KENYA
Kenya straddles the equator and boasts a 300-mile Indian Ocean coastline, verdant forests, acacia-studded savannas, and shimmering deserts. Over the years, films like “Out of Africa,” “Born Free” and “Milking the Rhino” have touted the scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural diversity of Kenya. This is where our idea of "safari" really began in the early days of the 20th century when Kenya was a colony of the British Empire. Those were the days of the “Big Five” safaris where lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo were hunted. Since 1977 Kenya has banned hunting so today, the only shooting is with your camera! Many safari operations here are managed by third and fourth generations of families who are committed to conservation and providing the best photographic safaris in East Africa. About 12% of Kenya is currently allocated to national parks, reserves and community-owned conservancies where wildlife is protected.
Kenya’s best known reserve is the Masai Mara, which is part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem. The Great Wildebeest Migration can generally be found here during the months of August through October. Other popular safari destinations are Amboseli, home to the most-studied African elephant herds on the continent; Lake Nakuru for the millions of flamingoes; the Laikipia Plateau where you can experience some innovative community and wildlife conservation efforts in the private conservancies; Northern Kenya to visit the arid lands of the Samburu; and the exotic coastal areas for beach and ocean activities.
Our earliest ancestors may have originated in Northern Kenya about five million years ago. There have been some important archaeological discoveries made near Lake Turkana near the northern border. And today the country’s 40 ethnic groups make it one of the most diverse countries in Africa.
Due to Kenya’s topographical diversity, the climate is different in each area but the seasonal rains are generally in November and April. Most of the areas where you will safari enjoy a temperate, equatorial climate. The coastal areas are warm and humid with sea breezes.
Kenya gained independence in 1963 currently has a population of 40 million people of varying cultural origins -- the result of a long history of migration and intermingling of indigenous tribes with Arab and Persian traders, Indian laborers and European settlers.
English and Kiswahili are the official languages of Kenya. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi serves as a major hub for international travelers to East Africa destinations. Wilson Airport is the small, domestic airport serving safari-goers with daily flights to camps and lodges throughout the country.
Nairobi began as the headquarters for the Kenya Uganda railway, which the British built from the coast to the interior, and became the capital of British East Africa in 1905. Today it is the largest city in East Africa with more than 3.5 million residents.
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When to go to Kenya
Sitting on the equator means that Kenya doesn’t have dramatic weather variations. It is cooler in the Central Highlands, warm and humid at the coast and warm in the arid North. The long rains occur from late March to early June. The short rains come in late October and last through November. December through March is the warmest time of year with daytime temperatures reaching 90F and overnight lows of 70F. The Great Wildebeest Migration can generally be seen in the Masai Mara from late July through October.
Passport & Visa for Kenya
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your return from Kenya. Travelers must make sure that their passport contains at least two blank pages for visa and immigration stamps. A visa is required for U.S. citizens to visit Kenya. You can obtain your visa upon arrival. You may be asked for your certificate of yellow fever immunization. For further information:
U. S. State Department - Kenya
Embassy of the Republic of Kenya
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Medical Information for Kenya
Before traveling to Africa, please consult with your physician. An International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required for travelers arriving in Kenya from countries where yellow fever is present. The certificate must be obtained no less than ten days prior to your arrival into Kenya. Check with the nearest Kenya Embassy for updated information. You will also need a malaria prophylaxis unless you are only visiting Nairobi.
For further information:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Kenya
Highlights
These are the most popular destinations in Kenya:
Masai Mara National Reserve
This is the northern reaches of the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem where the annual wildebeest migration is drawn by the scent of rain and the promise of lush grazing beginning in July. Several million grunting wildebeest mass on the banks of the Mara River where hungry crocodiles wait. The herd mentality depends on one animal to make the first move and the herd follows. The predators are drawn to this easy hunting, especially the big cats. Several million herbivores remain on the Mara grasslands until late October when the herd is drawn, once again by the promise of rain to their breeding grounds in Tanzania. As of 2011, more than 75% of the Mara ecosystem in Kenya lies on community land beyond the park borders. This is where the most exclusive wildlife viewing is offered.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is home to the most-studied elephant families in East Africa. An American researcher and conservationist, Dr. Cynthia Moss, has been working with 1,500 elephants since the early 1970s. The park covers 150 square miles on the Tanzania border with the snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, only 25 miles away, providing a spectacular backdrop. The icecap melt feeds springs and marshes which attract a variety of birds and other animals.
Lake Nakuru
This shallow soda (alkaline) lake in the Rift Valley is a birders’ paradise best known for the millions of pink flamingos that feed on the algae of the warm water. Numerous fresh-water streams flow into the lake where pelicans, African fish eagles, and hundreds of resident species and migrants can be seen. Lake Nakuru National Park is only 100 miles north of Nairobi.
Nairobi
This is the international hub for East Africa and many travelers opt to stay for a night or two before starting their safari. Visit the historical home of “Out of Africa” author Karen Blixen, The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where you’ll get close to young elephants and rhinos, and the Giraffe Center where you can hand feed a giraffe. Make time for shopping for African art, crafts, jewelry and souvenirs. Half-day or full-day tours of the 45 square mile Nairobi National Park will give you a chance to see wildlife including big cats, buffalo, rhino and giraffe.
Indian Ocean coast & islands
Kenya offers miles of soft white coral sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters. The offshore barrier reefs make it a premiere diving and snorkeling destination and there is world class deep sea and fly-fishing.
In the south, palm trees sway in the balmy breezes on Diani Beach where you can relax before heading home. The Swahili coastal culture can be experienced on the islands of the Lamu Archipelago in the north.
Kenya Safari extensions to consider:
Gorilla trekking
Daily flights from Nairobi to Kigali, Rwanda make it convenient to add a four or five day gorilla trekking safari to your itinerary. It is a special privilege to climb into the misty forest home to sit with some of the 700 remaining mountain gorillas left on the planet.
Tanzania
Include a stay in the famous Serengeti and see the Ngorongoro Crater or climb Kilimanjaro. Daily flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro and Arusha make it convenient to add a northern Tanzania safari circuit to your Kenya itinerary. Fly to Dar es Salaam for Southern Tanzania adventures or Zanzibar for a coastal retreat on the spice island.
Click here for Kenya itinerary ideas, camps and lodges, mobile safaris and private guides.
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