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Kenya
Kenya is one of the most colorful and vibrant nations in North Africa, located directly on the equator. Its capital is the city of Nairobi, where about 4 million people live. Until 1963 Kenya was a colony of Great Britain and only after gaining independence it gained the status of a Republic. The area of the state is relatively small and is just over 586,000 kilometers. It is home to approximately 48 million people.
Kenya. Author - Jacque Rollet.
Nature and climate: what a traveler needs to know?
The climate in Kenya is quite dry: there is very little rainfall. Northern Kenya at first glance resembles a desert. Of the water sources here is the largest lake in the state - Lake Turkana. Besides, the closer to the border with Ethiopia and Somalia, the hotter the climate becomes. An unprepared tourist will have a very hard time here.
The Great Rift Valley passes through the center of Kenya. This is a natural fault in the Earth's crust, formed millions of years ago. The depth of the fault varies from a dozen meters to several kilometers. The valley is considered one of the most picturesque places in Kenya. Its edges are covered with rich vegetation, which does not disappear all year round. Located at the bottom of the lake and river, they contribute to the creation of a milder climate.
However, when approaching the border with Tanzania, the lack of moisture begins to be felt again. During the dry season, the local areas are more like deserts. As a result, the animals living here are forced to migrate all the time in search of water and food. In the west of the republic there is a piece of Lake Victoria, named so in honor of the Queen of Great Britain. In the east there are picturesque beaches and a strip of ocean coastline 400 kilometers long. Contrary to public opinion, Kenya does not have jungles, as, for example, in Uganda. But there are picturesque mangroves, snow-white beaches and remote islands.
The rainy season in Kenya falls in spring: March, April and May are rainy. However, this does not discourage tourists who come to the country for safari. From June to September the amount of rainfall is significantly reduced. Approximately by the end of September - beginning of October the weather in Kenya changes again: the second rainy season comes. It lasts until December. Immediately after its end the tourist influx begins in the country. Until February, the weather in the country is dry and clear, and the air temperature remains quite comfortable.
The closer to the mountains, the colder it gets. In the mountainous regions of Kenya the temperature during the day rarely exceeds +25...27 degrees Celsius. At night the thermometer can fall to +15 degrees. The lower you go, the higher the surrounding temperature. On the plain the thermometer will be 10 degrees higher than in the mountains. Relatively cool weather for Kenya holds on the coast.
Sunrise, Masai Mara, Kenya. Author - clic.clac75.
Locals and their temperament
You should not be afraid of the local population: Kenyans are characterized by hospitality and friendliness. In some cases, they may seem naive. Despite this, the inhabitants of the republic are not devoid of impulsiveness. That is why it is worth avoiding insults and obvious disrespect when communicating with them. Kenyans are very fond of tourists, since it is the incoming guests who are their main source of income.
As for religion, the population of the country is divided into two large groups: one professes Christianity, and the other - Islam. Also in some areas you can meet adherents of Rastafarianism. They have an unkempt appearance and often behave too loose, especially towards tourists.
Kenya is considered an unsafe country. However, this statement is true only if you are traveling alone and deviate greatly from popular tourist routes. The outskirts of major cities are also unsafe for visitors. For example, in the poor neighborhoods of Mombasa and Nairobi, robbery, violence and even murder are common.
What language do the locals speak?
Swahili is the official language of Kenya. It is spoken by the majority of the country's population. The second most popular language is English. Do not forget that in the recent past Kenya was a British colony. Thanks to this English is perfectly understood even by the inhabitants of the most remote tribes.
In addition to Swahili and English, there are 45 dialects in the country, and if you believe the English magazine Ethnologue, then all 70. However, tourists should have no cause for concern. To communicate with the locals, it is enough to have a basic knowledge of English. After all, you can always use the services of an interpreter.
Attractions in Kenya
Despite the fact that Kenya has a lot of old buildings and colonial monuments left by the British and Portuguese, however, tourists are not attracted by them. Many people come here specifically for the natural parks, various excursions and safaris. Indeed, the nature in Kenya is characterized by uniqueness and diversity: there is a huge number of rare species of animals and birds, which are a pleasure to watch. There are a lot of national parks in the republic, which are considered to be one of the best on the planet. There are also very beautiful and picturesque beaches, suitable for both lovers of passive recreation and connoisseurs of diving.
What to bring from Kenya?
First of all, it's worth finding out what you are not allowed to take out of the country. You will not be allowed at customs if you bring ivory, as well as jewelry with diamonds and gold. But here you can buy costume jewelry made of semi-precious stones. Tanzanite and tiger's eye jewelry are especially popular. Locals sell original statuettes made of ebony and stone. You can also buy locally made wicker baskets, bags and utensils as souvenirs.
Giraffe, Kenya. Author - pludsou.
How to pay in Kenya?
The official currency of the state is the Kenyan shilling. One US dollar is equal to approximately 108 Kenyan shillings. Currency exchange is best done at the airport, hotel, bank or a special exchange office. Also in large stores and establishments bank cards of international payment systems are accepted for payment. As for small stores and private stores, there may be problems with accepting cards. It is worth noting that in Kenya it is customary to pay tips. Any person who has rendered you a service will expect a reward for it. The amount of the tip may be small, but if you forget to pay, it will be perceived as disrespectful.
Interesting facts about Kenya
Kenya is rightly considered one of the most original and unusual countries. Many are afraid of it for its reputation, while others fall in love already after the first visit. Nevertheless, you will be interested to know a few surprising facts about this African state:
- The largest airport in East Africa is located here. Kenya also has domestic airlines that allow you to quickly get from one end of the country to the other.
- In the mountainous parts of Kenya, snow lies all year round.
- In the republic, shoes made from old car tires are very popular. Moreover, such flip-flops are gladly bought by tourists.
- Kenya has a very unfavorable situation on HIV. Almost every 15th resident of the state is infected with this virus.
- There are about 60 national parks and reserves in the country. Such a number is not in any other state.
- More than 75% of the population of the republic lives from agriculture. They mainly grow maize, raise chickens and pigs.
- Almost all families in Kenya have many children. The usual number of children is 4-5.
The most important event in the lives of Kenyans is a wedding. The initiative always comes from the groom's family. A bride price must be paid for the bride, which the groom can pay for several years after the marriage. Until the debt to the bride's family is not paid in full, the husband has no right to consider the children born in marriage, his.
In Kenya, it is not customary to give expensive gifts of art or jewelry. If you want to surprise a local resident, choose the most practical and useful gift that will be useful in everyday life.
Kenya is one of the most developed African countries. Picturesque nature and rich fauna attract people from all over the world. You can go here for both safari and exotic beach vacation.
