Geography

Kenya shares borders with Ethiopia in the north, Sudan in the northwest, Uganda in the west, Tanzania in the south and Somalia in the northeast. To the east lies the Indian Ocean. The country is divided into four regions: the arid deserts of the north; the savannah lands of the south; the fertile lowlands along the coast; and highlands in the west, where the capital Nairobi is situated. Northwest of Nairobi runs the Rift Valley, dotted with lakes and containing the town of Nakuru, while further west the Aberdare National Park is overlooked by Mount Kenya (5,200m/17,000ft), which also is a national park. In the far northwest is Lake Turkana (formerly Lake Rudolph), and in the southwest is Kenya’s share of Lake Victoria.

Kenya is a multicultural society; in the north live Somalis and the nomadic Hamitic peoples (Rendille, Samburu and Turkana), in the south and eastern lowlands are Kamba and Masai and the Luo live around Lake Victoria. The largest group is the Kikuyu who live in the central highlands and have traditionally been dominant in commerce and politics, although this is now changing. There are many other smaller groups and, although Kenya emphasises nationalism, tribal and cultural identity is a factor. A small European settler population remains in the highlands, involved in farming and commerce.

Government

Republic: Gained independence from the UK in 1963.
Head of State: President Emilio Mwai Kibaki since 2002.

Recent History

President Mwai Kibaki claimed victory in controversial presidential elections in December 2007. His swearing-in for a second term in office prompted a wave of unrest across the country and 300 people were killed in the bloodshed that followed the polls. Opposition candidate Raila Odinga rejected Kibaki’s victory and accused the government of rigging the result. International observers also expressed doubts about the poll, and called for an independent inquiry.

When President Kibaki’s National Rainbow Coalition (Narc) won a parliamentary majority in 2002, he promised that his main objective would be to fight against corruption. However, both former and current ministers have become embroiled in a recent corruption scandal, involving a multi-million dollar scam. Furthermore, voters rejected a draft constitution in a referendum in late 2005. While the president presented it as a modernizing measure, his opponents said that it would have left too much power in the hands of the president. Kibaki responded by sacking his entire cabinet and appointing new ministers.

Language

Kiswahili is the national language and English is the official language. The terms Swahili and Kiswahili are used interchangeably, though the term Swahili normally refers to the people while Kiswahili refers to the language. There are over 42 ethnic languages spoken, including Kikuyu and Luo.

Religion

Mostly traditional but there is a sizeable Christian population (both Catholic and Protestant) and the majority of people living along the coast are Muslim.

Kenya Banking

Banks are open Monday to Friday from 0900 – 1500 and from 0900 – 1100 on the the first and last saturday of the month. Banks at the international airports are open 24 hours. ATMs are common in the main cities and generally work well. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Kenya Business Hours

Business hours are generally 9 – 5 and lunch is from 1- 2pm from Monday to Friday. Banks are open from 9 – 3 from Monday to Friday and some banks are open on Saturday morning from 9 – 11am. Banks at Jomo Kenyatta airport are open 24 hours.

Kenya Climate

The coastal area is tropical and the higher altitude areas are cooler. Rainfall can be expected between April to May (the long rains) and again between October and December. January to March is the dryer season and temperatures are generally higher. Snow is possible on Mount Kenya and frost on the other high mountain ranges. On the high lands around Nairobi temperatures are in the range 25 – 30 degrees and nighttime temperatures can do down to 5 degrees. On the coast daily temperature is between 27 and 31 degrees with high humidity.

Kenya Clothing

Lightweight clothing is generally required but cold nights can be expected in the high altitude areas which includes some of the game parks so bring a sweater and long sleeves for the evening. If you are in Kenya in the rainy season you will need a waterproof, a hat is advisable and walking shoes. It is not advisable to bring expensive jewellery and watches with you.

Kenya Currency

The currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES) divided into 100 cents. Notes in denominations of 1000, 500, 200 and 50 are produced. Coins are 5,10 and 20 shillings. Only change currency at official bureax de change, banks or authorized hotels. The best currency to bring is UK pounds, US dollars or Euros but other currencies will generally be exchanged. There is no restriction on the amount of currency that can be brought into Kenya. However the limit for taking out Kenyan Shillings is 500,000 unless written authorisation is given. Do not deface or destroy Kenyan currency.

Kenyan Customs

For visitors over 17 years of age the allowances are 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco (not exceeding 250 grams in total), one bottle of wine or half a litre of spirits and 250 millimetres of perfume. Cigarettes must be labeled correctly with the health warning conforming to Kenya standards, failure to do so will resulting a fine and or imprisonment. and so best not to bring any cigarettes into Kenya! The import of firearms, agricultural or horticultural produce and pets is prohibited.

Kenya Electricity

Kenya operates a 220/240V service. Plugs are three point square plugs as used in the UK. In rare cases such as old buildings and in the town of Kisii the large two round pin plugs are used.

Kenya Emergency Services

For Fire, Ambulance, Police dial 999.

Kenya Health

Consult your doctor for advice on the latest vaccinations to be taken. The common ones are vaccinations for Tetanus; Diphtheria; Polio; Typhoid; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Yellow Fever; Rabies and Meningitis. A Yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for visitors arriving from infected areas.

Malaria does exist in Kenya and protection is required and advice must be taken as to choice of tablet and which areas are deemed to be high risk. Try and reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes as other diseases such as dengue fever are carried by mosquitoes. Use insect repellents and spray your room each night.

Bilharzia is a potential risk and comes from tiny flukes that live in the water. Check with locals on the safety of the lakes and rivers before you swim. Don’t drink tap water and use the readily available bottled water. Rabies is common and if bitten by an animal seek immediate medical attention. There is a very high risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

If you join the Flying Doctor Service you will be covered for an evacuation flight but will also be supporting the work of AMREF which provides medical support in rural areas. It is not expensive to join (020 315454).

Nairobi Hospitals are good and the main ones are: Aga Khan Hospital (374000); Children’s Hospital (763474); Kenyatta National Hospital (726300); Nairobi Hospital (722160). In Mombassa the Aga Khan Hospital (041 312953); Coast Provincial Hospital (041 314204); Mombassa Hospital (041 312191) and Pandya Memorial Hospital (041 229252).

Kenya Public Holidays

Kenya Post

The postal system is reliable and stamps can be purchased from hotels and many shops. Post Restante service is available in Nairobi and Mombassa.

Kenya Safari Code

Whilst on Safari please follow the Kenya Safari Code:

• Keep to designated roads or tracks
• Minimise disturbance to animals
• Stay inside your vehicle at all times
• Keep to the speed limit
• Support eco-friendly accommodation facilities
• Never feed animals
• Take care not to disturb the ecological balance
• Take all your litter with you.

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Location: Eastern Africa, just south of Equator; (Longitude between 29 degrees and 41 degress East of Greenwich, Latitude 1 degrees and 12 degrees South of Equator);

Bordering Uganda and Kenya in the north; Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Rwanda in the west; Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique in the south and Indian Ocean to the east;

Altitude

• Central plateau: from around 1200m above sea level (metric converter);
• Highest point: Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m);
• Lowest point: Lake Tanganyika (358m below sea level);

Landscape

• Central mainland consists of a central plateau covered with huge expanse of savannah and sparse woodland;
• Throughout the interior runs the Great Rift Valley which has created many fascinating topographical features such as the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Tanganyika;
• Mountain ranges are grouped on the north-eastern section (the Eastern Arc), and a central and southern section (the Southern Arc);
• Coastal area: 1400km long, blossoming and palm-fringed with islands of Zanzibar (Unguja Island), Pemba and Mafia;
• Largest river: Rufiji;
• Major lakes: Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa (Malawi);

Climate

Tropical, with the average temperature in the coastal area from 26–31 degrees Celsius with hot days cooled by sea breezes (metric converter) and in central plateau from 20-27 degrees Celsius with hot days and cool nights.

There are two rainy seasons: longer (masika) from mid-March to May, and short (vuli) in November. The hottest months are from October to February.

Population

36 million people with 51% of women and 46% under age 15. The national growth rate is 1.72%.

Life expectancy at birth is 44.5 years (male 43.3 years, female 45.8 years).

Tribes

There are more than 130 tribes; the Most widespread include Sukuma, Nyamwezi, Makonde, Haya, Chagga; smaller ones include Maasai, Haadzabe. There is also an important Asian and Arabic population.

Capital

Dodoma (administravtive capital).

Other Major Cities

Dar es Salaam (business capital), Mwanza, Mbeya, Arusha, Bukoba etc.;

Language

Official languages are Swahili and English; tribes also speak their own languages.

Literacy

78% of the total population aged 15 years and over can read and write Swahili (Kiswahili), English or Arabic.

Religion

• Christian: 40-45%;
• Muslim: 35-40%;
• Hindus, Sikhs, indigenous beliefs etc. 15-25%;
• Zanzibar: 99% Muslim;

Currency

Tanzanian Shiling (TZS), which is divided into 100 cents. Paper notes: 10.000, 5.000, 2.000, 1.000 and 500; Coins: 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.

Government

Multiparty Democracy with CCM (Chama Cha Mapinduzi; Party of the Revolution) as a current Ruling Party.

National Flag

Black for the People, Green for the Land, Blue for the Adjoining Sea and Golden for the Mineral wealth.

Time Zone

GMT + 3 hours with no daylight saving.

International Dialing Code

• County Telephone Code: +255;
• International Exit Code: 00;

Internet Domain

.tz

Electricity & Plugs

230 V, 50 cycles, AC; in general the plugs are British three-square-pin and two-round-pin. Adapters are available.

National Resources

• Minerals: gold, diamonds, tanzanite and other gemstones, nickel, iron, coal, natural gas, spring water, soda ash, salt;
• Wildlife and Tourism: 12 National Parks, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, 13 Game Reserves, 38 Game Controlled Areas, about 120 National Cultural Heritage Sites;
• Fisheries: in three large lakes (Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa), Indian Ocean coastline, rivers and wetlands the potential yield of fish is estimated to be 730.000 tons annually (present catch is 350.000 tons annually);
• Forestry and Beekeeping: non-reserved forest-land (1,903.8 sq km), forest/woodlands with national parks etc. (200 sq km), and gazetted forest reserves (1,251.7 sq km).

GDP

270 US$ per capita.

Major Exports

• Agriculture: Coffee, tea, cotton, cashew, sisal, cloves;
• Minerals: gold, diamonds, tanzanite and other gemstones, nickel, iron, coal.

Distances

Tanzania is a large country and distances between cities or national parks can be lengthy (metric converter). Distances shown are in km.

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Unguja is in the Indian Ocean about 40 km east of Bagamoyo on the Tanzanian mainland. The slightly hilly island itself is about 85 km long and between 20 – 30 km wide at its widest points. Most of the population lives in the more fertile regions of the north and west. The eastern part of the island is arid and covered in coral rag (rock made of coral)making it unattractive for farming, but the beaches and the reefs on the eastern coasts make them ideal for fishing villages, tourist guesthouses, and resorts.

Pemba, located about 50 Kms north of Unguja, is far less populated. Known also by its Arabic name, Al Khundra meaning Green Island, Pemba is covered in steep hills full of palms, clove and rubber trees, rice paddies and the Ngezi Forest in the north. There are many pure, beautiful beaches in and around the numerous inlets and coves. Tourism is not as developed on Pemba as it is on Unguja but resorts are being built and the infrastructure will undoubtedly improve as tourism increases.

People

The people of Zanzibar are predominantly Muslim, about 95% of the population being followers of Islam. The remaining percentage is a mix of Christians, Hindus and followers of various other religions. Swahili is the official and national language of Tanzania but English is also spoken in Zanzibar, and a percentage of the population also has a working knowledge of Arabic. The population consists of people from the following ancestries: African, Persian, Omani (and other Arab states), and Asian. The local economy is based on agriculture and fishing. The population of the archipelago is estimated at over 740,000 while the population of Unguja is estimated at almost 450,000, forty per cent of which live in Stone Town. The literacy rate in Zanzibar is very high.

Climate

Zanzibar is a few degrees south of the equator and enjoys a tropical climate that is largely dominated by the Indian Ocean monsoons. The kasikazi winds are from the north and occur in the winter months bringing the short rains.

The long rains, known as mwaka, arrive in March and last until late May or June. January through March is generally hot and dry with little rainfall. April through June is wet because of the long rains which start to taper off in May.
July through October are ideal months for visiting Zanzibar because the average temperature is 25 C, the air is dry and breezy and there is little rainfall. November and December are when the short rains appear.

Average rainfall in Zanzibar is about 165 cm (65 inches) and the average temperature is 26 C (79 F).

The name Zanzibar came from a combination of two Arabic words, ‘Zinj’, meaning black, and ‘barr’, being the Arabic word for land, the result meaning ‘Land of the Blacks’.

Visas/taxes

Please note that you will require a visa for Tanzania at a cost of $ 50 per person and you will also have to pay airport departure taxes of $25.
visas airport taxes, etc.
Visas can be obtained in advance or upon arrival at the airport in Tanzania.

Health

Yellow Fever vaccinations are mandatory, and we recommend anti–malarial tablets, especially during the rainy season. Most prescription drugs can be bought affordably and with ease over the counter in Stone town.. Personal Insurance is advised.

Official Language

Swahili is the main language here. English is also widely spoken and understood.

How to get to Zanzibar

Getting to Zanzibar by Air from the Rest of the World at present, Kenya airways (together with KLM) Air Tanzania, South African airways, offer international scheduled flights to Zanzibar. Several large carriers fly into Dar es Salaam, which is only a short trip by air or sea from Zanzibar. Amongst them are British Airways, Emirates Airlines, Gulf air, Ethiopian airline.

Domestic Flights

Coastal Aviation, Precision Air, and Zan air, offers a range of scheduled flights between Zanzibar and Tanzania’s main cities.

Getting to Zanzibar by Sea

There are several sea ferry companies that ply the waters between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. They’re Ferris as Azam Marine, Sea express, Sea bus, and you can book ferry tickets through us. Links to these companies can be found in the Touring Zanzibar section website.

Tours

Tours of Zanzibar Island are a rewarding experience with cultural sights and natural beauty on the itinerary.

History

For a small island in the southern waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar has a long and unexpected history. Easily accessible for the people of the African mainland, the Zanzibar islands are believed to have been settled first by Africans, some three to four thousand years ago. Centuries later the island began a history of hosting foreigners from Egypt, Greece, Persia, Arabia, India, China and Europe. The first recorded visit to Zanzibar is from about 60 AD and appears in a work titled “The Periplus of the Erythaean Sea”, written by a Greek merchant who was living in Alexandria. Claudius Ptolemy, the famous Greek geographer living in Egypt, also made mention of Zanzibar in his work at about 150 AD, although the island was referred to under another name. Trade routes from Egypt, Roman Europe and the African coast, including Zanzibar, were, by the time of Ptolemy’s writing, extending to Indo-Chinese ports.

It is believed that Bantu people (Africans speaking Bantu languages) settled in Zanzibar somewhere around the 4th century AD. By the 7th century AD, Islam had made its way to Zanzibar by way of Arab and Persian immigrants who were fleeing political strife, war, and famine in their own lands. The Arabs mixed with the local African population and along with trading goods, traded words as well, which eventually resulted in a language called Kiswahili today. The people referred to themselves and their culture as Swahili (thought to be named from the Arabic word sahil meaning coast) and thus the language was named as well. For the following centuries, the Arabs and Persians continued to trade with their homelands while marrying into local society in Zanzibar and along the East African coast. Typical cargoes bound for Persia or Arabia consisted of gold, animal pelts, tortoise shells, ivory, ebony, and slaves; return ships contained porcelains, beads, and cloth. The Swahili culture reached its peak in the 13th century and it prospered up until the arrival of the Europeans in the late 15th century. Chinese shipping logs show entries from junks having visited Zanzibar harbor as early as the 13th century.

The oldest trace of Islam on the island is in Kizimkazi, the southern-most village on Unguja, where there’s a mosque with inscriptions dating back to 1107 AD. The mosque has been renovated several times but the old inscriptions are still there and available for viewing by tourists. Remember to remove shoes, keep shoulders and knees covered, speak quietly, and leave a donation. Women are allowed to enter this mosque.

By the 15th century, Zanzibar was its own Sultanate but this independence did not last. In 1498 Vasco da Gama’s expedition from Portugal began a stronghold over the whole East African Coast that lasted for two centuries. During this time, Jesuits, Dominicans, and Augustinians built churches and tried to convert the local populace to Roman Catholicism, but were largely unsuccessful. The Portuguese did not send enough men to protect their new territory and by the late 1600s they had lost their last East African holding by surrendering Mombasa on the now Kenyan coast. There is little evidence left that the Portuguese dominated Zanzibar for two hundred years although there are still bullfights on Pemba, some words left in Swahili that originated from Portuguese, and the patterns of the kanga (ubiquitous local cloth) are said to have originated from Portuguese handkerchiefs.

The Bullfights in Pemba, assumed to be a cultural holdover from the Portuguese era, do not result in the death of the animal. The bulls are Indian and not nearly as fat and fierce as those seen in bullfights in Europe.

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