The Basics
Country: Kenya
Where is it?: Kenya straddles the equator on the Indian Ocean in East Africa
Why do people go here?: Kenya is one of the safari capitals of East Africa. It’s also home to the second highest mountain in East Africa, Mt. Kenya.
What are the main entry points?: Most people enter Kenya through Nairobi airport. There are some travelers that come overland via Arusha or Tanga, Tanzania.
Currency used: Kenya Shilling
Country Code for Phones: 254
Area codes for Major Cities: Nairobi 2, Nakuru 37, Kisumu 35, Mombasa 011
Religion: Roman Catholic 27%, Protestant 26%, Animist 18%, Muslim 6%
Population: 40 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Kikuyu 21%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kamba 11%, Kalenjin 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 5%
Government: Semi-presidential Republic
Languages: English, Swahili, Indigenous
Travel Information
Major Cities: Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa
Attractions: Lake Amboseli, Masai Mara, Mt. Kenya
Accommodation: Kenya Hostels, Kenya Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: Kenya-Tourist Office, P.O. Box 30630 Kenya-Re Towers, 7th floor, Upper Hill, Ragatti Road Nairobi ,00100 Kenya +254 2 2719924/6/8/31
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Lamu, Pate, Kakamega Forest Reserve
Health Issues: Malaria, Cholera, Hepatitis, Meningococcal Meningitis, Typhoid, Bilharzia, Yellow Fever
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Tourists visit East Africa from December through February, when the weather is dry and pleasant. The next best season is from June to September, although you can encounter some rain.
Common Phrases: Hello = Jambo, How are you? = Habari Yako?, Good = Nzuri, Yes = Ndiyo, Okay = Sawa, No Problem = Hakuna Matata
Specific Events/Holidays: Labour/Workers Day: May 1, Madaraka Day: June 1, Moi Day: October 10, Kenyatta Day: October 20, Independence Day: December 12
Getting Around: Minibuses, otherwise known as Matatu, are pretty much everywhere in Kenya. In general, you won’t have much problems getting to your destinations.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Kenya is the Kenya International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Kenya travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
