Kenya is located in East Africa, nestled between Somalia to the north west and Tanzania to the south. Neighbouring countries include Ethiopia and Sudan to the north and Uganda to the west. Here we have compiled some Kenya Safari frequently asked questions together with our answers:

1. How big is the area of Kenya?

• Amboseli National Park – 390 km² (150 mi2) in size at the core of an 8,000 km² (3,000 mi2) ecosystem
• Lake Nakuru National Park – 168 square kilometres
• Masai Mara – 1510 square kilometres
• Samburu National Park – 104 square kilometres
• Tsavo East National Park – 11,747 square kilometers, one of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya
• Nairobi – 684 square kilometers

2. How big is the Kenya Population?

Kenya’s population was reported as 38.6 million during the 2009 census compared to 28.7 million inhabitants in 1999, 21.4 million in 1989, and 15.3 million in 1979. This was an increase of 2.5 percent over 30 years, or an average growth rate of more than 3 percent per year.

The population of Kenya consists of 32 major indigenous African groups, five of which making up 70% of the entire population. These groups include Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kamba and the Kalenjin. Ethnic minorities include Arabs and Asians.

3. What is the time zone of Kenya?

The standard time zone in Kenya is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. No daylight saving time in 2020. Current time in Kenya Kenya Standard Time is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT+3 ). Kenya is in East Africa Time Zone ( EAT ).

4. What is the Capital City of Kenya?

Nairobi (pronounced /naɪˈrəʊbɪ/) is the capital and largest city in Kenya, and popularly known as the ‘Green City in the Sun’. Nairobi is also the capital of the Nairobi Province and of the Nairobi District.

Nairobi is located on the Nairobi River in the south of Kenya and is the most populous city in East Africa, with an estimated population of 4 million. Nairobi is also the fourth largest city in Africa.

5. What is the Climate like in Kenya?

Kenya lies directly on the equator and has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid in the coastal areas and temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country.

6. What is the best time of the year to visit Kenya?

Kenya is a great year round destination, with the main tourist season being in January and February. During this period the weather is hot and dry and is generally considered quite pleasant.

This is also a time when flocks of birds arrive in the Rift Valley, offering a kaleidoscope of colour and sound. Between June and September the weather is still dry, with the rains coming from March to May.

During the rainy months things are quiet, with hotels and lodges having many rooms available and prices tend to decrease.

7. What type of Government does Kenya have?

Kenya is a democratic republic and is governed by the current president Uhuru Kenyatta, who is both head of government and head of state. Executive power is put into effect by the government and legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

8. What is the Kenya local currency?

The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), comprising of 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of 5c, 10c, 50c, 1 and 5 shillings. Banks notes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings.

Foreign currency being imported into the country is unlimited and does not have to be declared on arrival, however, the importation and exportation of Kenyan shilling is illegal.

9.What are the Bank Opening Hours?

Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday from 09:00am to 14:00pm (16:30 in bigger cities). Banks at the airport stay open until midnight.

10. What safety issues should I consider while traveling in Kenya?

Always stay alert when walking or driving through the major cities, especially Nairobi. If possible, always ensure that you have a guide with you when exploring these areas. Nairobi has been nicknamed ‘Nairobbery’ as even daylight muggings in crowded areas are not uncommon.

Avoid walking after dark and displaying your wealth, including carrying cell phones, MP3’s, laptops and camera’s in full view. The bus from the airport to downtown is a well known target for pickpockets. Women travelers should avoid traveling alone.

The North of Kenya has a reputation for lawlessness, becoming more dangerous the closer you get to the Sudanese, Ethiopian and Somali borders. Armed robberies and abductions by bandits on the roads are frequent in these areas. If possible, avoid travelling to these areas. The towns of Lodwar, Lokichokio and Moyale are best avoided by tourists.

11. What is the Country Dialing Code of Kenya?

In major cities, international direct dialing should be available, but quite expensive. Local and international phone calls can be made from public phone boxes, although they are hard to find. The number for the international operator is 0196.

To call Kenya from other countries, subscribers must dial their international access code e.g. 00 for most European countries, and 011 from North America, followed by the country code 254. The international access code for calls from Kenya is 000.

12. Can I use my Cell/mobile phone in Kenya?

In Kenya you will be able to buy prepaid (pay-as-you-go) SIM cards that are cheap and easy to use. Top-up or refill vouchers are widely available in all hotels, newsagents, supermarkets and shops.

13. What plugs and power voltage is used in Kenya?

The local electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC, 50HZ and plugs are 3 point square. Please bring along voltage and plug adaptors if you intend bringing electrical devices. Major hotels usually provide hairdryers, irons and other electrical equipment on request.

Do you have any Questions about Safari or Kilimanjaro Climbs to Tanzania?  Feel free to ask any Questions about Tanzania, it’s easy  Click here and ask any Questions you may have about Tanzania and our Panel of Travel Experts will be happy to help you free of charge ~ The only Neutral Advice about your Safari!