|
CLIMATE
Kenya has such diverse geography, that, temperatures, rainfall and
humidity vary widely. The country can be divided into four main
regions: the arid north, the savanna lands in the south, the central
highlands and the lowlands along the coast and the Lake Victoria
region. The coastal areas are hot and humid though tempered by some
much welcome sea breezes. Average temperatures vary little year
round and range from 22°C minimum to 33°C maximum.
The central highlands and rift valley enjoy a pleasant temperate
climate. Average temperatures vary from a minimum of 10 to 14°C
to a maximum of 22 to 26°C. The Lake Victoria lowlands are hot
and dry and temperatures can reach 34°C. Rainfall is also heavy.
The semi arid north experiences the most extreme variations in temperatures.
This ranges from a maximum of 40°C in the day to 20°C at
night. There are two rainy seasons: March to May ("long rains")
and October to December ("short rains").
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to go is traditionally July - February. The classic
safari from July to September, as this is when the Mara provides
one of nature's most dramatic spectacles, the annual migration of
over a million wildebeest and zebras, teeming from the south to
cross the Mara river into the Masai Mara National Reserve. Raining
season is from March to May, which may affect your Safari, as some
roads may not be accessible.
Jan and Feb: Hot and dry. Largest
concentrations of bird life on the Rift Valley lakes. Game congregates
round water sources in parks, making it easier to spot
July to September: Cool and dry.
Best months generallyl for game viewing, especially Masai Mara
Oct to Jan: Good game viewing,
relatively dry. Best time for snorkeling and diving as seas are
clearest (esp Nov)
.
March to May: Wet. Less tourists, accommodation
prices a much cheaper.
Rains generally don’t affect your ability to get around as
most roads are good, if you stay on the main roads in the parks.
VISAS
Passports valid for 3 months from date of entry are required of
all visitors. All visitors require a visa except for citizens of
some commonwealth countries. There are also exceptions with varying
conditions for citizens of Ethiopia, Turkey, Malaysia, and Uruguay
and a few other countries. Airport visas are available although
this may result in delays upon arrival. It is advisable to obtain
visa's in advance from Kenyan Embassies and High Commissions as
some airlines may require it before allowing you to board. Visa
requirements vary from time to time and you are advised to check
on prevailing status well ahead of travel. At the moment Visas cost
50 US$ per person.
HEALTH
Visitors over 1 year of age entering Kenya from yellow fever infected
areas require yellow fever international certificate of vaccination.
Exemptions are made for visitors arriving from non-endemic areas
such as Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. Cholera
is a health risk in the country and precautions are essential. Malaria
is a serious risk in most of the country. The risk level is however
lower in the highlands above 2500m, of the Central, Rift Valley,
Eastern and Western Provinces. Visitors are strongly advised to
take anti-malaria medication commencing two weeks before travel.
It is recommended, especially for longer staying visitors, to take
vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. HIV-AIDS is
prevalent in the country and prudent measures are called for. Some
fresh water lakes and rivers carry the risk of Bilharzia and you
are advised not to swim or paddle in such areas. There are good
hospitals in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. Chemists can be found
in all the major towns.
TRAVEL INSUARANCE
Health and the usual travel insurance are recommended. Ensure your
travel insurance includes emergency evacuation.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Kenya is a regional travel hub and has connections by a large number
of airlines from all over the world particularly those from Europe,
Asia and other parts of Africa. The country has three international
airports at Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret. The national airline is
Kenya Airways, a
major player in African air travel. British Airways and Kenya Airways
fly to Nairobi direct from London. A few European airlines also
have direct flights from their hubs in Europe. Gulf Air and Emirates
fly to Nairobi using mid eastern connections.
In addition to flying, you can travel by bus between Kenya and Tanzania.
The main connections are from Nairobi and Mombasa to Dar es Salaam
and from Nairobi to Moshi and Arusha. Occasional ferries leave Mombasa
for Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Uganda can be reached from Kenya
by air, rail and bus. There is a border crossing at Moyale on the
Kenya-Ethiopia border and which is mainly used by trucks. Overland
travel to Sudan and Somalia is exceedingly difficult at present.
LOCAL TRAVEL
There are scheduled flights to a number of local destinations from
Nairobi to Mombasa, Nanyuki, Kisumu, Malindi, Lamu, Lokichogio and
the national parks and game reserves of Maasai Mara, Amboseli and
Samburu. You can also travel to a few urban centers in the country
by train though this has not been reliable in recent years. Regular
bus service links the main urban centers.
Around urban areas and shorter links between towns, the popular
way to get around is by means of matatu (shared taxi). Rental cars
are reliably available from Mombasa, Kisumu and Nairobi. Remember
that driving is on the left. Generally, between urban centers the
road links are good. The quality deteriorates when you get off the
main routes and into more remote locations.
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'll
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.
ACCOMMODATION
You will find good quality accommodation within the main routes
popular with tourists and business travelers. This includes Nairobi,
Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi, Lake Naivasha, Kisumu and the popular game
reserves and national parks such as Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Lake
Nakuru, Tsavo, Aberdares, Samburu and the Mount Kenya area. In the
parks, accommodation varies from 5 star lodges and tented camps
at the upper end, to basic camping at the lower end. Outside the
main urban centres and tourist routes, it is difficult to get rated
accommodation
COMMUNICATION
Telephone, fax, telegram, post and Internet services are available
in urban centers and locations popular with tourists. International
direct dialing to many countries is available in most urban centres.
In rural areas international calling is through the operator. The
country code for Kenya is 254.
Mobile phones are based on GSM 900 network. Coverage extends to
the principal urban centres, major highways and parts of popular
game reserves such as the Mara. You are however advised to check
beforehand whether your GSM phone is usable if you are traveling
outside the main urban centres. You can obtain a GSM card that will
allow you to make international calls to any country.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Kenya Shilling (Ksh). There are no restrictions
on the import and export of local or foreign currency. But for amounts
exceeding US dollars 5,000 or equivalent you will need to declare
the source and purpose of the funds. Major currencies such as US
dollars and now the Euro and travelers cheques can be converted
at major hotels, banks and forex bureaus in the main towns and tourist
areas. You will get best exchange rates for cash or travelers cheques
if you are dealing in US dollars or Pound Sterling. For this your
best deal will be at forex bureaus. Avoid changing money in the
streets however favorable the exchange rate may appear. Visa and
MasterCard have wide acceptance. But American Express, Diners and
other cards have more limited acceptance. Your Visa card can access
your bank or credit card account through any Standard Chartered
Bank dispenser, 24 hours a day.
BANKS
All major currencies can be changed in East Africa, there are in
principle no restriction in dealing with foreign currencies. Barclays
Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank, which have
a substantial network of branches in Kenya, also in resorts, provide
local currency at ATMs against Visa or Master card. Banks are open
from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Some branches open on Saturdays
from 9:00am to 11:00am. Many banks are now equipped with 24 hour
ATM machines. The Bank branches at Jomo Kenyatta International airport
(Nairobi) and Moi International Airport both run 24 hour forex services.
LOCAL FOOD AND WINE
Hotel cuisine is good, usually buffet style, offering a wide variety.
Most hotels have a specialty. These are very popular and some require
table reservations especially on Fridays and weekends. Fish and
meat are widely eaten and are of excellent quality. Fresh vegetables
& fruits are readily available as well as tasty vegetarian dishes.
Plenty of spice & chilies are used in local dishes. Kenya produces
good wines and beers of various brands. Fresh fruit juice is plentiful
and available in most restaurants and bars. Prices vary with hotel
bars being the most expensive.
It is not advisable to drink tap water in Kenya. All hotels and
lodges provide boiled water in flasks in their rooms. Bottled is
widely available.
The de facto national dish is Nyama Choma, barbecued
goat meat. But the guy in the street survives on that stodgy filler
called Ugali, prepared using maize meal accompanied with some greens.
At the coast however the traditional food of the Swahili is a good
experience. This is usually based on seafood and rice dishes. Beer
lovers will have a good time in Kenya. There are several international
standard lagers produced locally. The most popular is named after
the elephant, thus Tusker. While on safari, remember to celebrate
the African elephant by taking a little Tusker.
In the last few years there has been some kind of revival in local
music. This revival is led by younger urban artists who sing in
Swahili and Sheng, a kind of Creole mix of Swahili and English.
The music is a local blend of hip-hop and rap.
ELECTRICITY
220 / 240 volts AC. Plugs are the UK-type, round 2-pin or flat 3
pin. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any
other electrical advice, please bring voltage and plug adaptors
where appropriate.
CLOTHING
Light clothing is generally recommended in Kenya. The highlands
are however temperate and you need a sweater and jacket year round.
This is necessary for the evenings and early mornings. If you plan
to climb Mount Kenya be ready with special clothing not only for
the climb but to protect yourself from sub zero temperatures.
On safari, bright coloured clothing may get you in trouble with
the wild animals. Colours of the earth are generally favoured, thus
brown, beige and khaki clothing. Short sleeve shirts, shorts and
trousers for men are sufficient. For ladies, short sleeve blouses
and skirts are ideal in the national parks and touristy places.
This is except at the predominantly Muslim coastal areas, where
more conservative dressing is called for. But even at the coast,
swimwear is perfectly acceptable at beaches and hotel premises.
It is advisable to travel light and some safari and air charters
have a baggage limit of 10-15 kilograms.
|
