Kenya   Nairobi   Mombasa   Kenya's National Parks   Masai Mara Reserve   Amboseli National Park   Tsavo East and West   Mount Kenya   Lake Nakuru   Lake Turkana   Lake Victoria   Swahili Coast   Lamu   People   Travel Tips   Temperature/Weather   Reading List

Kenya Kenya is a land richly endowed by nature. It is a land of contrasts, from its snowcapped mountains to its palm-fringed beaches, and from its lush farmlands to its sun-kissed savannas. Kenya's dual Cheetah. (Kenya) nature can be seen in the way the country's outward-looking cities sit side-by-side with the world-famous national parks that are home to the last bastions of lions, leopards and other roaming wildlife and the small communities that still serve as the basis for Kenya's traditional lifestyle. Kenya's multitudinous gifts provide its visitors with much to see and remember. Nairobi National Park, Tsavo National Park, Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Shaba National Reserve, Mount Kenya, Aberdare National Park and Meru National Park are just a few of Kenya's many fascinating travel destinations. Kenya lies astride the equator on the eastern coast of Africa. It is a medium-sized country by continental standards, covering an area of approximately 224,900 square miles (582,600 square kilometers), slightly smaller than the state of Texas. Inland lakes and waterways cover some 4,100 square miles (10,700 square kilometers), the bulk of this in Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana. Kenya is bordered by Somalia and the Indian Ocean on the east, Ethiopia to the north, Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west and Tanzania to the south. Its Indian Ocean coastline is about 350 miles (550 kilometers) long. Kenya enjoys tremendous topographical diversity, with the array of its landscapes ranging from glaciated mountains with snow-capped peaks to the Rift Valley with its escarpments and volcanoes, and further on to ancient granite hills, flat desert landscapes and coral reefs and islets. However, the basic topographical configuration is rather simple. Coastal plains give way to an inland plateau that rises gradually to the central highlands, which are the result of relatively recent volcanic activity associated with the formation of the rift valley. To the west, the land drops to the Nyanza plateau that surrounds the Kenyan sector of Lake Victoria. To the north, the topography drops off to the rugged low country around Lake Turkana. The Great Rift Valley, with its associated escarpments and mountains, is a major feature of the Kenyan landscape. It runs the length of the country from Lake Turkana in the north to Lake Natron on the southern border with Tanzania. The central portion of the rift is raised, with the Aberdare Mountains and Mount Kenya to the east and the Mau Escarpment and the Cherangani Hills to the west. The northernmost and southernmost sectors of the rift are low-lying, arid and rugged, with spectacular volcanic landforms. Mombasa, Kenya's second city, is located on an island off the Indian Ocean coastline and boasts a magnificent fort and harbor that have been center stage for hundreds of years of turbulent history. The beginning of the 20th century saw a railroad begin to wind its way from this port town inland towards central Africa. The railroad made it first distant outpost in a swampy highland plain that became the small town of Nairobi, now the nation's bustling capital. The rail link between Mombasa and Nairobi forged a link of national unity and become the lifeblood of Kenya. Taken together, these two distinctive cities paint a vivid portrait of Kenya. The old trading port of Mombasa and the modern skyscrapers of Nairobi work together to evidence a diverse melting pot of races and traditional and modern cultures, with a history as rich as the natural wealth of the country itself. If it weren't for Kenya, the Swahili word safari (literally, "journey") would have little currency in the modern world. Revered by anthropologists as the "cradle of humanity," Kenya is also the heart of African safari country, boasting the most diverse collection of wild animals on the African continent.  Back to Top Nairobi Kenya's capital city has risen in a single century from a brackish uninhabited swampland to a thriving modern capital. When railway construction workers reached this area in 1899, they set up a basic camp and supply depot, simply called "Mile 327," representing its distance from the Mombasa terminus. The local Masai people had given this highland swamp a name centuries before: Ewaso Nai'beri, meaning "the place of cold water." The camp became a rustic village, and then a shantytown, and, amazingly enough, by 1907, only eight years after the pounding of the spike at Mile 327, Nairobi had become the capital of all of British East Africa. In intervening years, it has become a mecca for adventurers, hunters and travelers from all over the world. Modern Nairobi is still the safari capital of Africa, but the modern world has quickly caught up with the city. A frontier town no more, Nairobi has become one of Africa's largest cities…. and, with its Rhinoceros. (Kenya) extensive Masai markets and shops, one of its most interesting cities. The capital city is a place of great contrasts where race, tribe and origin all become facets of a unique Nairobi character. The city has not lost a sense of its past, no matter how short its history may be. It boasts an excellent museum, as well as the home of Karen Blixen (born Isak Dinesen), the author of "Out of Africa." Her home is open to visitors. One of Nairobi's most interesting features is its setting. A metropolis set down in the middle of a great wilderness, its shimmering skyscrapers can be seen by the giraffes and other wild animals that inhabit Nairobi National Park, which comprises 44 square miles (113 square kilometers) of plains, cliffs and forest right on the edge of town. Flights taking off from Nairobi's airport are observed by the park's large herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo and giraffe. Rhinos, cheetahs, and a large number of lions are also found here, all born free and living wild within twenty minutes of the center of the country's capital. From the wildlife to the nightlife, Nairobi is a city unlike any other. Nairobi's well-known restaurants and colorful array of shops and markets insure that there is always plenty on offer for the visitor.  Back to Top Mombasa Mombasa is a place steeped in history. A fascinating commercial port town, Mombasa is located on an island connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries. The town overlooks a wide harbor, where commercial shipping mingles with traditional sailing dhows. The true heart of Mombasa is found in its exotic old town, among the winding dusty streets and whitewashed Arab architecture. The air here is always heavy with the scent of spices, foodstuffs Leopard. (Kenya) and tropical heat. Women wearing the traditional bui bui garment congregate in the narrow streets and busy markets. At the docks, creaking dhows laden with fresh fish and goods from all along the coast arrive daily. At the water's edge is Fort Jesus, an imposing fort that stands watch over the harbor. The high gun turrets, battlements and underground passages of this sixteenth-century fort were the center of a historic struggle for control of the Kenya coast between the Portuguese army and the Shirazi Arabs. This war was waged over the course of hundreds of years and countless battles, and the fort still stands as a testament to this tumultuous past. Modern Mombasa is a city of great diversity and life. This is a town were all were welcomed, including the traders from India and Arabia, and quickly absorbed into this great coastal melting pot. Mosques, Hindu temples and Christian churches all find their places on streets that thrive with a world of cultures.  Back to Top National Parks and Reserves Most visitors to Kenya are interested, first and foremost, in observing the country's famous wildlife. But there are a number of different ways for the visitor to experience the Kenyan wilderness. Giraffe. (Kenya) Whether you want to observe that pride of lions or that thundering herd of elephants from the back seat of a four wheel drive vehicle, from the comfortable veranda of a safari lodge, on horseback or even on foot, the possibilities are endless. Kenya's wilderness areas are famous worldwide. In recent years, Kenya has been progressive in instituting policies designed to protect and showcase a broad range of habitats and species. The ecosystems of Kenya's game parks and reserves are complex ecologies that depend on the conservation of diverse natural resources and systems. There has been a growing recognition that the parks, sanctuaries and conservation areas co-exist with and depend upon the communities that surround them. From the depths of a coral reef to the heights of rugged alpine mountains, from one endangered owl to a migrating herd of wildebeest more than a million strong, the Kenyan wilderness is truly a wonder to behold.  Back to Top Masai Mara Game Reserve Along the Tanzanian border is the Masai Mara Game Reserve, widely considered to be Africa's greatest wildlife reserve. The Masai Mara contains 200 square miles of open plains, woodlands and riverine forest. Contiguous with the Serengeti plains on the Tanzanian side of the border, the Masai Mara is home to a breathtaking array of wildlife. At any point in time, the park's vast grassland plains and savannas will be strewn with pockets of grazing zebras, giraffes, gazelles, wildebeest and topi. The acacia forests will abound with birdlife and monkeys. Elephants and buffaloes will be wallowing in the wide Musiara Swamp, while the Mara and Talek rivers will be brimming with hippos and crocodiles, watched over by the storks that stand on the sandy riverbanks. Each year, the Masai Mara plays host to one of the world's greatest natural spectacles, the wildebeest migration from the Serengeti. From July to October of each year, the promise of rain and new grass in the north brings as many as 1.5 million wildebeest together into a single Elephants. (Kenya) massive herd. With their fellow travelers, the zebras, they pour northward across the border into the Masai Mara, making a spectacular entrance in a surging column of life that stretches from horizon to horizon. At the Mara River, they mass together on the banks until one or two of the braver ones finally plunge forward - or are pushed forward - into the raging waters, creating a frenzy as they fight against swift currents and waiting crocodiles. The wildebeest bring new life to the Masai Mara, not just through their cycle of regeneration of the grasslands, but for the predators who follow the herds. The Masai Mara has been called the "Kingdom of Lions" in honor of the regal and powerful hunters that rule its grasslands. Cheetahs are also a common sight in the Masai Mara, as are hyenas and smaller predators like the jackal. The Masai Mara is an awesome natural wonder, a place where Masai warriors share the plains with black-maned lions on the hunt, a place of mighty herds and timeless cycles of life, death and regeneration. Wildlife moves freely in and out of the reserve and through neighboring Masai lands. The Loita Hills and the Nguruman Escarpment, both considered sacred to the Masai, offer high forest trekking opportunities for the adventurous traveler.  Back to Top Amboseli National Park The Amboseli is a place of wide dry plains, where boundless horizons are tucked into the corners of the sheltering sky. Amboseli is particularly renowned for its large herds of elephants, including some impressively tusked bulls that are drawn to the park's lush swamplands. But the even greater giant that rules over these plains is a mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's largest mountain, lies just over the border in Tanzania, but the most impressive views of its snow- Hot air balloon. (Kenya) capped peak are to be found on the Amboseli side. The early light of dawn turns the mountain a dark hue of purple, shading the famous "Snows of Kilimanjaro" an ethereal pink. The sight of Kilimanjaro rising high above the herds of elephant crossing Amboseli's plains is a classic African image. Herds of wildebeest, zebra and impala also graze on the open plains. Amboseli's acacia forests make for good birding, and they also serve as home to many small mammals. Cheetahs are another frequent visitor. The park is centered around a large hill, with fantastic views of the surrounding plains, and is often crossed by whirlwinds that send columns of dust into the sky. The area surrounding the park is home to many Masai communities. The park covers approximately 155 square miles (400 square kilometers), with its southern boundary running along the Tanzanian border.  Back to Top Tsavo East and West National Parks The twin national parks of Tsavo East and West together form one of Africa's largest wilderness reserves. Taken as a whole, Tsavo contains 10 million acres of pure wilderness, incorporating savanna, ranges and hills, acacia and montane forest, and an extensive river system in an area larger than the island of Jamaica. The vast plains of Tsavo are crossed by the main Nairobi-Mombasa railroad. This historic railway was, in 1899, the scene of one of Africa's greatest adventure stories. Two large lions actively preyed on the railway workers as they built a bridge over the Tsavo River, claiming more than 120 victims. As they evaded hunters for month after month, for well over a year, the legend of the "Maneaters of Tsavo" was born. The sheer scale of Tsavo gives the visitor a chance to really get away from it all and to explore the wild in total solitude. On safari, the visitor will typically see large herds of elephants, their hides Cheetah. (Kenya) turned a luminous red from the dust. Not far behind will be the lions, the buffaloes, the elands, the giraffes, the impalas, the gazelles, the antelopes, the kudus and even the rhinos. Tsavo is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with its numerous species of weavers, hornbills, sunbirds, rollers, and raptors. One of Tsavo's most interesting geographical features is the Lugard Falls, where whitewater rages through a series of spectacular rock formations. The volcanic Mzima Springs, which produce 50 million gallons of fresh water daily, should not be missed. The waters are alive with hippos and waterfowl. A unique underwater observatory has been constructed, yielding incredible views of this crystal clear underwater world, where massive hippos glide silently through swirling shoals of barbel. The springs have created a sprawling wetland paradise of giant raphia palms, an oasis alive with water birds.  Back to Top Mount Kenya Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak, has long been regarded as the realm of Ngai, the god of the local Kikuyu people. Traditionally, all Kikuyu homes were built to face this sacred peak. The Kikiyu name for this jagged peak is Kirinyaga, meaning "place of light." The mountain is an awe-inspiring sight, its ragged peaks crowned with snow and its slopes thick with forest. The mountain is best seen at dawn, when the morning sun backlights its impressive summit high above the surrounding plains. Mount Kenya. (Mount Kenya, Kenya) While the 17,058 feet (5,199 meter) summit is a difficult technical climb, a fit trekker can easily reach the lesser peak of Point Lenana (at 16,350 feet, or 4,985 meters). The trek takes between 3 and 5 days and passes through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife, and unique montane vegetation, including podocarpus and grounsel. But the climax is surely the summit, where one can luxuriate in one of the world's rarest sights, equatorial snow. For non-climbers, a visit to Mount Kenya is still worthwhile. The cool highlands that surround its base, crossed by babbling brooks, are well worth a visit. The forests are ideal for game viewing, and the crystal clear streams at the foot of the mountain abound with trout.  Back to Top Lake Nakuru Lake Nakuru provides the visitor with one of Kenya's best known and abiding images: the "Out of Africa" scene of thousands of flamingos, a shimmering pink flock, fringing the shores of a soda Flamingoes. (Lake Nakuru, Kenya) lake. A pulsing pink swath of life that reflects upon the water, the flamingos are truly a breathtaking sight. These regal birds visit Lake Nakura to feed on the algae that forms on the lake bed, although their numbers have been declining in recent years, owing in part to the lake's extreme variability in size. Depending on weather conditions and the drainage of its waters, the lake can vary in size from 2 to 12 square miles (5 to 30 square kilometers). But Lake Nakuru offers more than just its spectacular flamingos. It is also an important sanctuary for the rhino, both the black and white varieties. Rhinos, often the most difficult of the "Big Five" animals to find, can sometimes be seen resting under the acacias by the lakeshore. The park abounds with other game as well. There are several large prides of lions, in addition to huge herds of waterbucks, zebras and cape buffaloes. The endangered Rothschild giraffe also makes its home in the park. And the leopard, the other elusive member of the "Big Five," is also prevalent in Lake Nakuru. Exploring beyond the lake, where there are forests, cliffs and waterfalls, is also a worthwhile endeavor. And nearby Nakuru town, a bustling market town and a local transportation hub, is worth a visit.  Back to Top Lake Turkana At Kenya's far northern frontier lies one of the natural wonders of the world. Lake Turkana is a massive inland sea, at nearly 2,500 square miles (6,400 square kilometers) the largest desert lake in the world. This single body of water is more than 150 miles (250 kilometers) long, comparable in length to the entire Kenyan coast. It is widely known as the Jade Sea, because of the almost incandescent color of its waters. After a long journey through the sweltering deserts and lava flows of northern Kenya, the sight of this vast body of bright turquoise water comes as an Flamingoes. (Kenya) unearthly, ethereal vision. Turkana has one of the longest living histories on earth, and recent fossil evidence unearthed at Koobi Fora has led to the lake being awarded the appellation, "The Cradle of Mankind". The lake is a source of life for some of Kenya's most remote tribes. The Turkana, with ancestral ties to Uganda, live a semi-nomadic existence along the shores of the lake. The country's smallest tribe, the El Molo, live a hunter-gatherer existence on its shores, congregating in villages of distinctively rounded reed huts. The lake enjoys the dubious distinction of being home to the world's single largest crocodile population. In Turkana, these reptiles grow to record size. Some of the largest specimens can be found on remote windswept Central Island.  Back to Top Lake Victoria At Kenya's western frontier lies the great expanse of Lake Victoria. This massive lake, which covers an area in excess of 26,000 square miles (67,500 square kilometers), is larger than the state of West Virginia. Commonly known as Nyanza, it forms a natural boundary between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The lake is the heart of the African continent and the source of its mightiest river, the Mother and baby elephant. (Kenya) Nile. In the 19th century, the riddle of the source of the Nile was one of the great enigmas of African exploration. After many failed expeditions, John Hanning Speke finally reached the shores of Lake Victoria in 1858. The Nile flows northward from the lake, carrying the waters of Nyanza to Egypt and into the Mediterranean Sea. The lake is rich in fish life, with shimmering shoals of colorful cichlids and large Nile Perch. The Nyanza province is the heartland of the Luo, a tribe with a reputation as formidable fishermen. Fishing brings many visitors to the lake, mainly in search of the Nile Perch, which is widely viewed as a world-class game fish. There are three fishing lodges on the islands scattered throughout the Kenyan portions of the lake. Kisumu is a quiet port town on the lakeshore, with wide streets and fine colonial architecture. To the south along the Kenyan shoreline, fishing villages line the broad waters of Homa Bay. The area is also home to Ruma National Park, a small but attractive park with many unique species. The best way to appreciate the beauty of the region is on the lake itself. The sun shines brightly, and gentle breezes rise from the water. In trees along the shore, fish eagles call to each other, their long haunting cries echoing across the water. Sunsets turn the waters to liquid gold, as the local fisherman pull their nets into their canoes and slowly turn for home.  Back to Top Swahili Coast The Kenyan coast is lined with pristine white sand beaches fringing the warm waters of the Indian Buffalo. (Kenya) Ocean. Here the wilderness meets the sea, and the ocean itself holds a world of spectacular coral reefs teeming with life and color. The Indian Ocean coastline is a place with a long and exotic history, its calm blue waters witness to the traditional passage of the Arabian spice trade. Along the length of this coast, Arab and Portuguese forts, old towns and the overgrown, deserted ruins of Swahili outposts, all decaying in the tropical heat, bear witness to the fascinating history of this coastal area. In the winding medieval streets and bustling markets of Lamu and Mombasa, life has continued unhurried and unchanged for more than 400 years. This blend of natural beauty and living history joins to create an exotic tropical paradise like nowhere else on earth.  Back to Top Lamu Lamu is a peaceful tropical island where life is lived at its own relaxed rhythm, but beneath the surface lurks a history as mysterious and fascinating as the winding streets of the medieval stone town. The island itself is a beautiful place of rolling dunes and endless beaches, where tiny villages nestle among coconut and mango plantations and lateen-sailed dhows ply the waters. But Lamu's real attraction is its Old Town. Lamu began its life as a fourteenth-century Swahili settlement, but the island has seen many visitors and influences in the succeeding years. Portuguese explorers, Turkish traders and Omani Wildebeest. (Kenya) Arabs have all passed through and left their mark, but Lamu has somehow managed to develop its own distinctive culture. In Lamu's narrow streets and in its markets and squares, life moves at the old pace. There are no vehicles on the island. The donkey and the dhow are the favored forms of transport, just as they were in centuries past. The people of Lamu are great believers in tradition and custom, and they have built a strong society based on a respect for the past. For the traveler, Lamu is a hypnotically exotic experience, made even more enjoyable by the relaxed and welcoming attitudes of the local people. To visit Lamu is to enter another world. Life slows, and the resulting lengthened days are spent strolling along the waterfront, exploring the town or relaxing on the idyllic white sand beaches.  Back to Top People There are more than 70 tribal groups in Kenya, and their unique cultures have in recent years combined with modern society to produce a truly Kenyan nationality. English and Swahili are the predominant languages spoken in Kenya, but there are many other tribal languages spoken as well. In Kenya, you can see many examples of the old ways blending in with the new. A Masai tribesman herds his cattle and goats across the plains, with the headphones of his Walkman radio planted in Mount Kenya dancers. (Mount Kenya, Kenya) his distended earlobes. A group of urban Kikuyu join in a traditional wedding ritual in which the bride is sung out of her house by the groom's family. A Samburu businessman talks on a mobile phone protected in a traditionally-beaded cover. To the outside world, the Masai are probably Kenya's most familiar people. They are a strong and independent people who still value tradition and ritual as an integral part of their everyday lives. They regard themselves not just as occupants of the land; the land that they occupy becomes a part of their lives, and their lives become a part of the land that they occupy. Traditionally, the Masai are not hunters. Living alongside wildlife in harmony is an important part of their traditional beliefs. Lions and wildebeest play an important role in their cultural beliefs, just as important to them as their own herds of cattle. This unique co-existence of man and wildlife makes the Masai lands one of the world's most unique wilderness regions. Most Kenyans are Christians, but Muslims make up a larger proportion (approximately 30%) of the population in the eastern and coastal provinces.  Back to Top Travel Tips Unfortunately, petty crime is all too prevalent in Kenya's larger cities, so visitors are cautioned to take great care with their valuables when traveling, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa. Crime is less prevalent in rural areas, but it is still wise to be careful. For the latest information on security issues in Kenya, please consult the U.S. State Department's consular warning sheets. It is always advisable to carry extra film. While it is widely available in Nairobi and in most major towns (at a cheaper price than that offered in the lodges and game parks), visitors should always keep several spare rolls on hand. There is no greater disappointment than seeing that extraordinary lion - always better than the last one - at close range and then discovering that your stock of film is depleted. It is illegal to photograph Kenya's president, as well as certain other national symbols, including uniformed members of the armed forces and the national flag. For Masai child. (Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania) security reasons, photographs of state prisons and convicts are also prohibited. The local people can be photographed with their consent; however, you should be aware that they sometimes expect the payment of a small fee. Souvenirs and other items can be purchased more cheaply in Nairobi and Mombasa. Prices are fixed in some places, and no bargaining will be countenanced. Traditional Kenyan souvenirs include ebonwood carvings of animals and local people, kiondos (traditional baskets), batiks, jewelry and more. Distances in Kenya can be deceptive, and travel by road can be tiring. The best itineraries allocate more time to fewer parks. You will see more without feeling that you have to return home exhausted. Visitors to the parks are always advised to maintain a safe and respectful distance from the animals and to keep quiet to avoid distressing them in their natural habitats. Visitors should always follow the instructions of the rangers and guides. While in the parks, visitors should leave their vehicles only in designated places and should stay on the recognized tracks so as to avoid damage to the vegetation.  Back to Top Temperature/Weather Kenya's climate varies widely from region to region. Generally, Kenya is considered to be a dry country, with more than 75% of its area classified as either arid or semi-arid. Only 20% of its ground area is considered viable for agriculture. In the interior sections of the country, rainfall totals and average temperatures are closely related to altitude changes, with variations induced by local topography. Generally, the climate is warm and humid along the coast, cool and humid in the central highlands, and hot and dry in the north and east. Across most of the country, rainfall is strongly seasonal, although its pattern, timing and extent vary greatly from place to place and from year to year. Differences in temperature vary predictably with altitude. Frost regularly occurs at elevations of 10,000 feet (3,000 meters), and occasionally at elevations as low as 7,800 feet (2,400 meters). There is permanent ice and snow at Mount Kenya's summit. The hottest parts of the country are the arid northeast and the area west of Lake Turkana, where average daytime temperatures range as high as 93° F (34° C). The main tourist season is in January and February, since the hot, dry weather at this time of year is generally considered to be the most pleasant. It is also the time of year that Kenya's magnificent bird life congregates on the shores of the Rift Valley lakes in their greatest numbers. But any time of year is a good time to visit Kenya. The months of June through September are considered the "shoulder season," because the weather is still dry. The rains generally fall between March and May (and, to a lesser extent, from October through December). During these months, things are much quieter, rooms are available and prices tend to be lower. And the rains typically have little impact on the travelers' ability to get around.  Back to Top Reading List In order to make the most of your trip to Kenya, the following reading lists will help you gain a better understanding of the landscape, culture and people. Here you can also purchase any books you might need for your Global Adrenaline trip! 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