WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Kenya

Location

Climate

Kenya is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, exceptional flora and fauna, and numerous events and festivals. To make the most of your stay in this East African country, it's essential to know the best times to visit, major cultural events and public holidays.

Seasons and climate in Kenya

Kenya is located near the equator, with a tropical climate moderated by altitude. There are two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

The dry season

The best time to visit Kenya is undoubtedly during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this period, temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is minimal, making conditions ideal for exploring the national parks and going on safari. September is a particularly good time to observe the great wildebeest and zebra migration between Tanzania and Kenya.

The rainy season

The rainy season is divided into two periods: "light rains" from November to December, and "heavy rains" from March to May. Rainfall can be heavy, making some roads impassable and limiting outdoor activities. However, this period is ideal for discovering Kenya's verdant landscapes and taking advantage of lower rates on accommodation and transport.

Major cultural events in Kenya

Throughout the year, Kenya hosts a multitude of cultural events reflecting its diversity and dynamism. Among the must-see events are :

• Safaricom International Sports Festival This sporting event, usually held in January, brings together national and international athletes in a variety of disciplines such as rugby, soccer and running.
• The Lamu Cultural Festival Lamu: in February, the historic town of Lamu celebrates its unique cultural heritage with craft exhibitions, traditional boat parades (dhows) and sailing competitions.
• Kenya Wildlife Conservation Week Kenya: organized in April, this week dedicated to raising awareness of the need to protect Kenya's flora and fauna offers workshops, conferences and exhibitions throughout the country.
• The Mombasa Carnival The Carnival: this large multicultural carnival, which takes place in November, is an opportunity to discover the traditional dances, music and costumes of Kenya's different communities.

Public holidays in Kenya

As elsewhere in the world, certain public holidays are celebrated in Kenya. It's important to bear these in mind when planning your trip, as they can affect the opening times of shops, museums and tourist sites. Kenya's main public holidays include :

• New Year's Day (January 1st)
• Labour Day (May 1)
• Madaraka Day (June 1) Kenya Day: this day commemorates Kenya's autonomy from Great Britain in 1963.
• Heroes' Day (Mashujaa Day, October 20) National Day: this day pays tribute to the national heroes who contributed to the country's independence and development.
• Independence Day (Jamhuri Day, December 12) This date celebrates Kenya's independence in 1964.
• Christmas (December 25) And Boxing Day (December 26).

Low and high season periods

In Kenya, tourist demand varies according to season and event. Here's an overview of low and high season periods:

High season

The high tourist season generally corresponds to the dry season, from June to October. July and August are particularly popular due to the school vacations in many countries. During this period, prices for accommodation and activities can be higher, and it is advisable to book in advance to guarantee your place.

Low season

The low season coincides with the rainy season, particularly in April and May. Rates are often more affordable at this time, but some areas of the country may be less accessible due to rainfall. However, this can be an excellent opportunity to discover Kenya from a different angle and enjoy a more intimate and authentic stay.

Immigration statistics for Kenya

According to available data, the number of international arrivals to Kenya has increased in recent years. In fact, between 2017 and 2019, arrivals grew by almost 10%. Here are some key statistics:

• In 2019, Kenya welcomed around 2 million international visitors
• Tourist arrivals generated revenues of KES 163.6 billion (approx. USD 1.5 billion) in 2019
• The main countries of origin for visitors are the United States, France and Germany. United KingdomIndia China and Germany

It should be noted that these figures relate to international visitors only, and do not take into account internal migration or refugees.

Most popular visas in Kenya

Kenya offers different types of visa to meet the needs of travelers and immigrants. The most popular visa categories are :

Tourist Visa

The tourist visa is intended for people wishing to visit Kenya for vacations, family visits or other recreational activities. It is valid for 90 days, and can be extended once in Kenya.

Business Visa

This type of visa is aimed at people making a business trip to Kenya, such as conferences, seminars or professional meetings. The duration of validity of the business visa varies according to the nature of the trip and the needs of the applicant.

Work visa

The work visa is intended for foreigners wishing to work in Kenya. To obtain this visa, it is generally necessary to provide proof of employment with a Kenyan company and meet other specific conditions. The work visa is often valid for a period of one year, renewable according to the needs of the employer and the worker.

Student visa

Foreign students wishing to study at a Kenyan institution must apply for a student visa. This visa is generally valid for the duration of the study program, and can be renewed if necessary.

International tourism figures for Kenya

Tourism is a major source of revenue for Kenya. The country is famous for its safaris, beaches and rich culture, which attract millions of visitors every year. Here are some facts about international tourism in Kenya:

Tourism's contribution to GDP

The tourism sector makes a significant contribution to the Kenyan economy. In 2019, tourism accounted for around 8.2% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Tourism jobs

Tourism is also a major provider of jobs in the country. Around 1.1 million people worked in this sector in 2019, representing almost 9% of Kenya's total workforce.

Main tourist attractions

Kenya's main tourist attractions include:

• The National Reserve of Masai Marafamous for the annual migration of wildebeest and other wild animals
• The national park Amboseliwhere visitors can admire the local flora and fauna as well as Mt. Kilimanjarolocated in Tanzania neighbor
• Lake National Park Nakurufamous for its pink flamingos and other bird species
• Mombasa and the Kenyan coast, offering magnificent beaches and a multitude of water sports activities
• Nairobithe country's capital, home to the National Museum of Kenya and Nairobi National Park.

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