FULL NAME :         Republic of Kenya (formerly British East Africa)

CAPITAL :             Nairobi

INDEPENDENCE :  12 December 1963

TIME :                 GMT +3 hours

POPULATION :      28,808,658 (estimated July 1999)

AREA :                582,650 km2 (569,25 km2 land; 13,400 km2 water)

CURRENCY :         Kenyan Shilling (KSh)

PRESIDENT :         Mwai Kibaki

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

New Year's Day 1 January
Good Friday (varies)
Easter Monday (varies)
Labour Day 1 May
Madaraka Day 1 June
Moi Day 10 October
Kenyatta Day 20 October
Independence Day 12 December
Christmas Day 25 December
Boxing Day 26 December

LANGUAGE

The national language is Swahili (Kiswahili) although English is spoken throughout. Kenyans involved in the tourist trade speak English; however it is good to have a working knowledge of Swahili. In total there are 42 ethnic languages in Kenya .

USEFUL KISWAHILI PHRASES

Welcome

Karibu

Goodbye

Kwaheri

Thank you

Asante

You're welcome

Karibu

Yes

Ndiyo

No

Hapana

How are you?

Habari?

I'm fine, thanks?

Nzuri

Is this the way to . . .?

Hii njia ya . . .?

CULTURE

There are more than 70 tribal groups among the Africans in Kenya . Differences between many of them are blurred - western cultural values are becoming more deep-seated and traditional values are disintegrating. There are many other tribes in Kenya ; these include Kikuyu, Luhia, Luo and Kikamba as well as a plethora of minor tribal tongues

BORDER POSTS

The major crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania is at Namanga, which is open 24 hours a day. Other crossings include Lunga Lunga and Taveta. The Ethiopian border post of Moyale is becoming increasingly dangerous because of civil fighting.The border was closed for a while but has now reopened. For those with four-wheel drive vehicles, a more adventurous route to the west near Lake Turkana is quite popular. Ask the locals for advice before trying this route. There is no border post on either side of the border crossing so you'll have to get your visa stamped in Nairobi . Malaba and Busimia are the main Ugandan border posts. At present there are no overland crossings with Somalia and Sudan as it is not safe to cross unless part of a refugee convoy.

RAIL AND BUS

Rail is a safe, reliable form of public transport. Passenger services run from Mombasa to Malaba via Voi, Nairobi , Nakuru and Eldoret. It is essential to book tickets two to three days in advance. Kenya has a good network of buses, as well as matatus (minibuses) and share-taxis, but none are very safe as drivers tend to overload and speed, and horrific accidents are reported regularly. Where possible, rail travel should be the chosen means of transport. Private 18-seater buses offer shuttle services connecting Nairobi and Mombasa with Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania , which are more expensive, but more comfortable and safer.

AIRPORTS

Kenya has two main points of entry by air, Jomo Kenyatta Airport , in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa Domestic and international air services operate between these major airports:
Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi (NBO) and Moi International, Mombasa (MBA)

NOTE: that departure tax (US$ 20) is paid when you leave. For local flights this is KSh100 and US$20 for international flights (not payable in KSh). A number of airlines operate between Nairobi , Mombasa , Kisumu, Nanyuki, Malindi, Lamu and the national parks/reserves of Amboseli, Masai Mara and Samburu.

ROADS

There are 63,800 km of highways in Kenya , 8,863 km of which are paved. Roads are generally in good condition, but have deteriorated and some stretches are very unsafe. The A104 running from Mombasa to Malaba via Nairobi is a heavy truck route. High speed and unpredictable local driving habits are daily hazards on Kenyan roads. Roads in the north and north-east are predominantly dirt roads and in the rainy season are only navigable by four-wheel drive vehicles. Your national driving license is accepted, with an English translation if necessary. Driving is on the left side of the road. As fuel shortages can occur, it is best to fill your tanks before leaving a major town.

 CUSTOMS.

Any reasonable volume of personal belongings can be imported together with cameras and any amount of film. Visitors are restricted to duty free items of 200 cigarettes and one litter bottle of spirit.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
(As at January 2005)

IMPORTANT NOTE:
This is a guide only – please check with your nearest Kenyan Consulate for up to date information.

All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival. It is the responsibility to be in possession of a valid passport and visa. We will not be held responsible for loss, delay or any inconvenience that may occur as a result of the passport or Visa not being produced for any travel

It is advisable that you consult your local High Commission regarding visa requirements. Nationals of the following countries do require visas for a tourist stay of 30 days:

South Africa, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Australia, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United States and United Kingdom.

Nationals of some countries may obtain visas upon arrival. Check with the Kenyan Consulate beforehand. Those wishing to enter Kenya on business or for longer than 30 days should obtain a visa from their nearest Kenyan Consulate.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS ARE

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Visa application form,

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Business letter (for business visa),

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One passport photograph,

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Proof of sufficient funds and onward travel / return ticket.

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Proof of ability to return to country of residence.

Tourist visas cost about US$50 and are valid for 30 days.

Accommodation is based on two persons sharing a twin room/tent. Where applicable rooms with private baths are provided while on safari. Single rooms are available at an additional cost but cannot be guaranteed since they are scare even if paid for. Where this occurs an appropriate refund will be made direct to the client. Hotels, lodges and Camps where named, are as an indication of category and rooms may be reserved at a similar hotel, lodge and camps. Most safari lodges vary in size and style, and are built to blend in with the local environment. Accommodation tends to be of rondavel or banda type, with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit hotels. Do not be misled by the term “tented accommodation” – these tends to be luxurious insect-proof tents and are usually permanently pitched on concrete bases, often including en suite bathrooms with flush toilets. These are very popular and give the visitor the true experience of being close to nature without the inconvenience and discomfort that can be associated with camping in the open. In the towns, cheaper hotels are definitely avoidable. Prices for higher range hotels vary according to season. Note that although prices may be quoted in US$, payment in local currency is the accepted norm. Campsites in national parks and game reserves tend to be very basic, with running water, but only pit toilets. It is strongly recommended that you reserve all your accommodation as far in advance as possible as availability is often at a premium, especially in peak season

Everyone entering Kenya must be in possession of a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever. It is imperative that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Kenya . When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend visiting Kenya . It is important to note that the Kenyan authorities have banned the use of chloroquine combinations as prophylaxis, and instead recommend the use of either mefloquine (Lariam/Mefliam) or doxycycline. Start your course at least one week before entering Kenya and continue taking the pills for six weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night, after dinner. Precautionary measures that you can take to prevent contact with mosquitoes are: sleeping under a bed net or in room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times), spraying your accommodation with insecticide, making use of a mosquito repelling lotion or stick and wearing long sleeve clothes, trousers and socks when outside at night. Immunisation against typhoid, tetanus, tuberculosis, polio, & meningococcal meningitis are recommended.

MALARIA                              
If you're travelling to a malaria area, you'll need to take the following precautions:
Apply insect repellent to exposed skin - recommended repellents contain 20%-35% DEET, and there are a number of brands on the market.
Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants if you're outdoors at night.
Use a mosquito net if your tent or room isn't screened or air-conditioned; and spray insecticide or burn a mosquito coil before going to bed.
Take the malaria tablets recommended for the region you're travelling to, and keep taking them until the course is complete.
British Airways Travel Clinics provide a comprehensive malaria avoidance programme. You can also visit www.malaria.org.za .
If you come down with flu-like symptoms either during, or within four to six weeks after, your visit to a malaria area, seek a doctor's advice immediately.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS                                 
Besides malaria, there are other insect-borne diseases such as dengue and sleeping sickness. However, these are less common and using the same precautions as you would against mosquito bites, namely long-sleeved clothes and trousers, repellents and mosquito nets, will help prevent them.

In countries where drinking water isn't properly regulated, stick to bottled or boiled water and avoid tap water, water fountains and ice cubes. Ask your travel consultant about the safety of drinking water in the areas you'll be visiting.
Use common sense when it comes to food and beverages. If you're unsure of their origin, don't touch them.
If you're walking, it's best to wear shoes at all times.

AIDS is rife throughout Africa , so if you're planning to have intimate contact with the locals always use condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Avoid handling strange animals, especially monkeys, dogs and cats.
Avoid swimming in stagnant water.

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following vaccines. See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for them to take effect:
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
Hepatitis B if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment
Rabies, if you come into direct contact with wild or domestic animals
Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries
Booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults, as neededA yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for entry into certain African countries, particularly if you are coming from a country in tropical South America or elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is no risk for of yellow fever in Southern Africa.

Medical services in Kenya are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but are limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment, but usually accept major credit cards. It is advisable to secure medical cover on your medical insurance before arriving in the country. Note that major hotels have contracts with physicians and dentists. Visitors are however advised to bring along supplies of specialised medication they may require. Otherwise, medicine may be purchased at pharmacies and emergency pharmacies are open all night.

AFRICA AIR RESCUE ( AAR ) ACTION TOURIST COVER.
The company provides rescue and evacuation by air and road within EAST AFRICA ONLY. The rescue and evacuation by air and road is at the time of safari only and for only those clients who have bought and PAID in full any trip worth US$ 150.00 or more. The cover does not include in HOSPITAL BILLS, OVERSEAS COVER and it is ONLY applicable when the clients are on a safari with TOP AFRICA SAFARIS. No any other time is the cover applicable WHATSOEVER. The cover is ONLY for RESIDENTS and NON-RESIDENTS.

SAFETY

Travel in Kenya is generally entirely safe; however, there are the occasional regional ethnic skirmishes. You are advised to remain informed as to the situation in areas to which you plan to travel, particularly remote parts and borders. Ugandan, Somalian and Sudanese bandits rove their borders with Kenya . Violent cross-border attacks and cattle raids occur, so it is best to avoid the border regions. Border crossings into Somalia and Sudan are strongly discouraged. Petty crime and theft occurs in some of the urban areas, so be vigilant and keep valuables concealed. Security within the parks is quite good, but never leave possessions unattended. It is always better to travel in a large group.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS                           
If you're on a guided tour, your chances of encountering problems are minimal - tour operators make it their business to know the areas they travel to so you are never at any undue risk.

If you're travelling alone, keep up-to-date with local news so you know about potential "hot spots". www.africanews.org carries top stories from most of Africa 's local newspapers, and is updated daily.

Get a local perspective - ask someone where you're staying to give you a run-down on any unsafe areas, and codes of dress and behaviour.

As with anywhere in the world, when you're in a city err on the side of caution. Don't openly carry valuables. If you must carry your passport and money, keep them in a buttoned-down pocket or well-concealed on your person.

Driving in Africa can often be a pretty adventurous undertaking. In many countries, and particularly in rural areas, roads are often poorly maintained and it's not unusual to come across large domestic animals such as sheep and cattle. The best advice: stay alert, use your seatbelts and avoid travelling at night.

Avoid deserted areas, particularly at night. If you're in a car, try and park in well-lit populated areas; always keep it locked - even when you're in it; and don't leave valuables where they can be seen.

If you're thinking of hitchhiking, you'll need to understand the high risks involved. It is often exciting, always potentially dangerous - particularly in around urban centres or after dark - and isn't advised if safety is a priority.

The best advice for security when you travel: simply stay aware of what's going on around you. If you do this, you have a good chance of enjoying a problem-free holiday.

SAFETY ON SAFARI        
All reserves have a set of rules that you need to follow to ensure your safety. Many of the animals you'll come across, particularly lion, hippo, elephant and buffalo, are dangerous. Stay in your car and keep a reasonable distance - especially with elephant - in case you need to beat a hasty retreat!

Africa has its fair share of poisonous snakes - though they are rarely encountered and, when they are, will more often than not try to get away as quickly as possible. However, if you plan on doing any walking, take along boots, socks and long trousers as a precautionary measure (which also helps with ticks) - and always look where you're going. Avoid swimming in rivers that have hippos and crocodiles.                             

NOTE: In keeping with international tourist standard centres visitors are advised not to leave any valuables in their hotels room when they go out but to make sure they use the safe deposit boxes, which are available in most of hotels and lodges.

WATER

While water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, there are frequent breakdowns and this can lead to mild to serious abdominal upsets for first time African travellers. Rather stick to sealed bottled water, which is available from most hotels and lodges, and which is highly advised for the first few weeks of your stay. Do not use ice cubes or eat rare meat, raw seafood or dairy products. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors and only eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination.

Because the weather in Africa is often upredictable - the rains can sometimes be heavy one season, sometimes they can fail altogether - this information is a rough guideline only

SEASONS AND CLIMATE
Summer from December to March and winter from July to September, with long rains from March to May and short rains between November and December.

Kenya is divided by the equator and enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and north-eastern parts of the country. The hottest time is in February and March and the coldest in July and August.

THE AVERAGE ANNUAL TEMPERATURES IN THE MAIN AREAS ARE

Mombasa (along the coasta strip)

Max 30ºC, Min 22ºC

Nairobi :

Max 25ºC, Min 13ºC

North Plainlands :

Max 34ºC, Min 23ºC

The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. Rainfall is sometimes heavy and tends to fall in the afternoon and evenings.

WHAT TO PACK

Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack for safari are:

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Khaki, green, beige and neutral colours

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Blouses and shirts with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes)

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T shirts

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Shorts or a light skirt

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Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days

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Some hotels and country clubs require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie and women to be suitably attired for dinner

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A jacket and sweater are recommended for early morning and evening game drives

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Swimwear and beach apparel

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Comfortable walking shoes

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Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturiser and lip salve are all essentials

Good quality, locally made clothing and shoes for safaris are available in Nairobi and Mombasa shops at reasonable prices.

If you are travelling with an organised safari, it is important to check what your weight limit is. Generally you will need to restrict your luggage to 10-12 kg (packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment.


Prescription medications: make sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s)

Over-the-counter anti-diarrhoea medicine (just in case!) if you think you'll have trouble finding a pharmacy on your trip

Kenya is a year round destination with excellent game viewing. One of Kenya 's greatest attractions is the annual wildebeest migration between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya . This takes place between July and October. Traditional peak season is January to March as this is when the weather is hot and dry and most comfortable for travelling. This is a good time for bird viewing on the Rift Valley lakes. Game viewing at perennial water holes is also good at this time. April – June and October – December are less popular times for visiting Kenya as these are the rainy seasons and flooding often occurs. However, it is usually possible to get around easily during these times and the rains do not hinder visibility at all.

The unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling (KSh), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are KSH1, and 50, 10 and 5 cents.

EXCHANGE RATE

The exchange rate is in your favour. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world. The price of a beer starts at KSh35. A traditional meal will cost about KSh150, while you can expect to pay about KSh500-1000 for a more classy meal. Petrol costs about KSh35 per litre. A roll of 36-exposure print film will cost about KSh200.

BANKS

Banking hours: Mon – Fri 09:00 – 14:00
First Sat of each month 09:00 – 11:00

National and international banks have branches in Mombasa , Nairobi , Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho and Nyeri and in most other major towns. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier. Banks and bureaux de change at international airports are open 24 hours a day

CREDIT CARDS

All major credit cards widely accepted are MasterCard, Euro card, Visa and Japan Card Beauro.

TIPPING

This is not required but, unlike in some other African countries, is not forbidden either. Most hotels include a 10% service charge on the bill. If the service charge has not been included a KSh100 tip is usual, although the amount is entirely at the visitor's discretion. Bear in mind that salaries in East Africa tend to be very low, and that people working in service industries rely on tips to supplement their wages. On safari you should tip your driver, cook and guide. These people do not earn very much so you should tip as much as you feel you can, about KSh 200 per employee per day is about right, but of course this depends on you and how happy you were with your service.

As in most African countries, there is a huge range of cheap souvenirs to be purchased along the roadside. These are handmade, but mass produced so always check the quality before buying. Materials include ebony, soapstone and ivory. Note that it is illegal to export products that contain any elements of elephant, rhino or sea turtle. Tribal souvenirs are available, including Maasai beaded jewellery, chondas (woven sisal baskets) and natural or decorated calabashes (dried gourds). Bright sarongs (kangas or kikois) make good wearable souvenirs. If you are after quality artwork, it is probably wisest to look in galleries and shops that deal in it, rather than buying on the black market.