TRAVEL TO EXOTIC COUNTRIES

KENYA

GENERAL INFORMATION

Kenya is located on the east coast of the African continent on the equator. And the line runs right down the middle of the country and divide it into two almost equal parts. Physically Kenya consists of several zones. The Great Rift Valley (Great Rift Valley) runs from north to south, and in some places up to 65 km wide and 600-900 m deep. This is perhaps the most beautiful part of the country, dotted with lakes, on the banks of which is home to the world's largest colony of pink flamingos.

To the east of the Great Rift Valley is the extinct volcano of Mount Kenya, a height of 5199 meters, which is the second highest mountain in Africa. This is the most fertile part of Kenya. To the south of the Great Rift Valley goes to Savannah, which represents Kenya, and used as a boundless pasture. To the east, the country is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean. Kenyan coast just fine and has to rest: the beaches with white sand stretches for more than 480 km, and the warm sea (water temperature never drops below 25-24 degrees) is protected from sharks coral reefs.

CLIMATE

The climate is sub-equatorial. During the year in Kenya there are two rainy seasons: short (October-December) and long (from March to early June). Most rain falls on the ocean coast and in the west of the country, in mountain areas (1500-2000 mm.). In general, the climate in Kenya is the best on the continent. In Nairobi, the daytime temperature fluctuates from +14 C to +28 C in July and from 14 C to 27 C in January. The best time for tours to Kenya - August and September.

TIME

Time difference with Moscow in the winter time there in the summer time, the Kenyan behind Moscow for 1 hour.

CURRENCY

Monetary unit - Kenyan Shilling (Course on February 18, 2003: 76.6400 KES = 1 USD). 1 shilling = 100 cents. We accept international credit cards American Express, Visa and others.

CUISINE

Cuisine is varied, it includes elements of African, Asian and European cuisine. Usually used in cooking a lot of hot spices, which may not appeal to those who are not accustomed to burning, spicy food. Recommended specify exactly what you want to order, with or without pepper. Your wishes will always be fulfilled. Of particular interest are the products of the sea. It is unlikely that you will try to Russia turtle soup or a dish of cooked octopus. All restaurants offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Pay attention to the papaya, strawberries and pineapple you can try at home. If fruits and vegetables you bought at the market, wash them, adding potassium permanganate in water or vinegar. In good restaurants, hotels service level is very high, so the fruits and vegetables that you file, you can eat without fear.

VISA

Kenya Russian tourists can visit without a visa. Authorized period of stay at the same - up to 28 days. Consular registration duration to Kenya - 2 weeks. Kenya Russian tourists can visit without a visa. Authorized period of stay at the same - up to 28 days. Consular registration duration to Kenya - 2 weeks.

TRIPPING

Tipping is given in the local currency, it is about 10 percent of the total cost of service. Porter is necessary to give the equivalent of 1 USD; maid - about the same, but every day.

CUSTOMS

Duty-free import: cigarettes - 200 pieces; Spirits - 1 bottle, perfumes and toilet water - 600g. The import of fruit, seedlings and seeds drug users of explosives, firearms and toys imitating him. The export of gold and diamonds, of ivory. The export of animal skins for a special license issued by customs authorities. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, but the declaration is required, national - is prohibited. The export of imported foreign currency, national - is prohibited.

WHAT  TO SEE

NAIROBI

Nairobi - Capital of Kenya. The city is located in the southern part of the country at an altitude of 1800 m was founded in 1899, and in 1905 acquired the status as the capital of Kenya. The most popular attraction is the eponymous Nairobi National Park, which is located 7 km from the city. The park is a small piece of savannah, home to the typical Kenyan animals. Its area - 117 square meters. km. The National Park is interesting in that, walking through it, you will always see the silhouette of the capital.

At the entrance to the park is a haven for animals. Young animals are brought here and grow them. In the city need to go to the Clock Tower, Houses of Parliament to the mausoleum of the first president of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, walk around the Indian quarter with several Hindu temples that were built Indian diaspora Nairobi and visit the National Museum with an extensive anthropological exhibition, which presents the most ancient human remains , found in Kenya. Also suitable for walking Uhuru Park and Central Park, where, surrounded by lush vegetation are monuments devoted to the president. Also, Nairobi - the starting point for safari tours to national parks.

Near the capital in a place called Bomas in the theater has 3500 seats are held every day presentation with traditional dances. Here are a few villages of different tribes, who live in Kenya.

Mombasa

Mombasa - the ancient capital of Kenya and the second largest city in Kenya. It is located in the southern part of the Kenyan coast. The historic center of Mombasa is located on an island in a small bay, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Here stands the ancient Portuguese fort Jesus, which dominates the entrance to the harbor. This is one of the oldest European fort in Africa. He began to build the Portuguese in 1593. Now it is a museum about the history of Mombasa. From architectural attractions can also distinguish the summer residence of the President of Kenya, and the street Biashara known for its shops and souvenir shops.

Near Mombasa Park residents interested in the sea bed and snakes, Bamburi - farm for breeding butterflies in Freetown - Mamba Crocodile Farm in the village Ngomongo - Cultural Village, which shows the culture and lifestyle of 11 indigenous tribes, Bombolulu - Cultural Village with the center manual work, where many shops and souvenir shops. Ecotourism lovers can advise National Forest Hills Chimbo. Over an area of ​​192 square meters. km stretches dense forest, which is home to a large number of leopards in Kenya and the only population of black antelope.

North of Mombasa to 125 km along the coast is the town of Malindi. Here, in addition to the beaches, interesting old town. Right on the coast of Malindi towering cross in memory of Vasco da Gama, who was the first European who landed in 1499 on the coast of Kenya. Old city is built in a colonial style and it contrasts sharply with the New Town, which is full of hotels, restaurants and shops. 16 km south of Malindi, are the ruins of Gede (ancient African city). It was built in the 13th century and destroyed in the 17th century Somalis. Now it is an archaeological park, where excavations. Here were found the city walls, gates, towers, houses, mosques, tombs, the palace of the Sultan, and many other buildings.

Oversmoke

Nakuru in the Rift Valley, located 230 km north-west of Nairobi. It is the third largest city in Kenya. On the main street there are many souvenir shops. The city is located next to Lake Nakuru National Park with the same name. Once it was home to half of all people living in the world of pink flamingos. Now the population of pink flamingos of the park one of the largest in the world. There is also home to about 450 other species of birds - pelicans, cormorants, herons and others. In Nakuru is the oldest nursery rhinos in Kenya.

Not far from Nakuru are hills Hayreks where conducted archaeological excavations. There were discovered settlements that date back to the third millennium BC, the ancient graves, where was found a large collection of household items.

Kisumu

Kisumu city is located on the shores of Lake Victoria in the south-western part of the country. This is a market town, through which the goods are exported to Uganda and Tanzania. Almost all the residents of Kisumu engaged in the fishing industry and in the production of cotton. Lake Victoria - the second largest freshwater lake in the world. Its area is 67,850 square meters. km. Kenya belongs to the smallest part of the Lake (3785 sq. km.).

The lake is interesting three islands - Rusinga, Mfangano and Takaviri. On the islands of well-developed infrastructure - there are hotels and campsites. On the islands, tourists can engage in fishing and bird watching, especially in the period from March to July. On the shores of the lake lives a large colony of flamingos.