Jambo!
For many people Kenya means wildlife and in this field alone it is
one of the best places in Africa. Millions of wildebeest on their annual
migration, and equally large numbers of pink flamingoes massing on the
shores of the Rift Valley soda lakes are breathtaking sights. For sheer
majesty it is hard to beat the sight of a herd of elephants crossing the
flat plains with Africa's most famous mountain, the evocative
snow-capped Kilimanjaro, rising in the background. Kenya is also the
heart of safari country and a trip through a few of Kenya's spectacular
reserves is a memorable experience.
If relaxation is on your mind then head for the coast. Mombasa is a town
with a history and from here any of the superb picture-postcard beaches
are easily accessible. But without doubt the highlight of the coast is
the island of Lamu, where the Arab influence is evident and the pace of
life definitely a few steps behind the rest of the country - the perfect
place to unwind for a week, or two...
Kenya, Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit, 1991
The word "Safari" is Swahili for "travel", and Kenya is where it all
began. Visitors to Kenya can enjoy game viewing, bird watching, hot-air
ballooning, mountaineering, scuba diving fresh water and deep seas
fishing, amongst numerous other activities.
Kenya is probably best know for the Serengeti where the annual migration
of over a million Wildebeest and Zebra takes place between Tanzania and
Kenya. It is also the home of the Masai Warrior, rather colorful warrior
inhabitants that contribute towards making this area probable one of the
best safari destinations.
But Kenya also have some of the most diverse landscapes on the
continent. It is also the country where the Great Rift Valley, with the
steep walled valley floor dropping as much as 610-915m from the
surrounding countryside, is more breathtakingly dramatic than anywhere
else in Africa.
Most visitors to Kenya want to experience the country's world famous
wildlife. But there are many different ways to experience the Kenyan
wilderness. Whether you want to drive by a pride of lions in a four
wheel drive, walk through herds of plains game, watch a herd of
elephants from the comfortable veranda of a safari lodge, track game on
horseback or search for rare birds in a thick rain forest, the
possibilities are endless.
Kenya's wilderness areas are famous world wide. The name Kenya has
become synonymous with the great wilds of Africa. But they represent far
more than you would ever expect, protecting and showcasing a broad range
of habitats and species. They are complex ecologies that depend on the
conservation of diverse natural resources and systems. The Parks,
Sanctuaries and Conservation areas co-exist with and depend on the
communities that surround them, and work together to protect the future.
From the depths of a coral reef to alpine mountains, from one of the
worlds most endangered owls to a herd of wildebeest more than a million
strong, the wilderness of Kenya is a wonder to behold..
The Kenyan coast is lined with pristine white sand beaches fringing the
warm inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. Here the wilderness meets the
sea, and the ocean itself holds a world of spectacular coral reefs
teeming with life and colour.
The coast is a place with a long and exotic history, its calm blue
waters the traditional passage of the Arabian Spice Trade. Along the
length of this coast, Arab and Portuguese forts, Old Towns and the
overgrown, deserted ruins of Swahili outposts bear witness to this
fascinating history. In the winding medieval streets and bustling
markets of Lamu and Mombasa Old Town, life has continued unhurried and
unchanged for more than 400 years.
For some examples of Kenyan itineraries,
click here.