Africa Uncovered › Kenya Safari Facts

KENYA SAFARI INFORMATION

Kenya is an all year round safari destination, offering outstanding game viewing, each season has its particular benefits.

The best time to visit Kenya is when the Migration is in the Masai Mara from July to October. Kenya is based on the equator and so the temperature is good all year round. The main rainy season, consisting mainly of afternoon thundershowers is from March to May although travelling during this time is real value for money.

On Safari

The best times for viewing animals are in the cool hours of the early morning and late afternoon. The usual safari routine in Kenya will be to rise early to a cup of tea or coffee before leaving camp. You will then either return for breakfast or have a ‘bush breakfast’ and return to your ‘home’ just before or in the heat of the day.

Guests usually return to have lunch in camp followed by a siesta or just relaxing around the camp. You then head out on safari again after tea in the afternoon. You then return to camp for dinner. Your guide will be with you to plan your day, tell you about Kenya, our history, traditions, the area you are visiting, what you see; he will take you to the loveliest places; he will look after any formalities or negotiations with the local people, and take care of your safety and comfort.

All the guides we recommend speak English, their tribal language and Kiswahili, the common language in Kenya; they are all proficient in bush craft, and can tell you about the animals, identify the birds and help you learn more about the world around you.

Vehicle

Your vehicle will be a specially equipped 4WD-safari vehicle, not a’ pop-top’ minivan. The vehicles that we recommend are all comfortable and excellent for game viewing.

Climate

Kenya is on the equator therefore there are no seasons. The climate is very pleasant and variations in altitude and terrain can create contrasts. Generally in the Highlands the climate is cool, elsewhere the temperatures can reach approximately 35° C during the day. The coast is humid and balmy.

The main rainy season, referred to as the long rains occur from end of March to May and the short rains are from November to December. Rainfall usually occurs in the form of afternoon thundershowers.

Temperature (ºC)

These are the average highs and lows

Average Rainfall (mm)

This varies according to the year and location.

Malaria

Please note that you should always consult your local doctor before embarking on a holiday to a Malaria area in order to ensure that you take the correct and most effective antimalarial drug.

Passports & Visas

All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay, hold tickets for return or onward travel and have sufficient funds for their stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival. It is advisable that you consult your local High Commission regarding visa requirements. Africa Uncovered Ltd will not be held responsible should you fail to present the required documents at immigration.

Money & Currency

The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KSh) All major credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club and American Express) are widely accepted.

People

There are 52 tribes in Kenya, each with their own tribal language though most people in the country speak Kiswahili as well as their own tribal language. English is the commercial language, therefore is commonly spoken in the major towns and at all lodges and hotels.

Religion

Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, indigenous beliefs 10%, Muslim 10%, other 2% note: a large majority of Kenyans are Christian, but estimates for the percentage of the population that adheres to Islam or indigenous beliefs vary widely

Languages

The national language is Swahili (KiSwahili) although English is spoken throughout. Kenyans involved in the tourist trade speak English. In total there are 42 ethnic languages in Kenya.

Location

Kenya lies on the equator and shares common borders with Tanzania and Uganda, which make up the region of “East Africa”. Kenya is roughly the size of Texas or Spain.

Population

Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1%

Capital city

Nairobi