 OVERVIEW |
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Overview
of Kenya
Situated on the East of Africa, Kenya covers
a total area of 580, 530 sq. Km of inland
water. Nairobi, the capital of the country,
is a colourful city 500Km inland from Mombasa,
the major port on the Indian Ocean. Official
languages are Swahili and English.
Kenya containshas diversified land forms including
the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria, the largest
in Africa; Lake Turkana, the Indian Ocean
coast, above all the Wildlife sanctuaries:
25 National parks and 29 National reserves
where wildlife coexist in perfect harmony
with the patrol nomadic tribes.
The variation in altitude and terrain create
contrasts in the climate: neither too hot
nor too cold just long sun filled days. |
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Nairobi
City
Nairobi, a city of great contrast, with striking
modern buildings, yet has reminders of the
old colonial times with an almost perfect
climate. Shopping is an absolute past time
as there is so much on offer: wooden carvings
and traditional handicrafts; soap stones from
the Kisii, colourful sisal mats and famous''
Kanga'' and ''Kikois'' are some of the gems
to be experienced in Kenya. |
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The
Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara, Kenya's leading Game reserve,
lies on the border between Kenya and Tanzania.
Mara's main attraction is the wildebeest migration,
which takes place between July and September.
Over a million Wildebeest cross the Mara River
and spread across the plains in a seemingly
endless procession |
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Shaba
National Reserve
The tranquil Usao Nyiro River, flowing through
the Shaba and Samburu, attracts a number of
rare wildlife and provides natural habitat
for crocodiles, Gerenuk, Grevy's Zebras and
reticulated giraffe, species not found in
the less arid areas of the south. |
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Mombasa
The second most important city of the country
is the largest and most popular island on
the Kenya coast. This old but vibrant gateway
to Kenya is a mystical mixture of ancient
and modern, with a cosmopolitan population
blending Africa, Arabia and Asia. |
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Climate,
Visas, Security and Other Info
Climate
East Africa although it can be hot
and sticky by the sea, inland the air is dry
and the temperature is equitable. It can be
quite chilly in the early morning and evening
hence visitors should pack a sweater. Each
time of the year has its special attractions.
They're two main rainy seasons - Mid April
to the end of May and November to Mid -December.
Even during the rains, the weather can be
pleasant with rain occurring in the early
morning and late in the afternoon or evening.
Visa
and Health Regulations
Visitors must be in possession of valid visas
and health documentation on arrival. The regulations
vary dependent on nationality and country
of origin. and should be checked with the
nearest tourist office or diplomatic mission.
Inoculation centres in the country of origin
will provide upgrade information and advice.
Medical
Advise
Malaria is endemic in certain areas and anti-malaria
medication should be taken according to prescription
recommendations. Visitors requiring special
medication should pack sufficient supplies
in their hand luggage. Chemists are well stocked.
Tap water is considered safe in Nairobi. On
safari, rooms are provided with flasks of
filtered and purified water. Mineral water
is readily available.
Customs and Existing
Regulations
Customs officials on arrival and departure
normally inspect baggage. Please strictly
adhere to baggage limitations as advised by
the airline, as excess baggage charges can
be quite expensive.
Security
Normal precaution as in any other destination
world-wide should be taken. Keep a close watch
on handbags, wallets and cameras when walking
at night. Place all valuables in safety deposit
boxes at hotels and lodges and only carry
small amounts of cash
Clothing
Safari clothing should be casual and comfortable.
Cotton slacks and shirts, with skirts and
culottes for ladies and a light sweater or
jacket, during the day. Eveningwear in game
lodges and safari camps can be very casual.
At high altitudes warm sweaters, socks and
comfortable shoes are recommended. Suntan
lotion and swimwear (for the beaches and pools,
a first aid kit, flashlight and an alarm clock.
Local customs and modesty should be respected. |
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merchants.
