Kenya is a country located in Africa with name that begins with letter K. The East African state, which borders the Indian Ocean in the southeast, is home to almost 42 million people. The members of over 40 ethnic groups speak more than 50 different languages; The official languages are Swahili and English.
The soda lake Lake Nakuru is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its abundance of bird species and the world’s largest flamingo population, as is Lake Turkana in the north of the country. Kenya also borders Lake Victoria to the west.
27 national parks and numerous other nature reserves represent the enormous range of Kenyan landscapes: from white sandy beaches to snow-capped peaks, from the savannah to the desert to the rainforest. Check Countryaah to find more countries that begin with letter K.
Entry
A passport that is valid for at least six months and a visa are required to enter the country. In addition, return or onward travel tickets and sufficient money for the stay must be available. Single-entry visas for Kenya can be obtained upon entry at all international border crossings and airports.
Climate
The climatic zones of Kenya are just as diverse as the landscapes. From the tropical hot climate on Lake Victoria and Turkana to the subtropical highland climate with sensitive cool nights in the Rift Valley region to the desert climate in the northeast, everything is included. There are no seasons in the European sense, but the “big” (March to May) and the “short rainy season” (November to mid-December).
Food and drink
Kenya’s cuisine mixes the traditions of the numerous ethnic groups with influences from the Arab world and India. The national dish is ugali, a thick porridge made from corn flour, which is enjoyed pure or with a vegetable or meat sauce. In addition to beef, chicken and lamb, more exotic varieties such as impala, ostrich or zebra are served on the plate.
In addition to the nationally popular “classic” beers, varieties made from millet or bananas are also offered.
Medical advice
The standard of medical facilities in Kenya is far from that of Europe. It is therefore strongly advised to take out additional travel insurance that guarantees repatriation in the event of illness.
The list of vaccination recommendations varies depending on the specific travel destination. Please inform yourself about this at the responsible vaccination centers in your country.
Malaria prophylaxis and thorough hygiene (frequent hand washing, hand disinfection, etc.) should by no means be avoided.
Cultural characteristics
The different ethnic groups in Kenya have one thing in common: a high level of respect for older people. Touching them is considered impolite; Instead of shaking hands, we recommend smiling and a friendly nod of the head in greeting.
Special provisions
Kenya takes the protection of non-smokers very seriously. Smoking in public places is prohibited and is severely punished.
Climate and travel time
The climatic zones of Kenya are just as diverse as the landscapes. From the tropical hot climate on Lake Victoria and Turkana to the subtropical highland climate with sensitive cool nights in the Rift Valley region to the desert climate in the northeast, everything is included. There are no seasons in the European sense, but the “big” (March to May) and the “short rainy season” (November to mid-December).
The best travel time is therefore December-March and June-September.
The coastal areas are tropical with cooling monsoon winds. In the lowlands it is hot and mostly dry, in the highlands it is more moderate with four seasons. Nairobi has a pleasant climate all year round because of its altitude. Temperatures are much higher at Lake Victoria. T. heavy rains.
All about money
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES) 1 € = 115.1 KES (as of September 2018)
Money
Changing money in Europe turns out to be quite difficult with a rather unfavorable exchange rate. You can exchange money in Kenya in the forex bureos at the airport. Take your debit card with you to withdraw money in Kenya. Credit cards are only accepted by larger hotels, restaurants and travel agencies.
Tip
Tips are an important issue for many customers when it comes to rewarding the guide. The travelers usually have no idea of the value of the local currency and the purchasing power of money in the host country. As always with tips, the decision about the amount is entirely up to you. If you think that the service justifies a low tip, no tip at all, or a particularly high one, you should express this through your tip decision.
Here’s an example:
Main guide $ 15-18 / group / day, assistant guide $ 10-12 / group / day, ranger $ 15 / group / day, cook $ 12-14 / group / day, porter / waiter $ 5-9 / group / day, Safari driver $ 15 / group / day, Lodge staff $ 1 / day
Other essential information
Time difference
Time difference to CET in Kenya is + 2 hours
Electrical current
The voltage in Kenya is 220 volts. You need a travel plug of the type listed below. A couple of additional batteries for your phone or camera won’t do any harm on trekking trips.
Escort protection
During the hikes in the national park an armed ranger will accompany you for security reasons. This is considered protection from the animals.
