Kiribati

Kiribati has its capital in South Tarawa, the best time to visit Kiribati is from March through to Mid-July when it is not too hot and there is little or no rainfall.

Kiribati has a tropical, hot and humid climate, but there are seasonal differences that vary with different locations and due to the El Nino-Southern Oscillation the climate varies from year to year. In the capital city at Tarawa, the driest month is usually in the month of June and lasts down to October which is usually with the least rainfall, the wet season starts from November and lasts till April, but in Kiritimati in the east the wet season starts from January and lasts till June.

Culture in Kiribati was greatly influenced by their colonial masters and their geographical placement which isolates them from the world, their traditions and customs are retained due to this fact.

Christianity is the major religion practised in Kiribati and most of which is the Roman Catholic, but there are other Christian churches including the Kiribati protestant church (KPC), Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and some others.

Food in Kiribati is usually based on rice and fish, and although western food is not common to the Island it can be served at hotels, guesthouses or resorts but are usually pricey.

Kiribati is home to 4 different ethnic groups and the language spoken in Kiribati is Gilbertese but English is also commonly spoken in Kiribati.

Transportation around Kiribati by road can be challenging due to the fact that all-weather roads are limited to the capital city Tarawa and Christmas Island, and taxis are not available within Kiribati, but there are privately owned buses available almost anywhere in the island and there are car rentals that can ease movement, transportation by air is also available moving around to the other Islands and also boat hires are available for moving between the Islands with ease. Kiribati is generally safe to visit for both make and female and only common sense is to be applied when visiting, as violent crimes are not common to the Island.

Kiribati is home to a list of festivals and celebrations, some including: New Year’s Day - the country is known to be the first country to see the new year; Youth day - held on the 4th of August, and it is an avenue the government use to better opportunities through various workshops and programs; Independence Day - Although the holidays is officially on July 12, it is known to begin on the 9th and lasts for several days, and it is seen as the main event in the Kiribati Calendar; Kiribati Music and Dance; and the monthly Betio Game Fishing Competition.

The island of Kiribati is filled with different attractions and sights and here are some important places to see when in Kiribati :

• Tawara - This is known to be the capital of Kiribati and is also home to Kiribati’s historically centers that showcase the Kiribati’s culture and history on the Bikenibeu, and also shows the remains of the world war II battles. The island is a group of interconnected islets that are visually in the shape of a boomerang.

• Christmas Island - Also known as Kiritimati, is known to be the Largest coral atoll in the world, the island was discovered by a Captain called James Cook on christmas eve, and was given the name Christmas Island. The Islands attractions includes beautiful underwater sceneries for scuba-divers, animal and bird watching activities and also sightings of spoils of war from the second world war.

• Fanning Islands - Locally known as Tabuaeran, the island is home to an array of beautiful beaches and scenery and is also known to be one of the most visited places in Kiribati. The island has no restaurants, no hotels or shops of any sort and this makes it very attracting to campers.

• Outer Islands - These Islands are known to be the most beautiful parts of Kiribati, and is yet to be completely explored. There are various activities that makes these Islands one of Kiribati’s biggest attractions.

There are over 10 different hotels and accomodations available in Kiribati that are satisfying and elegant.