First of all, Kenya is known for its diverse landscape and amazing nature. Almost all representatives of the African animal world live in the national parks of the country. Hot springs, geysers and lakes create favorable conditions for any type of recreation, while the warm sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean have been attracting scuba divers for many years. Kenya is also considered one of the best safari destinations today, and its parks are recognized as the best in Africa. On the territories of the reserves there are comfortable tent camps that fully meet the conditions of eco-tourism. Most hotels offer safaris, not only daytime safaris, but also night safaris, when more predators come out to hunt.
Geography of Kenya
According to a2zdirectory, Kenya is located in the eastern part of the African continent and is crossed almost in the middle by the equator. In the east, the state borders on Somalia, the western part borders on Uganda, the northern part on Ethiopia and Sudan, and the southern part on Tanzania. In addition, the eastern part of the country is washed by the Indian Sea.
Capital
Nairobi
Area
The area of Kenya is 580.367 km. sq., occupies the 47th place in the world by area.
Population
41,070,934 people.
Currency
The national currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES).
Language
The official language is Swahili and English.
Visa to Kenya
Russian citizens must have a visa to enter Kenya. Registration is possible not only at the consular section of the Kenyan Embassy, but also directly at the entrance to the country. To obtain a visa on arrival, you must present a passport with a validity period of at least 6 months and pay a consular fee of 50 US dollars for a 3-month tourist visa. In addition, you must have return tickets with you, as well as evidence that you have funds for the entire period of residence in the country (at least $ 500). Children under 16 do not need to obtain a visa at the consulate, as they are issued a free visa at the entrance to the country.
Weather in Kenya
The climate in the country is subequatorial, so the temperature is almost the same all year round, the average temperature in winter is +14 +27 C, and in summer +14 +28 C. However, even in summer, night temperatures can drop to +6 +10 C. In the west of the country, the annual temperature is stable at around +22 +23 C, with constant precipitation. The best period to visit the country is January-March and September-October.
Currency exchange in Kenya
As of October 2011, the national currency rate is 1 USD = 101 KES. The national currency is the Kenyan shilling. From Monday to Friday, banks are open from 09.00 to 14.00, and on the first and last Saturday of the month they are open from 09.00 to 11.00. In addition to banks, exchange is also possible at exchange offices, where the commission is much lower, but you must present a passport. Major supermarkets in Nairobi and Mombasa accept credit cards. Banks can cash traveler’s checks.
Electricity
220V/50Hz (English type sockets).
Religion
Officially, Kenya is a secular republic, the state religion is not established. The constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all. Officially, 38% of the population consider themselves Protestants, 28% – Catholics, 10% – Muslims, but in reality, up to 50% of the population still profess traditional local religions.
Security
Tourists are categorically not recommended to visit the outskirts of the capital and poor areas. In places with a large concentration of tourists, a large number of pickpockets are operating. Armed gangs and separatist groups “work” in the northern part of the country, so staying here can be dangerous. If you arrived in Nairobi at night, it is best to spend the night at the airport or book a taxi to the hotel.
Health
If a tourist flies in transit from countries where yellow fever is common, it is recommended to be vaccinated. The country is at risk of contracting AIDS, cholera and malaria. It is recommended to get vaccinated. 5-7 days before the flight to Kenya, it is advisable to start the use of anti-malaria drugs (eg Loream).
