About Kenya
Nairobi is the bustling capital and largest city of Kenya. The best time to visit Kenya is during the dry season of June to October, -which is one of the climate seasons in Kenya, the other being the wet season, - when you can explore the wildlife safari or experience the Great Migration of the wildebeest and zebra. The culture of Kenya is among one of the most fascinating ones in the world. It's culture is multifaceted and it is evidently expressed in the people, language, food, music and arts. Kenya is home to 13 ethnic groups and 27 smaller groups with majority of Kenyans belonging to the Bantu tribe. Christianity is predominately practised here while a smaller section of the people are Muslims. Popular meals eaten in Kenya are coconut rice, cornmeal, spiced rice, Kenyan stew, beans and corn. Kenya is a multilingual country. It's official languages are Swahili and English, however there are actually a total of 62 languages spoken by the locals here.
There are about 250 airports in Kenya, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa as the Two international airports in Kenya. Internal Kenya flights are cheap and most efficient way to travel across the country both to save time and because of the large land mass. For intra city travel, trains are available but are not a reliable means of public transportation. Shared taxis and minibuses are the most popular means of transportation for short distances and between cities. You can also use car rentals, motorcycles, and ferries. Crimes like kidnapping, muggings, armed carjacking, burglaries are common in Kenya. It is advised that travellers to Kenya avoid walking around in downtown, public parks, beaches and unlit areas particularly at night especially in the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa.
Kenya is one of the safari destinations in the world and also famous for its amazing beach resorts and finest of dining experience. If you are ever in the city of Nairobi, it's thriving commercial hub, you should attend the East African Art Festival, a three day event featuring art, music, theater, music, fashion, literature, architecture, sculpture, and traditional crafts. You can also venture into Marshal for the International Camel Derby and Festival. There is also the Lamu Cultural Festival and Jamhuri Day, celebrating Kenya's independence.
There are a lot of fascinating attractions and places of interest to see while in Kenya. They include :
The Maasai Mara Reserve, one of the most popular game parks. The “Big Five” are concentrated here: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. You will also find the zebra, giraffe, cheetah and hippo. To spot the animals,you can try something a bit different than the usual jeeps, you could take a balloon safari over the plains, which gives you a fantastic view of the great plains beneath.
The Amboseli National Park which known for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Observation Hill offers panoramas of the peak and the park’s plains and swamps. You will find varied wildlife like the giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and hundreds of bird species.
Mount Kenya, the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. You can take exciting treks and climbs through its varied scenery of volcanic ridges, deep valleys and rugged landscape.
There are over 10,000 hotels and apartments to stay in Kenya so you will be spoiled for choice especially when in Nairobi.
Common Questions Travellers Ask About Kenya
Do US citizens need a visa to Kenya?
A passport with at least two blank pages, six months' validity, and a visa are required to enter Kenya. Single-entry visas are usually available upon arrival at Kenya airports.
Can you drink the water in Kenya?
It is not recommended that you drink the tap water in Kenya as the supply is not reliable. Travellers who drink the water may get ill due to contamination. It is advised to carry a bottled water always.
What time of year is the best time to see the Great Migration in Kenya?
While the Great Migration is always dependent on summer rainfall, the Great Migration is often in Kenya across July, August, and September, before moving south again towards Tanzania.
Can children come with on safari in Kenya?
Kenya is one of the most child-friendly and family-friendly safari destinations in Africa. Many of the lodges have family accommodation and plenty of vehicles, which makes it easy for families to have a vehicle to themselves or to join other families on safari.
What currency is used in Kenya?
Kenya's national currency is the Kenyan Shilling and although foreign currencies such as US Dollars are widely accepted (and indeed the currency required for activities like hot air balloon safaris) it is recommended using local currency to pay for bar bills, souvenirs and meals not included in your itinerary.
What are the mobile network operators and internet service providers in Kenya?
There are over 3 mobile network operators and about 2 internet service providers in Kenya. You can checkout the
list of network operators in Kenya
and also details about each of them.
How do I travel out of Kenya?
For Kenyans looking to travel out of the country. You can check out the list of destinations, how to
Get Visa to those countries, their
Embassies and
Visa Free Countries for Kenyan passport holders