KENYA

It is not for no reason that Kenya is one of the top destinations in Africa — it is jam-packed with beautiful and diverse landscapes, from a tropical coastline dotted with miles of white sand beaches and coral reefs, to spectacular national parks with endless opportunities for safaris.

Kenya also contains one of the most colorful arrays of tribal cultures anywhere in Africa. Kenya’s Rift Valley contains prehistoric fossils and other evidence that have continued to delight archaeologists all over the world, ever since Louis Leakey carried out his famous ‘digs’ in the area. Kenya is also one of the most tourist-friendly countries in Africa.

Kenya is totally geared for the tourists with extensive tourist infrastructure that makes its wonders accessible, and friendly villagers in the countryside who will make your trip an enjoyable one.

Capital:  Nairobi

Best time to visit:

Since Kenya is so geographically diverse, when you must go or the best time to visit depends on where you want to go. There are two rainy seasons– the ‘short rains’ (from October to November) and the ‘long rains’ (from March to May).

Generally, on the central highlands, temperatures are mild, but it can get very hot in the north and east of the country, where there are arid bush lands.

If you intend to go on a safari, do take into account the desert-like climate in many of the national parks. For game lovers, the best season is Jan-Feb, since that is when the animals crowd water-holes.

Minimum days required:  7 days

Places of Interest:

Nairobi – Nairobi National Park, Hells Gate National Park, Karen Blixen Museum, Ngong Hills, Uhuru Park

Mombasa – Diani beach, Fort Jesus, Shimba Hills National Reserve, Haller Park, Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve

Nakuru– Lake Nakuru, Menengai, Hyrax Hill

Eldoret– Kakamega Forest, Kit Mikayi

Climate:

Kenya possesses two rainy seasons—the ‘short rains’ (from October to November) and the ‘long rains’ (from March to May).

However, travelling should not be a problem at this time, since the roads are generally good. The climate on the central highlands is the most agreeable.

 One should be prepared for temperatures sometimes exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the arid north and east, and even on the floor of the Rift Valley.

Currency:  Kenyan Shilling

Things to carry:

Light clothing for the hotter climes, plus a good set of warm clothes for unexpected chilly nights, especially on safaris.

A good set of walking shoes and a sleeping bag, plus a closed-cell foam mat are always useful on treks and safaris.

A spare set of shoes/sandals is also a good idea. Also bring along any personal medicines and water-purifying tablets. Mosquito repellent is always useful in Africa.

How to get there:

Air

Nairobi is well connected by air from Europe, Asia and the rest of Africa.

Kenya is probably best connected on the east-west African axis, with the national carrier flying to almost all the capital cities