Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Kenya
 |  | Destination Guide : Kenya |
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| | | On sensational safari |  | Why should I go on holiday to Kenya?
One word sums up the main reason to go to Kenya: safari. The wildlife in this East African country is awe-inspiring, and it also has glorious beaches and magnificent landscapes.
How much does it cost?
There are safaris for pretty much any budgets and standards vary quite widely. As a guide, a seven-night safari costs from about £1,200. A 10-night safari and coastal resort stay costs around £1,400. A return flight London-Nairobi in late May/early June starts from about the £500 mark.
When should I go?
The heat is most bearable in January-February and June-September. The rainy season hits from March-May.
What should I do when I'm there?
There would be next to no point in visiting Kenya and not going on a safari. Most safaris start and end in Nairobi or Mombasa and include up to three game drives a day. All budgets are catered for, from basic camping to luxurious lodges.
For a real high, soar away on a hot-air balloon above the Masai Mara National Game Reserve or sample the wheel thing on a bicycle safari.
Where's best to see wildlife?
The Masai Mara in western Kenya is where the vast Serengeti grasslands host the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, large prides of lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras and hippos.
For spectacular scenery, Amboseli National Park in the south is set against the backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro. Kakamega Forest Reserve in the west is home to several primate species. Lake Baringo in the Rift Valley hosts more than 450 kinds of birds.
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| | | Warm seas and sun |  | Seen enough wildlife?
Then head for Kenya's coastline. It's blessed with superb beaches along the Indian Ocean, from the steamy city of Mombasa to the major resort of Malindi, or the beautiful Arab-influenced island of Lamu. Beaches south of Mombasa are protected by a reef.
Where should I go hiking?
If you want to put your best foot forward don't miss the Rift Valley, where visitors can stretch their legs on a 15,000ft trek up Mt Kenya, walk through the scenic Cheragnai Hills and stroll along the shores of huge Lake Turkana in the semi-desert.
What's the capital like?
Nairobi is a lively, cosmopolitan, bustling African city - and a mugger's paradise, so beware. River Road has it all, from a crowded market to hordes of street vendors and scores of budget travellers.
For a spot of Kenyan culture, check out the National Museum, National Archives and the Snake Museum. Central Nairobi is good for restaurants and hotels.
What is the ethnicity of Kenya?
The majority of Kenya's 28m population is African, with more than 70 tribal groups - such as the renowned Masai warriors - several with their own language. There are also substantial Asian and Arab minorities.
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| | | Tastes of Kenya | | Where's good for nightlife?
You'll find a disco in every major town in Kenya - Nairobi has half a dozen, and they're usually fun and lively places. Kenyans tend to be keen on their beer, and are great party people.
Especially recommended is the Octopus Nightclub in Kisumu, on Ogada Street - especially at weekends - and the Florida 2000 on Moi Avenue in Nairobi.
What's the food like?
The nearest thing to a national dish is nyama choma - barbecued goat meat. Swahili dishes are packed with spices and coconut.
If you're feeling fruity try mango, papaya and guava. Wash it all down with a cup of chai (tea) or Tusker beer. Vegetarians will, unfortunately, be eating a lot of beans.
What should I buy?
Wood carvings (including ebony, known as makonde), paintings, gourds, sisal baskets, beaded jewellery, soapstone, fabrics and batik.
Be aware that quality varies enormously according to price - there is a lot of mass-produced dross for sale and you will have to pay more for real quality, particularly for makonde carving, jewellery and paintings.
What is there for children to do?
If the big game seems a mite intimidating for smaller travellers, there is a donkey sanctuary at Lamu, and an animal orphanage in Nairobi.
Tourist office
Kenya Tourist Board, 36 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9EU. Tel. 020 7202 6373.
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| | Available rental properties in Kenya |
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| |  | | Tembo Villa, Diani Beach
A newly built 4 bed Luxury Villa with its own 12 metres pool located in Diani Beach approx 100 metres from the beach front.
|  | | Bougain Villa
Luxurious African style villa at the shore of the Indian ocean with big garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
|  | | Villa Peppercon
African style villa 10 minutes walk from the Indian Ocean with big tropical garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
|  | | Cottage Lamu
African style villa 10 minutes walk from the Indian Ocean with big tropical garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
|  | | Cottage Old Mombasa
African style villa 10 minutes walk from the Indian Ocean with big tropical garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
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