Climate in Kenya
Climate in Kenya : Kenya’s climate is characterized by both wet and dry seasons. Though there is a noticeable difference between day and nighttime temperatures, the highlands often experience milder temperatures than the coast. The seaside area is consistently humid and warm. During the day, the average temperature is approximately 35°C/95°F.
The rainy seasons in Kenya are both long and brief. While the long rainy season lasts from the end of March to the end of May, the short rainy season typically occurs in November. However, it is still feasible to travel to Kenya during the rainy season. There are fewer tourists, the parks are verdant and beautiful, and the majority of the roads are usable. While the mornings are beautiful, the rain frequently falls in the afternoon. Some dirt roads in the parks might become impassable due to heavy showers, but in those instances our drivers always look for alternative routes.
Security
Kenya is obviously a safe country to visit, especially for people going on organized game drives with private guides as you will do with us. There are of course some places to avoid in big cities like Nairobi or Mombasa, but – as with all big cities – by taking a few steps, you will be fine. Also during safari’s, there are a few things to keep in mind. Never leave your passport, cash or other valuables in the room, unless there is a safe. Put your valuables in a safe or leave them in special lockers at the reception. Do not leave important items (such as money or your bag) unattended in the safari vehicle, even for a short time.
Leave valuable jewelry at home. Wear a (simple) necklace, watch, or wedding ring, but avoid flashy jewelry (that also monkeys might steel).
Be wary of pickpockets during the day.
Avoid going out by yourself at night, especially in the cities avoid going out by foot at night.
If you need a taxi, only use registered taxi companies that you can order at the hotel reception.
Dress code
It is common practice in Kenya to cover shoulders and wear skirts and pants that reach below the knees. The majority religion in Mombasa and the coastal areas is Islam, and women typically cover their hair as well. Although following these traditions is polite, you are under no need to do so. Shorts or skirts are fine, especially at hotels and on safari.
But before you start packing your skirts and shorts, there are a few things to consider. The sun may be extremely scorching in Kenya because the equator passes directly through the country. Wearing long sleeves, a hat, dark sunglasses, and/or sunscreen is therefore advised. Headaches, nausea, dizziness, and dehydration can result from excessive sun exposure.
Because of the mosquitoes, it is best to wear long pants (and maybe long sleeves) after dark. It can get cold, especially in Kenya’s highland areas, so pack a sweater or jacket for the early mornings and colder evenings.
During the safari it’s best to wear casual clothing, preferably cotton clothing in safari colours. We advise against wearing dark or bright colours during the safari (black, blue, red) – these will attract flies and insects. Colours that don’t stand out, like khaki or olive green, are best.
Healthcare in Kenya
The quality of health care in Kenya varies. In major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa there are some good medical facilities, but it’s always better to prevent any medical emergencies. Although it was formerly an issue in Kenya, malaria has largely been eliminated in recent years. To be sure, the majority of tourists use malaria medication and apply insect repellent at night. If you plan to be outside at night, don’t forget to bring some long-sleeved shirts and pants.
It is recommended to bring your own first aid kit to Kenya. This should include plasters, (sterile) gauze, anti-blistering agents, iodine, and medicines for common ailments such as headaches and bowel problems. Additionally, since sanitary towels and tampons can be hard to find in some places, it is a good idea to pack them.
In any event, when visiting Kenya, be sure to have enough health insurance. Additionally, we can assist you with obtaining Flying Doctors insurance. Before visiting Kenya, we always advise you to get the most recent advice from your doctor or the local health facility.
Food.
While there are certain Kenyan dishes available, the majority of the food and beverages served in Kenyan hotels, camps, and resorts are European in style. Think chapati’s and cassava for breakfast, and rice, beans, fresh veggies, curry’s, fresh fish and roast meat for lunch and dinner. Hotels usually serve this together with a full English breakfast with eggs, bacon, tomatoes, cereal and delicious tropical fruits served in the mornings. Lunch then often consists of hot meals and both lunch and dinner can be a three- or more course meal. In smaller lodges and camps, meals are usually served as a set menu. The larger lodges usually offer lunch and dinner in buffet form.
Drinks.
The local beer (the most famous being Tusker and White Cap) is good and most hotels offer a choice of wines. In Kenya, tap water is unfit for human consumption. There is always a bottle or jug of filtered drinking water in the rooms, and we supply you with enough of bottled water throughout the safari. Bottled drinking water is also available at each lodge and at small businesses along the route. Be sure to consume plenty water.
Although it is neither accessible nor exchangeable outside of Kenya, it is beneficial to have the Kenyan shilling on hand for tips and local purchases. ATMs are located in cities and villages close to national parks, as well as at international airports. We advise to take money out of the ATM upon arrival and along the way, and only take a little cash (euro/ USD) from home as back up. Be aware that taking money out of the ATM costs a small fee and that your credit- or debit card needs to be enabled to withdraw money worldwide.
