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| Kenya |
| Kenya Travel Guide |
"Revered by many anthropologists as the 'cradle of humanity', Kenya is wild and a little dangerous. If you're adventurous - and sensible - it promises the globe's most magnificent wildlife parks, unsullied beaches, thriving coral reefs, memorable mountainscapes and ancient Swahili cities.
The Swahili word safari (literally, journey) wouldn't mean much to most people if it wasn't for this East African adventure land. No matter how many Tarzan movies you've seen, nothing will prepare you for the annual mass migration of wildebeests in the Masai Mara." |
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Mombasa Carnival
The Mombasa carnival features parades and floats from every conceivable cultural and religious group in Kenya. There are two main parades which converge onto Moi Avenue which feature incredible floats, costumes and music. The main stage features local bands and dancers, with the smaller stages giving you the chance to see local traditional Kenyan dances
Ramadan (Id Al Feter)
"Ramadan in Kenya is mainly celebrated along the East Coast, where the majority of the Muslims live. It is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar and the dates vary significantly from year to year, since it is determined by the phases of the moon.
Muslims fast and pray during the daylight hours when there is a quiet and serene atmosphere. Only towards the evening do people emerge in preparation for breaking their fast. If you are a visitor to orthodox areas during this time, you may find that restaurants do not serve food. The fasting of Ramadan culminates with Id al Feter, a huge feast, thoroughly enjoyed by all those who have survived the heat of the holy month"
Jamhuri (Independence) Day
Jamhuri Day is Kenya's most important holiday. The country celebrates its independence from the United Kingdom since 12 December 1963 with feasting, dancing, military parades, air shows and long political speeches. Kenyans like to celebrate with food, so Jamhuri Day is a good chance to try local delicacies, from Ugali (ground maize flour and water) and fish to Githeri (boiled maize and beans), Mursik (fermented milk) and Ingoho (a chicken dish). Each area has its own favourites. |
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NAIROBI
Nairobi is the city at the heart of Kenya and the primary gateway to the vast game reserves and national parks of East Africa. The name Nairobi comes from the Masai words enkare nyarobe meaning sweet water, as this area was a watering hole for the Masai and their cattle. One of the largest cities between Cairo and Johannesburg, Nairobi is cosmopolitan, lively and interesting. The city center is modern and prosperous and the services are well organized and efficient. Places of interest include Kenya National Museum, Snake Farm, Nairobi National Park, Railway Museum, National Archives, McMillian Memorial Library, Parliament House, Kenyatta Conference Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, Kiambethu Farm, Langata Giraffe Centre & Bird Sanctuary. There are also many colorful markets to explore as well as the famed Carnivore Restaurant.
MASAI MARA
Rich in game and birds, the Masai Mara is the scene of the spectacular annual migration of wildebeest and zebra, when millions of animals follow the unbroken cycle of survival as they move between Tanzania and Kenya in search of fresh grasses. The sight of more than a million of these creatures moving as a great mass across the savannah is one of the most breathtaking sights in nature. Visitors to the Masai Mara from August through September are certain to see the great herds of wildebeest and zebra. From the Rift Valley escarpment, to the rolling plains and the groves of woodlands, the Masai Mara is a vast and varied landscape. The Mara River bisects this great reserve and provides a rich habitat along its banks. And everywhere, the seemingly endless herds of animals live out their daily lives to the rhythm of nature. The Mara, host to lion, cheetah, hippo, elephant, leopard, buffalo, warthog and giraffe, to name a few, holds splendor and surprises within its boundaries. The visitor is sure to see why the Masai Mara is Kenya's most famous, and favored, park.
SAMBURU
In the semi-desert bush country of the northern frontier are Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba Game Reserves. These three reserves lie 325 kilometers from Nairobi in hot and arid fringes of the vast northern region of Kenya. The reserves are within the lands of the colorful Samburu tribe, relatives of the famed Masai. Furthermore, this region is noted for the unique species that live here, such as the Grevy's zebra, gerenuk and reticulated giraffe. Some of these species are so well adapted to the dry area that they can go for long periods of time without water, surviving only on moisture obtained through their food. The Uaso Nyiro River runs through the park and guarantees an abundance of wildlife the year around. It is also not uncommon to see a hundred different species of birds throughout the park. The rugged splendor of this region is accented by the colorful dress and beauty of the Samburu tribe. These nomadic people allow a glimpse into their way of life and how they have adapted to this mysterious and adventurous region.
THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY AND THE LAKES
The Great Rift Valley is one of the most dramatic features of the planet, stretching some 3600 miles from the Dead Sea in Jordan to Mozambique in the south. In Kenya, the Rift Valley starts at Lake Turkana in the north and crosses the center of the country to Lake Natron just across the southern border into Tanzania. It is up to 60 miles wide in places and features cliffs, escarpments, rivers and arid plains, which support an amazing diversity of fauna and flora. The Rift Valley's system of deep freshwater lakes includes Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Lake Baringo. Lake Nakuru is known for its stunning pink vision as millions of flamingos congregate to feed in the alkaline waters. Visitors to this area will be taken with the beauty of the fever trees and the richness of the wildlife, which includes a rhino sanctuary. Lake Naivasha is home to over 400 species of birds, which are drawn to the papyrus reeds that line its shores. Lake Baringo, to the north, is also rich in bird life and other aquatic animals, such as hippo and crocodile.
MOMBASA
Mombasa is Kenya's second largest - and oldest - city, with a history that dates back nearly 2,000 years. Mombasa is a mystical mixture of the ancient and the modern with a cosmopolitan population of African, European, Arab and Asian. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and pedestrian lanes lined with quaint shuttered houses and open fronted shops. The smell of spices is always present. Dominating the entrance to the Dhow harbor and overlooking the old town is Fort Jesus built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. A museum in the fort displays antiques from the length of the Kenyan coast, and is always open to visitors. |
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Time Zone "GMT +3 Hours."
Language Spoken
English and Kiswahili (the language of the Swahili people in Africa) are the official languages of Kenya. However is the most common language spoken at home, and most rural Kenyans speak their tribal language.
Passport/ VISA
"British citizens require a valid passport and a visa.
Kenya High Commission
45 Portland Place, London W1B 1AS, UK
Tel: (020) 7636 2371/5. Fax: (020) 7323 6717.
E-mail: info@kenyahighcommission.net This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or consular@kenyahighcommission.net This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (consular section).
Website: www.kenyahighcommission.net
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1200 and 1400-1530"
Climate
Rainfall occurs seasonally throughout most of Kenya. The coast, eastern plateaus, and lake basin experience two rainy seasons: the long rains extends roughly from March to June, and the short rains lasts from approximately October to December. The highlands of western Kenya have a single rainy season, lasting from March to September. All parts of the country are subject to periodic droughts, or delays in the start of the rainy seasons. Kenyas climate has had a profound effect on settlement patterns, as for centuries population has been concentrated in the wettest areas of the country. |
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