There are two rainy seasons that you should probably avoid to make the most of the good weather in Kenya. The short rains are in November and the long rains start at the end of March and go through to the end of May. Although, having said that, we will add that its not really that big a deal, people are used to it and manage to carry on rain or no, and sliding around in a Land Rover in and out of the mud can actually be a lot of fun. August and October are just about the best times but to see the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara you will want to come around the end of July through September.

There is a great section on this in the travel tips page.

That of course depends on where you are coming from and what time of year. You can fly first class from NYC and spend $8,000 for the privilege of doing so, but have also seen prices as low as $1,000, round trip, from Boston, Massachusetts. There are bargains to be had at "bucket shops" and the airlines are always making deals. Shop around.

There are a few things to keep in mind about the bombing and what it means for travelers to Kenya both now and in the futures. First of all it was not directed towards Kenyans or tourists, it was an attack on the United States by an outside terrorist group. They picked on Kenya and Tanzania because they had lax security and world exposure as highly traveled countries. The likely hood of a repeat bombing of that country is slim. It was also in Nairobi and not in the game parks where most tourists are visiting. As a general caution, talk to your tour operator, keep up with US advisories on countries and be as careful in Nairobi as you should be in any unknown major city.

The long rainy season is from March to May which brings heavy downpours at times during the day. The Short rainy season is from October to December and is only called "short" because of the duration not the amount of rain.

Even though they are called the rainy season, there are still wonderful sunny days during that time. It might open up a huge downpour while you zip around in your LandCruiser, but other than that you will be fine.

There also might be some discounts on air and hotel in those seasons.

We would suggest that you don't. Kenya, while a heavily trafficked country with millions of tourists every year, is still a third world country. The roads are bad and dangerous, the police might not always be there to help you and the culture is nothing like you are used to. We suggest that you go with a group or guide, someone who has your safety in mind. Sure, you can walk around Nairobi for the afternoon alone or go to Mombasa alone, but we would highly recommend that you not rent a car by yourself and take off into the bush on your own "wild safari." Obviously the same goes for hitch hiking. It might be a warm climate and seem friendly enough but, in the end, you are in a very very foreign land and one that does not have the basic security of a first world country.

There are quite a few options available to you, everything from hiking around with a pack on your back to going on a luxury tented safari. It depends on your budget and your thirst for adventure. You can stay in a hotel for as little as ten dollars a night or spend up to a thousand. There are hotels that could be just about anywhere in the world and there are wonderful and unique camps. There are privately owned ranches that take in guests and there are do it yourself camping outfitters. For transportation there are taxis and buses. There are also "matatus," a sort of local mini van. These are cheap, but we personally would rather walk. It's safer!

Yes, but it is not the best rate. The best rate you will probably get will be in Nairobi at the central bank. It does not matter if your doing small amounts but if your thinking about bringing in major cash the best bet is to go for the best rate. It will add up. Also consider keeping the very smallest amounts of cash on you at all times. It is a third world country after all. Your mere $20 is a couple days wages.