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.

The Kenyan Culture

1. Social Conventions

Kenyan people are known for being extremely polite and hospitable. It is common to hear “Jambo!” or “Hakuna matata” which mean “Hello” and “No worries” respectively in Swahili. Hand shaking is the most common form of greeting. It is considered disrespect to rush or skip this. t. It is courteous to ask before taking pictures, and in some remote areas, a small token or payment for the photo is sometimes expected simply as a form of polite appreciation.

1. Language

Swahili (or Kiswahili) Kenya’s national language, however, English is taught in all schools and is the official language of business, government, and education. There are over forty ethnic communities in Kenya . They speak about eight different languages. Kenyans speak Swahili as their second language after mother tongue.

1. Religion

The majority of the population in Kenya are Christians, however, Hinduism, Sikhism, and indigenous religions are also represented.

FOODS & DRINKS

1. Food

Communities within Kenya have different menus that reflect the different regions and livelihoods. Despite this, some dishes made in Kenya reflect Indian, Arab and European influences. Swahili dishes tend to use a combination of ginger, chilly, coconut, cream, and crushed tamarind seeds. The people of Kenya like to use locally sourced ingredients and tend to barbecue meat, especially beef and goat. Some clients prefer including their preferred food types in the inquiry.

Popular dishes include:

Ugali: This dish is made up of ground maize flour and water that is boiled in water until it gets into a dough-like . Ugali is usually eaten with stew made with vegetables or meat. Ugali can also be waten with milk.  This is one of Kenya’s staple food

Githeri: This dish is a mixture of boiled maize and beans. It is one of the popular dish in the Central Province among the Kikuyu community.

Kachumbari: This consists of a mixture of chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers. An uncooked salad dish, it is usually paired with Nyama Choma (roasted meat – usually beef).

Drinks

Coffee and tea in Kenya is known as the country’s main export earner. They are also one of the major drink every household uses for breakfast or after meals.  Tropical fruits like mangoes, watermelon, pineapple, and pawpaw etc. are available. Their juices are incredibly popular throughout the country. Coca-Cola is the nation’s most popular soda company and widely available. Tusker and White Cap are popular beers with premium and export versions available.

Here in Kenya, it is advisable to avoid tap water. Bottled water is best and is relatively inexpensive.

Kenya’s History

The history of Kenya began after archaeological remains consisting of human skulls found in the Lake Turkana area of Kenya, North Western Kenya, this  dates back to around two million years ago making them some of the earliest human beings ever discovered. During the New Stone Age, waves of migration to Kenya came from all over Africa, some beginning as early as 2000 BC. The Turkana people arrived from Ethiopia, the Kikuyu, Akamba and Meru, Embu came from Western Africa, while the Maasai, the Luo and Samburu arrived from the southern Sudan.

The 8th century AD witnessed the arrival of traders from Arabia, Persia and China. They introduced the communities of Lamu, Mombasa, Malindi and Diani to Muslim culture, they traded gold, ivory, skins, rhino horns, spices and later introduces slavery. They intermarried with the local communities  resulting to the formation of a new civilization that was part African and part Arabic which is now known as Swahili.

During the 16th century, the Portuguese arrived in Kenya, establishing a stronghold in Mombasa. They maintained control there for two hundred years, staving off battles with the Arabs and the Turks. By the beginning of the 18th century, Omani Arabs managed to fight the Portuguese and took over their land, however, it wasn’t long before the coast was again under the control of the British. In 1886, Africa was divided between European powers and in 1895, Britain’s protectorate was officially named British East Africa. A railroad was built between Mombasa and Lake Victoria which saw large groups of settlers arrive, forcing tribal communities inland.

By 1952, tensions were high in Kenya culminating in the Mau Mau Uprising led by the Kikuyu people who came together under the title Kenya Land Reform Army. The uprising was a war of attrition against white people, property owners and collaborators, resulting in frequent attacks against white farms and government outposts. The rebels were defeated in 1956. The British planned for independence in December 1963 which included grants and loans which would help the Kenyan Assembly to buy out European farmers, enabling the land to be returned to the tribes. While the run-up to independence was relatively smooth, the transfer of lands was not, causing a decline in agricultural production that Kenya never fully recovered from.

Jomo Kenyatta became Kenya’s first Prime Minister from 1963-1964 and then was named President in 1964. Under Kenyatta, Kenya became one of Africa’s most stable and prosperous nations with a growing economy. His time in power was relatively peaceful and Kenya was admitted into the United Nations. Although Kenyatta is seen as the founding father of the Kenyan nation, his leadership was not without controversy. He tended to favour his own tribe and was paranoid about dissent which led to corruption. Instead of a fully unified Kenya, the country became (and remains) a confederation of competing tribes.

Kenyatta was succeeded by his vice president Daniel Arap Moi in 1978. Moi ruled in virtual autocracy for nearly twenty-five years, becoming one of the richest men in Africa. Despite their personal success, his rule is known as a time of corruption, censorship and nepotism. In 2002, he announced his retirement. Twelve opposition parties and religious groups united under the umbrella National Alliance Party of Kenya which became the National Alliance of Rainbow Coalition (NARC). After much infighting, they eventually became a dynamic and unified party claiming a peaceful landslide.

The end of 2007 saw elections that resulted in violence across the country because of disputed election results between the NARC and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). International mediators led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan were called in. An agreement was reached making Kibaki (the NARC leader) President and Odinga (ODM leader) the Prime Minister. Since the election riots, the government and civil society organizations created programes with the goal of preventing similar situations in the future.

A new constitution was put into place in 2010 which called for more power at a local government level as well as a bill of rights. The event was praised by the international community.

Through implementation of the National Accord and Reconciliation Agreement, the Grand Coalition Government embarked on the reconstruction of the economy and settlement of the affected people. At that time, putting the economy back on its growth path and settlement of people affected by the crisis was top on agenda of the Grand Coalition Government.

President Mwai Kibaki served his second term in the Grand Coalition Government with Hon. Raila Odinga as the Prime Minister until March 2013 when Hon. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta was elected as the fourth President of the Republic of Kenya with Hon. William Samoei Ruto as His Deputy. H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta and H.E Deputy President, William Samoei Ruto were re-elected on 26th October 2017 for their second term in office.

In August 2022 H.E William Ruto won the election and declared the 5th President of Kenya with Rigathi Gachagua as the Deputy president.

Today, Kenya remains one of the foremost tourist destinations in Africa due to its natural attractions like the “Big Five” and Nairobi – Kenya’s capital and arguably the most modern city in East Africa.

KENYA’S WILDLIFE & NATURE

Kenya is one of the most visited  safari destination in Kenya. The country offers an exceptional variety and density of wildlife, including the “Big Five” which consists of the lion, elephant, rhinoceros, African buffalo, and leopard. The “Big Five” was a term coined by hunters to encompass the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt, as well as the most desired trophies. Fortunately, today, the only shots being taken are with cameras, but sightings of these animals remain as coveted as ever.

Wildlife

Kenya is famous all over the world for the Great Wildebeests Migration which sees millions of animals travel through the Maasai Mara Reserve to the Serengeti in search of greener pastures. It is estimated that around 1.3 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 18,000  antelopes make the journey annually. An estimate of over  250,000 wildebeest die each year as a result of drowning, from general weakness, attacks by predators, or from injury during along their routes or the Mara River. Despite this massive loss, there are still nearly 400,000 calves born each year. The Mara River is considered to be one of the best places to see the Great Migration in action.

Apart from the that Kenya is also home to gazelles, impalas, antelope, zebras, wildebeest, waterbucks, and Maasai giraffes. Big cats include cheetahs, the smaller serval, civets, and the caracal. Primates  include colobus, vervet, and golden monkey, olive and yellow baboons . More than 1,135 bird species inhabit the country including the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, and one of the smallest, the sunbird. Kenya also hosts the “Little Five” which is made up of the antlion, the elephant shrew, the rhinoceros beetle, the buffalo weaver and the leopard tortoise.

Nature

Kenya has three Natural World Heritage Sites , they are Mount Kenya National Park, Mijikenda Kaya Forests, and Lake Turkana National Park. They were all listed by UNESCO

Apart from these World Heritage Sites are over fifty national parks and reserves that account for more than 17,000 square miles or 8% of Kenya’s total landmass. These areas include many different ecosystems like forests, wetlands, savannahs, marine, and arid or semi-arid regions. There are 23 terrestrial national parks, 28 terrestrial national reserves, four marine national parks, six marine national reserves, and four national sanctuaries. National parks offer complete protection of natural resources, and the only activities within them are for tourism and research, reserves allow certain human activities under specific conditions (i.e.. fishing in a marine reserve).

Kenya also has a wildlife service named Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), it has over 100 field stations and outposts outside of the protected areas. These are important because much of Kenya’s wildlife lives outside of its largely unfenced protected areas. Wildlife moves in and out looking for new pastures and water throughout the year. This can cause problems as the wildlife interacts with people on private and community lands.

To control this, KWS works with communities to educate them on the effects of human/wildlife conflicts and to prevent such conflicts in the future. The main goals of the KWS are to enhance wildlife and visitor security, minimize human/wildlife conflicts, support community conservation initiatives, and complete research.

Kenyan Safari Adventures

When considering a Kenya vacation destination, there is no doubt that most people will go for wildlife.  It is one of the foremost destinations to see wild animals in their natural habitat, across Kenya’s many wildlife reserves and national parks. Depending on your preferred style and budget, you can stay in game lodges or well-appointed tented camps at varying price points. Kenyan safaris are usually taken in Safari vehicles (Land Cruisers or Tour Vans with a diver guide.

List of Destinations

National parks

1. Aberdare National Park
2. Amboseli National Park
3. Arabuko Sokoke National Park
4. Central Island National Park
5. Chyulu Hills National Park
6. Hell’s Gate National Park
7. Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
8. Kora National Park
9. Lake Nakuru National Park
10. Malindi Marine National Park
11. Malka Mari National Park
12. Meru National Park
13. Mombasa Marine Park
14. Mount Elgon National Park
15. Mount Kenya National Park
16. Mount Longonot National Park
17. Nairobi National Park
18. Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
19. Ruma National Park
20. Saiwa Swamp National Park
21. Sibiloi National Park
22. Tsavo East National Park
23. Tsavo West National Park
24. Watamu Marine National Park

National reserves

1. Masai Mara National Reserve
2. Samburu National Reserve
3. Arawale National Reserve
4. Bisanadi National Reserve
5. Boni National Reserve
6. Buffalo Springs National Reserve
7. Dodori National Reserve
8. Kakamega Forest National Reserve
9. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
10. Lake Bogoria National Reserve
11. Mwaluganje elephant sanctuary
12. Mwea National Reserve
13. Mwingi National Reserve
14. Rahole National Reserve
15. Rimoi National Reserve
16. Shimba Hills National Reserve
17. Tana River Primate Reserve
18. Witu Forest Reserve (Utwani Forest Reserve)

 

Marine parks and reserves

1. Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
2. Kiunga Marine National Reserve
3. Malindi Marine National Park
4.  Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve
5.  Tana River Primate National Reserve
6.  Watamu Marine National Park

Some of Major Wildlife Attractions in Kenya

Masai Mara Game Reserves. 

It is not the largest conservation area in Kenya but it is certainly the most famous. This is due to the annual Great Migration with most impressive events in the natural world. Every year from July , over a million wildebeest and gazelles, plus zebras and other animals migrate north from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to Masai Mara in search of fresh pasture.

These animals then return to the Serengeti in October. Nowhere on earth is there a sight to rival the spectacle of so many hoofed animals on the match

Amboseli National Park

It is the second most popular national park in Kenya after Masai Mara. Located 240 kilometers/150 miles south of Nairobi, it lies directly on the Kenya/Tanzania border, at the foot of the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. A system of swamps makes Amboseli one of the best wildlife-viewing experiences in the world.

It is renowned for the large herds of free-ranging African elephants that are easy to see and photograph due to the flat and naked terrain. Amboseli’s elephants, which are said to be among the biggest in the country, are fond of the swamps. Other animals on view are Cape buffalo, impala, lion, cheetah, black rhino, spotted hyena, jackal, giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest. Bird watchers have 400 species of birds to watch for.

Lake Nakuru National Park

On the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by wooded and bushy grassland, lies the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park. Visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats that range from Lake Nakuru itself to the surrounding escarpment and picturesque ridges. Lake Nakuru National Park is ideal for bird watching, hiking, picnic and game drives.

Attractions

• Flamingo (Greater and Lesser) and other water birds including a variety of terrestrial birds numbering about 450 species in total.
• Mammals: 56 different species including white rhinos, waterbuck etc.
• View-points: Lion hill, Baboon cliff and Out of Africa
• Hills: Enasoit, Honeymoon, Lion hill ridge etc.
• Waterfalls: Makalia.
• Unique vegetation: About 550 different plant species including the unique and biggest euphorbia forest in Africa, Picturesque landscape and yellow acacia woodlands.
• Cycle with rhino event every September yearly

The Mount Kenya National Park

This is home to Africa’s second-highest mountain, Mount Kenya. It is also an amazing place for animal and bird viewing. The park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mount Kenya is a forest reserve in which a number of animal species reside. There are at least 160 bird species that exist with 53 of Kenya’s 67 African biome bird species including the rare and threatened Abbott’s Starling. The park is also home to several species of eagles that sometimes soar high above.

Samburu National Park

It  is the wildlife reserve made famous by Joy Adamson, the naturalist, artist, and author of the book, “Born Free” which describes her experiences raising a lion cub. It is also one of the 56 protected areas in Kenya which came into being, due in part to the generous assistance given by several individuals and foundations. There is a wide variety of animal and birdlife to be viewed. Several large game species common to Kenya’s northern plains can be found in abundance here including the gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, oryx, and reticulated giraffe. All three big cats, Masai lion, Tanzanian cheetah, and leopard, can also be found here, as well as elephants, buffalo, and hippos. Samburu is a paradise for bird lovers with over 350 species of birds recorded.

Aberdare National Park

The park is characterized by picturesque, steep forested ravines and open moorland characterize . It provides a habitat for elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, warthogs and bushbucks among others. Rare sightings include those of the Giant Forest hog, bongo, golden cat, serval cat, African wild cat, African civet cat and the blue duiker. Visitors can indulge in picnics, trout fishing in the rivers and camping in the moorlands. Bird viewing is rewarding, with over 250 species of birds in the park, including the Jackson’s Francolin, Sparrow hawks, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers.

Attractions

• Game animals easily seen in the park during game viewing include; African Elephant, black rhino, leopard, spotted hyena, olive baboon, black and white colobus monkey, sykes monkey, cape buffalo, warthog, common zebra (North Aberdare), bushbuck, reedbuck.  Rare sightings include those of Giant Forest hog, bongo, golden cat, serval cat, African wild cat, African civet cat, blue duiker.
• Very beautiful sceneries of Aberdare include magnificent waterfalls with the main ones being Karuru waterfalls which fall in three steps, 1st step 117M, 2nd step 26M and 3rd 130M, making a total of 273M, Chania waterfalls and may other smaller ones.
• Adding to the beauty of Aberdare are many ridges and river valleys which attract mountain scenery photographers.
• A recent marked attraction in Aberdare is the 400Kms electric fence which was completed – final post on 28th August, 2009.  The fence protects the whole Aberdare ecosystem  from  human pressures and contains wildlife,  preventing human/wildlife conflict.
• Visitors can also indulge in picnics, trout fishing (in the past the rivers were stocked with brown rainbow trout) in the rivers and camping in the Moorlands.  Bird viewing is rewarding with about 290 recorded bird species, including the Aberdare Cisticola that is critically endangered and the Jackson’s francolin, which is regionally endemic, sparry hawk, goshawks, eagles, sunbirds and plovers

Nairobi National Park

A short drive out of Nairobi’s central business district is the Nairobi National Park. Wide open grass plains and backdrop of the city scrapers, scattered acacia bush play host to a wide variety of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. Visitors can enjoy the park’s picnic sites, three campsites and the walking trails for hikers.

Attractions

• The only Wildlife park in the world that is so close to the city
• Black rhinoceros :which is an endangered species
• The first park to be gazetted in Kenya on December 16, 1946
• Major rhino sanctuary for breeding and restocking other parks
• Diverse birdlife:Has over 400 bird species. At least 20 of which are seasonal European migrants.
• Home to over 100 mammal species, four of the Big Five (lion, Buffalo, leopard and  rhino)
• Has a spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration
• Large predators- lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah.
• Aggregations of large herbivores- eland, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest
• Ivory Burning Site Monument
• Walking trails at hippo pools
• Nairobi Safari Walk & the Orphanage.
• Spacious accommodating picnic sites

Samburu National Reserve

 The Samburu National Reserve is a game reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro river in Kenya. On the other side of the river is the Buffalo Springs National Reserve. The park is 165 km² in size and is situated 350 kilometers from Nairobi. It ranges in altitude from 800 to 1230 m above sea level.[1] Geographically, it is located in Samburu County.

In the middle of the reserve, the Ewaso Ng’iro flows through doum palm groves and thick riverine forests. It provides water, without which the game in this arid region could not survive.

The Samburu National Reserve was one of the two areas in which conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness, made famous in the best-selling book and award-winning movie Born Free. The Elephant Watch Camp, of which Saba Douglas-Hamilton is director, lies within the park.

The Samburu National Reserve is also the home of Kamunyak, a lioness famous for adopting oryx calves.

Tsavo East National Parks

Also known as the Theatre of the Wild. It is a sight of dust-red elephant wallowing, rolling and spraying each other with the midnight blue waters of palm-shaded Galana River is one of the most evocative images in Africa. This, along with the 300 kilomtere long Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, make for an adventure unlike any other in the Tsavo East. The park forms the largest protected area in Kenya and is home to most of the larger mammals, vast herds of dust –red elephant, Rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, pods of hippo, crocodile, waterbucks, lesser Kudu, gerenuk and the prolific bird life features 500 recorded species.

Tsavo West National Park

Known as the Land of Lava, Springs, Man-Eaters & Magical Sunsets

From the sight of fifty million gallons of crystal clear water gushing out of from the under parched lava rock that is the Mzima Springs  to the Shetani  lava flows, Tsavo West is a beautiful, rugged wilderness. The savannah ecosystem comprises of open grasslands, scrublands, and Acacia woodlands, belts of riverine vegetation and rocky ridges including the Poacher’s Lookout where visitors can see the teeming herds in the plains below. Tsavo West offers some of the most magnificent game viewing in the world and attractions include elephant, rhino, Hippos, lions, cheetah, leopards, Buffalos, diverse plant and bird species including the threatened corncrake and near threatened Basra Reed Warbler.

Attractions

• The spectacle Mzima Springs is the sight of fifty million gallons of crystal clear water gushing out of from the  under parched lava rocks, forming the most welcoming and lovely scene in Africa
• Ancient lands of Lions, in 1898 the Uganda railway construction was abruptly halted by the two of the most voracious and insatiable man-eating lions appeared upon the scene, and for over nine month waged intermittent warfare against the railway and all those connected with it in the vicinity of Tsavo.
• A vibrant volcanic arena; molten lava that form Shetani lava spewed from the earth just about 200 years ago and its fiery fury was thought by locals to be work of the Devil.
• Poacher’s Lookout and roaring rocks; the Park abound the panoramic vintage point from which to view the movement of the herds.
• Glorious game drives; Tsavo west offers some of the most magnificent game viewing in the world
• Ngulia Sanctuary; this is where the growing population of highly endangered black rhino are inching from chasm of extinction forced upon them by rampant poaching in the 1960s.
• Lake Jipe, lies astride Kenya and Tanzania boarder and is teeming with aquatic life, Bird watching I also major activity around the lake.
• First World War Site-East African Campaign, Perhaps the most bizarre campaign of the world war was fought in the “Bundu” (Bush) – the barely explored wilderness of thorny scrub and dense forest of Tsavo west. This last ‘gentleman war’ was waged under the code of honor-sometimes; or under guerilla tactics adopted from African tribal fighters. The Guided tours of the Crater, Kichwa Tembo and Mzima fort will enable you trail the real footsteps of the world war veterans.

Hells Gate National Park

“A Walk on the Wild Side”

Named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, the Hell’s Gate National Park is a remarkable quarter of the Great Rift Valley. Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa. Hell’s Gate is an ideal venue for a day trip from Nairobi where, in addition to the bio-diversity that includes raptors, visitors can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing and a natural spa.

Attractions

• Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa.
• Wildlife  viewing
• Raptor nesting in cliffs
• Hot springs
• The Olkaria Geothermal Station
• The Mervyn Carnelley Raptor Hide
• Tourist circuits, nature trails
• Health spa

THE GLORIOUS COAST BEACHES

Kenya is lined with white sandy beaches – fringed with palms, casuarinas, bright bougainvillea, mangrove swamps, and magical creeks, all washed by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The air is scented with the sweetness of frangipani and refreshed by gentle monsoon breezes. Gazing calmly out across magical coral reefs to the open sea, this is one of the most idyllic resort areas in the world. Most come to enjoy the simple pleasures of this sun, sand, and water wonderland. For those inclined to snorkel or scuba dive, Kenya’s reefs, coral gardens, and lagoons rival the world’s most beautiful.

For much of its length, from Malindi in the north to Vanga in the south, the shore is protected by the fascinating coral reef. Inside this protected environment in sheltered lagoons grow magical marine plants and other creatures and contains over 250 brilliantly coloured species of fish. National marine parks off Watamu, Malindi, Mombasa, and Shimoni protect these reefs and the waters they embrace.

Mombasa is the old and colourful gateway to Kenya and is a vibrant mixture of the ancient and modern, with an interesting blend of African, Arab, and Asian cultures. This beautiful port, evocative of the east, is actually an island. Fringing the dhow harbour is the old town, a maze of narrow streets, quaint shuttered houses, and open-fronted shops. The ancient Portuguese ‘Fort Jesus’ still stands sentinel – now a fine museum of antiques. The experience of Mombasa somehow isn’t quite complete without a trip aboard the exclusive Tamarind Dhow.

Best Time To Visit Kenya

The climate of Kenya varies depending on the region. It can range from being cool every day to warm or hot. The climate along the coast is tropical. This means rainfall and temperatures are higher throughout the year than inland. In the coastal cities of Mombasa, Lamu, and Malindi, the air changes from cool to hot almost every day.

The best wildlife viewing months in Kenya are during the dry seasons which go from late June to October and from December to March. However, wildlife viewing is good all year round but can differ for some national parks. Kenya’s long dry season also includes the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. This is a very popular time to be in Kenya. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in July and remains until October when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania. Wildlife is easier to spot during the dry seasons because the bush is less dense and animals gather around waterholes and rivers.

The rainy seasons can also be good times to visit as there are fewer visitors and the vegetation is lush. The peak times for heavy rain are in April and May with less rain in October and November. Some lodges and camps close down during part of the wet season.

Average Temperatures.

	Jan	Apr	Jun	Aug	Oct
Nairobi	26 C/79 F	25 C/77 F	23 C/73 F	23 C/73 F	27 C/81 F
Mombasa	31 C/88 F	30 C/86 F	27 C/81 F	27 C/81 F	29 C/84 F

NOTE – All quoted temperatures are daytime average highs unless otherwise stated the they can vary.

Kenya Frequently asked Question (FAQS)

What language is spoken in Kenya?

The official languages of Kenya are Swahili and English.

What currency is used in Kenya?

The currency used throughout the country is the Kenyan shilling. Mastercard and Visa are accepted in most major tourist destinations. ATMs are common in the cities for dispensing local currency but are not available in wildlife parks.

Which are the best parks and reserves to visit?

Kenya has many parks and reserves from which to choose and each has its own unique reasons for visiting. The reason can be special topography or rare wildlife species. Where possible we recommend combining two, three or more parks in order to see a broad range of landscapes and animals

Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?

Visitors to Kenya require valid passports, valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Kenya. A tourist visa is required for Canadian and American passport holders and this must be obtained online prior to your arrival in Kenya. Visitors are advised to register well in advance as there may be a 10-day processing period.

What is the Security Situation in Kenya?

Kenya is generally secure for tourists especially within the tourist circuits and incidents involving tourists are rare. You do however need to observe the basic precautions i.e. avoid walking in dark/isolated areas at night, do not wear flashy jewelry, avoid carrying valuables around, etc.

What about special dietary requirements?

Most dietary requirements e.g. vegetarian meals can be organized the hotels and lodges. The requests needs to be communicated in advance.

Do I have to pay a deposit for my safari in Kenya & how much? What mode of payment should I use e.g. credit card, travelers cheque, etc.?

It is common practice to have all costs paid for prior to commencement of the safari, as we have to make certain commitments to secure bookings, accommodation, flights, etc. You can make the payment through bank transfer or credit card. Deposit is 30% of the safari cost. The balance should be cleared 1 week before the safari starts.

When is the best time to visit Kenya?

The best time to visit Kenya can vary by region. However, if travelling to view wildlife, the best months are between July to September. This is also the dry season in the country. However, wildlife viewing can be good year-round depending on which national parks you visit. The other dry season runs from late December to mid-March. Wildlife is easier to spot at these times because the bush is less dense and animals gather around waterholes and rivers.

Is there transportation within Kenya?

The main avenues of transportation within the country include matatus, tuk-tuks, buses, and taxis for shorter-distance trips. If looking to travel further distances across the country, there is a railway system as well as local flights. Most visitors opt for private or shared transfers, including in Nairobi, since the public transit system can be unpredictable.

Is Kenya a family-friendly destination?

Kenya is a wonderful destination for families who are on the adventurous side. She welcomes all travelers and has a special affection for family travel with children. Multi-generational family travelers are very welcome in Kenya.

What vaccinations are suggested or required for travel to Kenya?

There are no compulsory vaccinations required for Kenya, however, we recommend you consult with your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date recommendations, particularly in regards to malaria prophylactics. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country that has had cases of yellow fever.

How Much Does a Safari Cost in Kenya?

The cost of a safari vary depending on what kind of safari you wish to undertake. The cost is influenced by number of days, level of comfort and other factors.