A Short History Palaeontologists believe people may first have inhabited Kenya about two million years ago and many humanoid fossils have been unearthed in East Africa. From about 700 AD, Arab seafarers established settlements along the coast, and the Portuguese took control of the area in the early 1500s. More than 40 ethnic groups reside in Kenya, and its largest group, the Kikuyu, migrated to the region at the beginning of the 18th century. The land became a British protectorate in 1890 and a Crown Colony in 1920, when it went by the name of British East Africa. Nationalist stirrings began in the 1940s, and in 1952 the Mau Mau movement, made up of Kikuyu militants, rebelled against the government and fighting lasted until 1956. In 1963, Kenya became fully independent. Jomo Kenyatta, a nationalist leader during the independence struggle who had been jailed by the British, became its first president. From 1964 to 1992, the country was ruled as a one-party state by the Kenya African National Union (KANU), first under Kenyatta and then under Daniel arap Moi. The economy did not flourish under Moi's rule and by the 1990s, Kenya's infrastructure had largely disintegrated and corruption was rampant, contributing to the withdrawal of much foreign aid. Demonstrations and riots pressured Moi to allow for multi party elections in 1992. On Aug. 7, 1998, the U.S. embassy in Nairobi was bombed by terrorists, killing 243 and injuring more than 1,000. Moi won the1997 elections, but allowed the expansion of political parties from 11 to 26. He was constitutionally barred from running in the 2002 elections, and Mwai Kibaki, was elected President by a large majority. Since then he has done much to improve Kenya's infrastructure and stamp out corruption. Climate: The climate is tropical and coastal areas are hot and humid, where the rainy season lasts from March to June. The central plateau is dry and arid, while the north western highlands are cool and temperate and the rainy season here lasts from November to December and February to May. Mount Kenya has snow year round on its upper peaks. On all our tours, it's best to bring warm clothing - raincoat, warm hat, socks etc. - as across Africa wet/dry and hot/cool climatic periods change invariably. Start or Finish in Kenya Nairobi Kenya's largest city is a melting pot of cultures and there are a few interesting attractions including the Langata Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum. Safety is an issue though so we recommend you pre-book accommodation before arrival. Accommodation We can organise pre and post accommodation for you at the Boulevard Hotel, which is a comfortable centrally located three-star hotel with a good range of facilities including a swimming pool, restaurant and bar; Bed and Breakfast and p/p/p/n; Triple: US$45, Twin/double: US$55, Single: US$85; One Way Airport Transfer: US$20. Alternatively, we can book accommodation at the Kenya Comfort Inn, a budget two-star hotel, which is again centrally located; Bed only and p/p/p/n; Quad: US20, Triple: US$20, Twin/double: US$25, Single: US$35; One Way Airport Transfer: US$20. Health Matters Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas. Malaria: A malaria risk, predominantly due to P. falciparum, exists throughout the country. P. falciparum is resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine - pyrimethamine. Recommended prophylaxis: mefloquine. Precautionary measures to take to prevent contact with mosquitoes include: insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and wear long sleeve clothing and long trousers in the evenings. Other: Seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic at least six weeks prior to departure about what vaccinations you require. Typically the list includes typhoid, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B and meningitis. Untreated tap water is considered unsafe to drink. Hospital facilities are generally excellent in Nairobi but in rural regions medical facilities are limited. Insurance: Health insurance is essential; adequate medical provision is often only provided privately and may require health insurance or a cash payment before admission. It is recommended that visitors carry personal medical supplies with them. Money Guide Currency Kenyan Shilling (KSH) Exchange rates: US$1 = KSH67 GB£1 = KSH134 The following information is provided to assist you in planning the finances you will require for your safari. It is intended as a general guide only and may change with local conditions. African currencies tend to fluctuate more rapidly than your own currencies. The best place to change money in Kenya is at the bureau de changes as banks and hotels charge commission to change either cash or traveller's cheques. Exchange rates vary depending upon the denomination of the note that you want to change and generally smaller notes attract a lower exchange rate than high ones. Most banks are only open for an hour or two on Saturday mornings, though bureau de changes have longer opening hours. ATM machines are available in Nairobi and larger Kenyan towns. Barclays and Standard Chartered Bank are the main banks accepting overseas ATM cards. All unused Kenyan Shillings can be easily changed to Tanzanian or Ugandan shillings on the border. There are several bureau de changes in Nairobi that often have USD cash for sale. Check how much they can sell you first, but don't rely on this and it is best to bring USD from your home country. Barclays bank can also organise cash advances on credit cards. All souvenirs, snacks, refreshments and local services such as taxis, internet and laundry are payable using KSH. Optional activities in Kenya are few and most are attractions with entrance fees which are usually paid in KSH or US$ cash. Visa requirements: All nationalities except Irish need to pay an entry visa into Kenya and these cost US$50 and are issued at the airport on arrival and at the border posts. The three East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have an agreement that you can travel freely between these countries and do not have to get another visa when returning to each. If you exit this region and enter any other country, including Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, you will need to get new visas for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. If you are visiting the gorillas in DRC you may wish to investigate the cost of a multiple entry visa for Kenya in your home country; these are not available at the borders. Average Costs: Internet, KSH1-5 per minute. Beer, KSH100-150. Bag of laundry, KSH400.