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Country Info
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Welcome to Kenya -The land of Paradise on the Indian Ocean
Kenya is world-renown as a favourite tourist destination, and justifiably so. For her colourful friendly people and diverse cultures, extensive array of wildlife including the latest wonder of the world- the wildebeest migration, and last but by no means least- her terrain that extends from the coral reefs below sea level to the peaks of mountains- even snow wants to live in this land that lies astride the equator.
Karibuni Kenya !
Tourist Attractions
1] Beach tourism
Over 460km of coastline presents an opportunity to enjoy the sun, sand and sea like nowhere else in Africa. It's not as hot as north Africa (in summer), nor as cool as Southern Africa (in winter). In fact, Kenya doesn't have any of the four seasons! It's pure equatorial sun and rain all year round. The sand is shimmery, soft and white, a cherished home to millions of crabs that scamper out of your way in their queer sideways gait.
And if you dare to venture to the ocean depths, a colourful coral world welcomes you with the vivid colours of hundreds of fish, and the adventure of swimming with dolphins. 2] Wildlife safari
The Big Five. Animals found only north of the equator. Rare antelopes like the Sable. A lioness and oryx befriend each other. A hippo and a tortoise keep each other company- such a unique sight as to become a worldwide bestseller. A destination for migratory birds from as far as Russia. Home to the greatest ornithological sight - the Greater & Lesser flamingos. Home to the newest wonder of the world- the intense wildebeest migration.
We could go on and on and on.....
3] Sports tourism
Globally reknown athletes, whose homeground in the Rift Valley is now a much sought after training ground for international athletes.
4] Cultural tourism
42 tribes - what diversity! An array of languages, traditions, clothing and jewellery, from a diverse people that journeyed across Africa to find a resting ground within these borders. Hunters and gatherers, herders and warriors. We have them all.
5] Conference tourism
As our economy grows, so does the world's interest in holding international conferences here. Let business minds meet and social activists discuss in Kenya's well-equipped conference halls and hotels.
6] Incentive travel
Specialised trips to places off the beaten track, for small groups with exclusive service.
Geography Kenya is home to one of the few landmarks that can be seen from space.... the Great Rift Valley. Formed millions of years ago, this impressive landform that stretches across the country plays host to numerous lakes that make popular tourist destinations for both locals and foreigners.
Let the hot springs of Lake Bogoria amaze you with their sheer power, while the red-brown waters of Baringo reveal hidden islands. The fresh waters of Naivasha provide a mirror for the setting sun, as the saltiness of Magadi therapeutically clears your skin. And above Elementaita, a hot air ballon floats slowly, sailing over this unchartered lake, and looking to the distance where Lake Nakuru's edges are fringed with the pink that can only be the gentle flamingos...
Mountains that have been held in awe for generations, even as the resting place of God for some tribes. Ol Donyo Ibor, Ol Donyo Sabuk, Ol Donyo Orok, Kirinyaga, Longonot, Meru- each has its roots firmly planted in our people's history.
 The Rift Valley begins
Sloping down... 
 Evidence of molten lava flows
Kenya....
Population: Approximately 35 million Social: Urban cities are a mixture of the affluent, middle and low class, from different tribes. Rural areas have concentrations of members of particular communities dating back decades to the time the different tribes settled in Kenya.
Official languages: English is the official language spoken mostly in urban areas while Kiswahili is the national language spoken nationwide. Indigenous languages are also spoken in abundance especially in rural areas hence a tour guide will be useful.
Timezone: Kenya has a single time zone, which is GMT +3 all the year round.
Political System: Kenya is a multiparty democracy.
Climate: Though near the equator, the weather year-round is quite pleasant and cool. The rainy season in Nairobi is April to May and October to November, it's cold in July and August, the rest of the year is summer-like. Other areas of the country have almost similar rainy and dry seasons. Daytime temperature range: 18 - 30 degrees centigrade andNightime 10 - 19 degrees centigrade in Nairobi. the arid areas can go upto 40 degrees and the humid coastal regions upto 36 degrees centigrade. Religion: Christianity is the dominant religion, with large Muslim and Hindu communities. Rural areas still have smatterings of traditional practises. Electricity: Power voltage supply is 220 - 240 volts 50Hz with the most commonly used plugs being 3 pined square. For appliances operating on another voltage please bring an adaptor.
Health requirements: A Certificate of inoculation against Yellow fever is compulsory for travellers older than one year and originating from yellow fever endemic areas (consult your doctor). Visitors from the rest of the world are not affected.
It is advisable to take malarial drugs before, during and after the trip to reduce the possibility of infection with malaria. While here, avoid mosquito bites by using repellant and by wearing suitable cover-up clothes in the evening.
Hospitals: Several hospitals have qualified doctors and consultants to treat any ailment. Should you have a recurring condition obtain a letter from your physician.
Useful numbers include:
- Nairobi Hospital 2722166
- Aga Khan 3740 000
- Mater Hospital 556010
- Karen Hospital 6613 000
Emergency medical services: Health Management Organizations that deal in air and road evacuation, preventative and curative health measures include AAR , Resolution Health and Avenue Healthcare. It is highly recommended that all visitors carry some form of medical insurance from their own countries to cater for any eventualities.
Travel insurance : E nsure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. In case of any problem that requires compensation you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. Be sure that your policy covers ambulances and emergency flight home.
If you'd like to purchase a travel poilicy email now
Banking hours: Several banks both local and international operate Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm, and on the first and last Saturday of every month 9am to 11am. However, a few banks operate late hours till 8p.m. Those at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport also extend their opening hours.
24 hour ATM machines are widely available especially for VISA cards.
Foreign Exchange Bureaus: There are several Forex bureaus in the city and suburbs where you can purchase/sell major foreign exchange. They open from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. weekdays and 9.00 a.m. to 1.00p.m. on Saturdays. Rates are negotiable depending on the amount of money to be changed. Hotels and banks also transact in foreign currency. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euro.
Do not exchange forex with street vendors as the notes could be fake.
Credit Card payments: VISA, Senator and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted credit cards by hotels, tour operators and restaurants. Most Banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on credit cards.
Currency: The official currency is the Kenya Shilling (Ksh).
It is available in notes of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings, and coins of 1, 5, 10 and 20 shillings.
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, the most widely used being American Express, Thomas Cook and Citibank.
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya . However before leaving travellers are advised to convert any excess Kenya shillings into foreign currency. Departure taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency. Taking more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.
Defacement of the Kenyan currency is an indictable offence.
Kenya Visa Requirements As visa requirements may change from time to time we recommended you obtain up-to-date official information from the Kenyan Embassy or Consulate before making any travel plans.
Passports : Must be valid for the entire period of travel.
Certain Commonwealth member countries do not require visas while others do. Furthermore certain countries are required to send the applicants' information beforehand for approval from Nairobi before processing. Confirm which is your country's status from your Kenyan embassy or Consulate. Apply at least three months before your proposed date of travel to Kenya .
Travel within East Africa:
Tours through East Africa (Uganda/Tanzania/Zanzibar) require a " Visitors Pass " upon arrival at the Airport. This allows free re-entry to Kenya . You will however be required to pay the normal visa charges for the other countries.
The Visitors Pass is stamped on the passport free of charge for full visa holders.
Business / Conference Travel: Nairobi is well set up for the Business Traveller. Many hotels offer corporate rates and discounts in addition to modern, efficient business centers complete with wireless internet access, computers, secretaries, stationery and telecommunication services. Depending on the numbers, pick locations within the city centre or the quieter outskirts that are more in tune with nature.
Other world class conference facilities are available separate from the hotels, all with audio visual and multimedia services and telecommunications. Nairobi 's best known conference facility is the world class Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC). You can't miss its striking appearance in the city centre, complete with amphithteatre, plenary hall, executive board room, many meeting rooms and a courtyard.
Tipping / Gratuities: Tipping is not mandatory in Kenya . Service providers can be tipped at your discretion.
Business Hours: Businesses operate on weekdays from 8:30a.m. to 5p.m. (lunch 1-2 p.m.). A few open on Saturday mornings.
Manufacturing: Industries are in plenty – for chemicals, household utensils, light machinery, motor vehicles, paper and paper products, food processing and textiles.
Public Holidays
1st January - New Years Day
February/March - Idd il Fitr *
March/April - Good Friday**
March/April - Easter Monday**
1st May - Labour Day
1st June - Madaraka Day
10th October - Moi Day
20th October - Kenyatta Day
12th December - Jamhuri Day
25th December - Christmas Day
26th December - Boxing Day
*The Muslim Festival of Idd il Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadhan. The date varies each year depending on the sighting of a new moon in Mecca .
** Dates for the Christian festival of Easter vary from year to year.
Communication
Post
Efficient postal services are available for both local and international post, for letter and parcels. Post offices open 8a.m.-6p.m.
Telecommunications
Kenya has a good network of telephone, cellular and satellite connections. Fibre optic cables will soon be introduced. International telephone and fax services exist in hotels and smaller telecommunication centers around town.
Mobile phones
Safaricom and Zain are the main mobile operators also offering roaming services. To utilize these you must first inquire from your country as to whether they have roaming agreements with these providers. For example MTN, Mobitel, Vodafone and Nextel. On arrival in Kenya switch your phone off and on and set it manually to register immediately. GPRS wireless internet is also available via agreement with some countries, although you may purchase a phone and line at affordable rates while here. New lines are activated as soon as you top up. Telkom Wireless has competitive rates to the above services but no global roaming services yet.
Calling codes:
- Country dialing code is +254 then area code and number, or +254 then mobile number
- Nairobi code is 020 (then number)
- Calling within Kenya : Area code (listed in phone directory) + number
Internet: Email and Internet services are easily accessible in hotels, private business centres and cyber cafes. Photocopy, scanning and printing services tend to be offered as well.
Emergency numbers
Police, Fire and ambulances: 999
St. John Ambulance (020) 210 000
AMREF Flying Doctors (020) 315454 /5, 600090
Urban Fire Services (020) 520754
Police CID headquarters (020) 2713311, 2728888
Flying squad (020) 760322, 0721 355999
Police Nairobi Area Headquarters (020) 2717777, 0721 233999
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (020) 823888
Contact nearest police station dial 112 from your mobile phone
Tourist Police (020) 2727844, 2724154
Telephone Operator: 900
Nairobi Airport - information: (020) 822 111, 827639
Security: A special Tourist Police unit has been created for the protection of tourists' life and property and to h andle and receive inquiries, claims and complaints. 24hr Helpline is (020) 604767.
Extra security tips:
- Do not leave cash and valuables in your hotel rooms. Make use of hotel safe deposit boxes or safes.
- Do not carry large sums of money on you while walking on the streets.
- Ladies should be careful with handbags and jewellery in crowded places and busy streets. Pickpockets love such settings.
- As in all major cities walking at night alone should be avoided.
- Never leave valuables on show in unattended car or tour bus.
Transportation
Airlines: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is 30 minutes from the city centre and the primary arrival point . Taxi / car hire and hotel reservations may be made there. Wilson Airport is 15 minutes from city centre and for smaller craft and charters. Domestic flights are in abundance now with the opening up of new airlines. You may check your flight status online for international airlines. It is important that you take heed of flight and safety regulations especially regarding check-in times (usually 2 hours before) and what not carry aboard.
International:
- Kenya Airways
- British Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Emirates
- Qatar
- Egyptair
- South African Airways
- SN Brussels
- KLM Royal Dutch
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Saudia
Domestic:
- Air Kenya
- Fly 540
- East African Safari Air
- Safarilink
- Jetlink
- Aero Kenya
Road: Road network within the cities is predominantly tarmac, in rural areas it is predominantly murram or graded. Buy a map for details of destinations.
Rail: The railway station is right in the Nairobi city centre. Trains operate Nairobi to Mombasa (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and return (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday); sometimes on day trips to the Rift Valley aboard the steam engine.
Sea: Deep natural harbours ensure both cargo ships and passenger cruise liners find a temporary home on our coastline. Petrol/gas stations: Literally around every corner, some with shopping marts and fast food outlets and along the main highways. In rural areas are more sparsely distributed so always fill your tank.
Public transport: Buses and matatus (minivans) are the main mode of public transport. Taxis are also very common, some with negotiable rates. Enquire at your hotel.
Car hire: It's easy to hire either a self-drive or chauffeured vehicle, ranging from saloon and 4 wheel drives to larger buses.
Media
Publications: Daily English language and Kiswahili newspapers are readily available. The East African is a weekly newspaper sold throughout Kenya , Tanzania and Uganda . International newspapers are availed in certain upmarket hotels. Local and international magazines are sold on streets and in shopping malls.
Visual: Seven television stations show local and foreign content for free, while you may subscribe to 3 Digital Satellite Television international channels for sports, news, music, nature programmes and movies. The latter is available as part of your accommodation rate in most hotels.
Audio: 23 local radio stations offer a mix of music, news and educational programmes in English, Kiswahili and vernacular languages. There are a few foreign stations.
Departure
On departure, an International Airport departure tax is payable for both domestic and international flights but is usually added to the fare when purchasing your air ticket unless otherwise specified. Customs officials may require the inspection of outgoing baggage. All baggage is weighed and subjected to x-ray inspection before loading.
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