Travel quotes

Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen. Benjamin Disraeli

In America there are two classes of travel - first class, and with children. Robert Benchley

Travelers never think that they are the foreigners. Mason Cooley

The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes "sight-seeing." Daniel J. Boorstin

There are only two emotions in a plane: boredom and terror. Orson Welles

Africa > Kenya

Kenya : When and where to go ?

Click on a city for complete climate and weather tables

Town

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Nairobi

Kenya : Maps and Facts

The climate is mainly equatorial although it is subject to regional variations.

There are two dry seasons, from December to March and from July to October, alternating with two rainy seasons from April to June and from November to December. But there are variations on this general trend: Along the coast, a humid tropical climate is softened by the monsoon winds.

In the northeast desert, dry hot weather prevails most of the time except during April and May when short showers can occur. Around Lake Victoria the climate is always humid with a little less rainfall in January and February.

In the high plains the climate is driest; hot and sunny with cold nights.

If you wish to go on safari then visit during the off-peak season (June, September and October) so you will avoid the main influx of tourists.

What to do in Kenya

Seen as the Jewel of Eastern Africa due to its rich wildlife, Kenya shines with the colours of the beautiful and diverse natural features.

Nairobi, the capital, is a mosaic of different districts: Visit the populous downtown of River Road, the National Park, the Museum of Snakes and, on the outskirts of the city, the Ostrich Park.
The nature reserves are obviously the favourite destinations in Kenya: Masai Mara, one of the best known, is an extension of the Serengeti Park in Tanzania, it has lots of wildlife and you can visit a Masai village, there is a good choice of accommodation as well.

The Lake Bogoria National Reserve is also a must-see stopover: There are two million pink flamingos living at the lake which feed on the water’s blue-green algae, offering visitors an unforgettable sight.
Another city to explore, Lamu, on its own island, is accessible by boat or by airplane. This place is both peaceful and relaxing, you can see its architecture dating back several centuries and the Swahili House Museum is a popular place to visit.

Kenya : The basics

Nairobi is served by many airlines from around the world.

A visa is required to enter into the country.
The currency in circulation is the Kenyan Shilling.
The budget required changes according to the season: On average, a meal costs about €10 and a double room in a hotel costs about €30. You can also choose full board in a lodge (not on safari) for a little over a hundred Euros. A one-day safari will cost you a minimum of €50, which is the highest cost of your budget.

Regarding health issues, it is advisable keep normal vaccines up to date, also add those for yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A. Protect yourself against mosquitoes, wash your hands well before handling food, only drink bottled water, peel fruit and vegetables and do not eat seafood.
For your safety, avoid areas near the borders with Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia.
To travel within the country, the buses are very numerous. Renting a car is a little expensive but very convenient.

Towns in Kenya

• Nairobi

Nairobi Kenya's capital Nairobi is just under three million inhabitants. It is located 1500 meters above sea level, which tempers its pleasant tropical climate.

Its main characteristic is the existence of a protected nature reserve within the city, the Nairobi National Park. However, the very rapid increase of its population has resulted in the birth of many slums.

The city is served by an international airport. Very cosmopolitan, the city is busy, you can visit the popular area of River Road with its small shops offering a variety of foods, many museums like the National Museum or the Museum of Serpents, the neoclassical courthouse, the Karen Blixen Museum, with its Colonial interior typical of the early 20th century, the Giraffe Center where you will be able to feed these great placid animals, and of course the national park, or, outside the city, the Ostrich Park.

You'll be struck by the contrast between the skyscrapers that dot the city and nearby nature where wildebeest, zebras and cheetahs inhabit the savannah. And you'll have no problem finding restaurants or hotels, very well located in the city.