NAIROBI
Nairobi — the hub of countrywide air, rail and road network, with more than 30 international airlines landing regularly at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A population of roughly 3 million represents a diversity of cultures and languages. Nairobi has grown from a small African village to a bustling, cosmopolitan city. The facilities for shopping are a blend of sophisticated international stores, local shops and open-air African markets and souvenir stalls.
A variety of restaurants cater for every taste, offering a very high standard of international cuisine, local dishes and traditional fare complemented by lively nightclubs and casinos. Music and dance are the core of African social occasions and brilliant displays of traditional dancing and concerts are features of weekend entertainment.
For the sports enthusiasts, there are tennis and squash courts at most hotels, five superb golf courses within the city (and others within a short drive), a horse racecourse in a rural setting and team games to watch.
The unique Nairobi National Park, a largely unfenced wildlife sanctuary on the city's doorstep, is home to a variety of animals and birds, living, grazing, breeding in the shadow of Nairobi's towering skyline. Here may be found lion, cheetah, buffalo and the endangered rhino and many species of antelope and gazelle in a habitat varying from dry forest to open grass plains.
Nairobi's accommodation is as diverse as the country itself and every taste or pocket is catered for. The ultra modern Grand Regency (a member of the Preferred Hotels of the World) and the city center’s The Stanley set the pace, followed by an impressive range of budget hotels.
NAIROBI CITY TOUR
A full half-day tour provides a visit through a cosmopolitan African city, and includes a visit to the Natural Museums, the City Market, 'God's Corner', the Railway Museum and the impressive viewpoint overlooking the city center.
KAREN BLIXEN MUSEUM AND GIRAFFE CENTRE
A visit to Baroness Karen Blixen's (of Out of Africa book and movie fame) home. A short distance away the Giraffe Centre demonstrates the successful rescue and conservation of the once endangered Rothschild Giraffe. This is an opportunity for really up-close-and-personal encounters with the friendly giraffe, including hand-feeding them from an elevated viewing platform.
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Just 20 minutes from the city center lies the Nairobi National Park, the first national park in East Africa, officially founded in December 1946. It is Kenya's wildlife shop window, and an important sanctuary for the endangered black rhino. Lion and cheetah may be found in the park, together with buffalo, eland, giraffe and a fascinating variety of antelope and gazelle, all oblivious to the low-flying jet aircraft coming in to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The terrain is varied and for the bird watcher there is plenty of interest. The tour includes a visit to Daphne Sheldrick's home for orphaned elephants.
THE MASAI MARA
The Masai Mara National Reserve, in Southern Kenya, is unquestionably the country's most popular game reserve. As part of the vast Serengeti ecosystem it contains an abundance of wildlife unsurpassed by any other area. Here will be found the legendary 'Big Five' — buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino plus a host of antelopes and gazelles. The annual migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and accompanying zebras and predators is the world's most impressive wildlife spectacle and draws photographers and natural history enthusiasts from all corners of the world. In 2006 it was voted the 7th Wonder of the World by a panel of experts hosted by ABC TV’s Good Morning America and US News & World Report. Lions, many with lush black manes, are a Mara feature and will almost always be seen with marvelous photographic opportunities. Accommodation ranges from five-star luxury lodges to equally luxurious tented camps and hot-air balloon trips are provided at many of them. The park is reached by road or air, with daily scheduled flights calling at the many all-weather airstrips.
LAKE NAKURU
Right on the floor of the Great Rift Valley is Lake Nakuru, the first National Park in Africa to be created primarily for the conservation of birdlife. The shallow alkaline lake, the central feature, hosts thousands of greater and lesser flamingos, which owe their pink color to the algae and crustaceans on which they feed. More than 450 species of birds have been recorded, the habitat varying from lake to marsh, through grassland, forest, rock outcrops and craggy cliffs attracting both migrant and resident species. Both black and white rhinos bleed successfully in the park, evidence of the success of the rhino recovery programme. Present, also are cats which include the lion, a variety of other larger and smaller animals together with the rare Rothschild Giraffe. A large euphobia tree forest is a feature seldom found elsewhere.
LAKE NAIVASHA
Fresh-water Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes, at over 1,830 meters (6,000 feet) above sea level. Lying in the shadow of the extinct volcano Mount Longonot it is a birdwatcher's paradise, with the flamboyant African Fish Eagle seen and heard regularly. The lake is a popular water sports center with sailing, water skiing and fishing. The adjacent Hell's Gate National Park is remarkable for its craggy cliffs and the fearlessly tame hyrax close to an impressive rock pillar. Hell's Gate is one of the few national parks which may be explored on foot.
PRIVATE GAME RANCHES
For an unequalled safari experience stay at a private game ranch, where tented accommodation or comfortable farmhouse rooms give the true sense of Africa. A tour program can include a visit to one of the family-run ranches, many of them vintage family homes with a high level of comfort and service, which offer a fully inclusive and very personal service including game walks, night game drives, game viewing from horseback and bush barbecues. These ranches include Sweetwaters Tented Camp situated on the Ol Pejeta Ranch. From here there are magnificent views across lush plains to the snow-capped twin peaks of Mount Kenya. On the ranch there is an abundance of animal and bird life. Lewa Downs Conservancy, in the semi-arid north close to the Samburu National Reserve, supports wildlife through participation with neighboring communities. Lewa Downs Wilderness Trails and Lerai Tented Camp are part of the Conservancy owned and operated by the Craig family. On the shores of Lake Elementaita is Delamere's Camp, on Soysambu Ranch, owned by the descendants of the pioneering Lord Delamere. Olerai House is on the shore of Lake Naivasha, and is an enchanting country home, which offers an authentic experience of farm life in Africa. Excursions and walks around the lake to Crescent Island are but some of the many activities provided.
SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Kenya's semi-arid north is a different concept to the more lush southern areas, a typical dry country. It is described as the second most popular game park in Kenya. Mammal species present are the reticulated giraffe Grevy's Zebra, the gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx, among other animals. The birds, too, are unique: the blue-flanked Somali Ostrich, the Vulturine Guinea Fowl, the tiny Pygmy Falcon, Martial Eagle (Kenya's biggest) and a host of others. The rugged grandeur of the landscape is softened by the Uaso Nyiro River and its flanking green trees; large groups of elephant drink and bathe in the cool waters. The Samburu people are pastoral nomads whose lives are hard and dominated by cattle keeping and the search for water and grazing yet they and their herds co-exist with the wildlife in a rarely found harmony.
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
This is Kenya's biosphere reserve and in the Maasai language Amboseli means 'a place of salty dust' from the usually dry lake bed which forms much of the park. With the super backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest point, large herds of elephant, wildebeest, zebra and Thomson's gazelle are major attractions. Among the marshes, pelicans, kingfishers and waterfowl abound. Here, too, the elephants will come to feed and drink, often accompanied by white egrets. Amboseli is truly magnificent and to visit a Maasai homestead, where the nomadic people still cling to a traditional lifestyle, is always a highlight.
TSAVO EAST AND WEST NATIONAL PARKS
Jointly these two parks comprise the largest wildlife sanctuary in East Africa, more than 20,000 square kilometers, between Nairobi and the Kenyan coast. A major feature is Mzima Springs, in the western park, a vast natural depression containing crystal clear fresh water, fed from the lava outcrops in the adjacent Chyulu Hills. Here, hippo may be watched from an underwater viewing chamber, while elephant, buffalo, antelope and gazelle come to drink — ever mindful of a lurking crocodile. The sheer vastness and majesty of Tsavo is breathtaking — great craggy hills, lava outcrops and the ever present Mount Kilimanjaro — making a stay in this dry but fascinating area truly memorable.
KENYA COAST
Mombasa is the city on the Kenyan Coast and an island itself. Its history dates back to 200 A.D. The old harbor is still visited by trading dhows bringing in merchandises from the neighboring islands. A walk/drive around the Old Town is a fascinating maze of narrow streets, overhanging balconies and mysterious doorways. Soon the Old Town gives way to the fruit market, Mackinon Market, Fort Jesus, Mama Ngina Drive, Akamba handcrafts, and a host of wonderful nightlife activities featuring discos and casinos. North and south of Mombasa Island are developed beach resorts with a wide choice of hotels. The coast of Mombasa is a hive of tourism activities ranging from all sorts of water sports to dhow trips to the neighboring islands and fishing.
MALINDI AND WATAMU
In 1498 the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama first set foot in Africa at Malindi; the event is marked by a pillar which stands on the promontory where he is reputed to have landed. Today Malindi is a renowned center for deep-sea fishing and all sorts of water sports. The offshore marine national parks provide magnificent diving and snorkeling opportunities through the spectacular coral reefs. Viewing the fascinating underwater world from a glass-bottomed boat is a popular alternative. The busy fish market, the open-air market with many souvenir stalls and shops which sell brightly colored fabrics, are all worth visiting. Between Kilifi and Gedi, the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve runs parallel to the coastline. It is the largest remnant of the once extensive Brachystegia woodland and lowland forest left in Kenya, and where several unique and rare animals and birds may be found.
DIANI BEACH
A tropical paradise with palm-fringed, sparkling white sandy beaches which stretch for miles and miles. Swimming, sailing, wind surfing, diving and snorkeling are popular and rewarding pastimes, while excellent deep-sea fishing attracts visitors from across the world. South of the main beach is the fishing village of Shimoni, with marvelously unspoiled coral gardens and relics of the old slave trade. Shimoni is a popular diving center and base for visits to the Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park. A visit to the nearby islands of Funzi, Wasini and Chale, some larger than Mombasa Island yet occupied by fewer than 500 people, can be a memorable experience.
LAMU
The ancient town of Lamu is famous for its splendid old houses, narrow streets, mosques and a thriving Swahili culture. Still a base for traditional dhow building, some fine craftsmanship of woodwork may be seen on doors and furniture. There is an interesting museum and some fine beaches close to the Old Town. Lamu is part of an extensive archipelago of islands with dozens of historical monuments and features worth a visit.
TOURS FROM AND AROUND THE COAST
Although a tourist destination in itself, Mombasa is also a base for tours and safaris along the Kenya Coast and nearby tourist circuits.
City Tours and Sightseeing
May be taken in conducted tours of historic coastal towns including Mombasa , Malindi , Watamu and Lamu. A superb evening dining aboard a traditional dhow, a dhow cruise to a floating market or a goggling trip to a nearby island all add up to a beach holiday of a lifetime.
Road Safaris
Tours are available from Mombasa or Malindi to upcountry game parks. These safaris cater for those on budget time and for those with a longer time to spare.
Air Safaris
A selection of air packages is available to game parks throughout Kenya.
TANZANIA
Tanzania covers an area of 939,701 sq. kilometers and stretches from Kilimanjaro (Africa's highest mountain) in the north to Mozambique to the south of Tanzania's port of Dar es Saalam. Tanzania's main tourist center is the small agricultural town of Arusha which is close to the most famous game reserves, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. One of Tanzania's focal points is the majestic Mt.Kilimanjaro in the north.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
The vast (over 14,500 sq. kilometers or 5,600 sq. miles) Serengeti ecosystem is reputed to hold the world's largest concentration of wildlife. The annual wildebeest and zebra migration starts from the Serengeti plains; between May and June more than a million animals move slowly northwards towards Kenya's Masai Mara before wheeling south again to return to the Serengeti to bear their calves in the early months of the year. The Serengeti ecosystem consists of vast open plains with characteristic rock outcrops, acacia woodland and scrub, forest and rivers and is renowned for its lion population.
NGORONGORO CRATER
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. It is also one of the largest natural calderas (volcanic crater) in the world. It is a conservation area dedicated to the conservation of all wildlife while safeguarding the interests of the indigenous Maasai people. With a shallow lake on the crater floor to attract animals and birds, one should find elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and hippo and, if very lucky, the elusive leopard. Cheetah may be sighted and many different antelopes and gazelles. A day in Ngorongoro Crater is indeed a rewarding experience.
LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions (an unexplained phenomenon) and lies along the shore of the alkaline lake. Bounded by the wall of the Great Rift Valley the park is mainly dry acacia forest with an exciting bird population, together with elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and giraffe.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
The Tarangire River which flows through the park is the main source of water in this dry but beautiful park. Renowned for its elephant population the park is home to a variety of animals and the vegetation contains many ancient baobab trees among open Acacia woodland. Along the river grow stately palm trees and the birdlife is plentiful and varied.
ZANZIBAR
The ancient trading town for the sultans of Oman in the 19th century, the island is redolent with the history of the old slave trade and the struggle for power in eastern Africa by Western countries. Renowned as the 'spice island' from its staple clove crop, the narrow, winding streets of the town contain shops with superb carvings, exotic spices, colorful fabrics and an ever-present hum of African music. There are some fine historic buildings where intricately hand-carved doors are interesting features. With long stretches of superb golden beaches, quality accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, Zanzibar is an exotic and exciting place to stay.
UGANDA
Uganda — the Pearl of Africa, the source of the River Nile — has so much on offer: Lake Victoria, the world's second largest freshwater lake, the Murchison Falls which plunge a hundred feet into a narrow gorge, the famed impenetrable Bwindi Forest (a true paradise for the birdwatcher), the rare mountain gorilla and some fine national parks and a developing tourists infrastructure.
QUEEN ELIZABETH (RWENZORI) NATIONAL PARK
An outstanding Ugandan treasure, named after the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1954, now generally known as the Rwenzori National Park. The park is a fine animal sanctuary, covering 1,978 sq. kilometers (764 sq. miles) and contains Lake Edward and part of Lake George. Elephant, topi, Uganda Kob and hippo are among the main attractions. A launch trip along the Kazinga Channel is a rewarding experience where one may sight within a few meters buffalo, hippo and other animals. Among the birds are pied and Malachite Kingfishers and different birds of prey are not uncommon.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL RESERVE
The hilly area and the remnant lowland forest constitute an important water catchment area supplying the agricultural lands which surround the Forest Park. The central rain forest contains one of the richest fauna communities in the world. About half (330) of the world's population (about 600) of the mountain gorilla, the rarest gorilla species, lives within the reserve.
MURCHISON (KABAREGA) FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Uganda's largest national park, 3,840 sq. kilometers (1,482 sq. miles) in area. The River Nile passes through the park, forcing its way through a narrow cleft in the rocks before cascading a spectacular 42 meters (140 feet) to the boiling lower reaches. Wildlife includes elephant, hippo, many species of antelope and gazelle, including Uganda Kob and Jackson's hartebeest and the now rarely seen little oribi. The Nile is renowned for the huge numbers of crocodile.
JINJA, SOURCE OF THE NILE
The Nile, the world's longest river, 6,670 kilometers (4,145 miles) of water, the lifeblood for Sudan and Egypt. The Nile begins its long journey at the Rippon Falls, at the northern end of Lake Victoria. The falls were submerged when Owen Falls Dam was built but traces may still be seen. The picnic site is an ideal venue to observe the water as it flows onwards to the Mediterranean Sea.
