Kenya Fast Facts

Kenya is located in East Africa and borders Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Beautiful beaches and a rich wildlife are among the highlights of the country. However, as a traveler you should be well informed about the security in the country. See Andyeducation for education in Kenya.

Fast facts to know

• Tourism is the most important industry in East African Kenya.
• Kenya has 27 national parks, 32 reserves and 4 wildlife sanctuaries.
• A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry, malaria prophylaxis is recommended as well as standard vaccinations.
• A visa is required for German nationals.
• There is a risk of terrorist attacks in Kenya ( Notes on safety )
• Tipping is generally customary in Kenya (but not in taxis).
• Driving on intercity buses should be avoided.
• Mains electricity is 240V (50-60Hz) AC with UK standard plugs.
• In general, tap water should not be used for drinking or brushing your teeth.
• Kenya is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
• Almost half of all cut flowers in Europe come from Kenya.
• Kenya is home to the world’s two last remaining white rhinos (the third, Sudan, died in 2018).
• The phrase “Hakuna Matata” comes from Swahili and means “no worries”.
• Kenya’s population is very open to tourists, hospitable and helpful.
• Kenya and Tanzania are home to the Maasai.

Exciting cities in Kenya

• Nairobi
• Mombasa
• Lamu
• Eldoret
• Kisumu

History of Kenya

• Kenya has long been considered uninteresting in Western historiography.
• Pre-humans lived in what is now Kenya 4 million years ago.
• The indigenous people of Kenya were hunters and gatherers.
• 2000 BC BC Immigrants from North Africa bring livestock farming to Kenya.
• 1st Century Coastal towns involved in Arab and Roman trading networks.
• Consequence: spread of Islam.
• 1500-1700 strong Portuguese influence.
• 18th century Oman controls coastal areas of Kenya.
• At the end of the 19th century, the ivory trade became increasingly important.
• During the colonial period, Kenya came under the influence of the British crown.
• Maasai conquer large parts of East Africa.
• During World War I Kenya is an active theater of war.
• World War II led to an economic boom as Kenya secured Britain’s food supply.
• 1950s marked by freedom struggles and guerrilla wars.
• 1963 Kenya gains independence.
• 1963-1978 Honor Jomo Kenyatta.
• 1978-2002 Don’t Daniel arap Moi.
• Beginning of democratization in 1990.

Climate & Travel Weather in Kenya

• Warm all year round with low temperature fluctuations.
• Highlands: 2 rainy seasons (March-May, November-December).
• Coast: Significantly higher temperatures (over 20°C at night).
• Recommended travel time:
  • Mid-December and February (high season, warm, hardly any rain).
  • Dry period from June to September.
  • Wildebeest migration: June-October.
  • Rainy seasons should be avoided (few animals, roads impassable).

Ideas for trips in Kenya

• Kolonialbauten in Nairobi.
• Bomas of Kenya.
• Big 5 Safaris.
• Climb Mount Kenya.
• Hot air balloon ride over the savannah.
• Experience the annual wildebeest migration.
• Hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park.
• Fort Jesus.
• Beach walks on the coast.

Eating & drinking in Kenya

• In big cities there is a good range of international dishes, but also fast food.
• Only the right hand is used for eating.
• Knives and forks are available in restaurants on request.
• Almost everywhere there is very fresh, delicious fruit (baby bananas, mangoes, pineapples, etc.).
• Water should only be drunk in sealed bottles.
• Fruit juices are usually very tasty (without ice cubes).
• Imported beers tend to be expensive, well-known local brand: Tusker.
• Curry buffets are very popular (often very spicy).
• In coastal regions: marine animals recommended.
• Kenya’s beef is of prime quality (steaks).
• Typical dishes:
  • Sea fish Swahili style.
  • Ugali (porridge made from cornmeal).
  • Irio (corn, red bean and potato stew).
  • Coconut shrimp (strips of coconut meat with shrimp fried in hot oil until golden brown).
  • Matoke (banana mash made from plantains).
  • Nyama Choma (grilled meat with chicken, goat or mutton.
  • Samosas (dumplings filled with spicy ground beef or vegetables).

Particularly scenic

• Lake Victoria
• Rift Valley
• Bamburi Beach
• Salt Lick Lodge
• Masai Mara in der Serengeti
• Nakuru-See
• The most beautiful national parks:
  • Nairobi National Park
  • Amboseli National Park
  • Tsavo National Park
  • Kakamega Forest National Reserve
  • Lake Nakura National Park
  • National Reserve Samburu
  • National Reserve Buffalo Springs