- Capital: Nairobi
- Time Zone: GMT +3
- Currency: The unit of currency is the Kenya shilling (KSH). Each shilling is divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 KSH. Coins come in 5, 10, 50 cents and 1 KSH. Foreign currency or travelers checks must be declared on a declaration form when entering the country. You are not allowed to take out more foreign currency than you bring in. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and many hotels.
Kenya is situated right along the equator, on the eastern coast of the African continent. Its coastal region is on the southeast, and to the east lays Somalia. Ethiopia is to the north, the Sudan to the northwest, and Uganda directly to the west. The southwestern border of the country is marked by Lake Victoria, and southward lays Tanzania. Kenya’s geography is marvellously varied. While much of northeastern Kenya is a flat, bush-covered plain, the remainder of the country encompasses pristine beaches, scenic highlands and lake regions, the Great Rift Valley, and the magnifcent Mount Kenya.
Cities
Nairobi
Is the capital of Kenya. In addition to its urban center, the city also includes the Nairobi National Park, a large reserve inhabited by black rhinos, a threatened species, as well as giraffes, zebras and lions. Next door is a famous elephant orphanage, managed by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Nairobi is also often the starting point for safa.
Mombasa
Is a port city of southern Kenya on the Indian Ocean and the county seat of Mombasa County. Located 440 km southeast of the capital Nairobi, it is connected to it by the road A109, a railway line and daily air links.
The Masai Mara
National Reserve is a wild savannah area preserved in southwestern Kenya along the Tanzanian border. It is home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and hippos. Wildebeest roam the plains during their annual migration. The landscape, consisting of grassy plains and hills, is crossed by the rivers Mara and Talek. The area surrounding the reserve is dotted with Maasai (enkang) villages.
Language
Kenya is a multilingual country. Its official languages are Swahili and English. There are a total of 62 languages spoken in Kenya, most being African Languages with a minority of Middle-Eastern and Asian languages spoken by descendants of settlers.
Electricity
The electricity in Kenya is 220/240 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Kenya with a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. The plugs are 3-point square.
Entry requirements
Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.
Communication
International access code: 00 International dialing code: 254 Concerning national calls made in Kenya, it is not necessary to dial the 254 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 254 and finally the local phone number in Kenya.