SIGHTS TO SEE:
Kenya has some of the world's best parks (which may be referred to as National Parks or Game Reserves) where you can see some of the finest African flora and fauna. They are famous for Lions, Giraffe, Elephant and huge herds of Zebra, Wildebeest or Buffalo. The annual Wildebeest migration (from Masaai Mara to the Serengeti) is a awesome sight & best experienced via a balloon safari. Bookings to watch the migration are best done months in advance due to the high demand and limited lodging available in the Mara. Kenya also is a great destination for beach holidays and has some of the world's most beautiful beaches, located along the coastal regions and the city of Mombasa. Kenya is also becoming a preferred golf holiday destination, with an abundance of beautiful courses around the major urban areas. Green fees range from US$15.00 to US40.00 per round, plus US$5-7 for caddy fee.
GEDE RUINS - ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE:
The Gede ruins are one of the principal historical monuments on the Kenyan coast. Hidden away in the forest, the ruins are a vast complex of houses, palaces and mosques, made all the more mysterious by the fact that there are no records of Gede's existence in any historical texts. Excavations have uncovered Ming Chinese porcelain and glass, and glazed earthenware from Persia, indicating not only trade links, but a taste for luxury among Gede's Swahili elite. Within the compound are ruins of ornate tombs and mosques including the regal ruins of a Swahili palace.
HELLS GATE NATIONAL PARK:
Hell's Gate is an experience indeed. The park is truly unique, as it allows you to walk or cycle unguided across its breadth. Sure you can still drive, but why would you? Senses are heightened tenfold when you're face to face with grazing zebras, towering giraffes, galloping gazelles and massive eland antelopes. There's a 22km (13mi) round trip that can be done by car, bike or foot in a day, or you can hike off the beaten track along the Buffalo Circuit. Camping is highly recommended.
KAKMEGA FOREST RESERVE:
This superb small slab of virgin tropical rainforest is home to a huge variety of birds and animals and is becoming particularly popular with independent travellers. The wildlife is a major attraction, especially the birdlife, with more than 330 species recorded. Tribal practices in the forest, such as circumcision rituals, persist. Official guides, trained by the Kakamega Biodiversity Conservation and Tour Operators Association, are well worth the money. Not only do they prevent you from getting lost (many of the trail signs are missing), but most are excellent naturalists who can recognise birds by call alone and provide information about numerous animals.
LAKE MAGADI:
The most southerly of the Rift Valley lakes in Kenya, Lake Magadi is rarely visited by tourists because of its remoteness, although it actually makes an easy day trip if you have a vehicle. The most mineral-rich of the soda lakes, it is almost entirely covered by a thick encrustation of soda that supports many bird species and gives the landscape a weird lunar appearance. A causeway leads across the most visually dramatic part of this strange landscape to a viewpoint on the western shore. It's worth a drive if you have a 4WD, otherwise you can head to the hot springs further south. The springs aren't particularly dramatic, but you can take a dip in the deeper pools, and there are large numbers of fish there that have adapted to survive in the hot water. You may run into local tribesmen, particularly Maasai, who will offer to show you the way and 'demonstrate' everything for you for a fee.
MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE:
This world-renowned reserve, which stretches over 1510 sq km (938 sq mi) of open rolling grasslands, is backed by the spectacular Esoit Oloololo (Siria) Escarpment, watered by the Mara River and littered with an astonishing amount of wildlife. Of the big cats, lions are found in large prides everywhere, and it is not uncommon to see them hunting. Cheetahs and leopards are less visible, but still fairly common. Elephants, buffalos, zebras and hippos also exist in large numbers. The ultimate attraction is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration in July and August, when millions of these ungainly beasts move north from the Serengeti. While you're more likely to see endless columns grazing or trudging along rather than dramatic TV-style river fordings, it is nonetheless a staggering experience.
MOUNT KENYA:
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya, and the second highest in Africa (after Mount Kilimanjaro). The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5,199 m - 17,058 ft), Nelion (5,188 m - 17,022 ft) and Lenana (4,985 m - 16,355 ft). Mount Kenya is located in central Kenya, just south of the equator, around 150 km (95 miles) north-northeast of Nairobi. The area around the mountain is protected in the Mount Kenya National Park, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Park is around 620 km² (240 square miles), and receives up to 15,000 visitors every year.
CITIES TO VISIT:
- NAIROBI - Nairobi is known as the safari capital of Africa, however the city has still managed to keep up with modernization. Unlike other cities, Nairobi is surrounded by 113 sq. kms of plains, cliffs and forest that makes up the city’s Nairobi National Park. The city is filled with many things to do during the day and the night. Tourists can have their pick from numerous safaris (wildlife, cultural, sport, adventure, scenic and specialist), ecotourism tours, restaurants, culture, shopping and entertainment. While in Nairobi, tourists can also engage in numerous sports from golf, rugby, athletics, polo, horse-racing, cricket and football (soccer).
- Nairobi National Park, just outside Nairobi. This is home to large herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe, Lion, Cheetah, Hippo, Rhino and even birdlife (over 400 species). Here you can also go on the Nairobi Safari Walk, an educational centre to make people aware of wildlife and habitat conservation. Also in the park is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
- Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, close to the Nairobi National Park. This Orphanage takes in elephant calves and rhinos from all over Kenya which were orphaned by poaching.
- Giraffe Center, in Langata right outside of Nairobi. The Centre breeds the endangered Rothschild Giraffe and has conservation/education programmes for Kenyan children.
- Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, is centred around a 2,146 metre mountain. This is a mountain forest and plain land, with a large population of Buffalo. It also serves as a refuge for Colobus monkeys, bushbuck, duiker, leopard, and a large variety of bird species.
- 14 Falls, a waterfall at Thika.
- Tana River, is an hour's drive from the city. White water rafting throughout cataracts, which leads to the 14 Falls can be done here. The rafting trip also includes a full BBQ lunch.
- Nairobi National Museum, where visitors can learn about Nairobi, its history and culture. Currently the museum is closed for major renovations.
- National Railway Museum, visitors can learn more about the history of Kenya’s railroads and the Kenya/Uganda railway. It also houses, some of the engines and rolling stock from the country’s colonial period.
- Karen Blixen Museum, is based on the Karen Blixen’s book "Out of Africa". Her house is now the home of the museum. It is located on the outskirts of Nairobi and a taxi or bus can get you to the museum.
- Bomas of Kenya, portrays Kenya’s culture. Visitors can see exhibits of traditional Kenyan homes, artifacts, dances, music, and song.
- Uhuru Gardens, built in remembrance of the struggle for independence, which Kenya was granted in 1963. The monument is a 24 metre high triumphal column supporting a pair of clasped hands and the dove of peace, high over a statue of freedom fighter raising the flag. The monument is surround by fountains and lush-landscaped gardens.
- GARISSA - Garissa is off the tourist trail but gives an interesting insight into the Somali way of life without crossing into Somalia itself. The town has attractive side streets with typical brightly-painted shop fronts. Out of town the landscape is thorn scrub. Wildlife to be glimpsed from the road includes eagles, dikdik, baboons and meerkats. Large herds of camels are often seen being moved by families between seasonal village sites.
- LAMU - The Lamu archipelago is the jewel of the Kenya coast. Lamu Island is a step back into a medieval past where the air smells of spice (and donkey dung!), dhows are the main form of transport (no cars bar one belonging to the District Commissioner) and the ancient Muslim culture, customs and traditions of a bygone age sit together with internet cafes and satellite phones. There are many other islands of the Lamu archipelago to explore through local dhow operators or on more formal organised visits and Lamu district also incorporates vast ranges of bushland on the mainland inhabited by fascinating ethnic groups such as the hunter-gatherer Boni people and the pastoralist Orma. It is though pretty inaccessible for the casual visitor or tourist.
- MOMBASSA - is Kenya's second largest city and a sea port.
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- Old town. Very nice atmosphere
- Diani Beach is the place to head to. A fantastic long white beach with loads of watersports and primates to see. A night at '40 thieves' beach bar is a great place to hang out with a few tuskers (beers). If you want to see one of the six primates species in South Coast Kenya visit the colobus trust for an informative walk to spot one of the many wild primates.
- Colobus Trust nature walks and conservation volunteering.
- Tiwi Beach is the best place to visit. Quiet beach not spoiled by mass tourism.
- Take the Likona ferry to the south by taxi (ca $30,00) from Mombaca city center.
- KISUMU
- MERU
- NAKURU
- NYERI
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