Kenya Traditions

Festivals and holidays: 1 January, 8 March, 1 May, 1 June, 12, 25, 26 December, as well as religious holidays. In March, nationwide celebrating the Day of the Commonwealth. From June of organized off-road rally "Reno-Charjev", and in July - Stage of World Championship Safari Rally (near Nairobi). Kenyan Music Festival is held in August in Nairobi. In October, celebrated a national holiday - the day Kenyatta, and in November - Carnival of Mombasa. Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan) is also indicated nationally.

Officially, Kenya is a secular republic, the state religion is not established. The Constitution guarantees everyone freedom of religion. Officially, the Protestants consider themselves 38% of the population, Catholics - 28%, Muslims - 10%, but in reality 50% of the population still practice traditional local beliefs.

The colonial past of the country significantly in all manifestations of public life. In many places, along with the metric used British measure of weight and length, the schedule of work of many agencies include traditional "lunch" and "Five-a-mouthful. Kenyans themselves rather is rushed in any case, so expect instant order execution, for example, in a restaurant, should not be.

Kenya - a fairly expensive country. In general low level of living, prices for many goods and services higher than even in Europe. Log in to many parks charge, with foreigners entry fees will be charged in U.S. dollars (US $ 10-27).

The security situation is sufficiently ambiguous. Kenyans are mostly very friendly and sociable people, but outlying areas of the capital (especially the Red River and Uhuru Park), and most poor areas of other cities are not strictly recommended to foreigners alone. Pickpockets in tourist areas of concentration are also very much. In the inland areas, especially in the north, armed gangs are operating ( "Shift") separatists, and in areas of reserves - and the poachers.

Not recommended to photograph local people without their permission and independently (without a guide or a travel agency representative) to visit the homes of local residents, especially the Maasai. Photographing the main square of Nairobi, near the mausoleum of the first president of Kenya Jomo Kenyatta, is also strictly prohibited. Ignorance of local ethnic customs can lead to misunderstandings or even conflicts. With local residents without special necessity for it is better not to talk, as any conversation is likely to end begging for money or offer services of dubious.

During visits to national parks can not drive up too close to the animals and let them hunt. Is not recommended to move out of the way in and out of the car without the permission of the guide. This can be done only in specially designated areas. Feed animals in national parks is strictly prohibited - any attempt of this kind is punishable by huge fines. Do not leave the place of residence without being accompanied by guards. Should carefully monitor the status of mosquito nets in all places of residence, and in case of detection of the smallest gaps require replacement rates.