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Kenya Travel Tips – Top Seven Things To See And Do In Kenya

By Arjen Koopman

Kenya is more and more popular with foreign tourists – not surprisingly, if we look what the country has to offer. What are the top seven things to see and do in Kenya?

Kenya Africa  - photo by Dave Dyet

1. Going on a safari

Kenya maintains a well-managed system of national parks, who are among the finest of Africa. This has made Kenya the top safari destination in the world. Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park are the most popular wildlife resorts, and they draw in the tourist high seasons (July-August and December-January). However, there are plenty of hidden gems for safaris left.

My favorites are the impressive Mount Elgon National Park – the area around Africa’s third-biggest mountain – and the small but beautiful Saiwa Swamp National Park. Both attract few visitors but are of a breathtaking beauty and tranquility.

2. Visit the Swahili coast region

Within Kenya, the coastal region stands apart. Arabs have frequented this part along the Indian Ocean since the 9th century, and this has led to the rise of the famous Swahili culture – the vibrant mix of African, Arab and Indian cultures. Many people are Muslim here, although of a liberal type.

If you have the chance, watch a Taarab performance, seductive African-Arab-Indian music played at weddings and other festivities. And of course, Kenya has 500 kilometers of white sand beaches with excellent and affordable beach resorts, where you can dine and sip Martinis right at your private beach.

3. Visit a tribal village

Especially the Masai, Samburu and Turkana peoples still live a traditional, tribal lifestyle. It’s possible to visit their villages and do a tea drinking ceremony or watch traditional dances. However, ask a travel guide to direct you to a good opportunity, as too much of tourist visits turn into demoralizing high-pressure sales events.

4. Experience the Wildebeest Migration

Perhaps the best of all Kenya travel tips. Each year in September-October, between half to one million Wildebeest suddenly gather on the Serengeti plains in Tanzania, after which they trek in a big circle through the south of Kenya and back again. It’s one of the biggest wildlife shows on earth. Some lodges are strategically placed so you’ll be right in the middle of it.

5. Take a balloon trip

Short hot air balloon trips over one of the major wildlife resorts – especially Masai Mara – have become increasingly popular. They typically leave very early in the morning so you’ll spend the first hours after sunrise gliding over the Kenyan plains, which is the best time for animal watching. There’s breakfast with champagne after landing. Priced around $400, they aren’t cheap, however.

6. Visit Nairobi

Who’s afraid of big bad Nairobi? It doesn’t have the best reputation, but actually I like Nairobi, and if you take some common sense precautions, nothing unpleasant is likely to happen to you. Nairobi is a really cosmopolitan place, where Africans and whites of all nationalities gather.

My favorite places include Simmers, for a late breakfast with good coffee and newspapers, and the New Florida nightclub (nicknamed “Madhouse”), which indeed is a pretty crazy place in the early hours… And just outside Nairobi is the huge Nairobi National Park, making Nairobi one of the few world capitals where you can be in the middle of the wild bush with a 30-minute taxi ride from the city center.

7. Go diving in the Indian Ocean

Kenya has great possibilities for diving and snorkeling, even by professional standards. The reefs at Watamu National Park along the coast are in an excellent condition. There are many of very exotic fish, in every color and shape conceivable. Fishers are totally banned from the waters, so you’ll not be disturbed. Even harmless whale sharks visit the waters regularly, a highlight for any diver.

With this list of Kenya travel tips, I still haven’t mentioned trekking the permanently iced Mount Kenya, the huge pink flamingo population of Lake Nakuru, the coastal city of Mombasa with it’s ancient fortress, the paradise island of Lamu, the dhow races, and much more.

Arjen Koopman is an Amsterdam-based journalist and editor of http://www.kenya-advisor.com the independent travel and country portal to Kenya. Subscribe to his e-zine for free at http://www.kenya-advisor.com/e-zine.html and receive a free e-photo book with top, big-size Kenya pictures, a free report to help you avoid safari scams, and some great Masai music. For more Kenya travel tips, visit http://www.kenya-advisor.com/kenya-travel-tips.html

Packing For Your African Safari Holiday

The essential thing to remember is to travel light!

Be Certain to Have with You:

1. Valid passport
2. Valid visa – if required
3. One other picture identification (e.g. driver’s license)
4. Photocopy of passport page to carry in wallet
5. Air tickets
6. Expense money
7. Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy

Dressing for Safaris

On safari, most people wear shorts and a T-shirt during the day and put on long sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening for warmth as well as protection from mosquitoes. Should you be particularly sensitive to the sun a loose cotton shirt is essential during the day. Khaki, brown, olive and beige colours are best for and safaris and game walks.

White is not a suitable colour for these activities, as it increases your visibility to wildlife you want to get a closer look at and it will get dirty very quickly. Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives, because it is highly possible that you may go out on a hot day, but be faced with a chill evening on your return. Remember that layering your clothing will keep you warmer than relying on one thick item.

Clothing to Pack for Safaris

2 pairs khaki cotton pants
2 pairs khaki shorts
2 long sleeved shirts/ blouses (for sun protection as well as warmth)
1 light sweater or sweatshirt
1 lightweight, waterproof windbreaker

Swimming costume
Sturdy walking or hiking boots
Sandals
3-5 short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts
5 changes underwear and socks

Hat with a brim (baseball caps might cover your nose but not your ears and neck)
Gloves (if you really feel the cold)
Down vest or jacket (if you really feel the cold)
A sarong or kikoi type garment
Most lodges and safari camps offer laundry as part of their service. Hotels all offer laundry, at additional cost.

Essentials:

Toilet kit including shampoo and soap
Insect repellent
Good quality sunglasses plus protective case
Hand wipes or ‘Baby wipes’
Stuff-sacks or plastic packets; to compartmentalise items within your travel bag

Repair kit: needle and thread, nylon cord, rip-stop tape
Camera, film or memory card
Spare batteries. Film and batteries can generally be obtained at lodges, but at a price of course, so please be sure to have sufficient supplies for your needs
Binoculars
Paperback reading, writing material (keep weight at a minimum)

Sunscreen or block
Moisturizer, lip balm
Personal first-aid kit (headache pills, antihistamine cream etc)
Large towel and washcloth (thin, quick-drying) – if required for camping/overland safari

If you take prescription medication, be sure to bring a sufficient supply with you. If you are on a lengthy holiday, we suggest that you carry a copy of your prescription with you.

Luggage for a Mobile Safari

For Safari travel, the best type of luggage to bring is a soft bag, or backpack with an internal frame. As packing space in Safari vehicles is limited, only one bag is allowed, but you should also have a daypack for all of your personal items/camera/binoculars. Hard suitcases are usually scuffed or damaged in transit and are inappropriate for a game safari.

Light aircraft: Important note

If part of your itinerary includes light aircraft flights, there are serious weight restrictions. You are usually restricted to 10 or 12kg (22 or 26 lbs), per person, in a soft bag. Storage space in a light aircraft is at a premium, and the pilot may refuse to take on bulky or excessive luggage. The most common aircraft types used for charter work are Cessna 206 or 210, and Cessna 208 Caravans. Slightly larger aircraft are often used in East Africa, but luggage is still restricted.

A reasonable amount of hand luggage and camera equipment is generally allowed.

Remember that the charter pilot has the final say in terms of taking the luggage and you will be responsible for costs should your luggage need to be forwarded for you, or should an extra aircraft be required for transportation.

By Gerald Crawford

About the Author

Gerald Crawford: born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa and the United Kingdom. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: gerald@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za