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Kenya

Kenya is the homeland of the big five. It offers exceptional wildlife viewing year round the reason as to why many Royalty, politicians, aristocracy, and movie stars visited the country since 1900. Early visitors used to visit Kenya to hunt for Rhinos, Buffaloes, elephants, leopards and lions etc.

Masai Mara National Park is one of the best places in Africa to see big cats, Lake Nakuru for White rhinos and Flamingos which attract thousands to watch them as they feed in the shallow waters. Lake Bogoria is another spot for flamingos in Kenya so if you love birds its worthy to be included among your birding travel destinations in Africa.

Over 56 National parks and reserves are found in Kenya which makes it the world safari capital of Africa. The most visited parks include Masai Mara National Reserve (a recreational area of big cats, wildebeest migration & the big five), Lake Nakuru National Park (the school of flamingos & the big five), Amboseli National Park (well-known for the awesome views of Mount Kilimanjaro plus the big five), Samburu National Reserve ( a park which connects to Buffalo springs without limit & a residence to the big five), Tsavo west National Park (famed for its location and the big five), Buffallo springs National reserve (hosts the big five plus open connectivity to samburu, Tsavo East National park (the comfort zone of the big five), and Aberdares National park (Nice spot of the big five though lions are hard to find).

Why Go on Safari in Kenya

A safari in Kenya is one of the most rewarding journey to the African continent. Thousands of travelers visit Kenya to enjoy a safari in its best national parks such as Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara national park and more.

When to Visit Kenya

Visit Kenya any time of the year but for best game viewing make it during the dry season from late June to October since the wildebeest migrations arrives in Masai Mara in July and it goes back to Serengeti plains in Tanzania in October. This makes Masai Mara more busy and exceptional from the other parks. Access this wildlife haven in Africa by air through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi Kenya’s capital and biggest transport hub. Both domestic and international flights are conducted in Nairobi from and too different corners of the world. Say Jambo to the warmth, ethnic group of the Masai tribe as you watch them dance, sing in appreciation of their Gifted land in the wild.

About kenya

GEOGRAPHY

Equator and the Great Rift Valley

Kenya straddles the equator on the eastern coast of Africa; covering an area of about 586,600km sq. of which 10,700km sq. consists of water bodies. It lies on the Equator and is bisected lengthwise by the Great Rift Valley, which runs from Jordan in the north to Mozambique in the south.

Bordering Nations

Kenya shares borders with five other nations. It is bordered by Somalia and Ethiopia to the north the Indian Ocean to the east, Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west and Tanzania to the south. It has a 550km long coastline.

Mountains, Rivers and Lakes

Kenya is home to Mount Kenya (5,199) the second largest peak in the African continent, and it is traversed by a number of rivers, notably Tana and Athi rivers, and the Galana River and the notorious Mara River, which run through the Maasai Mara Reserve.

Kenya also houses some incredible lakes such as the wild Lake Turkana (home of the cradle of humankind), Lake Turkana (home of more than 1 million flamingoes) and the Lake Baringo/Naivasha (home to the notorious “happy valley set”) to mention only a few.

Landscape

The country is mostly known for its flat, vast and wild savannah country, but its terrain ranges wildly from deserts in the north, to bush land in the South, coastal areas in the east, and the fertile lands west, while central Kenya houses luscious highlands.

VEGETATION

Kenya’s natural vegetation is equally diverse.

Afro – alpine moorland

Afro-alpine moorland occurs above c. 3,000 m, on Mt Kenya and Mt Elgon, the Cherangani and the Aberdares Mountains. Highland grassland occurs above c.2, 400 m on either side of the central Rift Valley. Highland moist forests are found between c.1, 500 m and 3,000m in areas that receive rainfall of more than 1,200 mm per year.

Rainforest

Relicts of Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once extended across equatorial Africa occur in western Kenya, in and around Kakamega Forest. Typical tree species include Celtis, Aningeria, croton, Fagara and Manikara. The North and South Nandi Forests are transitional between the Guinea-Congolian and Montane forest types.

Bush land and woodland

Coastal evergreen bushland also occurs, in a mosaic with cultivated land. Coastal palmstands, often in tall grassland, are a rare vegetation type covering less than 3.1% of the land area. Thorn bushland and woodland are the most extensive vegetation types in Kenya, running from Amboseli in the south through the Tsavo parks to north-east and north-west Kenya. Characteristic tree species are Acacia, Commiphora ssp., while grasses include species of Hyparrhenia, Digitaria and Themeda.

Other

Papyrus swamps, consisting largely of stands of cyperus papyrus, are found patchily around the shores of Lake Victoria, mainly along river inflows.

On sandy shorelines are often beds of sea grass (some twelve species are recorded), beyond the littoral zone or in deeper channels within it. Coral reefs and islands make up some 59,000 ha, or 0.1% of the land area. Human-modified habitats, created at the expense of the natural vegetation, occur throughout the country but especially in the highlands. These include cultivated land under a wide variety of crops, plantations of exotic trees, secondary thicket and scrub, eroded and de-vegetated woodland and bush land, and overgrazed pastureland.

CLIMATE

The variations in altitude and terrain in Kenya create sharp contrasts in climate. The coast (Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu) is hot and often humid.

Mornings and evening in the central highlands (around Mount Kenya) can be cool, verging on cold, during Kenya’s winter (July – August), while in the north and northeast (close to the Sudanese border) the days are dry and very hot.

As it is on the equator, day and night are almost equal in Kenya the whole year around; sunrise is 6 – 6.30 a.m. and sun downs 6.30 – 7 pm. Even though the climate is beginning during the day, it is wise to use a pullover in the evenings since temperatures drop considerably at night.

Over most of the country there are two major rainy seasons. The short rains normally occur from late October to November and the long rains from the late March to early June. July and August are the coolest months; November to February are the hottest.

PEOPLE AND LANGUAGES

Kenya has a melting pot of different nationalities, tribes and ethnic groups, making it tolerant, accepting and colourful country. It currently has a population of 38 million people (based on 2009 Census count), which include over 40 tribal groups.

Main Group

The main tribal groups are the Bantu, Cushites and Nilotes and the main ethnic composition of the tribes of Kenya is formed from these groups:

The Bantu Group

The Bantu-group include the Kikuyu, Meru, Gusii, Embu, Akamba, Luhya (or Luyia) and Mijikenda.

The Nilote Group

The Nilote group include the Maasai, Luo, Turkana, Teso, Samburu and Kalenjin people

The Cushite Group

The Cushite group include the Borana, Somali, Orma and Rendile

Each group has its own language and some 45 languages (not dialects) are spoken in Kenya. Most Kenyans speak three languages: their tribal language, also called their mother tongue, Kiswahili (national language) and English (official language).

Other groups

As Kenya has a large Asian population, descendants of workers who arrived to build the railway from Mombasa to Kampala, various Indian languages are still spoken. Nevertheless, they are not considered official languages as they are only spoken within the Indian community.

Sheng

Sheng is the language of Kenyan youth and is a mix of Swahili and English – be sure that you and many Kenyan elders, will be unlikely to understand it.

RELIGION

Considering the mix of people, histories and ethnic groups, it is no wonder that  there is a great variety of religion in Kenya. As a result there is a very open and non biased society, which is rare in today’s intolerant world.

Christianity

The British brought with them the monotheistic religion, which they imposed onto the Kenyan peoples, sending increased numbers of missionaries. Today Christianity is the main religion in Kenya and is very much present in the everyday life of Kenyans. A large percentage of them are Catholic, but other Christian creeds (Anglican, Lutheran, Seventh Day Adventists, Evangelical and so on) are also prominent. A number of Christian sects are deeply rooted in Kenya – it is not an uncommon sight to see groups of newborn Christian rapt in singing on Sundays either on the streets or in public parks.

Islam

The Arab influence is mostly felt on the coastline, where mosques can be seen almost on every corner and most women wear veils, but in a more relaxed manner than in any strictly Islamic country. Islam was brought by Arab traders, and firmly established, thanks to the strong influence of the sultanate of Oman and Zanzibar. The Sunni branch of Islam is the predominant one in Kenya.

Hinduism

The Indians brought to Kenya by the British to construct the Mombasa – Uganda railroad have become a prominent community in the country. Together with their traditions they have also brought their own millenary cults. There are a number of beautiful traditional Hindu temples in the main urban area of the country.

Sikhism

Started as a spin – off of Hinduism, Sikhism celebrated the 300th anniversary of its creation in 1999. Together with the Hindus, a number of Sikhs came to Kenya at the turn of the century to help construct the railroad. There are fewer Sikhs than Hindus, but their economic importance is considerable.

Judaism

Judaism is not very prominent in Kenya, but there are a few synagogues in Nairobi, the Israeli embassy deals with religious holidays and festivities.

Arrivals & Departures

Kenya is readily accessed by air from Europe, the USA, Southern America, the Middle East and Australasia to two main ports of entry by air.

Jomo Kenyatta international airport – Nairobi. Located 16 km from the city center.

Moi International Airport – Mombasa. Located 12 km from the town center.

Our own National carrier; Kenya Airways, is highly regarded international carrier, with a modern fleet of aircraft. Mombasa is the main port of entry by sea.

Airport Departure Tax

International Airport departure tax equivalent to US$ 40 per person is payable on departure from the International airports. A local airport service charge is also payable on departure for domestic flights. As this varies from country to country, please check with us on the prevailing amounts payable prior to your flight departure.

Visa & Immigration

Tourist visas are required by some nationals.  Please contact your nearest Kenyan Embassy or High Commission for further details.

Health

Since rules concerning disease prevention change from time to time, a check should be made with the nearest Kenyan High Commission, Kenya Tourist Office or any airline flying scheduled services into Kenya. Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya and intending visitors should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and continue taking them for the prescribed time after their return. Insect repellants should be made use of after dusk and suitable cover up clothes should be worn in the evenings.

Baggage

Baggage space on safari is restricted to one medium suitcase or holdall per person, plus hand baggage (private safaris where there are less than 7 persons in the vehicle are not subject to this restriction). Small duffel bags are however comfortable to travel with. Visitors to Treetops and the Ark are asked to take overnight bags only; suitcases can be left at the base hotel.

Hotels will normally store baggage at no extra cost. Baggage can also be stored at Safaris in Style offices. A baggage weight restriction of 15 kg per person applies on air safaris. Where very small aircraft are used this may be reduced to 10kg.

Currency

The official currency is the Kenya Shilling. Visitors to Kenya should change foreign currency at banks, bureau de change or authorized hotels. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most acceptable and will cause the least delay. Traveller’s cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept visa and master credit cards. As a norm, always ask what commission and charges will be deducted first and prior to transaction.

Banking

Banks are open from 0900hrs to 1500hrs Monday to Friday.  Some branches open on Saturdays from 0900hrs to 1100hrs. Many banks are now equipped with 24 hour ATM machines. The bank branches at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) and Moi International Airport (Mombasa) both run 24 hour Forex services.

Credit Cards

VISA and MASTERCARD are widely accepted for tourist services. There’s usually a 5% mark-up on top of the price as establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their transactions.

Hotels & Accommodation

All over the country, we have accommodation that can cater for any possible budget, taste, interest or preference.  Hotels, hostels, luxury tented camps, guesthouses, resorts, campsites, backpacker lodges, village home-stays and more can be found in Kenya.

Time

Kenya has a single time zone which is GMT +3.

Language

Kiswahili is the lingua franca while English is the official language. In addition, most Kenyan tribes have their own language.

Communication

Post

Kenya has a good postal service for both local and international post.  Many shops in tourist lodges and hotels sell stamps

Telecommunications

Kenya has a good network of telephone. Cellular and satellite connections.  Most hotels and lodges offer international telephone and fax services.  In larger towns, private telecommunication centres also offer international services.  If you have a mobile phone with roaming connection, then you make use of Kenya’s excellent cellular networks which cover most larger towns and tourist areas. When dialing Kenya, the international code is 254 + local area code.

Internet

Kenya has good internet service providers.  Many hotels and lodges offer email and internet services.  In most towns, there are plenty of private business centres and cyber-cafes offering email and internet access.

Electricity

The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 v 50hz.  Plugs are 3 point square.  If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical device, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where appropriate. Most large hotels and some game lodges provide shaving points with

Flying Doctors Society

Membership of the Flying Doctors Society is strongly recommended. In event of accident or sickness while on safari, the society will fly patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance to hospital.

Drinking Water

Drinking water from the tap must be considered risky. Hotels and lodges usually furnish safe water in a thermos flask in guest rooms. Bottled mineral water is available in every hotel and supermarkets.

Cuisine

The multicultural nature of the population is reflected in the international cuisine and any dietary needs are easily accommodated.

Security

Normal precautions as in any other destination worldwide should be taken. Visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms but to make use of safe deposit boxes and safes. One should never carry large sums in cash and women should keep a tight grip on handbags in crowds or busy streets. Jewelry snatching is quite common in city streets.

As in all major cities walking alone or in small groups at night should be considered a hazard and avoided. Reliable taxis are available at all the principal hotels. Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policeman, the president, the national flag, the State House, state lodges, soldiers, prisons and prisoners etc., is prohibited. Before photographing local people, permission should be obtained and a fixed price agreed. Seek the assistance of your driver/guide in this matter.

Opening hours and Shopping

Major stores, tourist services, offices and museums open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm in large towns though offices often break for lunch. In rural areas and out in the bush small shops can be open at almost any hour. Souvenirs to take back home can include wood and soap stone sculptures and carvings, ciondos (sisal baskets), beadwork and tribal regalia, masks, textiles and gemstones set in unique jewellery pieces.

Tipping and Porterage

Although hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides.

Public Holidays

January 01                  (New Year)

April                                (Good Friday and Easter Monday)

May 01                  (Labour Day)

June 01                  (Madaraka Day)

October 10                  (Moi Day)

October 20                  (Kenyatta Day)

December 12               (Independence Day)

December 25               (Christmas Day)

December 26               (Boxing Day)

Idd ul Fitr                  (The Muslim festival)

Common Swahili Phrases

A Few Words and Phrases in Swahili

Swahili is a language that may have originated thousands of years ago as a traders’ language to promote international commerce. The correct word to describe the language is actually Kiswahili. Swahili is basically a mixture of Bantu and Arabic but there are also words in Swahili that have been derived from English, German and Portuguese. Although it is the most widely spoken language in East Africa and along with English, an official language of Kenya, Swahili is not a first language for most people. In addition to Swahili and English, most also speak one or more tribal languages.

Swahili is a relatively easy language to learn. Every letter in a word is pronounced, and the accent is always on the second-to-the-last syllable. For example, asante (thank you) is pronounced “ah-SAN-tay.” Several Swahili words begin with the letter N followed by a consonant. The N is pronounced briefly, not as “Na,” but more like an abbreviated “in.” Try saying “No” very slowly and stop before saying the whole word. Notice the “n” sound you make, and that is the pronunciation in Swahili. For example, “yes” in Swahili is ndiyo, pronounced “n-DEE-o.” Here are some common words and phrases in Swahili:

Greetings (Salamu)

Hello? – Hujambo?

How are you? – Habari?

I am well (good, fine) – Mzuri?

Very much – Sana

Goodbye – Kwaheri

General

Hotel – Hoteli

Room – Chumba

Bed – Kitanda

Food – Chakula

Coffee – Kahawa

Beer – Pombe

Cold – Baridi

Warm – Moto

Hot – Moto sana

Tea – Chai

Water – Maji

Meat – Nyama

Fish – Samaki

Bread – Mkate

Bad – Mbaya

Time (Saa)

Today – Leo

Tomorrow – Kesho

Now – Sawa

Quickly – Upesi

Slowly – Polepole

Facilities

Hospital – Hospitali

Police – Polisi

Street/road – Barabara

Airport – Uwanja wa ndege

Shop – Duka

Money – Pesa

People (Watu)

Mister – Bwana

Mrs. – Bibi

Miss – Bi

I – Mimi

You – Wewe

He, She – Yeye

We – Sisi

They – Wao

Questions (Maswali)

What? – Nini?

Who? – Nani?

Where? (place) – Mahali gani?

Where? (direction) – Wapi?

When? – Lini?

How? – Namna gani?

Why? – Kwa nini?

Which? – Ipi?

Yes – Ndio

No – Hapana

To eat – Kula

To drink – Kunywa

To go – Kwenda

To stop – Kusimama

Numbers (Nambari)

One – Moja

Two – Mbili

Three – Tatu

Four – Nne

Five – Tano

Six – Sita

Seven – Saba

Eigh – Nane

Nine – Tisa

Ten – Kumi

Phrases commonly used

Where is the hotel? – Hoteli iko wapi?

Good morning? – Habari ya asubuhi?

Good afternoon? – Habari ya mchana?

Good evening? – Habari ya jioni?

You’re welcome – Karibu, Una karibishwa

Where do you come from? – Umetoka wapi?

I come from… – Nimetoka…

What is your name? – Jina lako ni?

My name is… – Jina langu ni…

Can you speak Swahili? – Unaweza kuongea Kiswahili?

Only a little – Kidogo tu

Where are you going? – Unakwenda wapi?

I am going – Nakwenda

How much? – Pesa ngapi?

Wait a minute – Ngoja kidogo

Excuse me – Samahani

Where is the toilet? – Choo kiko wapi?

Where can I get a drink? – Naweza kupata kinywaji wapi?

One cup of… – Kikombe kimoja cha…