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WEATHER
Before visiting Africa, spread your world map in front of you to see where Kenya lies. You will notice that the equator cuts right through Kenya, dividing the country in two. Along with many assumptions, you might assume that this country is always scorching hot, but that will be one assumption that will be proved wrong when you actually visit Kenya.
The capital city of Kenya, Nairobi, is located in altitude of 17980 feet or 5899 meters, and approximately 500 kilometers inland from the Indian Ocean coast. The original inhabitants of this land, the Maasai people once called this land "Ekare Nairobi" meaning the place of cool water. The area is a very comfortable place to live with cool temperature averaging around 18 degrees Celsius
Kenya has two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rain between October and December. Though we call it the rainy season, days are mostly hot and it rains only in the early morning hours and the late afternoon. It does get quite chilly during these hours and it will be advisable for you to bring a pullover or sweater if you are planning to visit Kenya during the rainy season. The hottest months in Kenya are January and February, and the sun is indeed scorching. The sunlight is strong outdoors, but it is quite cool once you are out of the sun because of the low humidity especially in Nairobi and upcountry areas. Probably the most recommended time for visiting are the dry season between July and September, and January and February.
If you plan to visit Nairobi, though, it is almost a must for you to bring at least one sweater, even if you are visiting during the dry season. There is always a chance of the temperature dropping drastically during the night.
If your destination is Mombasa, summer outfit should be more than enough. The humidity in the coastal area is high and the temperature is unbelievably hot!
In this tropical climate, the average temperature there is 26 degrees Celsius and the annual rainfall exceeds 1000 mm.
On the northern and northeastern part of Kenya you will find the semi-arid scrubland and semi-desert area with an average annual rainfall of less than 200mm. The temperature can rise extremely high during the day, but the it drops drastically during the night.
Kenya offers great climatic and geographic diversities, depending on the altitude and the latitude.
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A FEW WORDS OF ADVICE
Just like any other metropolitan cities anywhere in the world, security of Nairobi and Mombasa still needs improvement. Cases of petty crimes such as pick pocketing and getting conned are frequent but with a little bit of knowledge, wit and common sense the crimes are preventable. It is important to find out what areas are safe, where to get help and also to be aware of your surroundings. For example, if a local person suggest you should to avoid certain area in town, it is probably wise to do so. If you are unfortunate and actually got problems during your stay in Kenya, it is necessary to report the incident to your embassy and consult them as soon as possible so they can advise you on measures to be taken.
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FOOD
Food can be major concern for the visitor to Africa, but it should not be. Food in Kenya is cheap, for about US$3 you can have a satisfying meal of local African dishes such as: ugali (maize meal), chapatti (African style burrito), nyama choma (Barbequed Meat, Kenyan style), or beef stew. These dishes are a must for anyone who wants to savour the real taste of Africa.
For those who want to enjoy a finer palette, there are lavish and upscale restaurants in the big cities where one can enjoy Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, and Japanese cuisine among others.
Also don't forget to try some of the fresh fruits and vegetable. All kinds of tropical fruits and vegetables are available everywhere you go. Not only they are cheap, but also available all year around. |
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LANGUAGE
The official languages in Kenya are Kiswahili and English. Both languages are taught in schools throughout the country. Most people in Kenya speak English, especially in the major cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa. Apart from the official languages, there are many other major and minor tribal languages. Though you can probably get around the country with English, it is useful to have working knowledge of Kiswahili, especially if you are visiting remote parts of the country and plan to experience the real Kenya. |
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CULTURE AND ART
If you want to take home a piece of Africa, there is a huge variety of traditional arts and crafts available as souvenirs. The most famous art are the woodcarvings made by Kamba tribesmen, sold at almost every corner of the country. There are also ebony carvings and Makonde style carvings from Tanzania, soapstone carvings from the Kisii region, bright enamel painting called Tinga tinga are some of other delightful artwork you may come across in many stores. And not to mention the Islamic influenced traditional art found in the coastal areas.
Kenya is the music centre in East Africa. Many musicians gather around from all over the East African region including Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania and perform here. Although people listen to the western music, traditional music such as Lingala , originally brought in from Congo, is much loved by many. You can enjoy live music in many places in Nairobi.
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RELIGION
The two main religions in Kenya are Christianity and Islam. However, there are many traditional religions with followers throughout the country, mostly paying their respects to nature and their ancestors.
Islam came into Kenya with the Arab traders who arrived at the East African coast in the seventh century. Together with the trade of merchandise, Islam spread throughout the coastal area. The Kiswahili language is also the product of this trade, as it is the mixture of Arabic, portugese and local languages.
Today, there are many mosques in the coastal area and the Islamic influence is strong in that region. In Mombasa, Lamu and other coastal towns most women are clad in their Buibui (veils). Visitors must remember the need to be culturally sensitive so as not to offend anyone in these areas.
Christianity was spread by the missionaries in the fifteenth century and gained a popularity countrywide soon after. Traditional religions as well as Hinduism are also evident in may parts of the country. |
HEALTH CARE
In Kenya, there is a well established health care system serving public hospitals and private hospitals in all the major towns and cities.
However, it is important to take proper medical precautions before travelling anywhere in Africa. Make sure that you are generally in good health before you travel and have been vaccinated against disease such as typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus and hepatitis.
In some African countries, a yellow fever card may be required for legal entry into the country. It is a good idea to plan at least six weeks before your travel to finish all necessary vaccination, since some vaccinations such as yellow fever cannot be administered with any other vaccinations. Consult your doctor for the vaccination procedures before you start your journey.
Also, it is well advised that you take an insurance coverage before departure. Many hospitals in Africa use the pay-in-advance system for payment of any treatment administered. You will then need to claim the refund from your insurance company when you return to your country. It is advisable to always have enough money with you to cover any medical expenses in case anything unfortunate happens during your travels.
When travelling, try taking precaution against disease. Disease such as malaria that prevails in specific regions can potentially disrupt an adventure of a lifetime. If you know that you will be visiting an area where malaria is present, take anti-malarial medication before and during your travels and at all costs avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Malaria, if not treated quickly can be potentially fatal.
Local medical insurance is also available in Kenya and there is an emergency medical evacuation coverage offered by the Flying Doctor's Service. They offer emergency medical treatment and will airlift one to a private hospital or medical centre in the event of a serious injury or illness anywhere in the East African region, including most of the national parks.
Flying Doctor Service Membership Fees |
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Within 500 km of Nairobi US$ 25 (2 months coverage)
Serves everywhere in Kenya (excluding northern region),
Uganda and northern Tanzanian National Parks)
Within 1000 km of Nairobi US$ 50 (2 months coverage)
Serves Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, parts of Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia and Sudan.
For more information please contact us here at DODO WORLD. |
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PHONE: (+254) 020 - 4450014 / 4450015 / 4450113 / 4444853
FAX: (+254) 020 -4446102 / 4446198
EMAIL: hippohouse1@dodoworld.com
ADDRESS: 1st Floor Viking House
P.O.Box 837-00606, Nairobi, Kenya
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