TRAVELLING INFORMATION

Kenya offers travellers an unparalleled range of options. The incredible diversity of landscapes, cultures, wildlife and activities mean endless opportunities. Here I will mainly focus on the Kenyan coastal strip.

With so many choices at hand, some people find the prospect of planning a trip quite daunting. It doesn't have to be that way. In Coastal Kenya it is very easy to plan and prepare for a safari that is as individual as you are, and that satisfies your own personal needs and interests.
If you are planning a trip, use this blog to explore the Kenyan Coast in advance, and decide where you would like to go, what you would like to see and what you would like to do.

Beaches
The coastline of Kenya is a world of enthralling history and natural beauty, lined with pristine palm fringed beaches, and the calm inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The beaches are broken by the wide mouth of Kilifi Creek, whose azure waters are a popular port of call on the international yachting circuit.
The beaches found within the region are home to a wide range of World Class resorts with fine cuisine and services. The peaceful beach havens of Mtwapa and Takaungu offer an ideal escape from the outside world, with endless deserted beaches. The offshore reefs are alive with coral, myriad fish, sea turtles and dolphins. Both outer and inner reef walls offer world class diving with spectacular coral gardens and drop offs.

Life style

Cuisine
Coastal Kenya eating has partly been made up of Asian and European contributions but the famous Swahili cuisine, the only traditional cooking in Kenya which is loved by many, is a mixture of Arab and Hindu influences. Some of the typical dishes are actually Hindu or Arab specialties adapted to the local ingredients.

Meat eaten is mainly beef and mutton and to a lesser extent fish and chicken. Meat is stewed or grilled and is usually garnished with potatoes, rice or vegetables.

Kebabs are also very popular, imported from the Arab cuisine but adapted to the local raw materials. Samosas, originated in India, are small dough rolls stuffed with spiced minced meat or vegetables and fried. Some drops of lime juice are finally added. Chapatis are corn flour tortillas. They can be soaked in the breakfast coffee, or served with coconut sauce (tui) beans in Swahili language is called “Maharagwe ya Nazi” or can also be served with different types of stew.
Mahambri is a bun which is usually served with milk tea or black tea.

Drinks
Tea (Chai in Swahili), is essential. It is usually served with milk and sugar.
If you want some Coffee you will have to specify which kind of coffee, there is 4 types of coffee (1) whaite coffee this is milk coffee (2) Black coffee this is the coffee without milk (3) sweet black coffee (kahawa tamu) this coffee mixed with sugar and spices (4) Arabica coffee (kahawa uchungu).

Entertainments
Majority of coast people fallen in love with traditional music especially Taarab genre from Swahili tribe The root word of taarab, tariba, means "to be moved or agitated." Like much of Swahili culture, taarab began in the Kenyan port of Lamu. After studying there, early this century blind singer and oud (fretless lute) player Mbaruku helped move the music's creative center south to Mombasa. In the '1930s, Mombasa's Johar and Morning Star Orchestras became taarab's first full-sized ensembles. Taarab songs explore romance and marriage, though their stylized Swahili poetry can suggest political interpretations. During the wedding season in Mombasa, people flood the streets coming and going to and from men's and especially women's taarab parties where musicians play styles of music especially suited to each day of the week-long wedding ritual.
Taarab is the main entertainment during wedding parties where much part of the night women outshine one another in wearing elegant dresses, jewelry and henna-decorated hands and feet.

TRAVELLERS GUIDE FOR YOUR TRIP TO KENYA

When you are planning your trip first you should make decision for how long would you want to stay in Kenya and how many destinations you want to visit and how much is your budget.
Another choice is to decide on 2 or 3 destinations and spend a few days exploring each one. The choice is yours.
The Coastline of Kenya offers a diverse range of environments all within relatively close proximity to one another, and has an excellent domestic travel infrastructure. This means that you can choose to either stay based in a single location or to move around the coastline and see a range of different places.
Staying in a single place lets you explore that area in great detail. In wilderness areas, this is the best way to really get to experience many facets of an ecosystem. Coastal Kenya & Kenya's rich diversity of wildlife means that no two experiences in the wild are ever the same. Each day you'll experience and see completely different things. Spending time in a single location also allows you to really get to know and learn from the local cultures, and to get to know locals on an individual level.
Alternatively, it is possible in to take a safari to a completely different destination every single day. This is a good option for travellers who like variety of experience and environment. In a single trip to the Kenyan Coast, you can visit wildlife reserves, tropical forests, beautiful beaches, & historical monuments.

WHO ARE YOU COMING WITH
Whether you are travelling solo or looking for a family trip, Mombasa & its environs has plenty of options to suit.
Think in advance about whether or not you'd like to join an organized safari group, or have your own private transport and guides.
There is plenty to keep the single traveller busy. Organized safaris and camping trips are often great social experiences and a good way to meet other travellers. Kenyan coast is popular with independent travellers, and is quite easy to meet up with travelling companions on the road.
For couples, it is a perfect destination for a relaxing break. We have many secluded, private guesthouses, camps and hotels ideal for romantic stays or honeymoons.
The Coast is also a great family destination. Kids love Kenyan coastline, and the sights and experiences of a safari can outdo any theme park. There are hotels that cater especially for families and have special facilities, programs and safari guides for children.

YOUR OWN STYLE
Look at as many options as you can before you come. Try and plan for the perfect holiday for yourself. If you want five star Luxury accommodation you'll be spoilt for choice. But if you want to really rough it and experience life away from the trappings of civilization it can be equally easily arranged.
Think about how you are going to get around and how long it will take. Do you want to use light aircraft to avoid long road trips, or do you enjoy the experience of driving? It is possible to plan a safari that blends adventure and relaxation, luxury and natural simplicity, social experiences and solitude.

PLANNING & PACKING
It is often said that Kenya is a cold country with a hot sun, as the blend of high altitudes and tropical sun make for a unique and variable climate. This should be kept in mind when packing for a visit to its coastline. Basically the traveller should come prepared for hot and humid conditions.
Packing for the trip requires some careful thought and consideration. Ultimately your packing should be dictated by the activities you are planning to undertake.
If you are travelling extensively throughout the coastline or country at large make sure that you bring suitable luggage. Suitcases and bags should be able to withstand plenty of handling and dusty conditions. Hard suitcases are ideal, but can take up a lot of space.
If you are travelling by domestic/chartered flights, remember that there are luggage restrictions, particularly on smaller aircraft. Check in advance with your Charter airline or Safari/Tour operator.
For those planning a lot of travel by public transport or trekkers, a backpack is advisable. Bring a sturdy, well constructed pack with orthopaedic support and lockable zips and catches.
A small daypack is ideal for carrying cameras, travel documents and basic everyday items.
Equal consideration should be paid to what you bring with you.
Casual, lightweight, and comfortable clothing is usually the best. For walking safaris or game viewing on foot clothing should be of neutral colour, and white, bright or vividly patterned clothing avoided. Studies have proven that most African game animals are able to see bright blue over any other colour.
Strong footwear is advisable if you are planning to do any walking. For serious climbers and trekkers a good pair of hiking boots should be brought with you.
Remember that the tropical/Equatorial sun is strong and burns quickly. Wide brimmed hats are preferable to baseball caps for sun protection. Both sunglasses and a good quality sunscreen (rated SPF15 or higher) should be used.
A good quality insect repellent is worth bringing. You should bring your own Toiletries with you. Basic toiletry items are widely available.
Any personal Prescription drugs should be brought if necessary. Also bring the generic names for these drugs in case they need to be replaced locally. If you have prescription glasses it is wise to bring a spare pair.
For those planning lengthy treks or camping expeditions, carrying a basic medical kit is also a good idea. A small Flashlight/Torch and a Swiss Army knife are good accessories to carry with you. If you have a video camera battery charger or other electrical items, bring your own converter plug set if needed (the electricity supply is 220 Volt, 50 Hz with a square pin 13 amp plug).
A good quality pair of Binoculars is essential for effective game viewing..
Divers will find excellent dive gear for hire in Kenya, but may also wish to bring their own regulators or dive computers. Those with prescription masks should definitely bring them along. Dive Certification Cards and log documents should be brought along.
All travel documentation should be kept together securely. This should include tickets, Passports (with appropriate visa entries), Vaccination Certificates, and Travel Insurance documents.
Additional photocopies of Passport, Air ticket and Traveller's Cheque numbers should be brought and packed separately. Use our personalized Kenya Travel kit to print records of all this information. Take several copies with you and leave some at home.
Take your credit cards together Traveller's Cheques and some U.S. Dollars cash.

GETTING THERE
You can get to Coastal Kenya by traveling via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi or Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
Visas are required for entry. Visitors can also enter by road from Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan or Somalia. Immigration should be processed at land border stations.
Entry by sea is possible, and immigration should be processed at a port facility.

PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDE
Kenyan coastline is one of the great photographer's destinations. The great diversity of landscapes, people, wildlife and history make for unparalleled photo opportunities.
For the dedicated photographer, a trip here is the chance of a lifetime. Come fully prepared and equipped to take full advantage of the ideal photographic environment. Bring along even more film than you may think you need or you can just buy quality film locally, though you may not be able to purchase film while on safari or in remote areas . But in this era of technology it’s better to come with digital cameras.
For early mornings and late afternoons and in other low light conditions, it is best to have some ASA/ISO 200, 400, or even faster film, but for good daylight conditions ASA/ISO 50 and 100 speed film will suffice.
A good 35mm SLR Camera with interchangeable lenses is highly recommended. Bring a long lens (an 80mm-300mm zoom lens is best) for wildlife photography, while a 35mm-70mmlens is a good general lens for landscapes. For bright conditions a UV filter may be helpful. Those with an interest in flowers or insect life may wish to pack a macro.
Some safari companies provide rooftop camera mounts or bean bag camera rests.
Bring a good solid camera and kit bag to cope with travel and handling. A lens cleaning cloth and a blower brush will be necessary to cope with dust. If you have a Digital or Hi8 Video camera bring plenty of tape and long life batteries and adaptors for their rechargers (the electricity supply is 220 Volt, 50 Hz with a square pin 13 amp plug). Most hotels have charging facilities.
A good pair of binoculars is very important both for everyday game viewing and for scoping good photo opportunities. Birders may wish to bring a spotter scope and tripod.

Kenya Airlines

Mainly used for international arrivals and departures. Internal flights are served by the airfields and airstrips found in most major towns, conservation areas and tourist destination areas within the country.

International Airlines To Kenya
International airlines from North to South Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, East and West Europe to Middle East and Far East all converge to one point – KENYA. International airlines to Kenya serve Kenya as their main destination due to massive tourist in the country or as a transit destination due to its Geographical position, stable governance and peace prevailing in the country unlike any other Country in Africa.

Light AirCraft
Light aircraft are available for charter to destinations that have no scheduled flights. There is a range of single and twin engine aircraft offering a minimum of three
passengers seats and up to 27. All principal lodges and tented camps have their own airstrips suitable for light aircraft. The establishment then provides vehicles for hire by those who arrive by air, while within the area. To avoid the rough roads to some interior areas like the Masai Mara and Amboseli, scheduled flights have been
designed to serve the important tourist destination areas within the country by small private airline companies and also the national carrier, Kenya Airways.


Booking
Booking is done through authorized Traveling Agencies or private traveling Agencies all over the country.

UPON ARRIVAL
Moi International Airport, Mombasa:
The airport is about 10min from the city centre, although most tourist hotels are situated to the north and south coastal regions. Most tourist hotels have their own minibus transport that can be arranged through reception. Allow an extra half an hour for your journey to the south coast because of the Likoni Ferry crossing.

Visas: Most incoming visitors now require a visa. Multiple & single entry visas are available. Applications can be made at any Kenya High Commission or Embassy prior to traveling. The single entry visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport.

Self-Drive: Most International car hire companies are represented in Mombasa (with offices at the airport), in addition to some enterprising locals. Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and most cars are right-hand drive. A current driving license with photograph is accepted for up to 3 months stay.

Public Transport: Taxis operate at reasonable rates. They can be found at many strategic places in Mombasa town, north & south coast. Matatus – private minibuses – are much cheaper & abundant but usually overcrowded. Fares are paid to the conductor.

HOTELS
Naturally, at the Kenyan Coastline there are hotels of any kind, but if you travel in an organized safari you will probably stay at one of the large international hotels, all of them with high quality standards. The hotels, surrounded by lush gardens, are usually decorated with natural materials and ethnic motifs.The coastal resorts are normally located right at the beach, with a large swimming pool and private grounds for sunbathing. Some of them, reproduce the Swahili towns' style, with small and white two-storey buildings surrounded by tropical shaded gardens.

LODGES AND CLUBS
Lodges are the most frequent places for accommodation in parks and reserves. They usually comprise one or several common buildings that host the front desk, restaurant, shop, etc., and a series of huts or bungalows that correspond to the guests' rooms. Most of them have a swimming pool and wide gardens. Normally they are located at magnificent spots, inside or next to the parks, or near places of interest, and many of them are close to a waterhole that attracts wildlife. Of course, lodges offer full hotel service, including laundry. The clubs are halfway between hotels and lodges. They are former private clubs from the Colony days, that are now open to the public. They are usually located in large estates and offer golf course, putting green, tennis courts, swimming pools, horse riding and vast gardens. Some of them have private wildlife reserves.
More settlers' estates are gradually opening to the public. They are private wildlife reserves in which the owners have built lodging facilities. There is a range of prices, but they are normally expensive and offering world quality service.

TENTED CAMPS
Tented camps and tented lodges are closer to the lodge concept than to what their "camp" name suggests. Actually they are lodges, with full hotel services. The difference is that the walls are made of canvas instead of wood or concrete.
They are big fixed tents over wooden poles stuck into the basement. Tents are divided in bedroom and bathroom. These places try to recreate the charming atmosphere of the old safaris in the days of the great hunters, when tents were portable chalets.

CAMP SITES
Camp sites are normally located inside or near the parks and reserves. In general, services offered range from few to none, reason why you should better seek some information to know what you should bring. Basically there are two types of camp sites. The public camp sites work in a similar way to the European camps, the space is shared with other campers.
Conversely, the so-called special camp sites must be booked in an exclusive basis, the whole site for your party.
There are organised camping safaris, in which all the material is usually included in the price, except the sleeping bag. The agency provides the tents and the camping gear.
The groups normally travel in military type vehicles. A cook travels with the expedition, but the whole group cooperates in food preparation and dish washing.
Of course, outside the parks it is possible to camp freely, but in populated areas you should better ask for permission and warn the locals about your presence, besides enquiring about the security situation in the area.

GETTING AROUND
Whether you're looking for speed, comfort, sightseeing or service you'll find something to suit as you travel around Coastal Kenya.

AIR
Domestic
There is a good network of domestic flights, with carriers including Kenya Airways, Air Kenya, Mombasa Air Safari and Regional Air. Domestic air taxes are included in ticket or charter costs.
CharterThere are many domestic air charter operations. These companies offer individual or group charter in a range of aircraft. Air charter is an ideal way of visiting remote areas, or avoiding long drives.
Most charter companies will charge a set rate for a journey, regardless of the number of passengers.
There are many private and public airstrips throughout which are accessible to charter companies.

ROAD

Driving
Visitors can drive using an international driver’s license. Driving is on the left hand side and drivers should give way to traffic on their right. Distances are measured and signposted in kilometers and petrol / diesel sold by the litres.
Road conditions are variable and can be very poor in remote areas. Ensure that your vehicle is suitable for handling rough roads before embarking on a journey.
Driving at night in most areas is not advisable.
Hire Cars are widely available in Mombasa. Before hiring a car, all legalities should be thoroughly checked and appropriate contracts and waivers signed.
Most car hire companies charge a set per kilometer or unlimited rate.

Cycling
Long distance cycling is possible, but cyclists should be prepared to be very alert and wary of traffic on the major roads. Anyone seriously considering cycle travel should come fully prepared and equipped with a repair kit and some spare parts. This will make repairs on the road much easier.
Competent bicycle "fundis" (mechanics) are usually found in most towns.
In many tourist areas, bicycles are available for hire for a day or half day. This is a good way to explore some areas.

Taxi
In Mombasa, taxis are widely available, and convenient.
Taxis are often parked in the street around hotels and tourist areas. Hotels and restaurants can order taxis if necessary.
Taxis are not metered, and a price should be agreed with the driver before departure. Ask for local advice or at your hotel for correct rates. In Mombasa there are several companies operating Dial Taxi services with phone bookings, modern vehicles, competent drivers and reasonable rates. Several Taxi companies have airport booking offices.
The 3 wheelers vehicles (Tuk Tuk) of South East Asia are becoming increasingly popular as taxis at the Coast. Once again, fares need to be negotiated in advance.

Bus
Buses can be boarded at any stop and tickets purchased on board.
Buses also regularly run between most cities and towns. There are several bus companies with extensive inter-country networks. Buses also run across borders into Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia.
Buses are an inexpensive way to travel the country, although there are safety considerations to be kept in mind. Ask local advice for bus companies with better safety records or reputations.
Some private bus companies now offer private bus shuttle services between Nairobi and Mombasa and Nairobi and Arusha (Tanzania) as well as city airports.

Matatu
The most popular form of public transport is the Matatu, which has become a national icon and a large part of Kenyan modern culture.


SWAHILI AND COASTAL CULTURE STUDIES
Coastal Kenya is home to the Swahili people —a maritime trading community dating as far back as the first century. The Swahili developed an extensive commercial network of seafaring communities along Africa’s Indian Ocean, linking Asia and the Middle East with the African continent. Contemporary Kenyan coastal cultures, while influenced by more-recent migrations and interactions, continue to draw heavily upon these roots.
Mombasa, the heart of commercial and cultural connections to other Indian Ocean ports, provides an ideal base from which to explore Kenya’s coastal cultures. You will travel by traditional wooden dhows, observe fresh fish catches being transported to open-air markets, and tour Fort Jesus, the 400-year-old stone edifice and gateway to the ancient city.

STUDYING AT THE COAST
Kenyans specifically coastarians widely use the phrase "Karibu" to welcome visitors into their homes and their lives with an enthusiasm and joy rarely found in other parts of the world. In this program students are welcomed into Kenyan homes in the coastal port city of Mombasa. Institutions also have a very close rapport with the Lamu community

While there, students learn about Swahili life, language, and culture through Swahili tutors who welcome them into their homes. Students may have the opportunity to go fishing on a traditional dhow, attend a Coastal or Swahili wedding ceremony, be painted with henna in the local fashion, or learn how to cook delicious Swahili dishes with their tutors. Some students have enjoyed their home stays so much that they have remained with their families during the period. Others have chosen to extend their stay in Kenya after the program and live, once again, with their new found family.

Highlights of the program include:
- Dhow trip, an excursion aboard traditional African dhow through the islands of the Lamu archipelago.
Visiting villages of historical significance
- Deep sea fishing or snorkeling off the island of Kiwayuu, with its coral caves and white sand deserted beach. By the end of the program, many students cannot believe some of the things they did and felt at the start of the semester, and they enjoy looking back to see how far they have come. So again we say "Karibu." We look forward to having more students experience the Kenyan Coast with us.

Major Attractions
Beaches, Fort Jesus Museum, Old Town, Kizingo, Mombasa Mosques, Jumba la Mtwana, Siyu Fort, Mnarani ruins, Takwa ruins these are some of major tourist and students attractions in Kenya.

Swahili Language
Swahili (locally referred to as Kiswahili) is Kenya's national language. Swahili originated on the East African coast, as a trade language used by both Arabs and coastal tribes. The language incorporated elements of both classical Arabic and Bantu dialects, and became the mother tongue of the Swahili people who themselves rose from the intermarriage of Arab and African cultures.

The word Swahili itself came from the Arabic word Sahel which means coast. But the language became a pervasive influence, and a regional lingua franca, becoming widely used throughout Kenya and Tanzania. Today, the language is also used in regions of Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Congo and Zambia, and is the most widely spoken African language.

In Kenya, most people generally speak a tribal language at home, use Swahili as an everyday language, and English for business. Swahili is a relatively simple language, being highly phonetic with a rigid grammar. Coastal Swahili remains the most pure, and the Island of Zanzibar is considered the home of the language.
The further you travel away from the coast, the less sophisticated the language generally becomes, and grammar is slightly more flexible. Still, even a little Swahili goes a long way in Kenya. It is worth learning a little, and most Kenyans are thrilled to hear visitors attempt to use any Swahili at all.

JAMBO is one of the most common words you will hear spoken throughout Kenya. This is the simplest Swahili greeting, and is often the first word learned by visitors to Kenya. Saying Jambo is just like saying Hi!