KENYA
Capital: Nairobi
Language: English, Swahili
Population: 43 Million
Time Zone: EST plus 7 hours
Electricity: 220-240V/50Hz
Currency: Kenya Shilling (KES or KSh)
Fun Facts
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Kenya gained independence from the United Kingdom in December of 1963
In Swahili the word “chai” means tea so when American’s order chai tea, they are actually
ordering “tea tea”
The equator runs through the center of Kenya
Hunting is illegal in Kenya
Situated directly on the equator, Kenya is a country of extreme variation and appeal. The wildlife of the
National Parks and game reserves, the great snow-capped Mount Kenya, for which the country has its
name, and some of the best safari territory in Africa make Kenya the epitome of adventure. Encounter
diversity between the city scene in Nairobi, the native peoples, and some of the most impressive wildlife
viewing on the continent.
Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya is the gateway to this safari playground offering no shortage of activity. It is
the home of the non-profit Giraffe Center, dedicated to preserving the highly endangered Rothschild
giraffe. This learning center even allows visitors to feed these rare, graceful creatures and appreciate the
effort put forth to maintain their species. Another fascinating stop just outside the city is the Karen Blixen
Estate and museum, dedicated to the author of Out of Africa. This museum offers tours of the grounds
and rooms that made up the setting of the 1985 film. After Nairobi’s welcome, only miles of untamed
wilderness mixed with first-class safari accommodations lie ahead!
Amboseli National Park
About a four hour drive from Nairobi lies Amboseli, best known for its large population of elephants.
Drawn in by the lush swamplands, the large herd congregates here to eat, drink, and cool off during the
heat of the day. The biggest giant here is Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at some
19,341 feet. The mountain is actually in Tanzania but the best views are found in Kenya. Elephants in
front of this majestic mountain are an enduring symbol of Africa. Herds of zebra, gazelle, and Cape
buffalo are also found here grazing on the plains while giraffe can be seen in the acacia forest. If you are
lucky you might even see a cheetah or hyena. Lions are a bit harder to spot. You also have the chance
to learn about the fascinating Maasai people, a semi-nomadic tribe recognized by their vibrant red attire.
The sense of being far from home is a welcome treat in this great and scenic territory – let the game
drives begin!
Lake Nakuru National Park & Lake Naivasha
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A lesser visited park, Lake Nakuru is famous for its massive population of flamingos – a fascinating
species of bird, ranging in color based on the food they consume in the alkaline waters of the lake Other
animals commonly spotted here are waterbuck, giraffe, striped hyena, and white rhinoceros. On rare
occasions tree-climbing lions have been spotted here as well! Nearby, stop at Lake Naivasha, another of
the Great Rift Valley lakes, for a cruise to see the resident hippo population.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Any Kenyan safari must include the world-famous Maasai Mara, often considered to be Africa’s greatest
wildlife reserve. This exceptional place evokes a powerful reaction from its visitors as images of safari
begin to surround them. Part of the Serengeti ecosystem, the Mara features vast open plains mixed with
woodlands. Due to this environment, it is home to a wide range of permanent game including lion,
leopard, cheetah, and elephant. The annual great migration (generally from late July to early December)
brings increased populations of zebra and wildebeest with their predators close behind – making it a
thrilling time to visit!
Samburu National Reserve
Located approximately 6 hours north of Nairobi is Samburu, known for its arid climate and unique wildlife
Due to the climate, grasses are sparse, making it easier to spot the animals. Despite the area’s dryness,
the animals stay in the area due to the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which provides a year-round water supply.
Here you have the chance to see animals you will not see in other parts of the country – they are known
as the Samburu “Special 5”, which includes the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa
oryx, and the gerenuk – a long-necked antelope that feeds while standing on its hind feet. Here you also
have a great chance to see crocodile, cheetah, lion, and the elusive leopard!
Ol Pejeta Conservancy & Mount Kenya
Ol Pejeta is home to the largest sanctuary of the critically endangered black rhino as well as a
Chimpanzee sanctuary established in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall
Institute. Here, orphaned and abused chimps are provided with a long-term home. Nearby are Mount
Kenya and its stunning Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club. Founded by William Holden and host to
famous members throughout history like Winston Churchill and Bing Crosby, a stay at this hotel provides
impeccable luxury and leisure. It is the perfect contrast to the wilderness of untamed Africa, yet it still
allows visitors to take in the landscape of this mystic mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A Kenyan safari will no doubt offer days of booming populations of wildlife, friendly native people, cultures
and countryside “to write home about”. Few destinations in the world are as impactful and provide such a
strong sense of African spirit as the great country of Kenya.
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VISAS AND PASSPORTS
A visa for your visit to Kenya is necessary for U.S. Citizens. If you hold a passport from another country,
check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Kenya.
Visas can be obtained through an embassy or a visa service prior to departing the US. Alternatively, they
can be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Nairobi.
The embassy or visa service will be able to advise of the latest requirements for obtaining a visa.
If you choose to obtain a visa at the airport upon arrival:
• It is critical that you check visa requirements (blank pages needed, passport validity, etc) prior to
leaving the US.
• Delays upon arrival/at the border should be expected.
In general going through a visa service is more expensive but offers convenience and peace of mind. If
you choose to go this route, we recommend contacting Generations Visa Services (GenVisa), our
preferred partner for visa and passport services, at least 90 days prior to departure.
GenVisa has a special Web site and a toll-free number. You can call at (800) 845-8968, email
at info@genvisa.com, or visit their below Web sites for additional information. Our travelers receive
discounted prices and other special services:
For Globus, visit: www.genvisa.com/globus
For Monograms, visit: www.genvisa.com/monograms
All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Please carry proper
identification (your passport) on you and do not leave in your suitcase or hotel room. Most countries
have laws that require you to carry your passport with you at all times.
COUNTRY CODES
The country code for Kenya is 254. When calling to Kenya from overseas, you dial your international
access code (011 from the U.S.) followed by the country code, area code, and phone number. Phone
numbers in Kenya are 7-9 digits in length (including the area code). Dialing from the U.S.: 011 254 ##
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CURRENCY AND BUDGETING
The most commonly accepted form of payment in Kenya is by cash in US Dollars. For initial convenience we
recommend you bring a supply of US dollars with you from home. A few other important notes when using US
Dollars:
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Ensure that bills are in good condition and not ripped or torn. These bills may be refused.
$5, $10, $20 bills – Ensure these are the latest design with the large portraits and subtle background
colors, as older US currency will often be refused due to increasing issues with counterfeit bills. For this
same reason, establishments may be reluctant to accept larger bills, so we recommend you bring you
bring a mix of notes in denominations of 20 or less.
• Change will sometimes be given in the local currency
• Keep a supply of smaller denomination notes for minor purchases,
water, or tips.
• US Dollars are also useful for tipping your Driver/Guide.
ATMs are the most convenient way to obtain money in Kenya and are available in most cities and towns
throughout the country. Keep in mind that only local currency is dispensed.
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Alternatively, if you prefer, you can also exchange US dollars into the local currency, the Kenyan Shilling
(KES).
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Banknote denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 shilling
Coin denominations: 5, 10, 50 cents, 5, 20, 40 shilling
For the most current exchange rates, please go to our Web site at www.globusfamily.com/currency
Credit cards are accepted in Kenya in major city centers, hotels, and shops. Use may be limited outside
major cities, but most lodges and restaurants accept them. Visa and MasterCard are most accepted.
Smaller shops may ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card.
TO HELP YOU BUDGET:
The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per
person. Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some
averages as provided by our experienced personnel.
The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is US$1-3.
An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water will cost approximately US$710.
Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant, with desert and a non-alcoholic beverage will cost
approximately US$50-60.
TIPPING
Tipping is common in Kenya and wait staff and service personnel rely on tips as a large part of their
income. Tips are already factored in for all included meals in Kenya. If you venture out for a meal we
recommend tipping percentages based on what you would normally tip at home.
For taxi service, we recommend a tip of 10% of the total fare.
Tip hotel and bar staff US$1-2 (50-100 KES) per service.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS:
Voltage for outlets is 220-240V. American voltage is generally 110V. Therefore, a converter may be
necessary for your travels. Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet but may not
convert the voltage, so both devices are necessary. The outlets in Kenya look like
Type G
TEMPERATURES
Kenya has a warm, dry climate with an abundance of sunshine year round. It can get cool at night and
early in the mornings.
To help you plan, below are average low and high temperatures (in Fahrenheit) for Kenya:
Month
Nairobi
Samburu NR
Maasai Mara NR
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Amboseli NP
January
50/77
72/85
72/85
58/79
February
51/80
72/85
72/85
58/79
March
53/80
70/83
70/82
56/78
April
56/77
70/83
68/81
56/78
May
53/74
68/82
65/80
55/77
June
50/72
70/83
65/80
53/75
July
48/71
72/82
64/79
53/77
August
48/72
73/85
63/80
50/77
September
49/77
73/85
64/81
52/77
October
52/78
74/88
66/83
53/78
November
54/75
74/87
70/85
54/79
December
53/75
73/86
72/86
56/79
FOOD SPECIALTIES
Common foods in Kenya are chicken, fresh fish and seafood, ikwa (yams), maize, and a variety of fresh
vegetables. Popular dishes include nyama choma (grilled meat), parantha (chicken stew), ugali
(porridge), sukuma wiki (kale/cabbage).
A FEW WORDS OF THE LOCAL LANGUAGE
Swahili:
Hello!: Jambo!, How are you?: Habari gani?, Fine, very well: Mzuri sana, Bad: Baya, Yes: Ndio, No:
Hapana, Thank you very much: Asante sana, Please: Tafadhali, Goodbye: Kwaheri, Welcome:
Karibu, Friend: Rafiki, Sorry: Polay or samahani, How much?: Pesa ngapi?, Where is...?: Iko wapi...?,
Today: Leo, Tomorrow: Kesho, Yesterday: Jana, Toilet: Choo, Water: Maji, Coffee: Kahawa, Tea:
Chai, Milk: Maziwa, Sugar: Sukari, Ice: Barafu, 1: Moja 2: Bili 3: Tatu 4: Innay 5: Thano 6: Sita 7:
Sabah 8: Nanay 9: Tisa 10: Kumi.
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Last updated 4/25/14
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