Welcome to the world’s leading safari and Africa’s top beach destination. Rich in diverse experiences, Kenya remains an ideal destination for those seeking rest & relaxation, cultural immersions, nature & wildlife among many other experiences. It also continues to be the go-to destination for Events, Festivals as well as special occasions.
Kenya is located in East Africa and covers 581,309sqkm with Nairobi being its capital city. Other key cities include Mombasa and Kisumu including major towns like Eldoret, Nakuru among others. Located on the equator, Kenya enjoys all year-round ideal weather. March to May tends to be the season for long rains while October to December one is likely to experience the short rains.
Magical Kenya is home to a population of approximately fifty million people from over 40 different ethnic communities speaking over 80 different dialects. Nevertheless, English and Swahili are the official languages.
BREATHTAKING DESTINATIONS
Kenya offers you endless unforgettable travel experiences with hidden gems that will forever remain memorable. Some of the highlight destinations include.
NAIROBI
Nairobi the Green City in the Sun also known as the Wildlife Capital of the world. Nairobi is among Kenya’s one-stop destination for entertainment and shopping, it offers a number of attractions such as Nairobi National Park, Nairobi Museum, the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre for visitors before and after a long safari.
KENYAN COAST
The Kenyan Coast is lined by a seemingly endless succession of white sandy beaches that are lapped by the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Known to have some of the best beaches in Africa, Kenya’s Coast is an ideal destination for rest, relaxation, and adventure both on and off the warm tropical Indian ocean waters. Attractions found along the Coast include Diani Beach, Watamu Beach, Mombasa City, Lamu Old Town.
CENTRAL RIFT VALLEY
Surrounded with fresh water and soda lakes the Rift Valley offers fantastic scenery, birdlife with dormant volcanoes making it the perfect getaway for adventure seekers. The region supports a number of beautiful lakes including Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementeita and adventure attractions like Hells Gate National Park and Mount Longonot.
While visiting the freshwater Naivasha lake, one will enjoy the profusion of fish, hippo and birds while the alkaline Nakuru lake, is a major attraction for flamingos and the endangered Rhino’
MOUNT KENYA
Mount Kenya and the Aberdare tourist circuit supports the bulk of Kenya’s remaining highland forests. Some of the tourist circuits found within this region include Mt. Kenya and Aberdare Ranges, Aberdare National Park, Meru National Park, Lewa Conservany, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, among others.
The mountainous region supports a rich diversity of habitats and wildlife with numerous options for nature, wildlife, and adventure enthusiasts. It is also home to Kenya’s tallest mountain, Mt. Kenya.
NORTHERN KENYA
Northern Kenya is one of Africa’s last great wilderness areas comprising of desert landscapes, rocky plains, and home to East Africa’s most traditional pastoralist cultures. The world’s largest desert lake, Lake Turkana can be found in Northern Kenya.
The circuit is home to the Kenya’s special five (only found in this region in Kenya); the reticulated giraffe, Grevy zebra, Somali ostrich, the Oryx, and the gerenuk. The regions tourist circuits include Lake Turkana, Samburu Game Reserve, Chalbi Desert & the growing popular Lake Turkana Cultural Festival.
NORTH RIFT
North Rift offers plentiful experiences in beautiful settings of blackened volcanic outcrops, severe basalt cliffs and sparkling lakes bursting with flamingos. This circuit is home to Kenya’s famous long-distance runners and is characterized by highlands conducive for the numerous high altitude training centres. The region is rich with spectacular sceneries that include Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria and Kerio Valley.
SOUTH RIFT
The Classic African Savannah, south rift forms the heart of Kenya’s popular safari industry. It’s home to Kenya’s densest wildlife populations and offers rich wildlife viewing experiences that includes the “Big Five”, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino, Lion and Buffalo.
The circuit includes renowned world attractions such as Maasai Mara is famous due the annual Wildebeest migration and the Maasai culture and Amboseli National Park which is home to the Elephants.
WESTERN KENYA
Western Kenya has numerous attractions and a rich cultural diversity. It offers a scenery of terraced farmland, bright-green tea plantations, verdant forests, and lovely hills with panoramic views. The region has Kenya’s share of Africa’s largest Lake, Lake Victoria, and the only tropical rain forest in East Africa, Kakamega Forest. Mount Elgon.
So, what does Kenya has to offer?
Visit the classic African Savannah, the heart of Kenya and search for the "Big Five". Take a jeep safari and look out for Elephants, Leopards, Lions and Buffalo'.
Witness the famous Wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara. Every year, more than one million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras complete this 480-kilometer (300-mile) migration loop.
Take to the skies to enjoy spectacular views from above of some the incredible animals in the world and stunning scenery in a hot air balloon.
Visit beautiful settings of blackened volcanic outcrops, severe basalt cliffs and sparkling lakes bursting with flamingos.
Relax on the Kenyan coast which is lined with white sandy beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO KENYA
Money and budgeting
The local currency is the Kenya Shilling (Ksh), which currently trades at around Ksh150 to the British Pound, though it had been rather volatile in the 12-month period leading up to July 2021. Bank note denominations are Ksh50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings, while coins are in denominations of Ksh40, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Although this means the largest note in circulation is worth little more than GBP£6.60, it can be surprisingly difficult to get change when you pay for an item with a larger denomination note, so try to carry a good stock of smaller bills.
Exchange rates are best at banks and exchange bureaus. Avoid changing currency at hotels unless you are desperate. However, most hotels, lodges, and tented camps – even out in the bush – can change currency, though they may limit the amount you can change. Of course, it is a bad idea to carry around a lot of cash, so plan accordingly.
Cash and cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Nairobi, Mombasa and at most tourist-oriented hotels, and they can also be used to draw local currency from ATMs in all urban centres of any substance. Visa is far and away the most widely accepted type of card in Kenya, though MasterCard and American Express are also accepted at some outlets.
Currency restrictions for visitors have been abolished, so there are no tedious currency declaration forms to fill out. But do not take a large amount of Kenya Shillings out of the country, since you will have trouble exchanging them when abroad.
Tipping
As far as tipping is concerned, the rules that you probably use at home should apply in Kenya. For instance, add 10 percent to a restaurant bill unless a service charge is included.
On a safari, it is conventional to tip the driver-guide around US$10 per person or couple per day, while at some upmarket camps, you might be looking at a minimum of around US$30 per day divided between the driver-guide, the spotter, and the general hotel staff.
What to Pack
Your curiosity and sense of adventure, an open mind, and enough memory cards for the camera! As a general guide, comfortable and casual clothing that you can wash, and wear is recommended while on safari. Muted colours are best for game viewing. Game drives are generally conducted in the early morning and the late afternoon, which can be cold, especially in winter. The temperature often warms up during the day, so it is best to dress in layers.
The most practical items to pack for your Kenya safari are:
Clothes in khaki, green, beige, and neutral colours
Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes
T-shirts
Shorts or a light skirt
Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives
A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
Swim and beachwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturiser, and lip salve
Binoculars and camera equipment
The luggage allowance on small flights is usually limited to a maximum of 15 kg (33 lbs), which includes hand luggage, so please bear this in mind when packing. Most lodges and camps provide a same-day laundry service for your clothes.
Here’s your fun facts on Kenya...
Hunting is Illegal in Kenya. It is a criminal act to hunt any protected animal in Kenya.
On Lamu Island there are no traffic jams. The Island is located off the northeast coast is car free.
Kenya is home to the fastest moving animal on land in the world. The cheetah can reach speeds up to 120km per hour.
There are 68 different languages spoken in Kenya. The official one being Swahili.
Kenya is the world's leading safari destination, which is recognised by the World Travel Awards and has won 3 years in a row.
Kenya has the second-highest mountain in Africa. Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest (after Mt Kilimanjaro) in Africa.
Kenya is home to the Maasai people. The Maasai are a group of indigenous people who live in the National Reserve, Maasai Mara.
Kenya is a pretty new country. As we know Kenya was a British colony, it didn’t gain its independence until December 12, 1963.
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