Kenya

Kenya is one of Africa’s great safari destinations. The Great Migration unfolds each year in the Masai Mara, making Kenya a hotspot to witness the big five. I was only in Kenya for a week not enough time to really enjoy the best of what Kenya has to offer. Nairobi is a very modern city and I can wait to get back and explore more of the wildlife.

Best Time to Visit

Kenya’s dry season is from July to September, which also coincides with the Great animal Migration of wildebeest and zebra. Making it a very popular time to travel.

Things to do and see

1. Climb Mount Kenya: The volcanic mount stands 16,3548ft above sea level and is the second largest mountain in Africa. Many tourists travel yearly to climb this great mountain.
2. Experience Maasai Mara: The Maasai Mara tribe migrated from the Nile river into Kenya in the 17^th century. They live in one of Kenya’s popular game reserve. They are a tribe worth visiting as well as witnessing the Serengeti migration.
   
3. Nairobi National Park: This national park is 8km from the city centre and supports most of east Africa’s best wildlife. Worth the visit while in Nairobi.

Food

Indian and Middle eastern food are widely available, there are also a range of international restaurants in all major cities. Traditional Kenyan dishes include barbecued spicy meat with a tomatoes stew. Maze porridge is also a staple meal.

Transportation

Air: Numerous international airlines fly directly to Kenya. Nairobi has two airports for domestic and international flights. Kenya has over 150 domestic airports.

Road: Majority of the roads connecting to Nairobi are well maintained. People drive on the Left-hand side of the road. Its possible to drive into Kenya from Tanzania and Uganda.

Rail: Since 2017 a new train line connects Nairobi and Mombasa. There is also a rail service between Kenya and Uganda.

Ferry: Mombasa is an island offshore and can be reached by connecting bridges and ferry.

Taxi: Uber is available in Nairobi and Mombasa. There is also the option to hire a private taxi or hop on a shared minibus.

Bus: There are numerous private bus companies in Kenya. Most of the buses are old and only depart when full, which means there are no set timetables. The buses are cheap and travel to most long-distance destinations.

Visa

Visas are required by all EU, U.S, Canadian and Australian nationals; You can obtain a Visa on arrival.

Language

The official language of Kenya is English and Swahili. There are also various tribal languages spoken throughout the country.

Money

The currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES) Credit cards are accepted at some of the major hotels but a 5-10% surcharge will usually be added. There are ATM’s in all major cities.

Tipping

Most Restaurants will include a standard 10% to the bill.

Racism/Sexism/Discrimination

Social etiquette

The big cities in Kenya are very much influence by British culture. The standard greeting in Kenya is Jambo, which means hello. You can dress informal and casually. The coast is a little more conservative because of its Muslim influence.

Adaptor

Kenya uses the same plug as in the U.K, the 3pin plug.

Wifi

There are numerous internet cafes in Nairobi and Mombasa, smaller towns have one venue for internet. You can also access the internet at most hotels and restaurants.