Kenya is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world. And then there is the wildlife - millions of animals living in their natural habitats in and around over 40 national parks and reserves countrywide. Certainly, few visitors return home without sighting and photographing the Big five - elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard.

Gazing up a Kilimanjaro's serene sun kissed snow-cap from a game lodge in Amboseli is memorable, but then so is sighting that very first lion or elephant, or ballooning over the lush Maasai Mara Game Reserve - gazing at the incomparable view of the Great Rift Valley, excitingly strewn with lakes and extinct volcanoes.

Whatever your idea of a holiday, either an all action safari or just relaxing on golden beaches, you can be sure of friendly and first class service in Kenya. Kenya's hotels and game lodges are recognized internationally as among the best in the world. Ranking high on the list of favourites are the unique Tree Hotels on the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Abedare Mountains.

Mombasa or Nairobi are generally regarded as the places to begin and end a visit to Kenya. They both boast 5 - star accommodations. Mombasa, Kenya's very attractive main coastal town has glorious palm-fringed coastlines with beautiful beach resorts. The beaches are famous for their lagoons, coral reef & marine national parks.

Safaris all over the country, into Tanzania and Uganda, and other parts of Africa are quickly and conveniently arranged from both Nairobi and Mombasa - as are return international flights or connections abroad.

Great Rift Valley, which runs the length of Kenya, was formed twenty million years ago; it was created when the earth's crust ripped apart. Many volcanic mountains were formed and there are hot springs along the Rift.

Lamu, a World Heritage site, is Kenya's oldest town. Malindi has been an important town since the fourteenth century. Mombasa, East Africa's largest port, has been a major port since the fifteenth century.

Aberdare National Park - This remarkable mountain range encompasses a countryside where icy rivers plunge in magnificent cascades and glorious waterfalls; misty moorlands are covered by strange six-metered tall mutants of alpine plants. The highest peak is Ol Doinyo la Satima that lies 398 meters above level, also home to a variety of animals, birds & rare plant species.

Amboseli National park - Situated under the grand mass of snow-crowned Mt. Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is a striking contrast of snaking lush green marshlands and grey dusty plains.  Elephants and plains game around, and there are a number of lion, cheetah, buffalo and leopard. 

Lake Nakuru National Park - A shallow alkaline lake on the bed of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is home to thousands of Greater and Lesser flamingo and many other water birds.  The rich acacia savannah shelters numerous bird species, elands, leopards, lions, buffalos and other plain game.   The park also has well guarded rhino sanctuary, containing black, and the rare white rhino.

Masai Mara National Reserve - Arguably the most popular game sanctuary in the country. The reserve is home to the Big Five & a profusion of all types of wildlife. The annual migration is a spectacle worth seeing as millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle from the Serengeti plains from late June & resides in the Mara until October. Over 400 bird species have been recorded in the park. Hot Air Balloons are readily available in the reserve.

Samburu/Buffalo Springs/Shaba Reserves - The Uaso Nyiro River with its large hippo and crocodile population winds its way through the doum palms of Samburu, haven for a wide range o animals from elephants to the grevy zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and somali ostrich unique to this area. The charm of the north spreads through adjacent Buffalo Springs and Shaba – the last home of Joy Adamson.

Tsavo National Park - Tsavo East & West combined form the world’s largest game park. Tsavo is a vast landscape of open savannah, bush woodland and volcanic outcrops, escarpments and hills, where wildlife abounds.  Major point of interest is the crystal clear Mzima Springs; here hippo, crocodile & fresh water fish can be viewed from an underwater viewing base.  Major attraction in Tsavo East includes the Yatta Plateau - world’s largest lava flow, with magnificent views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Aruba Dam and its surroundings.

Shimba Hills National Park - Shimba is an enchanting forest plateau, a park of surprises and secrets, of superb scenery,  abundant bird and wildlife.  Its rolling hills and grasslands are home to the stately sable and roan antelope, elephant and other plains game. Shimba overlooks the turquoise blues and greens of the Indian Ocean and Mt. Kilimanjaro snow-capped dome can be seen on clear days.

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve - The largest stretch of coastal forest in East Africa the adjoining Mida Creek forms an eco system of great diversity containing rare species of plants, birds, butterflies and amphibians. It is also home to a varied population of snakes, lizards, frogs and toads. Classified as an important site for bird conservation in Africa with over 230 recorded bird species. The reserve is the last strong hold for the golden-rumped elephant shrew & sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose.

Mt. Longonot & Hell’s Gate National Park - Only a short distance away from Nairobi this young volcano rises 2776 meters above sea level. It is a captivating sight as you drive to the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Hell’s Gate National Park is close proximity from the Naivasha basin famed for its natural hot geysers & breeding ground for the rare Lammergeyer Vulture. The park features include Fischer’s Tower, Central Tower and the Njorowa Gorges. Plains game inhabit this fabulous park and allows visitors to either walk or cycle as an option due to the absence of predators.

Meru National Park - Neighbouring Mwingi, Kora, Bisinadi and Rahole National Reserve together with Meru form an integrated part of the northern circuit.  The park was first open in 1968 and one of the best watered sanctuaries as it is situated close to the slopes of the Nyambene mountain ranges north east of Mt. Kenya. The park is home to the largest herds of buffalo in Kenya & homes the other 4 members of the Big Five. Joy Adamson’s book “Born Free” was based on the chronicles of in depth study of Lions & Cheetah.

Mt. Kenya & Aberdare National Parks - These parks are fascinating sanctuaries in terms of scenic splendor & great variety of wildlife. According to local folklore, Kenya owes its name to this majestic mountain & is ranked the second highest mountain in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro. Part of the mountain’s attraction is the variation of flora & fauna found at the different altitudes. The Aberdare ranges are home to the first tree hotel in Africa & harbors significant memories in world history. The tree hotels are uniquely built & offer flood lit game viewing.

tanzania - National Parks & Reserves

Lake Manyara National Park - World famous for its tree climbing lion and acacia woodlands that dominate this park – Manyara is a haven of peace teeming with wildlife & birds.

Serengeti National Reserve - The great Serengeti, the starting point for the unparalleled annual wildebeest migration to the Mara, is reputed to shelter the largest wildlife concentration in the world.  It is a vast landscape of plains, escarpments & delightful surprises.

Ngorongoro Crater - This extinct volcanic caldera is a most unusual and particularly beautiful venue for game viewing.  Access is gained by driving down a winding road to the crater floor in four wheel drive vehicles. An Eden in Africa!

Olduvai Gorge - “The cradle of mankind” lies between the Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti National Park.  Early fossil of man where discovered here and this finds are now displayed at the museum overlooking the gorge.

Tarangire National Park - Known as the land of ‘giants’ - home to great herds of elephants and majestic baobab trees.  The rare fringe-eared Oryx can be viewed in this park along with other ungulates. 

Selous Game Reserve - The Selous is the largest wildlife reserve in Africa.  It is a park of enormous diversity where wildlife is viewed by boat, on foot or by vehicle.  Selous is dominated by the great and very scenic Rufiji River.

Ruaha Game Reserve - This very attractive game reserve situated to the north of the Selous, shelters lion, leopard, elephant buffalo, and a wide variety of plains game.  The River Ruaha, from which the reserve takes its name, is the natural habitat for crocodile and hippo, and an impressive array of birds.

There is an alluring air about Nairobi, this modern, cosmopolitan capital city of Kenya that caters for all pockets and tastes, also ideal for business conferences and holidays alike.

Its colorful, bustling streets are great places to explore, particularly for souvenirs.   There are hundreds of African art & curio shops and great fun is to be had haggling at the open air kiosks (stalls) or at the city market.

However, there is plenty else to do.  A must on the list of priorities is a visit to Nairobi National Park, only a lion’s roar away from the city centre.  Here you will find lion, cheetah, rhino, buffalo and a rich variety of plains game and birds in their natural habitat with the city’s skyline towers on the horizon.

Also ranking high on the list of attractions is Bomas of Kenya, where you can enjoy a large repertoire of ethnic dances, and learn about Kenya’s people.

Only a few miles further on is the African Foundation for Endangered Wildlife’s Nature Education Centre set in indigenous forest, and shelter for some of the famous Rothschild Giraffe. 

The Karen Blixen Museum with its superb gardens and views of the Ngong Hills is nearby – home of this famous writer and venue of some ‘Out of Africa’ film scenes.

With its well presented galleries, the National Museum is an enthralling place to visit too, and it has excellent African Flora, Fauna and Paleontology Halls.  The complex holds a snake Park, aquarium and nature trail.

The awesome panorama of the Great Rift Valley can be viewed and photographed from the overlooking escarpment.  It is well worth an unforgettable afternoon’s visit – or it can be enjoyed en route to the famous and very beautiful Rift Valley Lakes.

There is so much to do and see in Nairobi, that it has become far more than a safari base.  It is a first class holiday and conference venue in its own right.

In the south-western corner of Kenya, close to the Tanzanian border, is the Masai Mara area. It is dominated by the Masai Mara National Reserve, the most popular game park in Kenya.

Kenya's Masai Mara, famous for its Game Drives & Hot Air Balloon Safaris. it is definitely an experience of a lifetime. Amazing game drives, fantastic accommodations and an optional hot air balloon ride over nature at its finest. The Mara - 700 square miles of lush, sun-drenched plains stretching out to eternity is the most popular location for this adventure. Very few go home without sighting the 'Big Five' - elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard.

The Mara is famous for its black-maned lion and annual migration from the Serengeti Plains which is a vast area of rolling acacia and shrub studded grasslands, rivers, forests, hills and ambers stretching as far as the eye can see - where a constant pageant of wildlife endlessly unfolds.

The Mara is an extension of the Serengeti eco-system where game thrives particularly during the great annual migration & millions of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River on their annual pilgrimage.

The area also includes Narok, a small town with souvenir shops, a post office and some banks. There is a Maasai village nearby where you may walk around to take photographs, talk to the locals and buy some authentic beadwork.

Mombasa is the take-off point for Kenya’s sun-kissed sandy beaches, exciting water sports, and trips into the hinterland. it is Kenya’s second largest city and has recorded history reaching back some 2000 years.

It presents a mystical mixture of the ancient and modern, a blend of cultures and traditions – an intriguing potpourri of romanticism and practicality that is irresistible.

Dominating the Old Town is the well preserved 16th Century Portuguese Fort Jesus with is lurid saga of conquest and siege. This ancient fort houses a museum displaying numerous coastal antiquities.

In the romantic winding streets of the Old Town and around its ancient dhow harbour, merchants beckon visitors to buy their wares. In the ‘new town’ there is an abundance of African souvenirs, shops, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, and an international airport.

Only a few miles away from the city lays the ocean paradise of Diani Beach to the south and Shimba Hills National Park, home of the rare sable and roan antelope.

The main deep-sea fishing area is from Shimoni where fishing takes place all year round in the famous Pemba Channel.  Slaves were hidden in Shimon’s deep dark caves in appalling conditions in days of yore.

Shimoni is also the sailing point for the breathtakingly beautiful Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, and Wasini Island with its unusual coral outcrops.

To the north are yet more picturesque beaches with water sports, luxury accommodation and a remarkable conservation programme at Mamba village. The great man-eating crocodiles here were trapped on the Tana River and transported to the village for the safety of people and crocodile alike.

All in all, Kenya’s coastline is a great wonderland, continuining on beyond the well-preserved and very mysterious 13th/14th century Gedi ruins.

No one really knows why Gedi was built, or why it was suddenly deserted.  It is a fascinating if somewhat eerie place, although obviously once a flourishing settlement.

Then there is Malindi, old and new, with its Marine National Parks and ancient monuments, first class hotels, white sandy beaches and 15th century tombs.

Malindi was a Portuguese ally and an outpost for ships plying the Indies routes.  Its recorded history dates from the 13th century.

Further, still there is the beautiful Island of Lamu, only an hour’s flight from Malindi, yet still beckoning with a timelessness that is as ageless as history itself.  Although the island has excellent hotels.  Lamu remains a perfect setting for the Arabian Nights.

The atmosphere there, indeed throughout the whole archipelago (which can be explored by dhow), is lazy and peaceful, with many well preserved relics of the past, and a fascinating museum.

The North Coast

Stretches from Nyali to Kilifi creek and includes areas such as Bamburi, Shanzu and Kikambala.  Long stretches tranquil beaches that are fringed with swaying palms.  The area boasts of numerous attractions which include a golf course, specialty restaurants and superb hotels along the beach. 

The South Coast

Famous for its long white sandy beaches linked by ferry to the Mombasa Island. Diani beaches are notably well appointed with luxurious resorts, chalets and villas.  Shimba hills can be seen quite clearly from this beach. Jadini forest is still a haunt for a wide of wildlife.  There are various activities of water sports available such as water skiing, wind surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and deep sea fishing.

Malindi and Watamu

Malindi which lies north of Watamu is the oldest of Kenya’s beach resort.  The town is a maze alley's’, courtyards and gardens dating back to the 12th Century, time stands and centuries of civilization has not changed the courtesy and charm of the native people.  The golden sands, tranquil township, the mosques minarets and the composed people add character to this coastal resort.

The indomitable spirit of intrepid sailors of centuries gone by, such as Diego Amerigos, Christopher Columbus and Vasco Da Gama, who set out to discover new territories as well as to find a passage to India is kept alive by the Vasco Da Gama monument at the Causarina point. The first ever marine parks where established here in 1979.  Gede ruins which were mysteriously abandoned in the 17th century, the Arabuko Sokoke forest, the Portuguese chapel and the Mamburui village are excellent excursions in Malindi.

Lamu Island

This archipelago with its narrow alleys, glorious old houses have defied the passage of time. Delicate wood craftsman, numerous mosques and a thriving Swahili culture make this island an ideal resort for those looking for a trip down memory lane also known as the Venice of Kenya it is linked to three other smaller islands, Kiwayu, Manda and Kiunga by waterways. Ernest Hemmingway made Lamu his home and most of his writings where inspired by this captivating island.  The maulidi festival, mangrove swamps and the Lamu museum are attractions worth seeing.  Donkeys are the only mode of land transportation.

Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa. (Mount Kilimanjaro, which is in Tanzania along the Kenyan border, is the highest peak on the continent).

Composed of a huge volcanic base where the outer mantle and crater have eroded away, Mount Kenya has seven primary peaks, and a series of subsidiary cones scattered about its crest.

There are four main routes up Lenana. Sirimon Track is the longest, and driest route, much of it through thick rain forest and fabulous moorlands with long views of the peak.

Noted for its wildlife, Sirimon begins 13 km (8 miles) east of Nanyuki before the bridge crossing the Sirimon River and Timau. The most direct and popular, though less scenic is the Naro Moru route. There are lovely cedar cabins are spaced among giant podocarpus tree, green lawns, garden, and along the south bank of Naro Moru River.

The highest point in Tanzania (and Africa) is Mount Kilimanjaro, a volcano which reaches 5,895 metres.

The Great Rift Valley, which runs through the middle of Tanzania, was formed twenty million years ago; it was created when the earth's crust ripped apart.

Tanzania shares Lake Victoria with Kenya and Uganda. The lake is one of the world's largest lakes.

Lake Tanganyika is one of the world's deepest lakes forming a natural border between Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Rock art found in Tanzania dates back to the Stone Age.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania is a huge crater which is home to many wild animals.

Large herds of animals roam the Serengeti Plains. An annual migration of gazelles, wildebeest and zebras (followed by their predators) is made to find water.

"Serengeti" is derived from the Maasai word for "endless plains".

Zanzibar was the main slave trading port in East Africa. Dar es Salaam has one of the world's largest natural harbours.

The name "Dar es Salaam" means "haven of peace".

The highest point in Tanzania (and Africa) is Mount Kilimanjaro, a volcano which reaches 5,895 metres.

Kilimanjaro is composed of three extinct volcanoes. Kibo (5895 meters), Mawenzi (5149 meters) and Shira (3962 meters). It is one of the world's highest free standing mountains: its mass rises 4800 meters above a rolling plain that averages 1000 meters above sea level. After reaching a height thought to be 5900 meters during its last major eruption 360,000 years ago, Kibo has been eroded by glaciers, rivers and landslides to its present height. It is believed that Kilimanjaro, like its neighbor Mt. Kenya, is losing glaciers due to global warming.

The Name Kilimanjaro: Given the stature and greatness of Kilimanjaro, there is relatively little recorded history of the peak. Even the origins of the name present somewhat of a dilemma. May people believe the name derived from the Kishwahili tribal name, Kilima meaning mountain. The local Wachagga people claim to have no name for Kilimanjaro, but did name the dual peaks Kipoo and Kimawenzi.

Zanzibar is popularly known as the "spice islands.” Zanzibar is located about 30Km off the coast of mainland Tanzania in the Indian Ocean.

Zanzibar is actually an archipelago with the two main Islands of Zanzibar (also known as Unguja, the larger one) and Pemba (the smaller of the two). Zanzibar was incorporated into the United Republic of Tanzania in 1964.

Zanzibar, which in 1992 had only 723,300 people, does have its own democratically elected president and government that run the internal affairs of the Islands.

Zanzibar's Serena Inn on the Stone Town waterfront is a splendid example of the careful preservation of historic buildings. This project undertaken by the Aga Kahn Fund for Economic Development, owner and manager of the Serena Hotels, involved the restoration and rehabilitation of two historic buildings , the Old Extelcoms Building and the Chinese Doctors' Residence.

Zanzibar has the largest number of carved doors in East Africa. Zanzibar's Stone Town has 50 mosques and four Hindu temples. The House of Wonders is one of the first buildings in East Africa to have electricity and Stone Town's oldest existing building.