If you always dreamed about safari in Africa, Kenya is the best direction to take.
From the green rainforest of Mount Kenya through the rift valley lakes till the massive elephant held of Amboseli facing on the Kilimanjaro background, pure white sand beaches with turquoise water exotic beauty.
Along the country they speak more than 30 different languages. For every ethnic group they speak their own direct language.
The English and Kiswahili are indeed the official language but the mix of the languages you hear in Kenya is a good indication about the variety that influence this country.
The biggest city in Kenya is Nairobi. The country is named after its mountain Kenya. There are 67 natural reserves, national parks and animal sanctuary. Kenya with 582,000 square meters is blessed with a rich variety habitants. Dessert in the north mountain forest and rainforest at highlands, and the west meddles to the feet of the frozen peaks of Kenya mountain. A vast savannah in the southern east, many lakes in the valley and of course the Indian ocean beaches with amazing cores and abundant sea life.
From this variety various it is hard to point on one chosen reserve. The Masai mara may be the most famous one, although the variety landscape and animal species is huge.
TOP KENYA SAFARI DESTINATIONS
Masai Mara
One of Africa’s most significant wildlife conservation and wilderness areas, the Masai Mara makes up the northernmost part of the spectacular Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. It is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration and its exceptionally abundant wildlife, including lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra, rhino, cheetah, crocodile, hippo and African bush elephant and much more.Enjoy a bird’s eye view from a hot air balloon flight over Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, explore the wild landscapes on a thrilling horse-riding safari, or spot game from a traditional safari vehicle to get up close to the incredible wildlife
Tsavo National Park
Located in southwestern Kenya, Tsavo National Park is the country’s largest park and one of the world’s largest wildlife sanctuaries. It is split in two: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Famed for its enthralling landscapes and large herds of elephants and buffalo, visitors can look forward to exploring pristine landscapes offering spectacular photographic opportunities.The Tsavo East National Park is characterised by open plains scattered with baobabs, grasslands, acacia scrub and lush woodlands. Catch a glimpse of the red elephants of Tsavo – owing to the unique colour of the earth, and soak up the beauty of one of Africa’s last remaining wilderness areas.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park, which is roughly 240 kilometres (150 miles) southeast of Nairobi, is widely known for its herds of large tusked elephants. Amboseli is a beautiful park in itself, but it is most known for two things in particular: magnificent elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, over the border. After the Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli is the second most visited national park in Kenya. It was designated a UNESCO-Mab Biosphere Reserve in 1991. The park's central basin floods with heavy rains, drawing swarms of species. The reserve is a great location to see the Big Five as well as uncommon and less well-known wildlife species.
Laikipia
The Laikipia Plateau sprawls along the Northern Kenyan Frontier, extending from Mount Kenya's slopes to the Great Rift Valley's rim. Over time, conservationists have worked to establish a location where communities and animals may coexist in order to sustain and safeguard biodiversity in the area. This natural sanctuary is made up of ranches and conservancies.
The Great Rift Valley
Another popular tourist destination in Kenya is the Great Rift Valley, which has stunning lakes and escarpments that serve as havens for a variety of species. The area is a birdwatcher's haven since many species are drawn to its dazzling lake shoreline, most notably large flocks of flamingos that wade contentedly close to hippos and other game animals. The most well-known of these extraordinary bodies of water are Lake Naivasha, the highest lake in the Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru, famous for its pelican colony, and Lake Elementaita. Visitors to the area can expect to see spectacular leopard, white rhino, Rothschild's giraffe, and plains game sightings.
MT.KENYA
Rising 5,199 meters above sea level, majestic Mount Kenya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers hikers a challenging yet rewarding experience. Hike through lush montane forests, alpine meadows, and otherworldly Afro-alpine moorlands, all set against the backdrop of jagged peaks and glistening glaciers. Mount Kenya is not only a haven for hikers, but also a vital water catchment area and home to unique wildlife, such as the elusive bongo antelope.
Lamu Island
Uncover the enchanting beauty of Lamu Island, a serene island haven nestled off Kenya’s northern coast. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to idyllic beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with Swahili architecture. Lamu Old Town, the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in Kenya, exudes an air of timeless charm with its intricately carved wooden doors and bustling old-world markets. Navigate the island’s crystal-clear waters aboard traditional dhow boats, savor tantalizing local cuisine, and meet the warm, hospitable Swahili people.
Tour Packages
Kenya FAQs
Kenya offers a range of spectacular destinations that cater to different interests. If you want to witness the country’s wildlife, the Masai Mara National Reserve is world-famous for its annual wildebeest migration and is home to the iconic Big Five. If you’re looking for cultural experiences, explore the vibrant city of Nairobi and meet the local people to learn about the history and heritage. Another popular destination to visit on Kenya trips is Lake Nakuru National Park, where you can enjoy game drives to see gazelles, flamingos, giraffes, impalas, buffalo and the elusive leopard.
Kenya enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience on your trip. The dry season, from late June to October, is considered the best time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. The wet season, from November to May, brings lush landscapes and migratory bird species. If you want to witness the spectacle of the Great migration in the Masai Mara, between August and November is the best time, although the exact timings can vary due to the weather.
Kenya is renowned for its abundant wildlife and on a game drive through the national parks you could encounter the Big Five which consists of the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. There is also the opportunity to spot other game animals such as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and hyenas. The Masai Mara National Reserve is particularly famous for its lion prides while Lake Nakuru National Park is home to a huge variety of bird species, including flamingos, ospreys, bustards and grey crowned cranes.
Kenya’s cultural diversity is one of its biggest attractions, next to its wildlife, of course. The Maasai and Samburu tribes are among the most well-known indigenous communities in Kenya. Visiting local villages gives you the opportunity to learn about the people’s traditional way of life, including their unique customs and cuisine. Additionally, you could visit the lively city of Nairobi and the charming town of Eldoret to explore the local sights.
Although vaccinations are not required when travelling to Kenya, we highly recommend protecting yourself against the many diseases such as polio, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, cholera, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever and tuberculosis. You should also take malaria prophylaxis and your doctor can advise which ones you’ll need. If you’re travelling from a country where there’s a risk of transmitting yellow fever, you’ll also need a vaccination certificate before you travel. Ensure you bring protection for mosquito bites as they can cause the spread of dengue fever.
If you’re travelling to Kenya from the UK, EU or the US, you will need a visa to enter the country. You will be issued with an electronic visa but make sure you contact the consulate of Kenyan High Commission to check all the latest information and online application process. If you are visiting Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda on your trip, you can apply for an East Africa Visa which allows access to all three countries. You must always consult local governments prior to travel as visa requirements can change. We’ve included some relevant links below.
Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/kenya
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/kenya
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kenya.html
Kenya offers a diverse culinary experience with its vibrant and tantalising cuisine and the traditional dishes reflect the rich cultural heritage. One popular dish is Ugali, a stiff cornmeal porridge that acts as a staple in many Kenyan meals. It is commonly enjoyed with sukuma wiki, a dish made with collard greens, tomatoes and onions. Another famous dish is Nyama Choma, which is barbecued meat, often goat or beef, marinated in spices and grilled to perfection. Kenyans also enjoy foods such as pilau, a flavorful rice dish cooked with aromatic spices, and samosas, a fried pastry filled with savoury ingredients.
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