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In the past centuries, the main visitors to Kenya were Arab traders who plied their dhows along the Eastern coast of Africa. These days, it is tourists and adventurers who come to Kenya in large numbers: currently around one million visit Kenya annually and little wonder, as it offers an amazing variety of attractions. For many people, Kenya translates into wildlife and Kenya truly is the heart of the safari in Africa: from millions of wildebeest, zebra and other animals that cross to Masai Mara from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania during their annual migration to the equally breathtaking sight of hundreds of pink flamingoes massing on the shores of the Rift Valley Soda Lakes.

For sheer majesty it is hard to beat the sight of a herd of elephants crossing the flat plains of Amboseli with Africa's most famous mountain, the evocative snow-capped Kilimanjaro , rising in the background.

Kenya has also acquired a reputation of having a variety of flora and fauna, temperate and tropical climate, a beautiful landscape, fresh meat products, fruits and vegetables and above all, friendly and hospitable people. Dubbed as the cradle of the  mankind, the indigenous people have a legacy of rich traditions and cultures. The tourists’ products that Kenya has established have won several accolades as the best in the sub-Saharan Africa.

 

From the wildlife to the nightlife, Nairobi is a city unlike any other. With a fantastic music scene, excellent international restaurants and an endless and colourful array of shops and markets, there is plenty on offer for the visitor. This metropolis remains a window into East Africa, with its peace and well-known hospitality.
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital, and the arrival point for most of the visitors. The main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International, located 25 kms out of the centre of town. JKIA handles both International and domestic carriers.
Wilson airport, located 11 kms outside of the city centre, is the domestic hub for both scheduled and chartered domestic air traffic. There are countless Matatu stands throughout Nairobi, with continuous arrivals and departures throughout the day. Nairobi is the centre of Kenya's extensive bus network, with many bus companies operating to and from destinations throughout the country. Walking around Nairobi is relatively straightforward, as the city centre is small and accessible. In some areas, there can be a security risk while walking. Taxis are widely available, and convenient. Taxis are often parked in the street around hotels and tourist areas of the city. Hotels and restaurants can order taxis if necessary. Nairobi Taxis are usually marked with a yellow line along each side.
Buses operate on set routes throughout the city. The large Kenya Buses run on routes throughout the city on regular schedules. Matatus (Public Minibuses) also operate on city routes throughout the day, and are the most popular form of local public transport.
 

Variation in altitude and terrain create interesting contrasts in Kenya’s climate. The coastal region is hot and often humid. Mornings in the central highlands can be cool, while in the North and North East; the days are dry and very hot. In the areas most frequented by visitors on safari, the weather is ideal, as it is neither too hot nor too cold. Due to Kenya’s equatorial location, the nights and days are almost equal all year round.


There are two rainy seasons which interrupt Kenya’s otherwise sunny weather: short rains occur from late October through November and long rains from late March through early June. Dry periods may occur during the rainy seasons and sunny spells are often experienced even on rainy days. Rain usually falls during the late afternoon, reducing temperatures in the evenings and nights – making them pleasant but often cool. The parks are fresh and green with fewer people and vehicles at this time. Accommodation is plentiful and cheaper during the low season that coincides with the long rains. July and August are the coolest months and the mornings are often overcast. The annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles from Serengeti plains across Mara River to Masai Mara takes place from late June until October. This is high season and lodges are usually fully booked during this time.

  

Variation in altitude and terrain create interesting contrasts in Kenya’s climate. The coastal region is hot and often humid. Mornings in the central highlands can be cool, while in the North and North East; the days are dry and very hot. In the areas most frequented by visitors on safari, the weather is ideal, as it is neither too hot nor too cold. Due to Kenya’s equatorial location, the nights and days are almost equal all year round.


There are two rainy seasons which interrupt Kenya’s otherwise sunny weather: short rains occur from late October through November and long rains from late March through early June. Dry periods may occur during the rainy seasons and sunny spells are often experienced even on rainy days.