Kenya, Africa

With its incredible natural beauty, Kenya is the prime destination of visitors to East Africa. From the seaport of Mombassa to the heights of Mt. Kenya across the plains, deserts and jungles to Lakes Victoria and Rudolf, Kenya teems with life – lions, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, birds, and exotic vegetation. A former British colony, Kenya became independent in 1964.

Attractions in Kenya

Kenya has always emphasized outdoor activities and sports – tennis, golf, safaris, and water sports. Diving and snorkeling are popular in the beaches and resorts around Mombassa and windsurfing along the coast. In Nairobi tourist nightlife revolves around bars, restaurants, and live shows in hotels such as The Carnivore and African Heritage and in discotheques such as Florida 2000. Nairobi has several excellent golf and tennis clubs. In Mombassa, tourists favor the Istambul Bar and the veranda of the Hotel Catle for evening hours. For shoppers, artisans provide interesting jewelry, animal figurines, and clothing made from wood, leather, and other natural materials. Ebony wood is especially prized.

Most visitors to Kenya have as their destination the great game parks and their immense number of animal species. Near Mombassa is Tsavo Park, famous for its lions. In 1898/99 lions here killed over 100 train construction workers and is the subject of a film starring Michael Douglas. In the vicinity of Nairobi is the volcanic Hells Gate Park and Lake Nakuru, home to thousands of flamingos. To the north of Nairobi is Mt. Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa at 5199m. The Aberdare National Park is home to elephants, leopards, buffalo, and lions. At Thika Park visitors view the cascade of spectacular waterfalls.

Dining in Kenya

Along the coast, fish, lobsters, oysters, crabs, and other seafood are plentiful and a mainstay of the menu. In the interior it is meat of goat, chicken, beef, and when permitted, wild game. Meat is usually roasted or stewed. Much of Kenyan cuisine has developed from Swahili cooking which itself came from Arab or Indian foods. A favorite in Kenya is the ‘ ugali ‘ a ball of rice, butter or cheese, and bits of meat and vegetables. Another favorite is ‘ chapatis ‘ composed of corn meal. Wide use is made of fruits and vegetables --coconut, pineapple, papaya, mangos, sweet potatoes, corn, avocados, rice, and breadfruit. In the larger cities there are European and Asian restaurants. Local beverages include café, tea, fruit juice, palm wine, and beer. Imported drinks are available in the cities and hotels. Drinking water should always be bottled.

Accommodations, Hotels in Kenya

Hotels of quality are found in Nairobi and Mombassa. They tend to be somewhat expensive. Hotels of economy class are available also. The resorts at Mombassa are situated on the beach offering opportunities for swimming, diving, and other water sports. Nairobi offers the best selection of accommodations with the

Norfolk Hotel being a favorite. Built in Edwardian style, it’s famous Delamere bar was the site where safaris were planned in past times. Lodges can be had in the game parks. These are quite comfortable with gourmet food, pool, and other luxuries. Bed & Breakfast accommodations are available, especially in Nairobi. If inclined, visitors can stay at private ranches where they can horseback ride and observe the rural lifestyle.