Kenya
Spectacular wildlife, beautiful lakes and beaches
Kenya is renowned for the spectacular wildlife, its beautiful lakes and beaches and for the sweeping vistas of the Great Rift Valley. Kenya's people are friendly and the tourist trade is well-organized.
The idea of an African safari may seem romantic, but it is mainly efficient: The tour guides know where the animals are, they have experience navigating the often vast distances, and they make the best use of a precious commodity: time. The better companies use Land Rovers designed specifically for Africa. Private, chauffeured cars and even walking, horseback, camel and balloon safaris are options.
Kenya has more than 50 national parks and game reserves, some devoted to marine life or natural beauty as well as wildlife. We recommend that travellers consider a visit to one of the lesser-known game areas such as Mount Kenya or Tsavo National Park. Although the wildlife might not be quite as plentiful, the atmosphere will be quieter and more ... well, wild.
Kenya also has some excellent beaches in a tropical climate, and the coast is an excellent destination for first-class diving and snorkeling.
The best way to enjoy Kenya is to combine a wildlife safari to the parks with a few relaxing days on the beach around Mombasa or Malindi.
Nairobi
Travellers will find that Nairobi is more cosmopolitan and less stressful than most capitals in developing countries. But you should still be prepared for frustration and inconvenience. Nairobi is a place of contrasts, combining all the trappings of the developed world (high-rise office blocks and upscale shops) with the third world, evident in the slums and townships that ring the city.
Because of Nairobi's deteriorating infrastructure and high unemployment, travellers should always be alert to the possibility of robbery. Most visitors to Kenya spend only one or two nights in Nairobi, before or after a safari. This is time enough to do some curio shopping or perhaps visit the National Museum or the Karen Blixen Museum.
Other Nairobi tourist attractions include the Giraffe Centre, where you can feed a giraffe, and the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage, where each morning visitors can watch the baby elephants at bath time.
You should be aware that a ban on smoking in Nairobi's public places is now in effect. Anyone who is caught will face a fine or up to six months in jail.
WHEN TO GO to Nairobi
From July to September is when the Mara provides one of nature's most dramatic spectacles, the annual migration of over a million wildebeest and zebras, teeming from the south to cross the Mara river into the Masai Mara National Reserve. Rainy season is from March to May, which may affect your travel, as some roads may not be accessible.
