KENYA
LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
This safari capital of the world is located on the eastern coast of Africa, sitting astride the equator. By continental standards Kenya is not a very large country. It stretches over an area of about 586,600km sq. The topography of Kenya is immensely diverse and includes glaciated mountains with snow-capped peaks, the Rift Valley with its scarps and volcanoes, ancient granite hills, flat desert landscapes and coral reefs and islets.
CLIMATE
Generally the climate is warm and humid at the coast, cool and humid in the central highlands, and hot and dry in the north and east. The rainfall is strongly seasonal across most of the country, although its pattern, timing and extent vary greatly from place to place and from year to year. In most areas the rainfall peaks in November and April.
LANGUAGE
In Kenya the number of languages in use is very many, making it a multilingual country. There are actually a total of 62 languages spoken in the country although the official languages are Swahili and English. Most of the spoken languages principally consist of tribal African languages as well as a minority of Middle-Eastern and Asian languages spoken by descendants of foreign settlers.
CURRENCY
The Kenya currency unit is the shilling (KSH), divided in 100 cents. Over the years the Kenyan shilling has been quite stable. One US dollar is equal to approximately 65 Kenyan shilling, one Euro is 95 shilling, and 1 British pound is about 125 shilling.
ECONOMY
Prior to independence, the Kenyan economy was based on agriculture and barter of goods. With the newly established democratic government, a mixed economy composed of both privately-owned and state-run businesses was promoted. The development of "parastatals" or enterprises that the government either fully or partly owns, greatly influence the economy in the present times. The economic growth is further supplemented by substantial amount of foreign investment. Poverty and unemployment, however, persist on a large scale, despite sincere efforts of the governments and one reason is the mighty population.
CAPITAL
Not only is Nairobi, the capital of Kenya but it is also its largest city. Sitting in the south-central area of Kenya it has a population of nearly 3 million. Nairobi is a natural spot for trade and tourism since it has all the modern day facilities like- good medical facilities, a national university, shopping complexes, good restaurants and decent public transportation. The cultural scene too is very lively here.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Kenya is a country with an amazing array of the most spectacular landscapes and wildlife in the world and that is why it is referred to as the safari country of Africa. Every year thousands of tourists visit the country for enjoying the safari.
The second most important reason for the vast numbers of tourists visiting Kenya would probably be, to witness the greatest wildlife show on earth- the wild beast migration. Between the months of July and October, a huge number of wild beasts abruptly collect at the Serengeti plains to trek to greener places.
Visiting a tribal village in Kenya would be really exciting and adventurous. Some of the Kenyan tribes are yet very much untouched by modernity and still live the way they have been living since thousands of years. Out of these, the Masai is one of the most famous ones. Wit the help of a translator, you could go meet a Masai elder man and ask him to talk about the lives of this tribe.
An interesting way to view the whole of Kenya’s natural beauty would be to take a hot air balloon trip and see benevolent nature has been to this country.
FOR THE BUSINESS TRAVELLER
Business travelers to Kenya can be assured of finding all the various facilities they need. Numerous hotels and resorts that are present throughout the country, offer corporate rates and discounts and have modern, efficient business centers with complete computer, telecommunication and internet services. Kenya offers the perfect combination of work and play and outside of the conference room your time can be spent exploring the wilderness, taking game drives, hikes or visiting local villages.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Kenya has the continent's best tourist attractions. Ranging from the finest beaches, rich wildlife, and magnificent scenery can all be experienced here.
Near the coral reefs are stretches of white sandy beaches, which can prove very relaxing. The rolling savanna nestling with game parks like Amboseli, Masai Mara, Tsavo and Samburu should not be missed.
The capital city of Kenya- Nairobi, also called the Green City in the sun, is both an important international business center and a tourist destination. In addition to being cosmopolitan and lively in nature, it is blessed with abundant green landscapes. Some of Nairobi’s offerings to its tourists include- the Great Rift Valley, over 50 national parks and reserves, 40 indigenous tribes with unique languages and cultures, Lake Victoria and the beautiful red-clad Masai.
Mombasa, Zanzibar, Malindi and Lamu Island, the modern cities of the country, are the popular tourist attractions in Kenya.
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya's best rhino sanctuaries in addition home to flamingoes, thousands of which fringe the edge of the lake in pink.
The site of the great migration and having the largest population of lions in Kenya is the Masai Mara National Reserve.
In Lamu Town, A historical Swahili town On Lamu Island there is a historical Swahili town- Lamu town, which has well preserved mosques and fine old Arab houses with impressive carved wooden doors. Museum and the Swahili House Museum can also be visited there. You can go further, if you are a keen history student and visit the 14th- and 15th-century ruins on the nearby islands of Manda and Pate.
The ruins of a Swahili city, founded in the 13th century, n the town of Gedi, too can be explored. You can also explore several attractive small towns such as Nyeri; Nyahururu, home of the Thomson's, if you drive around the vast bulk of Mount Kenya. The Aberdare National Park, has a host of waterfalls, the greatest being Guru Falls, which drops over 300m (1,000ft), it feels great to view this sight.
Laikipia Plateau, is the place for you if you are keen on game, where former farmland has been opened up as game sanctuaries and stocked with big game including the - elephant, buffalo, lion, rhino and leopard.
GETTING AROUND
Kenya Airways operates scheduled services to Kisumu, Lamu, Malindi and Mombasa. Air Kenya offers scheduled flights from and to most of the many cities and towns of Kenya.
Getting Around by Water
Local dhows run between Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu, but it is not permitted for foreigners to take these. You can alternatively go on short sightseeing dhow rides from Mombasa.
Getting Around by Rail
Kenya Railways Corporation runs passenger trains between Nairobi and Mombasa; there is also a railway connecting Nairobi with Kampala in Uganda with branch lines in Kenya to Nanyuki, Kitale and Kisumu.
Getting Around by Road
Bus
Buses run regularly between most cities and towns, and also run across the borders to Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia.
Car hire
Self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars may be hired from a number of travel agents in Malindi, Mombasa and Nairobi, though this can prove to be an expensive option.
ACCOMODATION
Hotels
Some Nairobi’s hotels are still in the colonial style and most of them are of international standards. Cheaper hotels are also available; basic budget hotels and lodgings are present in almost all places in Kenya. Private campsites offer budget rates for backpackers in many of the tourist areas.
Camping/Caravanning
Camping is a good way to stay in Kenya and there are no restrictions on camping in Kenya. But owing to wild animals and being exposed to the possibility of robbery, camping can be dangerous too. The better option then is to go in for reserved camp sites which have basic amenities.
Youth Hostels
There are several youth hostels in Kenya, where one can stay cheaply.
Self Catering
If you are interested in having a ‘homely’ experience, homes ranging from luxury villas to basic beach cottages can be hired, and assistance with domestic chores can also be arranged.
Click to Hide