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| KENYA >Why Kenya? :: Fact File :: General Information :: Culture ::Accomodation :: National Parks :: |
Kenya Fast Facts
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| LANGUAGE | |
| The national language is Swahili (KiSwahili) although English is spoken throughout. Kenyans involved in the tourist trade speak English, however it is good to have a working knowledge of Swahili. In total there are 42 ethnic languages in Kenya. | |
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Useful KiSwahili phrases: |
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| Welcome | Karibu |
| Goodbye | Kwaheri |
| Thank you | Asante |
| You’re welcome | Karibu |
| Yes | Ndiyo |
| No | Hapana |
| How are you? | Habari? |
| I’m fine, thanks? | Nzuri |
| Is this the way to . . .? | Hii njia ya . . .? |
Getting around
| BORDER POSTS |
| The major crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania is at Namanga, which is open 24 hours a day. Other crossings include Lunga Lunga and Taveta. The Ethiopian border post of Moyale is becoming increasingly dangerous because of civil fighting.The border was closed for a while but has now reopened. For those with four-wheel drive vehicles, a more adventurous route to the west near Lake Turkana is quite popular. Ask the locals for advice before trying this route. There is no border post on either side of the border crossing so you'll have to get your visa stamped in Nairobi. Malaba and Busimia are the main Ugandan border posts. At present there are no overland crossings with Somalia and Sudan as it is not safe to cross unless part of a refugee convoy. |
| RAIL & BUS |
| Rail is a safe, reliable form of public transport. Passenger services run from Mombasa to Malaba via Voi, Nairobi, Nakuru and Eldoret. It is essential to book tickets two to three days in advance. Kenya has a good network of buses, as well as matatus (minibuses) and share-taxis, but none are very safe as drivers tend to overload and speed, and horrific accidents are reported regularly. Where possible, rail travel should be the chosen means of transport. Private 18-seater buses offer shuttle services connecting Nairobi and Mombasa with Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania, which are more expensive, but more comfortable and safer. |
| AIRPORTS |
| Domestic
air services operate between the major airports: Jomo Kenyatta International, Nairobi (NBO) Moi International, Mombasa (MBA) |
| Note that departure tax (US$20) is paid when you leave. For local flights this is KSh100 and US$20 for international flights (not payable in KSh). A number of airlines operate between Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nanyuki, Malindi, Lamu and the national parks/reserves of Amboseli, Masai Mara and Samburu. |
| ROADS |
There are 63,800 km of highways in Kenya, 8,863 km of which are paved. Roads are generally in good condition, but have deteriorated and some stretches are very unsafe. The A104 running from Mombasa to Malaba via Nairobi is a heavy truck route. High speed and unpredictable local driving habits are daily hazards on Kenyan roads. Roads in the north and north-east are predominantly dirt roads and in the rainy season are only navigable by four-wheel drive vehicles. Your national driving license is accepted, with an English translation if necessary. Driving is on the left side of the road. As fuel shortages can occur, it is best to fill your tanks before leaving a major town. |
Seasons and Climate
| SUMMER:
December – March WINTER: July – August |
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| Kenya is divided by the equator and enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and north-eastern parts of the country. The hottest time is in February and March and the coldest in July and August. | |
| The average annual temperatures in the main areas are: | |
| Mombasa (coastal): | Max 30ºC, Min 22ºC |
| Nairobi: | Max 25ºC, Min 13ºC |
| North Plainlands: | Max 34ºC, Min 23ºC |
| The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. Rainfall is sometimes heavy and tends to fall in the afternoon and evenings. | |
The unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling (KSh), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are KSH40,KSH20,KSH10, KSH5,KSH1, and 50, 10 and 5 cents.
| BANKS |
| Banking
hours: Mon – Fri 09:00 – 14:00 First Sat of each month 09:00 – 11:00 |
| National and international banks have branches in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho and Nyeri and in most other major towns. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier. Banks and bureaux de change at international airports are open 24 hours a day |
| APA
Arcade, 1st Floor Argwings Kodhek Rd, Hurlingham P.O. Box 8803-00200, City Square, Nairobi, Kenya |
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