Reef Runner

Welcome to kenya

‘KARIBU KENYA'-WELCOME TO KENYA.

Welcome to the Land of diverse tribe and culture with unmatched hospitality.

Kenya has 3 major cities namely; Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu.

Nairobi is the capital city. It derives its name from the Maasai words ‘Enkare nyirobi' which means a place of cool waters. Nairobi is also known as ‘the green city in the sun'. It is the only city in the world with a game park beside.

Unique places to visit include;

The Giraffe Centre

· The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

· Karen Blixen Museum

· Bomas of Kenya

· Nairobi Safari Walk

· Nairobi Animal orphanage

· Nairobi Museum

· Snake park among other places.

 

Mombasa is the 2nd largest city and it is next to the Indian Ocean. Mombasa derives its name from Manbasa-an Arabic word. It was referred to as Kisiwa cha Vita/Mvita to meaning Island of war due to numerous succession battles. Mombasa is a town rich in history.

There are numerous tourist attractions and places to visit in Mombasa which include;

 

· The white sandy beaches

· Fort Jesus

· Old Town

· Haller park

· Mamba Village

· Ngomongo Village

· The Tusks

· The Mombasa marine park

 

Kisumu is the 3rd Largest City in Kenya. It is port City next to Lake Victoria. Formerly referred to as Port Florence. It started as an inland Terminal for the railway line.

Some of the attractions and places to see in Kisumu include;

· Lake Victoria-Africa's largest Lake

· Impala Sanctuary

· Historical/archaeological sites such as Thimlich

The land of athletics and long distance runners-Marathon, rugby etc.

Other important sporting events include the Rhino Charge, KCB Safari Rally and Lewa Marathon

Kenya the cradle of mankind where remains of early man have been discovered:

 

· Koobi Fora

· Olorgesailie

· Gedi ruins

· Hyrax Hill

· Manda Island

· Lake Turkana

 

Interact with different cultures and learn traditions passed on through generations

Home to Safari and ‘The Big Five'

· Experience the rich flora and fauna such as the Kakamega Forets-the only tropical rain forest left over the past millennia when the dense forest stretched from West Africa

Aberdare forest-part of the Aberdare Ranges that has unique animal species.

· Unique wildlife species such as the rare bongo, the Grevy Zebra, the Black Rhino among others

· Untamed wilderness where survival for the fittest rules-Kenyas wildlife is in a natural state and less human interference has been involved. With over 36 parks and reserves in place excluding private ranches and conservancies, this has made it possible to conserve the wildlife.

Among these Parks include the famous Masai Mara, Amboseli,Lake Nakuru and Samburu.

Other conservancies and sanctuary such as the Lewa and Olpejeta Conservancies have played a major role in conserving endangered wildlife species.

· An ornithological spectacle-Thousands of flamingos and other birds.

Kenya reportedly has 1132 recorded bird species. This means it is a haven for any birdwatcher or any person interested in birds. Of these species 7 are endemic and 23 are globally threatened.

· Experience the unmatched balloon Safari and fly over the parks as you have an aerial view of unmatched wildlife. Take the best photo shots. Wrap it all with a champagne breakfast on alighting.

· Enjoy our luxurious accommodation at the parks.

Stunning landscapes and breath taking sceneries

· Mt Kenya-Kenya's highest and Africa's second highest (Batian 5199)

· Mt Elgon-Kenya's second highest mountain (wagagi 4321 ugandan side). Its also the oldest and largest solitary volcano in East Africa covering 3500km2

· The panoramic Aberdare ranges

· The Great Rift Valley that runs from Syria to Mozambique. In Kenya its characterised by a width from 45Kms-100kms. Cliffs and escarpments rise to 6232ft in Naivasha. Several parks and lake lie in this area.

· Longonot and Menengai Crater ideal for hiking/Mt climbing.

· The Lake Victoria-Africa's Largest and the world's second largest fresh water lake.

· Best views of Kilimanjaro Peaks from Amboseli National Park

· Lake Turkana formerly known as Lake Rudolf. It is the Largest permanent desert lake and the world's largest alkaline lake. 4 parks are found in this area-Sibiloi, Lake Turkana, Central Island, and South Island Parks.

Enchanting Beaches and Rich and Colourful Marine Life

· Unspoilt white sandy beaches in Mombasa, Kilifi, Malindi, Watamu and Lamu.

Beaches in Mombasa include; Bamburi, Nyali, Diani, Tiwi, shanzu, Galu.

· Beautiful array of colourful fishes and other marine life,

· Coral reefs

· Marine parks-Kisite Mpunguti, Malindi, Mombasa and Kiunga marine parks

· Water sports-Deep sea diving, snorkelling, kayaking, boat rides, swimming Kite surfing among others.

The Historical ‘sleepy' Coastal Town

· Historic towns-Mombasa, Lamu and Malindi

· Age old architecture unspoilt by time;

1. Fort Jesus built in 1593 by order of King Philip 2 of Spain, to guard the old port of Mombasa. It acts as a museum today.

2. Old Town Mombasa famous for the old historical buildings and architecture.

3. Gedi Ruins

4. Vasco da Gama Monument built as a commemorative structure by Portuguese explorer as a navigational aid in 1498. The coral pillar is topped by a cross made of Lisbon stone.

5. Lamu town's ancient architecture. Lamu town serves as one of the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Structures are built of coral stones and mangrove timber. The town was founded as a centre for slave trade.

· Experience the annual Lamu Cultural Festival

· Visit Haller Park and Mamba Village in Mombasa.

· Experience dinner on the dhow at Tamarind restaurant

Indeed Kenya provides one of nature's magnificent spectacles, unmatched hospitality and memories to last forever to any guest.

‘KARIBU KENYA'-WELCOME TO KENYA.

Welcome to the Land of diverse tribe and culture with unmatched hospitality.

Kenya has 3 major cities namely; Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu.

Nairobi is the capital city. It derives its name from the Maasai words ‘Enkare nyirobi' which means a place of cool waters. Nairobi is also known as ‘the green city in the sun'. It is the only city in the world with a game park beside.

Unique places to visit include;

 

· The Giraffe Centre

· The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

· Karen Blixen Museum

· Bomas of Kenya

· Nairobi Safari Walk

· Nairobi Animal orphanage

· Nairobi Museum

· Snake park among other places.

 

Mombasa is the 2nd largest city and it is next to the Indian Ocean. Mombasa derives its name from Manbasa-an Arabic word. It was referred to as Kisiwa cha Vita/Mvita to meaning Island of war due to numerous succession battles. Mombasa is a town rich in history.

There are numerous tourist attractions and places to visit in Mombasa which include;

 

· The white sandy beaches

· Fort Jesus

· Old Town

· Haller park

· Mamba Village

· Ngomongo Village

· The Tusks

· The Mombasa marine park

 

Kisumu is the 3rd Largest City in Kenya. It is port City next to Lake Victoria. Formerly referred to as Port Florence. It started as an inland Terminal for the railway line.

Some of the attractions and places to see in Kisumu include;

· Lake Victoria-Africa's largest Lake

· Impala Sanctuary

· Historical/archaeological sites such as Thimlich

The land of athletics and long distance runners-Marathon, rugby etc.

Other important sporting events include the Rhino Charge, KCB Safari Rally and Lewa Marathon

Kenya the cradle of mankind where remains of early man have been discovered:

 

· Koobi Fora

· Olorgesailie

· Gedi ruins

· Hyrax Hill

· Manda Island

· Lake Turkana

 

Interact with different cultures and learn traditions passed on through generations

Home to Safari and ‘The Big Five'

· Experience the rich flora and fauna such as the Kakamega Forets-the only tropical rain forest left over the past millennia when the dense forest stretched from West Africa

Aberdare forest-part of the Aberdare Ranges that has unique animal species.

· Unique wildlife species such as the rare bongo, the Grevy Zebra, the Black Rhino among others

· Untamed wilderness where survival for the fittest rules-Kenyas wildlife is in a natural state and less human interference has been involved. With over 36 parks and reserves in place excluding private ranches and conservancies, this has made it possible to conserve the wildlife.

Other conservancies and sanctuary such as the Lewa and Olpejeta Conservancies have played a major role in conserving endangered wildlife species.

· An ornithological spectacle-Thousands of flamingos and other birds.

Kenya reportedly has 1132 recorded bird species. This means it is a haven for any birdwatcher or any person interested in birds. Of these species 7 are endemic and 23 are globally threatened.

· Experience the unmatched balloon Safari and fly over the parks as you have an aerial view of unmatched wildlife. Take the best photo shots. Wrap it all with a champagne breakfast on alighting.

· Enjoy our luxurious accommodation at the parks.

Stunning landscapes and breath taking sceneries

· Mt Kenya-Kenya's highest and Africa's second highest (Batian 5199)

· Mt Elgon-Kenya's second highest mountain (wagagi 4321 ugandan side). Its also the oldest and largest solitary volcano in East Africa covering 3500km2

· The panoramic Aberdare ranges

· The Great Rift Valley that runs from Syria to Mozambique. In Kenya its characterised by a width from 45Kms-100kms. Cliffs and escarpments rise to 6232ft in Naivasha. Several parks and lake lie in this area.

· Longonot and Menengai Crater ideal for hiking/Mt climbing.

· The Lake Victoria-Africa's Largest and the world's second largest fresh water lake.

· Best views of Kilimanjaro Peaks from Amboseli National Park

· Lake Turkana formerly known as Lake Rudolf. It is the Largest permanent desert lake and the world's largest alkaline lake. 4 parks are found in this area-Sibiloi, Lake Turkana, Central Island, and South Island Parks.

Enchanting Beaches and Rich and Colourful Marine Life

· Unspoilt white sandy beaches in Mombasa, Kilifi, Malindi, Watamu and Lamu.

Beaches in Mombasa include; Bamburi, Nyali, Diani, Tiwi, shanzu, Galu.

· Beautiful array of colourful fishes and other marine life,

· Coral reefs

· Marine parks-Kisite Mpunguti, Malindi, Mombasa and Kiunga marine parks

· Water sports-Deep sea diving, snorkelling, kayaking, boat rides, swimming Kite surfing among others.

The Historical ‘sleepy' Coastal Town

· Historic towns-Mombasa, Lamu and Malindi

· Age old architecture unspoilt by time;

1. Fort Jesus built in 1593 by order of King Philip 2 of Spain, to guard the old port of Mombasa. It acts as a museum today.

2. Old Town Mombasa famous for the old historical buildings and architecture.

3. Gedi Ruins

4. Vasco da Gama Monument built as a commemorative structure by Portuguese explorer as a navigational aid in 1498. The coral pillar is topped by a cross made of Lisbon stone.

5. Lamu town's ancient architecture. Lamu town serves as one of the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Structures are built of coral stones and mangrove timber. The town was founded as a centre for slave trade.

· Experience the annual Lamu Cultural Festival

· Visit Haller Park and Mamba Village in Mombasa.

· Experience dinner on the dhow at Tamarind restaurant

Indeed Kenya provides one of nature's magnificent spectacles, unmatched hospitality and memories to last forever to any guest.

Typical Kenyan Itinerary.

The classic safari Itinerary included a visit to famous national parks. The most common one being;

Nairobi-Amboseli-Lake Nakuru-Masai Mara-Nairobi

Other common itineraries would involve the northern circuit to incorporate Samburu game reserve; common itinerary would include;

Nairobi-Samburu-Aberdares-Lake Nakuru-Masai Mara-Nairobi

Nairobi-Samburu-Aberdares-Lake Nakuru-Masai Mara-Amboseli-Nairobi

Nairobi-Samburu-Mt kenya-Lake Nakuru-Masai Mara-Amboseli-Nairobi

Nairobi-Samburu-Mt kenya-Lake Nakuru-Masai Mara-Nairobi

Please note that this did not include hiking the mountain since these needs several days

A visit to Olpejeta Conservancy would be incorporated in any of the above itineraries as it is along this tourist circuit.

Another popular itinerary would be a safari with a beach extension. This mainly is a safari that ends at the beach. It may end in Mombasa, Kilifi, Malindi, Watamu or Lamu. A guest may either take a flight or train from Nairobi after the safari. Some of the common itineraries in this category include;

Nairobi-Amboseli-Lake Nakuru-Masai Mara-Nairobi-Mombasa/Lamu/Malindi/Watamu

Nairobi-Samburu-Aberdares-Lake Nakuru-Masai Mara-Amboseli-Nairobi-Mombasa/Lamu/Malindi.

Guest may also prefer to start from the Coast then head for the Safari and end up in Nairobi.

Another category may start in Nairobi and proceed to parks southward. A good example is;

Nairobi-Amboseli-Tsavo West-Tsavo East-Mombasa/Malindi.

The itinerary may also start at The Coast and in Nairobi as follows;

Mombasa/Malindi-Tsavo East-Tsavo West-Amboseli-Nairobi.

Safaris itineraries may either be multi-destination or to a single destination.

The safari can either be a flight package or road package (Use a tour van or land cruiser)

Other special itineraries include Mt climbing itineraries.

This usually takes a minimum  of 4 days and are mainly done at Mt Kenya through various routes.

About the Author

Alphaxad is Tours and Travel Consultant with LetsGokenya, an online hotel reservations company that allows guests to book and pay for hotels, lodges and camps in kenya, Uganda and Tanzania online and in real time. Find us on www.letsgokenya.com

Giant Lake Erie Walleye on a Reef Runner w/ Capt Ross Robertson bigwaterfishing.com