Kenya

About Kenya

Kenya occupies a total area of 582,644 sq. km and straddles the Equator. Kenya is located in eastern Africa and borders Sudan and Ethiopia in the north, Somalia in the east, Uganda in the west and Tanzania in the south. Kenya has 4 distinct physical features namely; the Great Rift Valley, Central highlands, Arid and Semi-arid areas in North and Eastern Kenya and the Coast. Key features in the rift valley are; fresh and alkaline lakes with a high concentration of birdlife, wide plains and savannah for wildebeest grazing and large swathes for the big five.

Arrival in Kenya

Kenya has several international airports including; Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, Kisumu International Airport and Malindi International Airport. Airlines including; Kenya Airways, Emirates Airways, Etihad Airways, Qatar airways, Brussels, South African Airways, British Airways, fly to Kenya. All tourists to Kenya require a tourist visa which costs USD 50 per person and can be obtained on entry (visa fees must be paid in USD only) or in advance from Kenya embassies abroad.

Weather and Climate

Kenya is crossed by the equator and the implication is that it has little seasonal variation in temperature. The country has two seasons: dry season and rainy season with long rains in April and May, and short rains in November. During rainy seasons, the rain often falls in heavy but brief tropical downpours during the evening or night with pleasant sunny days in between.

People & Culture

Kenya has over 42 different tribes with distinct languages and several dialects. Each ethnic group has a diverse and contrasting way of life such that as you travel within Kenya, you will find different and fascinating cultures such as the Maasai to the South, the Swahili along the Coast, the Samburu to the North and the Pokot and Turkana to the North West. Several safari companies arrange cultural visits to the Kenya countryside.

ICT & Connectivity

Kenya is ranked second in terms of internet speeds and accessibility in Africa. Internet access is available in all major hotels, lodges and post offices in Kenya. Business centers and internet cybercafés are popular in most cities throughout the country. In the remote areas or camping sites, you will have to use broadband internet services offered by Kenya telecommunication providers. To enjoy broadband services, you’ll need to acquire a data modem. Depending on your needs, you can either choose pre-paid or post paid plans. The leading telecommunication providers offering broadband internet services include Safaricom, Orange, Airtel, among others. Another option is using a Wi-Fi enabled smartphone or tablet in various hotspots around the country.

Money & Banking Services

The currency in Kenya is the Kenya shilling (KSHS) or KES. Most major currencies are accepted and you can convert to Kenya shillings at the nearest bank  or forex bureau. Although the Kenya shilling often fluctuates, it is always much lower in value compared to other major currencies such as the US dollar, the pound sterling or the Euro. Credits Cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and establishments, with the most recognized being Master Card, Visa and American Express. However, you will need some cash handy because smaller shops will only accept cash. Major banks are widely available throughout Kenya. They operate business hours of 8am – 5pm, Monday to Friday and every Saturday morning hours. Kenya’s banks are closed on weekends and during Kenya’s public holidays.

National Parks

Kenya has a total of over 50 National Parks and Reserves, including Marine Parks. These are supplemented by private sanctuaries and game ranches which form about 10 per cent of Kenya’s surface area. The most popular Parks & Reserves are Maasai Mara, Samburu, Tsavo, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru. Besides being the home to lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalos, Kenya also accommodates dung beetles, coloured butterflies, rare chameleons and several bird species. The Great Wildebeest Migration, considered to be one of the world’s most impressive natural spectacles, takes place between the Maasai Mara on one side and the Serengeti in Tanzania on the other.