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Country Information
Major Regions & Cities
Kenya has 47 counties grouped into 8 former provinces.
Must-Visit Landmarks
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Famous for the Great Migration and Big Five sightings. Best visited July-October.
Amboseli National Park
Iconic views of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
Diani Beach
Pristine white sand beach with coral reefs, consistently ranked among Africa's best.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Famous for flamingos and rhino sanctuary with over 100 black and white rhinos.
Mount Kenya
Africa's second highest mountain (5,199m) with glaciers and unique vegetation zones.
Lamu Old Town
UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved Swahili architecture.
Brief History of Kenya
Early Settlements
First human settlements by hunter-gatherer groups, ancestors of modern-day Hadza and Sandawe.
Trade Networks
Kenyan coast becomes part of Indian Ocean trade network with Arab and Persian merchants.
Swahili City-States
Rise of Swahili city-states like Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu along the coast.
Portuguese Arrival
Vasco da Gama visits Mombasa, beginning European interest in the region.
British Colonization
Kenya becomes British East Africa Protectorate, later Kenya Colony in 1920.
Mau Mau Uprising
Anti-colonial rebellion against British rule, leading to Kenya's independence.
Independence
Kenya gains independence from Britain on December 12, with Jomo Kenyatta as first president.
Moi Presidency
Daniel arap Moi becomes president after Kenyatta's death, rules until 2002.
Post-Election Violence
Ethnic violence after disputed elections leaves over 1,000 dead, 600,000 displaced.
New Constitution
Kenya adopts new constitution creating 47 counties and devolving power.
Westgate Attack
Al-Shabaab militants attack Nairobi shopping mall, killing 67 people.
Ruto Presidency
William Ruto elected president in closely contested election.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Visa Requirements
eVisa available for most nationalities ($51 single entry). Visa on arrival for some. Passport must be valid for 6 months.
Currency & Payments
Kenyan Shilling (KES). ATMs widely available. Credit cards accepted in cities. US dollars accepted in tourist areas.
Transportation
Domestic flights between cities. Uber/Bolt in Nairobi/Mombasa. Matatus (minibuses) for local transport. Left-hand driving.
Cultural Etiquette
Greetings important. Respect elders. Right hand for eating/giving. Ask before photographing people.
Best Times to Visit
Kenyan Cuisine
Try nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali (maize staple), sukuma wiki (collard greens), chapati, mandazi, and Kenyan tea.
Famous Events
Safari Rally (June), Lamu Cultural Festival (Nov), Maasai Olympics (Dec), Nairobi Restaurant Week (Sep).
Health Precautions
Yellow fever vaccine required if coming from endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis recommended. Drink bottled water.
Technology
Good 4G coverage in cities. M-Pesa mobile money widely used. SIM cards available at airport (~$1).
Cultural Considerations
42 ethnic groups. Maasai culture prominent in tourism. Coastal areas more conservative - dress modestly.
Shopping Tips
Bargain in markets. Look for Maasai beadwork, kikoy fabric, soapstone carvings, Kenyan coffee/tea. Avoid wildlife products.
For Women Travelers
Generally safe but expect attention. Dress modestly outside tourist areas. Avoid night travel alone.