Exploring the Wonders of Kenya - Travel in Nature's Masterpiece
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Kenya Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
From the iconic savannahs of the Maasai Mara to pristine beaches on the Swahili Coast, Kenya offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that captivate the soul.
About Kenya
Kenya offers a diverse and captivating experience for visitors with its stunning landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
From the beaches on the Indian Ocean to nature reserves on the plains, Kenya has always been attractive to tourists.
Countries neighbouring Kenya: Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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Mapping Kenya
Map of Kenya
Kenya is bordered by Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the north-west, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the north-east, and the Indian Ocean to the south-east.
The capital of Kenya is Nairobi.
Kenya Overview
Kenya, officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country located in East Africa.
The Massai came to Kenya with their cattle herds, from the region north of Lake Turkana, in the 17th century.
Challenges
Kenya faces various challenges, including poverty, inequality, and limited access to healthcare and education in some areas.
The country has made significant progress in recent years but still faces issues such as corruption, high unemployment rates, and inadequate infrastructure in certain regions.
Economy
Kenya has one of the largest economies in East Africa.
It is considered a regional economic powerhouse, with agriculture, manufacturing, services, and tourism being key sectors.
The country is known for its tea and coffee exports, as well as horticultural products like flowers.
Nairobi has a thriving business sector and serves as a regional headquarters for many multinational companies.
Geography
Kenya has a diverse geography that encompasses several different regions.
The Great Rift Valley runs through the country, featuring stunning landscapes, lakes, and volcanoes.
Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa, is located in the central region.
The country also has savannah grasslands, coastal areas along the Indian Ocean, and arid regions in the north.
People and Culture
Kenya is home to more than 50 ethnic groups, each with its own unique languages, traditions, and customs.
The largest ethnic groups include the Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, and Kalenjin.
English and Swahili are the official languages, with Swahili being widely spoken across the country.
Kenya's culture is rich and diverse, with vibrant music, dance, art, and cuisine.
The Maasai people are renowned for their distinctive traditions and colourful attire.
Rich History
Kenya has a rich history and has produced notable figures in various fields, including literature, sports, and politics.
Prominent individuals from Kenya include Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge, and former President Mwai Kibaki.
Tourism
Kenya attracts a large number of tourists each year who come to explore its natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Visitors can enjoy activities like game drives, hot air balloon safaris, bird watching, and cultural tours.
The white sandy beaches along the coast, particularly in popular destinations like Mombasa and Diani, also attract tourists looking for relaxation and water sports.
Wildlife and Nature
Kenya is famous for its abundant wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty.
It is home to several national parks and reserves, including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Lake Nakuru National Park.
These protected areas offer opportunities for wildlife safaris, where visitors can witness the 'Big Five' (elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) as well as a wide variety of other animals, such as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and wildebeests during the Great Migration.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) conserves and manages Kenya’s wildlife for the Kenyan people and the world.
Kenya Tourism
Kenya is a beautiful country located in East Africa, known for its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant culture.
Kenya Highlights
Amboseli National Park
Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park offers breathtaking views of Africa's highest peak.
This park is known for its large herds of elephants and offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife photography.
You can also interact with the local Maasai communities and learn about their culture and traditions.
Diani Beach
For a relaxing coastal experience, head to Diani Beach on Kenya's southern coast.
Diani Beach boasts pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and an array of water sports and activities such as snorkelling, diving, and kiteboarding.
Take a traditional dhow cruise to explore the nearby marine reserve and relax in luxury resorts along the beach.
Kenya National Parks
Tsavo National Park (Tsavo East and Tsavo West) and Marsabit National Reserve are the country's two largest national parks, although the Masai Mara park, in south-west Kenya, is probably the best-known and most visited.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its flamingo population, which gathers in large numbers on the lake's shores.
Besides flamingos, you can spot other bird species as well as rhinos, giraffes, and zebras.
Take a game drive or walk along the lake's perimeter to fully appreciate the beauty of the park.
Lamu Island
If you're interested in Swahili culture and history, visit Lamu Island.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a well-preserved Swahili settlement known for its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and vibrant festivals.
Explore Lamu Old Town, relax on pristine beaches, and take a boat ride to explore the surrounding islands.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Embark on a safari adventure in the Maasai Mara, one of Africa's most famous wildlife reserves.
It's renowned for its incredible wildebeest migration, which takes place from July to October.
Witness vast herds of animals crossing the Mara River and encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and hippos.
Mount Kenya
If you're up for a challenging adventure, consider climbing Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa.
The mountain offers various routes of varying difficulty levels, allowing you to enjoy stunning landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and the satisfaction of reaching the summit.
Nairobi
Start your journey in the capital city of Nairobi, which serves as the gateway to many of Kenya's attractions.
Visit the Nairobi National Park, located just outside the city, where you can spot wildlife such as lions, giraffes, and zebras against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Explore the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre, and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which is dedicated to the conservation of elephants.
Visiting Kenya
There's something for everyone visiting Kenya.
Amboseli, Tsavo, and the Masai Mara are excellent for game viewing with dense populations.
The North, around Samburu and Turkana are off the beaten track and an anthropologist's dream.
The coast offers glimpses into an ancient Islamic trading culture at Lamu and Malindi, and fabulous beaches for skin diving.
Remember to plan your trip in advance, considering factors such as weather, visa requirements, and necessary vaccinations.
It's also advisable to consult with local tour operators or travel agencies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during your visit to Kenya.
The popular image of safari, especially in the west, is inseparable from Kenya.
Kenya has over 50 national parks and game reserves where wildlife is protected.
To help you make decide which Kenyan Safari is right for you, Andrew Muigai writes about some of the choices for Travel Notes.
Mountains and Lakes in Kenya
There are mountains and lakes in Kenya too.
Mount Kenya is over 5,000 metres high, and although Kenya only shores a small portion of Lake Victoria, it does contain most of Lake Turkana (Lake Rudolf) in the north east.
Nairobi
Map of Nairobi
Nairobi was founded in the late 1890s, by the British, as a railhead camp on the Mombasa-Uganda railway; and became the capital of independent Kenya, in 1963.
The Nairobi National Park, on the south-eastern outskirts of the city, is a major tourist attraction.
The National Museum of Kenya has an interesting display of early humans in Africa, while the McMillan Memorial Library, also in Nairobi, has a special collection of Africana.
Kenya Excursions
Other points of interest include the law courts, the City Hall, and the absorbing Municipal Market.
Nairobi is also home to the Kenya National Theatre and Sorsbie Art Gallery./p>
Where to Stay in Nairobi
Fairmont The Norfolk
Fairmont The Norfolk: Harry Thuku Road, Nairobi, Kenya.
Set in its own tranquil gardens, a short distance from the city centre, The Norfolk is part of Kenya's history. Built in the early 1900s, the hotel has kept pace with the times and offers quiet, elegant, comfort and cuisine of the highest standards.
Guests at Fairmont The Norfolk enjoyed the fine dining and comfortable rooms.
Fairview Hotel Nairobi
Fairview Hotel Nairobi: Bishop Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya.
Located in Nairobi's Upper Hill the tranquillity created by the lush gardens, tapestry of pathways and little surprises around each corner are a delight for travellers.
Guests at the Fairview Hotel Nairobi rated the colonial style, stunning pool and superb dining.
Ole Sereni Hotel Nairobi
Ole Sereni Hotel Nairobi: Mombassa Road, Nairobi, Kenya.
The Ole Sereni Hotel Nairobi is a luxurious 5-star hotel with individually decorated guestrooms and is the only city hotel in the world bordering a National game park.
Guests at the Ole Sereni Hotel Nairobi liked the very modern, clean rooms and fantastic bar.
Sarova Stanley
Sarova Stanley: Kenyatta Ave Po Box 30680, Nairobi, Kenya.
Sarova Stanley, launched in 1902 as the first luxury hotel in Nairobi, offers Victorian-style, 5-star accommodation in a cosy atmosphere. Rooms are spacious with views overlooking downtown Nairobi. Sarova is one of the largest hospitality brands in East Africa.
Guests at the Sarova Stanley enjoyed the fantastic bar, beautiful decor and relaxing at the rooftop pool after an East African safari.
Mombasa
Mombasa, just south of the Equator, is Kenya's major seaport and serves Ethiopia and north-east Tanzania as well.
It is also an important cultural centre and famous beach destination for foreign tourists; many escaping the long, cold, European winters on a vitamin D rich, beach and safari package holiday.
The Fort Jesus Museum, in Old Mombasa, houses much of Mombasa's history collection in a 16th-century, Portuguese fort.Where to Stay in Mombasa
Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu form a chain of beaches as you head north, out of Mombasa.
Bamburi Beach Hotel
Bamburi Beach Hotel: Mombasa Malindi Road, Shanzu, Mombasa, Kenya.
Mombasa's Bamburi Beach Hotel has its own private ocean front, enhanced with a wooden boardwalk area offering picturesque views of the ocean and beach.
Guests found the Bamburi Beach Hotel, with its clean rooms and stunning pool, to be great value for money.
Sarova Whitesans Beach Resort
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort: Bamburi Beach, Shanzu, Mombasa.
Whitesands is one of the favourite deluxe resorts on the East African Coast. It has the longest beach front and the reception has a distinct coastal feel; with carved archways and murals depicting scenes from Kenya's coast.
Guests at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort were extremely pleased with the resort's great location and excellent service.
Malindi
Malindi is the second largest coastal town in Kenya, around 2hrs (120km) north of Mombasa, just past the Watamu Marine National Park.
Although Malindi boasts 155km of coastline, there are other attractions in the area apart from the beach.
Kenya Travel Tips
Do be careful when walking around in Mombasa and don't go out at night, as it can be dangerous. As in Nairobi, although there was a very visible police presence in the city.
On Safari in Kenya don't accept the house special drink on arrival. It's NOT free and very overpriced.
The souvenirs are cheaper at the beach resorts than on the safari, be prepared to barter and trade - socks, tee-shirts and pens are all in demand.
Don't expect to walk down the excellent beaches, you won't get far without a lot of patience.
Be careful of your baggage weight on internal flights and the return trip. They charge excess baggage so try and carry souvenirs in your hand luggage.
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Simple Phrases
I would like - Nataka; I do not want - Sitaki.
I would like a cold beer - Nataka bia baridi.
Coffee - Kahawa; Milk - Maziwa; Tea - Chai.
A drink - Kinywaji; Food - Chakula.
I cannot eat meat - Siwezi kula nyama.
How much? - Bei gani?
Money - Pesa / Fedha.
It is a reasonable price - Ni bei nafuu; It is very expensive - Ni bei ghali sana.
I would like a taxi - Nataka teksi; Please - Tafadhali.
Kenya Maps and Travel Guides
Kenya Travel Guides - Kenya Maps.
Weather in Africa:
Local weather forecasts for destinations around Africa.
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