The Central Highlands and their red land covered with greenery are the fertile heart of Kenya, as much as spiritual for the Kikuyu, the largest Kenyan tribe. The main site of interest here is Kirinyaga, the mountain of mysteries (or ostriches, according to the translator), better known as Mount Kenya. To the south-west of Mount Kenya, some of the oldest mountains on the continent, the spectacular Aberdare, make it a top destination for hiking.

Advices:

• Nairobi: A day is enough to discover the city but you will not be disappointed if you do a little more!
• Climbing Mount Kenya obviously requires a lot of preparation and at least 5 days. Four hours from Nairobi, in the heart of the Highlands, is Mount Kenya National Park. Several circuits cross the Mountain from one slope to the other, with the ultimate goal to climb to Point Lenana (4,985m), the only peak that can be climbed by hiking enthusiasts.
• Mountain parks have a wet and rainy climate all year round, humidity is permanent except during the very dry season, from July to September. It is cool at night, or frankly cold during the dry season. But as the observations are mainly from the lodges it is not embarrassing.
• It takes 3-4 hours driving from Nairobi to reach the Mountain parks. The trip is not justified just to spend one night in the park, but it can be a more than decent step on your way to Samburu.

Going to Kenya is to travel 8 million years back, at a time when nature was sovereign and where the great upheavals of humanity were operating.

Undisputed master of photo safaris, Kenya is a country offering at every moment a testimony of our origins. The key to all of this is the Rift Valley, a large natural fault that crosses the country and shapes the landscape little by little. First, a string of large lakes on which the largest population of birds on the continent is concentrated; then comes the savannah concealed in the bottom of the fault and sheltering a multitude of wild animals and game. Whether it is tall grass dried by the sun's rays, acacia trees, palm doums or baobabs, the wonder is there. It is against the backdrop of the old volcanic mountains, Mount Kenya, 5,199 meters high, is proud to compete with his big brother Tanzanian. Finally arrive kilometers of white sand bordering the Indian Ocean, In this great diversity live together more than 40 ethnic groups with ancestral traditions of origin often Bantu. It is certain, Africa is there.

When to go?

Equatorial, the climate is however subject to important general variations. Kenya enjoys a sunny climate most of the year.  The rainy season is in April and May where heavy short-term rainfall may surprise.

Thus, the best time to visit Kenya is summer, from June to September, during which you will enjoy the dry season and reasonable temperatures.

Formalities

French nationals must hold a visa ("tourism" or "business" depending on the purpose of the visit) to enter Kenya. The passport must have a validity of at least six months on the date of entry into the territory.

Since September 1^st 2015, an electronic visa, issued online and within one week, should be obtained from the site https://account.ecitizen.go.ke/visitor-registrationprior to arrival in Kenya.

Health

Antimalarial treatment and yellow fever vaccination is recommended (contact your doctor)

Currency

The national currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES).

International credit cards can be used in major cities and tourist areas (hotels, lodges, reserves, etc.). It is advisable to bring cash (US dollars or euros). Travel checks are to be avoided. There are ATMs (Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard) in Nairobi and Mombasa. For foreign exchange transactions, attention should be paid to the proposed rate. US dollars are better accepted than euros.

Attention: Old dollars aren’t accepted: in general, those dating from before 2006, although sometimes those after 2000 or 2003 are accepted - all depends on the interlocutor.