Kenya is one of the most exciting places to visit in Africa. If I would described Kenya as a woman, she'd be absolutely beautiful,attractive, barely unexplored, with lots of wealth - natural wealth. Among the bounties of its natural resources we find our 'paradises' that are exciting destinations to be at.
1. Masai Mara
The Mara is the home to the famous wildebeest migration.
People also come to the Mara to see the amazing variety of animals roaming
free in the wild. The Big 5 -leopard,
lion, rhino, elephant and buffalo
are all here, among a whole host of
incredible creatures including
giraffe, zebra, antelopes of all shapes
and sizes, aardvark, hyena, ostrich,
hyrax,wild dog, warthog and so many
more. The Maasai Mara is also
famous for the beautiful nomadic
tribes people. Here you will see the
Masai people in their traditional
bright blankets and
multicoloured beaded jewellery. You
can see inside their traditional
homes and learn what it’s like to
live in harmony with nature as they live within the park and take part in its conservation and wildlife protection.
Between July and October, don’t
miss one of the greatest wildlife
spectacles in the world, when over a
million wildebeest, migrate into the
Maasai Mara from Tanzania as
they leap and swim across the Mara
river desperately trying to avoid the
snapping jaws of crocodiles who lay waiting.
2. The Coast
The Kenya Coast is a perfect place to
relax in style; with palm fringed
beaches and the warm Indian ocean
lapping against the shore. This is an
exotic, exhilarating location and an exciting place
to be, perfect for diving, snorkeling,
big game fishing and a whole host of
water sports, or if you need to
unwind this tropical paradise is just
for a place to relax and sunbathe. Further, The Watamu & Diani beaches are the second and third best beaches in Africa and certainly absolutely wonderful to be at.
The coral reefs and marine parks are home to colourful fish gardens and dolphins,
even whales are sometimes seen. Also, the Kenyan coast has a vibrant and rich history from way back in the BCs that makes the Swahili culture and architecture
of the region an interesting place to visit.
3. Samburu
Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba
National Reserves are found in the
north tourism circuit of Kenya. This is a hot, arid
region with acacia woodland
reserves. Here you can see different
varieties of rare and endangered
animals not seen in other parks,
such as the long necked gerenuk (an antelope species which stands on two legs
to eat) reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s
zebra, and Beisa Oryx. There are also
many elephant, cheetah and
leopard. Birdlife is plentiful with
large flocks of guinea fowl seen and the pygmy falcon and sandgrouse
frequently seen. Traditional
Samburu homesteads are interesting
to visit with these tall, regal people
dressed in colourful attire.
4. Lake Naivasha
Only an hours drive from Nairobi,
Naivasha conjures up
images of the 1940’s Happy Valley
set ("White Mischief") where the
colonial upper classes became
famous for their decadent lifestyle.
The yellow fever trees, line the
shoreline of the lake, and this
attractive part of Kenya is a good
place to be close to nature. There
are various outings and things to do,
including a visit to Crescent Island
where you can walk in safety among
wild but non dangerous animals,
climb Mount Longonot (2886m), visit the geothermal Project In Hells Gate National Park or have tea at
Elsamere which was the home of Elsa
the lion. Boat rides on the lake will
let you take in the fresh air and
semi submerged hippos and soaring
fish eagles. The range of
accommodation in and around
Naivasha ranges from swanky 5 star hotels to self catering cottages or
even a private ranch with it’s own
airstrip- sounds pretty interesting.
5. Lamu
Lamu and it’s surrounding villages
and islands, have an appeal that
many find irresistible! This
picturesque Swahili town with it’s
quaint narrow streets and absence
of cars, epitomizes the slow, gentle
way of life in this part of the world.
It’s relaxed rhythm and charm,
makes other quiet places on the
east coast seem like sizzling
metropolises! After flying in, the
usual way to arrive is to sail across
to Lamu by dhow (a locally made
sailing boat). There are various
places to stay from lovely Swahili
houses with rooftop
patios
overlooking the sea, to hotels with
pools and all mod cons. The Lamu
Archipelago includes some very
beautiful uninhabited islands and
exclusive very upmarket destinations
visited by rockstars and royalty.
6. The Tsavo
Tsavo is the largest Gamepark in
Kenya and it’s close proximity to the coast make it a popular safari
destination. It’s diverse landscapes
range from mountains, plains, lakes,
wooded grasslands, scrubland with
enormous baobab trees to river
forest. The vast openness, make it
easy to imagine that this unspoiled
wilderness was probably how all of
East Africa once looked. You’ll see
many elephant, the big 5 and a
whole host of other animals and
birds. Mzima Springs is an oasis in
Tsavo West, and has nature walks,
an underwater viewing chamber,
hippo pools and rapids making this
an interesting place to visit. Black
lava outcrops at Shetani are also
interesting as are the caves and
Chaimu crater nearby.
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