Kenya - an African tale
General information
Kenya lies in East Africa and has a coastline on the Indian Ocean. It borders Ethiopia and South Sudan to the north, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south-west and Somalia to the east. The capital, Nairobi, is one of the most important cities in the region and the main starting point for travel around the country.
Kenya is one of the countries most closely associated with the classic African safari. Here you will find the famous Maasai Mara reserve, Amboseli and Tsavo national parks, Lake Nakuru and a variety of natural areas where you can see some of the most impressive animals on the planet.
The country, however, is not only about wildlife. On the shores of the Indian Ocean there are tropical beaches, coral reefs and historic towns, and the culture of its different ethnic communities is an important part of its identity.
Climate
Kenya's climate varies with region and altitude. The coast is tropical, warm and humid, while in the highlands temperatures are lower. On the savannah the climate is drier, and the seasonal rains strongly influence nature and the movement of animals.
For a safari, June to October is usually one of the best periods. The weather is drier, the grass is shorter and animals tend to gather around water sources. January and February are also popular for safari.
The coast can be visited for much of the year, with the driest months usually offering the best conditions for the beach and excursions.
Culture and history
Nairobi is an interesting starting point for the trip. The city is a modern African hub with museums, restaurants, markets and lively city life. One of its peculiarities is its closeness to Nairobi National Park, which lies right next to the city - a rare example of a protected natural area so close to a big city.
Kenya has a complex history linked to its indigenous peoples, the Arab and Swahili trading centres on the coast, European colonisation and the struggle for independence. The country gained independence from Great Britain in 1963.
Cultural diversity is one of Kenya's defining features. The country is home to many ethnic communities, including the Kikuyu, Luo, Kalenjin and Maasai. Maasai culture is especially recognisable to visitors because of its traditional dress, jewellery, dances and pastoral way of life.
The Maasai Mara is perhaps the best-known place in Kenya. Its name is linked to the Maasai people, and the reserve is a continuation of the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania. Its vast grasslands are home to lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes and large herds of herbivores.
It is also the scene of one of Africa's most impressive natural spectacles - the Great Migration. At different times of year millions of wildebeest and large numbers of zebras and other herbivores move between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. The exact timing of their passage through a given area depends on rainfall and the availability of food, so nature does not follow a tourist schedule.
A safari in the Maasai Mara is not a visit to a zoo. The animals move freely in their natural habitat, and every outing onto the savannah is different. Sometimes hours can pass without anything unusual, and then suddenly a lion or a herd of elephants appears a few metres from the vehicle.
Amboseli National Park is known for its views of Kilimanjaro. The mountain is actually in Tanzania, but one of the classic images of Africa - an elephant against the backdrop of snow-capped Kilimanjaro - is often photographed from the Kenyan side.
Amboseli is famous for its large herds of elephants. The dry landscape, the mountain on the horizon and the animals moving across the savannah create one of the most recognisable pictures of East Africa.
To the west lies Lake Nakuru, known for its rich birdlife and opportunities to see rhinos. The national park around the lake is part of the larger system of the Kenyan Rift Valley.
Another important natural area is Tsavo - one of the largest national parks in Kenya. It is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West and offers a very different landscape from the Maasai Mara. Reddish soil, dry plains, hills and rivers give the area its distinctive look.
After a safari, the contrast with the coast is striking. Mombasa is Kenya's second-largest city and one of the most important ports in East Africa. Its history is linked to centuries of trade across the Indian Ocean and to Swahili culture.
Mombasa's old town preserves narrow streets, old houses and architectural traces of different cultural influences. Above the harbour rises Fort Jesus - a fortress built by the Portuguese at the end of the 16th century. Today it is one of the city's most important historic sights.
The coast around Mombasa offers a completely different experience. White beaches, warm water and coral reefs make the area a good place to continue your holiday after a safari.
North of Mombasa lies Malindi - a resort town with beautiful beaches and an interesting history. The area is linked to trade across the Indian Ocean and has strong Swahili and Arab influences.
Kenya also has a rich culinary tradition, combining African, Indian, Arab and European influences. Ugali - a dish made from maize flour - is one of the staple foods, and meat, vegetables and various stews feature often in the local cuisine. On the coast the influence of Swahili cuisine is stronger, with coconut, spices, rice and seafood.
Tea is also important to the country. Kenya is one of the world's major tea producers, and the green plantations in the highlands are a characteristic part of the landscape.
Why and when to visit?
Kenya is one of the best destinations for a first safari in Africa. The Maasai Mara offers the classic picture of the savannah and a great variety of animals, while Amboseli adds the view of Kilimanjaro. Tsavo and Lake Nakuru can round out the route with different landscapes and wildlife-watching opportunities.
One of the most popular options is to follow a safari programme with a few days on the Indian Ocean. After early mornings watching animals on the savannah comes a completely different rhythm - beach, warm sea and Swahili cuisine on the coast.
For a safari, June to October is one of the preferred periods, especially thanks to the drier weather. If your main goal is the Great Migration, bear in mind that the movement of the herds is a natural process and cannot be fixed to a specific date.
Kenya is also interesting because it lets you combine different types of travel. You can start in Nairobi, continue to the Maasai Mara and Amboseli and finish with a beach holiday on the Indian Ocean.
This is a country where the image of Africa from documentaries becomes a real experience. The savannah, the silhouettes of animals, Maasai villages, Kilimanjaro on the horizon and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean show how many different faces one destination can have.
Kenya is not just a place you go to see the "Big Five". It is a journey into the nature, history and culture of East Africa - and that is why it usually stays in your memory much longer than an ordinary holiday.
