COUNTRIES

In Kenya, man’s earliest ancestors may well have originated in the northern frontier, approximately five million years ago. The country’s indigenous population represents more diversity than any other African country. Approximately 30 languages are spoken in Kenya, popularly known as the Jambo and Hakuna Matata Country. Early in the 20th century, gifted writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Karen Blixen brought to life the vivid images and uplifting life experience that constitutes a Kenyan safari. It is at this time that leading celebrities of the time like Teddy Roosevelt and Prince Edward traveled to Kenya on safari, giving it a certain snob appeal. The famous went because it was expected of them. And those on the make because it was part of the certification they needed on the way up. If you want to take a peek into the mood and character of the players at that time, read Hemingway's intriguing short story "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber".

Geography and Wildlife

Kenya is the premier travel destination because she has the world's largest concentrations of elephants, giraffes, antelopes and zebras. Nowhere on earth can claim such a dense profusion of wildlife in such spectacular surroundings. Woni Safaris welcomes you to the legendary wilderness of Tsavo, the majestic peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the rain forests of Mount Kenya, and the stunning savannah of the Maasai Mara. Visitors travel to Kenya because of its reputation for excellence in tourism. Kenya is renowned for its outstanding wildlife, scenic beauty, and palm-fringed coast. Popular activities include wildlife safaris, big game fishing, bird watching, mountain climbing and scuba diving.

The landscape kaleidoscope rolls out the magnificent rift valley, central highlands, savannah grasslands, the snow capped Mount Kenya, and the desolate moonscape of the north. This is perhaps why experts advise all those faithful lovers of wildlife and nature to take a Kenyan safari at least once in their lifetime.

Travel Tips

Kenya is a regional travel hub and is accessible through a wide range of airlines particularly from Europe, Asia and other parts of Africa. The country has three international airports in Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret. The national airline is Kenya Airways, a major player in African air travel. British Airways and Kenya Airways fly to Nairobi direct from London. A few European airlines also have direct flights from their hubs in Europe. Gulf Air and Emirates fly to Nairobi using mid eastern connections. Health and the usual travel insurance are recommended. Ensure your travel insurance includes emergency evacuation.

Visitors over 1 year entering Kenya from yellow fever infected areas require a yellow fever international certificate of vaccination. Exemptions are made for visitors arriving from non-endemic areas such as Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

Malaria is a serious risk in most of the country. The risk level is however lower in the highlands above 2500m, the Central, Rift Valley, Eastern, and Western Provinces. Visitors are strongly advised to take anti-malaria medication commencing two weeks before travel.

Passports valid for 3 months from date of entry are required of all visitors. All visitors require a visa except for citizens of some commonwealth countries. Airport visas are available though this may result in delays upon arrival. It is advisable to obtain visa's in advance from Kenyan Embassies and High Commissions as some airlines may require it before allowing you to board. Visa requirements vary from time to time. You are advised to check on prevailing status well ahead of travel.

The Swahili language is now widely spoken in Kenya and throughout Eastern and Central Africa. English is widely understood in urban centers.

Telephone, fax, post and internet services are available in urban centers and locations popular with tourists. International direct dialing is also available in most urban centers. In rural areas, international calling is through an operator. The country code for Kenya is 254.

Mobile phones are based on GSM 900 network. Coverage extends to the principal urban centers, major highways and parts of popular game reserves such as the Mara. You are however advised to check before hand whether your GSM phone is usable if you are traveling outside the main urban centers. You can obtain a GSM card that will allow you to make international calls to any country. There are internet cafes in urban centers and hotels around the country.

Visa, Master Cards and American Express are widely accepted. Your Visa card can access your bank or credit card account through Barclays and Standard Chartered Banks dispensers 24 hours a day.

Climate

Kenya has such diverse geography, thus temperatures, rainfall and humidity vary widely. The country can be divided into four main regions: the arid north, the savanna lands in the south, the central highlands and the lowlands along the coast and the Lake Victoria region.

The coastal areas are hot and humid but are often interrupted by welcoming sea breezes. Average temperatures range between 22 - 33°C. The central highlands and rift valley enjoy a pleasant temperate climate. Average temperatures vary from a minimum of 10 to 14°C to a maximum of 22 to 26°C. The Lake Victoria lowlands are hot and dry; temperatures can reach 34°C. Rainfall is also heavy. The semi arid north experiences the most extreme variations in temperatures. This ranges from a maximum of 40°C in the day to 20°C at night.

There are two main rainy seasons: March to May ("long rains") and November to December ("short rains").

Public Holidays