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KENYA TRAVEL GUIDE
KENYA - An Overview
People mainly come to Kenya for safaris and it is perhaps the world’s most popular destination for just that. Its national parks are immense and loaded with wildlife, including lions, elephants, hippopotamus and giraffe. Kenya also has a stunning string of beaches along its Indian Ocean coast, while the bustling cities of Nairobi and Mombasa are also popular urban centres with notable attractions.
Kenya’s highlights include the yearly wildebeest migration from Masai Mara to the Serengeti in Tanzania, the associated meaty wildlife, Masai dancing, the beautiful island of Lamu, bustling Mombasa and its beaches, smoky Nairobi, interesting shopping and tasty Kenyan beer.
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WEATHER - When To Go
The summer is the main tourist season in Kenya (January and February), although this is the hottest time as well as the most expensive. Those into bird watching should visit in the summer when Kenya's birdlife heads to the Rift Valley lakes. June to September is dry and fairly busy, although slightly cooler than in summer, while low-season periods are from March to May and October to December when the rains hit.
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KENYA HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit, Things to See and Do
Masai Mara National Reserve: is Kenya’s main highlight and one of the world’s major attractions for lovers of wildlife, with packs of lions and cheetahs, herds of giraffe and elephants, and everything in between. The main spectacle of this region is the annual wildebeest migration from Masai Mara to the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania, which is best witnessed from a hot air balloon. Apart from the animals, the landscapes in Masai Mara are also amazing, while big skies and wonderful Masai people make for an all-around superb trip. Some tours also incorporate traditional Masai dancing. Spend as many days as possible in the park. (Note: Masai Mara is often spelt Maasai Mara].
Mombasa: is Kenya’s second city and East Africa's oldest settlement. Lying on Kenya’s significant stretch of coastline on the Indian Ocean, Mombasa has lots going for it such as fine beaches, an interesting old town and excellent shopping and dining options. The old town features Arabic buildings and fine museums, including the 16th century Portuguese Fort Jesus, as well as cafés. Spend a couple of days exploring the old town before heading to Diani Beach with its lovely white sands, wide array of water sports and many bars.
Lamu: has great beaches and is about as laid-back as you can get in Kenya, lying farther up the coast than Mombasa within the stunning Lamu archipelago. The town on this island is one of narrow streets filled with mosques and Arab houses. The late 1800s Lamu Museum is one of its main cultural highlights, featuring exhibits that teach visitors about Swahili culture. Shela Beach on the north end of Lamu Island is the main beach here and only an hour’s walk from the town, while thick bush resides on the mainland.
Nairobi: is a hot and bustling city miles from anywhere in central southern Kenya, and is not for everyone. Although you may hear the nickname ‘Nairobbery’, it’s really not that bad crime-wise, but a couple of days to check out the sights are probably enough. Of its many museums, the National Museum of Kenya has the most interesting exhibits and artefacts although simply checking out the network of tangled streets and pavement cafés is often more fun than a cultural pilgrimage in this city. Nairobi National Park, just outside the centre, is a major highlight; giraffes and lions roam within earshot of the metropolis.
Hell's Gate National Park: is recommended for everyone who visits Kenya with aspirations of taking in the main wildlife reserves due to its untamed and unrestricted feel. There is a 13-mile road loop which takes in much of the park and you are permitted to cycle or walk it as there’s even a hiking trail, the Buffalo Circuit. Don’t worry about being eaten alive in Hell's Gate as it is home to easy going zebras, giraffes and gazelles and opposed to wandering man-eating beasts. It is well worth spending one or two nights here and camping.
Kakamega Forest Reserve: is ideal for bird watchers with its hundreds of recorded species of birdlife and virgin rainforest. You can tour the forest independently although you will get more out of it by hiring an official guide, which will save you from getting lost and help you to recognise the numerous birds and animals.
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HOSPITALITY
Food and eating out: Nairobi and Mombasa, the two main cities in Kenya, have the pick of the food. Mombasa’s cuisine has a distinct Muslim influence and good curries. You’ll find all types of food in Nairobi, including Chinese, Thai, German, French and even Brazilian, while top hotels generally have good restaurants. For African fast food head for Steers and Nandos in the big cities, and make sure you give the dull but fun staple ugali a try when in the sticks.
Entertainment and nightlife: the beaches of Mombasa and Lamu have the best entertainment options in the country while Nairobi also has a decent selection of expatriate bars. Although Mombasa and Lamu have large Muslim populations, drinking isn’t a problem here. The main local beers are Tusker Lager and White Cap Lager, while imported beers are available in supermarkets and hotels. Kenyan reggae music can be heard playing in most bars and clubs.
Accommodation: ranges from camping to five-star hotels in the capital and Mombasa, and a large range of middle-priced digs. Nairobi has everything from backpackers' campsites to five–star luxury hotels while class ratings also apply to lodges in the country’s parks. Homestays are also popular in Kenya and allow you to save money while getting an up close experience with Kenyan culture and hospitality.
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KENYA FLIGHTS - GETTING THERE FROM THE UK
Direct flights to Nairobi from London are available by BA / British Airways, Kenya Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
Charter flights normally fly to Mombasa, through tour operators such as Thomas Cook or Going Places.
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