Kenya

Revered by many anthropologists as the 'cradle of humanity', Kenya is wild and a little dangerous. If you're adventurous and sensible it promises the globe's most magnificent wildlife parks, unsullied beaches, thriving coral reefs, memorable mountainscapes and ancient Swahili cities.

Amboseli National Park
The Amboseli National Park offers one of the most classic and breathtaking views of Kenya, the gigantic Kilimanjaro mountain, with its 5,985 m dominating the plains like a powerful god ruling the world from his silver throne.

Lamu
Lamu is enchanting. As Kenya's oldest living town it has retained all the charm and character built up over centuries. There are no cars so donkeys are the main means of transport. Children play in the narrow streets, Muslim men chat on street corners and women in their black buibui eils busy themselves through doorways. Most houses have a rooftop which is used as a patio - indicative of a society where ‘hanging back’ and ‘catching the breeze’ is important. Keep an eye out for the intricately carved wooden doors and lintels for which the island is famous.

Nairobi
Kenya's capital is cosmopolitan, lively, interesting and pleasantly landscaped. Its central business district is handily compact and it's a great place to tune into modern urban African life. Unfortunately, it's also a great place to get mugged. Security, especially at night, is a definite concern.

Activities and Tours

Gede Ruins
Gedi Ruins was one of the ancient Arab towns located along the East African Coast from the late 13th or early 14th C. It was mysteriously abandoned in the early 17th C. The Great Mosque, the Palace, several residential houses and pillar tombs have been uncovered. Many of the buildings are near the entrance gate but others are scattered through the forest. An inner and outer wall surrounded the town of Gedi, most of the remains are located within the inner wall but there are some between the two walls.

Hells Gate National Park
Hell's Gate National Park is famous for its natural hot geysers, eagle and vulture breeding grounds. Driving, walking, camping, cycling and rock climbing can be enjoyed within the park. Bird and animal life abound in Hell's Gate National Park and birds of prey are of special interest especially the lammergeyer. Zebras, baboons and gazelles are common sights and occasionally cheetahs, leopards and ostrich are encountered. Hell's Gate is one of the few game reserves where visitors can explore by foot and walk amongst the elands, zebras and hartebeest.

Kakamega Forest Reserve
Kakamega Forest National Reserve located on the western part of Kenya is rich bird habitat. Kakamega Forest National Reserve resembles that of Central African Rainforest, ascertaining scientific theories on the expanse of the rainforest that covered Zaire and Uganda. Today Kakamega is a "Forest Island" , which is excellent for bird watching, and in which many species not found else where in Kenya, are resident.

Lake Magadi
Deep in the heart of Southern Kenya’s Maasai land is the unearthly Lake Magadi. This 104 sq km soda lake is completely surrounded by vast natural salt flats. These sweltering hot plains prevent any animals reaching the alkaline lake at its centre. For this reason, thousands of flamingo descend on the lake each year to nest on elevated mud mounds at the lake’s edge safe from any potential predators.

Masai Mara National Reserve
This is one of the most spectacular and most popular game reserves in Kenya. Rich in game, the rolling grasslands and acacia savannah have frequently been captured on film, with "Out of Africa" being the most famous. The reserve borders Tanzania and the two countries share the vast Serengeti plains, with wildlife free to roam between Kenya and Tanzania in search of food. The concentration of game in the Mara during the mass migration is mind blowing, and this is one of the few areas where you are likely to see the big five buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard.

Travel Tip and useful information

Climate
Kenya is generally a dry country; over75% of its area is classed as arid of semi arid with only around 20% being viable for agriculture. Inland, rainfall and temperatures are closely related to altitude changes, with variations induced by local topography. Generally the climate is warm and humid at the coast, cool and humid in the central highlands, and hot and dry in the north and east.

Time Zone
Kenya is 3 hours ahead of GMT (+3 GMT)

Population
Kenya's population agglomerates tribes, cultures, religions and languages. According to what we know today, the country's human map was started 6,000 years ago, when the native inhabitants of this land were first invaded by the northern Nilotic and Cushite peoples. Then came the Bantus, followed by the Arabs, Asians, Europeans... The skin colours of the Kenyans cover all the range of clears and darks.

Transport
Charter There are many domestic air charter operations in Kenya. These companies offer individual or group charter in a range of aircraft. Air charter is an ideal way of visiting remote areas, or avoiding long drives.
Taxi In Nairobi, Mombasa and other large Kenyan towns, taxis are widely available, and convenient. Driving Visitors to Kenya can drive using an international drivers license. Driving is on the left hand side and drivers should give way to traffic on their right. Distances are measured and signposted in kilometres and petrol / diesel sold by the litre.

Currency and credit cards
The official currency is the Kenya Shilling. Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept Credit Cards. Most Banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on credit cards.

Dress Code
Casual, lightweight, and comfortable clothing is usually the best. For walking safaris or game viewing on foot clothing should be of neutral colour, and white, bright or vividly patterned clothing avoided. Studies have proven that most African game animals are able to see bright blue over any other colour. Strong footwear is advisable if you are planning to do any walking. For serious climbers and trekkers a good pair of hiking boots should be brought with you.

Safety and security
As in any country, there are a few safety and security issues in Kenya. Kenya is a poor country, and there are many people who are forced to make a living by illegal means. Normal Kenyan citizens are definitely targets, but rich, naive tourists are an even bigger temptation for thieves, pick pockets, and con artists. Crime is not so common in rural areas, but in big cities, especially Nairobi (known as “Nairobbery” in traveler’s circles), theft has made a name for itself.