Kenya: Introduction

Kenya is the heart of safari country and a trip through a few of Kenya’s spectacular parks and reserves is an unforgettable experience. The great range of natural habitats means that there is plenty to explore, and plenty of species to encounter.

This is a land of endless potential for the wildlife enthusiast. Kenya has 59 national parks and game reserves including the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle, the annual wildebeest migration to the Maasai Mara. Most holidays will start and end with a visit to the capital, Nairobi, which offers a range of hotel accommodation from the big international chains to more modest places for those on a budget. With a lively music scene and some good shopping malls, Nairobi is also the best place to buy local handicrafts and curios.

Visitors should be aware, however, that it is not a particularly safe place where bag-snatching and robbery are common. Worth visiting are the National Museum with an extensive ornithological collection and Joy Adamson paintings, and the Karen Blixen Museum at Karen. After the game parks, the next destination for most visitors is the Indian Ocean which covers 300 miles of Kenya’s coastline offering pristine beaches, warm, turquoise waters and protective coral reefs. Arriving in Mombasa, Kenya’ second largest city, by train or by air, the atmosphere is much more relaxed and there are abundant hotels to suit every budget. With its diverse landscapes, you’ll find an abundance of activities in Kenya for both a family holiday and for those seeking a bit more adventure.