Kenya is considered one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the east, it shares borders with Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Uganda and Tanzania. The scenic diversity of the country is well illustrated in the golden grasslands in the southwest, sandy white beaches in the east and the volcanic wastelands in the north. Major tourist attractions are the numerous game reserves which draw people for safari. Tourists also enjoy are the Great Rift Valley and Lake Victoria.
With its varying elevations, the country's temperatures range from tropical along the coastline to hot and dry in the lowlands and onto the more pleasant temperate climate of the highlands.
Kenya can be entered via one of its two international airports, located in Nairobi and Mombassa, by road from one of the neighboring countries or by water across Lake Victoria. The two international airports are serviced by various European and African airlines. Roads in Kenya are usually good in and around the cities and on routes between major cities and towns, but moving away from these centers they gradually deteriorate sometimes into impassable mud strips. A fairly efficient train service operates in the southern part of the country, although buses and taxis carry the brunt of the public transportation load.
Communication infrastructure in Kenya is fairly well developed and both domestic and international calls can be made even though they may be expensive. There are also two mobile telephone companies operating in the country while faxing services and Internet facilities can be found in most major hotels in the two main cities, Nairobi and Mombassa.
Even though the government emphasizes nationalism, Kenya is a multi-cultural society. The country's diversity is well illustrated in the multitude of tribes living in Kenya, each with its own unique cultural identity. Overall, the people in Kenya are friendly with a humble, respectful demeanor. The official languages spoken in Kenya are English and Swahili.
The Kenya shilling is the official currency. The general cost of living can be termed inexpensive compared to Western standards. Accommodation can vary from very expensive five star hotels, comparing favorably to international standards, to very affordable hotels and hostels with limited amenities. Credit cards are widely accepted in Kenya. Both U.S. dollars and British pounds are accepted as cash in most places frequented by tourists. The tourist industry in Kenya is well organized and a multitude of services are available to cater to one of the country's major sources of income, the foreign traveler.
Kenya's crime rate is high. The capital, Nairobi, is sometimes referred to as "Nai-Robbery" due to the high crime level present in the city. Carjacking, property theft and personal attacks, often violent, are daily events and foreign travelers are not spared. Pickpocketing and petty theft considered as serious risks in other cities around the world are considered part of everyday living in Kenya.
For a free map of Kenya and more detailed information, be sure to click on the Destination Brief above.
Please note: the situation in Kenya can be volatile and dynamic. You are encouraged to purchase an Intelligence Brief ($7.50) or Destination Tracker ($25) for complete, up-to-the-minute information on the Country, Security and Health, Local Travel Alerts, Entry/exit requirements, Transportation, Communications/Technology, Legal and Financial situation, Environmental concerns and Language in Kenya.