KENYA TRAVEL GUIDE
It's for a good reason that Kenya is one of the top destinations in Africa — 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 colourful 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, despite the political tensions prevailing there. Kenya is totally geared for the tourist with extensive tourist infrastructure that makes its wonders accessible, and friendly villagers in the countryside who will make your trip an enjoyable one.
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KENYA QUICK FACTS
- Capital: Nairobi
- Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KSh, KES)
- Area: 582,650km²
- Population: 51,39 million (2018)
- Language: English (official), Kiswahili (official), approx. 72 indigenous languages
- Religion: Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, indigenous beliefs 10%, Muslim 11%, other 1%
- Electricity: 240V, 50Hz (UK plug)
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KENYA PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 1 May, Labour Day
- 1 June, Madaraka Day (Self-Rule Day)
- 10 October, Moi Day
- 20 October, Heroes’ Day (Mashujaa Day)
- 12 December, Jamhuri/Independence Day
Holidays falling on a Sunday are observed the following Monday.
Business openings and work schedules may be significantly affected by Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Jain, and Sikh holidays and festivals.
KENYA WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Kenya's climate ranges from tropical (along the coast) to arid (in the mountain regions). Kenya's climate is impacted by the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), as well as the movement of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The rainy season in Kenya usually begins in March and decreases in May to June. The second wet season begins around September/October and shows a decreasing trend in December. The windiest time of the year occurs during the southeast monsoon, which extends from May to September.
SPORT & ACTIVITIES
SNOW SPORT IN KENYA
There are no ski resorts in Kenya, but it is technically possible to ski on Mount Kenya, if you are a professional and make the necessary arrangements beforehand.
HIKING & CYCLING IN KENYA
You can enjoy outdoor activities in Kenya throughout the year. The rainy season is typically in April, May and November. The best weather conditions in which to climb Mount Kenya are from January to March and from June to October but it can be climbed all year round.
BEACH OPTIONS IN KENYA
The beaches of Kenya are best enjoyed from October to January as these months also offer the best conditions for diving and snorkelling. Some of the best beaches are: Diani Beach, Nyali, Lamu Beaches, Vipingo, Watamu Beach at Turtle Bay, Gazi Beach, Bamburi Beach, Kikambala and Shanzu.
SURFING IN KENYA
Kenya offers some great surf from March to June, although the months of May and June are by far the best. Some good surf spots are: Baobabs, Mombasa Channel, Kiwayu, Shanzu Beach, Shela Beach, Nyali Beach, Watamu Bay, Malindi Bay and Manda Island.
KITESURF IN KENYA
You can find beautiful wind and kitesurfing conditions in Kenya pretty much all year round. The most reliable and consistent wind is from December to early March and you can get big waves and some really strong winds from June to September. Galu Beach is the place to be!
HEALTH RISKS IN KENYA
Be aware of possible health risks in
Kenya
Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
For the latest travel health notices and recommended precautions click
