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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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