CURRENCY.
The unit of currency is the Kenya shilling (KSH). Bank notes are available in denominations of Ksh. 50,100, 200, 500 & 1,000 while Ksh. 1,5,10,20& 40 are available in coins format.
Currency can be exchanged in foreign exchange bureaus or banks. Banks operate between 9am to 5pm and 9am to 11amon the first and last Saturdays of the month. The easiest currency to exchange is US Dollars, Starling pounds and Euro.
A 16% Value Added Tax is levied on most of the items, but visitors can claim a refund on the levy.
CREDIT CARDS
Major international credit cards are accepted in Kenya and most automated Teller Machines (ATM’S) accept international VISA & MASTERCARD cards. ATM’s are found at Airports, bank branches, shopping malls, and petrol stations. Travelers’ cheques are probably the best and easy safest way to bring money with you to Kenya and most hotel and service providers accept them.
TIME ZONE
The standard time zone in Kenya is GMT +3 hours.
LANGUAGES.
The official language in Kenya is English and the National Language is Kiswahili. Most people in the urban areas speak English while the vast majority in both the urban and rural areas speak Kiswahili.
TRANSPORT.
AIR – The main airports are the Jomo Kenyatta international Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Moi International Airport (MIA) in Mombasa and Eldoret International Airport (EIA) in Eldoret. Wilson Airport in Nairobi Handles light Aircrafts and quite a number of scheduled and chartered domestic flights. There are also a number of Airstrips located strategically countrywide connecting all part of Kenya to Nairobi.
RAIL – Kenya has only one train service run by Kenya Railways Corporation dubbed Madaraka Express. The first and second-class coaches have self-contained sleepers with a restaurant. Prior a reservation is required for the both classes. The third class has a shared washrooms per room. Trains schedule and booking portal can be accessed via their link at https://metickets.krc.co.ke/
WATER – Water transport is found only in the coast and the Lake regions. In the coast, ferry services are available at the Likoni ferry connecting the North coast and the South Coast. These services are free for the commuters but the vehicles are ferried at a fee.
ROAD – The extensive road network in Kenya make road transport the most used mode of transport. Travel within the cities and towns is by the 14-seater matatus and 25-seater minibuses. Transport between cities and towns are by well established bus companies that have regular schedules. Visitors can bring their personal cars to Kenya and will receive a 3 months free passage at the border.
CAR HIRE – Renting a car is pretty easy in Kenya and is good and convenient way of getting around the country. There are indeed many car hires in all major towns and cities and at all the major airports.
CAR HIRE – Renting a car is pretty easy in Kenya and is good and convenient way of getting around the country. There are indeed many car hires in all major towns and cities and at all the major airports.
CAR HIRE – Renting a car is pretty easy in Kenya and is good and convenient way of getting around the country. There are indeed many car hires in all major towns and cities and at all the major airports.
VISA REQUIREMENT – Visitors coming to Kenya from outside East Africa require a Visa. Full details of the requirements are available from the respective mission Offices. However, a single or multiple entry visa can be obtained upon arrival at the Airport.
SAFETY – Most hotels in Kenya have Safes for keeping valuables. It is advisable to avoid walking alone in isolated places and back streets during both day and night. It is also advisable not to adorn valuables or use your mobile phone while walking on the streets.
ART & CRAFT - Kenya is known for the Kiondos & Kikoi, and art and craft artifacts spread all over the country. The most popular craft materials are the beautiful woodcarvings, the Kisii soapstone carvings, various styles of bangles and bracelets, and traditional baskets, all of which make vey exquisite souvenirs. Others are musical instruments, tribal masks, sculptor, batik cloths as well as paintings. All of these materials are normally found in the numerous craft markets and gift shops throughout the main trading centres which are normally frequented by visitors.
CLIMATE – The weather in Kenya is generally good and pleasant all year round despite the different topographical regions which experiences distinct climate. By virtue of Kenya being an Equatorial country, there is little variation in weather throughout the year. The hottest period is between February and March while the coldest are between July and August. In the Coastal region, the weather is generally humid with temperatures ranging from 21 degrees to 32 degrees centigrade. The low plateau areas to the North & North East are the driest part of the country with average temperature ranging from 19dgerees to 37 degrees centigrade. The temperate highlands, including the city of Nairobi are generally cooler with temperatures between 13 degrees and 25 degrees centigrade.
LANDSCAPE, FLORA & FAUNA – Kenya offers startling contrasts of landscape and outstanding Natural beauty. There are natural Tourists attractions of the Savannah in the South, the Deserts in the North, Lake Victoria (the 2 nd largest fresh water lake) in the west, the topical beaches in the eastand the snowcapped peak of Mount Kenya. The country also boasts more than 80 major species of animals and over 1,000 species of birds.
There are more than 20 National Parks and Game reserves spread throughout the country – the home tour Kenya’s abundant wildlife. These includes the world reknown Masai Mara, The Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Park, The Amboseli National Park, The Lake Nakuru National park and the Nairobi National park which is the Only one in the world within the proximity of a capital city.
BEACHES, SEA & MARINE LIFE – Kenya has a coastline of approximately 536 Km fronting the Indian Ocean with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The long white sandy beaches are home to some of the most diverse marine life in the Oceans. There is abundance of beautiful bright corals as well as dolphins, butterfly fish, sharks and turtles complimented by the large number of yellow and red tuna and snappers.
If you are a discerning tourist planning to visit Kenya from any corner of the world, you will ultimately agree with me that Kenya is Indeed one of the pristine destinations to visit this year as a first timer or a repeat visitor.
Count on Blavals Adventures to plan your Tour itinerary to your preferences.
Email us on; info@blavals.com
