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What can Kenya offer you and your client?
 IntroductionWhy should you recommend a holiday to Kenya? History? Scenery? Climate? Kenya is one of many different destinations that can offer your customer a fantastic holiday experience. So why choose it? What is it that makes this country one of Africa’s most visited? Module Two is all about answering some of the most frequently asked questions that you may get, and about discussing the possibilities that exist in magical Kenya. From now on you may be referred to the Kenya Tourist Board website – www.magicalkenya.com. This will assist with some of the questions at the end! __________
Kenya is an amazing destination that will appeal to a broad base of clients – there really is something for everyone! Much of this is due to the environment and climate of the country. Having two rainy seasons dramatically increases the abundance of animals and fauna. Indeed as we will see in later modules, Kenya has a fantastic variety of wildlife that makes it the greatest game show on earth! There are more than 80 major animal species in Kenya, but most people come to see the Big Five: lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard. These are the animals on which most visitors set their sights – a hangover from the days when a safari was accompanied by a game shoot! The tradition of looking for them continues, but these days the visitors come armed with nothing more dangerous than a camera. Hunting is now no longer permitted, and great efforts are being made by the Kenyan authorities to save many of the endangered species. Talk at safari lodges is generally of what game has been seen that day, and most people will talk loudly of spotting big cats, elephants and rhino. But no visit to Kenya would be complete without the other animals that roam the plains and forests of the national parks and reserves. The sight of groups of zebra and antelope grazing, or of the graceful but clumsy looking giraffe – ever watchful for predators – set against the African sky is truly a magnificent sight… and part of the real Kenyan safari experience. Many would rank all of the big cats as prime viewing. Cheetahs, lions and leopards are not seen by all visitors, but are an important part of the experience: there is nothing like the sight of a family of cheetahs moving quietly through the bush or lions enjoying the shade in the midday sun.
The famous wildebeest migration, when millions of the animals migrate from the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara attracts huge numbers of visitors. Utterly unique, this is one of the most spectacular natural occurrences in the world, and usually takes place between July and September. Kenya’s fauna is just as exotic with some fantastic forests across the country (click here for details). Naturally, they are teeming with life – in the branches as well as down below. Kenya is considered the greatest country in Africa for birdwatching, with over 1,000 recorded species. An A-Z of Kenyan birds can be found here. The scenery is world class too. Crowned by the snowy peaks of Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is also home to the vast, dramatic Great Rift Valley and to scores of natural lakes such as Lake Nakuru and Lake Victoria. Our beaches have been shaped by the Indian Ocean and centre around the natural ‘capital of the coast’ at Mombasa. Those seeking rest and relaxation have a full 500km of coastline to explore, with great white sand beaches that attract many thousands of visitors year round. Off the coast of Kenya are yet more natural attractions, with natural reserves protecting the coral gardens that are a great draw for divers. Kenya has plenty to offer all its visitors, be they golfers, divers, thrill-seekers, culture vultures, or those seeking no more than rest, relaxation and some of the famous Kenyan hospitality. __________ |
What can Kenya offer my Customers?
Other well known creatures abundant in Kenya include crocodiles, hippopotami, hyenas, baboons, gazelles and wildebeest. Visitors with a real interest in wildlife are encouraged to bring a specialist guide book which covers the animals likely to be spotted. This allows the visitor to quickly access information on some of the lesser-known animals that are frequently seen.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the currency in Kenya? | The official currency is Kenya shillings (Ksh). | ||
| What other currencies are accepted in Kenya? | The easiest currencies to exchange are the US dollar and the UK pound, although other currencies are often accepted, including the euro. Banks are generally open 09:00 to 15:00. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most places. | ||
| Do I need a visa? | British citizen passport holders do require a visa to enter Kenya. These can be obtained either prior to travelling or at entry. Obtaining a visa prior to entry should be done through the Kenya High Commission. The cost at time of writing is £35, and the application should be accompanied by two passport photographs. Full details of this process and a downloadable application form can be found at www.kenyahighcommission.com. If leaving the visa process to arrival, it is preferable to pay using US$, and at time of writing the cost is $50. Please note that visa requirements can change, so it is worth checking with the Kenya High Commission well before travel. | ||
| What injections and inoculations will I need? | The injections and medical precautions that are required by a visitor will depend on their previous medical and travel history, age, and other personal facts. Please refer customers to their GP or a specialist vaccination centre. | ||
| Is Kenya a family destination? | Kenya is an exciting destination for families offering an amazing experience of African culture and its wildlife. What could be better than for children to view animals in their natural environment? Staying on the coast also offers families the chance to relax together on the beach or around the pool. It is also worth pointing out that there is little jet-lag to affect small children, as Kenya is at GMT +3. It is advisable that families speak to their doctor about health related concerns. | ||
| When are Kenya’s public holidays? |
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To request a brochure, please email: kenya@hillsbalfour.com [testbutton] | |||