Kenya

Stunning wildlife, spectacular scenery, superb beaches and intriguing multiculturalism explain Kenya’s appeal as a holiday destination. It enjoys abundant sunshine and a tropical coastline to match its vast African savannah plains.

Kenya’s chief attractions are its wonderful national parks. The most popular of these is the Masai Mara National Reserve, a massive park which borders the Serengeti and features wildlife such as wildebeest, lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, various antelopes and hippos. Kenya’s other main safari destination, the Amboseli National Park, boasts its own stunning array of wildlife, including huge herds of elephants. Those wishing to escape the crowds and observe wildlife in a more tranquil setting should head for the more isolated Kakamega Forest Reserve (red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey), Marsabit National Park and Reserve (lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, gazelles), or Aberdare National Park (black leopard, elephant, rhino, bongo).

The capital, Nairobi, has the country’s best accommodations and finest restaurants, making it the ideal base from which to venture to Kenya’s other regions. Nightlife is curious and varied, with bars and cafes to suit all tastes. Attractions in the city include the superb National Museum, Snake Museum and interesting National Archives.

The country’s other major city, Mombasa, boasts the infamous Fort Jesus, with its huge angular walls which encircle a vast area, resembling more a fortified town than an actual fort. Nearby are several fine sandy beaches.

Off the coast is the intriguing medieval island of Lamu, reached by boat from Mokowe. The island is a refreshing and relaxing escape from the crowds of Nairobi and Mombasa, with several superb examples of traditional architecture and the acclaimed waterfront Lamu Museum and Swahili House Museum.

Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has connections to many European and US cities, and transportation into the city is regular and reliable.