a forest antelope. This area is ideal for walks, picnics, trout fishing, camping, and night watching.
Mount Elgon National Park:
One of the most beautiful and unspoiled areas in Kenya, where you can find giant trees, around 400 animals, more than 240 species of birds and ‘cave elephants’ that venture deep into the four caves at night to feed of the deposits rich in salt. Mount Elgon is also a famous botanical town with a great wealth of Afro Alpine flowers. Hot springs are produced and sport fishing is popular on the Suam River.