About Kenya
In 1963 Kenya became independent from United Kingdom.
Kenya’s capital city is Nairobi. Some other big cities in Kenya are Mombassa, Kisumu and Nakuru.
Kenya’s game reserves and wild animals are famous around the world and the most famous reserves are Masai Mara, Tsavo East and Tsavo West.
Tourism is the main source of income for the people of Kenya.
Coffee and tea are export products from the old days but now a days lots of flowers and vegetables are export products as well.
Many different ethnic groups life in Kenya like the Masai, the Samburu, the Turkana, the Luo and the Kalenjin.
Travel documents
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from the moment you enter Kenya.
Latest procedure which is necessary before you travel to Kenya
Kenya eTA
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration, State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, Directorate of Immigration Services has developed and is operating the Republic of Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. An eTA offers permission to travel and is authorised by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. The possession of an eTA is not the final authority to enter the Republic of Kenya. Admissibility will be determined at the point of entry.
The eTA application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions from the traveller.
eTA applications for Kenya are usually processed in 3 days, however it is recommended applications be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to travel to ensure adequate time for processing. Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel.
It is highly recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have booked their accommodations and transport tickets.
How to Apply | Apply for your eTA to Kenya only on this Official Government website.
COVID-19
The latest information can be found via the website of iatatravelcentre.
The best period to travel Kenya
January, February, June until September and December are the best months to travel the northern and centre part of Kenya.
January, February, August, September and December are the best months to travel the southern part of Kenya.
During these periods you avoid the rainy season and lots of tourists.
From April – May most changes of periods of rain.
From half October – November light rain might come down.
Often in these periods the accommodations are cheaper.
Migration in Kenya
From June – July the first gnoes (wildebeest) arrive in the Masai Mara (depends on the rain) and normally from August to half October the migration in the Masai Mara in Kenya is in full swing.
Wildebeest (gnoes) migration map:
Weather and climate
Kenya has a tropical climate. Along the coast line its about 29 degrees (Celsius) during the day and 23 degrees (Celsius) at night. More in land the day temperatures are around the 23 degrees (Celsius) and during the night around 12 degrees (Celsius).
Malaria
There is malaria all over Kenya except for Nairobi.
Vaccinations
Please check the link below for your vaccinations which are necessary for Kenya or contact your doctor
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya
For our Dutch clients please check the link below
https://www.ggdreisvaccinaties.nl/
Tipping guideline
Guests often ask us for a guideline for tipping their guides. This is a difficult question but to give some advice we would say:
- 15 – 20 USD per verhicle per day
This is just an indication. Feel free to tip at your own discretion.
Nice to know – facts about Kenya
Kenya has more then 80 animal species.
Kenya has 70 different tribes.
Kenya has more then 50 different game reserves.
Tsavo national park is the biggest national reserve in the world. Kenya’s population is the fastest growing population world wide.
Kenya facts for kids
The Republic of Kenya, a modern democracy of 44 million people, lies along the equator on the east of Africa. Kenya is country with diverse landscapes – from the tropical Indian Ocean coast, ancient rift valleys and rainforest, to the glaciers on Africa’s second highest mountain. The rift valley is known as ‘the cradle of civilisation’ as it contains fossils of prehuman hominins, which date back 6 million years. Each May after the rainy season, the Masai Mara is visited by a million migrating animals including wildebeest, zebra and gazelle.
All big animals are present in Kenya from the big 5 (Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo) to zebra, antilope, hippo and wild dogs but also the nocturnal animals are present like:
- genet – Nocturnal animals of the mongoose family, similar to yet longer than the domestic cat, very good at climbing trees
– porcupine
– large (up to one metre long) nocturnal spine-bearing rodents
– serval – wild cats, generally nocturnal and found near water
This are some Kenya facts for kids to read and learn before you travel to the parks in Kenya.
