Kenya shares borders with Ethiopia in the north, Sudan in the northwest, Uganda in the west, Tanzania in the south and Somalia in the northeast. To the east lies the Indian Ocean . The country is divided into four regions: the arid deserts of the north; the savannah lands of the south; the fertile lowlands along the coast and shores of Lake Victoria; and highlands in the west, where the capital Nairobi is situated.
To the Northwest of Nairobi runs the Great Rift Valley, containing Aberdare National Park, overlooked by Mount Kenya (5200metres/17,000ft), which also has national park. Kenya is a multicultural society; in the north live Somalis and nomadic Hamitic peoples, in the South and eastern lowlands are Kamba and Maasai among others.
Area : 580, 367 sq km (224, 081)
Capital: Nairobi
Language : Swahili is the National language but English is the official language. There are over 42 ethnic languages spoken across the country.
Time : GMT + 3 (Winter), GMT + 2 (Summer)
Immigration
Visa requirements required by all nationals. Details can be checked at our nearest Kenya/Tanzanian High Commission / Embassy or Kenyan Tourist Office, and at airline offices.
Customs
Personal effects like cameras and accessories (excluding slide and cine projectors) may be temporarily imported duty free.
Health
It is recommended that all visitors have adequate medical/travel insurance.
Visitors are sometimes advised although it is not mandatory, except in some instances (i.e. Far East, Central America, South, Central and West Africa ), to have valid Yellow Fever and Cholera certificates. It is advisable to check current health requirements with airlines, and recommended that you take anti-malaria tablets two weeks before arrival in Kenya , during your stay, and for a minimum of three weeks after returning home.
Kenya has excellent hospitals and doctors, in addition to Flying Doctor Service who will fly you promptly to the nearest hospital should you fall ill on safari. There are pharmacists in all major towns, but as drugs are expensive it is advisable to bring ample supplies of prescription or any other medicine needed to cover the duration of your safari.
Currency
The basic unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling, used on the decimal system, and divided into 100 cents. Currency exchange rates can be checked at banks and foreign exchange bureaus FOREX. Visitors to Tanzania can bring any amount of foreign currency and no currency declaration is required. Banks give slightly better rates of exchange than hotels. We strongly advise you to avoid street dealers.
Banks
A number of major international banks have offices in Nairobi and branches throughout Kenya . Hours of business are between 9 am and 3 pm weekdays, and 9 am to 11 am Saturdays. A 24 hour banking service at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport includes Sundays and Public holidays, and (FOREX) are open Mondays through Saturdays.
Climate
In general, the climate varies with altitude, but seldom falls below 24oC in the daytime and 10oC at night. There are two rainy seasons, between October and December and March to early June.
Language
English is spoken and understood nearly everywhere. The national language is Kiswahili. There are over 42 ethnic languages spoken across the country. Most hotels and lodges print their literature in English, French and Germany , and have multi-lingual staff.
Clothes
Cotton and linen dresses, light slacks and short sleeved shirts are essential, with pullovers for chilly night at high altitudes. Some hotels require gentlemen to wear jackets and ties in the evenings. Flat comfortable walking shoes or sandals are an asset, and sun-hats and sunglasses give protection against the sun.
Communication
Most parts of Kenya , including game lodges, can be reached quickly by using light charter aircraft from Nairobi 's Wilson Airport . Some 30 international airlines serve Nairobi and Kenya airways flies to Mombasa Malindi, Kisumu, and Eldoret. Kenya has a comprehensive network of roads.
Mobile Phone: There is GSM 900, main network providers are Celtel ( www.celtel.co.ke ) and Safaricom ( www.safaricom.co.ke ). Both offer services that cover most of the East African region.
Entertainment
Nairobi and Mombasa have a wealth of different ethnic restaurants. There are good cinemas and theatres in the main cities, and international class casinos, nightclubs and discotheques.
Shopping
Nairobi and Mombasa have excellent shopping facilities for almost everything you need, particularly souvenirs, and there are plenty of good shops in other major towns. Souvenirs and various basic necessities can be obtained from lodge and hotel shops.
Security
Travellers' cheques and valuables should be deposited in your hotel safe, not left unattended in a hotel room or tour bus, whilst you should avoid carrying large sums of money around with you. Do not let handbags swing freely, and avoid walking alone at night.
Electricity : 220/240 Volts AC, 50HZ. Plugs are UK – type square three pin.
Internet : there are over 30 Internet Service Providers in Kenya and hundreds of public internet cafes in all the major towns and cities.
