Travelling to Kenya

1. Geography

Located in the Heart of Africa, Kenya shares borders with Ethiopia in the north, Sudan in the Northwest, Uganda in the West and Tanzania in the south. The Indian Ocean lies to the East. The Rift Valley runs through the country north to south. There are four primary regions:

• The northern deserts, including Lake Turkana and the Laikipia Plateau.
• The southern savannah, including the Masai Mara and the Great Rift Valley.
• The coastal lowlands, including Mombasa and the Watamu National Marine Park.
• The highlands, including Nairobi and Mount Kenya.

2. Language

Kiswahili is the official language, although English is widely spoken in commercial areas. In remote areas, the majority of people will only speak their tribal language.

3. Getting to Kenya

Kenya is well served by major international airlines, which fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa). Mombasa is a popular charter destination from most major European cities. We strongly recommend you check with the nearest Kenya Embassy or Tourist Office to ensure you have the most up to date visa information. Yellow Fever and Cholera are required only for visitors arriving from countries where these diseases are endemic. Check with your Embassy and/or local heath office for more details.

4. Leaving Kenya

An airport departure tax of US$40 per person, or its equivalent, is payable when leaving Kenya. This fee is often included in your international airfare, unless stated otherwise. Please check with your agent when purchasing your international tickets. A local departure tax of Kshs 200 (approx. US$2.50) per person, per flight is payable for internal flights.

5. Climate

Kenya offers warm days and cool, early mornings and evenings throughout most of the country. At altitude the temperatures are moderate. The Coast is often humid and tropical. There are two primary rainy seasons: the long rains roughly from April to June and the short rains during October and November.