Kenya Travel Guide

Kenya Travel & Tourism Information

If you're a traveler looking for an African escape, Kenya should be at the top of your list. This beautiful country is home to stunning coastal towns as well as vast expanses of uninhabited wilderness.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an outdoor adventure, Kenya has something to offer.

Keep in mind that while the country is generally safe, there are some areas that are considered dangerous, so always consult your travel guide or local authorities before venturing off the beaten path.

In magical Kenya, the primeval expanses of national parks and the whirling sea resorts are harmoniously combined. We list just some of the reasons why every conscious tourist is simply obliged to visit Kenya at least once. Firstly, this is the very land “from where it came” human civilization: the first, then still terribly terrible and not at all ennobled by the intellect, Homo sapiens was born on its motley expanses. Secondly, Kenya can rightfully be called the navel of the earth – the equator line runs through its territory. Thirdly, in the vastness of Kenyan national parks, the notorious “big African five” is found and willingly shown to tourists: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino (not to mention all the numerous smart little things like meerkats). Fourth, diving into the coral reefs of the local Watamu Marine Reserve, teeming with the exotic fauna of the Indian Ocean, is considered an honor by the most advanced divers.

Beaches

Kenya is a top destination for beach lovers looking for an exotic and affordable vacation spot. The country's coastline stretches for more than 1,000 kilometers and is home to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the world. From the coral-fringed islands of the Indian Ocean to the wide, golden beaches of the Atlantic coast, there's a beach for everyone in Kenya.

For those looking for a party atmosphere, the beaches of Mombasa and Diani offer plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightlife. If you're looking for a more secluded experience, head to the beaches of the Lamu Archipelago, where you'll find miles of pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

No matter what beach you choose, be sure to enjoy some of the world-famous Kenyan wildlife. From dolphins and whales to lions and elephants, you're sure to see some amazing creatures while enjoying a day at the beach.

How to get to the Kenya

There are no direct flights from the US or Canada to East Africa. The fastest routes to Nairobi are usually two nonstop legs via London or another European city such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Paris. Other possible but longer connections are available with the Middle Eastern airlines, or by going via Johannesburg with South African Airways. Fares start from around $1400 for a low-season round-trip ticket out of New York, and from $2000 in high season, and from Toronto around Can$1700 in low season and Can$2400 in high season. The shortest journey times via Europe are 17hr from New York and 18hr from Toronto.

Beach Weather

Away from the coast, in the western regions, the temperature is always flat, around + 23 ° C, with slight fluctuations throughout the year and constant rainfall. On the coast, the seasonality is more pronounced, and here it is warmer, from +26 ° C. In April-May, heavy rains fall on the coastal part of Kenya, this period is called the season of long rains (it can water an hour or more), and October-December is the season of short rains (during the day it rains for about 20-30 minutes). In the north of the country, it is always hot and dry, the climate is close to semi-desert. In the central part of the country, the nights are quite cold, and the days are hot and dry. Since Nairobi is located at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level, it is very cool here in June and July evenings: up to +10 ° C – do not forget to stock up on a sweater.

Cities & Regions

Capital – Nairobi: a city where you will either have to make friends or disperse enemies. A multifaceted giant, a boiling transport hub, colorful in African style and reckless in the West, it does not bow to tourists, but on the contrary, requires a unique approach. If you settle – then only in the center: about 40% of the population lives below the poverty line, so crime on the outskirts is flourishing. If you enjoy the architecture, then in the same place: in the historic districts, there are temples of different denominations, museums, and other attractions, while outside of them, there are completely vague skyscrapers and not too tidy quarters.

Foreigners who follow the rules will receive a worthy reward: most Kenyans are hospitable and friendly, and the nature in the metropolitan area is impressive.

The list of large cities and resorts in Kenya continues Mombasa – the second largest and the first in resort attractiveness. 480 km of coral reef, magnificent beaches, and developed infrastructure – everything you need for the happiness of a vacationer. Restaurants, clubs, and other hangout establishments are concentrated on the northern coast, hotels, and fashionable beaches on the southern coast. The most expensive and comfortable housing is in the suburbs of Tiwi and Diani.

Malindi Marine Reserve and Resort is a diving paradise with textbook beaches, divided into two parts dissimilar in the mood: the modern “Italian” and the Arabian, frozen in time.

Coral reefs are noteworthy in Watamu and dense mangrove forests inhabited by black kites, clawed cuckoos, and another bearded bulbul. Lamu is ideal for an escape from civilization: not a single car will pass through the narrow winding streets, houses do not have exact addresses, and the width of the entire island is 1 km. Nakuru has no outlet to the sea, but there is a fantastic lake: zebras come to the watering hole, pink flamingos stroll along the blue surface. And Naivasha is full of farms and plantations where standard strawberries and asparagus are grown and rare tulips exported to the Netherlands.

And the main Kenyan magnet is national parks: flying in a hot air balloon over Masai Mara during the “great migration” of wildebeests, walking on the elephant tracks in Amboseli, admiring wild animals not accustomed to crowds of tourists in Tsavo is unforgettable and with nothing incomparable experience.

Culture

Kenya is a country located in eastern Africa. Somalia borders it to the north, Ethiopia to the west, South Sudan to the south, and Tanzania to the south-east. Lake Victoria is located to the west of Kenya. The country has over 53 million people and an area of 580,367 square kilometers. Nairobi is the capital and the largest city.

The official language of Kenya is English. However, numerous indigenous languages are spoken throughout the country, including Kikuyu, Kiswahili, Luhya, Luo, Maasai, and Samburu.

Kenya is a multicultural and multiethnic society. The largest ethnic group is the Kikuyu, who make up 22% of the population. Other major ethnic groups include the Luo (13%), the Luhya (14%), the Kalenjin (12%), and the Kamba (11%).

Islam is the largest religion in Kenya, with over 45% of the population identifying as Muslim. Christianity is the second-largest religion, with over 40% of the population identifying as Christian. There are also small numbers of Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs.

Kenya is a republic with a presidential system of government. The president is the head of state and the head of government. The current president is Uhuru Kenyatta. The government comprises the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch.

The economy of Kenya is mainly based on agriculture. The country is a major producer of tea, coffee, and maize. Tourism is also a significant source of income, with the country attracting visitors for its beaches, safaris, and cultural attractions.

The currency of Kenya is the Kenyan shilling. Major exports include tea, coffee, horticultural products, petroleum, and minerals. Major imports include machinery, vehicles, iron and steel, and pharmaceuticals.

Kenya is a popular tourist destination in eastern Africa. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include the Masai Mara National Reserve, the Amboseli National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Rift Valley, and the beaches of Mombasa.

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