About Kenya

Kenya is known to be the most important safari destination worldwide and in this section you will get general information about Kenya and its regions. Actually the word safari is a Swahili word which refers to a journey. Kenya is approximately three times bigger than the United Kingdom and is a favourite holiday destination to worldclass travellers coming to Africa for a safari. Kenya boasts to be home to enormous and diversified natural habitats among which are the mountains, the plains, white sandy beaches, and much more. Kenya has practically all that it takes to offer it´s visitors the best as they enjoy their holidays.

The coastal area is separated from the interior by a semi-arid region and is known for some of the best and world class beaches. Visitors will come across long extension of white sandy beaches; most of them protected areas for being home to important coral reefs. Water sports lovers, will have a chance to practice a variety of activities including wind surfing, deep sea diving and much more. The Kenyan coast also enjoys good quality hotels, restaurants and a wide range of activities including possibilities to engage interesting day excursions which will unveil the contrast between modern towns and the bushes, in itineraries that have been carefully crafted to satisfy the modern traveller all year round.

The western part of Kenya is an original stretch of high and lowlands that unveils enormous beauty which will easily capture the eye of every visitor. The lake region (Lake Victoria the second largest fresh water lake in the world) is one of the most fertile areas making it ideal for agricultural practices. The he lake serves as a formidable fishing source, and now the home to the father of the American 44th American president (president Barack Obama), making it a must for travellers wanting to visit his father’s homeland. This area however is rarely visited by holiday makers in Kenya. The most famous region is the southern area of the lake basin. This is perhaps the most important wildlife sanctuary and perhaps in the whole African continent. It is this region that will give all our visitors a true picture of what they have seen in documentaries and thousands of graphics as it is home to millions of wildlife species. The Masai Mara national reserve and the Amboseli with Kilimanjaro in the background are located here.

The central region and the rift valley comprise the vertebra of Kenya. The most spectacular area of the rift valley can actually be seen in Kenya. This is where visitors will find the most diversified tropical vegetation, lakes and geysers not forgetting some dormant volcanoes.

The eastern region is covered by dense forests of the Aberdare Mountains, after which we will discover the Mt. Kenya and the Kenyan capital city, Nairobi. The northern region and towards the western part has scarce vegetation and its mountains form a beautiful landscape though slightly dry, wild and as such has experienced very little modern influence.

Passports and visas: Every traveller visiting Kenya requires a return or transit ticket with a valid passport and a valid entrance or transit visa. Visas can be obtained at any of the Kenyans embassies or consulates abroad and also at specific entrance points like ports, immigration offices at frontiers and airports.

Health requirements: All our visitors coming from other countries or on transit from areas where diseases like yellow fever, cholera etc. are frequent, might require medical proof showing they have been vaccinated against such diseases. Visitors are also advised to take medication preventing them from various diseases like malaria and to use mosquito nets and sprays whenever possible. Other diseases that require immunization are tetanus, typhoid, polio, rabies, meningitis among others. Please visit your local doctor for counselling.

Medical services: Nairobi boasts of good quality medical services and all our visitors in need of some medical care can visit the Nairobi Hospital, Kenyatta Hospital, or the Aga Kahn. Avoid short sleeved garments and short trousers, especially in the parks, and during the night, and whenever possible, the use of insect repellents is highly recommended not forgetting sprays and the mosquito nets mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Immunization centres: We advise you to contact the nearest Kenyan Embassy or visit your doctor for more information regarding International vaccination centres.

Customs

Personal effects such as cameras and films or binoculars, can be introduced into the country for temporary visits with no customs charge. A customs charge may be required for visitors who bring professional equipment like professional video cameras and musical instruments. Weapons require a special license which has to be obtained prior to the visitor’s arrival. Visitors, who purchase local art products, are required to keep the purchasing receipts and any certificates showing possession of animal trophies in Kenya. The receipts and certificates will have to be presented at the customs before departure.

Local currency: The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (Ksh). Visitors can carry any amount of any international currency, but it is illegal to carry any amount of the Kenyan currency out of the country upon departure. International currency in cash or travellers cheques can be changed in various offices (bureau de change) or local banks, most visitors carry US dollars or Euros which are all accepted in our country. Banks and bureaus de change can be easily accessed at the airports, around the cities and in the frontiers. Your tour guides can become very handy to give you such information too.

Departure: Luggage just like in many other countries is weighed during the check in process at the counters. Be advised that it may be subject to inspection by the customs services. Please make sure you are at the airport at least 3hrs prior to departure, as security measures have slowed down the check in process. For domestic flights, the local tax is not less than USD 10. All the mentioned information regarding local taxes is subject to change.

Luggage: Vehicles and the planes used for safaris usually have a very limited luggage space. It is thus highly recommended to travel with limited luggage given that huge baggage could result to overweight and as such can be left on ground. The maximum weight for small aircraft is 15 kilograms per person.

Climate: The climate is basically tropical. The coastal region is warm and humid with mean temperatures of about 30º centigrade during the day. The interior is a bit dry with arid areas, hot during the day and cold in the night. In the north eastern region and around the Aberdare’s Mountains the climate is somehow moderate, cold in June and September. Long rains come between the months of March and May and short rains are experienced between October and December. The hottest months are January and February. Nairobi has however been rated among the cities in the Guinness book of records, with the best climate all year round, making it ideal for tourists.

What to wear: Light garments are perfect for a tropical weather/ climate. In any case do not forget to carry some pullovers or sweaters which will be handy in the mountain areas and in Nairobi during the evening and morning hours. Also do not neglect to bring comfortable shoes since you are bound to walk a lot during the safari.

Language: The national language is Swahili and the official one is English. Both languages are widely spoken in the country. English is employed in all the sectors and as such communicating will not be a factor for any English speaking travellers. In any case, most of our travel agents have specialised guides who speak foreign languages and will always be available prior guest´s request.

Flying to Kenya: There are various international companies that fly to Kenya with daily programmed departures and arrivals scheduled in our local international airports (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Moi International Airport in Mombasa). Local flights are operated by a local company called Air Kenya.

Registering with Flying Doctors: A temporary charge for visitors who would like to receive evacuation services is highly recommended. The corresponding charge is between USD 15 and USD 50 subject to change. Please inquire form your service provider if the insurance is included in your safari package or how you can get one.