Kenya

about kenya

Kenya – The safari land

How about a balloon ride in the middle of the African savanna? Have you ever imagined a safari with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest in Africa – or even witnessing the fantastic migration of wildebeests (antelopes), when about 1.5 million and 500 thousand zebras run to cross the Mara River? Or who knows how to see the big predators in action? All this is possible in Kenya, a traditional country in the organization of safari, since 1900 this activity has already attracted visitors and today thousands of people circulate between the parks and reserves annually.

But, what is so special about the Kenyan safari? First, the great diversity of fauna and flora, with rare and endangered species. It is the third country in the world in variety of bird species, there are more than 1,300 different ones. The infrastructure of hotels, accommodation, service, food are of high quality, even in remote locations. In addition, many parks and reserves are inhabited by tribes – there are more than 50 in the country, divided into seven ethnic groups – which make the scenery even more colorful and rich in culture and history.

The nation is young, only in 1963 did it break free from England and become a Democratic Republic. Despite experiencing economic difficulties, Kenyans maintain good humor and friendliness, visitors will hear two words all the time: Jambo and Karibu , which mean “hello” and “be welcome” , respectively, in the Swahili national language . The people are also a factor of success in tourism, they make the trip much more pleasant.

However, Kenya goes far beyond the Big Five , has a coast with paradisiacal beaches, immense plains (Maasai), mountains with a snow-covered top – Mount Kenya, the second highest on the African continent. It also has fresh, salty and alkaline lakes, which are sanctuaries for birds and birds, in addition, it has wild and remote deserts and an infinity of parks and nature reserves, each with its natural and attractive beauties.

geography

The country is located on the Equator, on the eastern part of the African coast and is bathed by the Indian Ocean. With a total area of ​​582,650 km², almost 5,200 km² of fresh water, most of Lake Rudolf . The highest point is Mount Kenya at 5,199 meters, the second highest in Africa, second only to Mount Kilimanjar o, in its neighboring border Tanzania.

Kenya borders five countries: South Sudan (northwest), Ethiopia (north), Somalia (northeast), Tanzania (south) and Uganda (west). Many inhabitants of the Sudan border are ethnically related to Kenyans. Lake Victoria is to the west of Kenya and is of great importance as it borders three countries – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, both nations have a history of English colonization.

With over 35 million inhabitants, 78% of whom are in rural regions, the country is divided into seven provinces: Central, Coast, Eastern, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western. Its population is not evenly distributed, but is concentrated between the south and the center of the country, with the north being the least populated region. The capital is Nairobi, which is in the center of the country, but the most important city due to tourism is Mombasa , which still houses the largest port on the east coast of Africa.

vegetation

Kenya has a highly diversified vegetation, ranging from mangrove and coconut forests on the coast, through grassland and woodland savannah to mountainous forests.

Its flora to the north is savannah, composed of grasses and shrubs associated with a few small, twisted trees and old leaves with thick barks. Perfect vegetation for elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes and gazelles, as well as lions, leopards, hyenas and jackals (carnivores).

To the south, it is an equatorial, dense, leafy and exuberant jungle (known as Taita Taveta ), which is the habitat of numerous species of birds, simians (chimpanzees and gorillas), reptiles, amphibians and insects.

climate and best season for safari

The climate in the north, the interior of the country, is arid (hot and dry); while in the south, a coastal region, it is tropical (hot and humid in summer, cold and humid in other seasons). Most of the country is in highlands and mountains, so the weather is generally warm and pleasant. Between the months of March and April there is a period of long rains, while between October and November the rains are faster throughout the country . In the other months there is a predominance of sun and heat. Violent storms occur in the rainy season in the Lake Turkana region, mainly around Mount Kulal .

On the coast, the warm months are in September, October and between December and April, but the cool breeze makes the temperature pleasant . In the other months, the heat and humidity are constant, but not unbearable. In the northern region, where there are semi-desert areas, it is hot and dry all year round, despite occasional floods. In the capital Nairobi, temperatures vary between 11 and 23 ° C in July, and the highest areas cool in the late afternoon in the months of July and August, while in February the thermometers measure between 13 and 28 ° C.

In general, the best time for a photographic safari is between June and March . The main attraction is the Masaai Mara Reserve , and the wildebeest migration show when they cross the Mara River takes place between August and September , but until November it is still possible to observe the migration animals circulating in the park. The Samburu Nature Reserves , Buffalo Springs and Shaba Natural are great to visit during the dry season, when wildlife is concentrated around permanent water sources and observation is easier.

language

The country’s official languages ​​are English and Swahili . English is mostly used for business, higher education and government agencies. Swahili, a language that mixes Arabic with Bantu, is more connected with urban style and used in some professions, it is almost universal in small-scale commerce, in the media and in primary education. Advertisements are found in both English and Swahili, while radio programs have content in Swahili, English and also in several African languages.

There is considerable variation in spoken Swahili, as there are seven dialects and three subdialects in the country. The most used is considered a Zanzibar dialect. Over time, the language has been influenced by Arabic, Persian, Hindu and English, so today it is considered the most flexible language of all in eastern Africa. This flexibility is easily seen in cities, especially in the capital Nairobi. Each tribe has its own dialect as a characteristic of its regional culture, which makes Kenya a nation with more than 50 dialects.

history

The inhabitants of Kenya today are almost all immigrants, whose ancestors arrived in the country less than 10,000 years ago. The first foreigners to arrive along the coast were the Arabs who came during the 3rd and 4th centuries, and settled on the coast. They developed commercial points that facilitated contact between the Arab, Persian and Indian world.

Foreign and local culture mixed and gave rise to a unique society called Swahili (Swahili) . However, in the north of the country, the island city of Lamu remains a Swahili community, but unaltered by the influence of immigrants, for example, there are no cars on the island and the popular form of transport is the donkey.

In the 16th century, the Portuguese arrived, who built Fort Jesus in 1598, over the port of Mombasa . This remains one of the main attractions of the city of Mombasa . They tried to establish this support base, but were expelled by the Swahili states and the Omani Arabs in the late 17th century. The latter began to control the entire coast in 1830.

English colonization began in 1890, when the British obtained precious minerals, natural resources (wood and spices) and enslaved the population . This lasted until the early 1950s, when liberation movements for the Kenyan people emerged, the main one being the Gikuyu tribe (of the Kikuyu ethnicity) called Mau Mau ( Burning Spears ).

In 1952, the Mau Mau group started violent campaigns against white settlers and a state of emergency was declared, which culminated in the arrest of Mzee Kenyatta, leader of the African Union of Kenya (KAU) party. In 1953, Kennyatta was accused of involvement with the Mau Mau group and the party was banned. Three years later, a rebellion led by the same group killed thousands of people, mainly Africans. In 1959, Kennyatta was released, but under house arrest. It was not until 1960 that the state of emergency ended when the British announced plans to prepare the country for African laws. At that time, KANU (Kenya’s African National Union) was formed by Tom Mboya and Oging Odinga.

The country gained independence in 1963 and Kenyatta took over as prime minister and became the country’s post-independence leader . In 1966, Odinga left the party due to ideological conflicts and created the rival party called the Kenya People’s Union (KPU). In 1969, the assassination of the government minister, Tom Mboya, started ethnic conflicts. The KPU party was banned and Odinga was arrested. Kanu was the only party to run for election. In 1974, Kennyata was re-elected, but four years later he died and was succeeded by his deputy, Daniel arap Moi, of the Turgen tribe (Kalenjin ethnicity).

Moi took office on October 14, 1978 and held on until 2002 (for the KANU party). During this period, many crises affected the country due to Moi’s dictatorial stance, having its peak in the late 1980s, with bloody battles between the Gikuyu and Turgen tribes. Such conflicts took on gigantic proportions, especially when the ethnic groups united several tribes, Kikuyu against Kalenjin, putting more than 70% of the population in conflict.

In June 1982, the National Assembly declared that the country would have only one political party. As of 1987, the opposition was repressed and international criticism for political prisoners and human rights abuse also began. In 1990, with the death of Foreign Minister Robert Ouko, under suspicious circumstances, the number of government dissidents grew.

In 1991, a forum to establish Democracy (Ford) was formed by six opposing leaders, including Oging Odinga. But the party was banned and members were arrested. That year, creditors suspended aid to the country due to fierce international condemnation in the face of the scenario that was taking shape. Only in December 1991 did a special Kanu party conference agree to present a multiparty political system and hold direct elections in 1992.

After direct elections, the continuity of the Moi government until 1997 was guaranteed. Many reasons helped him in the electoral process and in remaining in power, either because the opposition to the government was divided into 11 parties (which weakened his results at the polls), or because of the control of the electoral process being done by Moi himself (with abuse of fraud).

The constitution prevented President Moi from running again. He appointed Uhuru Kenyatta (son of the first president, Mzee Kenyatta) as a new candidate for the KANU party. The 10 largest opposition parties came together in a single caption, called NARC ( National Rainbow Coalition ). Its candidate, Mwai Kibaki (of the Kikuyu ethnicity) faced the candidate Uhuru Kenyatta. Mwai Kibaki , who was already one of the vice presidents at the time of Moi, was elected in 2002 and is now the president of Kenya, after 24 years of Moi dictatorship .

visa

Anyone travelling to Kenya is required to apply for an eVisa via the online form.

It enables you to visit the country for 90 days (Single Entry) or 72 hours (Transit). You have to be citizen of one of the eligible countries to apply. To check your eligibility, see the website www.kenyaevisa.org/

national parks and reserves

About 8% of Kenya’s territory is in the area of wildlife protection and conservation. These areas have been classified as parks or reserves and cover several types of ecosystems: forests, wetlands, savanna, marine, arid and semi-arid. All protected areas comprise 23 national terrestrial parks, 28 national terrestrial reserves, 4 national marine parks, 6 national marine reserves and 4 more national sanctuaries.

The distinction between the two categories is as follows: in parks there is complete protection of natural resources and the only activities allowed are tourism and research. On the other hand, in reserves, human activities are allowed under specific conditions, for example, fishing in marine reserves or collection of firewood in terrestrial reserves. Each park and reserve has its own characteristics, geography and wildlife . In addition to many accommodation options, from camping areas to luxury hotels.

Tourism is the second most important industry for Kenya’s Economy , so the concern for the conservation and preservation of wildlife is constant and tourists need to obey the rules of each location in this regard. For visitors looking for safari, options abound, however, five parks and / or reserves are most sought after for the diversity of animals, landscape and safari experience: Maasai Mara Reserve , Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park , Tsavo National Park – East & West plus Samburu, Buffalo Spring and Shaba National Parks.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is the highlight of the country for being a sanctuary for millions of animals, among them: lion, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, wild boar, leopard, hyena, cheetah. In addition, it is very famous because of the annual migration of wildebeest, about 1.5 million, and 500 thousand zebras that make a circular path between this reserve and the Serengeti in Tanzania throughout the year. In early August, they cross the Mara River and remain in the Maasai Mara until October, some of which are seen in November. This river crossing is one of the highlights of migration and attracts thousands of tourists. The beauty of this park, with an area of ​​1,510 km², is also in the movement of these animals that mix with millions of antelopes, zebras, gazelles and because it is the best place to observe carnivores in action. Around the reserve it is possible to find several villages of the Maasai tribe (of Kalenjin ethnicity), one of the most traditional ones that still strongly preserves its roots.

Amboseli National Park is small, but very popular because it has one of the most beautiful views in the world. The highest point in Africa is Mount Kilimanjaro, which is in Tanzania and has an altitude of 5,896 meters. It is the highest isolated mountain in the world, however strange as it may seem, the best place to observe it is not in Tanzania, but in Amboseli National Park, located about 200 km from the capital Nairobi. That would be enough reason to visit the park, but it is also a sight to see thousands of wild animals parading across its plains, including the largest prey elephants on the African continent.

Lake Nakuru National Park (Lake Nakuru National Park) is known as a birdwatching paradise. Located two and a half hours from Nairobi, it has among its charms a mix of tropical jungle and savanna, which facilitates the observation of animals. Nakuru is a shallow lake of salty and alkaline waters, due to the volcanic characteristics of the region, and the large amount of algae attracts about 2 million pink flamingos. In addition, the alkaline waters keep predators away and are still a refuge for tens of thousands of birds. In the park it is possible to find the two species of rhinoceros (white and black), as well as buffalo, wild boar, antelope, zebras and all the big cats. The famous lions, who sleep on trees to escape from insects in the middle of undergrowth, make up the landscape of the place. The best place to observe the region and Lake Nakuru is the Babbon Clift (baboon cliff), where these primates are everywhere.

Tsavo National Park – East and West ( Tsavo National Park – East & West) constitute Kenya’s largest wildlife reserve. As it is a mountainous park, it is possible to see different species from those found in parks with plains, as in the case of Amboseli and Maasai Mara. A mandatory stopping point, in the eastern portion, is at Mzima Springs, where groundwater and purified by volcanic rocks emerge and form two pools. There is a place for underwater observation, made with glass panels, where you can see the private life of hippos and fish.

Samburu, Buffalo Spring and Shaba National Parks, are three parks that form a set, they are located six hours from Nairobi and the dry vegetation reflects in the wildlife. The parks are surrounded by rocky mountains and separated by the Ewaso Ngiro river , which contains numerous crocodiles, other reptiles, birds and birds . In addition to the classic safari animals, there is a group of mammals that are only found in this drier region, such as beisa oryx (a species of African antelope), grevy´s zebra (known as imperial zebra and a highly threatened species). and gerenuk (a kind of antelope with a very long neck).

why kenya ?

Climbing Mount Kenya (5,199 masters), the second largest in Africa, is also a priority for many travelers in the country. But, those who do not enjoy this adventure, can enjoy the landscape of the hill with its top covered with snow that is already very worthwhile.

Kenya’s abundance of wildlife does not exist anywhere else on the planet. This is the land where big cats and mammals roam freely in their natural habitat. Despite being considered the home of the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) , the country also has rare species of insects, bright and colorful butterflies, rare chameleons, birds, not to mention the flora that surrounds the animals .

The Great Wildebeest Migration (antelope species) is considered one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the world and takes place between the Maasai Mara parks in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania. There are more than 1.5 million wildebeests and 500,000 zebras crossing the Mara River in Kenya. In this movement, it is estimated that about 8 thousand wildebeest are born, but about 250 thousand survive the attacks of predators in the middle of the journey.

Kenya’s geographic diversity is born out of the Grand Rift Valley, a natural division that cuts across the country. It extends over 5 thousand km² and is an old route, both for human and animal migration, as it forms 8 lakes – most of them alkaline and saline, with a high concentration of birds, and only two are of fresh water. The visitor can witness the impressive spectacle of thousands of pink flamingos gathered to feed and reproduce on Lake Nakuru .

Kenya is the third country in the world in variety of bird species, there are more than 1,300 different ones. For comparative purposes alone, in Europe there are no more than 400 species of birds. Given this wealth, most bird documentaries are shot on Kenyan soil.

The country has a total of more than 50 national parks and reserves, including marine parks. These are complemented by private sanctuaries and hunting farms that make up about 10% of its territorial area. The most popular parks and reserves are Maasai Mara, Samburu, Tsavo, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru .

Kenya’s tourist infrastructure is of the highest quality . The country has had a tradition of organizing safaris since 1900, when the European aristocracy came to live in that country. This is noticeable and even very curious how they manage to maintain the high standard of hotels, accommodation, service, food even in extremely remote places.

Kenyans are another success factor in local tourism. They are always with a wide smile on their face, and do not look for problems, face life in the “hakuna matata” style . The character of the population and the way they serve visitors make the trip more peaceful and enjoyable.

The Kenya Coast attracts many tourists for its beautiful white sand beaches that are protected by a barrier reef, over more than 480 km from north to south. The calm waters are ideal for swimming, diving and also for water sports (kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, etc.)

In addition to being the gateway to the country, the coastal region is home to more than nine communities that speak the dialects that were the basis for the Swahili language, the national language. This mix of people and culture reveals a multicolored setting that resists over time.

The country has more than 50 tribes, divided into seven ethnic groups , each with different languages ​​and many dialects. Each ethnic group has a different and contrasting lifestyle. Anyone traveling through Kenya will find fascinating cultures, such as the Maasai in the south, the Swahili along the coast, and the Samburu further north. It is possible to stroll through the villages and get to know the local cultures more closely .

Recent studies point to Africa as the cradle of all civilizations, where the first Homo sapiens appeared, and the oldest fossils of Homo habilis and Homo erectus , dated 2.6 million years ago, were discovered in the Turkana lake region, at northern Kenya. That is why each African ethnic group has a thousand-year history and having the opportunity to visit Kenyan tribes is a unique experience.

what to wear ?

Depending on the time of year, visitors may experience climatic variations between parks and reserves, so the recommendation is to bring adaptable clothing. Although many parks are located in areas of low altitude and with hot temperatures, at night it usually gets very cold.

Always carry a jacket in your backpack, as it can be useful at the end of the day. Also include in the bag closed shoes with laces, cotton clothes, comfortable and in light tones, especially on safaris so as not to attract the animals’ attention during the tour.

Other items you can’t miss: sunglasses, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, hat or cap, trousers, camera. Another indication is to pack some medications that you may have already used for pain, some antiallergic, antacid and flu medicine. Remember that local stores usually sell clothes and accessories ideal for a safari.

Those who visit the coast should know that the majority of the population is Muslim, so it is advisable to dress conservatively outside the resorts.

transport

The traffic direction is in the English sense . The most popular means of transport is the “matatus” , they are vans or cars that allow more than one passenger per trip. However, they circulate informally and it is best to avoid them due to the high number of traffic accidents. It is also possible to use taxis and public transport for urban trips, but the traveler should always seek advice from the hotel where he is staying about which transport company to choose.

Long distance journeys between airports, hotels and national parks, however, should preferably be made by air or, alternatively, by means of transport provided by well-known tourism agencies or hotels. In the latter case, night trips should be avoided . The road network is, in many regions, deficient and the lack of lighting and local driving habits make traveling on the road dangerous. Do not hesitate to ask the driver to slow down if you are unsure .

Regarding the railway line between Nairobi-Mombasa and Nairobi-Kisumu, tourists rarely use the train as a means of transport and should be very careful with their goods, as the cabins can only be locked from the inside.

currency

The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES, international acronym), a currency equivalent to 100 cents.

The banking system is developed and the opening hours vary by region, but usually open from Monday to Friday from 8-9 am to 2 pm and on the first and last Saturdays of each month they are open from 9 am to 11 am. In Nairobi, it is easier to find bank branches until 4pm .

Foreign exchange transactions are carried out by banks, hotels and FOREX EXCHANGE. It is not advisable to exchange money outside these entities, as easily tourists will find people on the streets, especially in Nairobi, interested in buying dollars .

Major international credit cards and travelers checks are accepted. Be careful with the amount of money in the wallet during the tours .

vat (value-added tax)

A 16% tax on the circulation of goods (VAT) is added to the price of most products and services.

travel insurance

We recommend purchasing reliable international insurance before boarding. It must cover illness, accident, theft, air evacuation, hospital expenses. It is worth mentioning that in the country, hospitals are not discharged without payment of hospital expenses.

malaria

Malaria prophylaxis is not mandatory to enter Kenya, but be aware that there is a real risk of contracting the disease, as Mombasa , on the coast, is one of the most at risk areas. The recommendation is to see a doctor in advance to indicate the necessary medications. In addition, take some precautions during the trip: use insect repellent, especially at night, mosquito nets and opt for long-sleeved clothes and pants, as this way your body will be less exposed to mosquito bites .

A vaccine against cholera, tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid fever is also recommended, in addition to the mandatory yellow fever vaccine. So plan ahead because many vaccines need weeks to start taking effect in the body.

important to know

It is essential to present the International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever at the entrance of the country .

Do not, under any circumstances, drink tap water and do not accept ice in drinks. The recommendation is only to drink bottled water and canned drinks from trademarks. There is no problem with coffee and tea.

The traveler should avoid eating salads and also avoid bathing in freshwater rivers or lakes, due to diseases, parasites and wild animals.

The export of ivory artifacts, skins and turtle shells, among others, is expressly prohibited.

The majority of the population on the coast is Muslim, so it is advisable to dress conservatively outside tourist resorts. Topless is prohibited.

Try to respect local customs and cultures, avoid photographing public buildings and people without prior authorization .

Nairobi is home to the United Nations African office and the regional economic capital, making Kenya a target for radical groups. So, be cautious when traveling around the country, keeping a constant watch and prioritize personal safety in daily habits. The most recommended is to get around with the help of reliable travel operators .

The fixed and mobile telephone networks in Nairobi and Mombasa are reasonable, although international calls are established with some difficulties. Inland, the telephone network is deficient. The roaming system and internet access work reasonably well.

Displacements on the road from Marsabi should only be done with police escorts. Land trips between Malindi and Lamu , as well as in general any trips to remote areas, should be organized in caravans with other travelers, if possible with the support of local authorities.

Travelers are advised to avoid coastal areas less than 150 km from the border with Somalia, due to the recurrent abductions of Westerners and incursions by radical groups .

curiosities

Kenyan landscapes inspired the creators of the film The Lion King.

The typical food of the country is Ugali , a mixture of cornstarch and boiled water.

The Maasai tribe is one of the most important in Kenya. The Maasai are very tall and slim, they are proud of their culture and appearance . They are always armed with a spear, a double-edged sword and a wooden club. They are skilled hunters, but they respect wild animals and do not use them in their food.

Until recently, for a young Maasai to be considered an adult and be able to marry, he would have to kill a lion with just a sword. With the number of Maasais increasing and those of lions decreasing, the Kenyan government has banned hunting, not only of lions, but of all wild animals .

In most tribes, like the Kikuyus , for example, rituals are simpler to mark adulthood, such as circumcision. The girls also had their adult initiation process with amputation of the clitoris. Today, however, this practice is being used less because human rights principles on gender issues are more discussed, even in the most isolated tribes.

The food of the Maasais is based on goat meat, cow’s milk and beef (which mix with milk) . Another pride of the Maasai is their music and dance. They say that the man who jumps higher during the dance gets the best girlfriends .

The Gedi ruins, which is a lost city on the island-city of Lamu , is also a veritable enigmatic puzzle for historians and archaeologists. Gedi remains a mystery as to what happened to the city and its people. So far they only know that the ghostly buildings date from the 18th century and it was a Swahili settlement. Local folklore says the place is full of evil spirits.

Kenya is famous internationally for athletes, who often break world records in many competitions, especially in athletics. This is attributed to the high altitude of the training sites, mostly in mountainous areas.