Ten Essential Things To Do When You Visit Kenya
Author: Jonathan Williams
Located in the eastern part of Africa, this country is home to
both diverse human ethnic communities and fantastic wildlife.
The country is named after its 17,000-foot Mount Kenya. Once a
European colonial possession, the country is now making its own
path despite the numerous hurdles it faces.
1.) Hell's Gate National Park
So named because of its geothermal activity, Hell's Gate is one
of the few national parks which visitors can tour on foot. It is
also the location of the Olkaria Geothermal Station, which is
slated to eventually service up to half of the country's power
needs. Aside from the abundant wildlife, visitors can also see
singing and dancing exhibitions by Maasai people at the Oloor
Karia Masai cultural center.
2.) Lake Nakuru National Park
The park is located in the famous Great Rift Valley. Hie
yourself to Baboon Cliff to watch the spectacle of some two
million pink flamingos wading, flying, and foraging on the
lakeshore. Aside from being Africa's first bird sanctuary, this
national park is also a refuge for endangered white and black
rhinos.
3.) Western Kenya
The western part of the country is relatively isolated. If you
want to see the real Kenya, away from the influx of tourists,
this is the place to go to. Be aware that finding accommodation
and transportation here is a bit problematic, so you should plan
well beforehand and be prepared to rough it.
4.) Lake Naivasha
This freshwater lake is a popular weekend getaway for those
tired of the heat and bustle of Nairobi. Lake Naivasha is
well-known for its avian fauna and its dramatic vistas as well
as its horticultural industry. Take a trip to the south shore
and see Elsamere, the real setting of the movie "Born Free."
5.) Mount Kenya National Park
Those who are fond of mountain climbing can go to this park and
scale Mount Kenya's permanently snow-bound peaks, Nelion,
Batian, and Lenana. It also offers wonderful scenery with lakes,
glaciers, and springs. Animals such as elephants, black rhinos,
colobus monkeys, duiker, leopards, and hyenas can be found in
the forests of this national park.
6.) Karen Blixen Museum
Kenya isn't all safaris and wildlife. In the Nairobi area, you
can visit the Karen Blixen Museum, which showcases and preserves
examples of colonial architecture and memorabilia. Personal
effects of Karen Blixen, the author of the novel "Out of
Africa," are also on display.
7.) Paradise Lost Caves
Also located in the Nairobi area, this system of caverns was
discovered by workers a decade ago and has yielded not only
Stone Age artifacts but human remains as well. Tourists can
explore the labyrinth on foot. Camel and horse rides are also
available, and there is a nearby artificial lake where one can
go on boat tours, fish, or swim.
8.) Shentani Lava Flow
Since Kenya has that big geologic scar running right through
it, it's not surprising that the country is seismologically
active. Another product of this volcanic activity, the Shentani
Lava Flows are located at the foot of the Chyulu Hills and can
be hiked. There are also caves nearby which can be explored by
the intrepid tourist, but caution is recommended.
9.) Lake Turkana
This region in the north of Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Lake Turkana, also known as the Jade Sea for the way algae
in the water causes it to change color, is the biggest desert
lake in the whole world. Its waters are full of wildlife such as
hippos, tilapa, crocodiles, and the Nile perch. There exists the
possibility of violence on the roads to Turkana, so travelers
might opt to fly to get there.
10.) Samburu Game Park
Halfway between Lake Turkana and the capital of Nairobi, in an
area of desert, lies the Samburu Game Park, named after the
Samburu people. Wildlife watchers can come here to see giraffes,
oryx, ostriches, and elephants in this harsh, open environment.
Or sit down at the bar at the Samburu Lodge and watch the local
leopards make short work of the bait put out to attract them for
the guests' benefit.
About The Author: Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for
Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit
http://www.destinationguide.tv/kenya to view or share Kenya
travel videos.
Author: Jonathan Williams
Located in the eastern part of Africa, this country is home to
both diverse human ethnic communities and fantastic wildlife.
The country is named after its 17,000-foot Mount Kenya. Once a
European colonial possession, the country is now making its own
path despite the numerous hurdles it faces.
1.) Hell's Gate National Park
So named because of its geothermal activity, Hell's Gate is one
of the few national parks which visitors can tour on foot. It is
also the location of the Olkaria Geothermal Station, which is
slated to eventually service up to half of the country's power
needs. Aside from the abundant wildlife, visitors can also see
singing and dancing exhibitions by Maasai people at the Oloor
Karia Masai cultural center.
2.) Lake Nakuru National Park
The park is located in the famous Great Rift Valley. Hie
yourself to Baboon Cliff to watch the spectacle of some two
million pink flamingos wading, flying, and foraging on the
lakeshore. Aside from being Africa's first bird sanctuary, this
national park is also a refuge for endangered white and black
rhinos.
3.) Western Kenya
The western part of the country is relatively isolated. If you
want to see the real Kenya, away from the influx of tourists,
this is the place to go to. Be aware that finding accommodation
and transportation here is a bit problematic, so you should plan
well beforehand and be prepared to rough it.
4.) Lake Naivasha
This freshwater lake is a popular weekend getaway for those
tired of the heat and bustle of Nairobi. Lake Naivasha is
well-known for its avian fauna and its dramatic vistas as well
as its horticultural industry. Take a trip to the south shore
and see Elsamere, the real setting of the movie "Born Free."
5.) Mount Kenya National Park
Those who are fond of mountain climbing can go to this park and
scale Mount Kenya's permanently snow-bound peaks, Nelion,
Batian, and Lenana. It also offers wonderful scenery with lakes,
glaciers, and springs. Animals such as elephants, black rhinos,
colobus monkeys, duiker, leopards, and hyenas can be found in
the forests of this national park.
6.) Karen Blixen Museum
Kenya isn't all safaris and wildlife. In the Nairobi area, you
can visit the Karen Blixen Museum, which showcases and preserves
examples of colonial architecture and memorabilia. Personal
effects of Karen Blixen, the author of the novel "Out of
Africa," are also on display.
7.) Paradise Lost Caves
Also located in the Nairobi area, this system of caverns was
discovered by workers a decade ago and has yielded not only
Stone Age artifacts but human remains as well. Tourists can
explore the labyrinth on foot. Camel and horse rides are also
available, and there is a nearby artificial lake where one can
go on boat tours, fish, or swim.
8.) Shentani Lava Flow
Since Kenya has that big geologic scar running right through
it, it's not surprising that the country is seismologically
active. Another product of this volcanic activity, the Shentani
Lava Flows are located at the foot of the Chyulu Hills and can
be hiked. There are also caves nearby which can be explored by
the intrepid tourist, but caution is recommended.
9.) Lake Turkana
This region in the north of Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Lake Turkana, also known as the Jade Sea for the way algae
in the water causes it to change color, is the biggest desert
lake in the whole world. Its waters are full of wildlife such as
hippos, tilapa, crocodiles, and the Nile perch. There exists the
possibility of violence on the roads to Turkana, so travelers
might opt to fly to get there.
10.) Samburu Game Park
Halfway between Lake Turkana and the capital of Nairobi, in an
area of desert, lies the Samburu Game Park, named after the
Samburu people. Wildlife watchers can come here to see giraffes,
oryx, ostriches, and elephants in this harsh, open environment.
Or sit down at the bar at the Samburu Lodge and watch the local
leopards make short work of the bait put out to attract them for
the guests' benefit.
About The Author: Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for
Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit
http://www.destinationguide.tv/kenya to view or share Kenya
travel videos.
