Places to Visit in Kenya
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Kenya Places to go - Top Ten Places to go in Kenya
1. Masai Mara
People 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, as are 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 red blankets and
multicoloured beaded jewellery. You can see inside their traditional
homes and learn what it’s like to live in harmony with nature. 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
as from Tanzania as they leap and swim across the Mara river desperately
trying to avoid the snapping jaws of crocodiles who lay in wait!
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 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. The coral reefs and
marine parks are home to colourful fish and dolphins, even whales are
sometimes seen. A vibrant historical past, also makes the Swalhili
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 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 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 Nakuru
This is a rewarding place to do game-viewing as it’s the place to
see large numbers of Rhino and the thousands of flamingos who congregate
at the alkaline lake here all year round. Other animals such as
pelicans, leopard (commonly seen) giraffe, lion, bat-eared fox, hippo,
hyena etc are all there too. The lake is picturesque and has varied
terrain with acacia forest, cliff top views, open savannah and the lake
where you can get out and walk and see the flamingos and pelicans close
up.
5. Lake Naivasha
Only an hours drive from Nairobi, NaivashaNaivasha
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 Longanot (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.
6. Amboseli
Amboseli is famous for its dramatic scenery and breathtaking views
of the African grasslands. The snow capped mountain – Kilimanjaro,
creates a spectacular setting for gam e viewing and with a third of the
park taken up by Lake Amboseli it’s swampy areas and riverine forest,
contrast beautifully with the dry desert areas in the rest of the
national park. You should expect to see plenty of elephant (some of the
largest elephants in Africa are seen here) They make great photos in
front of a backdrop of snow-capped Kilimanjaro with a dark tropical
rainstorm, a colourful sunset or just a clear blue African sky. You will
also have a good chance of seeing hippos, crocodiles, and lion well as
the other antelopes, birds and small mammals commonly seen elsewhere.
7. Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is t he second highest mountain in Africa standing at
(5199m). Fewer people climb here than Kilimanjaro, but those who do,
usually rate it as a more interesting climb. It’s has tremendously
varied zones of vegetation and scenery as you climb; from the acacia
studied plains, lush moorlands, moving up to a barren alpine zone
covered in snow and finally the craggy summit. It’s toughness and beauty
have gripped the imagination of adventurers for more than a century.
Even for climbers with experience in mountaineering, Mount Kenya offers a
challenge and a natural beauty that is difficult to beat.
8. 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.
9. 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 g rasslands, 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
10. The Aberdares
This highland area will give you a slightly cooler experience in
one of Kenya’s only virgin forest reserves. Dramatic waterfalls and deep
valleys, contrast with the undulating moorlands and volcanic outcrops.
The birdlife is rich, and although there aren’t as many anim als to see
in comparison to some of the other game-parks, there is still plenty to
see. A stay at the treehouse hotels – "Treetops" or "The Ark" will let
you see a fair number of animals wandering down to the adjacent
waterholes and perhaps you’ll see bushbabies and civit and genet cats
which are baited each night and come within meters from guests at the
bar!
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