|
TRAVEL TIPS
Kenya
Full country name: Republic of Kenya
Area: 583,000 sq km
Population: 38,339,897
Capital city: Nairobi
People: 24% Kikuyu, 16% Luhya, 13% Luo,12% Kisii, 11% Kamba, 6%
Kalenjin,
6% Meru, 16% other
Languages: English, Swahili, indigenous.
Religion: 40% Protestant, 36% Roman Catholic, 16% Muslim, 6% Animist
Government: Republic (multiparty state)
President: Mwai Kibaki
GDP: US$42.4 billion
GDP per head: US$1525
Annual growth: 1.6%
Inflation: 2.5%
Major industries: small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture,
batteries, textiles, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural
processing, oil refining, cement, tourism Major trading partners:
Uganda, Tanzania, UK, Germany, UAE, South Africa
Facts for the Traveler
Visas: All visitors require a visa except citizens of some
Commonwealth countries and citizens of selected countries such as
Denmark, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain,
South Africa and Sweden. Apply well in advance for your visa -
especially if doing it by mail.
Health risks: Malaria (except in Nairobi and high-altitude
areas), cholera, hepatitis, meningitis, mugging, typhoid,
schistosomisis, HIV, Rift Valley fever and yellow fever.
Time: GMT/UTC plus three hours
Electricity: 240V
Weights & measures: Metric
Tourism: About 700,000 visitors per year
When to Go
The main tourist season is in January and February, since the hot,
dry weather at this time of year is generally considered to be the
most pleasant. It's also when Kenya's birdlife flocks to the Rift
Valley lakes in the greatest numbers. June to September could be
called the 'shoulder season' as the weather is still dry. The rains
hit from March to May (and to a lesser extent from October to
December). During these months things are much quieter - places tend
to have rooms available and prices drop. The rains generally don't
affect travellers' ability to get around.
Events
Kenya's most spectacular annual event is organised by an unlikely
group - wildebeests. Literally millions of these ungainly antelopes
move en masse in July and August from the Serengeti in search of
lush grass. They head south again around October. The best place to
see this phenomenon is at the Masai Mara National Reserve. Kenya's
more orthodox annual events include public holidays such as Kenyatta
Day (20 October) and Independence Day (12 December).
Health
Currently visitors to East Africa do not require any inoculations.
All visitors coming to East Africa should take anti malaria pills
before arrival; while in East Africa and a few weeks after they
return.
Electricity
Electricity is provided on AC (alternating current) 240 volts AC 50
cycles most hotels and lodges provide shaving sockets of 110 volts
50 cycles.
Dressing
Casual dressing is normal because of the weather conditions. In some
restaurants in Nairobi and Kampala a suite or tie is required. In
Nairobi, Kampala and other higher regions nights can be cold
therefore long trousers and a Jersey or jacket are recommended.
Misc.
National language is Kiswahili, official language is English.
The time difference with mid-Europe amounts to 2 hours in winter and
1 hour in summer (GMT + 3 hours).
|
