In Kenya you’ve got the great birds and monkeys leaping through the trees overhead. It’s a chance to remember what the world is really like.
Joanna Lumley
Kenya holiday experts at WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a Kenya holiday, personal to you.
Kenya is rightly known as one of the top destinations for a wildlife safari, boasting some of the best parks in East and Southern Africa. As well as the Masai Mara, home to the Maasai tribe, you can also catch sight of the Big Five – elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo – at Tsavo National Park.
Lake Naivasha is an excellent spot for watching hippos wallowing in the lake – its shores were once home to Born Free author Joy Adamson – while the sight of thousands of pink flamingo at Lake Nakuru is something to behold and just one of the reasons Kenya is held as one of the top five bird-watching destinations.
Other ‘must-do’ experiences in the country include hiking along the glacial ridges of Mt Kenya, snorkelling along the Indian Ocean coast at the Marine National Park by Malindi, taking some time to explore Nairobi’s nightlife, and of course, that hot air balloon ride above the Mara during the wildebeest migration.
Contact a Kenya expert to prepare a personal itinerary and a no-obligation quote.
Kenya facts
Capital: Nairobi
Language: Swahili and English.
People: About 70 different ethnic groups, with the Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin and Kamba most prominent. Europeans and Asians form 1% of the population.
Religion: Largely Christian (Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%), also Muslim and indigenous beliefs.
Size (sq km): 582,650.
Population: 36,913,721.
Population density/sq km: 63.3.
Etiquette
Western habits are a hangover of British influence in the country. Friendly people. Casual dress.
Shopping
Makonde woodcarvings, bags stained with natural dyes (kiondos), khanga, kitenge, and kikoi cloths. Masai beaded jewellery.
Food & drink
Strong on meat, including game. Nyama choma (charcoal grilled meat, usually goat) is extremely popular. Ugali (maize meal porridge) is a staple. Chai (tea) and beers (particularly Tusker) are popular.
International Airports
Nairobi (NBO) 13 km from the city, Mombasa (MBA) 13 km from the city.
Internal travel
Extensive network of domestic flights. Train between Nairobi and Mombasa. Buses, matatus (mini-buses) and shared taxis. Car hire available.
Red tape
Visas
(UK/US) Required.
Vaccinations
BCG, Cholera, Diphtheria, Hep. A, Hep. B, Malaria, Meningitis, Polio, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever3.
Driving requirements
If bringing your own vehicle a free three-month permit will need to be obtained at the border, as long as you have a carnet de passage for it. Full British driving licence valid, otherwise an International Driving Permit.
Reps in UK/US
UK: 45 Portland Place, London W1B 1AS, tel (020) 7636 2371/5, (020) 7323 6717, email info@kenyahighcommission.com. US: 2249 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 387 6101, fax (202) 462 3829, email information@kenyaembassy.com.
UK/US reps in Kenya
30465 – 00100, tel (20) 284 4000, fax (20) 284 4239. US: United Nations Avenue, PO Box 606, Village Market 00621, Nairobi, tel (20) 363 6000, fax (20) 363 3410, email consularnairob@state.gov.
Currency
Kenya shilling (KSh) = 100 cents.
Finance
Major credit cards and traveller's cheques widely accepted.
Business hours
0800-1300, 1400-1700 Monday-Friday.
Safety & life expectancy
Safety information
Generally safe, although there are high crime rates in the capital. Avoid travelling at night and to border reasons as there is an increased risk of banditry. Political demonstrations or public gatherings should also be avoided. In 2008, the elections led to tribal and political clashes. Seek latest advice.
Life expectancy
Life expectancy: M 55.24, F 55.37.
Useful websites for travel
www.kenyahighcommission.com, www.magicalkenya.com, www.visit-kenya.com, http://nairobi.usembassy.gov/, www.kenyaembassy.com/.
Local media
Daily Nation, Kenya Times and the East African Standard.
Tourist boards
UK: c/o Hills Balfour, Colechurch House, 1 London Bridge Walk, London, SE1 2SX, tel (020) 7367 0900, fax (020) 7407 3810, email kenya@hillsbalfour.com. US: Custom Destination Marketing Solutions, 6442 City West Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55344, email infousa@magicalkenya.com.
Below is a selection of some ideas for holidays to Kenya. This is simply a taste of what we can offer. If you're interested in a specific Kenya itinerary then please call one of our consultants on 0845 643 6562.
Combine a thrilling Kenya safari with time spent on the wonderful beaches of the Kenyan coast. Carefully selected private camps and boutique hotels will add to the uniqueness and privacy of this trip. Visit Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara before spending time...
This classic ’Conservancy Safari’ visits two diverse eco-systems in the hands of expert guides and your home will be two luxurious bush camps. The Conservancy, covering 90,000 acres, offers a blissfully uncrowded environment to enjoy quality game v...
The delights of Kenya can be enjoyed on this air-safari whilst staying in some of the finest accommodation this beautiful country has to offer. Your transport is the luxurious Cessna 208B Grand Caravan which has only 8 first class seats and allows you to trave...
This is a wonderful safari taking in the beauty of Kenya. Visit Mount Kenya, the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, the Samburu National Reserve. With lodges located in excellent spots, game-viewing is consistently good. Finish with time spent relaxing on the white sand...
March to May is rainy season, October to December is also rainy to a lesser extent. Coastal areas are hot and humid all year, the higher regions are more temperate. January and February are hot and dry.
GMT +3.
Kenya shilling (KSh) = 100 cents.
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