Africa// admin

Kenya

Kenya is the only African country that managed to avoid a civil war. Today, Kenya is considered one of the most actively and steadily developing countries in Africa. There are sea and air ports, and at the same time, you can meet rhinos, lions and giraffes within the capital city. The Great Antelope Migration Route passes through Kenya’s national parks, and in the savannas, lakes and mangrove forests you can meet almost all representatives of the African fauna. Kenya is often called the “gateway to Africa”, since in most cases, traveling around the continent begins here.

Video about Kenya

We shoot a video with the best route, stories from locals and a short overview of what to expect on the spot. In general, everything you need to understand whether it is worth going, and if so, what to be prepared for.

In this issue, is Kenya dangerous for tourists? What is the “African Big Five”? Why is it worth seeing the animal migration in Africa? What do the slums of Nairobi look like? How to see all the most interesting things in this African country? The route of a trip through Kenya – and stories from locals you can meet along the way. We talk about all this in our video :    

Why go?

People come to Kenya to go on extreme safaris to national parks and see wild African animals in their natural habitat, climb Mount Kenya, the second highest after Kilimanjaro, and see Africa from a height of 5 thousand meters. If you want, you can go bird hunting, visit an ethnic village and even “have breakfast” with a giraffe.

The main thing about the country

  • There is no time difference with Moscow.
  • The cost of tickets from Moscow to Nairobi and back ranges from 68 to 80 thousand rubles (as of October 2023).
  • Many people come to Kenya on their own, but if you have little time, it is better to buy an organized tour with a specific route. The cost of such tours starts from 1780 US dollars for 7 nights. The flight is not included in the price.
  • The official name of the country is Kenya, the capital is Nairobi.
  • The official languages ​​are Swahili and English. But Bantu and 40 other dialects are also spoken here.
  • The country is located in East Africa. It has land borders with Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania. It is washed by the Indian Ocean in the southeast and by Lake Victoria in the west.
  • Kenya is a former British colony that gained independence in 1963.
  • The climate is subequatorial with alternating periods of drought and rain.
  • The major cities are Nairobi and Mombasa.

Visa and entry

To visit Kenya, Russian citizens must obtain  an electronic permit ETA . Return tickets may be required for entry.

When to go

The best time to visit Kenya is during the dry seasons, from December to January and July to August, but people come here at any time of year. If you are a diving and snorkeling enthusiast, the best time to visit is in October-November or March. There are heavy rains in May and June.

Holidays and non-working days

Non-working days are January 1, March 8, May 1, June 1, October 10, 20, December 12, 25, 26, as well as religious holidays (separately for each denomination).

Currency

The official currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). We recommend taking US dollars and euros with you for exchange. Large hotels and restaurants accept US dollars and euros, and Kenyan shillings are accepted elsewhere. The most common denominations are 50, 100 and 200 shillings, while 500 and 1000 shillings are much less common.

Money can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices. You can also exchange at airports and hotels, but the rate will be unfavorable. If you are planning a trip around the country, we recommend exchanging the required amount in Nairobi or Mombasa. In small towns, exchange offices are a rarity, and in villages and national parks, there are none at all. Payment by bank cards is widespread in Kenya. Russian cards can only be used if they are connected to the Chinese UnionPay payment system.

Prices

A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you 2,000 to 3,000 Kenyan shillings per person. A stay at a mid-range hotel will cost you 10,000 to 12,000 Kenyan shillings per person per night. Public transport will cost you 30,000 to 40 Kenyan shillings.

Hunting (in Kenya it is only allowed to hunt birds) in a group for 6 days costs from 1000 US dollars, independent visits to national parks – on average 50 US dollars per person.

How to get there

There are no direct flights to Kenya, you can only get there with transfers. The most convenient routes to Nairobi and Mombasa are with connecting flights in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul. Travel time is from 10 hours to 1.5 days. 

Resorts

Kenya lives off tourism, and this area receives a lot of attention. The country has good hotels with comfortable rooms and a fairly high level of service.

The most popular resorts in Kenya:

  • Mombasa. The largest resort area in Kenya. Many hotels of different price categories offer their services.
  • Kilifi. A small town in the east of the country. Here tourists are offered excellent conditions for windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, and diving. This place is chosen for recreation by the richest residents of Kenya.
  • Nayali Beach. The resort is famous for its white, crystal clear sand and gentle entry into the water. Mostly tourists relax here. Hotels have been built in the coastal area, cafes and restaurants operate.
  • Tiwi. The town is located 20 kilometers from Mambasa. The resort is suitable for family holidays with children, this part of the coast has a flat bottom and weak current. Here you can also go diving.
  • Malindi. The resort is located in a marine reserve zone, fishing and catching marine life is prohibited. The resort is interesting because it is divided into two parts – Italian, with an active nightlife, and Arabic, suitable for a more relaxing holiday.
  • Lamu. One of the oldest resorts in Kenya. The main attraction of the resort is its beaches and extraordinary natural landscapes. The town is under the protection of UNESCO.

Beaches

Almost all the beaches in Kenya are similar to each other and are a coastal strip of fine clean sand with crystal clear and warm water of the Indian Ocean. There are high/low tides, during low tide the water recedes by about 100 meters. This time is very popular with bloggers and photographers, as you can take unique photos of the remaining sea animals on the shore. You should be careful – you can step on a sea urchin.

Each hotel has its own beach, but, as a rule, locals still go there. Lonely women should not go far, as the interest of Kenyans can go beyond the bounds of decency. In this case, you need to have time to run to the hotel doors.

Among the most famous beaches are the beaches:

  • Bamburi in Mombasa. Free beach, but it is better to visit it on weekdays, when there are few locals. There are inexpensive cafes near the beach.
  • Manda Toto with a sandy bottom without shells, is located on the island of Manda. The coastline is clean and well-groomed, there is the necessary beach infrastructure.
  • Shanzu. It is located 20 kilometers from Mombasa. The reefs here are considered the best on the African coast.
  • Lamu Beaches. They are a coastal strip stretching for several kilometers. The beaches are comfortable, at the same time not crowded with people and quite secluded.

Attractions

The main attraction of Kenya is the national parks with their unique flora and fauna. Giraffes, elephants, lions, cheetahs, antelopes, hippos can be seen in their natural habitat, literally at a distance of several meters.

The most famous national parks:

  • Masai Mara. One of the largest and most popular reserves in Kenya. It is known for being the site of the Great Antelope Migration Route. The best time to visit is from July to October. At this time, you can see almost all representatives of the African animal world. The park is territorially connected to the Serengeti, but this area already belongs to Tanzania.
  • Amboseli. Translated as “salty dust”, it refers to the ash that flies here from Kilimanjaro. The park is famous for its views of the mountain and the fact that giraffes and elephants roam here in herds. More than 400 species of birds also live in this place.
  • Tsavo (Tsavo). The park occupies a huge area – about 22 thousand square kilometers. The most visited is the western part of the territory, where you can see rhinoceroses, elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards with your own eyes. One of the most interesting places for tourists is the watering hole.
  • Nakuru. Here you can see flocks of flamingos, giant herons, pelicans. The park is home to rhinos and hippos. Many people come here specifically to admire the lake from the observation deck, after which the park is named.
  • Nairobi Park. It is located half an hour away from the capital. Here you can see rhinos and lion prides in full force. Many tourists note the extremely rare opportunity to take pictures of animals against the backdrop of urban landscapes.
  • Samburu. Located in the Rift Valley, the reserve is somewhat different from other national parks, as it is always dry and hot. Rhinos and leopards once lived here in large numbers, but they were exterminated by poachers. Nevertheless, Samburu remains one of the most popular tourist routes.

In addition to national parks, Kenya has other attractions. These include the National Museum of Kenya, the Railway Museum, Fort Jesus in Mombasa, the open-air museum in Kisumu, the Orthodox Church of St. Mark, and the Portuguese Chapel in Malindi.

Entertainment

The main reason people go to Kenya is for a safari. Visitors spend most of their time visiting national parks. In addition to safari, tourists are offered to climb Mount Kenya and see Africa from a height of 5,000 meters. The climb is long and does not require special training, but experienced travelers do not recommend buying 3-day climbing tours, as this is dangerous for health. The optimal period for climbing is 4-5 days. Fishing, diving and snorkeling in the Watamu National Park are also of interest.

It is not recommended to leave your hotel during the dark hours of the day in Kenya.

Kitchen

National Kenyan cuisine is simple, not very varied and filling. In cooking they use meat of African animals, cereals, especially corn, seafood, vegetables, fruits.

Among what tourists are recommended to try:

  • ugali is a corn puree that is quite thick in consistency;
  • karanga – a stew of beef, potatoes and rice;
  • mukimo is the country’s most famous side dish made from mashed potatoes, corn, peas and spinach. It is served with meat dishes;
  • grilled chicken – simple, with a familiar taste and filling;
  • sweets – almond cookies, baobab seed candies.
  • Exotic dishes usually offered include buffalo steak or stew, charcoal-grilled fish, and bananas with stewed beef.

The main rule to follow when ordering food is that each dish must be cooked. You cannot order ice water or fruit – you can only drink bottled water here, and you must wash the fruit yourself, with the same bottled water.

Souvenirs

From Kenya they bring typical African souvenirs, which can be bought everywhere – at stall markets, in street stalls, on the road in villages, in shopping centers. It is necessary to bargain, since Kenyan sellers name a price several times higher than the real one, and every white person for them is a chance to earn money.

What do tourists usually buy in Kenya:

  • jewelry – gold with blue diamonds and agates, silver with Congolese malachites;
  • wooden masks – try to clarify with the sellers what they symbolize;
  • figurines of elephants, giraffes, rhinos and other African animals;
  • leather goods – bags, shoes, belts;
  • wooden boxes and dishes.

The products they bring include Kenyan coffee, macadamia nuts, coffee rum and coffee liqueur.

Transport

You can travel around Kenya by plane, train, bus, and ferry. Large intercity buses only run between Nairobi and Mombasa. In the cities, locals travel on old buses, which are usually packed to capacity. Foreign citizens are advised to use taxi services, but not to hail a car on the street, but to call one through Uber or Taxify. The price of the trip should be agreed upon immediately.

Safety

The socio-political situation in the country is unstable. We recommend that you observe increased safety standards:

  • Always carry identification documents, as well as the telephone numbers of the Embassy and the police;
  • do not go into the city alone, it is better to travel in groups of 3-4 people or with a guide;
  • do not wear jewelry, keep bags closed, do not leave anything in cars;
  • when in the city, constantly monitor the situation around you and see if anyone is following you. If your suspicions are justified, try not to leave the crowded place and contact the police;
  • If you find yourself in a crowd, try to get out of it as quickly as possible, and you should also avoid getting involved in fights and other conflicts;
  • In case of robbery or kidnapping, give the attackers everything they demand, behave calmly, do not raise your voice or make any sudden movements. Try to remember the criminals’ features. After you are released, you should contact the police.

The most dangerous for foreigners are considered to be the local marginal contingent and students who throw stones at cars. When in a car, you must always lock the doors regardless of the surrounding environment. If unrest has begun in the city, you should not leave the house. You should also avoid visiting dangerous city areas, going to bars and other dubious establishments aimed at lumpen.

Medicine

The sanitary and epidemiological situation in Kenya is difficult. The most common infections are HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, and cholera.

While in the country, it is strictly forbidden to:

  • drink tap water;
  • swim in rivers and lakes.

Recommended, but not mandatory, vaccinations include yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid fever. When traveling to Kenya via neighboring countries, you will need to present an international yellow fever vaccination certificate.

The level of medicine in the country is quite high. Private clinics are well equipped, but treatment in them is expensive. Urgent medical care, including dental care, is provided around the clock. A medical insurance policy is not included in the list of mandatory documents, but we recommend that you obtain one before entering Kenya.

Customs regulations

Prohibited import/export:

  • narcotic substances;
  • weapons, ammunition, explosives;
  • live wild animals and live fish;
  • traps and skins of wild animals;
  • birds and bird eggs;
  • ivory, rhinoceros horn, hippopotamus teeth. Any weapons and ammunition may be imported only with a license and permission from the Kenya Police Weapons Licensing Bureau. Currency may be imported without declaration in the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars.

You can also import duty-free (per adult):

  • 1 liter of alcohol;
  • 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.

Traditions

We recommend that you follow generally accepted norms of behavior and take extreme care of your safety.

Internet

Mobile communications are stable throughout the country, including remote areas. The leading operators are Safaricom, Telkom, Airtel, MTN. You can buy a SIM card at the airport upon arrival, payment cards are sold everywhere, even in small shops and stalls.

Internet is available almost everywhere, Internet cafes are open everywhere in big cities. Many hotels, restaurants, cafes distribute Wi-Fi. In national parks, Internet is available only in large hotels. In the parks themselves and in small villages, there is no access to the Internet.

Useful facts

  • The voltage in the network is 220 V, sockets are of the English type. We recommend that you take an adapter with you, as the hotel may not have them.
  • There are free toilets at gas stations, shopping centers and other public places.
  • It is customary to tip taxi drivers 10% of the fare.
  • The most common phrase among Kenyans is “akuna matata,” which means “no problem.”
  • Like everywhere in Africa, Kenyans are never in a hurry.

Local laws

Taking photographs of official buildings, including embassies, may result in detention. Photography is also prohibited at airports.

The use of plastic bags is prohibited for environmental reasons.

You must always have identification documents with you.