Kenya

Kenya is a fairly large country at 583, 000 sq km, but  for its size, Kenya offers a lot: mountains, deserts, tribal culture, beaches and some of Africa’s best wildlife attractions. Stunning landscapes set the scene, from Kakamega’s rainforests to Indian Ocean beaches by way of Mt Kenya National Park; the rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara to searing deserts on the shores of the Jade Sea; with The Rift Valley, home to Hell's Gate National Park, cleaving a massive gash through it all. Wildlife safaris have been the mainstay of Kenya’s tourism for decades, and several Kenyan parks, like Tsavo National Park, are among the best places in Africa to see lions, elephants, leopards and the famous wildebeest migration. Kenya rates as one of the top five bird-watching destinations in the world; other activities for outdoor enthusiasts include trekking the glacial ridges of Mt Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara, snorkelling at the Marine National Park in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast, and much more. Despite all of these attractions, we feel that Kenya's neighbours make for better vacation spots. Although on paper Kenya offers a lot, in reality it's lacking the "authenticity" and attractions that its neighbours to the south and west provide. Long car rides and great hotel food in Kenya will certainly add a few pounds to your waist and leave your bum sore for days. Kenya's biggest city, Nairobi, with the worst of reputations, is sidestepped by many visitors, but, in fairness, has an interesting urban appeal with its cafes and nightlife. Stepping into Nairobi does not automatically mean you will be mugged. There are many tourists that walk around Nairobi and feel safe, including us. Keep your valuables at the hotel and you should be just fine. The people, too, represent a wide cross-section of everything that is contemporary Africa, and everyday life brings together traditional tribes and urban families; ancient customs and modern sensibilities. Swapping the latest political gossip with the switched-on locals is just one more small pleasure that comes with the culture. The tourist industry is by far the largest single export earner in Kenya. Tourism forms a vital foundation for the country's economy and is highlighted by it's most unique feature: wildlife.  A decent infrastructure coupled with a devotion to wildlife conservation has propelled Kenya to the forefront of the regional tourism industry.

Five reasons why you should take a holiday in Kenya:

1. The wildlife: From the “big five” (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard) to the most fantastic birds with their colourful plumage from the thousands of flamingos lining the shores of Lakes Nakuru and Bogoria, to the quintessential African bird – the Lilac-breasted Roller. The proximity is awe-inspiring – looking a lion in the eye quite close-by, without barriers, and knowing that you’re completely safe.

2. The landscapes : Endless savannahs dotted by acacia trees; lakes such as Lake Victoria – the source of the River Nile, and lakes Nakuru and Naivasha among others; the breathtaking Great Rift Valley visible from outer space; the rugged peaks of Mt. Kenya; the snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro best viewed from Amboseli; the sand beaches of the Indian Ocean and the many parks and reserves set aside for the preservation of animals for future generations – more than 65 national parks and reserves.

3. The Great Migration: The greatest show on earth – up to two million wildebeest and zebras, followed by the magnificent predators that feed on them (lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, wild dog, jackal) – as they migrate between Tanzania's Serengeti and the Kenya's Maasai Mara.

4. The accommodations: Some of the most beautiful and varied lodges, from tented camps to thatched cottages, to cosmopolitan hotels and resorts, all with beautiful decorations, good food, and friendly and attentive staff. You are privileged while being pampered every step of the way. Sleep to the sounds of nature all around you – the roaring lion, the lullaby of birds, the laughing hyena... Wake up with a friendly "jambo" as your waiter knocks on your door and brings you coffee/tea and biscuits!

5. The people and culture: The authentic Kenyan hospitality begins with the first person welcoming you, your naturalist guide and driver, and continues straight through with every person you meet on your trip.  The cultures are unique and offer a rich contrast and appreciation of lifestyles. There are 42 unique cultures and 75 native languages beside English and Swahili. The pride in their cultures is obvious in dress, decoration, dance, and music.

Five things to consider before taking a holiday in Kenya:

1. Kenya's East African neighbours offer a better value: Uganda offers better scenery, similar wildlife, choice of accommodation ranges, and so on at a lower price. Independent travel is also possible in Uganda making the ease of travel easier, not to mention that it's safer. Finally, people are friendlier in Uganda. When it comes to beaches, Tanzania's Zanzibar is simply better. Why settle?

2. Independent Travel is difficult: Most people travel to Kenya for the safaris. Before arriving to Kenya, most people arrange a car and driver (and guide in many cases) to take you around. We can't imagine a safari without a car and driver. Having a driver and/or guide with you for your entire trip can be draining. Sometimes you do want some privacy as you are enjoying your holiday. Even when you try to hike, they will insist you take a guide with you in case of wild elephants.

3. Kenya can wait until you are retired: Unless you are climbing Mount Kenya, most of your time spent in Kenya will be in a safari vehicle. Safaris in the Maasai Mara can be long (i.e., 10 hours or so). Unless you love to spend your holiday in a safari vehicle, this isn't your ideal destination. There are very few activities in Kenya that will keep you active. Although we tried to incorporate as many as we can while in Kenya, we found that the driving distances were far too long and the hikes way too short to really enjoy them. Neighbouring countries make for better "active" travel destinations.

4. Costs: Kenya can be really expensive. Unless you are on a camping safari, the costs will quickly get out of hand in Kenya. Kenya is a "resort" destination. Beautiful lodges and resorts, all inclusive meals, etc. cater to the wealthier traveler.

5. Safety: Most tourists travel in tour groups with a driver and possibly a naturalist guide while in Kenya which does not pose any threat. However, if you are like us and like to see and want the "authentic" travel experience by venturing into less touristy parts of a country, you will have to be a little more careful doing that in Kenya. The beautiful hills of Ngong Hills on the outskirts of Nairobi is one area where you should hire an armed ranger to hike with you as the threat of muggings in this area is real. Although we do recommend a visit to this area, just make sure you have an armed ranger with you and you will be fine. The armed rangers can be hired at the entrance of the park for a nominal fee. There were many places in Kenya were our guide did not recommend we go to due to possible dangers.  Other dangers include those from wild elephants. Hotels, (or resorts), don't like when you leave their grounds (and often forbid it) because of dangers from wild elephants. There were many times when hotel staff told me not to go for a jog in the morning due to the threat of wild elephants. Of course, we were the only people that did it anyway. There were also several hikes that got cut short (in Abadare National Park and Mt. Kenya region) because of wild elephants near our route. It seemed like we could not even enjoy the little action that we found during our walks.

Suggested Travel Resources: Lonely Planet Guidebook