MAGICAL  KENYA 

 

Kenya is a country in East Africa with coastline on the Indian Ocean. It encompasses savannah, lake-lands, the striking Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands. Kenya offers a wide range of National parks with variety of wild including the classic big five. Its renowned Maasai Mara Reserve, known for its annual wildebeest migrations, and Amboseli National Park, offering views of Tanzania's 5,895m Mt. Kilimanjaro.

With unspoilt landscapes Kenya offers spectacular views of the green highlands that are inviting to hikers and climbers.

Kenya has 6 unique world heritage sites identified by The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These ranges from archaeological, cultural, natural and historical.

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Sharing the coast with the Indian Ocean,  Kenya offers beautiful beaches, wild waters and deep sea fishing opportunities. Its coastal islands Lamu, Malindi have a rich history that was influenced by the Turkish traders and the Oman Arabs which gives it a unique combination of cultures.

Experience the magical Kenya with our tailored itineraries that will give you an amazing experience that will last for a long time.

KENYA USEFUL INFORMATION

Getting To Kenya

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Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa are main points of entry. Many charter services operate out of Nairobi's Wilson Airport. Regular services link Kisumu, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa and Nairobi. Air Kenya flies to Amboseli, Lamu, Masai Mara, Nyeri, Nanyuki and Samburu. Kenya Airways is the national airline. South African Airways links Johannesburg and Nairobi with regularly scheduled air services.

On Arrival in Kenya

All visitors must have a valid passport and are subject to clearance through customs. In addition, all non-Commonwealth citizens require a visa, to be obtained from Kenyan Missions abroad or at the post of entry. Visas are required by all except nationals from Angola,. Antigua, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Comoros, Cyprus, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Italy, (only Diplomatic passports), Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Singapore, Tonga, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe These can be obtained from Uganda's Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is possible to get issued a visa on arrival at Airport as long as one satisfies the entry requirements. However, it is advisable that you get your visas before you embark on the trip to Kenya to avoid unnecessary paper work at point of entry. On arrival in the country, however, you may be asked to show you have sufficient funds to support your stay and that you have an onward ticket. This is however not a common practice currently.

Personal effects, including cameras, binoculars and film are allowed into the country duty free..

Health Requirements

A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required although may not be asked to show. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. It is advisable to drink bottled rather than tap water.

Money Matters

Currency unit is the shilling, comprising 100 cents. It's best to come into the country with either Travellers checks or dollars or pounds which can be exchanged at any of the many Bureau de Change in the main Towns. If you are offered an exchange on the black market at the borders, exercise extreme caution as they are notorious for cheating you without you even realizing it. A VAT (tax currently 16% on most items, 2005) is levied and visitors cannot claim a refund on goods purchased.

There are numerous banks in the major towns as well as many bureau de change. Hours of business vary from bank to bank, but most are open from 9h00 to 14h30, Mondays to Fridays, and 9h00 - 11h30 on Saturdays. Hotels and lodges change money outside these hours. Banking services are also available at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and at Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

Language in Kenya

While the national language of Kenya is Kiswahili, English is the official language and is widely spoken and understood across East Africa.

When to Visit Kenya

Kenya can be visited by any time. Between December and mid-March, the days are sunny, hot and dry and the nights are cool. Best time for deep sea fishing and scuba diving is between August and March when the ocean is calm and water is clear. Rains fall mainly from April to May and again in November.

What to Bring to Kenya

A valid passport is mandatory, and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. To make the most of the game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or similar). Print film and developing is available in Kampala. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.

Tipping Advice

You won't be expected to tip in Kenya, though feel free to do so if you've received exceptional service. Bargain when buying things from a market, from a street stall or craft shop. Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers sometimes expect to be tipped.

Facts for the Traveller

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Time: GMT/UTC plus three hours

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz

Weights & measures: Metric

Safety & Security in Kenya

Just like in any other urban city elsewhere, visitors are advised not to make themselves obvious target and do not carry large sums of cash in the streets.

Travel Insurance While in Kenya

If you need medical care whilst in Kenya, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

Climate in Kenya

Although Kenya is considered to fall in the tropics, climate and temperature varies depending on altitude and proximity to the ocean. Coastal regions are hot and humid while the central plateaus are warm and dry, with cool nights.