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Safari Destinations – Kenya
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Introduction
Roughly the size of Texas, Kenya is famous for its "Out of Africa" scenic beauty, diverse cultures and abundant wildlife. Kenya's coastline and tropical beaches are equally inviting. Kenya's wildlife is its prime attraction - the Masai Mara, Tsavo, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru are some of Africa's most well known National Parks.
Kenya is a mosaic of different cultures and traditions. Kenya and it's people have the natural; ability to make every traveler feel at home - 'Karibu' a Swahili word meaning welcome is often heard!
Full Name: Republic of Kenya (formerly British East Africa)
Capital: Nairobi
Population: 28,808,658 (estimated July 1999)
Time Zone: GMT +3 hours
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
International Dialing Code: +09254
Visas and Entry Requirements
Most foreign passport holders do not require visas. Visas are not required
for SA passport holders.
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank
pages for entry stamps upon arrival.
Getting Around / Border Posts
The major crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania is at Namanga, which is open 24 hours a day. Other crossings include Lunga Lunga and Taveta. The Ethiopian border post of Moyale is becoming increasingly dangerous because of civil fighting. The border was closed for a while but has now reopened.
For those with four -wheel drive vehicles, a more adventurous route to the west near Lake Turkana is quite popular. Ask the locals for advice before trying this route. There is no border post on either side of the border crossing so you will have to get your visa stamped in Nairobi. Malaba and Busimia are the main Ugandan border posts. At present there are no overland crossings with Somalia and Sudan as it is not safe to cross unless part of a refugee convoy.
Roads
There is 63,800 km of highways in Kenya, 8,863 km of which are paved. Roads are generally in good condition, but others have deteriorated and are very unsafe. The A104 running from Mombassa to Malaba via Nairobi is a heavy truck route.
High speed and unpredictable local driving habits are daily hazards on Kenyan roads. Roads in the North and Northeast are predominantly dirt roads and in the rainy season are only navigable by four-wheel drive vehicles.
Your National driving license is accepted, with an English translation is necessary. Driving is on the left side of the road. As fuel shortages can occur, it is best to fill your tanks before leaving a major town.
Language
The national language is Swahili (KiSwahili) although English is spoken throughout. Kenyans involved in the tourist trade speak English, however it is good to have a working knowledge of Swahili. In total there are 42 ethnic languages spoken in Kenya.
Culture
There are more than 70 tribal groups among the Africans in Kenya, however differences among many of them are blurred - western culture values are becoming more deep-seated and traditional values are disintegrating. There are many other tribes in Kenya; these include the;
- Kikuyu
- Luhia
- Luo
- and Kikamba
as well as a plethora of minor tribal tongues.
Exchange Rate
The exchange rate is in your favour. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world. The price of a beer starts at KSh35. A traditional meal will cost about KSh150, while you can expect to pay about KSh500-1000 for a more classy meal. Petrol costs about KSh35 per liter. A roll of 36-exposure print film will cost about KSh200.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Dinners Club and American Express) are widely accepted.
Tipping
This is not required but unlike in some other African countries, is not forbidden either. Most hotels include a 10% service charge on the bill. If the service charge has not been included a KSh100 tip is usual, although the amount is entirely at the visitors discretion. Bear in mind that salaries in East Africa tend to be very low, and that people working in service industries rely on tips to supplement their wages. On safari you should tip your driver, cook and guide. These people do not earn very much so you should tip as much as you feel you can, KSh150 per employee per day is about right, but this of course depends on you and how happy you were with the service.
Health
Everyone entering Kenya must be in possession of a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever. It is imperative that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Kenya. When purchasing these please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intent visiting Kenya.
It is important to note that the Kenyan Authorities have banned the use of chloroquine combinations as prophylacxis, and instead recommend the use of either mefloquine (lariam/mefliam) or doxycycline. Start your course at least one week before entering Kenya and continue taking the pills for about six weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night, after dinner.
Precautionary measures that you can take to prevent contact with mosquitoes are: sleeping under a bed net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times), spraying your accommodation with insecticide, making use of a mosquito repelling lotion or stick and wearing long sleeve clothes, trousers and socks when outside at night. immunization against typoid, tetanus, turberculosis, polio and meningococcal meningitis are recommended.
Medical Services
Medical services in Kenya are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but are limited else where. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate payment, but usually accept major credit cards. It is advisable to secure medical cover on your medical insurance before arriving in the country. Note that major hotels have contracts with physicians and dentists. Visitors are however advised to bring along supplies of specialized medication they may require. Otherwise, medicine may be purchased at pharmacies and emergency pharmacies which are open all night.
When to Go?
Kenya is a year round destination with excellent game viewing. One of Kenya´s greatest attractions is the annual wildebeest migration between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This takes place between June and September. Traditional peak season is from January to March as this is when the weather is hot and dry and most comfortable for traveling. This is a good time for bird viewing on the Rift Valley Lakes. Game viewing at perennial water holes is also good at this time. April - June and October - December are less popular times for visiting Kenya as these are the rainy seasons and flooding often occurs. However, it is usually possible to get around easily during these times and the rain does not hinder visibility.
Weather, Seasons & Climate
Summer: December to March
Winter :July to August
Kenya is divided by the equator and enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeastern parts of the country. The hottest time is in February and March and the coldest in July and August.
The average annual temperatures in the main areas are:
- Mombassa (coastal) : Max 30°C - Min 22°C
- Nairobi : Max 25°C - Min 13°C
- North Pain lands : Max 34°C - Min 23°C
The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. Rainfall is sometimes heavy and tends to fall in the afternoon and evenings.
General Accommodation Information
Most safari lodges vary in size and style, and are built to blend in with the natural environment. accommodation tends to be of rondavel or banda type, with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit hotels. do not be misled by the term "tented accommodation" - these tend to be luxurious inset-proof tents and are usually permanently pitched on concrete bases, often including en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets. These are very poplar and gibe the visitor the true experience of being close to nature, without the inconvenience and discomfort that can be associated with camping in the open. In the towns, cheaper hotels are definitely avoidable. Prices for higher range hotels vary according to season. Note that although prices may be quoted in US$, payment in local currency is the accepted norm. Campsites in national parks and game reserves tend to be very basic, with running water, but only pit toilets. It is strongly recommended that you reserve all your accommodation as far in advance as possible as availability is often at a premium, especially in peak season.
Clothes / What to Pack?
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year.
Good quality, locally made clothing and shoes for safaris are available in Nairobi and Mombassa shops at reasonable prices.
Electricity
220 / 240 Volts AC, 50Hz.
Shopping
As most African countries, there is a huge range of cheap souvenirs to be purchased roadside. These are homemade, but mass produced so always check the quality before buying.
Materials include ebony, soapstone and ivory. Note that it is illegal to export products that contain any elements of elephant, rhino or sea turtle. Tribal souvenirs are available; including Maasia beaded jewelry, Kiondas (woven sisal Baskets) and natural or decorated calabashes (dried gourds). Bright sarongs (kangas or kikois) make good wearable souvenirs.
If you are after quality artwork, it is probable wisest to look in galleries and shops that deal in it, rather than buying from the black market.
Travel Tips / Safety
Travel in Kenya is generally entirely safe, however, there are the occasional regional ethnic skirmishes. You are advised to remain informed as to the situation in areas to which you plan to travel, especially remote parts and borders. Ugandan, Somalian and Sudanese Shifta (bandits) rove their borders with Kenya. Violent cross-border attacks and cattle raids occur, so it is best to avoid the border regions. Border crossings into Somalia and Sudan are strongly discouraged.
Petty crime and theft occurs in some of the urban areas, so be vigilant and keep valuables concealed.
Security within the parks is quite good, but never leave possessions unattended.
It is always better to travel in a large group.
Water
While water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, there are frequent breakdowns and this can lead to mild to serious abdominal upsets for first time African travelers. Rather stick to sealed bottled water, which is available from most hotels and lodges, and which is highly advised for the first few weeks of your stay. Do Not use ice cubes or eat rare meat, raw seafood or dairy products. avoid roadside stands and street vendors and only eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination.
Public Holidays
- New Year's Day - 1st of January
- Good Friday - (Varies)
- Easter Monday - (varies)
- Labour Day - 1st of May
- Madaraka Day - 1st of June
- Moi Day - 10th of October
- Kenyatta Day - 20th of October
- Independence Day - 12th of December
- Christmas Day - 25th of December
- Boxing Day - 26th of December
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