Country Information - Kenya
TRAVEL TOOLS
GEOGRAPHY
Some 583 000 kilometers square, bisected by the equator, inhabited by over 40 different tribes, and populated by the most numerous and varied wildlife in the world, Kenya is the 'Cradle of Mankind' and a land of spectacular contrast. From the pre-historic splendour of the Rift Valley to the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean, from the cultural hub of Nairobi to the game-parks of Tsavo and the Masai Mara, this vast country is a traveller's heaven. Kenya. In Hemingway's words, " Unknowable, unimaginable, unbelievable." And completely unforgettable.
ECONOMY
Before the turn of the twentieth century, Kenya was mainly inhabited by the African peoples and its economy was almost entirely at a subsistence level. Trade with the outside world was almost non-existent except for some Asian and Arab traders along the coast. The construction of the Uganda Railway and the coming to Kenya of the white settlers at the beginning of the 20th century marked a major development in the Kenyan economy. The settlers introduced plantation agriculture, the main crops including, coffee, tea, sisal, wheat and pyrethrum. The settlers also introduced livestock ranching. However towards the end of the colonial era some economic development had started. Africans were gradually allowed to grow cash crops such as coffee and tea, although to a limited extent. Nevertheless, participation of Africans in the modern economy remained limited. In addition almost the entire African labour force was unskilled. The coming of independence in 1963, therefore, generally involved accelerating trends which had already started to emerge, and altering the emphasis given to different objectives. Now tourism is a major contributer to the Kenyan economy.
CLIMATE
The vegetation which covers the rocks and the wildlife that live there and the overall attractiveness of a climate essentially depend on three major factors: temperature, rainfall and humidity. In Kenya these three factors are con trolled by altitude. In general the low areas are very hot and the temperature falls as the land rises. The low areas also tend to have poor rainfall and a dry atmosphere with low humidity. The main exceptions are the coastal strip and the area along the shore of Lake Victoria in the west. Both are hot with high rainfall and high humidity.
NAIROBI
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL FOR NAIROBI
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
TEMPERATURE 77 79 77 75 72 70 69 70 75 76 74 74
RAINFALL IN INCHES 1 2 5 8 6 2 1 1 1 2 4 3
MOMBASA
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL FOR MOMBASA
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
TEMPERATURE 87 87 90 89 85 83 82 83 84 86 88 88
RAINFALL IN INCHES 1 1 2 8 13 6 4 2 2 3 4 2
MAJOR CITIES AND TOWNS
NAIROBI
Just 140km south of the equator between the port of Mombasa on the Indian ocean, 494 km to the east, and Lake Victoria, 338 km to the west at an altitude of 1670 m, lies Nairobi. It was not until the turn of the century when the Uganda railway reached half way across East Africa at "Enkare Nyarobe" ( the place of the cold water), in 1896 that the area become a permanent settlement. In 1907 the British moved the colonial administration from Mombasa to Nairobi and since them, what was once a small group of huts, has grown spectacularly into East Africa's most modern city. Nairobi's moderate climate, rich history, modern facilities and central location makes it an obvious start to any visit to Kenya.
MOMBASA AND THE COASTLINE
The Kenya Coastline is truly a distinctive part of the country with a rich romantic history dating back over a 1000 years. It is home of the Miji Kenda civilization (the nine tribes who inhabited the area) from whose dialects the Swahili language, Kenya's Lingua Franca, evolved to be spoken across half of Africa. The island town of Mombasa, besides being the headquarters of the province, is the main sea gate on the Eastern African coastline and is Kenya's oldest and second major metropolis. Along the palm fringed coastline lies a spectacular coral reef running almost uninterrupted for 480 km teeming with wonders of marine life, lagoons, creeks and overwhelming bird life in mangrove forests or overhanging cliffs. These together with a variety of entertainment makes a holiday at the coast a truly memorable experience.
The 16'th century fort Jesus in the old town is important for it's historical significance. The Fort is the oldest in Africa built by the Portuguese explorers. It is now a national museum and houses well preserved artefacts and relics, some dating 300 years ago. A visit to the fort is a journey back in time. At the end of your visit you may enjoy a refreshing chilled class of lime juice atop the battlements symbolic of the turbulent history of the Fort cooled by breezes from the Indian Ocean. Shimoni to the south of Mombasa is a popular fishing village. Nearby Funzi Island provides ideal bathing conditions and there is a Marine National Park. A variety of water sports are available at several hotels centered on the Diani Beach about 40km from Mombasa and the Shimba Hills National Reserve offer excursions for wildlife viewing. Jumba la Mtwana to the north offers insights to life during the 15'th and 16'th centuries when the economic and trading life of the Swahili people centered mainly on agriculture, wood carving, mangrove cutting, fishing, metal work, quarrying, boat building and construction as well as trade in ivory and gold.
MAJOR NATIONAL PARKS / GAME RESERVES / AREAS OF INTEREST
WESTERN KENYA
Lake Naivasha and Nakuru, are a perfect day trip from Nairobi and the spotting point for hundreds and thousands of Flamingoes. Lake Bogoria features hot springs, the sight of fishermen in papyrus boats and the rare Greater Kudu. Nakuru boats the rare Rothschild Giraffe and an extraordinary Rhino sanctuary. While Naivasha is best seen by boat. Further west is Lake Victoria, source of the Nile, and the Afro-Alpine flora of Mt Elgon National Park, both reached through the immense pre-historic landscape of the Rift Valley. Eight kilometres south of Nakuru Town and covering and area of 200 square kilometres, Nakuru park is unquestionably " the greatest ornithological spectacle on earth" - the congregation point of an estimated 100,000 to 2 million flamingoes and over 400 species of birds. With the park greatly enlarged since its creation in 1961, and extensive ecological cleaning up of the area, wildlife of a wide variety can now be seen in the park
MASAI MARA
The classic safari from July to September, 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. The stunning Savannah streches on forever. In the vast landscape you can see Cheetah the fastest animal in the world, chasing Antelope and Gazelle. In the Mara river Hippos bathe, and on the banks, Crocodiles sun themselves. One of the world's very special places.
As East Africa's plains fade yellow after the summer's rains, an ancient signal is sent to millions of beast as one, the horizon blurring with the bodies of 1.4 million wildebeest and 200 000 zebra, eland and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa's great predators. This is the migration - one of the most awe-inspiring sights on earth. The migration has its origin on Tanzania's southern Serengeti plains, where great herds of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson's gazelle gather to graze on the rain-ripened grass in January. But by the end of May the depleted plains are unable to sustain them - and an ancient impulse commands them to move. Like iron filings being drawn by a magnet, the great herds sweep north towards the Masai-Mara plains. By July the herds have amassed along the swollen Mara River - their final barrier from the short, sweet grasses ahead. With wild eyes, they plunge in to face the crocodiles which await them. Many who struggle through the deadly flotilla are drowned, or else weakened, falling prey to ambushing lions. This is the dramatic life-and-death struggle that travelers have come to see. Between June and October the herds total 1.4 million beasts in the Masai Mara and a dust cloud of movement and noise pervades the air. Here the green grass of the Mara-plains nourishes them - until the arrival of the November rains, calling them back south again. Back on the rain-sweetened Serengeti grasslands, the pregnant females give birth in spontaneous profusion. The circle of life is completed.
MOUNT KENYA & THE ABEDARES
Snow-capped Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest mountain, a stunning and challenging destination for climbers and trekkers. Below the mountain's alpine meadows roam Mountain Elephant, Black Rhino, Cape Buffalo and Antelope. On it's lower slopes is Ol Pejeta, a private range and Rhino sanctuary and nearby is the famous Mount Kenya Safari Club founded by William Holden. The Aberdares sport high alpine moorland and primeval aloe forest. Here you can visit Treetops where leopard can regularly be seen refreshing themselves. The Aberdare Ranges are a mountain group that are also known as the Nyandarua Ranges in Kikuyu. They were explored in 1883. The mountains were named by Joseph Thomson in 1883 after Lord Aberdare who was the then president of the Royal Geographical Society. Lying in these mountains, this park covers an area of 770 square kilometres. A mixture of mountain rain forest, moorland, thick bamboo forests and sub alpine plants make up the vegetation in this park. Giant Health and Tussock grass cover the moorlands which are crossed by wandering trout filled streams that cascade into beautiful waterfalls. Vast numbers of wildlife are found on the eastern side of the Aberdares as compared to the Western side which is surrounded by the steep eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley.
AMBOSELI
Ever present is the remarkable view of Kilimanjaro, under which the park boasts one of Kenya's best displays of wildlife. Hemingway wrote of it as the essence of Africa. Elephants rummage in the lower forests, Leopards prowl the salt flats, Antelope graze. All against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro's majestic peak. The classic image of Africa. Apart from a few patches of acacia forest, Amboseli parklands comprise of only scrub and very fragile saline grass-the dry volcanic ash would host little more. The melting snows of Kilimanjaro feed rivers and springs that supply water to the swamps and like Amboseli, which is usually completely dry flooding only in the rainy seasons. Attracted to the swamps are a large variety of wildlife comprising of Antelope, Wildebeeste, Giraffe, Zebra, large herds of Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo, and the predators, the Lion, Cheetah and occasionally the Leopard. Much a part of the Amboseli scenery are the Maasai tribesmen who graze their cattle here, for this is also the home of the Maasai.
SAMBURU & BUFFALO SPRINGS
The semi-arid country of northern Kenya, framed by volcanic mountain ranges and dotted with lakes, each unique. Throughout the region, rare animals abound; the Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Grevy's Zebra, and long-necked Gerenuk. Adjacent to this area is the beautiful Meru National park home of Elsa the Lioness befriended by Joy and George Adamson and featured in Joy's Book and the film, Born Free. Similar in the flora and fauna the three reserves of Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs are situated around the Uaso Nyiro River. The park lies in a semi arid, open savannah plain broken occasionally by small rugged hills.
TSAVO EAST & TSAVO WEST
Possibly the world's biggest game sanctuary. On the east side roam 'red' Elephants, named from the colour of rich earth of the area they throw over themselves. On the west are the Mzima springs where Hippo and Crocodile bathe. A model national park in geographic, animal and plant diversity, situated half way between Nairobi and Mombasa - making it ideal for those wanting to include both safari and coast on their itinerary. In the evening Tsavo Sunsets span the sky filling the horizons with incredible colour. One of the great geological spectacles of Tsavo East National Park is the Mudunda Rock 24 kilometres north of Voi Safari Lodge between the Voi and Manyani Gates. This stratified rock is a water catchment area supplying a dam at its base-a congregation point during dry seasons for hundreds of Elephant, Buffalo and other game which can be viewed from a vantage poing halfway up the rock. More popular of the two is the wilderness north of Tsavo West with its fine extensive plains, lava flows, steep rocky hills and the famous Mzima Springs. A natural wonder this oasis in an arid lava plain pours out daily 2,250 litres of water that has travelled 48 kilometres under the ground from the Chyullu Hills. Hippos, Crocodiles and a wide variety of fish can be seen in the crystal clear water from a sunken observation tank. Numbering over 20,000 the world's greatest concentration of elephants are the dominant animals of theis park, for decades devastating vegetation to its present scrub grassland.
BEST TIME TO GO
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.
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.
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.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Regulations regarding health may change from time to time, therefore a check with any airline flying scheduled flights to Kenya is advised. There is high malaria prevalence in some parts of Kenya and visitors are advised to take anti-malarial drugs two weeks before departing for Kenya. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is also required when entering Kenya
MEDICAL SERVICES
There are good medical facilities in major towns and Nairobi has excellent medical specialists.
CURRENCY
The Kenya shilling is freely exchangeable, and most major facilities accept major credit cards.
The official currency is the Kenya Shilling. The written abbreviation is either KSh or using /= after the amount (ie 500/=). Available Notes are 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings. Available coins are 5, 10 and 20 shillings. Visitors to Kenya should change foreign currency at banks, bureaux de change or authorized hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds sterling and Deutschmarks. Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept Credit Cards. Most Banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on credit cards. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya. Before departure, travellers are advised to convert any excess Kenya shillings into foreign currency at a bank or bureau de change before departure. Departure taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency. Anyone wishing to take more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.
LANGUAGES
English, Swahili and local languages are spoken.
SHOPPING
If you'd like to take home more than just memories of your trip to Kenya, you'll find a wide range of local products that make ideal souvenirs or gifts. Kenyan products are as diverse and unique as the country itself. There are traditional artefacts, fantastic jewellrey, beautiful carvings, the world's best coffee, precious stones, furniture, beautiful cloth, excellent local music, wonderful modern art and so much more to be found. Excellent, well stocked gift shops can be found in may hotels, lodges and camps throughout the country. But often real finds can be found a little further off the beaten track. For the dedicated bargain hunter, Kenya's markets are the place to be. Markets selling all kinds of local arts and crafts can be found all over the country. In Nairobi, there are large open air markets held each week. Bargaining is the expected norm in Markets and even in some shops throughout Kenya. The art of bargaining has deep roots in Kenyan culture, and is regarded as an essential business skill. Visitors to Kenya should never be afraid to bargain, it is expected and rarely considered offensive. Opening prices are always an exaggerated gambit, and considered the first step in a long process of bargaining. The real price is usually somewhere in the lower vicinity of half the initial price. How close you come to the real price is up to you. Bargaining can be a long and convoluted process, involving protracted negotiations. Some westerners can find this frustrating, but it is an essential and usually amicable custom. If you are in a hurry and need to move on, it is the usual practice to finalize proceedings by declaring your 'absolute final price' (the Bei ya Mwisho) and asking for theirs. If you can both agree a figure between the two then the deal is done. The basic rule of bargaining is this: Bargain hard but don't be unreasonable. Don't forget that some work, especially good quality carvings and beaded jewellrey, takes a long time to make and involves a lot of hard work. Prices need to be fair from both sides. Some tourists barter goods like old t-shirts, pens and other items for local handicrafts. This practice can be culturally questionable, and it is usually much preferred to use money. Giving sweets and candy for children should definitely be avoided. The following are samples of some of the best buys in Kenya:
CULTURE AND RELIGION
Coast Light clothing due to high humidity. Cotton and loose fitting garments are comfortable. Other towns Knee length shorts or skirts and T-shirts are acceptable. To a place of worship, men should wear long trousers and ladies skirts below the knee.
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 & chillies 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.
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.
WATER
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.
