Very few countries in Africa can stand shoulder to shoulder with Kenya, in terms of general popularity to tourists from far-flung places. Kenya simply outshines most because it is blessed with a vast array of natural beauty spots, mountain ranges, beaches, wild animal reserves, moorlands reminiscent of European highlands and abundant bird life. It is not surprising therefore that Tour operators selling Kenya to the world tend to categorise safaris. Thus you will come across brochures advertising Wild life safaris, beach safaris, sport safaris, adventure safaris, scenic safaris and specialist safaris.
To behold the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, explore the coastline and take a walk around the winding streets of the 14th Century town of Lamu, or to lounge around the bustling dhow docks of Mombasa or the ghostly ruins of Gedi, a deserted city lost deep in the jungle, is to experience the very essence of what Kenya offers.
With around 18 major parks and reserves, it is understandable that Kenya should be at the peak of most travellers’ dreams as a “must visit” destination. For landscape lovers, walking, camping and picnic enthusiasts, one of the must visit places is the Aberdare National Park, which covers 767 sq km and is part of the Aberdare Mountain Range, a fascinating region of Kenya. According to traditional Kikuyu folklore, the mountain range is one of the homes of Ngai (God).
Mountain ranges and peaks soar to around 12,900ft (3,930m) giving way to deep V-shaped valleys with streams and rivers cascading over spectacular waterfalls. The park offers a variety of accommodation. Treetops tree-house lodge and the Ark, a lodge built in the shape of Noah’s Ark. Night game viewing is provided by the lodges in the Salient area of the Park with excellent sightings of elephant, buffalo, lion and rhino, drawn to the waterholes and saltlicks each evening.
Full name: The Republic of Kenya
Population: 32.8 million (UN, 2005)
Capital: Nairobi
Area: 582,646 sq km (224,961 sq miles)
Major languages: Swahili, English
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 48 years (men), 46 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Kenya shilling = 100 cents
Main exports: Tea, coffee, horticultural products, petroleum products
GNI per capita: US $530 (World Bank, 2006)
Internet domain: .ke
International dialling code: +254
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