Stretched across the equator with peaks of Mount Kenya-the second highest mountain in Africa- rising out of the a natural environment of exceptional beauty, Kenya is a hugely rewarding place to travel. It’s not possible to see everything Kenya has to offer in one trip- and I don’t suggest you try.
Things not to miss on a safari
Climbing Mount Kenya -Africa’s second highest peak, glacier topped Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano straddling the equator .you can hike the lower slopes at will but if you attempt the 5200-metre summit you need to go slowly enough to acclimatize to the attitude.
Turkana overland safari- remote Turkana is most easily visited on a camping safari from Nairobi involving days of bumping though arid wilderness encounters with local people, wildlife and swollen rivers are all on the cards
Rhino sanctuaries Kenya has several of these such as the Solia game ranch, close to Aberdares which offers the chance to see both black and white rhino.
Balloon safaris are an un forgettable experience, almost worth every cent of the US$400 or so you’ll pay to be aloft over the plains at dawn (that’s around five bucks a minute)
Kakamega Forest: An isolated patch of the equatorial forest that once girdled the breadth of Africa, Kakamega is a haven for hundreds of species that exit nowhere else in Kenya
Eco lodges- Kenya boats some superb if pricey, accommodation in pristine parks and reserves such as at Shompole conservancy.
Cave skulls-the Taita keep the exhumed skulls of their deceased in concealed rock niches- an example of traditional religious practice that is becoming increasingly rare
Dhow trips- Sinbad the sailor for a day on a tranquil dhow cruise around Lamu
Bird watching- Kenya’s diversity of habitats explains its extraordinary 1070 species of birds, including this Von der Decken’s hornbill. Even the uninitiated are soon converted so take a pair of binoculars
Diving and snorkeling: Kenya coral reef has supers underwater opportunities with diving schools in all the main centers, and snorkeling equipment widely available to rent foe a couple of hours. Wasini, Watamu and Kiwaiyu are outstanding sites
The Tea country of Kericho Kenya’s tea capital and the most important centre for the bush in the whole of Africa is surrounded by an endless rolling sea of brilliant green plantations
Lamu welcoming island getaway with no shortage of things to do it also has some of Africa’s best preserved ancient town architecture many of the houses dating back hundreds of years.
Crafts: wooden carving is the stock of Kenya’s curio-sellers but there’s a huge range of other crafts to be tempted by gorgeous cloth wrap garments to musical instruments
Maasai Mara wildebeest migration observing the cacophonous herds from the banks of the flood-swollen Mara River –especially at one deadly, crocodile-infested crossing points –is one of nature’s most awe inspiring experiences. The migration takes place between July and October.
Nyama choma Kenya’s most popular big meal out is Nyama Choma or roast meat- goat, mutton or beef- and lots of beer. Nyama Choma bars are to be found throughout the country
Live Music: Any weekend it’s easy to find live music in the towns. Nairobi is the biggest focus with dozens of clubs and bands but wherever you are, taxi drivers or hotel staff can help point the right direction.
Bush walks immerse yourself in the bush experience by getting out the bush walks are on offer at game lodges in and around a number of parks and reserves, such as the Maasai Mara.
Gedi ruins eerily atmospheric ruins of a Swahili town abandoned in the seventeenth century-take time to wonder the jungle-shaded lanes away from the main site.
Mzima springs a remarkable oasis in Tsavo west National park. Bubbling with crystal-clear water and inhabited by hippos crocodiles and diversity of smaller species.
Fort Jesus Mombasa-The site of gruesome battles between Portuguese and Arab colonizers and local people: today the fort’s spacious leafy interior houses an excellent historical museum.
Tiwi Beach simply one of the nicest beaches in Kenya easily accessed from Mombasa and less crowded than Diani Beach, further south
Kenya safari: A must do Kenya safari activities while on an African safari include Overland safaris, Kenya Balloon Safari, Kenya forest safaris, Kenya dhow trips, diving Kenya tours, Kenya snorkeling adventure ,wildebeest migration tour and a must visit Kenya safari sites include Kenya beach vacation, national park safari tour Kenya historical sites, and African Kenya geographical safari sites
Joe mwangi a Tour consultant based in Nairobi Kenya with landmarksafaris.com. We are able to organise every aspect of planning your kenya Africa safari, kenya business travel, complete with hotel bookings, car rentals, air/rail bookings, activities transfers plus provide you with an itinerary that suits your personal requirements. landmarksafaris.com takes the hassles out of planning and booking your Kenya vacation. No matter what your Africa Kenya travel requirements landmarksafaris.com Kenya will ensure that you have the best possible vacation here in Kenya. For more info contact landmark safaris
Showing posts with label African kenya tour planner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label African kenya tour planner. Show all posts
Thursday, November 22, 2007
PLANNING YOUR KENYA SAFARI - USEFULTIPS FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO KENYA
On Arrival
Jomo Kenyatta International airport-The airport is about half –an –hour drive from Nairobi city centre. taxis are readily available , but establish the fare before getting in.
Moi international airport -The airport is about 10 minutes from the city centre allow an extra half –an-hour for your journey to the south coast because of the ferry crossing.
Visas: most visitors to Kenya require a visa .multiple and singe entry visas are available .Applications can be made at any Kenya high commission or embassy prior to traveling. The single entry visa (obtainable upon arrival) is USD50 (correct at the time of printing
) or the equivalent in local currency.
Lost Luggage: Visit the lost luggage desk in the baggage hall before going though customs.
Getting around
Self drive-in Kenya most international car hire companies operate in Kenya. Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and most cars are right hand drive .A current driving license with photograph is accepted for up to three month’s stay
Public transport: City buses operate at reasonably low rates fare are paid to the conductor. Matatus –private minibuses are abundant but usually crowded
Keeping in touch
Post offices: Open 8am-5pm weekdays, 9am-2pm on Saturdays.
Telephone services: Public pay phones (card and Coin) are automated .phone cards may be bought from post offices or international call offices. International calls can be dialed direct (Code 000) or operator assisted (dial 0195/6)
Mobile phones. Use either Safaricom or Celt. All major urban areas or many coastal regions have reception. Pay as you go SIM cards are readily available.
Internet
Internet cafes are increasingly common. Emails can also be sent from hotels, as can faxes and telexes.
Money matters
Currency Kenyan shilling (KSH) currently around Ksh67 per USD
Currency Regulations There are no restrictions on the movement of currency into Kenya for currency transactions
Banking: foreign currency can be changed at banks, foreign currency bureau or hotels .Banks are open from 9am-3pm Monday to Friday and 9am-11:30am Saturday of each month. Banks in coastal towns open half an hour earlier. Some airport banks stay open 24/7
ATMS 24hour access can be found at most ATMs countrywide. Most accept international VISA cards
Credit cards- All major international cards are accepted.
Traveler’s choques Tcs are accepted at most banks, bureau and hotels.
Hotel bill payments- This can be usually be paid in shillings or convertible foreign currency.
Your being well
Emergency services dial 911
Hospital: Nairobi and Mombasa have good hospitals offering a casualty service.
Medical expenses Even with insurance cover, consultations and treatment will have to be paid for and the cost claimed back later.
General information
Voltage: All regions in Kenya are supplied with 240 volts AC.The plug in use thought-out Kenya is of the three square pi ,13 amp type.
Security it is a sensible precaution not to walk alone in the isolated towns or beach areas particularly after dark. Use common sense to prevent opportunistic
Tipping is appreciated. Most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge
The water in most city hotels is usually safe for drinking However, if in doubt, bottled water is available. Most Safari lodges provide filtered water. Water is precious; your help in using it sparingly is appreciated.
Public holidays in Kenya
January 1st new years Day
May 1 Labour day
June 1Makadara (self rule)Day
October 10th Moi Day
October 20th Kenyatta Day
December 12th Jamhuri Day (Independence/republic)
December 25th Christmas Day
December 26th Boxing Day
Movable dates Good Friday, Easter Monday, Eid –ul-fitr
Joe mwangi a Tour consultant based in Nairobi Kenya with landmarksafaris.com . We are able to organise every aspect of planning your kenya Africa safari, kenya business travel, complete with hotel bookings, car rentals, air/rail bookings, activities transfers plus provide you with an itinerary that suits your personal requirements. landmarksafaris.com takes the hassles out of planning and booking your Kenya vacation. No matter what your Africa Kenya travel requirements landmarksafaris.com Kenya will ensure that you have the best possible vacation here in Kenya. For more info contact landmark safaris
Jomo Kenyatta International airport-The airport is about half –an –hour drive from Nairobi city centre. taxis are readily available , but establish the fare before getting in.
Moi international airport -The airport is about 10 minutes from the city centre allow an extra half –an-hour for your journey to the south coast because of the ferry crossing.
Visas: most visitors to Kenya require a visa .multiple and singe entry visas are available .Applications can be made at any Kenya high commission or embassy prior to traveling. The single entry visa (obtainable upon arrival) is USD50 (correct at the time of printing
) or the equivalent in local currency.
Lost Luggage: Visit the lost luggage desk in the baggage hall before going though customs.
Getting around
Self drive-in Kenya most international car hire companies operate in Kenya. Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and most cars are right hand drive .A current driving license with photograph is accepted for up to three month’s stay
Public transport: City buses operate at reasonably low rates fare are paid to the conductor. Matatus –private minibuses are abundant but usually crowded
Keeping in touch
Post offices: Open 8am-5pm weekdays, 9am-2pm on Saturdays.
Telephone services: Public pay phones (card and Coin) are automated .phone cards may be bought from post offices or international call offices. International calls can be dialed direct (Code 000) or operator assisted (dial 0195/6)
Mobile phones. Use either Safaricom or Celt. All major urban areas or many coastal regions have reception. Pay as you go SIM cards are readily available.
Internet
Internet cafes are increasingly common. Emails can also be sent from hotels, as can faxes and telexes.
Money matters
Currency Kenyan shilling (KSH) currently around Ksh67 per USD
Currency Regulations There are no restrictions on the movement of currency into Kenya for currency transactions
Banking: foreign currency can be changed at banks, foreign currency bureau or hotels .Banks are open from 9am-3pm Monday to Friday and 9am-11:30am Saturday of each month. Banks in coastal towns open half an hour earlier. Some airport banks stay open 24/7
ATMS 24hour access can be found at most ATMs countrywide. Most accept international VISA cards
Credit cards- All major international cards are accepted.
Traveler’s choques Tcs are accepted at most banks, bureau and hotels.
Hotel bill payments- This can be usually be paid in shillings or convertible foreign currency.
Your being well
Emergency services dial 911
Hospital: Nairobi and Mombasa have good hospitals offering a casualty service.
Medical expenses Even with insurance cover, consultations and treatment will have to be paid for and the cost claimed back later.
General information
Voltage: All regions in Kenya are supplied with 240 volts AC.The plug in use thought-out Kenya is of the three square pi ,13 amp type.
Security it is a sensible precaution not to walk alone in the isolated towns or beach areas particularly after dark. Use common sense to prevent opportunistic
Tipping is appreciated. Most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge
The water in most city hotels is usually safe for drinking However, if in doubt, bottled water is available. Most Safari lodges provide filtered water. Water is precious; your help in using it sparingly is appreciated.
Public holidays in Kenya
January 1st new years Day
May 1 Labour day
June 1Makadara (self rule)Day
October 10th Moi Day
October 20th Kenyatta Day
December 12th Jamhuri Day (Independence/republic)
December 25th Christmas Day
December 26th Boxing Day
Movable dates Good Friday, Easter Monday, Eid –ul-fitr
Joe mwangi a Tour consultant based in Nairobi Kenya with landmarksafaris.com . We are able to organise every aspect of planning your kenya Africa safari, kenya business travel, complete with hotel bookings, car rentals, air/rail bookings, activities transfers plus provide you with an itinerary that suits your personal requirements. landmarksafaris.com takes the hassles out of planning and booking your Kenya vacation. No matter what your Africa Kenya travel requirements landmarksafaris.com Kenya will ensure that you have the best possible vacation here in Kenya. For more info contact landmark safaris
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