Geography
Republic of Kenya occupies an area of 582 644 sq. km. Situated above the equator, Kenya is divided by the Great Rift Valley, which stretches from the Jordan in the North to Mozambique in the South. Kenya is surrounded by five countries: Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, and Somalia to the east, the coastline of the Indian Ocean, which is Kenya's eastern border stretches almost five hundred kilometres distance from the Somali border to the border of Tanzania. Nature Kenya is very rich and varied: from glaciers to waterless deserts, mountains, numerous lakes and dense forests. Kenya boasts vast Tana River, which flows through its territory, as well as Ati River, which empties into the Indian Ocean. The Tana River, Delta inhabited by rare species of animals. Kenya owns part of Lake Victoria, one of the greatest freshwater lakes in the world, which is the source of the Nile River, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The Capital of Kenya is Nairobi.
Vaccinations
Before arriving in the country require vaccination against hepatitis a, hepatitis b, typhoid fever. Vaccination against yellow fever was of a recommendatory nature. Children must be immunized in accordance with the age. On entering the country, health insurance is not required but it is recommended to have in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Customs
Duty-free import of cigarettes-200 pieces; spirits-1 bottle; perfume and toilet water-600 g. Importation of fruits, seedlings and seeds; drugs; explosives, firearms and toys his mimic. Banned export of gold and diamonds; ivory.
The export of animal skins for a special license of the customs authorities, Import of foreign currency is not limited, but the Declaration is obligatory; National-is prohibited. Allowed to export imported foreign currency, national-is prohibited. Export of artistic, cultural and historical values without permission is prohibited. Import and export of weapons and ammunition is possible only after obtaining a license and have appropriate permissions in the Bureau of Police weapons licensing in Kenya.
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES), equal to 100 cents.
In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000shilling.
Banks and currency exchange open from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm Monday to Friday and from 9.00 to 11.00 every first and last Saturday of the month. Banks at the airport operate 24 hours a day. Currency can be exchanged at any bank branch and exchange offices (requires passport but the Commission is minimal). In some larger supermarkets Nairobi and Mombasa we accept major international credit cards. Travelers ' checks can be cashed in banks. In the interior regions to pay non-cash funds virtually impossible. Change money on the street is prohibited, and in exchange points is required to show a passport. We accept all major international credit cards. Tips are better given in local currency.
Security
- When you find outside hotels have the original or photocopy of identity document. When the document have a note with the phone numbers of the Embassy and the police;
- exits in the city alone are not recommended;
- access to the shops, markets, restaurants, spectacles, preferably a group of several people (at least three);
- Jewelry should not be worn;
- do not leave inside the machine any items;
- walking on the streets in the dark is dangerous and should be deleted;
- It is strongly recommended to refrain from visiting bars, restaurants and hotels with dubious reputation, gambling establishments, shops and outlets do not explicitly target the tourist service
- do not accept from strangers any packages, packages and letters.
- If there any unrest broke out (fight, attack, the emergence of excited crowds scramble with the police, etc.) is to immediately leave the area. In doing so, behave calmly and confidently. To avoid situations in which you might need to act as a witness.
Climate
Subequatorial, In the course of the year in Kenya there are two seasons: short rains (October-December) and long (from late March to early June). Rains usually begin in the afternoon, but even during the rainy season, the sun shines very often. Most rain falls on the ocean and in the West of the country, in the mountainous areas. In General, the climate in Kenya is the best on the continent, while in Nairobi the day temperature constantly keeps within 20-28 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit the country-August and September. Variations in altitude create contrasts in climate. On the coast the climate is humid and hot. Morning in the Central Highlands can be cool and the days are very hot and dry. In the areas most frequented by tourists, weather ideal, it is not too cold and not too hot.
Miscellaneous
Language: the official English and Swahili, the local languages. Kenya's official language is English, it is taught in schools and make up all government documents. But the majority of the population speaks Swahili (Bantu language with a large number of Arabic loanwords), so he is considered a national language. In addition, there are more than 40 in Kenya local dialects..
Transport
The country's main seaport is Mombasa. There are two international airports in Nairobi and Mombasa.
In Nairobi operate buses and fixed-route taxis.
Some rules of the road for someone who takes a car:
Movement in Kenya left. The maximum permissible speed on asphalt roads, 100 km/h on country-70 km/h in built-up areas-55 km/h, in the reserves-25 km/h due to the poor state of the roads, safer to hire a car with driver; local drivers are able to cope with any surprises. If you want to drive yourself, you need international law.
Cuisine
National cuisine quite distinctive, and built on the wide use of low-cost products coupled with the fact that you can find in Savannah. In addition, beef and pork are traditionally expensive in these places, widely used meat of wild animals and birds. Tourists usually offer any exotic Antelope stew, fillet, crocodile meat braised slonyatina with banana salad, roasted Bok buyvolyatiny, ostrich Roast with fruit sauce, fried termites or locusts, but worth a try and the local version of chicken-Grill, roast in a test game, buyvolyatiny steak, chicken soup with green peas, braised veal with vegetables and so on. For garnish usually go corn, beans and rice.
On the coast are used extensively by seafood. Here is to evaluate the turtle soup, stews, grilled Octopus, Grilled trout and Nile perch, baked, grilled fish in banana leaves, various crustaceans, oysters and seaweed salad. All restaurants offer a large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. The table is usually served fresh juice, iced tea (brewed here typically "English"-with milk and sugar) and coffee of pretty good quality.
