Kenya: Overview
Kenya, thought to be mankind’s cradle, is also the meca for safari lovers (which means "trip" in suahili). This African country limits with Tanzania to the south, with Uganda to the west, with Sudan to the northwest, with Somalia to the east and with Ethiopia to the north. But this is no landlocked country since its southeastern territory is bathed by the Indian Ocean. Although tourist must take some measures regarding safety, this is a great destination full with exotic wild animals, picturesque cities, beautiful beaches, coral reefs and dreamt landscapes.
Climate
Kenian climate varies among the tropical wet and hot coasts, the temperate inlands, the rainy and cool highlands and the dry northern area. The high tourist season takes place on January and February when the climate is dry and warm. Between March and May first rains fall, then there is a drier period followed by new precipitations between October and December. From June to September temperature is stable. During the last time of the year, tourist crowds drop which increases the chances of finding better lodging and lower prices.
Important information
Entry requirements for all visitors (except for nationals from Germany, Denmark, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Sudáfrica, Sweden and some countries of the Commonwealth) are a passport valid at least for six months from the date of arrival and a Visa that should be processed in advance, especially if you apply via e-mail.
The official currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES) which can’t be reconverted outside the country. In the case of bringing traveler's checks, one of the best options for this trip, they should be in pounds sterling or American dollars. Many hotels and safaris lodgings accept American dollars. Foreign currencies can be converted to Kenyan shillings at hotels, banks and official boureau of exchange; the most convenient currencies to change are pounds sterling, euros and dollars. You should avoid dealing with street exchange merchants since they operate illegally and there are no guarantees of the notes not being fake. Hotels, big shops and some campings and lodgings accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express). In Nairobi and the main cities you can find many ATMs.
Tipping is not costumary in Kenya, although high-end restaurants may add an extra 10% to their bills. If that is not the case you may leave some small change in local currency to taxi drivers, waiters and doormen. Although tipping in general is not obligatory, when being on a safari keep in mind that cookers, guides and drivers realy on tips.
Concerning health you should ask in embassies or consulates about the latest requirements and suggestions for vaccination and malaria prevention at least 3 weeks before travelling. Although there is a malaria risk in the whole country, that risk is higher in Mombasa and in the lowest coastal areas. Immunization is recommended against yellow fever, typhus and polio (a vaccination certificate will be required to those who come from infected areas). Other risk is diarreha. Tourist also must avoid mosquitoes and flies’s stings since they transmit many diseases. AIDS is very extended in the country, so take every measure to avoid being infected. Cholera outbreaks have been reported, so you must be careful with food and water; drink only bottled or boiled water and get sure that places you eat in follow every sanitary and hygiene norm. Although Mombasa and Nariobi have good medical facilities, a full medical and travell insurance is a must.
Safety conditions in Kenya are not the best ones, mainly due to the political situation. Be cautious and informed about the country’s situation before and during the trip. Although Nairobi has been the epicentre of most confrontations, the Valley of the Rift and Mombasa have also been affected. The capital and Mombasa have the highest crime rates, so visitors should remain alert, especially at night. In several golf clubs armed robberies have been reported by players, so it is best to stay close to the club house, especially if you are alone. In the tourist areas of Ukunda and Diani many tourist have been assaulted by knife-armed criminals. If you are planning on visiting the northern areas you must go with an armed escort and avoid northestern territories, since conflicts between Somalia and Kenya are increasing. Ttavelling by air is the most convenient way of visiting Lamu island. Near Moyale and in other domestic areas you must be extra careful since there are land mines, especially in tsurroundings of A2 highway. Vehicles travelling this highway and near the border zone should stay in the highways and keep out of the surrounding fields.
As any country, Kenya has some rules and customs that visitors must respect. It is illegal to take pictures of official buildings or embassies and to destroy Kenyan currency; if you break any of these rules you can be arrested. The coastal cities are mostly Muslim and they follow the Islam precepts. The celebration of Ramadan and the fulfillment of gear rules (particularly severe and conservative for women) are very important to this people. Homosexuality is illegal.
Where to go
Nairobi, the cosmopilitan capital city, is a perfect destination if you are looking forward to discover modern Africa. Some interesting places to visit in this swamp turned into city during the railroads times are the picturesque neighborhood of River Road, where artisans, prostitutes, students and globetrotters meet; the ostriches national park and Nairobi National Park, located in the outskirts of the city. You can also go to the National Archive, where you can enjoy craft and painting exhibitions beside seeing the regualr documents. The Museum of Snakes and the National Museum are very interesting places too.
Among the Kenyan parks and reserves the National Park and Reservation of Marsevit and the National Reserve of Masai Mara stand out. In the first one, located in a thick forest you will find some of the biggest Kenyan mammals (rhinoceroes, elephants, buffalos, lions, cheetas, etc). If you want to see the animals you must camp and wait for them; camping is best in lake Paradise so you can enjoy the great landscapes while you wait. Masai Mara comprehends a part of Serengeti National Park and it is one of the most visit protected areas of the country. There are breathtaking landscapes and many wild animals, especially in the park limits. It is not strange thing to meet with huinting lions. Some of the most interesting places in the reserve are the Esoit Oloololo Escarpment and the masai village, open to tourism.
The Muslim population of Lamu, one of the oldest port cities in Kenya, enjoys a romantic and medieval atmosphere, since it has preserved its original spirit. Although it once was a prosperous and bussy city, nowadays it is a much calm and relaxed place. Some the of the places worthwhile visiting are the Donkey Asylum, the Suahili house-museum, perfect for those who are interested in this culture, and the Museum of Lamu, located in the coast and keeper of Lamu history.
Historical Mombasa, located in the homonymous island, dates from the 12th century and it is the main eastern port of the continent. In the old city and especially in Fort Jesus (now open as a museum) you will see the prints left by two massive attacks to the city. Besides visiting historical areas, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches located south of the island.
Festivals
The most important event of Kenya takes place in July-August and it is the movement of the ñus (a kind of anthelope) that travells from Serengeti Natural Park in search of fresh grasses; they return to the south in October. The National Reserve of Masai Mara is one of the best places to witness this massive journey. Independence Day takes place on December, 12th and Kenyatta Day on October, 20th.
