KENYA TOURISM

From: THE AIRPORT

Welcome in to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi the capital of KENYA and largest city, Africa’s premier hub and ideal gateway into and out of East and Central Africa. The city is located in the embakasi suburb 15 kilometres (9mi) southeast of Nairobi’s central business district, the airport has scheduled flights to destinations in over 50 countries.

Brief History

The airport was formally called Embakasi Airport and it was opened on 9 March 1958, by the last colonial governor of Kenya, Sir Evelyn Baring.

HISTORY OF KENYA

Kenya is among the East African Nation, having more than 223,000 sq. miles 552,000 sq. Km.  And has it capital Nairobi located in the southwest having other cities like Mombasa which is situated on the coast, Nakuru and Eldoret found in the west-central region, and Kisumu which is located in the west on the shores of Lake Victoria.  The country is situated on the equator and is bordered by 5 countries such as: Uganda (west region), Sudan (northwest region), Ethiopia (north region), Somalia (northeast region), and Tanzania (south region). Along Kenya’s southeast edge, its tropical coastline connects the country to the Indian Ocean.

Kenya is endowed with a wide range of topographical features – from the low plains found along the coast, bisected by the Great Rift Valley, to the fertile plateau in the west. The Great Rift Valley accommodates a good number of lakes, arid and rugged landscapes, and volcanic landforms with areas of active hot springs and geothermal activity.  The highland area makes farming very productive in the Central Kenya because of its fertile ground, and making Kenya one of the most agriculturally productive countries in Africa.  In north Kenya you will find a large amount of desert land scattered with thorn bush. 

CULTURES, TRADITIONS AND LANGUAGES:

Kenya over the centuries from the north and south have become one of the most diverse African countries culturally and linguistically, having a population that is well over 38 million people, with about 4 million residing in its capital city, Nairobi.  At least there are over 40 different ethnic African groups in Kenya and include (Kikuyu, Luhya, Kalenjin tribes, Luo, Kamba, Somali, Kisii, Meru and Embu, Mijikenda, Turkana and Maasai) who speak a variety of mother tongues.

These various languages in Kenya fall into at least 3 categories which are:

·         Bantu (Niger-Congo) languages which are spoken by around 60% of people

·         Nilo-Saharan group of Languages - spoken among another third of the population

·         Cushitic Language- is an Afro-Asian tongue spoken in the north by around 3% of the population.

Kenya is home to quite a large number of populations; among these are mixture of Europeans, Arabs, Indians and Pakistanis, many of whom came to the country in the 19^th century.

The values and traditions of Kenya culture is a fascinating way of life that blends the traditions of thousands of years of African social evolution with the modern influences of the 20^th century.

Kenya is a multifaceted culture and is expressed in different forms, ranging from its people and language, music and dance, food, artifacts, theatre and literature to its ethnic values and ethical norms. Combined with other traditions, these kinds of expression and lifestyle form an identity that is uniquely Kenyan.       

FACTS

The most widely spoken language in Kenya is – Swahili  

Swahili is essentially Bantu infused with Arabic, Asian and European elements. Swahili is used as the national language of Kenya along with English, the official language. 

The Kikuyu Culture

The Kikuyu culture is known to be the largest among Kenya’s numerous cultures, Kenya is famous for its 42 cultures, Kikuyu offers a unique experience and a rich tradition.  There are other cultures like the Maasai and Samburu but are not mainly recognized around the world.

Kiyuku are the largest community in Kenya, and have played a very important role in the Nations development.   

 Other cultural centre such as the Riuki located not far outside of Nairobi, in the Kikuyu 

Heathland of Kiambu.  The centre is run by Dr. Kinuthia Njoroge, who initially planned to erect a traditional kikuyu village homestead to show local children the history and customs of their community.

But speculations has left many with the belief that modern influence has eroded the traditional way of life for this community, who mainly live around the capital city Nairobi and the Highlands. But as Riuki demonstrates, this is not the case.  While the traditional huts and ceremonies may be displays of a proud history, many of the same beliefs and customs persist in modern life.  In cuisine, music, marriage and everyday family life, most Kenyan Kikuyus still hold true to their identify. It is this pride that Riuki strives to encourage and strengthen, with its own blend of the modern and traditional.  Now Kenyan receives visitors that come to Riuki, some spend a day or two learning more about this little known culture.

          FACTS

Visitors that come to kikuyu are welcomed in style with an invitation to drink from horn filled with Muratina, a locally brewed drink.

Huts are built traditionally to explain how their traditional society operates.

Their communities are bound by strict and strong ties of clan loyalty and an even stronger sense of tribal unity.

At Riuki, traditional songs, proverbs and dances bring the myths and legends of the kikuyu to life.

According to Kikuyu mythology, all of creation began at the summit of Mount Kenya.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

Kenya has over 12 tourist attraction centers and visitors all around the world come to visit Kenya’s dazzling sheer diversity of things and adventure, of course, to experience wildlife.  The name – Kenya - is almost synonymous with the word “safari”.  Perhaps no other place on the planet displays magic of such spirit of adventure and romance.  In Kenya you will witness eye-to-eye wildebeest thundering across the savanna during the Great Migration in Maasai Mara, you will find elephant in Amboseli, or marvel at Lake Nakuru flecked with thousands of flamingoes.  The ancient tribes such as the Maasai, Kikuyu and Samburu still maintain their traditional customs.

Mombasa and Malindi – here you will experience the melting pot of cultures and cuisines and explore tropical islands steeped in Swahili history.  Topographically, Kenya is stunning.  Surrounded by calderas and mountain ranges, the Great Rift Valley divides the country. At the peak of Mount Kenya visitors can climb the snow-cloaked equator to the east of this sweeping valley and fish for trout in crystal clear streams.

Hell’s Gate National Park – you will get see hot springs, hisses with natural geysers and obsidian caves.  Experience exciting moments with romance of Kenya’s colorful colonial history captured in the film Out of Africa. And find out more in the world’s most evocative travel destinations - Nairobi – Kenya’s capital City.

Top 5 Most Rated Tourist Attractions in Kenya

1.      Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara has one of the world’s most spectacular game reserves. Bordering Tanzania, the mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti and forms a wildlife corridor between the two countries.  The Maarai people have lived in the park for many years, they gaze their animals here, and for them it is like a routine happening for many centuries. 

The Mara Park is seen to be famous as a result of the Great Migration of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle travel to and from Serengeti, from July through October. Throngs of hippos and crocodiles lurk can be found in the Mara River.  Mara in their language means “mottled”, perhaps a reference to the play of light and shadow from the acacia trees and cloud-studded skies on the vast grasslands.

The parks sighting experience is relatively interesting seen populations of leopard, cheetah and lion, during the dry months from December through February.

2.      Amboseli National Reserve

Amboseli National Reserve located at Loitokitok District, Rift Valley is Kenya’s most popular tourist parks, and the name Amboseli was derived from the word Maasai meaning “salty dust”.  The reserve is one of the best places in Africa to view wild animals such as lion and cheetah as well as giraffe, eland, waterbuck, impala and many more of over 550 species of birds. Amboseli Reserve is crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.  There are different areas around the park known to be a center of attraction for nature lovers to explore, ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, savannah, woodlands and wetlands with sulfur springs.

3.     Tsavo National Park

Tsavo National Park is divided in to two parts Tsavo west and Tsavo East.

Tsavo West - topographically is wetter varied with some of the most beautiful scenery in the northern reaches of the park.  We have the Mzima Springs, it comprises of series of natural springs having high populations of Crocodiles and hippos, Ngulia Rino Sancturay and Chaimu Cratar, a cool place for spotting birds of prey.  Tsavo West is a choice place for beautiful scenery but wildlife is not easily seen due to its denser vegetation in the region.

Tsavo East – has photo-worthy sightings of large elephant herds rolling and bathing in red dust. The palm-fringed Galana River twists through the park providing interesting games. And few other things include the world’s longest lava flow, Mudanda Rock, Lugard Falls and the Yatta Plateau.

Both the West and East Tsavo are made of four percent of the country’s total area and encompass a massive lava-rock plateau, rivers, waterfalls, savannah, volcanic hills and various kinds of wildlife can be found.

4.      Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves

On the banks of the palm-lined Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba Reserves lie in an arid region in the remote north of Kenya. Shaba National Reserve is one of two areas where George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the lioness, made famous in the film "Born Free". The wildlife in all three reserves depends on the waters of the river to survive, and many species are specially adapted to the parched conditions such as Grevy's zebras, Somali ostriches, and gerenuks, the long-necked antelope that stand on two rear legs to reach the fresh shoots on upper tree limbs.

A top attraction in Samburu National Reserve is the Sarara Singing Wells, local watering holes where Samburu warriors sing traditional songs while hauling water for their cattle to drink. Tourists here may also be rewarded with sightings of big cats and wild dogs. Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves is Located in Northern Kenya

5.        Lake Naivasha

A haven for birders, Lake Naivasha lies at the highest point of the Great Rift Valley and has been known to shrink considerably in times of extreme drought. A flourishing floriculture industry in the area is also impacting water levels and quality. One of the best ways to view the wildlife is by boat. More than 400 species of birds have been spotted here, including African fish eagles. Hippos slosh in the water, and giraffes, zebra, buffalo, and eland graze around the edges of the lake. Keep a lookout for colobus monkeys in the canopies too.

Near Lake Naivasha, the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary features a wildlife-rich nature trail. Just south of Lake Naivasha, the relatively affordable Hell's Gate National Park protects a wide variety of wildlife and offers excellent climbing opportunities with two extinct volcanoes and the red cliffs of Hell's Gate Gorge. On the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, visitors can pop in for a cup of tea at the Elsamere Conservation Centre, the former home of the late Joy Adamson, author of "Born Free", and her husband George.  Lake Naivasha can be found in the Rift Valley Province.

RESOURCES:

 

Kenya Major Income And Natural Resources

Kenya has no significant mineral endowment. The mining and quarrying sector makes a negligible contribution to the economy, accounting for less than 1 percent of gross domestic product, the majority contributed by the soda ash operation atLake Magadi in south-central Kenya.

Kenya's exports include agricultural products, petroleum, tea, coffee, fish and cement. Kenya's largest partner in exporting is the United Kingdom. Other partners include the U.S., Netherlands, Uganda, Tanzania and Pakistan. Produce and tea are the major exports in Kenya, with tea being the most exported item. Tea is responsible for approximately 21 percent of Kenya's exported goods. Pakistan is a major export market for Kenyan tea.

Despite its limited resources, for decades, Kenya has been perceived as a political role model and the economic powerhouse of East and Central Africa. Its free market economy, a stable democracy, high education levels, a comparably good infrastructure and a favorable geographic location, half way from Cairo to Cape Town, have greatly contributed to its regional significance. Because of the Mombasa port, which is East Africa's largest in cargo handling, Kenya also plays a vital role as a transit country for goods to and from the landlocked nations of East and Central Africa.

Kenya's main export markets are the UK, the Netherlands, Uganda and Tanzania. Most imports are from India, followed by China, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. The country greatly benefits from Nairobi's informal role as the major economic, cultural and political hub of the region. Kenya's capital city is home to numerous conservational, charitable and political NGO's, three UN organizations and international media.

Agriculture and Fisheries – Around 70 percent of Kenyans work in agriculture. After India, China and Sri-Lanka, Kenya is the world’s fourth largest tea producer.  Coffee is another major export plant of superior quality.  More than ten percent of Kenya’s export value is generated from cut flowers and vegetables. Other cash crops worth mentioning include pyrethrum, where Kenya is a world market leader, and sisal. Commercial dairy and beef farms are mostly found in the highlands and the Rift Valley. The fishing industry is relatively small, although Nile perch is exported from Lake Victoria to Europe on large scale.

Minerals – The entire industrial sector accounts for just under a fifth of the gross domestic product.  Kenya has strong food and cement industries and large textile and shoe factories.  Industries are however confined to major towns.  Nairobi actually boasts the largest industrial area between Cairo and Johannesburg.  Other cities with notable industries include Mombasa, Thika, Nakuru and Eldoret.

 

Service Sector – The service sector is by far the biggest economic sector of the country, providing more than 60 percent of the GDP.  Tourism is its most important subsection, earning the country the 3^rd highest amount of foreign exchange and supplying about one-tenth of all jobs.  International tourist arrives numbered almost above a million in 2012, but according to targets from the Ministry of Tourism, this should rise to 3 million in the coming years.  The Kenyan music and film industries have been growing exceptionally in recent times.

The Future – The central pillar of Kenya's strive for a better future is the Kenya Vision 2030 development agenda that proclaims major goals and identifies the most significant challenges which must be tackled. The overall goal of the Kenya Vision2030 is to turn Kenya into a middle income country by the year 2030. This seems to be quite ambitious, but in fact, Kenyans have started to embrace the vision, encouraged by the success stories of other nations, such as Brazil, China, India and Korea that have elevated themselves from the ranks of developing countries.

The first positive effects of the Kenya Vision2030 can be felt already through the improving road infrastructure of the country. The biggest investment package planned for by the Kenyan government and its partners is the Northern Transport Corridor, which comprises of a new harbor in Lamu as well as a pipeline, a highway and a new railway line connecting the landlocked neighboring countries of Ethiopia, South Sudan and Uganda with the Indian Ocean.

Within the framework of the development agenda of Kenya Vision 2030, the sector of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been specifically promoted by the past and the current government. The single biggest project comprises of Konza City, a techno city popularly referred to as Kenya’s Silicon Savannah, which is going to be constructed some 50 kilometers from the capital Nairobi.

The Kenyan real estate market has been booming for years, with gated communities and furnished apartments springing up every so often.

 

Challenges -  The post-election violence and the global economic crisis that occurred in 2008 stymied Kenya’s growth, it was back to a rate of 4.7% in 2012, though. During the past decade, the Kenyan middle class has significantly grown and education levels remain high, yet roughly half of Kenya's population still lives below the poverty line. The annual per capita income for 2012 was US$ 1,800 while the unemployment hovered around 40 percent. However, a huge share of officially unemployed is absorbed by the informal sector, locally known as Jua Kali. Kenya’s foreign debt currently stands at US$ 10 billion.

Some of the major challenges for Kenya's economy are brought about by the rapid population growth which will absorb a significant share of the country's financial resources to keep existing standards in health care, housing, infrastructure and education. Since planning and implementation of proper regulations still falls behind necessities in most sectors, pressure on the country's natural resources will rise significantly and put a risk to the significant tourism sector. As much as the devolution of power is likely to spur regional development, the costs of running the central government as well as the 47 county governments could spiral out of control, possibly plunging the country into dire financial straits.

FOOD:

Kenya has various kinds of diet comprised of foods rich in ethnic diversity. Popular staple foods include the following: Ugali, Rice, Bread, Chapatti (a type of Indian bread), Beef, Chicken, Goat, Tilapia and assortment of fresh Vegetables and Fruits.

Nyamachoma Delicacy – Ever tried it? It’s a form of charchoal grilled beef or goat meat, is regarded as Kenya’s national dish.  It’s a very popular food item found in authentic Kenyan restaurants and pusbs.

Interestingly, the Nyamachoma delicacy has an irresistible taste but that’s not all. The most fascinating thing about the delicacy is the bond that it creates between friends.  Visit Kenya and get a chance to take a bite of this age-old Kenyan delicacy. 

Ugali  – is a Kenyan staple food, usually the accompaniment for nyamchom, with a side of cooked green vegetables.

The Kenyan diet also includes tea.  Prepared in the form of Chai (tea with milk and sugar) is the beverage of choice. It is served for breakfast, at mealtimes and also during Kenya’s regular teatime. 

Tusker – is Kenya’s popular social drink, and one that makes a good combination for nyama choma.

FASHION AND STYLE:

National Dress - Most people agree there is no such thing as a ‘national Kenya clothing’. First of all, Kenya consists of over 70 ethnic groups (tribes) who all have different traditional dress styles. Secondly, the majority of Kenyans dress more or less Western style. Along the coast – for example in Mombasa or Lamu - where a big part of the population is Muslim, some also dress Arabic style.

In fact, it has happened that Kenyan women who were supposed to represent their countries at international forums, bought traditional Nigerian clothes as they could not identify original Kenya clothing.

There have been several attempts to create a national dress. Kenyan designers Mary Kadenge and Margaret Akumu Gould have been working on this for decades. Mrs Gould organised the first ever National Dress Competition in the 1980s in Nairobi. While she did not get much support then, she has now teamed up with the Kenya Tourism Foundation (KTF) and the Ministry of Culture and Social Services, who understand very well the advantage of having a national dress for national unity and PR purposes.

Traditional tribal dress

However, some tribes have largely kept their traditional dress and life style. The Masai Maria (also spelled Maasai Mara) are the most famous, but this also goes for the Samburu (which are closely related to the Masai) and the Turkana peoples, who live in the north. Although even among these tribes, modernity is making it’s way, with traditionally dressed warriors carrying digital watches or sometimes even cell phones, to be able to receive tourists.

Among the tribes who have typically adopted Western life styles, are the kikuyu from the highlands, the Akamba east of Nairobi, and the Luo in the west. Not coincidentally, especially the Kikuyu and secondly the Luo have the biggest political and economic influence in the country.

Masai traditional dress

Masai women typically wear vast plate-like bead necklaces, and colourful wraps called kanga. The men are famous for wearing a red-checked shuka (Maasai blanket) and carry a distinctive ball-ended club. For Masai, red clothing stands for power. Many Masai wear simple sandals, sometimes soled with pieces of motorcycle tires. When males become ‘morans’ (warriors), around age 14, they traditionally dye their hair red with ochre and fat.

Cloths to wear in Kenya - Which place and time? 

Kenya has a tropical climate, with sunshine in all seasons, and summer clothes can be worn throughout the year. However, depending on the places you will visit and the time of the year, you can choose which clothes to wear in Kenya.

Generally, the hottest periods are January to March and the coolest are July to August, though the difference is not much.  Furthermore, on the coast it is hotter and wetter than inlands, which is more moderate and dryer.

Also take into account the two rainy seasons, when it’s best to carry rain coats with you. The ‘long rains’ are from April to June and the ‘short rains’ from November to December.

Dress codes in social life

Also take into account the Kenyan social norms on clothing. Kenyans dress rather conservatively. Men usually wear shirts with long sleeves, often with a sweater or blazer, and women wear trousers or skirts below the knee. You will see few men in T-shirts, practically no men in shorts and absolutely no women in shorts or short skirts. This is frowned upon, even though sexual morale is often rather loose.

But you will not get into trouble if you do wear shorts or T-shirts.  Kenyans are too polite to make comments.  In places frequented by tourists, locals are more used to ‘tourist dress’ anyway, and in tourist resorts shorts and T-shirts are totally accepted. There you have a lot of freedom in your choice what clothes to wear in Kenya.

What clothes to bring

Summing up the above, you’ll need to bring the following clothes when visiting Kenya:

- Sunglasses, while good sunglasses are expensive in Kenya
- A hat against sun strokes
- White or other light colour clothes
- Something to carry bottles of water in – you’ll need to drink a lot of water in this climate and tap water is never safe
- One really warm sweater, as nights can be cool
- Swimming clothes as Kenya has over 500 kilometers of beautiful white sand beaches, as well as plastic sandals for walking on reefs
- A raincoat, especially during the rainy seasons (see above)

SAFETY AND SECURITY:

Our Safety and security is very essential at every point when talking about traveling, so it is really important understanding the environment we are at every destination that we hope touring.

In Kenya, they are faced with some few safety and security problems, due to the level of poverty in the country, some people are forced to make a living through illegal ways. Normal Kenyan citizens are majorly targets, but rich, naïve tourists are even at a bigger risk for thieves, con artists and pick pockets.  The big cities mainly Nairobi experience more of these crimes.

However, necessary precautions needs to be taking then the risk of insecurity will be drastically reduced, by decreasing the temptation for thieves, staying away from bad places, being conscious and applying common sense, will help having a safe trip.  Though, violent crime is rare in Kenya, but thieves care more only on victims goods and will not inflict harm unless forced by reason of refusal. To prevent being hurt and to eliminate such risk do not fight with a thief or pursue a mugger, even though you may find it hard to. Please always try never to fight back so that you will not be a victim.

You can prevent these crimes from happening to you by observing some few precaution methods. If you observe that someone is following you or eyed by a suspicious person or group of persons, just head towards a close shop and stay there for few time.  If they understand you are been observant of their moves they will likely give up on you.  Always act confidently when moving to a direction even if you don’t stop in a shop to look at a map or ask for directions; also prevent showing large amount of money.

Things to Look Out For:

In the area of theft: From the airport to the hotel, your bags and valuables are at the most risk and for you to eliminate the risk of losing items, ensure your baggages are locked. Using a taxi is your best bet, though they are sometimes expensive.  When you are on the move in between places, in rough areas of Nairobi remember to keep doors locked and don’t open the windows. If you are taking public transportation, try to keep your bags in view.  Your baggages are usually safe in the boot of a bus; you need to be aware that in some cases touts have taking items from a bag on to of buses. 

When checking in to a hotel, first, if the hotel has a safe deposit box, use it to keep your valuables safe.

 Con Artists: It’s quite common to run into someone in Nairobi who has a plan to separate some gullible tourist from his or her money. They take on the role of a political refugee and request money for their family. They’ll pretend like students collecting contribution for their schools. Men dress up as beggars, then, after you give them a coin or two, “plain clothed police” will tell you it’s illegal and ask for a “fine.” They come up with stories that they know you from somewhere are just need a little something for some petrol, then they’ll pay you back. They may even drop money, then after you return it, claim that you have taken some and threaten to tell the police. Con artists think of new stories every day, and it can be quite entertaining to listen to them. Use of common sense is your main weapon against confidence tricks. If you’re not sure whether to believe it, your surely right. Never give money to any stranger.

Street Kids:  Homeless are very common in Kenyan cities, especially young boys, some that can be very big boys. These boys band together in large groups and can make one feel unsafe even if they’re only begging for change. The best way to get rid of a single street kid, or a small group, is to ignore them and walk on. If they follow, it may help to tell them you have no money, or that you’ll give them something later. Giving money is hardly ever dangerous, but remember that giving money encourages more kids to work the streets and the money may be used to buy glue, which is sniffed by the boys to escape their harsh reality. If you must give something, buying homeless a meal is always a good way to lend a hand.

FOREST:

Kenya has a wide range of forests, from coastal forest, through central high mountain forests to the thick wet rainforests of the West. These forests support more than just a diverse range of tree and plant species; they are also the territory of a wide range of wildlife, from rare chameleons to elephant herds, elusive leopards to colourful butterflies, monkey families and prolific birdlife. 

Kenyan forests offer the traveller a wide range of options, from treetop lodges to trekking trails.

Kakamega

This thick equatorial jungle is a haven for birds, reptiles, and a remarkable range of monkeys …

Aberdares

The salient forests and moorlands of this highland range are home to Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, and much more

Arabuko Sokoke

This coastal forest offers the visitor the chance to encounter several unusual species of bird and small mammals, and a glorious range of butterflies …

Mt Kenya Forests

In the Shadow of Kenya’s highest peak, the dense highland forests are alive with game.

MOUNTAINS, BEACHES AND WATER FALL IN KENYA

KENYA BEACHES:  

The beaches of Kenya can be divided into four main regions, each of which offers a unique experience.

South Coast

 

Kenya's South Coast is renowned for palm-fringed white sand beaches such as ever-popular Diani Beach as well as accessible coral reefs. The scuba diving - in particular at Kisite Marine Reserve - is excellent and there are many wreck dives to entice advanced divers. There's a hassle-free atmosphere on the South Coast which together with a wide range of accommodation, kids' entertainment clubs and golf courses make for matchless family beach holidays. 

For a far quieter South Coast experience, six kilometres of beautiful beach awaits at Msambweni, 25 kms south of Diani. There's excellent snorkelling and diving nearby as well as an 18-hole course and plenty of opportunities for sailing, fishing and watersports.

Mombasa region

Mombasa's lively atmosphere has long attracted beach-lovers seeking a classic sun and sea vacation. This is where you'll find the larger hotel resorts and popular beaches, so - for a more relaxing break - we'd recommend a selection of hand-picked boutique hotels on the quieter Diani Beach, set 30 kilometres south of Mombasa. 

Shimba Hills National Reserve, a small national park situated 56 km south of Mombasa and directly inland from Diani Beach, is a great option for visitors on a beach holiday but who want to fit in a game drive or two. Wildlife highlights of Shimba's forested hills and grasslands are elephants, leopards and sable antelope plus many bird and rare plant species - and it's easy to build a visit into your itinerary.

Malindi region

North of Mombasa lies ever-popular Malindi, a town at the centre of some of the finest tropical beaches and beach resorts in Africa. Blessed with enormously long, clean beaches, Malindi is also the place in Kenya for deep-sea fishing as well as some excellent diving and snorkelling at the Malindi Marine National Park.

 Lamu Archipelago

In the far north of Kenya is the Lamu Archipelago which includes the islands of Lamu and Manda. Lamu's distinct Moorish feel makes for a wonderfully exotic beach holiday experience and this low-key little island has become well known for its Lamu villas - Swahili-style beach houses with large cool living areas and rooftop terraces. The smaller islands of the archipelago provide idyllic and exclusive settings for honeymoons and romantic getaways.

All beaches in Kenya are public – only some paths leading up to them are privately owned. Basically, you have the beaches north and south of Mombasa. The northern beaches were developed earlier because a bridge ensured easy access, and are on the whole still busier than the southern. The northern beaches are typically very long with a lot of hotels and resorts. But on the south side – accessible through the Likoni ferry – Diani Beach has catched up on them and and it’s now the principle package resort on the Kenyan coast.

BEACHES IN KENYA: SOUTH OF MOMBASA

Diani Beach

Meanwhile the busiest of all beaches in Kenya with a lot of beach hotels, resorts and activities such as water sports, camel riding, boat tours, etc. The reef is only a 30 minute swim of 10 minute boat ride away from the beach.

It isn’t very "Kenyan" – although still far more exotic than your average Mediterranean holiday beach – but it sure is a lot of fun. If you are looking for comfort and lots of things to do, and like the bustle, it has lots to offer. You can also use Diani well as a base for exploring the region, since the inland national parks and other points of interest are close. But if you're into quiet, secluded places and roads less traveled, then better skip Diani.

A good thing about Diani is that the level of security has gone up, with many askaris (guards) at the beach and even more at the hotels. Because of this, most beach boys and hustlers have moved elsewhere. On the other side, the beach tends to get covered largely or entirely during high tide.

Good hotels directly located at Diani Beach are:

·         Alliance Africana Sea Lodge

·         Diana Sea Resort

·         The Sands At Nomad

Tiwi Beach

A lovely, quiet beach that hasn’t been overrun by hordes of tourists yet. Apart from the large Tiwi Beach Resort on the southern end, it only has small cottages and no big beach hotels or resorts. Except around the Tiwi Beach Resort, beach boys and panhandlers are absent, although some places are visited by a few friendly locals offering foods. It’s a also a great and safe spot for swimming, since the reef is very close.

The other side of the coin is that there are few restaurants and organized activities. This needn’t be a problem, since most cottages have their own small restaurants, cooks and/or self-catering facilities. But it’s clearly a beach where you want to go if you’re looking for some real peacefulness.

While all cottages and accommodations will have private guards around the clock, and the beaches are safe during the days, you should avoid walking around alone outside of them even during daytime – it’s a secluded area.

Shelly Beach

This beach gets it’s name from it’s shells. It’s strong point is being very close to Mombasa – after taking the Likoni ferry you can get there with a matatu bus for KSH 30. You can swim at Shelly Beach during high tides, but there’s a lot of seaweed. For the rest, other beaches in Kenya have more to offer.

BEACHES IN KENYA: NORTH OF MOMBASA

Nyali Beach

Nyali Beach is the first beach to the north of Mombasa, and easily accessible from there. It’s a long straight stretch mainly taken up by hotels. Some of the most popular North Coast beach hotels are located here. The shopping centre at Nyali has a big Nakumatt supermarket, an internet café and a good book store.

The reef located 2 kilometers from the beach, has created a kind of lagoon, which makes it a good place for kite surfing and other water sports. A lot of activities are offered both by the hotels and other vendors.

Good hotels directly located at Nyali Beach are:

·         Voyager Beach Resort

·         Nyali Beach Hotel

Bamburi Beach

Bamburi Beach is known for it’s good restaurants, huge hotels and busy nightclubs. Water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling and water skiing are offered by the hotels, while locals offer camel rides on the beach and dhow sailing trips (dhows are traditional vessels). Local vendors on the beach can be very persuasive.

If you need to buy anything that’s not available on the beach, the Nyali shopping centre (see above) is usually closest.

Good hotels located directly at Bamburi Beach are:

·         Sarova WhiteSands Beach Hotel

·         Travelers Beach Hotel

Kenyatta Beach

Kenyatta Beach, next to Bamburi Beach, is very popular. Of all beaches in Kenya, it’s about the only one where you’ll see large groups of Kenyans by the seaside. While there are a quite lot of beach boys and hustlers, it’s generally a fun and (family) friendly place to be. During low tides, a large area is uncovered, filled with coral pools and suitable for walking. Sailing boats are offered for hire as well as other activities, and local vendors sell ice cream, drinks and snacks.

Shanzu Beach

Further up north, Shanzu Beach (as well as Kikambala) is too far from Mombasa for a day trip. It’s dominated by the luxury resorts of the African Safari Club chain. It often inspires mixed feelings: on the hand, the beach itself is lovely. On the other hand, most places here are little more than tourist traps and the areas outside the resorts are filled with beach boys, panhandlers and working girls, sometimes masquerading as ‘massage’ girls.

It’s most important attraction are the Ngomongo Villages, a theme park that depicts Kenyan traditional life through mock rural homesteads inhabited by traditionally dressed people, artists and a score of activities for the visitors. It’s not very authentic, but it is entertaining.

A good hotel located directly at Shanzu Beach is:

·         Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel

KIKAMBALA BEACH

Located in flat and thick forested area, Kikambala Beach is the first low-budget beach north of Mombasa. During low tides, the sea retreats about a kilometer and it’s only possible to swim with high tides.

KENYA WATERFALLS

There’s something magical about waterfalls.

The whooshing, pushing waters cascading over the rocks and attacking every thing in sight yet leaving behind a beautiful rainbow!

Waterfalls are beautiful attractions and our motherland has been blessed with quite a number.

Here are waterfalls in Kenya that are breathtakingly beautiful.

1. Thomson’s falls

Situated in Nyahururu, Thomson’s is one of the tallest, standing at 74m. It’s on the Ewaso Nyiro river which drains from the Aberdare mountain range. Thomson’s falls makes for a perfect scenic view and that’s why it’s one of the top tourist attractions.

2. Karuru Falls

Situated in Aberdare National Park, Karuru Falls is the tallest waterfall in the country, plunging 273 metres below the viewing point. The point of interest is that the waterfall is a three tier though only the first part can be seen clearly. The whole waterfall is clearly or best viewed from an aerial point.

3. Chania Falls Aberdares

Chania Falls is also situated in the Aberdares. This is a perfect spot for adrenaline chasers in the mood to dive.

4. Fourteen Falls

Fourteen Falls waterfall near Thika town is spectacular 27 meter deep scenery. There is a lot to see and do in this scenic site. These include boating, fishing, photography, plant identification, and bird watching are among other activities.

5. Broderick Falls

Located in Webuye, Bungoma County.

6. Sheldrick Falls

Located in Shimba Hills National Park, Shedrick Falls is an impressive 25 meters high waterfall of fresh spring water.

7. Thika Falls and Chania Falls(Thika)

Both located in Thika, they can be seen from Blue Post Hotel and they are breathtaking!

 KENYA CURRENCY:

The Kenyan Shilling is the currency of Kenya. Our currency rankings show that the most popular Kenya Shilling exchange rate is the KES to USD rate. The currency code for Shillings is KES, and the currency symbol is KSh. Below, you'll find Kenyan Shilling rates and a currency converter. You can also subscribe to our currency newsletters with daily rates and analysis, read the XE Currency Blog, or take KES rates on the go with our XE Currency Appsand website.

The currency unit in Kenya is the Kenyan shilling (KES), comprising 100 cents (c). Coins that are currently used for trade are available in denominations of 50c and 1Shs, 5Shs, 10Shs, 20Shs and 40 shillings.

Bank notes (bills) are available in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings.

Bringing money into Kenya

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring in or out of Kenya. However, if you plan to arrive or leave Kenya with more than USD$5,000 in cash, you may need to hold documents indicating the source and purpose of this money. For further information visit the department of immigration.