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Climate

By and large, Kenya's climate is warm all year round, with plenty of sunshine and cool nights and mornings. However, if you are traveling across Kenya, expect to experience different weather patterns due to Kenya's differing topographical dimensions. Generally, the hottest season falls between February and March, while the coolest season falls between July and August. There are two rainy seasons in most of Kenya. The shorter rains start in October and continue until November. The long rains start in March and continue until early June.

Safety

Security is a matter of common sense and the same precautions should be taken in Kenyan cities as in any major city. Do not carry large sums of money, keep a close watch on handbags, wallets, etc. when walking in crowded areas, avoid walking at night (especially alone), never leave money or valuables unattended, even for a short time. Most hotels provide safety deposit boxes. Generally security in Kenya is acceptable and tourist police is present in all major towns and cities

Photography

We recommend you bring your equipment, extra batteries and all memory cards with you although all normal types of film can usually be bought in major towns. A lens is essential for good game pictures. Please respect the local people and only photograph them with their permission. Please be strongly advised never to attempt to take photos of border posts, airports, persons in uniform and military installations where photography is strictly prohibited.

Shopping

Kenyan products are as diverse and unique as the country itself. There are traditional artifacts, fantastic jewelry, beautiful carvings, the world's best coffee, precious stones, furniture, beautiful cloth, excellent local music, wonderful modern art and so much more to be found. Excellent, well stocked gift shops can be found in may hotels, lodges and camps throughout the country. But often real finds can be found a little further off the beaten track.

Money

The Kenya shilling is freely exchangeable, and most major facilities accept major credit cards.

People, Religion & Language

Languages:
KiSwahili is the official language, although English is widely spoken in commercial areas. In remote areas, the majority of people will only speak their tribal language.  English and Swahili (official languages). KiSwahili is the lingua franca. In addition, most tribes have their own language. English is universally used in business, and spoken by most people in the tourist industry. Other languages are Gikuyu, Kiluhya, Dholuo, Kikamba, Maasai and Somali.
Ethnic groups:
Kenya is home to 13 ethnic groups although there are a further 27 smaller groups. Most Kenyans belong to Bantu tribes such as the Kikuyu (22 %), Luhya (14 %) and Kamba (11 %). The Luo (13 %) are of Nilotic origin, as are the smaller Kalenjin (12 %), Maasai, Turkana and others. Somalis and the nomadic Hamitic peoples (Turkana, Rendille and Samburu) live in the north; Kamba and Maasai tribes are concentrated in the south and eastern lowlands; the Luo live around Lake Victoria; Asian, European and Arab - 1 %
Religion:
Christian - 66%; indigenous beliefs - 26%; Muslim - 7%, other - 1%

Food & Drinking water

Food is generally excellent in Kenya - full English breakfasts with fresh tropical fruit, buffet style lunches and three or four course dinners. Beers, wines and spirits are freely available.  Drink only bottled water.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory in Kenya. However, if you are happy with the service you have received any gesture of appreciation will be enthusiastically received.