General Info

May we take this opportunity to welcome you to Kenya and thank you for selecting Vidzo for your holiday and safari arrangements. If you have traveled Kenya by other means, perhaps we can interest you in one of our many safaris and/or excursions, for one thing you can rely on is that you’re safe with vidzo tours. We have added the following information and guidelines to help make your stay in Kenya even more pleasant and we look forward to assisting you.

Tribal Groups
There are over 70 tribal groups, distinguished by 2 major language groups, Bantu and Nilotic. Of the Bantu groups the largest tribes are the Kikuyu, Meru, Gusi, Embu, Akamba, Luhya and Mijikenda. Of the Nilotic tribes the largest are the Masai Turkana, Samburu, Pokot, Luo and Kalenjin. A third group made up of Cushitic speaking peoples includes the Elmolo, Somali, Rendile, and Galla. The coastal region is the home of the Swahili people.

Wildlife
Includes 80 major animal species ranging from the ‘Big 5’ to tiny antelopes such as dik-dik, slightly larger than a rabbit.

Bird life
There are around 1,500 species of birds in Kenya, which makes the best country for bird watching in Africa.
Kenya is also host to 60 important bird areas and to see more than 100 species a day is common.

World Heritage Sights
Fort Jesus in Mombasa, the Gede Ruins, Koobi, Mount Kenya, Hells Gate National Park and the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Historical Sights
Kenya has over 400 historical sights ranging from pre historical fossils and petrified forests, to 14th century slave trading settlements, Islamic ruins and 16th century Portuguese forts.

The little five
Who are the little five?
Most people come to Kenya in search of the Big Five but few have thought about also looking for the little five who can be equally impressive. The little five consists of lizards, termites, small mammals and the hyrax.
Lizards can be seen sunning themselves on rocks or walls around your lodge. The male rock agama lizards pose well for the camera with their pink and orange head sand blue or green bodies. The females are cryptically colored and tend to blend with lichen covered rocks. Both are excellent at keeping unwanted insects at bay!

There is an array of small mammals within the parks many of whom are active at night including many varieties of squirrel such as the bush squirrel, the African red squirrel and the long tailed sun squirrels.
The hyrax is a unique small group of mammals with short tails that resemble fat rodents. They are, in fact, most closely related to the elephant. The tree hyrax is recognizable by its loud scream which sound as someone is being strangled when in fact it is just advertising its territorial rights!
Mongooses are small yet important predators that are often seen in grassland by day and lodges at night.
Of the big 5 buffalo are often the easiest to find with huge herds in the Masai Mara, Tsavo, Amboseli and on the slopes of mount Elgon and Kenya.

 

Beaches

For travelers wanting a pause from the colour and excitement of safaris, Zanzibar’s eastern coral shores and Mombasa’s wild sandy beaches, including Diani and Bamburi, give you time and space to relax.While  in Zanzibar, you can watch the dhow builders in the beach resort of Nungwi.

Sports

For snorkellers and scuba divers, Mombasa’s coral-lined shores and marine parks rich in sea life, with a man-made shipwreck offshore, while the Zanzibar’s Archipelago is filled with exotic fishes, sharks and barracuda. Trekking and hiking are fantastic, with cycling, horse riding and canoeing also available.

Local Tastes

In Mombasa’s cafes and restaurants you can sample Kenyan seafood, ‘chicken, rice and beans’ and tusker beers. Typical Tanzanian lunches of coconut-infused seafood; Nyamachoma, barbecued meat; or simple chicken and rice can be tried in Zanzibar’s beautiful restaurants and from street vendors in the Forodhani Gardens. If you want a taste of home, both countries, both countries cater for international travellers.

Evening flavour

The ultimate evening experience, listen to the wild calls of the animals as the sun sets over the savannah, while, for a taste of Kenyan nightlife, kick back in the watering holes of Mombasa’s city or take in the beach resorts’ relaxed hotel entertainment.
Catch the local evening atmosphere and food vendors in Zanzibar’s waterfront Forodhani Gardens, beside the Old Fort.

Best Buys

Experience the exploding color and energy of Mombasa’s local markets, bartering for wooden animal carvings, basketware and colourful Kanga wraps, or trawl the old town for jewellery and antiques. Visit Zanzibar’s Stone Town, where bazaars, curio shops and Darajana Market’s stalls trade vivid Tingatinga artwork.

Live the experience

While safaris, game drives and nature trails are the most popular excursions; take a moment to discover the rich culture and history of Kenya and Tanzania.

Explore Mombasa’s marine parks or sail traditional dhow along its creeks, passing the Old Town and Fort Jesus.
In Tanzania, visit Stone Town, a world Heritage Site with narrow alleys, an old fort and slave market ruins, or spot red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest.

Travel notes

When to go: With warm temperatures year round, the most popular months are January to February and June to October, between two rainy seasons.
GMT: +3hrs
Language: English, Swahili and other local languages.
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (Ksh) or Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh)
Dates for the Diary: With scenery and wildlife evolving year-round, there are new things to see every month. If you are in the Serengeti or Masai Mara in July, August or September, you may witness the thrilling wildebeest migrations.
Religion: Christianity is the dominant religion. There is also a large Muslim community, especially concentrated in the coastal region.
Capital City: Nairobi-nyrobi meaning the place of cool waters in Masai -The highest city in East Africa at 1,700m is the most modern and fast growing. Nairobi has a population of over two million. Mombasa is the coastal capital with a population of just under 1 million and is the largest port on the East African coast.
Highest Mountain:Kenya’s highest mountain is Mount Kenya (5,199m), the 2nd highest mountain in Africa, and one of the largest freestanding mountains in the world. The twin peaks are named Batian and Nelion.
Mount Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania and is the highest peak in Africa at a staggering 5892m. On a clear day the peak can be seen from Tsavo National Park.