Hotels and Accomodation in Kenya: Where to stay when you visit Kenya

KENYA HOTELS; TOP RATED HOTELS
List of Hotels in Kenya, Nairobi hotels, lodges, guest houses, holiday inns, residential units, safari lodgings and so much more information on where to stay in Kenya.In Kenya, you find all ranges of accommodation options, from luxury to cheap Kenya hotels. Hotel prices are friendly but vary depending on the agent. Booking hotels in Kenya is a tedious process as you may need to compare prices, get the best hotel deals and reserve online.Hotel Travel Kenya and lodging.

What to consider when chooosing a Hotel in Kenya
There is quite a lot you can do to do-away with poor or bad value hotels like bearing in mind each before booking.
1.Cleanliness:It is vital to look at the sanitation and hygiene of a hotel before booking.It is not wise to save money by occupying a low cost hotel that does notoffer 100% hygiene and in the long run will put your health at risk. Do not deceive yourself by thinking that you will be comfortable sleeping in a non-hygienic environment. The newer hotels usually offer clean environment although this may not apply to all of them.
2.Location:The nearer you are to the town center the less time you will spend traveling to and fro the attraction sites. However, if you rather experience the traditional culture then its recommended that you stay insmall old-fashioned hotels. Booking into hotels that are far from town will definitely save you some money and some actually offer shuttle services to transport you to the city center.
3.Cost:There are hotels available to suit whatever budget one has, therefore you will have available options. Prices are always changing so be watchful of any unclear costs. After calculating the maximum amount you are willing to spend on accommodation, and then the next thing to do is search for hotels that fall within that price-rang and offer the finestservices for that amount.
4.Booking Online:Many websites that deal with hotel booking offer all the relevant information that you require to help you make the best decision before arriving in your holiday destination. The websites provides pictures of the rooms and other facilities to enable you have an idea of what to expect. Most hotels allow holiday booking for up to 24-hours prior to your arrival, so don’t feel stranded if you depart for your trip a few hours later.
5.Reviews / Testimonials:The ideal way to discover the cons & pros of a hotel is to read the comments made by previous guests about it. Scrolling through a hotel’s review-site will give you a holistic idea because the testimonials and the reviews made are usually genuine. To view this, type the full name of the hotel and “review” into the search engine.

List  of Hotels in Kenya by Location
Hotels in the biggest Kenya cities

Best hotels in Nairobi
1. Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi
2. Nairobi Serena Hotel
3. Fairmont The Norfolk
5. The Boma Nairobi
6. Sankara Nairobi
7. Hemingways Nairobi
8. Crowne Plaza Hotel Nairobi
9. Fairview Hotel
10. Best Western Premier Nairobi
11. Hilton Nairobi

Best Hotels in Eldoret
1.Naiberi River Campsite and Resort – Eldoret Kenya
2.Twiga Resort – Eldoret Kenya
3.Relax lnn Simba Village – Eldoret Kenya
4.Marriott Hotel – Eldoret Kenya
5.Sego Safari Lodge – Kerio Valley Kenya
6.Lelin Campsite and Bandas – Kerio Valley Kenya
7.Kerio View – Iten Kenya
8.Eldoret Club – Kenya
9.Poa Place Resort – Eldoret Kenya
10.The Nobel Conference Centre – Eldoret Kenya
11.Klique Hotel – Eldoret Kenya
12.White Castle Motel – Eldoret Kenya
13.White Highlands Inn – Eldoret Kenya
14.Eldoret Wagon Hotel – Kenya
15.Hotel Sirikwa – Eldoret-Kenya

Best Hotels in Mombasa
Lotus Hotel – Mombasa
New Palm Tree Hotel – Mombasa KenyaClub Rio – Mombasa KenyaManson Hotel – Mombasa KenyaCastle Royal Hotel – Mombasa KenyaGlory Grand Hotel – Mombasa KenyaHotel Dorse – Mombasa KenyaRoyal Court Hotel – Mombasa KenyaPridelnn Hotel Mombasa – Mombasa KenyaSuhufi Palace Hotel – Mombasa KenyaPanaroma Gardens Hotel – Mombasa KenyaDarajani Hotel – Mombasa KenyaCool Breeze HotelTudor Water SportsPangoni Beach ResortThe Tamarind Group – Nairobi KenyaShimba LodgeVoyager Beach ResortTurtle Bay Beach Club – Watamu KenyaSwahili BeachSurfside VillasSunrise Resort Apartments & SpaSun N Sand Beach ResortSeverin Sea LodgeSerena Beach Hotel & SpaSentido Neptune Paradise ResortSentido Neptune Village ResortSentido Neptune Beach ResortSarova Whitesands Beach Resort & SpaSandies Tropical VillageSalama Beach HotelSai Rock HotelRoyal Reserve Safari & Beach ClubPlaza Beach HotelPinewood Beach resort & spaPa Pweza Adamsville Beach SuitesOcean Sports ResortNyali International Beach HotelNorth Coast Beach HotelMsambweni Beach House & Private VillasMombasa Sai ResortMombasa Continental ResortMombasa Beach Hotel – Nyali KenyaMnarani ClubMilele Beach HotelMakwetu ResortsLion in the Sun ResortLeopard Beach Resort & SpaLantana Galu BeachKipungani ExplorerKinondo KwetuKilili Baharini Resort & SpaKaskazi Beach HotelJumuia Conference & Beach ResortHotel Titanic

Best Hotels in Kisumu
Whirlspring Hotel – Kisumu KenyaMagline Guest House – Kisumu KenyaKiboko Bay Resort – Kisumu KenyaKweisos House – Koru KenyaNyanza Club – Kisumu KenyaHotel Beograda – Kisumu KenyaKisumu Hotel – KenyaSunset Hotel – Kisumu KenyaMilimani Resort and Annex – Kisumu KenyaExcellent Magere Guest House – Kisumu KenyaSt Anna Guest House – Kisumu KenyaKisumu Beach Resort – Kisumu KenyaNew Victoria Hotel – Kisumu KenyaHotel Perch – Kisumu KenyaImperial Hotel – Kisumu KenyaThe Duke of Breeze – Kisumu KenyaHotel Vunduba – Kisumu KenyaJumuia Guest House – Kisumu KenyaHillside Villa – Kisumu KenyaKiwayu Safari VillageRock Resort Kisumu

Best Hotels in Nakuru
1. Merica Hotel
2. Hotel Kunste
3. Bontana Hotel

The expert in anything was once a beginner

East Africa Tourist Visa :How to get an East Africa Visa

What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa ia a visa that allowd you to travel between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda with the same multiple entry visa. This visa is the result of a joint initiative made by the Heads of States of the respective partner countries to boost regional travel and create opportunities for tourists to explore the diversity of East Africa.

Who can apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?
A foreigner who wants to visit simultaneously the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda for tourism. The visa will be issued at any of the diplomatic representations of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, at the immigration offices of the respective countries or on line where applicable.Type of visa: An East Africa Tourist Visa is multiple entry visa and shall be valid for 90 days.

How to Apply for the East Africa Visa.
Applications for this visa shall be lodged at any of the diplomatic representation of the Republic of Kenya, Republicof Rwanda and Republic of Uganda, at the Immigration Offices of the respective countries or online where applicable.• Rwandao For those beginning their trip in Rwanda, you can apply through the Rwanda Online Visa Application System. Under “Type of Visa” select “East Africa Tourist Visa.” For more information contact your local Rwanda embassy.• Kenyao For those beginning their trip in Kenya, you can find information on the visa application process on the consular section of your local Kenya embassy’s website.• Ugandao For those beginning their trip in Uganda, you can find information on the visa application process on the consular section of your local Uganda embassy’s website.Dependents: All persons must apply in their own right.Travel document: Any genuine acceptable travel document valid not less than 6 months.Visa Fees: 100 USDValidity of Visa: 90 daysSingle or Multiple Entry: Multiple entryThe holder of the East Africa Tourist Visa shall enter from the country that issued the visa and move within the two other countries without applying for another visa or paying for another visa fee.The holder shall also be allowed to move out of the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda; and return without having to pay for another visa. This will only be applicable in the period of 90 days.Visas issued for specific countries can only be used for that particular countryWork or No Work: Work is not permittedVisa Extension: An East Africa Tourist Visa shall not be extended.

What are the application requirements?
1. One clear colored passport size photo with white background recently taken without glasses, caps and scurf; (the photo should be attached to the application form by use of glue stick. Stapling and clipping the photo to the application form is not advisable).2. A complete filled application form3. Visa application letter addressed to the issuing authority of the concerned countryRESIDENTS: VALID RESIDENT PERMITResidents living in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda do not need to apply for visa. Travel has been made easy. Residents nowneed only a valid resident permit to explore the diverse cultures, landscapes, wildlife, activities and experiences available in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

East Africa visa Online application
On 1st July 2015, the Kenyan government launched an online visa application. Anytravellers visiting the country have to apply for their visa online via the portal www.ecitizen.go.ke and present a copy of their E-visa upon at the immigration.Due to the short notice, travellers arriving in July and August are also still able to obtain their visa directly at the border, without an online confirmation. However, effective 1st September all visitors to Kenya will be required to apply and pay for the visa online.Also remember:You will need to scan and upload your passport and passport photo.Payment has to be made via Visa card, Mastercard or other debit card.Download and print the eVisa from your eCitizen account. This should be presented to the immigration officer at the port of entry. Passengers who cannot present a printed copy of their eVisa might be denied entry.The visa process takes at least two working days up to one full week.The visa processing fee is non-refundable. Incomplete applications will be rejected.The possession of an eVisa is not the final authority to enter Kenya.

Rwanda
Online via the Rwanda Immigration website. Similar to the application for the single entry visa but make sure to select the East African Tourist Visa.

Uganda
Upon arrival at the border, no (online) application in advance is required. The visa can be paid directly in cash.

Mike Sonko: First Senator of Nairobi County

Who is Mike Sonko?
Mbuvi Gidion Kioko Mike Sonko commonly known as Mike Sonkoor simplySonko(Shengfor "rich person" or "boss"), is the immediate former Member of Parliament for Makadara Constituency,Kenya. He was elected on September 20, 2010 in a by-election

His Birth and Background
Mike Sonko was born on February 27 1975. Sonko spent his early years in crime, from mugging people in the streets of Mombasa to becoming a major international drug lord. He is a notorious jail breaker, having escaped from Shimo La Tewa Prison under unclear circumstances. His thuggish, often garish mode of dressing has only reinforced this imageof a gangster.

Before Parliament
Before Mike Sonko joined parliament, he used to operate a fleet of matatus (Public vehicles) in Eastlands.

His Family
Family ManMike Sonko is married and has three daughters namely; Saumu, Salma and Sandra.

His Wealth
Mike Sonko’s wealth is traced to Mombasa where he was born and educated. There, his father ran a property and real estate agency, Pelly Properties, which he co-owned with another businessman.
At the time, his father and business partner split Pelly Properties. Mike Mbuvi’s father started Gidson Properties where the young man, fresh from school, was the sales and marketing manager. Sonko relocated to Nairobi in 1994 where he bought eight matatus, which plied the Kibera route. He bought morematatus, which plied route 42 to Dandora and Umoja. He operated matatus in Dandora and Umoja from 1994 to 1997. “I was also buying and selling plots and residential houses,” says Sonko.After 1997, he bought minibuses and began operating his matatu business in Buru Buru where his first minibus was christened ‘Ruffcuts’. He later bought two buses, one double-decker, for a tours and travel business.Because of helping the youth when in trouble with the police, and ensuring the arrest of a senior traffic policeofficer due to harassment and alleged extortion, among other things, he became the chairman of the Eastlands Matatu Association. There were more than 5,000 matatus, under him. He gained popularity in 2007 after going to court when Eastlands matatus were denied access to the Central Business District. The Government then decreed that the matatus stop at the Muthurwa market and bus terminus.Mbuvi said he has since diversified his business. He bought Club Casurina in Buru Buru as well as cyber cafes, salons, boutiques, and phone and accessories shops in Nairobi.

His Education
After completing primary school at Kikowani Primary School in Mombasa, Mbuvi started getting more involved in his father’s business. At the time he was a student at Kwale High School, Kwale County. “My father was a developer and used to sell beach plots at the Coast to European buyers. He made good profits because he bought the plots cheaply,” Mbuvi told The Standard On Sunday. He said he made Sh5 million working for his father when he was in Form Four in Kwale High in 1991. Despite qualifying to go to university, he decided business was his calling. Instead, he took a course in Business Administration and Management at Edxcel International School in Mwanza and Pwani Business College.

Mike Sonko Election to Senate
Mbuvi became the First Senator of Nairobi after it was announced that, with 808,705 votes, beat his closest competitor,Margaret Wanjiru of the Orange Democratic Movement, who had garnered 525,822 votes, in theNairobi senatorial election of 2013

Mike Sonko's contacts
Mike Sonko Contacts – Mike Mbuvi Sonko Contacts
Parliament Buildings Parliament Rd. P.O Box 41842 – 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
EMAIL: mikemsonko@gmail.com
EMAIL:mikemsonko@yahoo.com
TEL:0722886600
TEL:0739111999
Mike Sonko Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeSonko
Mike Sonko Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mike-Sonko-148950081810015/

Best Time to Visit Kenya- When to go Kenya

Deciding when to go to Kenya is a perennial question for visitors. There’s no simple ‘best time to visit Kenya’ as good conditions vary across the country, and one person’s ideal weather will be another’s disappointment. Having said that, most visitors will find something positive about the weather through most of the year. Whatever the ambient temperature in the shade, when the sun is out – which is a good deal of the time, and often from dawn until dusk for weeks on end – it is always fierce: you’re on the equator, and you’ll know all about it if you neglect the sunscreen.

Kenya's Climate
By and large,Kenya's climate is warm all year round, with plenty of sunshine, cools nights and mornings.But while most parts of Kenya exhibit more or less the same climatic conditions, when traveling across different parts of Kenya, you will experience varying weather patterns due to Kenya's differing topographical dimensions.
Below is a breakdown of Kenya's weather:
It's normally sunny and dry from December  -February
Long rains from April to June
Short rains from August -November

What is the best time to visit Kenya?
July or August is excellent for safari, but it is also the high season. This is when the wild beast migration is on in the Mara. However at the coast, it will be cooler, and can be wet. When it rains at the coast it is usually for a few hours, and then the sun is usually out.
The coastal areas offer a diversity of marine species, and some pelagic species and marine mammals migrate through the area. From the end of June to December, humpback whales may be spotted. Fishermen seeking high excitement may prefer to visit the ocean shores of Kenya from August to October for yellowfin tuna. Marlins arrive in December and remain until March.
For flamingo lovers, we recommend visiting Lake Nakuru during the hot, dry season in January and February, and in Lake Bogoria, the ideal time is around October, both to be visited just before the arrival of the long and short rains respectively. The abundance of algae in the lake attracts millions of flamingos.

The great migration
Many travellers visit Kenya to see the great wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara. Linked to annual rainfall patterns and the growth of new grass, this remarkable migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra is a constant movement of huge, nomadic herds. In Tanzania, it can be seen throughout the year: you just need to know where to look. The migrating herds enter Kenya for a much shorter period, roughly from July or August until October – though recent years have seen major arrivals as early as June, and late-stayers still in the Maasai Mara region until November or even later.

Staying warm on safari
One of the biggest surprises for most first-time visitors to Kenya is the experience of a chilly game drive on safari, especially early in the morning. If you remember your school geography, you’ll know that for every 100m you climb from sea level, you can reckon on a drop in temperature of 0.6°C (6°C per 1000m). In Mombasa, and along the rest of the coast, the thermometer rarely ever drops below 20°C, even just before dawn, while in Nairobi, up at 1660m, temperatures can drop to well below 10°C at night in July and August, even though daytime highs in the shade at that time of year get into the mid-20s. When you’re on safari in higher-altitude areas – the Maasai Mara, Laikipia and the Samburu reserves – you should be prepared with layers of clothing for your early morning game drive, the end of the afternoon game drive and for night drives if they are available. You need to take account of the wind chill in open vehicles, too, which can make if feel like 5°C or below, especially if you’re driving at 30kph or more. Some people take gloves, and it’s certainly not a bad idea. If you’re on safari at the somewhat lower altitudes of Meru, Tsavo East, Tsavo West or Amboseli national parks, you’ll find temperatures are a little higher – just enough to make a fleece about the only warm clothing you’ll need at the cooler times of day.