KENYA'S SURFACE AREA:
583 000 km²

GEOGRAPHY:
Savannah and desert in the North; volcanic highlands and mountains in central zone with snow-capped Mount Kenya as the highest point (5,199 m). The Rift valley divides them from north to south into eastern and western highlands. The Equator runs across the middle of Kenya.

POPULATION :
Approximately 31 million people made up of 42 African ethnic communities, a minority Asian, European and Arab groups. High population density in western (near Lake Victoria); central region and NAIROBI area (capital city); the coastal south-east including MOMBASA, a tourist town which for more than 500 years was under the rule of the Oman Arabs who greatly influenced the development of the SWAHILI culture and language.

VISA :
Compulsory, enquire at the Embassy of Kenya

OBLIGATORY VACCINATION :
Yellow fever; 1 injection at least 10 days before departure

RECOMMENDED VACCINATION : :
Hepatitis B; 2 injections 1 month before departure

ADVISABLE BOOSTER VACCINATION:
Diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid. Booster 1 month before departure

MALARIA PREVENTION :
Lariam, Malarone. Seek medical advice

DRUGS TO CARRY:
Mosquito repellant cream, sun lotion, skin disinfectant against insect bites
POCKET MONEY : US Dollars, traveller's cheques, international visa and master cards.ATM: available at many Banking agencies at the airport, Nairobi and Mombasa
LOCAL CURRENCY : Kenya Shilling: about 75 for 1 US Dollar, this may change anytime
COST OF LIVING INDICATOR :
  • 1 soda 300ml: 0.3 USD
  • 1 packet of cigarettes: 1 USD
  • 1 Beer: 1 USD
  • Tips from 2 USD
    		•
    PERSONAL EFFECTS :
  • 1 warm sweater for the nights spent on highlands
  • 1 swimming costume for beach stay
  • 1 drinking water flask (1 litre)
  • 1 sleeping bag, 1 small rack-sack
  • Motorcycle riding gear
    		•
    SOUTHERN KENYA WEATHER :
    NAIROBI (alt. 1600 m)
    MOMBASA (alt. 0m)
    Day
    Night
    Day
    Night
    Dry and hot
    (December to March)
    26°C
    18 °C
    32°C
    28°C
    Long rains
    (April to May)
    22°C
    15°C
    28°C
    25°C
    Dry and cool
    (June to September)
    20°C
    12°C
    26°C
    22°C
    Short rains
    (November)
    25°C
    16°C
    30°C
    25°C
    NORTHERN KENYA WEATHER :
    LAC TURKANA (alt. 600 m)
    MARSABIT (alt.1500 m)
    Day
    Night
    Day
    Night
    Dry
    (June to February)
    36 °C
    24°C
    31°C
    19°C
    Rains
    (March to may)
    33 °C
    22 °C
    24°C
    15 °C
    LANGUAGES SPOKEN:
    ENGLISH, SWAHILI, ARABIC, HINDI and more than 40 Kenyan Languages!

    BOOKS :
    Out of Africa (Karen Blixen)
    The green Hills of Africa (Hemingway)
    West With the Night (Beryl Markham)
    The Snows of Kilimanjaro (Hemingway)
    KENYA (Lonely Planet)
    NELLES MAPS KENYA 1:1,100,000
    For any question you may have, contact us through fredlink@wanadoo.fr
    we shall be glad to serve you