Kenya
Safaris are the epicentre of Kenya’s tourism industry and many parks offer the chance to see the ‘Big Five’; elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and rhinoceros. Kenya also boasts 1,200 different species of birds with a number of lodges employing specialist bird guides for the budding ornithologist.
Inspiring films such as ‘Out of Africa’ and ‘The Man Eating Lions of Tsavo’, Kenya conjures up images of wild safaris, grassy plains, pristine beaches and mountain ranges, such as the Aberdares and the awe inspiring Mount Kenya. Safaris are the epicentre of Kenya’s tourism industry and many parks offer the chance to see the ‘Big Five’; elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and rhinoceros. Kenya also boasts 1,200 different species of birds with a number of lodges employing specialist bird guides for the budding ornithologist.
The Maasai Mara, Tsavo, Amboseli and Lake Nakaru are the best known National Parks. A sight to behold, the Mara enjoys annual visits from wildebeest between June and September.
For those after a more lateral experience, the remote and wilder North of the country should not be underestimated. The Big 5 are still around but you are more likely to see the Samburu Special 5: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and beisa oryx. The variety of terrain and landscapes is stunning and parks such as Meru and Samburu provide a much more private safari experience.
Kenya’s coastline comprises beautiful soft sandy beaches against a backdrop of coral cliffs, creeks and offshore coral islands, perfect for snorkelling. On the south coast, Diani Beach and Wasini Island provide scuba-diving opportunities and glass-bottomed boats. Big game fishing is also available.
On the North Coast lie the stunning Malindi and Watumu beaches, and along the Tana River Delta hippo and crocodile-watching are also on the agenda. Head further north to find Lamu – a peaceful, tropical island where the phrase of choice is ‘pole pole’, meaning ‘slowly slowly’. This ancient Swahili settlement oozes charm and is the perfect place to kick back and relax after adventures in the bush.
Kenya has held a powerful attraction for visitors ever since early European explorers and intrepid settlers brought back tales of endless plains filled with antelope.
