Kenya Travel Tips Kenya-Travel Kenya–Weather, Visa, Money, Health & Credit Cards

Getting ready to travel or flight to Kenya vacation

Most travelers to Kenya come from Europe, North America, or Asia. This involves some serious travel, preparing for international formalities, and being ready for some cultural differences.

When to come/go to Kenya

The main tourist seasons are December-January and July-August, responding to international vacation schedules. The great Migration of wildebeests and zebra usually reaches Kenya’s Masai Mara during July-August. October-January is the best time for a beach holiday, as there is less seaweed.

Residents’ love the rest of the year as well-fewer tourists, brilliant green of new tropical growth, cooler temperatures, and lower rates everywhere. Temperatures are temperate all year. Day temperatures are typically between 20-30 c. or 65-85 F. The rainy seasons are usually in April – May and November.

Most people travel to Nairobi by air. It is not possible to fly directly to Nairobi from North America. You must connect with a flight leaving from London, Amsterdam, Paris, Geneva, Rome, or Zurich.

Reputable travel agents or the various airlines flying into Nairobi or connecting European city can sometimes find bargain fares, but beware of time and refund restrictions. Book in advance to be sure of a seat, especially at peak travel times. Be aware that there will be a $20 departure tax levied when you leave Kenya.

Passport and Visas to Kenya

Passports should be current and valid for at least six months after your stay in Kenya. Visas are required. Before you travel to Kenya, you should request your visa from any Kenyan embassy, consulate, or high commission, or from any British embassy in countries where there is no Kenyan embassy. Visas take at least 24hours to process plus mailing time if you live at a distance. You need to send two passport photos with the application and your passport, along with proof of your ability to leave Kenya such as an air ticket.

Although visitors are usually given six months visa, the length of stay granted at the airport may be less. It is important to know what is granted so that you can renew your length of stay if necessary. It is also possible to purchase a visa on arrival at the airport.

Kenyan Money

The number of shillings to the US Dollar varies often, but follows the central Bank of Kenya exchange rates which are quoted daily in the local newspapers. U.S. dollars and pounds sterling are easy to exchange as are traveler’s checks, which can be replaced if stolen. Kenya shillings are a soft currency.

Currency converter websites:

http://www.xe.net/currency/

The universal Currency converter-currency converter with information updated daily.

http://www.olsen.ch/cgi-bin/exmenu

Currency converter-More than 80 foreign exchange rates for any day since Jan1 1990 for more than 80 countries.

Major credit cards accepted in Kenya

Also accepted by many Kenyan hotels, Kenya travel agencies, Kenya car rentals companies, Kenya airlines, restaurants, and city shops. Cash, especially in lower denominations, is needed in a bargaining situation.

Africa Kenya travel Immunizations/ jabs and injections

The US Department of State recommends that you carry up-to –date immunization records of the following

• Tetanus Boosters
• Polio Boosters
• Typhoid Shots
• Gamma-globulin shots (against hepatitis A)
• Yellow Fever vaccinations
• Cholera vaccinations

Sources for Africa Kenya travel health information

Centre for Disease Control (CDC)

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/travel.html

Robert is a Kenya travel agent of Landmark safaris- One of travel agencies in Nairobi. At Landmark, we provide you with African travel advisories, Health and disease information and preventative injections and medications. Let us know where you want to go and your travel health questions here

http://www.landmarksafaris.com

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The Top Ten Vacation Spots

If you are planning a vacation this year and want to try something different, here are the top ten vacation spots. One of these places is sure to fit the type of vacation you are planning, whether it’s to relax, have an adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family fun vacation.

1. Las Vegas- Over the years, the reputation of Las Vegas has changed from Sin City to a more family oriented vacation spot. Today, Las Vegas has a little something for everyone. Whether your vacation is geared towards gambling at a casino, live shows and entertainment such as Cirque du Soleil or a Gondola Ride at the Bellagio, or just shopping at the outlets and designer stores, Las Vegas can give you the experience of a lifetime, whatever your goal and budget.

2. Mexico- There are many Mexico vacation packages available that offer a perfect combination of historical interest, beaches, and the crazy night life. Mexico has various beautiful landscapes, including mountains, deserts, tropical jungles, and quaint villages and resorts for tourists. Try the favorite vacation spots of Acapulco and Guadalajara.

3. Hawaii- This is an obvious vacation pick because of its warm hospitality, stunning volcanoes, but first of all for its beautiful beaches. There are plenty of tourist spots on the islands, but try to really experience the island by hiking the volcanoes or by flying over the islands in a helicopter. You could even visit macadamia nut fields and see other beautiful island scenery.

4. Los Angeles, California- This city is home to Hollywood, and you are sure to spot a celebrity during your stay. Due to the beautiful Californian sunshine year round, it is the home of a large number of celebrities, and is the center of the TV and movie industry. You can take a tour of the stars’ homes or visit the bohemian zones. Since Los Angeles is also a popular spot for immigrants, there are plenty of different and even authentic cuisine restaurants ranging from Chinese to Mexican. A Los Angeles trip really has something for everyone.

5. Haute Route, Swiss Alps- If you want an adventure for your honeymoon or other vacation, Switzerland holds the famous Swiss Alps hiking adventure. Take the traditional Haute Route to see the largest mountain in Western Europe, the Matterhorn. A vacation with the Swiss will provide you plenty of culture, adventure, and warm hospitality.

6. New York City- Whether you are from abroad or a U.S. citizen, visiting New York is something that everyone should do at least once in their life. For the City that Never Sleeps, New York is truly a sight to behold. Be sure to take the time to visit the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Empire State Building. If you don’t catch a Broadway play while you are there, you better plan for a trip back. With the nearly uncounted number of activities you can do and things you can see, you will probably leave feeling that you have only just scratched the surface.

7. Aruba- Travelers love the sunny climate of Aruba, which boasts an 82 degree temperature on the white sandy beaches for most of the year. On the western and southern coasts you'll find a lot of sheltered beaches. This spot is a great alternative to the Caribbean and a perfect secluded honeymoon spot. January and February may be the best months for an Aruba vacation because that is when the carnival season starts, which ends with a grand parade.

8. Thailand- This country is named The Land of Smiles because you are welcomed by friendly people for whom smiling service to visitors is a great pleasure. Thailand has a lot to offer visitors. Whatever you are looking for, you will be fascinated by the ancient civilization and the glorious culture. There are wonderful sights, including exotic open-air markets and sparkling temples. There are endless souvenirs and cuisine at bargain prices. You can vacation for dirt cheap in Thailand, and even visit a luxurious health spa to regenerate your body and psyche. Also try to relax on a golden beach and enjoy the tropical sunshine and deep turquoise sea. Be sure to carefully plan your vacation so that you don’t get lost or swindled in this exotic country.

9. Machu Picchu in Peru- Hikers and tourists have visited the fascinating Inca civilization since its discovery in the early 1900s. Many call the experience magical. You can travel to another time by visiting the Inca temples and villages. Blending in with the hillside itself, many say the area creates a seamless and elegant green paradise, making it a must for anyone who travels to Peru.

10. France- The country has a lot of beautiful attractions and cultural structures to visit. It is bustling with activity, full of large cities like Paris and beautiful small villages and vineyard country side. The countryside still holds a strong impression of Old World feelings and hospitality. There are plenty of memorable places to visit and food to taste in France.

The Haute Route; Machu Picchu tours; European Adventures

Day Tour safari Kenya Nairobi 1-One Day; Top 1 Day Tour Safari Kenya

Day Tour in Kenya Nairobi – 1 day tour trip

When transiting through Nairobi Kenya from other African countries like Rwanda, Burundi, DRC; you find enough time to do a Nairobi 1 day tour, trip or safari in Kenya. The best places to visit are within an hour from Nairobi town are you have enough time to make it back in time to the airport for your flight back home. Kenya one day tours are especially invigorating as a way of releasing the jet lag in Kenya.

Special one day tours in Nairobi Kenya are tailored to occupy your time that you would otherwise have spent waiting at the airport. Flights from African countries arriving in Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International airport (JKIA) are in the morning while those connecting to Europe are in the late evening. This gives you a full 6-11,12 hours free to do a Nairobi Kenya day safari. Flights arriving in Nairobi from other African countries as and cities include;

Flights to Nairobi Kenya from Kigali Rwanda,

Flights to Nairobi Kenya from Cairo Egypt

Flights from Johannesburg to Nairobi

Flights to Nairobi from West Africa

Flights from DRC to Nairobi Kenya

Flights from Tanzania to Kenya

Flights from Uganda Kampala to Nairobi Kenya among flights from many other African countries

Connecting flights depart from Nairobi for Europe from 9.00pm to 01.00am to cities like London, Amsterdam, Gartwick, Milan, Rome, Casablanca, Paris, Berlin, Zürich among others. You will have enough time in Nairobi to do at least a 10 hour day tour to famous Kenya Nairobi landmark sites.

Nairobi National Park day tour and safari

This is a small national park within a city. The Nairobi national park is only 10 kilometers from the Nairobi city center and offers a wide variety of wildlife including lions, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, wildebeest, hartebeest, topi, buffalo, impala. The Nairobi national park day tour is best done in the morning with lunch at the carnivore. Alternatively you can do an afternoon day tour/trip and cap it with a dinner at the carnivore restaurant.

Giraffe centre day tour

The giraffe centre is a 10 km Nairobi day tour from the city centre. Giraffe center has the endangered Rothschild giraffes which can be fed by hand and is a special delight for an afternoon safari. The giraffe center Nairobi day tour is usually combined with another morning session tour to the other many Nairobi day tour spots. Beside the giraffe centre is a giraffe manor house which with advance booking guests can have a lunch at the historic Swedish style house. This is a famous Nairobi Kenya day tour spot for lunch combined with a flair of feeding the graceful giraffes at the centre.

Nairobi Museum day trip

The museum is located 5 minutes from the central business district of Nairobi. It has recently undergone rehabilitation and expansion. The Nairobi museum day tour is very exciting and houses a collection of African artifacts, animal and bird species. The museum also has a snake park that attracts a lot of interest for transit tourists through the Nairobi international airport. It is a popular Nairobi day tour spot.

Daphne sheldrick elephant and rhino orphanage

The Daphne sheldrick orphanage is a sanctuary for orphaned elephants and rhino animals from the main Kenya national parks. It is located inside the Nairobi national park and houses a population of several elephant and rhino babies. This a particularly interesting Nairobi Kenya day tour where you get to be hugged by a baby elephants trunk. The playful baby rhino and elephants can also be bottle fed by visitors using a bottle feeder like that for a human baby.

Nairobi Town tour and trip

This is a tour of Nairobi main famous landmarks and monuments. The Kenya day tour goes through the parliament buildings, the central park viewpoint where one can see the whole of Nairobi from the capitol hill viewpoint, the Jomo Kenyatta mausoleum, the Kenyatta international conference centre grounds,the central business district and the government street.This id a drive by Nairobi Kenya day tour with few stop at strategic place to view one monument or the other.

Railway museum Nairobi day tour and safari

This Nairobi day tour takes you to the Nairobi central railway station where you see the modern train wagons. At the railway museum, the famous Lunatic express steam engine trains are refurbished to their former glory and one can enjoy the comforts of a coffee in the old age stationary train wagons. This day trip in Nairobi is especially famous as a classic Nairobi safari tour for the nostalgic and people with a sense of old age adventure.

Karen Blixen museum day tour

The colonial house located just 12 km from the Nairobi centre has a rich romantic history of the ‘out of Africa’ fame. The old house was the home to Karen Blixen, the beauty of the colonial era with a life checkered with romance, illicit affairs and betrayal. Karen Blixen was colonial wife of a settler who got embroiled is extra marital affairs and whose life is epitomized by the film ‘Out of Africa’ and encased in the colonial settlers lifestyle in the film ‘White Mischief’. The house has now been turned into a museum and a coffee house with pictures and stories of Kenyan colonial past. The grounds are breath taking and well manicured.

To plan your 1 day Nairobi Kenya tour or trip, fill in a simple form here: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/daytours.php or send them a quick email at info 'at' landmarksafaris.com

Day tour Kenya Nairobi 1 Day safari: one (1) day Kenya tour Kenya in Nairobi for a conference, business meeting, JKI Airport transit, en route or transiting through Kenya. Places to visit in Nairobi Kenya when you have 2,3,4,5,6 hours layover or a day in Nairobi. Most popular Nairobi Kenya day tours include the giraffe manor, giraffe centre, Nairobi national park, national Kenya museum, Nairobi town tour, trip, safari, or excursion in Nairobi,

Kenya - Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Kenya Tanzania Safari Itinerary Tours

Day 1: Fly into Nairobi and overnight at the famous Norfolk Hotel in the heart of this bustling, exciting city

Day 2 - 5: Fly to Elsa's Kopje - Meru National Park in North Eastern Kenya. Elsa’s Kopje is a luxurious oasis in the wilds of Meru National Park and was named after Elsa the lioness raised and set free here in Meru National Park; by George and Joy Adamson in the film Born Free. The lodge blends into the hillside of Mughwango Hill, site of George Adamson’s original camp. Here game drives will be provided by the lodge in their open vehicles for a romantic African safari, reminiscent of bygone days.

Meru is vast with arid, open plains dotted with Doum Palms and Baobab trees and lush vegetation along 13 rivers, like green ribbons, bisecting the Park. Here visitors will see a diverse range of species, many animals differing from their counterparts in Southern Kenya and Tanzania. Regular sightings include Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Elephant, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Lesser Kudu, Grant’s Gazelle, Leopard, Lion, Cheetah, Rhino and the rare, elusive Greater Kudu. Meru is famous for its bird life, including riverine and forest species as well as the arid dry country species

Day 6: Return flight to Nairobi's Wilson airport and connection flight to Arusha in Northern Tanzania. Today and overnight is spent Coffee Lodge a lovely luxury lodge set in a working coffee plantation.

Day 7 - 9: Tarangire National Park: Transport 4 x 4 'safari' Land Cruiser to Swala Camp. Swala's nine private, permanent tents feature en suite bathrooms with showers, complemented by fittings and fixtures crafted from local materials to mirror the understated elegance of the time-honored safari style.

Nestled in a remote pocket of Tarangire National Park, Swala is sited in a copse of majestic acacia trees at the edge of the Gurusi wetlands and the unfurling savannah beyond. The stands of ancient baobab trees, large family herds of elephants, prolific bird life and dry season concentrations of wildlife make Tarangire the classic Africa of lore – feted by explorers, immortalized in documentaries and sought after by the discerning traveler. This picturesque safari hideaway is exclusive in the southwestern corner of Tarangire National Park, affording guests private game viewing, wilderness luxury, and a privileged glimpse of an Africa, unspoiled by tourism.

Day 10 - 11: Ngorongoro Crater: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge consists of three adjacent, glamorous camps with 30 Maasai-inspired suites perched on stilts on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. From the outside, this unobtrusive lodge resembles a magical Maasai village. Set in classic crescents, each stone and thatch suite has spectacular views of the crater from large glass windows in the bathroom, lounge and bedroom, yet is almost invisible from the crater floor.

Day 12 - 14: Central Serengeti: Your lodge will be Serena Serengeti Lodge conveniently placed for your early morning ballooning safari over the serengeti.

At dawn take off, rising as the sun rises and float in whichever direction the winds of the morning take us. Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon: sometimes flying at treetop height, sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below.

Day 15: Return flight from the Serengeti in light aircraft to Arusha for onward flight to Pemba or Mafia Island.

The site http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk has full details of National Parks and timetables for Zanzibar Ferries, flights and Buses in Tanzania – and http://www.betheladventure.co.uk has safari information. Use responsible tourism to make a difference to the countries and peoples you visit.

African Safari Trivia Questions And Answers

1. Where are lions still found in the wild?
A. Africa south of the Sahara Desert
B. Northwest India
C. Both A and B
D. The zoo

C. Both A and B
TOPICS: Today, lions are found in the wild in only two places on earth. About 100,000 lions survive in Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Another 300 lions, called Asian lions, live in a reserve called the Gîr National Park and Lion Sanctuary in northwest India.

2. Elephants are the largest land animals and among the longest-lived. How long does the average elephant live?
A. 100 years
B. 60 years
C. 40 years
D. 20 years

B. 60 years
TOPICS: Highly intelligent and strong, elephants are the largest land animals and are among the longest-lived, with life spans of 60 years or more. Healthy, full-grown elephants have no natural enemies other than humans.

3. Apes are highly intelligent primates. How many species of ape are there?
A. 2
B. 13
C. 202
D. 313

B. 13
TOPICS: An ape is any of 13 species including chimpanzees, gorillas, gibbons, and orangutans. Apes are sometimes confused with monkeys, but unlike their smaller primate counterparts, apes do not have tails and their arms are usually longer than their legs. Apes live in tropical woodlands and forests of Africa and Asia.

4. Hippopotamuses are often called river horses for what trait?
A. They are horses that only graze with a river in sight
B. They are horses who choose to spend most days in water
C. They can breathe underwater thanks to the gills behind their ears
D. Their noses have special flaps that close when they go underwater

D. Their noses have special flaps that close when they go underwater
TOPICS: Hippopotamuses actually resemble pigs more than horses. They have large heads with small eyes and small ears; their nostrils, surrounded by sparse, bristly hairs, are equipped with special flaps that close down when the animal goes underwater.

5. Great apes have well-developed brains and are among the most intelligent of all animals. What trait do they demonstrate that we thought only humans possess?
A. Creating Haiku poetry
B. Making alcoholic beverages
C. Space travel
D. Making tools

D. Making tools
TOPICS: In the wild, chimpanzees and orangutans are known to make simple tools, such as sharpened sticks used to extract insects from holes in tree trunks. Toolmaking involves a preconceived image of what the tool will look like, a visualization ability that is only possible with an advanced brain. Orangutans have even been observed untying knots, working out for themselves the steps necessary to achieve this complex task.

6. Which Zebra trait is NOT true?
A. Zebras can recognize other zebras by the pattern of stripes on their bodies
B. Mountain zebras take a dust bath almost every day
C. Grevy's zebra and the mountain zebra are endangered due to illegal hunting and habitat destruction
D. Larger than a horse

D. Larger than a horse
TOPICS: Zebra, striped mammal native to Africa, smaller in size than the related horse and greatly resembling the wild ass in habit and form, having a short, erect mane, large ears, and a tufted tail. The stripes, which distinguish this animal from other members of the horse family, serve as protective coloration in its natural habitat.

7. Despite their immense strength, lions do not have an easy life in the wild. They suffer from parasites and disease, they get injured or even killed while hunting or fighting with each other, and they may starve when food is scarce. How many cubs die before they are 1 year old?
A. One-quarter
B. Two-thirds
C. Half
D. Nearly all

B. Two-thirds
TOPICS: About two-thirds of all cubs die before they are 1 year old. Adult males are usually old and battered by age 10, if they survive that long, and they rarely live longer than 12 years. Females may live longer, up to 16 years, and some are still breeding at 15. In zoos, where they receive veterinary care and plenty of food-and are not allowed to fight-lions can live as long as 25 years.

8. Fossils of elephant ancestors indicate they once lived on what continents?
A. Only Africa and Asia
B. Australia and Antarctica
C. All except Australia and Antarctica
D. Europe and the Americas

C. All except Australia and Antarctica
TOPICS: Fossils of elephant ancestors indicate they once lived on every continent except Australia and Antarctica, but elephant habitat today is restricted to Africa and parts of Southeast Asia. Elephants occupy an array of environments in Africa and Southeast Asia-grasslands, marshes, forests, deserts, and mountains. They are herbivores, or plant eaters, and need great quantities of food to sustain their massive size. They also need a lot of drinking water and so are restricted to areas with ample vegetation and adequate water.

Deanna Mascle shares more fun trivia questions and answers at http://funtriviaonline.info

To find yourself a suitable Kenya safari package to go in 2008,click on the appropriate link below:

Kenya safari & Zanzibar beach holiday
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Kenya safari holidays
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