Kenya

Introduction

Kenya is a popular tourism destination known for its diverse natural beauty, unique culture, and rich wildlife. The country is home to numerous national parks and game reserves, including the famous Maasai Mara, which is famous for its annual wildebeest migration and provides opportunities for game viewing and wildlife photography.

In addition to its wildlife, Kenya also boasts stunning beaches along the Indian Ocean, colorful local markets, and vibrant cities like Nairobi, which offers a mix of modern amenities and traditional African culture. Visitors can also experience the traditional way of life of local communities, such as the Maasai, by visiting Maasai villages or taking part in cultural tours.

There are also a variety of adventure activities available in Kenya, including mountaineering, hot air ballooning, and white-water rafting. These experiences, along with the country’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, make Kenya a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Overall, Kenya offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure opportunities, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the best of Africa

Quick Facts About Kenya

Area:  582,600 km²
Capital: Nairobi
Country Code: 254
Country Population: 55,483,519
Credit Cards: All major credit cards are accepted. A minor charge may be levied for usage
Currency: Kenyan shilling (KES)
Departure Tax: A tax of $40 (approximate) is applied to your airfare. Internal flights may apply a KES200 (approximately $2.50USD) per person.
Drives on the: Left
Electricity: 220 – 240 V (British configuration)
Ethnic Groups:  22% Kikuyu
14% Luhya
13% Luo
12% Kalenjin
11% Kamba
6% Kisii
6% Meru
15% other African
1% non-African

 

Location:  Situated in East Africa on the equator. The Indian Ocean is to its south-east, it is bordered by Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the north-west, Ethiopia to the north and Somalia to the north-east
Official Language(s): Kiswahili,  English
Religion: Christian, Quakers, Muslim, Hindu
Time Zone: EAT (UTC+3)
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Kenya. Guides, drivers and hotel and restaurant staff should be tipped at your discretion.

Nairobi City

Kenya’s vibrant capital is also one of Africa’s largest cities. The starting point for most East African safaris, there’s plenty to see and do here, from admiring handsome colonial architecture to visiting the playful young elephants at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

At an altitude of 1,795m above sea level, Nairobi boasts a very pleasant climate all year round. Once a depot on the Mombasa/Uganda railway, the city has grown from a sleepy settlement built around a waterhole to a thriving metropolis abuzz with traffic, markets and tourist attractions.

If you’re a fan of the movie “Out of Africa”, be sure to visit the Karen Blixen Museum, located in the actual farmhouse where she lived for almost two decades on the peaceful outskirts of the Nairobi. Not far from here is the Giraffe Centre, established by a Kenyan family of Scottish descent, to bring the rare Rothschild’s giraffe back from the brink of extinction. Today, you can watch and even hand-feed some of these graceful giants, whose numbers have made a rebound thanks to the efforts of this organization.

Further down the road within the Nairobi National Park is Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Specializing in the care of orphaned baby elephants and rhino, this sanctuary opens for just an hour each day, providing visitors with an insight into conservation efforts and some great photo opportunities.

Should you wish to “give something back”, you can foster an elephant through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Alternatively, spend a day volunteering with some of the country’s most disadvantaged such as the kids at the Kibera Slum School or HIV-affected families at the Ngong Hills Women’s Centre & School.