Kenya - Africa

Kenya - fondly known as the 'Land of the Lion King', sits at the center of the African safari experience, with an outstanding variety of wild animals and Big Five viewing opportunities. Although safaris are its greatest attraction, it is a country of great diversity with much more to offer than splendid wildlife, making it a really wonderful wedding destination choice. Essentially it is a place for outdoor living - the coast offers beautiful beaches and water-based activities, the mountains present a challenge to hikers and climbers, and the rolling savannahs are a game-viewers paradise.

The country sits astride the equator and offers fabulous scenery and a variety of tribal cultures. From its central location, the sacred peaks of Mt Kenya reign over a landscape primarily covered by grasslands and thorn trees, much of it enclosed within its many parks and reserves. To the west the spectacular Great Rift Valley is sprinkled with lakes teeming with a variety of birdlife, whose shores and surrounds are traversed by agricultural farmlands. To the east lies the promise of an idyllic beach wedding with the requisite white palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs. Inhabiting the highlands and Rift Valley are two of the most well known of the numerous tribal cultures, the Kikuyu farmers and the tall, red-clad Masai cattle herders. The coast is home to ancient Swahili civilizations and old port towns that are rich in a history of exotic spice trading and fighting.

Kenya has a sophisticated tourism infrastructure, with two major cities controlling the majority of the tourism trade. Nairobi, the capital, is the safari and hiking hub, situated in the cool Central Highlands, while on the east coast the hot and humid trading port of Mombasa functions as the gateway to the resorts and pristine beaches of the area. Sadly the heavy influence of tourism has meant excessive prices for safaris, souvenirs and most activities of interest to foreigners, as well as the constant hassle by touts, guides and sellers to part with as much money as they can dupe the guilty traveller into spending.

In spite of  this, the people are friendly and couples can choose to do as little or as much as they like, and the combination of wildlife, together with its beaches and mountains, make Kenya a fantastic wedding destination.


THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
The high season is during the Migration andfalls between May and August. This is also when it is coolest and driest. The dry season starts in June and lasts until November. This is the most expensive time of the year to visit. November to March is considered a low season and temperatures are generally quite high, peaking at 28 degrees in February.

AN ESTIMATE OF WHAT THINGS COST IN KENYA
These prices are an average price and may vary according to hotels & seasons.
Bottle of Wine US$17 R120
Beer US$1.70 R12
Bottle of Water US$1.40 R10
Coffee / Tea US$2.50 R18
Cold Drinks US$1.40 R10
Toasted Sandwich US$10 R70
Dinner at Hotel US$24 R170

CAPITAL CITY: Nairobi
LANGUAGE: Swahili
CURRENCY: Kenyan Shilling
VISA: SA passport holders do not require a visa. All other passport holders to check with local authorities
TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT + 3 (SA time + 1hr)
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Yellow Fever certificate is required. Anti-Malaria precautions are recommended.

A great location for a couple wanting to elope, a wedding couple wanting to combine wildlife and the sand and ocean or a couple wanting to get away and work on a bit of romance.

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