Kenya Bush and Beach

Kenya is acclaimed as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Kenya spans the equator and is bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. Its 550 kilometre (341 mile) coastline to the east is lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, with its highest point being Mount Kenya (5 199 metres/17 000 feet.). One of Kenya’s most spectacular geological features is the Great Rift Valley which passes through the country – an approximately 6 000 kilometre (3 700 mile) fracture in the crust of the earth, running in a series of valleys from Syria to Mozambique. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by a number of unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes, to those of the Arabian and Indian people that settled on the coast.

Kenya’s biodiversity is fascinating. Endless savannah plains and scorched deserts are interrupted by snow-capped mountains, cool highlands and equatorial forests. The exquisite tropical coastline possesses the atmosphere of a scenic paradise island and is sprinkled with colourful coral reefs.

Annually, the country plays host to the remarkable phenomenon of the wildebeest migration, the largest single movement of herd animals on the planet. The open savannah grasslands also teem with plains game and roaming predators year round. These diverse habitats offer endless opportunities for adventures, new discoveries and relaxation.

Currency:  
Local currency: Kenyan Shilling  
Symbol: KSh 
ISO code: KES
Central bank: Central Bank of Kenya
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 
Coins: KSh40, 20, 10, 5, 1 and 50, 10 cents(lesscommonly used)

Banking: 
Card Transactions:  
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Sometimes 
Diner’s club: Sometimes 

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 09h00 - 15h00
Weekends:Saturdays: 09h00 -12h00. Sundays: Closed. Check the specific hours of the bank branch you plan to visit, as operating hours can vary between branches and regions.
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 
Main airlines: Kenya Airways, Airkenya Express, Fly540, JamboJet, African Express Airways, Mombasa Air Safari 
International Airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret International Airport 

Road:

Conditions vary greatly.
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: No, unless your national licence is not in English. Third party insurance is needed.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: Yes

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Some, but not generally safe.  
Local city bus networks: No 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No
 
Water: 
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety:  
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and vegetables: No, unless thoroughly washed and peeled
Ice: No, unless made from bottled or purified water
Meat: Yes, but from reputable establishments
Street food: No, unless from a reputable source and freshly prepared

Local cuisine: Kenyan food is diverse, exhibiting the different tastes and flavours of its different tribes, as well as the spices of early Arab settlers and East Indian railway workers, and the fresh seafood straight from the Swahili coast. Top dishes include Kenyan Stew, made with meat and spices; Mutura, a rich, dark goat sausage; and Mandazi, a kind of donut flavoured with cardamom and sweet coconut milk.

Drinks: 

Tusker Beer
Kenyan Coffee
Chai (Kenyan Tea)
Madafu (Fresh Coconut Water)
Maziwa Lala (Fermented Milk)

*In addition to these beverages, there are also a variety of everyday drinks available, such as fruit juices, sodas, and bottled water.

Tipping: 10%  

Annual rainfall: 680 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C - 29°C 
 
Summer: December-March
Average in highs: 26°C 
Average in lows: 16°C 
 
Winter: July-October
Average in highs: 21°C 
Average in lows: 12°C 

* Kenya, due to its equatorial location, does not experience traditional summer and winter seasons. Instead, it has periods that are cooler and drier. The climate is generally characterized by wet and dry seasons.

Best time to visit: Visiting between June and September, during the long dry season, will allow you to experience a milder climate and witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The short dry season, from January to March, provides excellent opportunities for beach visits and outdoor activities. During the rainy seasons, you’ll find fewer tourists and stunning, lush landscapes. The long rainy season runs from March to May, and the short rainy season runs from October to December.

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons (March to May and October to December)
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes, for early morning and evening game drives, especially in higher altitudes or cooler months (June to August).
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in cities.