Kenya in East Africa is often considered to be
the birthplace of the luxury African safari
experience and remains a popular destination. It
enjoys warm days and cool nights throughout the
year, and most of the rainfall occurs between March
and May and then again from late October to
December.
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and has become
the biggest city between Johannesburg and Cairo. It
is affectionately thought of as the world’s safari
capital.
It is relatively easy to explore the different
Kenyan landscapes as they are all located relatively
near to one another and the domestic infrastructure
is excellent, focusing on visitors needs. Travellers
may either stay in one place for a prolonged period
and explore every facet, or get an overview of the
country by visiting a variety of areas. It is
possible to traverse through such diverse
environments as tropical forests, sandy beaches,
arid deserts and majestic mountains, all in the span
of a few days.
Among the top attractions to visit on a luxury
Kenyan safari are the Masai Mara, the spectacular
wildlife in Tsavo West and Amboseli Reserves, the
pink flamingo colony on Lake Nakuru, the unspoilt
beaches of the Coral Coast of mombasa, Malindi and
Lamu Archipelago.
There are over 40 different ethnic groups
throughout the country. Despite the differences in
culture between people, they can all be easily
identified as pure Kenyan. Kenyan culture is unique
in the way it has retained many of its traditions as
tradition and culture are not necessarily connected
to the past, but are rather an amorphous and
evolving part of everyday life.
The official language of Kenya is English but the
lingua franca is Swahili. Mpishis (local Swahili
chefs) cook delectable African dishes such as irio
(mashed peas, potatoes and maize) and nyama choma
(roast meat), along with international cuisine.
Seafood is plentiful along the coast.
Kenya is home to spectacular landscapes, abundant
wildlife and the true safari experience. From the
stunning lakes of the Rift Valley and the steep
slopes of Mount Kenya, to vast plains of the Masai
Mara and the beaches of the Indian Ocean, Kenya's
raw beauty will captivate and amaze you. Said to be
the ‘cradle of humanity’, Kenya also has a
fascinating cultural heritage with diverse tribal
traditions and intriguing customs. A holiday in
Kenya will be an unforgettable experience.
Wildlife Safari - A safari is the ultimate Kenyan
holiday experience. Safari is the Swahili word for
journey and a Kenyan wildlife safari really is the
journey of a lifetime. Spot Africa’s Big 5, see rare
and endangered animals, and experience the raw
beauty of the African bush. A wildlife safari allows
you to see some of the worlds most incredible
animals in their natural environment.
The Great Wildebeest Migration - Kenya's most
spectacular annual occasion is organised by an
unlikely group - wildebeests. During July and August
each year, literally millions of these odd-looking
creatures move north from the Serengeti in search of
lush pasture in the Mara. See the wild river
crossings as they attempt to escape the jaws of the
snapping crocodiles and experience the tension as
lions lurk in the high grass waiting to pounce.
The Masai Mara - These vast plains are alive with
wildlife year round. While the great migration sees
the largest concentration of animals in the Mara, it
is always home to an abundance of creatures. You
might see lions lurking in the grass, leopards
resting in the acacias or even the odd bull elephant
defending his territory. A favoured activity is to
take a hot air balloon flight over the Mara at
sunrise, a truly awesome experience. Masai Mara
offers more than wildlife and scenery, there are
also many traditional Masai villages where you can
meet local people and see traditional cultural
performances.
The Great Rift Valley - While this spectacular
valley stretches from the Middle East to Mozambique,
many claim that its most beautiful areas are in
Kenya. The steep slopes descend to a rich valley
floor dotted with soda lakes. While Lake Turkana in
northern Kenya is the largest of the Rift Valle
Lakes, the southern lakes of Lake Nakuru, Lake
Naivasha and Lake Elmenteita, are home to millions
of birds including hundreds of thousands of pink
flamingos. January and February is the best time for
bird-watching as birds migrate to the lakes in large
numbers. The areas surrounding the lakes are also
home to an abundance of wildlife and national parks.
Mount Kenya - This snow-capped mountain is Africa's
second-highest peak standing at 5,117m. The country
was actually named after Mount Kenya as it dominates
the surrounding landscape. The mountain’s scenery
includes hardwood forests on the lower slopes,
bamboo forests and moorland further up and rocks and
glaciers towards the summit.
Nairobi - This bustling city is often seen simply as
the starting point for many wildlife safaris, yet it
has so much to offer. As one of the largest cities
in Africa, Nairobi has a large central business
district, busy market areas, fine restaurants and a
lively nightlife. Nairobi’s attractions include:
- Carnivore Restaurant - A unique restaurant serving
meat, meat and more meat from eco-friendly game
ranches. From zebra and crocodile to ostrich and
hartebeest. All of your favourite cuts of beef lamb
and pork are also available. Definitely not for
vegetarians.
- Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – Located at the
Nairobi National Park
Langata Giraffe Centre - a sanctuary for the rare
Rothschilds giraffe where you can hand-feed and pat
these graceful creatures.
- Karen Blixen Museum – Former farmhouse of the famous
author of ‘Out of Africa’
- Nairobi National Park - one of the few places on
earth where you can spot rhinos, zebras and other
wildlife roaming in the wild with city high rises in
the background.
Indian Ocean Beaches
Lamu Archipelago - Located just off the northern
coast of Kenya, this archipelago is home to the
beautiful islands of Manda, Lamu, Kiwayu and Pate.
The World Heritage Listed town of Lamu was founded
in the 14th century and is the oldest living town in
Kenya. These islands of endless beaches and tiny
fishing villages offer fantastic diving and snorkelling. Lamu is a place where there are very
few vehicles; instead the donkey and the dhow are
the main forms of transport. The Lamu Archipelago is
the ideal place to relax on the beach after a safari
holiday.
Mombasa - is an area of endless white beaches, coral
reefs and an ancient and exotic culture.
Historically Mombasa was an important trading hub
between Swahili and Arab traders; you can see
evidence of this trading past remain in the old town
and Fort Jesus. Today, it is the second largest city
in Kenya and the country’s premier beach resort.
Mombasa’s beaches are scattered with resorts, coral
reefs and offshore islands. Visitors can enjoy a
variety of activities including scuba diving, water
sports, deep sea fishing and even game drives in the
nearby Shimba Hills Reserve. |