About Kenya

Kenya is a world-renowned African travel destination famous for its rich wildlife and stunning natural wonders. Kenya budget travel offers a chance to experience a wealth of cultural and natural wonders in this beautiful country.

Kenya Budget Travel

Below is a list of Kenya's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara, Nairobi, Samburu National Park

Fast Facts

Currency
Kenyan shilling (KES)

Dialing Code
254

AIDS

Kenya HIV/AIDS is a major health risk for many Kenyans, with factors such as poor health care, lack of education, prostitution, poverty, tribal customs and inherited wives adding to the problem. Awareness campaigns are not strong enough, and very few Kenyans can afford proper treatment and often transmit the disease due to lack of understanding about AIDS.

Airports

Kenya airports include the following:
• Jomo Kenyatta Nairobi International Airport
• Moi Mombasa International Airport
• Eldoret International Airport

Birdlife

Kenya birdlife is abundant, with well over a thousand species to be seen across the country's rich and varied ecosystems. From coastal birds and huge flocks of flamingos, to vast and colourful forest species, the range of species is extremely diverse. Bird watchers are sure to have the travel experience of a lifetime in Kenya's bird-rich regions, and binoculars are highly recommended when travelling through the country's parks and reserves to spot birds along the way.

Conservation

Kenya conservation is fairly progressive, with many government and non-profit group efforts to try and control and protect wildlife species in the country. Despite this, the country faces a huge threat from the illegal poaching and hunting industries, and many species of wildlife and birdlife are threatened or endangered. Deforestation, land abuse and pollution also play a role in the environmental problems Kenya faces.

Culture

Kenya cultures include the following:
• Food and cuisine plays an important role in social gatherings
• National and tribal dress is a key part of tribal identity
• Music and dance is an ancient cultural tradition to all tribes
• Film and television is a growing cultural trend

Customs

Kenya customs allowances for free import by passengers of 16 years or older includes:
• 1/2 lb. of tobacco, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
• 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages
• 1 pint of perfume

Health

Kenya is more developed than some East Africa countries, but Kenya health should still be a major priority during your travels. Health care facilities are not always up to western standards, and equipment may not be sterile. Nairobi has a number of fairly good hospitals, but medication is not always available and over-crowding is common.

Innoculations

The following Kenya inoculations are required:
• Yellow Fever
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Rabies

Languages

Kenya languages include the following:
• English (official language)
• Swahili (official language)
• Kikuyu
• Luo
• Kalenjin
• Kamba

Malaria

Kenya malaria medication includes the following:
• Mefloquine (Lariam)
• Doxycycline
• Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)

Money

Kenya money and banking information includes the following:
• American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted
• Currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at all major hotels, airports or banks
• Dollars, Pounds and Euros are easier to exchange than other currencies
• ATMs or cash points can be found across nearly all cities and towns
• Banks operate from Monday to Friday from 09h00-15h00 and Saturday from 09h00-11h00

People

Kenya people include the following groups:
• Kikuyu 22%
• Luhya 14%
• Luo 13%
• Kalenjin 12%
• Kamba 11%
• Kisii and Meru 6% each
• Other 16%

Phrase

Kenya local phrases include the following in Swahili:
• Hello - Jambo
• Can I please have...? - Tafadhali nipatie...?
• Do you speak english? - Unajua kizungu?
• Excuse me - Samahani
• No problem! - Hakuna matata!

Plants

Kenya plant life varyies depending on the region in which plants grow. Eco-regions in Kenya range from coastal regions, to mangroves, tropical forest, woodlands, savannas and mountain areas, and Kenya's abundant and beautiful plantlife reflects these diverse areas, with a range of beautiful plants to be seen across the country's diverse habitats.

Population

A July 2008 estimate puts the Kenyan population at 37,953,840.

Religion

Kenya religion includes the following:
• Protestant 45%
• Roman Catholic 33%
• Islam 10%
• Indigenous 10%
• Other 2%

Safety Tips

Kenya safety tips include the following:
• Avoid all travel within 30km of the Somalia border, where fighting is frequent
• Avoid the low-income areas and slums of Nairobi which has a high crime rate
• Terrorist attacks have been known to happen in the last few years
• Nairobi has a growing crime rate, with carjacking, mugging and robbery on the increase, especially in the city centre
• Avoid travelling alone, and in remote areas travel in convoy during daylight

Transport

Kenya local transport includes the following:
• Bus
• Taxi
• Car

Travel Books

Kenya recommended travel books include the following:
• Lonely Planet Kenya 6th Edition by Tom Parkinson
• Kenya Handbook 2nd Edition by Lizzie Williams
• Globetrotter Travel Guide: Kenya by Dave & Val Richards
• Frommer's Kenya & Tanzania by by Keith Bain, Pippa de Bruyn & Jonathon Yevin

Visa Requirements

Kenya visa requirements include the following:
• Passport which is valid for six months at least
• ID or green card
• 2 Visa Application Forms
• 2 Passport photographs
• Copy of return airline tickets or itinerary

What To Buy

What to buy for Kenya safaris:
• Durable luggage such as a backpack plus a good moneybag
• Snorkeling set and disposable underwater camera
• Kenya guide book and Swahili phrase book
• First aid kit with basic supplies and medicines
• Wet wipes, toilet roll and pens or sweets for local children

What To Pack

What to pack for Kenya safaris:
• Lightweight clothes in neutral colours
• Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and sandals
• Swimming costume, sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Camera, spare film, batteries and binoculars
• Warm jacket and raincoat for rainy season and cooler days

When To Go

When to go to Kenya:
• Main tourist seasons are from December to February and from July to August
• January to February is hot and dry, making it best for game spotting
• June to September is a bit cooler and is the season for wildebeest at Masai Mara
• Rainy seasons run from March to June and October to December
• The landscapes are at their greenest and most beautiful from March to October

Wildlife

Kenya wildlife is as diverse and abundant as its diverse habitats, and a large number of game, including Africa's famous Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) can be found among other game. From the low-lying plains and savannas to the coastal areas and mountains, game can be found throughout the country.