A to Z Travel Blog - Kenya

K is for Kenya

Gerenuk Feeding - Samburu

One of the many countries still on my travel list, as well as Kazakhstan. Hopefully will get there one day when it is safe to travel again. In the meantime, my good friend Claire at Safari Horizons is an expert in Kenya and has kindly agreed to contribute to the A to Z Travel Blog series with K is for Kenya. Hope you enjoy reading and discovering more about 'all of Africa in one Country'.

K is for Kenya

Often dubbed, ‘All of Africa in one Country’, Kenya straddles the equator on the East coast of Africa. It’s famous as a safari destination, wildlife being the main magnet. Here is the quintessential savanna, the land of Big Cat Diary and the Great Wildebeest Migration, the greatest wildlife show on earth. Unlike other parts of Africa, it has two rainy seasons, which give rise to higher concentrations of wildlife. In addition, Kenya has endemic northern species of game (such as reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk and Somali ostrich) and spectacular birdlife.

A country the size of France, its magnificent landscapes range from the snows of Mt Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa, to the northern deserts, the Great Rift Valley, the fertile highlands (growing wheat, vegetables, flowers, tea and coffee), freshwater and soda lakes and the white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean. Consequently, temperature varies with altitude, giving rise to a diverse fauna and flora. Even at the coast, the tropical heat is tempered by trade winds while the highland areas have warm, sunny days and cool nights.

While the natural environment is well known, Kenya also boasts a rich cultural heritage – from the origins of early man in the Cradle of Mankind to some 42 different tribes, some of whom retain their customs. Among these, the Maasai, a pastoralist people, are among the most iconic, with their traditional red blankets knotted over one shoulder and spectacular beadwork jewellery. There are plenty of regional artisan crafts for sale, like wood and soapstone carvings, or items made from recycled glass or rubber flip-flops.

Getting there and around

Safari Breakfast - Masai Mara

Flights to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, and Mombasa, at the coast, are the usual gateways to Kenya for international tourists. Most visitors require a visa which can be purchased online, or on arrival. Nairobi is a major hub for the whole of Africa, a diverse, dynamic, modern city with glittering skyscrapers, high tech businesses and horrendous traffic. It is the starting point for most safaris and many people opt to get out of the city as fast a