Kenya Tourist Information
Kenya is located in eastern Africa and is one of the area's hotspots for wildlife safaris. It's a more affordable option to its southern neighbor, Tanzania, and for that reason, it's flooded with visitors every year hoping to see some African wildlife. The main wildlife reserve for safaris in Kenya is Masai Mara. Masai Mara is in southwest Kenya and connects to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is named after the Maasai people who live in the area and has a high concentration of lions, gazelles, zebras, and elephants among other animals. The area is probably most famous for the wildebeest migration, known as the "Great Migration" when the animals move from the Kenyan side of the border to the Tanzanian side.
Many people arrange a five day tour which allows visitors to spend several days in Masai Mara and a day or two at Lake Nakuru. Lake Nakuru has many beautiful pink flamingos as well as rhinos, warthogs, and other animals. If time allows, you should definitely venture into some of the less visited national parks and allow yourself a few days to explore the capital city of Nairobi.
If you book a safari, your food and accommodation will likely be included. Food is typically of good quality and quantity. You have several options when booking a safari. Most people choose to arrange the trip before they arrive in Kenya. If you do this you will almost definitely pay a markup for the convenience. It is far more difficult to negotiate a fair price prior to arrival. By booking in advance you do receive the reassurance that your trip is planned, organized, and taken care of. If you are short on time then this can really give you piece of mind.
The other option for your safari is to book your trip after arrival. There are countless vendors that are ready to sell you a safari even as you arrive in the airport. Do your research ahead of time and use only companies that have been recommended to you and have established reputations. Barter hard for the price. They will expect you to negotiate and you can often get the price substantially lower from the original asking price. If you're hoping to get the best deal, you absolutely must wait and book your safari after arrival.
After you've enjoyed a safari, spend a couple days in Nairobi visiting the city. A great option that many people enjoy is a meal at the restaurant Carnivore. It is a splurge, as prices can be extravagantly high, but it offers you a unique opportunity to sample some exotic, local specialties.
Kenya's Top Tourist Attractions
Masai Mara: The most popular national park in Kenya, Masai Mara is the area's hotspots for safaris. It's a great place to try and see the "big five".
Lake Nakuru National Park: A stunning lake and national park that is a great addition to a safari. It's famous for its flamingos and bird watching.
Mount Kenya: This is Africa's second highest peak and a challenging but enjoyable climb. The best month to climb are January and February.
Popular Foods in Kenya
Chapati: Chapati is an unleavened, wheat based flat bread that's baked and served as a companion to a main meal. It is similar to roti in India.
Githeri: This is a traditional Kenyan dish made from corn and beans. It's a staple for many Kenyans, particularly those working in agriculture. It's use of beans ensures that it is high in protein and nutritious, while also being filling and plentiful.
Kuku Paka: This is a traditional coconut curry dish usually prepared with chicken.