Safaris in Kenya
Located on the Equator in East Africa, Kenya offers a huge diversity of landscapes with game rich savannahs, National Parks and Game Reserves, timeless cultures and tribes unchanged by the 21st century, beautiful sandy beaches and coral reefs, deserts, rain forests and snow-capped mountains. Visitors have endless opportunities for adventure and discovery on safari and rest and relaxation on the tropical coast.
Safaris in Kenya have enchanted travellers for centuries with the allure of wildlife, spectacular scenery and exotic tribes. Kenya comprises of wildlife, culture and the cradle of mankind – a natural paradise and land of contrasts, with world famous national parks like the Masai Mara, Samburu, Amboseli, Tsavo and Mt Kenya.
Kenya’s wildlife regions are the magnet, which lure safari enthusiasts to East Africa, but the white sandy beaches and tropical palms of the Swahili coast is another good reason to choose this hospitable, friendly country as a vacation destination.
There are many different ways to experience Kenya. Whether you want to view a pride of lions from a 4X4 safari vehicle, walk through herds of plains game, watch a herd of elephants from the comfortable veranda of your safari lodge, track game on horseback or search for birds in a thick rainforest, the possibilities are endless.
Full Country Name: Republic of Kenya
Area: 583,000 sq km
Population: 41.61 million (UN 2011)
Capital: Nairobi
Borders: Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda
Religion: Christian, Animist, Muslim
Time Zone: Standard time is three hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Languages: English and Swahili are the official languages and are taught in schools throughout the country. However, there are many other tribal languages including Kikuyu, Luhia, Luo and Kikamba as well as many minor tribal languages
Country Dialling Code: +254
CLIMATE
The climate in Kenya varies due to the sharp variations in altitude from sea level to 5,100 metres. Due to the proximity of the Equator, Kenya generally experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year with plenty of clear sunshine all the year round and although warm by day is often chilly at night. The ‘long rains’ usually fall in the months of April and May. The migration usually takes place after the long rains, when from late July to October the wildebeest migrate from Tanzania to find new grazing. During the months of October and November, there are occasional scattered rains, the ‘short rains’, which freshen the atmosphere and vegetation and lay the dust.
CURRENCY & BANKS
The Kenyan currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KSH), which is divided up into 100 cents, and it is now permitted to take local currency into the country.
US Dollar notes printed before the year 2000 will not be accepted. Barclay’s Bank in Kenya has implanted a new policy where they will no longer accept notes printed before 2000. Clients who carry US Dollar notes printed before 2000 will be compelled to accept a rate of exchange lower than normal.
ELECTRICITY
In Kenya the general voltage is 240 and the frequency is 50 Hz. The British three rectangular blade plugs are common. Some lodges and camps only have power in the early mornings and evenings. Batteries may be recharged in camps during the day but it is wise to double check with the camp manager.
As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended. Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown. It is useful to carry a torch.
HEALTH
Health requirements vary from country to country. We recommend you speak to your local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice. The following information is to be used as a guide only.
Malaria: It is recommended that precautions against malaria are taken for travel to most regions in Africa. We suggest you contact your doctor for advice on which prophylactic is recommended.
Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination is required. All travellers must carry proof that the Yellow Fever vaccine has been administered at least 10 days prior to travel.
ROAD TRAVEL
Kenya like most countries in Africa is a third world country. Therefore please be aware that the infrastructure in certain areas is not up to the standard you would find at home. Specifically some of the roads are often very rough and short journeys can take much longer than expected. For example a journey from Nairobi to the Masai Mara which is 300 km’s takes 5-6 hours and from Lake Nakuru to Amboseli 6-7 hours. Some days will be very long and bumpy due to Kenya’s road conditions. The views and spectacular scenery encountered usually make the trip well worthwhile.
VISA INFORMATION
At the time of writing, a visa for Kenya is required for Australian Passport Holders. The visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport or at border posts.
Kenya has enforced a ‘blank pages’ condition of entry”. This means that all those requiring a visa to enter Kenya must have at least two blank pages available in your passport upon arrival. Failure to meet this requirement may result in an entry visa being refused.
Single Entry Visa: USD $50 per person on an Australian Passport (subject to change).
Multiple Entry Visa: Please note that if you are travelling within East Africa (Tanzania, Zanzibar or Uganda or Rwanda) you can request free re-entry into Kenya. You will however be required to pay the normal visa charges for the other countries but may re-enter Kenya freely.
Transit Visa: USD $20 per person on an Foreign Passport. Transit time in Kenya cannot exceed 24 hours (subject to change).
We hope that you will find this country Information on Kenya useful for reference when preparing for your holiday. All the information above was correct at the time of writing and is to be used as a guide only. Health, visa and other specific details should be double checked by your travel agent at the time of booking.