Country Information Kenya
Kenya lies astride the equator on the eastern coast of Africa. It is a medium-sized country by continental standards, covering an area of about 586.600 km². Inland water bodies cover some 10.700 km², the bulk of this in Lakes Victoria and Turkana.
Kenya is bordered by Somalia and the Indian Ocean to the east, Ethiopia to the north, Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west and Tanzania to the south. The coastline, about 550 km long, faces the Indian Ocean.
Kenya has tremendous topographical diversity, including glaciated mountains with snow-capped peaks, the Rift Valley with its scarps and volcanoes, ancient granitic hills, flat desert landscapes and coral reefs and islets.
During your stay in Kenya you will have the choice of experiencing some of the most beautiful national reserves of which the Masai Mara National Reserve is probably the most famous and most visited reserve in Kenya. It offers breathtaking views (seen in the film ‘Out of Africa’, much of which was filmed here) an extraordinary density of animals including the “Big Five” and many varieties of plains game.
An impressive feature is the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle from the plains of the Serengeti that cross the Tanzanian border and rivers to reach the Mara’s lush grassland from late June, hunted by the predators: lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and circled by vultures as the journey unfolds. Their dramatic river crossings are a reality for tourists visiting in July - August.
Amboseli National Park which covers an area of 392 km² is famous for its big game - elephants, lions and cheetahs are the main attractions - and for its great scenery beauty. Amboseli embodies five main wildlife habitats, plus a generally dry lake-bed - Lake Amboseli. These are open plains; extensive stands of yellow-barked acacia woodland; rocky, lava strewn thorn-bush country; swamps and marshes; and at the western end of the reserve, above Namanga, the massif of Ol Doinyo Orok rising to over 2.760 m (8.300 ft) and still for the most part zoologically unexplored.
The landscape is dominated by the glistening majestic snow cap of mount Kilimanjaro immediately to the south.
Kenya has a culture born of countless sources. This region has been crossed by the paths of a long and complex history. From the prehistoric records of early man to the present day, Kenya has been a land of unending change, contrasts and diversity.
The early tribal states saw cycles of migration and shifting power, with Kenya as a meeting place for peoples from the plainlands of the south, the forests of the West and the deserts of the North.
The sea brought influences from the outside world, and the passage of the spice trade created the unique coastal culture, where lines between Africa and Arabia blurred. The open coast brought European influences into this world of change and began a turbulent struggle for control whose exotic history lingers today.
Entry requirements:
A visa is required prior to entry into Kenya. All visitors are required to carry a passport with two empty pages which is valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of stay. It's advisable to obtain the visa from the Kenyan Embassy / High Commission in your country prior to departure.
Currency:
The official currency is the Kenya Shilling.http://www.bankenverband.de/waehrungsrechner/index-xi.asp
Documents:
International driver´s licence
Money:
Visitors to Kenya should change foreign currency at banks, bureaux de change or authorized hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds sterling and EURO.
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept credit cards. Most banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on credit cards.
Health:
No immunization is required unless you enter the country from a yellow fever infected region. Cautious doctors will recommend though to have you polio, tetanus and hepatitis immunization refreshed. It is extremely advisable to obtain malaria prophylactics as a precaution before entering the country. Start your treatment at least 24 hours before entering Kenya and continue taking the pills for 6 weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night, after dinner as this usually minimizes the effect of the symptoms.
Take precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes, like: sleeping under a bed-net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spraying your accommodation with insecticide; making use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick; and wearing long-sleeve clothing, long trousers and socks when outside at night. Please contact your local doctor before travelling what kind of vaccinations and medications are necessary.
Language:
Swahili (locally referred to as KiSwahili) is Kenya's national language. In Kenya, most people generally speak a tribal language at home, use Swahili as an everyday language, and English for business.
When to go:
Kenya is generally a dry country. Inland, rainfall and temperatures are closely related to altitude changes, with variations induced by local topography. 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. Rainfall peaks in most areas are in November and April but can vary predictably with altitude and area.
IMPORTANT:
You should carry all documents as photocopies with you!