Overview to Kenya: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
Known by anthropologists as 'the cradle of humanity', this equatorial country is one of Africa's most popular destinations. Of course, it’s the safaris that draw in most visitors, although these frequently breathtaking natural wonders should not mask Kenya’s many other attractions.
The capital, Nairobi, proves a case in point. An intriguing mishmash of skyscrapers and shantytowns, some of the city’s more obvious failings are overcome by its inhabitants, who paint everything in a vivid swathe of vibrant color and energy.
The port city of Mombasa on the southern tip of Kenya’s coastline offers a slightly more laidback - and thoroughly enjoyable - urban experience. To the north, the Lamu Archipelago attracts an assortment of young travelers, ageing hippies and happy snorkelers.
Kenya is not without its problems; high levels of HIV infection, fighting and drought have blighted the country in recent years. Tourism, however, is very much considered to be a solution to its socio-economic problems and ecotourism opportunities in particular are emerging everywhere.
For whether you’re enjoying the warm waters of the Indian Ocean or the warmer air of the northern desert, Kenya offers some of the richest natural resources. Safari is the name of the game here, and tours can be taken from most of the cities and large towns.
Many safari-seekers head to the Great Rift Valley, and specifically the Maasai Mara, to behold the annual Great Migration. Between July and October, hoards of wildebeests can be seen traveling the treacherous route from the Serengeti and feasting upon the fertile Kenyan plains.
In addition to the migration of the wildebeest, there’s also the birdlife equivalent which occurs during the hot, dry months of January and February in the same area.
To the north of the Rift Valley, Lake Turkana is a pool of splendid blue set amongst an arid landscape of sandy desert. Well off the beaten tourist track, the area offers yet another utterly captivating experience in this enthrallingly rich country.
