The Facts
Capital: Nairobi
Currency: Kenyan Shilling
Time Zone: GMT +3
www.magicalkenya.com
Introduction
Blood red sunsets and acacia studded savannah where lions roam and the 'safari' was born, Kenya sits pretty, the jewel in East Africa's crown. From it's highest mountain, after which the country is named, to the sugar soft beaches and coral reefs of its coast, complete with six different marine parks, Kenya serves up some staggering scenery.
The lush coffee growing Central highlands, the iconic grasslands, where just about every imaginable plains animal can be found and the Great Rift Valley, this is a landscape, which feels both ancient and untouched. With over 50 reserves and parks to choose from game spotting doesn't get much better. In Amboseli National Park gaze across to Tanzania and thrusting Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the continent, whilst in the infamous Masi Mara the annual wildebeest migration promises one of the greatest wildlife shows on the planet.
Where To Go:
Kenya is located in East Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the northeast, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, and Sudan to the northwest, with the Indian Ocean running along the southeast border. The country is named after Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain peak in Africa.
What To Eat & Drink:
- Ugali is a stiff porridge made from maize.
- Giraffe, Gnu, Zebra, Crocodile, Ostrich are some of the game meats you can find served.
- Nyama Choma is roasted meat and is usually served with a spicy tomato relish called Kachumbari.
- Kenyan brewed beers include Tusker and White Cap
- Changaa is an illegal and potent locally brewed spirit distilled from maize.
Unmissable Kenya
5 things you really should do in Kenya
1. Be born free
Visit Elsamere, at Lake Naivasha, the former home of conservationist Joy Adams. Her book 'Born Free' tells the story of her relationship with Elsa the lioness. Enjoy afternoon tea in the garden and watch Colobus monkeys swing in the trees.
www.elsatrust.org
2. Feel a rift
See the most spectacular stretch of the Great Rift Valley, the giant scar across the face of Africa. Some 20 million years ago, the earth's crust weakened and tore itself apart creating a jagged rift, thousands of kilometres long, across the African continent. This geological phenomenon, neatly divides Kenya.
www.bestofkenya.com/Rift.htm
3. Climb a volcano
Trek up Mount Kenya, an extinct volcano. Stand on its summit and you will be on the top of Africa's second highest mountain. On a clear day you can get views across to the highest, mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
www.keadventure.com
4. Take a safari
With a bounty of national parks teaming with wildlife spotting opportunities Kenya has become synonymous with the Swahili word 'safari', which means journey. You can explore some parks on foot whilst adapted vehicles, ideal for game viewing, will be required in others.
www.abercrombiekent.co.uk
5. Think pink
Head to Lake Nakuru National Park and see the phenomena of over two million flamingos gathered on the shallow soda lake.
www.kws.org/nakuru.html
