KENYA
- General information
Location & Size
Welcome to Exotic Kenya, the land of discovery
whose surpassed attractions have over the years been accorded the
seal of approval by Royalty, Presidents, Celebrities and millions
of other holidaymakers. Kenya offers some of the finest natural attractions
in the world with its superb network of national parks, game reserves,
marine parks, awe striking scenic beauty, pearly white sandy beaches
along coral reef sheltered waters, and green palms swaying with the
breeze. Kenya is indeed the ultimate dream destination. Kenya has
an approximate area of 582,645 square KM. It is a
land of striking contrasts. It lies astride the equator, yet it has
mountains that are permanently capped with snow. Lions, giraffes and
other wild animals roam freely in several huge national parks around
the country. Kenya retains many of its African traditions, but it
also has inherited many European customs, from its years as a British
colony before gaining its independence in 1963.
Capital City
The capital city of Kenya is Nairobi.
Climate
Warm days and cool early mornings and evenings in
most of the country.At altitude the temperatures are moderate,even
on the equator.Tropical and often humid at the coast.Two rainy seasons
long rains roughly April and May;short rains October and November.
Immigration and Visas.
Visitors to Kenya require a valid passport and entry
visa except for citizens of commonwealth and other designated countries.Visas
can be obtained at Kenyan diplomatic missions overseas.Visas may
also be obtained at point of entry.
Customs
Personal effects and articles meant for personal use
are duty free. Liquor not exceeding one pint and tobacco not exceeding
two hundred cigarettes or 50 cigars are not subject to tax.However,these
must only be possessed by persons of sixteen years and above.
Clothing
Informal lightwight clothing is recommended.Morning
and evenings can be cool so a sweater should be included as well
as a hat for protection from the equatorial sun.On the coast ladies
are expected to dress modestly in public places.Topless sunbathing
does not have the approval of Kenyans or the Government and affects
the sensibility of the Muslim Community.
Communication
International and domestic and fax services are well
developed.Direct overseas dialing is possible from most centres,and
game lodges are usually radio linked with head office.
Currency
The Kenya shilling is freely exchangeable.All major
credit cards are accepted.
Health
As a precaution,anti-malarial prophylactics
should be taken before during and after a visit to the coast.Good
hospitals and medical care facilities are available.Precautions
against over-exposure to the sun are advised.Hotels and Lodges provide
safe,filtered water for drinking,and bottled mineral water is universally
available.Tap water should be considered unreliable for drinking.Other
than taking obvious precaution,Kenya climate presents few hazards.
Local Time
GMT plus three (3) hours.
Public Holidays
- 1st January-New years day
- Good Friday and Easter Monday
- 1st May - Labour Day
- 1st June-Madaraka Day
- 10th October -Moi Day
- 20th October -Kenyatta Day
- 12th December-Jamuhuri Day
- 25th December-Christmas Day
- 26th December-Boxing Day
Security
Common sense precautions should be taken in urban centres.Elsewhere
security is good and incidents rare.Valuables should be kept in
lodge or hotel custody.
Taxes
Value Added Tax(VAT)is charged for meals and
drinks taken in restaurants which also charge a catering Training
Levy to support the hotel and tourism training.
Air Travel
Kenya is well served by the world's airlines
which fly either to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,Nairobi,or
to Moi International Airport,Mombasa a popular charter destination.
Common wealth citizens do not require Visa.Visa information can
be obtained from any Kenya tourist office High Commission or Embassy.Certificates
of innoculation against Yellow Fever and Cholera are required only
from visitors arriving from countries where these diseases are endemic.
Airport tax of $20,or its equivalent,is payable when leaving the
country.A local departure tax of Ksh 100 is payable when leaving
principal Kenya airports on internal flights.
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