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Brief History
Fossils found in East Africa suggest that protohumans roamed the area more than 20 million years ago. Recent finds near Kenya's Lake Turkana indicate that hominids lived in the area 2.6 million years ago.
The Swahili language, a mixture of Bantu and Arabic, developed as a lingua franca for trade between the different peoples. Arab dominance on the coast was eclipsed by the arrival in 1498 of the Portuguese, who gave way in turn to Islamic control under the Imam of Oman in the 1600s. The United Kingdom established its influence in the 19th century.
The colonial history of Kenya dates from the Berlin Conference of 1885, when the European powers first partitioned East Africa into spheres of influence. In 1895, the U.K. Government established the East African Protectorate and, soon after, opened the fertile highlands to white settlers. The settlers were allowed a voice in government even before it was officially made a U.K. colony in 1920, but Africans were prohibited from direct political participation until 1944.
The first direct elections for Africans to the Legislative Council took place in 1957. Kenya became independent on December 12, 1963, and the next year joined the Commonwealth. Jomo Kenyatta, a member of the large Kikuyu ethnic group and head of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), became Kenya's first president.
| The Basic Facts |
|---|
| Full Name | Republic of Kenya (formerly British East Africa) |
| Capital | Nairobi |
| Independence | Dec 12, 1963 |
| Time | GMT + 3 hours |
| Population | 28,808,658 (estimated July 1999) |
| Area | 582,650 km2 (569,25 km2 land; 13,400 km2 water) |
| Currency | Kenyan Shilling (KSh) |
| President | Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi (since 14 October 1978)new guy? |
| Public Holidays |
|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 1 |
| Good Friday | varies |
| Labor Day | May 1 |
| Madaraka Day | June 1 |
| Moi Day | Oct 10 |
| Kenyatta Day | Oct 20 |
| Independence Day | Dec 12 |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26 |
Culture & Language
There are more than 40 tribes in Kenya, the most distinct being the Maasai and Samburu. These tribes maintain their traditional lifestyles living relatively nomadic existences tending to their herds of cattle.
The national language is Swahili (KiSwahili) although English is spoken throughout. Kenyans involved in the tourist trade speak English, however it is good to have a working knowledge of Swahili. In total there are 42 ethnic languages in Kenya.
| A Few Phrases |
|---|
| English | KiSwahili |
| Welcome | Karibu |
| Goodbye | Kwaheri |
| Thank You | Asante
| | You're Welcome | Karibu |
| Yes | Ndiyo |
| No | Hapana |
| How are you? | Habari |
| I'm fine, thanks | Nzuri |
| Is this the way to...? | Hii njia ya...? |
Before you go
Visa & Passport
You will need a passport to travel to Kenya. It must be valid for six months after your estimated date of entry into Africa and it should have at least one empty page for each country you will visit.
A visa is an official authorization to visit a country. The visa is entered as a stamp in your passport. US residents are required to obtain a visa to enter Kenya. You can purchase your visa on arrival at the border or airport for or at the Kenyan embassy in Washington DC. Single entry tourist visas are $50.
To obtain your visa in the US before your trip, please send the following to the Kenyan Embassy.
Your valid passport (with appropriate blank pages)
Two 2"x2" passport photographs
A completed and signed visa form
A money order for the visa fee
A postage paid trackable return envelope
Important: Remember to sign both your passport and visa forms!
For processing procedures and more information, go to Kenyan Embassy.
Note: Before you leave home, we suggest you make photocopies of the information pages in your passport and carry them separately from your passport. We also recommend bringing at least two extra 2"x2" passport photographs. This will facilitate the replacement of your passport and visa(s) in the event your passport is lost or stolen.
Immunizations & Health
Current WHO Report for Kenya
World Health Organization compiles a listing of required and recommended immunizations for international travelers. Your health insurance provider may cover some of the costs associated with these immunizations. All vaccinations should be officially recorded and stamped in a yellow international immunization card. This card should be carried with your passport.
Routine Immunizations are: tetanus-diphtheria, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, influenza and pneumococcal. Many of these are groups together and some are oral. Additional immunizations to discuss with your doctor are yellow fever, hepatitus A, typhoid, cholera, polio and meningitis.
For your safety, we request all passengers take a course of malaria prophylactics. There are several different possibilities on the market. Please discuss with your doctor which one is best for you.
It is important that you alert us to any allergies, dietary restrictions and existing medical conditions.
Many Kenyan camps are located in remote areas. For your safety, Mango offers and requires all passengers to obtain travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation back home and major medical.
Please remember, not all immunizations can be taken or obtained on the same day or on the day of departure. Some immunizations must be administered serially over a period of time and some cannot be given together. See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for vaccines to take effect.
*Health concerns throughout the world change regularly. For the latest requirements and recommendations consult your doctor and/or go to the above link for the latest WHO report on Kenya.
Packing
Africa is very casual. Plan to wear neutral colors because bright colors and white can startle some animals. Remember, there is a lot of dust - khaki seems to be a good solution. The following is a general outline of items to pack:
| | Documentation |
|---|
| Passport | 2 passport photos |
| Health Certificates | Airline Tickets |
| Travelers Checks | Spending Money |
| Money belt | Proof of insurance |
| Xerox copy of passport, travelers checks | |
| General | Clothes |
|---|
| 1 bag/backpack - max 30 lbs | 2 pair shorts |
| 1 small day bag | 2 pair lightweight pants |
| Travel pillow | 3 lightweight shirt |
| Travel alarm clock | 1 longsleeved lightweight shirt |
| Luggage lock | 1 sweater/fleece |
| Travel umbrella | 1 warm windproof jacket |
| Swim Suit |
| Field Gear | Undergarments & Socks |
|---|
| Camera/film/batteries | 1 pair all weather sandals |
| Video camera/tapes/batteries | 1 pair lightweight walking shoes |
| Binoculars (Extremely Important) | 1 pair evening shoes for lodges and cities |
| African Field Guild | Men: one nice collared shirt |
| Journal & Pens | Women: dress or skirt and blouse |
| Book | |
| Map - Michelin #955 is best | |
| Water Bottle | |
| Flashlight & Batteries | |
| Sunglasses | |
| Wide-brimmed hat, baseball cap and/or bandanas | |
| Toiletries | First Aid Kit |
|---|
| General - toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, razor, shampoo, etc. | The basics: bandages, antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrea tablets, antacid tablets, pain reliever, waterproof tape, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, etc. |
| Sunblock | Allergy pills |
| Insect repellent (containing DEET - 20% is optimal) | Prescription drugs w/original label |
| Lotion/sun protective lip balm | Malaria Tablets |
| Small bottle of Woolite or washing detergent for undergarments | |
| Contact lenses/solution/glasses | |
| Hairdryer (requires a converter 220-240 volt AC 50 Hz | |
Laundry services in Africa are very good and available at nearly all of our safari camps, lodges and hotels. This means that you can travel light and still enjoy clean fresh clothing throughout your journey.
Money & Tipping
Today's Exchange Rate
The currency in Kenya is the Kenya shilling and it has been fluctuating in value between 50 and 70 shillings to the American dollar over the past several years. The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzania shilling and it has also been fluctuating in value between 50 and 70 shillings to the American dollar.
We suggest taking $300 to $500 per person in U.S. travelerŐs checks in $20 to $50 denominations, along with $200 of US dollars in small denominations (especially $1 dollar bills). These come in handy for tipping and gifts. Personal checks may also be accepted at some of the Bush Homes. Credit cards are less widely accepted but can be used in some shops and restaurants. Visa is the most commonly accepted credit card; MasterCard and American Express are less accepted. As with many countries in Africa, Kenya and Tanzania do not allow you to export their currency. Plan your safari so you are left with as little local currency as possible before you depart.
Note: We strongly recommend keeping your passport, all money, vouchers and international air tickets in a money belt or pouch.
It has been a custom since safaris first began to consider tips for your guide/driver and support staff. It is a personal and individual matter and the decision to tip and how much to give is entirely yours. However, some general guidelines might be helpful. Please bear in mind that tips are gifts in Kenya whereas in the United States and Europe they resemble payments/wages. Most tipping should occur at the end of your stay. We suggest you consult each host as to the recommended amount to give the staff. (Note: gratuities are usually pooled at each Bush Home or Camp).
Estimate $10 per person/per day at individual Bush Homes and Camps
For private drivers and guides outside of Bush Homes/Camps, estimate $5 per day
While in Nairobi, estimate 10% for meals in restaurants if gratuity has not been included.
Hotels and lodges: $.50 - $1 for carrying bags, room service, etc.
Voltage & Photography
Kenya and Tanzania operate on 220-voltage electricity to take converters and adapters; outlets are seldom reliable.
We suggest bringing a combination of Traveler's Checks (mainly as a security measure) and US dollars. Have your traveler's checks issues in small denomination ($20s and $50s) as you will receive the entire amount in the foreign currency you exchange for. Getting US dollars in Africa is expensive but having some throughout the trip is necessary. The remainder of your spending money is a combination of credit card purchases and obtaining local currency at ATM machines. The amount of extra money you need to bring will depend on how many optional activities interest you and your shopping habits. $300 cash should be plenty - with at least $50 in small bills for bartering and tipping.
Personal expenditure, meals in major cities, insurance, drinks other than specified, gratuities, airport taxes and visa fees are excluded. We suggest that you allow US$25-35 per day to cover the cost of personal expenses and souvenirs (within reason). There are a number of optional activities available and recommended in the Victoria Falls area.
Note: We strongly recommend keeping your passport, all money, vouchers and international air tickets in a money belt or pouch.
Guide to Tipping on Safari
Although tipping is a safari tradition, it is never compulsory and should only be done if you have received good service. The staff very much appreciates receiving gratuity from you and it is one way of assuring them they are doing a good job. You can tip in US dollars or local currency.
Guests often want to know what is appropriate, so we have prepared a brief guideline to assist you.
Professional Guides and Driver Guides
We recommend, if you are happy with the service, about US$5-10 per person, per day for the guide and about US$3 per person, per day for the driver as a suggested tip.
Lodges and Camps
Here we recommend $3-5USD per client, per day, to be divided among the staff. Most lodges have a staff tip box located at reception or a central location. Tips left here will be divided among the porters and waiters and other lodge staff. If you are particularly satisfied with assistance received from someone, a personal tip is also acceptable.
Voltage & Photography
Bring the photo equipment you are used to working with. A trip like this is not the best place for trying out a new camera. If you spend all of your time learning how to use a piece of equipment, you may not learn how to shoot good images. Bring the instruction manual. Keep in mind that too much equipment can be a hindrance, while leaving behind a piece that could be useful is also a mistake. We suggest bringing an 8" x 5" beanbag to use as a tripod to hold your camera steady when shooting from the vehicle. Bring a combination of lenses that range from 25mm to 300mm.
We suggest an average of 2-3 rolls of film per day of game viewing. Most of your game viewing is in the early morning and mid to late afternoons. For protection from airport X-ray machines, pack all film in lead-lined shield bags. Film and batteries are not available in the African bush. You will find them in the major cities, but they are very expensive.
Digital photography is here. Digital photographers will have to plan for how to save images while in the field. Multiple storage disks are less cumbersome than bringing a laptop to download images to.
Whichever film type you select, the slower ASA films (50-100) generally produce higher quality photos. I would bring a slow film and a faster one (400) for low-light situations.
Note: Always ask before photographing the native people. Do not take pictures of military installations, police stations, airports, soldiers, police or border posts - you may have your film confiscated.
Please consult with lodge managers about charging your equipment. Many properties are run on generators that are only turned on at certain times of the day, usually in the early evening and turned off in the late evening at bedtime.
Electricity in Africa is generally at 220 volts AC, therefore, for most 110 appliances you will need both an adapter for the proper plug configuration and a converter for the correct current. Both round and rectangular three pronged plug sockets are in use. Most safari camps do not have individual electrical outlets in the tents.
The Africa factor
Expect the unexpected. Despite our efforts to have every safari run perfectly, things are going to happen that are simply out of our control. We will do what we can to minimize these situations however, things will still occur albeit a canceled flight beyond our control, rogue warthogs wandering in our camp, flat tires, floods, all or none may occur.
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