Kenya
Africa
Kenya, the shining jewel of Africa
Why Kenya? The Great Rift Valley runs through the heart of the country, offering some of the most spectacular wildlife experiences on the planet. It’s really a shiny jewel in the crown of Africa.
Home to over 42 tribes, the Bantu Community has most of the country’s local residents. 2 of the most popular, the Maasai and the Samburu tribes, are distinguished by their colorful, traditional clothing regalia and semi-nomadic forms. It is also home to the Second highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya.
Kenya has a great diversity of habitat offering endless opportunities for wildlife viewing. Wildlife rich areas such as the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru, East & West Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks are some of the natural wonders you can visit. With over 54 gazetted national parks and reserves, there’s certainly no shortage of wildlife for any enthusiast.
Kenya’s colorful history since colonial times is largely reflected in its architecture. Within the city center, stands the National Archives, the Macmillan library, the Norfolk, All Saints Cathedral, Kipande House, among many others. Notably, the home of Baroness Karen Von Blixen who wrote the «Out of Africa» memoirs still exists today at the foot of the Ngong Hills. Surrendered upon independence, the residence was preserved and opened later, as one of Kenya’s national museums, in 1986.
Highlights
Kenya is a land of endless wonders, where fertile highlands meet rich cultural traditions, and arid deserts contrast with snow-capped mountains. It’s a country that instantly brightens your day with its vibrant colors and boundless energy. The breathtaking landscapes of the Great Rift Valley are home to Lake Nakuru and Lake Baringo, where millions of flamingos create a stunning pink hue across the shimmering waters. The iconic Masai Mara, nestled at the heart of the Great Rift Valley, hosts the spectacular annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.
Kenya’s diverse wildlife is unparalleled, with giraffes, hippos, elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos thriving in their natural habitats. In the remote northern frontier lies Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake, surrounded by stark arid landscapes. Here, the resilient Turkana people, a nomadic tribe, sustain their way of life by herding goats and cattle, while the Elmolo tribe calls the southern shores of Lake Turkana home.
Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, is a sanctuary for antelope, colobus monkeys, leopards, buffalo, and an astonishing variety of bird species. On the coast, Mombasa City, the world-renowned Diani Beach, and the enchanting island of Lamu await. Lamu Old Town, with its 700-year history, is one of the oldest and best-preserved settlements on the Swahili coast, where the only traffic you’ll find are donkeys—your fastest mode of transport in this timeless village.
Rift Valley
In honor of the Masai people, the Masai Mara National Reserve is described as the area that is observed from afar. ‘Mara’ in the Masai language means ‘Maa’ for large reflections ‘Spotted’ of clouds or thickets in the shape of a circle that shade the savanna.
Just across the border from Tanzania, the desert landscape lies the oasis of Amboseli, at the entrance of the park you are greeted by the open savanna plains, in the distance, the permanent green swamps are full of elephant herds. This creates a spectacular contrast against the towering backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Amboseli has one of the densest elephant populations, approximately 1500 cross the park. During the dry season you will be able to observe these magical creatures turning into a gray to black shadow, as herds spend their days in the central Enkongo Narok swamp. The swamps are perennial and natural springs. Ice glaciers melt on the volcanic rocks of Mount Kilimanjaro filling the underground rivers.
The long rains in April help fill the swamps during the dry season and the short rains in November. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to see a strange game just outside Amboseli, like the gerenuk and the fringe-eared oryx. The game of the plains is that of the common cape buffalo, eland, Burchell’s zebra, and wildebeest will often see smaller mammals such as the black-backed jackal moving around. Popular predators are the main attraction such as the lion, the leopard, the buffalo, the spotted hyena and the huge giraffe, posing in the background for the perfect memory of the Kilimanjaro image.
With more than 400 species of birds between October to December, migratory birds from the northern hemisphere arrive in Amboseli. The mix of local and migratory species makes an unforgettable experience. Sightings of plovers and endemic birds such as the two-band crossing are generally found only in the Amboseli Salt Flats. The Alcedines (Kingfisher), herons and ospreys are just one of the other species that you will be able to observe.
Nomadic Masai live on the edge of the park, herding cattle daily for food. Tourism plays an important role in maintaining the balance between wildlife and human existence.
Naivasha National Park belongs to the Rift Valley. This one brings together all the lakes in Kenya including The Rift Valley Lakes. In addition, Naivasha is close to the Nakuru Reserve National Park. In some parts of the park you can make excursions on foot, by bike … Lake Naivasha is a real little paradise for ornithologists. In the center of the lake is a small island where the animals walk peacefully. It is nice to take a boat trip. During the journey, you will meet numerous hippos that bathe and swim peacefully. Don’t get too close: the animal is not comfortable and it is not very friendly either.
Take a pair of binoculars if possible during your safari. Although you can observe the animals from quite close, sometimes some are far away. So it is easier to observe them like this. Also, be an early riser since during the hottest hours the animals take refuge in the shade and take a nap a good part of the day.
The Nakuru reserve, located around a large lake in the northwest of the
country, houses an important fauna in its almost 46 km²: Rothschild
giraffes, leopards, lions, black rhinos, etc. But the most successful
thing in the park are the millions of large and dwarf pink flamingos
that regularly frequent the lake (unfortunately, when the water level is
low the number drops). This spectacular influx of birds has earned the
park to obtain the status of a bird sanctuary, an unusual fact in East
Africa.
Just north of Nanyuki village, Laikipia lies. The vast area begins near the snowy peaks of Mount Kenya and continues to the edge of the Rift Valley. Laikipia is united by a community of small and medium ranches. Farmers have designed this area to protect wildlife and offer you the experience of seeing wildlife live in harmony.
Some of the more intimate lodges have been established as a way to inject tourism revenue into conservation. Laikipia has become a wildlife sanctuary for elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards. An anti-poaching unit has been organized to protect and monitor wildlife in the area. Included here are some endemic wildlife species such as the Grevy’s Zebra, the Reticulated Giraffe, and the African Wild Dog. The endangered black rhino feels like home and if you are an avid bird watcher there are over 350 species of birds that can be seen.
North of the Kenyan border, this arid desert area has left behind any part of the country that is lush and green. Lodwar, a large but small town, is the last port before reaching the largest salt flats in East Africa, You may think that some areas are lifeless, Lake Nile is a nest of crocodiles, hippos and migratory water birds . An existing perennial river that empties into the lake is the Omo River. It constitutes approximately 90% of the total filling of the lake.
The seasons of the Turkwell and Kerio rivers are also major contributors, making it the highest of all African lakes. The lake has no outlet and most of the water is lost through evaporation. Eliye Springs on the western side of the lake is a refreshing oasis and the blurry green breaks with the village landscape.
In honor of the Masai people, the Masai Mara National Reserve is described as the area that is observed from afar. ‘Mara’ in the Masai language means ‘Maa’ for large reflections ‘Spotted’ of clouds or thickets in the shape of a circle that shade the savanna.
Just across the border from Tanzania, the desert landscape lies the oasis of Amboseli, at the entrance of the park you are greeted by the open savanna plains, in the distance, the permanent green swamps are full of elephant herds. This creates a spectacular contrast against the towering backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Amboseli has one of the densest elephant populations, approximately 1500 cross the park. During the dry season you will be able to observe these magical creatures turning into a gray to black shadow, as herds spend their days in the central Enkongo Narok swamp. The swamps are perennial and natural springs. Ice glaciers melt on the volcanic rocks of Mount Kilimanjaro filling the underground rivers.
The long rains in April help fill the swamps during the dry season and the short rains in November. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to see a strange game just outside Amboseli, like the gerenuk and the fringe-eared oryx. The game of the plains is that of the common cape buffalo, eland, Burchell’s zebra, and wildebeest will often see smaller mammals such as the black-backed jackal moving around. Popular predators are the main attraction such as the lion, the leopard, the buffalo, the spotted hyena and the huge giraffe, posing in the background for the perfect memory of the Kilimanjaro image.
With more than 400 species of birds between October to December, migratory birds from the northern hemisphere arrive in Amboseli. The mix of local and migratory species makes an unforgettable experience. Sightings of plovers and endemic birds such as the two-band crossing are generally found only in the Amboseli Salt Flats. The Alcedines (Kingfisher), herons and ospreys are just one of the other species that you will be able to observe.
Nomadic Masai live on the edge of the park, herding cattle daily for food. Tourism plays an important role in maintaining the balance between wildlife and human existence.
Naivasha National Park belongs to the Rift Valley. This one brings together all the lakes in Kenya including The Rift Valley Lakes. In addition, Naivasha is close to the Nakuru Reserve National Park. In some parts of the park you can make excursions on foot, by bike … Lake Naivasha is a real little paradise for ornithologists. In the center of the lake is a small island where the animals walk peacefully. It is nice to take a boat trip. During the journey, you will meet numerous hippos that bathe and swim peacefully. Don’t get too close: the animal is not comfortable and it is not very friendly either.
Take a pair of binoculars if possible during your safari. Although you can observe the animals from quite close, sometimes some are far away. So it is easier to observe them like this. Also, be an early riser since during the hottest hours the animals take refuge in the shade and take a nap a good part of the day.
The Nakuru reserve, located around a large lake in the northwest of the
country, houses an important fauna in its almost 46 km²: Rothschild
giraffes, leopards, lions, black rhinos, etc. But the most successful
thing in the park are the millions of large and dwarf pink flamingos
that regularly frequent the lake (unfortunately, when the water level is
low the number drops). This spectacular influx of birds has earned the
park to obtain the status of a bird sanctuary, an unusual fact in East
Africa.
Just north of Nanyuki village, Laikipia lies. The vast area begins near the snowy peaks of Mount Kenya and continues to the edge of the Rift Valley. Laikipia is united by a community of small and medium ranches. Farmers have designed this area to protect wildlife and offer you the experience of seeing wildlife live in harmony.
Some of the more intimate lodges have been established as a way to inject tourism revenue into conservation. Laikipia has become a wildlife sanctuary for elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards. An anti-poaching unit has been organized to protect and monitor wildlife in the area. Included here are some endemic wildlife species such as the Grevy’s Zebra, the Reticulated Giraffe, and the African Wild Dog. The endangered black rhino feels like home and if you are an avid bird watcher there are over 350 species of birds that can be seen.
North of the Kenyan border, this arid desert area has left behind any part of the country that is lush and green. Lodwar, a large but small town, is the last port before reaching the largest salt flats in East Africa, You may think that some areas are lifeless, Lake Nile is a nest of crocodiles, hippos and migratory water birds . An existing perennial river that empties into the lake is the Omo River. It constitutes approximately 90% of the total filling of the lake.
The seasons of the Turkwell and Kerio rivers are also major contributors, making it the highest of all African lakes. The lake has no outlet and most of the water is lost through evaporation. Eliye Springs on the western side of the lake is a refreshing oasis and the blurry green breaks with the village landscape.
Coast
Tsavo National Park, southeast of Nairobi, is the largest in the country with an area of 21,000 km². It is located relatively close to Mombasa, and many tourists flock to it to enjoy the coastal holiday destinations. The park has about fifty mammal species and 400 birds, as well as a very varied landscape (here we can find the Chyulu Hills, the youngest volcanic mountain range in the world).
Tsavo National Park, southeast of Nairobi, is the largest in the country with an area of 21,000 km². It is located relatively close to Mombasa, and many tourists flock to it to enjoy the coastal holiday destinations. The park has about fifty mammal species and 400 birds, as well as a very varied landscape (here we can find the Chyulu Hills, the youngest volcanic mountain range in the world).
General
- Official Name
- Republic of Kenya
- Official Languages
- Swahili and English
- Capital
- Nairobi
- Religion
- A majority Christian & Islam, among other Religions
- Time Zone
- GMT+3
- Currency
- KES（Kenyan shilling）
-
Kiswahili and English are Kenya’s official languages, with English predominantly used in formal and educational settings.
Weather
Kenya’s geographical diversity brings a range of temperatures and climates, offering a unique experience in every region. Along the low-lying coastal areas, the climate is tropical—warm and humid—while the Central and Rift highlands enjoy a refreshing coolness, perfect for a reprieve from the heat.
The equator runs through the central plains of Laikipia, maintaining a relatively steady temperature year-round. Northern Lake Turkana, characterized by its arid desert, remains dry for much of the year, with only sporadic rainfall. Although Kenya is a fantastic destination at any time, the best wildlife sightings occur outside the rainy seasons. The long rains span from late March to May, while a shorter rainy period occurs in November.
Kenya’s coastal areas are influenced by seasonal monsoon winds. The Kaskazi, arriving from the northern Gulf between November and March, helps cool the summer heat, while the Kusi, sweeping along the Swahili coast from April to September, brings the long rains from April to early June. For diving enthusiasts, the prime season stretches from late September through March, when the waters are at their best.
Seasons to travel
The rains taper off in December, giving way to clear skies and warm weather as January and February usher in some of the hottest months of the year. During this time, wildlife congregates around water sources, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, while the pleasant conditions make it an ideal season for diving adventures.
As the green season begins, temperatures gradually drop, and the rains return, clearing the dust and filling the air with a fresh, smoke-free breeze. While the lush landscape comes alive, wildlife spotting becomes more challenging as animals retreat into the dense vegetation, finding perfect cover amidst the greenery.
As the rains subside, cold, crisp days set in, with morning fog gently blanketing the Rift Valley and central highlands. This period marks the start of the Great Migration, as vast herds journey from the Serengeti across the Mara River into Kenya. The iconic spectacle unfolds as long lines of animals move deeper into the Maasai Mara, creating an unforgettable sight.
By this time, most of the wildebeest migration has moved northward from the Serengeti into Kenya. As the short rains of November approach, the weather becomes increasingly damp, signaling the transition to a wetter season, even as the dry season quickly follows on its heels.
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