Honeymoon in Kenya
Your honeymoon should be classed as a once in a lifetime holiday, hopefully to somewhere that you have never been before but you have always dreamed of going. There is no better place to celebrate the beginning of your new life together than surrounded by the exotic and beautiful scenery of Kenya.
Kenya is a glorious country which offers legendary game reserves and national parks along with the stunning rain forests and not forgetting the magnificent Kilimanjaro peaks. You can also find wonderful hideaways which consist of deserted islands, magical sunsets, skies full of stars and elegant dining; all combined to make your honeymoon the most memorable and enjoyable holiday you will ever experience.
Choose from a tropical beach location or an exciting adventure on safari, or even combine the two. You can opt to travel around the country using their transportation and visit as many urban and rural places as possible. The country is renowned for its friendliness and warmth from the people of Kenya who are pleased to receive visitors, particularly from Britain.
Sandy White Beaches
Relaxing on the sandy white beaches and dipping your feet in the clear waters is enough to wash anyone's cares and worries away and after planning your much anticipated wedding, what better location to unwind in. Enjoy the local dishes and bask in the wonderful rays of the sun, especially if you choose the beach option where smiling waiters will bring you cold drinks as you relax.
The safari operators offer romantic destinations surrounded by dramatic settings and the mystique of the wildlife, all thrown together with luxury accommodation and superb service. Many of the tour operators can provide you with a honeymoon tailored to your specifications and desires whether you choose the more popular and modern destinations or the wild tracks of Africa.
If you know where you want to visit, discuss with your travel operator how much it will cost and what you can do during your stay. There are many locations other than Kenya within Africa that you can visit which include: Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Victoria Falls and Zambia.
Background
Kenya's largest city, which is also the capital, is Nairobi and there are two official languages spoken in Kenya, Swahili and English. This Republic country celebrated independence from the UK in December 1963. It spans over two hundred thousand square miles and has a population of approximately thirty eight million people. Kenya is also home to a considerable amount of wildlife including elephants, lions, buffalos and leopards which can be found on the many game reserves and national parks.
Situated in East Africa and named after Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa, the country is resident to many tribes. Bordered by Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia and Ethiopia and alongside the Indian Ocean, Kenya is made up of eight provinces which are; Central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western. The currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling.
Food and Water
It is worth noting that during the summer from September to April that certain areas in Africa will not be able to provide fresh fruit and vegetables.
You will also be advised to use water sparingly and not to waste it when brushing your teeth or taking long showers etc as water is a valuable commodity.
Best Time to Go
With its tropical climates and even with the two rainfalls between March and May and October to November every year the country continues to have high temperatures with its peak being during February and March. In order to spot as many animals as possible it is recommended that you visit Kenya during the dry season between the end of July and September.
Modes of Transport
With the country spanning such vast distances, sometimes the best way to travel inland is to fly. Kenya does have main airports which will provide you with domestic flights to the small airstrips but it is recommended that you plan and book your tickets well in advance.
Travelling by train can be a comfortable and safe way to travel. In Kenya, trains must have enough bookings to even get the diesel engines started so reserve your seat or room as soon as possible. With three classes to choose from, First, Second and Third;, you can opt to have a seat or a bed although long delays and slow journeys need to be expected.
Kenya has an extensive public transportation system with hourly departures to major cities from many rural areas. You can opt for the cheap and reliable bus service which sometimes also runs during the night or the most common mode of transport is a Matatus which is small mini van type of vehicle. The Matatus is more expensive than the bus but is more comfortable, however the driver will stop for people on the side of the road and the tout, whose job it is to get as many people on the matatus as possible, will squeeze them all in.
It is possible to bring your own car into Kenya and you will be provided with a permit at the border when you enter which is valid for three months. You must however ensure that you check your routes as some routes require permission from the police. Hiring a car can be expensive but you will have more freedom and the roads are generally in a good condition.
Whatever your chosen mode of transport, it is advisable that you confirm all your travel arrangements with your Safari operators.
What to Take
Keeping baggage to a minimum is always a good option as if you are travelling for long distances no one wants to be carrying round large bags. It is advisable that if you are planning to go on safari that you check with your operator how much luggage you will be able to take on the vehicles and also what you should bring, i.e. do you need to provide your own sleeping bag. If going on a safari then brightly coloured, camouflaged or white clothes are not advisable.
Some essential items that might be worth taking include:
- A smaller bag to use for any excursions you might take.
- Any medication you are on.
- Belt purse or bum bag for valuables or money you want to keep close.
- Insect repellents or bite cream
- Malaria tablets.
- Small first aid kit.
- Sun hat.
- Suntan lotion and lip balm.
- Toiletries (wet wipes and tissues could be a handy addition).
- Walking shoes.
Health and Safety
Before you embark on your Kenyan holiday it is vital that you have the immunizations required. The only compulsory immunization to have is Yellow Fever (if you are visiting an area that has Yellow Fever) and it is important that you carry with you a valid inoculation certificate to prove you have had the Yellow Fever jab.
Other immunizations that are recommended include:
- Hepatitis A.
- Malaria.
- Polio.
- Tetanus.
- Typhoid.
In order to avoid falling ill while in Kenya you should take the following precautions:
- Avoid dairy produce such as milk if it has been untreated.
- Avoid water if you are not sure of its origins, this includes ice cubes.
- Do not eat fruit that is already unpeeled.
- Drink bottled water or soft drinks.
- Ensure your meat is thoroughly cooked.
- Purify water where possible.
- Try to eat a little more salt.
Kenya has a fairly high crime rate so you should be alert at all times, especially during the evening. Do not flaunt your money or possessions around and be wary of anyone trying to trick you out of your belongings and money and do not walk around at night unaccompanied.
Souvenirs
You will find a large amount of souvenirs to be purchased, usually alongside the road. They are generally cheap, mass produced and handmade and you can buy anything from jewellery to baskets or sarongs. It is illegal to take anything out of the country which contains rhino, sea turtle or elephant elements.
Customs and Etiquette
Following are a few of the customs and etiquette formalities to consider when visiting Kenya:
If you are giving a gift or handing over something to someone, never use just your left hand. It is acceptable to use just your right or you can use both hands.- It is considered polite to enquire as to a person's health or family etc.
- It is recommended that hands be washed before and after a meal.
- It is vital to dress appropriately when visiting markets and villages. When crossing the borders you should remove hats and sunglasses and should not have bare feet, chests or wear bikini tops.
- Kenyans are considered to be a sensitive nation and communication is not generally frank or direct. Any show of anger is considered to be a sign of instability and they will go out of their way to avoid embarrassing someone.
- On greeting someone older or of a higher status than you is it respectful to lower your eyes.
- Should you be invited to dine at someone's home, it is not polite to bring alcohol with you unless you know for sure that your host drinks.
- The handshake, which is prolonged if the person is not just an acquaintance, is the most common form of greeting. Note that not all men will shake hands with a woman and vice versa and therefore it is more respectful for a man to wait until the woman offers her hand.
- The Kenyans do not eat and drink at the same time so your drinks may be served at the end of your meal.
- Tipping is not mandatory but is considered common courtesy.
- When in a crowd of people or a family gathering, people do not begin eating until the eldest male has begun.
- While it is not compulsory, it is polite to finish everything that is on your plate.
- You should wait for someone to invite you to use their first name as titles are very important in Kenya and you should use them wherever possible.
Visas and Passports
You must ensure that you have a valid passport with at least six months remaining to expiry and a visa which can be acquired at the border. To avoid long lines and delays however it might be advisable to get a visa before entering the country. A visa will be fixed into your passport on a blank page and will be valid for a thirty day stay.
You are required to carry with you all your travel documents and enough money for the duration of your stay (around three hundred pounds is recommended).
Also ensure that you get adequate travel insurance to cover any activities you might be taking part in.
Add-On
Why not choose a popular add-on option with your honeymoon and participate in a hot air balloon safari? Take off is just before sunrise and you can enjoy the landscape from high above while being carried along by wherever the winds take you.
The sights often include many of the larger animals including the elephant and the lions and once the balloon flight is over the passengers are usually treated to a champagne breakfast. You will then be driven back to the take off site hopefully passing all the wonderful animals you saw from the air along the way.
For a stress free honeymoon full of idyllic beaches by the Indian Ocean and stunning landscapes of the African safari then Kenya is definitely the choice for you.
