Kenya

A trip to shuka (checkered cloth). But Kenya has much more to offer than national parks. It features forested mountains begging to be clambered up and sprawling cities with restaurants, nightclubs and shops. You can relax on pristine beaches, dive to uncrowded spots on the Indian Ocean's floor or go on a thrilling off-road adventure. Eat your way across Kenya's capital of Nairobi © Aleksandar Todorovic / Shutterstock 1. Nairobi A city at the center of it all, Kenya’s capital is a great stopover if you’re looking to head off on safari, hit the beach or visit everything in between. Unpack your bags and spend a couple of days eating your way across the array of bars and restaurants in Planning tip: Even in the capital, you can get up close with wildlife. Options include seeing orphaned baby elephants at 2. Turkana Remote, inhospitable and historically drought-stricken, Given how hot and arid the region is, jade-blue Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world, provides a wonderful surprise. Visit Eliye Springs with its sandy beaches and towering green palm trees, and you'll think you’re on Diani Beach on the Kenyan coast, or rent a speedboat and zip to Fast-developing Lodwar town bursts with lively nightlife and also features its own replica of Brazil’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue. For a real glimpse into the past, drive 129km (80 miles) west to see a replica of the archeological fossil remains of Turkana Boy, which has earned this region the name “cradle of mank...

Background: Revered president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA led Kenya from independence until his death in 1978, when 2nd President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI took power in a constitutional succession. The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982 when the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) made itself the sole legal party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. The ethnically fractured opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power in elections in 1992 and 1997, which were marred by violence and fraud, but are viewed as having generally reflected the will of the Kenyan people. President MOI stepped down in December of 2002 following fair and peaceful elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate of the multiethnic, united opposition group, the National Rainbow Coalition, defeated KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA and assumed the presidency following a campaign centered on an anticorruption platform. (Source: CIA - The World Factbook) related countries: Official Name: Republic of Kenya conventional short form: Kenya former: British East Africa. ke Actual Time: Wed-June-14 23:53 Local Time = UTC +3h Capital City: Other Cities: Government: Type: Republic. Independence: 12 December 1963 (from UK). Geography: Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania. Terrain: From a low coastal plain on the Indian Ocean in a series of mountain ridges and plat...

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our Check the visa requirements for Kenya Many nationalities need to obtain a visa before departure. Check Kenya’s You won’t receive an email confirmation of your Kenya visa application or payment, so you need to log in to check its status. Once issued, print a color copy (or two) of the visa and payment and keep them to hand, even for domestic flights, such as between Nairobi and Mombasa. You may need to upload a negative COVID-19 test result from less than 72 hours before departure and/ or vaccination records, so ensure you've read the most up-to-date entry requirements from your home country. Pack smart for Kenya – it’s not always hot Early morning safaris can be chilly, so it’s wise to take layers for a trip to Kenya. Similarly, temperatures can drop at night in the highlands. Fleeces and even windproof waterproofs are recommended. On the other hand, staying cool is key by the coast or in the city. Pack cool, breathable fabrics and always cover up in the midday sun. Leave your plastics at home Kenya banned single-use plastics in 2017, so leave any carrier bags (and preferably single-use plastic water bottles and straws) at home. The bag ban is countrywide – luggage is often scanned, so don’t pack shoes or other items in plastic bags. Single-use plastic bottles and straws are banned in national parks – bring a reusable water bottle from home. Do you need malaria tablets for Kenya? Pr...