From the vivid aquamarine shades of the Indian Ocean to the enchanting strangeness of the flora on the slopes of Mount Kenya, Kenya is a startlingly beautiful land.
Famed for its striking wildlife bounding across the acacia-studded savannah of game parks, such as Amboseli, the Masai Mara, Samburu and Tsavo, Kenya is a safari-fanatic's dream; vast national parks and reserves encompass one-tenth of Kenya's surface, spanning desert, grasslands and dense mountain forest.
Kenya's human population is equally as fascinating: around 40 different tribes live in Kenya, including the Kikuyu, the Luo and the proud and beautiful red-clad Masai, who still lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle of cattle-herding along the southern border.
On the balmy Swahili coast, African and Asian culture blends together, the result of a tradition of ocean-going commerce which stretches back for centuries. Even today, romantic dhows (sailing boats) still ply these waters.
1. Things to do in Kenya
Kenya Nightlife
Most of the major hotels in Nairobi and the holiday resorts along the coast have dancing with live bands or discos each evening. There are also a few local nightclubs in Nairobi and Mombasa that stay open until dawn; these can get very crowded and prostitution abounds - go in a crowd and take a taxi.
Increasingly, modern multi-screen cinema complexes are appearing in Nairobi and Mombasa, which show mainly Hollywood movies, while in the smaller towns are old colonial-style cinemas showing old Kung Fu or Indian films. Theatre is popular in Nairobi. There is a National Theatre and several small groups of dramatic companies; probably the best-known is the Phoenix Players. Quite often, traditional tribal dancing and drumming is performed in the game lodges and beach resorts.
Shopping in Kenya
The city and town centres usually have markets that sell curios such as African drums, old brass and copper, batiks, soapstone knick-knacks, carved chess sets, and large wooden carvings of animals or salad bowls carved from a single piece of teak, mninga or ebony. Masai items such as beaded jewellery, decorated gourds and the distinctive red-checked blankets worn by all Masai men make good souvenirs. Khanga, kitenge and kikoi cloths are ideal to use as sarongs (common in East Africa for both men and women), and Kenyan baskets made from sisal and leather are also popular. Most of the tourist areas have abundant stalls and markets selling these items; you will be expected to haggle good-naturedly over prices.
Note:
Exporting souvenirs made from wildlife skins (this includes reptiles) and shells is forbidden.
Shopping hours:
Mon-Sat 0830-1230 and 1400-1730. Some Muslim supermarkets and other businesses close on Friday afternoons.
2. Places to Visit in Kenya
Nairobi
Exporting souvenirs made from wildlife skins (this includes reptiles) and shells is forbidden.
Shopping hours:
Mon-Sat 0830-1230 and 1400-1730. Some Muslim supermarkets and other businesses close on Friday afternoons.
2. Places to Visit in Kenya
Nairobi
Nairobi is the largest city in East Africa, the region's commercial hub and Kenya's industrial and political heart. It is also the region's youngest, most modern and most rapidly developing city and has enjoyed a relentless growth curve.
Although the city contains the African HQs of a number of major UN agencies, it still has an air of lawlessness. Its reputation for being hard and fast and dangerous means that the unfortunate nickname 'Nairobbery' still has a ring of truth to it. The resulting need for a bit more street-smart commonsense often means that people skip straight through the city.
This is a shame though, since Nairobi is a vital and lively introduction to the real Kenya. The safari capital of the world, the city is actually an excellent base for travel and adventure. Kenya's capital is home to a fascinating variety of people and the stimulating mix of cultures means that there is a buzz about the place.
A cosmopolitan collection of shops, an unrivalled selection of cultural activities and centres, a varied restaurant scene and a definite café culture mean that the city has a surprisingly modern edge to it.
To escape the hustle and bustle of central city life and dodge the worst of the dangers though, head to the suburbs and take advantage of the city's close proximity to a national park, where wildlife that was here long before the city existed now gazes on skyscrapers.
Nairobi has always been a frontier town and although it remains a little rough and ready, the city still has a distinct appeal, plenty of energy and, as East Africa's most thrilling and proudmetropolis , really ought to be experienced properly by visitors to the country.
Other destinations
Although the city contains the African HQs of a number of major UN agencies, it still has an air of lawlessness. Its reputation for being hard and fast and dangerous means that the unfortunate nickname 'Nairobbery' still has a ring of truth to it. The resulting need for a bit more street-
This is a shame though, since Nairobi is a vital and lively introduction to the real Kenya. The safari capital of the world, the city is actually an excellent base for travel and adventure. Kenya's capital is home to a fascinating variety of people and the stimulating mix of cultures means that there is a buzz about the place.
A cosmopolitan collection of shops, an unrivalled selection of cultural activities and centres, a varied restaurant scene and a definite café culture mean that the city has a surprisingly modern edge to it.
To escape the hustle and bustle of central city life and dodge the worst of the dangers though, head to the suburbs and take advantage of the city's close proximity to a national park, where wildlife that was here long before the city existed now gazes on skyscrapers.
Nairobi has always been a frontier town and although it remains a little rough and ready, the city still has a distinct appeal, plenty of energy and, as East Africa's most thrilling and proud
Other destinations
Aberdare National Park — cool and cloudy Rift Valley park with lots of large game, and over 250 species of bird recorded
Amboseli National Park — a swampy lowland Masai park that is one of the best places anywhere in Africa to view large mammals
Lake Nakuru National Park — a stunning 400 species of bird have been recorded here including the largest flocks of Flamingos anywhere on earth
Masai Mara National Park — probably the most popular reserve in Kenya due to the high concentration of large cats
Mount Kenya National Park — challenging trekking on high peaks
Nairobi National Park — virtually in Nairobi and a great option to see large game for those on a tight schedule
Tsavo East National Park — major game park on the main road from Nairobi to Mombasa
3. Food and Drink in Kenya
Amboseli National Park — a swampy lowland Masai park that is one of the best places anywhere in Africa to view large mammals
Lake Nakuru National Park — a stunning 400 species of bird have been recorded here including the largest flocks of Flamingos anywhere on earth
Masai Mara National Park — probably the most popular reserve in Kenya due to the high concentration of large cats
Mount Kenya National Park — challenging trekking on high peaks
Nairobi National Park — virtually in Nairobi and a great option to see large game for those on a tight schedule
Tsavo East National Park — major game park on the main road from Nairobi to Mombasa
3. Food and Drink in Kenya
Meat in Kenya is outstandingly good, as are tropical fruit and vegetables. Inland, a local freshwater fish, tilapia is popular and tasty. On the coast Swahili cuisine features fragrant rice, grilled fish and seafood curries with coconut milk. Indian and Middle Eastern food is available in most areas, and there is a wide range of international restaurants in Nairobi and Mombasa. Tourist hotels provide buffet meals. Hotels in smaller towns offer a dish of the day, such as chicken and chips or stew and rice.
Regional specialities:
• Game park lodges serve game, which may be marinated in local liqueurs and berries or garnished with wild honey and cream.
• Nyama choma (barbecued meat served with a spicy tomato relish).
• Ugali (maize meal porridge).
• Mandazi (doughnuts).
Regional specialities:
• Game park lodges serve game, which may be marinated in local liqueurs and berries or garnished with wild honey and cream.
• Nyama choma (barbecued meat served with a spicy tomato relish).
• Ugali (maize meal porridge).
• Mandazi (doughnuts).
Tipping:
Optional. Most hotels include a 10% service charge in the bill; if they don't a small tip is customary.
- WorldTravelGuide -
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