Off the beaten path: Kenya: Serving every taste

Daily News Egypt
4 Min Read

Have you made up your mind for the next vacation destination? Just make sure it is two weeks; one week in Kenya is simply unjust.

Kenya is considered one of the main spots for adventure travel in Africa. It is one of the finest and undoubtedly the most famous safari destination in the world. However, safari is by no means the only reason to visit Kenya; it s rich culture and diverse environment provide tourists with a variety of attractions and activities.

One of Kenya’s two official languages is Swahili, where the the word safari means go.

With 10 percent of its total area designated as national parks, not to mention private reserves, Kenya is a model for wildlife conservational for the rest of the African continent.

Kenya hosts some of the best places in the world for exotic animal safaris.

In every corner of the country there is at least one natural protectorate, the world-class Masai Mara tops the list. It has become the destination of choice for any wildlife enthusiast with interest in seeing the Big Five – a term widely used for seeing the famous representatives of the Animal Kingdom: the buffalo, elephant, leopard, rhino and lion.

In the equally phenomenal Wildebeest Migration, zebras and other wildebeests take their annual trip ditching the drying pastorals of Serengeti in neighboring Tanzania for the lush greens of Masai Mara. Watching hordes of herbivores crossing the Mara River in the millions is indeed spectacular.

There is much more to see and do than game drives and bush walks in Kenya. Head to Hell’s Gate National Park for some great mountain biking that will give you a unique adrenaline-rush.

Hikers and trekkers have a golden opportunity to experience rambling and mountaineering around Mount Longonot. And if you are really up for a climb, then consider Mount Kenya, the country’s highest summit.

If your adrenaline habit still needs more nurturing, then Ewaso Mgiro is the place to go for the ultimate white-water rafting experience.

For less physically-demanding activities head to the Indian Coast for some mind boggling beaches; Che Chale in the north and Funzi Island in the south leave the Maldives stranded in shame. These are Africa’s undiscovered honeymoon destinations.

On the archeological side, Kenya’s coast is literally dotted with ruins. The Portuguese-built Fort Jesus heads the herd. Located in Kenya’s second largest city of Mombasa, Fort Jesus felt to the hands of Omani Arabs after a notorious 33 months siege back in 1698. The beauty of this fortification edifice is the homogeneous melting of Portuguese, Arab and Swahili cultures in one pot.

Although Kenya experiences a wide variety of climate conditions, the temperature remains relatively warm year-round. Much of Kenya experiences heavy rainfall from March through May and, to a lesser extent, from October through December. The best timing for the outdoor activities is during the dry season (June-September).

Before you call the embassy, know that most nationalities, Egyptians included, can obtain an entry visa upon arrival; $50 for single entry and $100 for multiple. If you are going from Cairo, both EgyptAir and Kenya Airways have direct flights to Nairobi several times a week. Though opinions vary significantly when it comes to the recommended vaccinations, Yellow Fever vaccine is a must.

Have a nice exotic trip.

Wildlife Safari offers a la carte as well as tailor-made safaris and tours in Kenya and East Africa. For details and prices, please visit http://www.africa-wildlife-safari.com or Tel: +254 20 3872343

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