The People

Kenya just like many African countries is a multi tribal country with over 70 ethnic groups. This diversity is the reason why the country has a very rich culture and heritage that is often experienced in people’s customs.

The colonisation era saw an influx of many Europeans in Kenya with the majority settling in the Kenya highlands where they farmed. The coastal area of Kenya had already been colonised by the Portuguese and the Arabs. Many of these remained in the country even after Kenya gained her independence from the British in 1963.

Wildlife

Kenya has a variety of wildlife ranging from Savanna to aquatic wildlife species. The country has about 65 wildlife protected areas including 4 marine national parks and 6 marine national reserves.

The country is famously known for the savanna wildlife species including the big five mammals. These occur in many of the 23 savanna national parks and 28 national reserves the country has. Of these, Masai Mara National Reserve stands out because of the great wildebeest migration. This annual mass animal movement starts from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park as the animals move up north in search of pasture.

The Great wildebeest migrations involve over one million wildebeests, hundreds of thousands of zebras, Thompson gazelles, and other antelopes moving over the open plains of Masai Mara. These are a wonder to see as they graze but oftentimes attract deadly predators including Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. There are also deadly Nile crocodiles in the Mara River that often await the wildebeest that they easily take down as they cross the River.

Other notable wild places in Kenya include Amboseli National Park which is famous for its herds of Elephants. Lake Nakuru is a haven for birds and is famously known for flamingos, pelicans, and other bird species. Many of the birds in Kenya live near the Rift Valley soda ash lakes.

Kenya’s marine wildlife can be enjoyed in parks like Watamu and Malindi where you get to see dolphins, and sea turtles and can even dive and enjoy the coral reefs in the ocean. In the coral reefs are a number of fish species and many other aquatic wildlife.

Getting there

The country can be accessed by both land and air. By air, you can directly land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This is located in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. Other main airports in Kenya include Moi International Airport, Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, and Wilson Airport among others.

By water, you can access Kenya through Mombasa port on the Indian Ocean and Kisumu port on Lake Victoria.

The country also has a well-developed road transportation system and you can easily access the countryside by road.

Accommodation

Major cities in Kenya have well-established accommodation facilities. These range from budget to luxury Hotels and a number of open fast-food restaurants. These serve both local and international cuisines.

In Kenya’s wild places, there are a number of safari lodges and tented camps. These are strategically located near the different national parks and game reserves. Important to note though is that Kenya is a highly demanded tourist destination. With this, it is important to book your safari a couple of months in advance especially when you visit in the dry season.

Language & Currency

Kiswahili is widely spoken alongside many native ethnic languages. English is Kenya’s official language and is also widely spoken across the country.

The Kenya Shillings are used in most financial transactions in the country. Foreign currencies like dollars, euros, and pounds can be accepted in particular areas like Hotels but are often subjected to the prevailing Kenya shillings or US dollar exchange.

Best time to Visit

Kenya can be visited at any time of the year. There are two main seasons that include the dry and wet seasons. The dry season Starts from June to September and from mid-December to mid-March. There are usually some rains in January but it is not as it is in the wet season.

The dry season is the best time to visit, especially for a safari. During this time it is easy to have game drives and guided nature walks in the park. It is also easy to spot wildlife and therefore a great time for photography.

In the wet months, you can still have a safari in Kenya but it is a great time for birding. Some roads in the park become impassable and some temporary lodges close down. Some high-end lodges also discount their rates and during this time you can therefore get a chance to stay at some of the most expensive properties in Kenya.

Visa Policy

The East African Community countries and some other countries have bilateral understandings with Kenya and are Visa exempt for 30 days. For many of the countries, you have to apply for a visa that can be a single or multiple entry depending on the purpose of your visit.