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22ND NOV 2008
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Visas:
Citizens from most countries are required to obtain a visa that costs 50 USD. Visas can be obtained directly on entry. However, if there is a Kenyan diplomatic mission in your country, it is advisable to obtain the visa in advance. The visa is valid for 90 days.
Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months starting from the date of entry. You must also be able to show an onward or return ticket. Otherwise you may be asked to purchase one or to make a refundable deposit.
Visa extensions can be applied for to the Principal Immigration Officer at Nyayo House in Nairobi or the immigration office in Mombasa. As long as your visa is valid, you do not need to ask for re-entry passes if you travel to Uganda or Tanzania.
The airport taxes are now included in your flight ticket, so you will not have to pay upon leaving the country as it used to be.
How to go:
The easiest way to reach Kenya is by air, landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The major Kenyan airline is Kenya Airways. Other airlines that fly to Nairobi from Europe include British Airways (London), KLM (Amsterdam), SN Brussels Airlines (Brussels), and Swiss/Crossair (Zürich). From the USA, a connecting flight must be taken. Other international airlines that fly to Nairobi include El Al, Egyptair, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Air Malawi, Air Zimbabwe, and Qantas. Only a couple of German airlines fly direct from Europe to Moi International Airport in Mombasa, from Münich (LTU) or Frankfurt (Condor). You can find flight schedules from your home to Nairobi at Amadeus.
Arrival by land is possible, of course if you can take several months off. Countries located north of Kenya (Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia), as well as countries located westwards (Democratic Republic of Congo) are either chronically or sporadically problematic. Thus the only safe way to arrive by land is the south route. The way from South Africa - Botswana - Zambia - Tanzania is relatively safe. The only problem could be burocratic: traditionally it was difficult to enter Kenya with a South African stamp in the passport, but this restriction appears to have subsided.
Concerning the train, the only possibility is from Kampala, in Uganda. The line to Kisumu connects with the main railroad Nairobi-Mombasa. You can check the timetables and fares here.
When to go:
The best time of the year to visit Kenya is the boreal summer, from July to September. A second choice would be the boreal winter, especially January and February. Obviously, all this months correspond to the high season, hence the prices are more expensive.
Seasonal rains condition both road communications and some cyclic wildlife movements. There are two rainy seasons, the "long rains" from March to June and the "short rains" from October to December (for more details, read the climate and vegetation page). During these months, some dirt roads become heavily muddy and some parks get flooded, hindering road transit and even supply to the lodges.
On the other hand, the wildebeest herds at Masai Mara, one of the most visited parks, migrate on a cyclic basis from this reserve to Serengeti and back. Wildebeests and their zebra escorts arrive to Masai Mara right after the long rains, searching the young and salt-rich pastures. Thus, wildlife is more abundant in Masai Mara during the boreal summer.
In January and February, the weather is generally drier and hotter than in August. These months are suitable for visiting the country, but in the arid north temperatures rocket, while few wildebeests and zebra can be found at Masai Mara.
Customs:
Custom restrictions in Kenya are similar to those in other countries. Guns are totally forbidden since hunting was banned in 1977. There is no problem with photo or video cameras.
Provided by The Student Zone (Kenya) |
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