DESTINATION KENYA.
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HISTORY OF KENYA.
Kenya is one of East Africa’s most popular safari and travel destinations bordered by Ethiopia to the North, Somalia to the East, Uganda to the West and Tanzania to the South. This exciting country of beautiful diverse landscapes, with more than 63 ethnic tribes making it a culturally diverse country and offering spectacular scenery of teeming wildlife lies astride the equator on the coast of the Indian Ocean and is twice the size of Nevada is found in East Central Africa.
Kenya is said to have been inhabited by proto humans 2o million years ago evidenced by the fossils found in this area. Kenya is home to more than 50 ethnic groups. The first group of people to settle in this country is believed to have been the Cushites and they are said to have migrated from Northern Africa. This group was followed by the Arabs and Persians and later on the Nilotics and Bantu speaking people also moved into Kenya and they make up approximately ¾ of the Kenyan population. The coming up of the Swahili language was as a result of the intermarriages and trade between the Bantu and the Arabs. The 18th century saw the largest group comprising of the Kikuyu entering Kenya.
About Kenya.
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and largest city famous for its spectacular historical sites and excellent game viewing offered by the different national parks spread all over this city. In the vicinity of Nairobi check out Nairobi’s National Museum with wonderful exhibits portraying Kenya’s contemporary art, culture and its colorful colonial history. You can also relax in the peaceful botanical gardens in the city, spot Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi National Park that is home to the black rhino and other safari stars such as leopards, buffaloes, zebras, cheetahs, maximize your visit by also dropping by the Giraffe center and let these long necked beautiful animals feed out of your hand.
Kenya is made up of people of all nationalities and colors. The people that inhabit Kenya include the Kikuyu that make up the highest and largest number, followed by the Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin, Kamba, Kisli, Meru, other Africans constitute about 15% of the 36Million people that occupy Kenya while the non Africans constitute the lowest number.
The most popular religious affiliation in Kenya is Anglicanism and these constitute about 44% followed by Roman Catholics 33%, Muslims, indigenous beliefs 10% while other religions constitute about 3%. These include small numbers of Hindu and Sikh. There is indeed freedom of worship in Kenya. Muslims mainly occupy the Eastern coast areas whereas Christians are more concentrated in the Central and Western areas.
Kenya is a magnetic country made of multilingual tribes and hence heterogeneous ethnicity wise with majority of Kenyans belonging to the Bantu tribes. Come and enjoy the diversity offered by the different tribes.
budget and economy Car Rental Kenya.
Languages.
The official national languages in Kenya are Swahili and English. Kenya has over 61 languages spoken by the people who reside in this country. The other widely spoken languages apart from the official languages of Swahili and English include Kikuyu, Masai and Kamba. The different dialects spoken on the coast include Kahali, Zambian, Nandi, Pokot, Waata, Nubi, Sagalla, Kalenjin, Gikuyu, Kiembu, Keyo, Tugen, Turkana, Teso, Terik and Keiyo among others. Almost every tribe in Kenya speaks its own ethnic language. Arabic and Hindu are also spoken.
Swahili is the national language spoken almost by all Kenyans and both Swahili and English are taught in schools and business transactions are carried out in English.
Currency of Kenya.
The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KSh) and the most famous Kenyan exchange rate is the KES to the US$ rate. Approximately 1US$=88.5Ksh, 1GBP= 143.878Ksh, 1Euro=114.748Ksh.
The Central Bank of Kenya is responsible for managing and printing of money in Kenya and issues bank notes and coins. Frequently used coins include Ksh 1, 5, 10 and 20 shillings, rarely used coins include 40 and 50 cent. Frequently used bank notes are Kshs.50, 100,200 and 500; rarely used bank notes include Ksh. 10 and 20.
On reaching Kenya, you’re advised to exchange your dollars, Euros and pounds into Kenyan Shillings at most exchange forex bureaus as you will need Kenyan shillings for daily expenses. You can exchange your dollars at the airport, also at most hotels though their exchange rates are unfavorable. Keep some dollars in your pocket you can pay in dollars, pounds or Euros at most big hotels, shops and restaurants though at a lower exchange rate.
Feel free to use to use your, visa card, credit card, debit visa card; most ATM machines accept Master cards though these are not accepted at some banks. Purchasing your visa on arrival is in dollars. You can always exchange your dollars, Euros or Pounds at most banks though Forex bureaus offer better rates and these are widely spread in the cities of Mombasa and Nairobi. If you plan on using your debit/credit card/master/visa card in Kenya ensure that you notify your card company so that they know you will be using it.
Some credit card payments may attract a surcharge for non cash purchases and some places insist on presentation of a passport, drivers’ license or an ID before accepting your credit card. ATMs like at Barclays bank, Diamond Trust Bank are open and available 24/7 though a charge of 3% or less should be anticipated on every exchange.
If you’re tipping, please tip in Kenyan Shillings as tipping in pound and Euro coins or small notes is expensive and hard for locals to exchange so it’s better if you tip in Shillings. You can equally easily exchange your traveler’s cheques if they are in British pounds, Euros or Dollars. High commission charges varying from 1- 3% per transaction up to a flat fee of US$15 may be charged. Forex bureaus that don’t ask for a commission usually offer a lower rate for these travelers’ cheques. Make use of western union transfers -an easier way of sending and receiving money anywhere possible at most Kenyan banks and forex bureaus.
What do you require to enter Kenya?
The following are the visa requirements in Kenya;-
An online completed visa application form duly signed along with a passport with a maximum validity of at least 6months.
Nationals of the following countries do not require visas to enter Kenya. These include: - Swaziland, Botswana, Ghana, Namibia, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Tanzania, Jamaica, and Zimbabwe among others.
Nationals of the following countries require visas to enter Kenya, they include;-United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, India, DRC, Angola, Afghanistan, Algeria, China, Belgium, Benin among others.
All nationals require passports valid for 6months to enter Kenya and you’re advised to at least leave 2 blank pages for unexpected stamps.
Visa fees for a single entry visa can be got at US$50, this will guarantee you re-entry into Kenya from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda, a Multiple Entry visa=100US$ and this allows you multiple times entry into Kenya and US$20 for a Single Transit visa not exceeding 3 days in Kenya for travelers from the East African counties of Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and Rwanda, the rest (2 days stop over).
A return ticket to your home country and if you’re traveling with your pets make sure you obtain pet permits for them.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all nationals from other countries apart from nationals from the United States, Europe and United Kingdom.
Kenyan flights and Airports.
A flight is the most common way by which most visitors, tourists and those on business enter Kenya. The most popular flights to Kenya include: - London to Nairobi, Manchester, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, New York, Atlanta, Miami, Las Vegas, Newark, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, New Castle with Nairobi being the final destination. There are also flights to Kisumu, Malindi, and Mombasa and to many other airports.
There are a variety of airline carriers offering direct and indirect flights to most domestic and international destinations and these include Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Air Berlin, Ethiopian Airlines, Meridiana, Lufthansa, Condor Flugdienst, Alitalia and Air France.
Kenya is blessed with over 39 airports including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi- the largest and busiest airport in Kenya located in the capital of Nairobi, Moi International Airport, Amboseli Airport, Bamburi Airport, Kericho Airport, Eldoret Airport, Hola Airport, Kisumu Airport, Lodwar Airport, Naivasha Airport, Nyeri Airport, Wilson Airport, Samburu Airport, Malindi Airport, Mandera Airport, Lamu Airport and Nakuru Airport among others. Habari Africa would be honored to provide you with efficient and budget 4x4 car hire rates to and from any of the above mentioned airports and to your desired destination.
Kenyan Food and Drink.
Kenya offers a variety of foods to its visitors and to the locals. You can fail to get something tasty in Kenya as restaurants, hotels and bars offer exotic cuisines to suit all tastes. Restaurants range from Italian, Indian, French restaurants, European to local restaurants. These restaurants offer elegant services and tasty cuisines that excite your taste buds and make you feel like having the same food every day. Kenyan foods include the following: - Ugali a staple food for most Kenyans it’s a filling meal usually served with vegetables and a saucy stew, Irio (mashed peas and potato mix)-widely eaten in Kenya and this made more tasty with the exotic meat from Nyama Choma or stew, Nyama Choma (roasted meat) usually goat and beef meet but also chicken (kuku choma) and fish (Samaki Choma) can also be served.
Other foods include Matooke stew, beans and corn-a nutritious and filling meal, Pilau rice, sukuma wiki, chapatti (Flat bread) made more delicious if eaten with beans, Kachumbari made of well sliced tomatoes and onions, chili pepper, avocado goes well with Nyama Choma’s roasted meat. You can equally enjoy Kenyan Bajias, Chips Mayai, Masala chips, Mutura, Kenyan burger. You can also enjoy delicious snacks such as Samosas, Rolex (made of chapatti and fried eggs), and mandazi. Don’t leave out Viazi, grilled or roasted maize, sea food from the coast. Fruits such as bananas, melons, sugarcanes, mangoes, jack fruit and oranges can also be savored.
Drinks comprise of Chai usually taken for breakfast comprising of lots of sugar and milk, this tea can be spiced with cinnamon, tea masala, and coffee is also served. Beers such as Tusker, Pilsner, and Guinness is available in almost all road side kiosks and obviously in bars and clubs. Local beers of Mursik (combination of milk and charcoal), Maziwa Lala a sort of buttermilk drink can also be enjoyed. Try out the locally brewed lager beer of Safari and White cap , Kenya cane-distilled from sugarcanes, Kenyan Gold, changaa (distilled from maize), uki made with honey also Naivasha wines are provided but also other wines are imported from other countries mostly South Africa. Soft drinks of sodas such as Stoney Tangawuzi, Picana-bottled mango juice, fresh passion juice. Drinks can be got from bars, clubs and shops. The drinking age restriction is below 18 years.
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BEST TIME TO GO TO KENYA AND KENYAN WEATHER.
Kenya has two seasons: - wet and dry usually influenced by the onshore monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean and also by the altitude. Rainfall totals vary from region to region. The slightly cooler Kusi is usually responsible for the heaviest and long rains in late April, May and early June. The short rains are usually in the relatively cool months of late June- October, with the 2nd short rains pouring down in November and December.
The hot dry season usually runs from Mid December- March. Even during the dry season don’t be surprised if it surprisingly rains though the land will dry up in less than 30minutes its usually sunny most time of the year in Kenya .Northern Kenya receives little rainfall and a lot of sunshine throughout the year hence ideal for camels to live here, though the coastal regions of Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu are hotter but cooled down by the cool breeze of the ocean.
The best time to visit Kenya is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August and September and it’s the favorite season for game viewing- as wildlife is easier to spot as animals tend to gather around the few available water sources and most of the vegetation has dried making it easy to spot animals from your car. Game viewing can also be enjoyed in the cooler months of December-March. You can enjoy exceptional and spectacular wildlife viewing experiences in Samburu, Mara, Meru and Laikipia.
You can equally enjoy the amazing views offered by the wildebeest migration of zebras and gnus with predators close behind in Maasai Mara. August is peak season for tourists, also July-November, January- February are high seasons especially in the parks of Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli and high rates are charged to visitors during this season. The low season runs from March- May you can find some lodges closed during this season and low rates are charged.
You can enjoy prolific bird life viewing from January- March, you can visit mountain Kenya any time of the year characterized by sunshine in the morning and light rainfall in the afternoon, you can enjoy hiking this great mountain any time of the year more so in January- February and July- October but hiking is difficult or almost impossible in the rainy months from Mid March- mid June and October-December. Enjoy Diving or Snorkeling in January and February and also between October and March.
MUST SEE MAGNIFICENT AND SPECTACULAR ATTRACTIONS IN KENYA.
There plenty of attractions to view in Kenya ranging from the rugged terrain and landscapes in Northern Kenya to excellent game viewing experiences in most Kenyan National parks and game reserves. Beach lovers can enjoy swimming in the warm coastal waters Lamu, Watamu and Malindi endowed with picturesque and perfect beaches. Below are some of the popular attractions and destinations one shouldn’t miss to check out for your extra ordinary Kenyan visit:-
National Parks such as Kora National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park- located in the shadows of Mountain Kilimanjaro providing home to incredible game species of large elephant numbers, with over 400 prolific and magnificent bird species, Tsavo National Park- Kenya’s largest National park with features such as the Yatta Plateau- world’s longest lava flowing lava, Lugard Falls that has rapids and mud pools of crocodiles, Galana River and Mudanda rock and also Mzima springs, Chaimu crater, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary found in Tsavo West though the dense vegetation in the West makes it hard to easily spot wildlife species. Other National parks include Lake Nakuru National Park harboring the largest euphorbia candelabrum forest in Africa located in Central Kenya famous for its huge numbers of pink flamingos and its home to over 45o bird species and Samburu Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserve found in the arid region of Northern Kenya with attractions such as Sarara singing Wells with rewarding sights of the wild dogs and big cats. Don’t leave out Hell’s Gate National Park- ideal for those interested in hiking, climbing and it also offers camping opportunities. It has obsidian caves and rock pointed columns, geo thermal attractions of hot springs and geysers, Olkaria geo- thermal station, the Oloor Karia Maasai Cultural Centre- with angelic Masaai singing voices and exciting dance moves.
Other attractions include:- Malindi and in its vicinity you can enjoy the spectacular and perfect resort beaches-famous with European visitors, play in the white sands of Watamu, grab a moment and dive into the coral reefs of Malindi , check out Jami mosque, Vasco De Gamma Cross-a magnificent monument with its displays in the Malindi museum, spot the Falconry of Kenya- a centre for injured bird species, north of Malindi is Maraffa Depression/Hells Gate with beautiful and spectacular sand gorges. Complete your visit with a tour of the Karen Blixen Museum, in the vicinity of Lamu check out Lamu Museum, Lamu Fort, donkey sanctuary, relax on the pearly beaches, enjoy spectacular geological wonders offered by the Great Rift Valley, Hindu temples and many other attractions in Mombasa like Fort Jesus, enjoy dolphin watching or you can engage in deep sea fishing, relax on the perfect white strands of Tiwi, Shelly and Diani beaches.
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CAMPING IN KENYA.
If you’re interested in camping or having a picnic Kenya offers you plenty of camping sites and facilities spread all over the country. Camping amenities of benches, adequate water, shelter, toilets and latrines are available. Luxury and budget camps, private and public camping grounds, parks campsites with mainly basic facilities so you’re advised to be self sufficient and carry everything including water and surprisingly though with poor facilities park campsites are more expensive than private campsites. Camp sites and camping grounds in Kenya include: - Mwea National Park, Mt.Elgon National Park, Tsavo East National Park, L.Nakuru National Park, Aberdare National Park, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Fisherman’s camp located on Lake Naivasha with a bonus of the spectacular wonderful scenery of the Rift Valley, Kiboko Camp, Old Moses and Shipton’s camp and Kongoni camp and these two offer facilities and beautiful views for trekkers climbing Mountain Kenya. Other camping grounds include Camp Malta, Likeliana Camp, Sarora Mara Game Camp-located in the Maasai Mara with exhilarating activities such as bird watching, luxury tent living, mini-golf, sport fishing, also check out Muthaiga Safari camp also located on the eastern border of Maasai Mara with individually styled tents that have their own bathrooms, piped hot water and you can also enjoy walks, game driving and scenic views of Maasai Mara migrating herds. You can equally enjoy picnicking at most National Parks. You’re advised to carry enough water, water purification tablets, and car chargers for your phones, camera, laptop and plenty of toilet paper. Habari Africa would be glad to provide you with camping equipment at a fee of US$30 per day for 2 pax.
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Self Drive Car Rentals in Kenya.
Habari Africa is a car rental company offering a variety of car rental options to all destinations in Kenya. We can provide you with our well maintained, brand new and nearly brand new wide rental fleet to wherever you choose to travel in Kenya. Don’t miss out on the comforts offered by a self drive rental that saves you from the noise and discomfort of traveling in a matatu or in a bus. A Self drive 4x4 will guarantee you the freedom to travel at your own desired pace and flexibility. You can easily add something last minute to your plans, add something to your tailor itinerary and can make stopovers whenever and wherever you choose to. Our 4x4 self drive rental vehicles are offered on unlimited mileage basis and have comprehensive insurance coverage and are also third party insured. With a 4x4 self drive rental you’re able to travel to remote unexplored areas, upcountry, hilly terrain and off road trips to anywhere you wish to visit in Kenya. We can also offer you our professional English Driver Guides who know all the corners and roads in Kenya and can seamlessly drive you to any destination you prefer while pointing out relevant attractions and a brief history about most places. Our drivers are efficiently trained to handle most emergency situations and there is no need for you to worry as we provide you with 24/7 back up support throughout your travels with us.
We ensure to provide our clients with the best efficient and proficient car rental services enabling us to have repeat clients and also inspire prospective and future clients to always book with only us. We provide 4x4 self drive car hire, 4x4 With Chauffeur car hire,4x4 one way and two way rental deals, camping vehicles, 4x4 camping equipment, 4x4 fully equipped/unequipped vehicles, 4x4 off road vehicles, short term and long term rental deals of over 9 months, tailor made itineraries, we can recommend or book accommodation for you, we can also arrange for purchase of gorilla permits for you in Rwanda or in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, you can do a combined tour of all East African countries all you require is to pay for an East African visa guaranteeing you entry into all East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and Kenya on a single visa.
4X4 CAR HIRE NAIROBI
4x4 cross border car hire.
You can seamlessly travel from one East African City to another for example from Kampala (Uganda) - Kigali (Rwanda) - Dar-es-Salaam or Arusha (Tanzania) - Nairobi or Mombasa (Kenya). You can decide to explore Mt.Elgon found both in Kenya and Uganda; you can travel from Maasai Mara to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania for the best game viewing experience. You can cross over to the Virunga Volcanoes National Park and to Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National park in Rwanda and Uganda for your most memorable gorilla trekking experience in Africa. Feel free to fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi and we can deliver your car rental to you there or at Entebbe Airport, Kigali Airport and then you can cross over say to Tanzania in the vicinity of your perfect 4x4 rental vehicle allowing you to take in the excellent scenery through your open window and fresh reviving air reliving you of your air flight tension and stress. You can pick up your car rental in Kenya and drop it off in Kigali or in Kampala or anywhere in Tanzania. All you have to do is book with us so that we can organize cross border paper documentations and arrangements to avoid delays at the border when crossing over in your 4x4 rental to another East African country. Cross border rates apply though very competitive and low prices are charged.
Our wide 4x4 Rental Fleet.
Habari offers a variety of 4x4 rental vehicles whatever vehicle you may need we provide you with the perfect rental to suit your preference at budget friendly and competitive car hire rates. Our vehicles range from 4x4 manual and automatic cars, 4x4 salon cars, 4x4 sedans, 4x4 mini buses, 4x4 transportation trucks, customized safari cars, SUVs, Super custom cars with carrying capacity of 15 People, small, medium sized and large cars, reliable 4x4 cars and 4x4 camper options. Our rental fleet comprises of Toyota Rav 4, Ford 4x4, Mazda 4wd, Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4, Nissan x-trail, Nissan Sunny, Toyota Hiace mini bus, Mitsubishi Pajero, Ranger Rover 4x4, Land Rover 4x4, Nissan Navarra 4x4, single and double cabin pickups, Toyota Prado 4x4, Toyota NZE, Toyota Fielder NZE, Land Rover Defender, Suziki Vitara, Toyota Dual cab Hilux 4x4, tough trucks and 4x4 campers. Whatever vehicle you choose we have your car rental needs covered and when you email us we provide you with instant quotes a few minutes after email submission of your Nairobi car rental requirements. We offer competitive, discounted car rental offers and we offer discounted car rates during low peak seasons and for long term car hire periods and even to our repeat clients.
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Our major Locations in Kenya.
Popular rental locations in Kenya include:- Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Mombasa Airport, Nairobi city, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Malindi, Wilson Airport and at all Airport mentioned earlier on such as Lamu Airport, Nakuru Airport, Naivasha Airport among others. Other locations include: - Moyale, Marsabit, Garissa, Lodwar, Meru, Machakos to mention but a few. In Kenya vehicle pick up and drop off would be in the major towns of Nairobi and Mombasa. We provide car rental to all destinations in Kenya and in East Africa.
Driving tips and general safety tips for visitors in Kenya.
Driving in Kenya is done on the left hand side and always stick to this side and if possible avoid traveling in the city center as it’s usually congested and traffic jam is unbearable.
Keep your eyes on the road and watch out for crossing school children and animals crossing the road in National parks.
A 4 wheeled drive vehicle is recommended if you plan on driving outside the bigger roads in the city of Nairobi and Mombasa to remote areas of Northern Kenya and coastal towns of Lamu and Malindi and to National Parks outside Nairobi.
Maintain an acceptable speed limit, in cities and towns its 50km/hr and for motorways its 110km/hr. Always fasten your seat belt and if traveling with a child the back seat is safer and ensure that child passenger safety belts are properly fastened.
Always carry spare wheels, a first aid kit, blanket, food and enough water in your car trunk in case of an emergency.
Make sure you have a full fuel tank before travelling to rural areas as you can drive for about 200km without a single petrol station in sight. There are many fuel pumps around the city. Always carry extra fuel to avoid fuel issues and getting stranded in now where with not a single person in sight.
Always keep your windows and doors locked more so when driving in major cities of Nairobi known for having high crime rates and robberies.
Take extra caution of thieves posing as police officers and avoid carrying many camera equipments and other essentials in the major cities of Nairobi and Mombasa. Always look out for pot holes and follow road rules at all times.
Contact us for your most epic car rental arrangements in Kenya one spectacular and beautiful landscapes, cultural melting point and endowed with coastal perfect pearly white sand beaches for your most enthusiastic and most extra ordinary traveling experience in Kenya.
Simply pick up your phone or email us for your most competitive car hire quote in Kenya on+256.782.014.207 OR +256.392.897.704 OR +44790.863.9450 email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
