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.
CULTURE
There are more than 70 tribal groups among the Africans
in Kenya. Differences between many of them are blurred
- western cultural values are becoming more deep-seated
and traditional values are disintegrating. There are many
other tribes in Kenya; these include Kikuyu, Luhia, Luo
and Kikamba as well as a plethora of minor tribal tongues.
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$20 for international
flights (not payable in KSh). A number of airlines operate
between Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nanyuki, Malindi, Lamu
and the national parks/reserves of Amboseli, Masai Mara
and Samburu.
ROADS
There are 63,800 km of highways in Kenya, 8,863
km of which are paved. Roads are generally in good condition,
but have deteriorated and some stretches are very unsafe.
The A104 running from Mombasa to Malaba via Nairobi is
a heavy truck route. High speed and unpredictable local
driving habits are daily hazards on Kenyan roads. Roads
in the north and north-east are predominantly dirt roads
and in the rainy season are only navigable by four-wheel
drive vehicles. Your national driving license is accepted,
with an English translation if necessary. Driving is on
the left side of the road. As fuel shortages can occur,
it is best to fill your tanks before leaving a major town.
General Accommodation Info
Most safari lodges vary in size and style, and are built
to blend in with the local environment. Accommodation
tends to be of rondavel or banda type, with a lounge,
central dining and bar in single unit hotels. Do not be
misled by the term “tented accommodation”
– this tends to be luxurious insect-proof tents
and are usually permanently pitched on concrete bases,
often including en suite bathrooms with flush toilets.
These are very popular and give the visitor the true experience
of being close to nature without the inconvenience and
discomfort that can be associated with camping in the
open. In the towns, cheaper hotels are definitely avoidable.
Prices for higher range hotels vary according to season.
Note that although prices may be quoted in US$, payment
in local currency is the accepted norm. Campsites in national
parks and game reserves tend to be very basic, with running
water, but only pit toilets. It is strongly recommended
that you reserve all your accommodation as far in advance
as possible as availability is often at a premium, especially
in peak season.
