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1. Destination Kenya
Kenya is a republic in East Africa and a member of the Commonwealth
Nations. Kenya has a varied landscape of plateaus and high mountains
and is home to many different ethnic groups. Formerly a British colony,
Kenya gained independence in 1963 and has been a republic since 1964.
It is bordered on the north by Sudan and Ethiopia, on the east by Somalia
and the Indian Ocean, on the south by Tanzania, and on the west by
Lake Victoria and Uganda. Nairobi is the country’s capital and
largest city.
Land and resources
Kenya has a total area of 582,646 sq km (224,961 sq mi). The equator
passes through the middle of the country in an east-west direction.
Kenya’s maximum length from east to west is about 890 km (about
550 mi); from north to south it is about 1,030 km (about 640 mi).
Natural Regions
Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano in central Kenya. At 5,199 m (17,057
ft) tall, it is the second tallest mountain in Africa. Kenya is covered
with volcanic rock that is split by faults, especially in the west.
The Eastern Rift of the Great Rift Valley appears in Kenya as a massive
depression, as wide as 50 to 65 km (30 to 40 miles) in some places,
with cliffs reaching 900 m (3,000 ft) in height. Kenya’s coastline
measures 536 km (333 mi) in length and is fringed with coral reefs.
It is bordered by a narrow coastal plain dotted with tropical forests
Rivers and Lakes
Kenya’s largest lake, excluding Lake Victoria on its western
border, is Lake Turkana, in the northwest. Smaller lakes—including
Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Magadi—lie
in or near the Eastern Rift. The country’s major rivers include
the Tana and Galana (known as the Athi in its upper course) in the
east, and the Kerio, Turkwel, and Nzoia in the west. Parts of each
of these rivers are navigable by small vessels, but only the Tana is
used by larger boats. Except for the Tana and some of its tributaries,
most Kenyan rivers have not been used extensively for irrigation.
Plant and Animal Life
Kenya contains diverse plant life. Along the Indian Ocean coast are
forests containing palm, mangrove, teak, and sandalwood trees. Baobab,
euphorbia, and acacia trees dot the lowland plateaus, while extensive
tracts of savanna (grassland), interspersed with groves of acacia and
some temperate forests, characterize the terrain of the highlands up
to about 3,000 m (about 9,000 ft). The higher alpine zone contains
giant senecio and lobelia shrubs.
Kenya is known for the great variety of its wildlife and is especially
famous for its big game animals associated with the African savanna.
The major big game species include elephants, rhinoceroses, zebras,
giraffes, and lions and other large cats. Birds—including ostriches,
flamingos, and vultures—abound in Kenya, as do reptiles such
as pythons, mambas, and cobras
2. The people of Kenya
Kenya’s population at the time of the 1989 census was 21,443,636.
In 2003 the population was estimated at 31,639,091. Population density
is 54 persons per sq km (141 per sq mi).
Ethnic
Groups
Kenya’s black African population is divided into more than 40
ethnic groups belonging to three linguistic families: the Bantu, the
Cushitic, and the Nilotic. Languages traditionally have been the primary
characteristic of ethnic identity in Kenya. Bantu-speaking Kenyans
are divided into three different groups: the western group (Luhya);
the central, or highlands, group (including the Kikuyu, the Kamba,
and other subgroups); and the coastal Bantu (Mijikenda). Among Kenya’s
Nilotic speakers, the major groups are the River-Lake, or Western,
group (Luo); the Highlands, or Southern, group (Kalenjin); and the
Plains, or Eastern, group (Masai). The Cushitic-speaking groups include
the Oromo and the Somali.
Language
and Religion
Kenya’s official languages are English and Swahili; both are
widely used for communication between members of different ethnic groups.
Nearly all of the African ethnic groups in Kenya also have their own
languages, making for considerable linguistic diversity within the
country. Many Kenyans thus speak three languages: the language of their
particular ethnic group, Swahili, and English.
About 76 percent of Kenya’s population is Christian, with Protestants
outnumbering Roman Catholics. Muslims make up about 7 percent of the
population. The remainder of Kenya’s people is mainly followers
of traditional African religions. There are also a small number of
Hindus and Sikhs.
Way
of Life
Most Kenyans place great importance on the family and the traditional
values and responsibilities associated with it. Many of Kenya’s
rural inhabitants live on small farms; some live in houses made of
mud and wooden poles with thatched roofs, while others live in houses
of brick or stone with metal roofs. City dwellers that are wealthy
or middle class typically live in modern houses and apartment buildings;
however, many other city dwellers live in shanty locations or other
inexpensive quarters.
Culture
Kenya’s ethnic diversity has produced a variety and richness
of cultural forms that reflect African, Asian, and European influences.
Visual arts are not highly important in contemporary Kenya, although
varieties of wood and clay sculpture are produced for the tourist trade.
Cultural heritage has been maintained among many tribes across the
land. The Maasai of the Great Rift Valley and the coastal people are
among the most pronounced tribes with their culture especially in dressing,
music, foods and their housing concept.
Music
and Dance
Distinctive forms of music and dance are associated with each of Kenya’s
ethnic groups, and traditional music has flourished since independence.
Kenya also has a thriving industry in popular music, which combines
Western and African influences.
Theater
Prior to independence, Kenyan theater dealt mainly with European issues
and followed the model of European theater. Since independence, drama
focusing on African themes has developed in Kenya.
Libraries
and Museums
Most of Kenya’s major libraries and museums are located in Nairobi.
These include the McMillan Memorial Library; the University of Nairobi
Library; the Kenya National Archives, which includes a small museum;
and the National Museum, which features historical and cultural exhibits.
The museum at Fort Jesus in Mombasa, featuring archaeological and historical
artifacts from the coast, is the most significant museum outside the
capital.
Accommodation:
In East Africa, a number of good hotels are available to choose from
to fit every budget. Elsewhere across the countries and in the National Parks,
hotels and inns are generally available, but quality of service and quantity
of rooms vary greatly. We take care in booking the best accommodation available
for your safaris. All of our prepared itineraries start from the cities. If
you require pre-or post -safaris hotel bookings in any city or airport transfers
to /from Entebbe, JKIA or Kilimanjaro contact us so that we can make these
arrangements for you. Reservations should be made in advance.
Airport:
Most guests to East Africa arrive by air, landing at the Jomo
Kenyatta, Entebbe or even Kilimanjaro International Airports; approximately
45 minutes drive from or to the cities. Transfers to and from the airports
are available for any size group. Your Departure tax is incorporated in your
tickets.
Airlines:
Several airlines land within the three East Africa countries, they
include,Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines, Air Tanzania, British Airways,
Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, Inter Air, Sabena and
South African Airways. There are daily connections of Nairobi. There
are also several reputable domestic charter companies to choose from.
Alcohol:
Several brand of local beer are available, including the famous Tusker,
Pilsner and Guinessl. Most spirits and wines are imported and
are readily available at slightly elevated prices. There are no limitations
on the drinking of alcohol in Kenya.
Banking:
Several international banks operate in East Africa cities including Barclays,
Standard Chartered and Stanbic. Many local banks and forex bureaus also operate
across the countries. Generally the banking hours are 8.30A.M. To 3:00 P.M.,
Monday to Friday, though some institutions are open longer hours and on Saturdays.
There are no longer restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and currency
is easily convertible. Use only USD notes dated after 2000.
Climate:
East Africa enjoys ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth
of the lowlands to the coolness of the highlands. Mean temperatures
are between 21C and 31 C all the year around. Wet seasons are March
- May and October - November.
Clothing:
Light summer clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be
sufficient all year round. Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks
and flats-heeled comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari.
Don't forget to bring a hat for sun protection and a swimsuit. Umbrellas
and windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons. Request additional
details at the time of booking.
Credit cards:
AMEX, Visa and MasterCard are accepted at some establishments in East
Africa cities and some lodges.
Currency:
The Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania Shilling are the currency used. It is
issued in different denominations. The rates vary from time to time
but are readily available from banks and forex bureaus. We accept
US Dollars, the Euros or even the Travelers' Cheques.
Drinking water:
We recommend that you do not drink tap water. Most hotels and restaurants
provide previously boiled drinking water. Mineral water is also available.
Food:
Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables are plentiful throughout the country.
A wide range of dishes, both traditional and international, is served
in the hotels and restaurants.
Health requirements:
Certificates are required for vaccination against yellow fever. Check
current medical advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. Malarial
risk is general and prophylactics should be taken. It is advisable
to start anti-malaria medications 10 days prior to arrival and continue
with the same until 14 days after leaving East Africa.
Language:
The official language is English though Kiswahili is commonly spoken
throughout the countries.
Photography:
Though some types of film are available in many of the lodges, it is
advisable to bring films and batteries with you or to purchase them in Nairobi.
A pair of binoculars will prove extremely useful for the keen game viewer.
There is no charge for photography cameras but there may be a charge for video
cameras in some places. Clients are directly responsible for any such fees.
Security:
Precautions should be taken as in any major city. Unless safety deposit
boxes are available in your hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents,
travelers cheques, cash and other valuable with you at all times.
We recommend that you do not walk late in the night but instead take
a taxi.
Sports facilities:
There are a variety of sports available in the East Africa cities -
squash, golf, tennis, etc. Fishing, on Lake Victoria or the Nile
River, and White Water Rafting from Bujagali Falls is also popular.
Arrangements can be made for these activities depending on individual's
interests.
Transport:
The roads are generally in good condition. Four-wheel drive vehicles
may be required for up-country use, especially in the national park during
the rainy seasons. We maintain a fleet of saloon cars, mini-buses and four
wheels drive vehicles, available on either a self-drive or chauffeur driven
basis. Please enquire for further details and tariffs.
Visas:
All PTA countries, EEC countries, Japan and USA are exempt from visas.
Visas are generally available at all entry points.
Our final word:
Things in Africa may not work in the same way as home; some times there
are inexplicable delays. We appreciate your patience. Sit back and
enjoy your safari. Everything will work out in the end.
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