Introduction: In many ways Kenya is the entry or exit point for most trips to East Africa and a favorite package safari destination. Even though a look at the map may reveal that many of the more evocative places associated with the region lie in neighboring countries. There is no doubt that Kenya with its compact safari circuit, cheaper than Tanzania safaris and fine facilities, should not be over looked. From the Great Rift Valley with its numerous fresh water and alkaline lakes, amazing beaches on the Indian ocean coast and islands on the east - including the breathtaking Lamu islands and excellent national parks - it's worth spending some time. Off the beaten, Kenya is amazing and quite safe.

o        Highlights: Samburu National Reserve in the north is well rated since there is a good chance of see the rare gravy’s Zebra, the Beisa Oryx and the reticulated giraffe. The road trip from the south takes in a diverse range of landscapes from lowlands, beautiful agricultural highlands and the stunning Mount Kenya. Some tourists prefer the heavily visited Kenyan annex to Tanzania's Serengeti, the Masai Mara - which is an incredible illustration of the iconic African plains and Africa's offering best value safari. Best recommendation if you have the money is to visit a few of the national parks. Lamu is so graceful and relaxed it's almost falling over, a great add on even if you are going to Zanzibar. A trip to lake Turkana in the far north is worth the money and Lake Nakuru with it's millions of flamingos really makes a typical East African sight to behold.

·         Visa Requirements: Many nationalities must have a visa, available for about US$50 at the airport or border - make sure you have US$ or Euro in cash which are accepted widely currencies.

·         Typical tourist trail: Five to seven day safari circuit taking in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Mount Kenya, Samburu and Amboseli then on to the coast for a few days.

 

The Safari Circuit

The main reason to visit Kenya is to take a safari. However this is an expensive activity for the budget traveler (although cheaper than in Tanzania). Expect to pay at least US$250 plus per day for a lodge safari if you hit a very good deal, however US$300+ is nearer the mark.

It goes without saying that pushing the limits of how cheap you can get a trip for, will quite often compromise it's quality. For basic camping, expect to pay at least US$ 120 per day which is fine (in fact it's great) and require a full group.

 

The reason for this cost being so high is that like in all parts of East Africa you pay for 1) fuel for a very long trip, 2) a driver-guide and 3) most importantly up to US$60 per 24 hours for park fees (this may be higher  if you visit private conservancies). Understand that you will be expected to tip at the end of your trip and therefore will need to budget for 20 bucks extra a day.

Perhaps the most reasonable way to approach the planning is to make contact before you arrive, but if you can't don't worry.

The most popular itineraries are out of Nairobi are for three to four day Masai Mara only, and six to seven day trips to Masai Mara and Samburu with an over night stop at Lake Nakuru and Mount Kenya. The latter is a highly recommended alternative to the Tanzania circuit with a great range of animals and landscapes.

Except just after the rains, Samburu is typically semi arid - dry dense bush as found in Southern Africa. The expansive Tsavo NP (most easily accessed from the coast) is also dry and dense, so is Amboseli where iconic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro can be breathtaking

Self drive safaris are not really a good option in Kenya and are much more suited to Southern Africa, where a safari can be made much cheaper in rental cars and your own camping equipment, although don't expect to see sweeping plains, wilder beast migrations or huge numbers of predators as can be found in Kenya/Tanzania.

 

·    Mountain Climbing: With your own gear Mount Kenya can be climbed independently with just a local guide, a cook and a porter. Even with an organized trip, a hike works out a lot cheaper than Kilimanjaro (although still not 'cheap'), but beware unlike Kilimanjaro, this is rather a technical mountain with most casual hikers not getting right to the jagged top.

·   Hot/cold, wet and dry: Normally quite hot as you would expect with the equator running right across the country. Noteworthy, both Nairobi and the Masai Mara are at altitude and can get cold during night.

•  It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and north-eastern parts of the country.

• Summer is from December to March with the hottest months being February and March. The coldest months are July and August.

• The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. Rainfall is sometimes very heavy and tends to fall in the afternoon and evenings. Read here for a guide on when to go to Kenya.

• The average annual temperatures in the main areas are:

  * Mombasa (coastal): max 30°C

  * Nairobi: max 25°C

  * North Plain lands: max 34°C

• The weather affects the Great Migration as the animals depend on when the rains fall. View a guide to the migration here.

·         Money: ATMs are available in most towns. Travellers cheques can be difficult to cash. It is recommended that you carry just enough cash due to crime risk associated with carrying cash.

• The unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling (KSh), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50. Coins are KSH1, and 40,20, 10 and 5 cents.

• The exchange rate is in your favour. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world.

• The price of a beer starts at KSh90. A traditional meal will cost about KSh200, while you can expect to pay about KSh500-1000 for a more classy meal. Petrol costs about KSh95 per litre. A roll of 36-exposure print film will cost about KSh400.

• Banking hours are as follows:Monday to Friday: 09h00 - 15h00.  Saturday : 09h00 - 11h00

• Banks and bureaux de change at international airports are open 24 hours a day.

• National and international banks have branches in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kericho and Nyeri and in most other major towns.

• All major credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club and American Express) are widely accepted.

• Tipping is not required but, unlike in some other African countries, is not forbidden either. Most hotels include a 10% service charge on the bill. If the service charge has not been included a KSh100 tip is usual, although the amount is entirely at the visitor's discretion.

• On safari you should tip your driver, cook and guide. These people do not earn very much so you should tip as much as you feel you can. US$ 10-20 per employee per day is about right, but of course this depends on you and how happy you were with the service.

• Getting around: The most common road transport is by a frenzied array of Kenya's gift to the world – matatus. They make short trips easy and cheap. Cabs, though much more expensive are more reliable mode of transport when going within the precincts of the town. Good buses run long and international routes. Rail transport is restricted between the Major towns, I.e. Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. The transport by rail is considered over priced. Flying rather than driving is the preferred transport method for sensitive travellers, the choice often being one between a comfortable 45-minute flight and a bumpy four to five-hour drive.

·         Dangers: It's difficult to overstate the risk of being mugged, pick pocketed or conned in Nairobi especially if your guard is not right up (i.e. you just arrived and did not take a taxi into town). The coast is also a major target, other than that you will get the normal sticky fingers around bus stations in other parts of the country, but with common sense and luck you are pretty safe. That is why it s recommended that you make contact with a local company before arrival.

·         What to buy: Typical hand made artifacts including wood carvings, woven clothing etc.

·         Guide book: Lonely Planet or Bradt

·         Media: Local dailies, Newsweek/Time plus English language newspapers available in most towns.

·         People vibe: 

o        Locals: Generally very nice, although on the coast they can be a good deal of hassle.

o        Other travelers: Fine (not too many of them).

·         Accommodation: Good range to be found in most towns

o        Average cost: Under US$20 for a basic room, US$30 for a much nicer one for backpackers. International standard tourist resorts found on the coastal beaches and in game parks will be well out of a backpackers price range costing anywhere between US$150 – 500 per person per night

o        Hot water: Available in Most hotels but not guaranteed for budget hotels.  However, you might be surprised to have a hot shower in the middle of a game park, when even on a camping tour.

·         Communications: Internet great in Nairobi and okay in most other developed parts, but can be slow.

·         Food: Excellent food on tours, good food in towns and great Indian food in larger cities.

o        Vegetarians: Generally Fine

·         What to Pack

• Generally, while on your Kenya safari, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack for a safari in Kenya are:

•  Khaki, green, beige and neutral colours.

•  Blouses and shirts with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes).

• T shirts.

•  Shorts or a light skirt.

•  Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days.

•  Some hotels and country clubs require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie and women to be suitably attired for dinner.

•  A jacket and sweater are recommended for early morning and evening game drives.

•  Swimwear and beach apparel.

•  Comfortable walking shoes.

•  Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturizer and lip salve are all essentials.

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