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1. Geography BACK
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Located in the Heart of Africa, Kenya shares borders
with Ethiopia in the north, Sudan in the Northwest, Uganda in the
West and Tanzania in the south. The Indian Ocean lies to the East.
The Rift Valley runs through the country north to south. There are
four primary regions:
- The northern deserts, including Lake Turkana and the Laikipia
Plateau.
- The southern savannah, including the Masai Mara and the Great
Rift Valley.
- The coastal lowlands, including Mombasa and the Watamu National
Marine Park.
- The highlands, including Nairobi and Mount Kenya.
2. Language BACK
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KiSwahili is the official language, although English
is widely spoken in commercial areas. In remote areas, the majority
of people will only speak their tribal language.
3. Getting to Kenya BACK
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Kenya is well served by major international airlines,
which fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or
Moi International Airport (Mombasa). Mombasa is a popular charter
destination from most major European cities. We strongly recommend
you check with the nearest Kenya Embassy or Tourist Office to ensure
you have the most up to date visa information. Yellow Fever and
Cholera are required only for visitors arriving from countries where
these diseases are endemic. Check with your Embassy and/or local
heath office for more details.
4. Leaving Kenya BACK
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An airport departure tax of US$40 per person, or
its equivalent, is payable when leaving Kenya. This fee is often
included in your international airfare, unless stated otherwise.
Please check with your agent when purchasing your international
tickets. A local departure tax of Kshs 200 (approx. US$2.50) per
person, per flight is payable for internal flights.
5. Climate BACK
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Kenya offers warm days and cool, early mornings and
evenings throughout most of the country. At altitude the temperatures
are moderate. The Coast is often humid and tropical. There are two
primary rainy seasons: the long rains roughly from April to June
and the short rains during October and November.
6. Clothing BACK
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Informal, lightweight clothing is recommended. Mornings
and evenings can be cool at altitude, so bring a sweater or cardigan.
A hat is highly recommended due to the sun. On the Kenya coast,
ladies are expected to dress modestly in public. Nude or topless
sunbathing is not only illegal, but also affects the sensibilities
of the Muslim community.
7. Communications BACK
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Telephone, fax and some email services are available,
though prone to difficulties. Most resorts, lodges and camps will
have at least a radio link with their primary offices. In the major
cities and on the Coast, international direct dialing should be
available, if a little costly.
8. Currency BACK
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The Kenya shilling is freely exchangeable, and most
major facilities accept major credit cards.
9. Driving BACK
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Most Kenyans drive on the left hand side of the road.
It is recommended that you travel with an international driving
license if you plan to drive in Kenya.
10. Health BACK
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Anti-malarial prophylactics should be taken before,
during and after your visit to Kenya, especially if you visit the
Coast. Good medical facilities are available in the major cities.
Membership with groups such as the Flying Doctors is also recommended;
Best of Kenya includes Flying Doctor emergency evacuation coverage
in all of our safaris, unless otherwise stated. Hotels, camps and
lodges should provide either bottled water, or filtered water for
drinking. Please do not drink the tap water.
11. Local time BACK
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GMT plus 3.
12. Safety precautions BACK
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Common sense precautions should be taken at all times.
Please also check the travel advisories from the US State Department
and the British Foreign Office.
13. Electricity BACK
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220 / 240 volts AC. Plugs are the UK-type, round 2-pin
or flat 3 pin.
**This information provided with thanks by the Kenya
Tourist Board and other sources.**
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