Situated on the equator on Africa's east coast, Kenya has been described as "the cradle of humanity". In the Great Rift Valley palaeontologists have discovered some of the earliest evidence of man's ancestors. In the present day, Kenya's ethnic diversity has produced a vibrant culture but is also a source of conflict.
Kenya is still the primary focus of all adventure travel in Africa. It is one of the finest and undoubtedly the most famous safari destination in the world. The Swahili word safari (literally, journey) wouldn't mean much to most people if it wasn't for this East African adventure land. No matter how many Tarzan movies you've seen, nothing will prepare you for the annual mass migration of wildebeests in the Masai Mara. Safari, however, is by no means the only reason to visit Kenya, for the attractions of its rich culture and diverse environments are considerable.
Going on safari often conjures up images of sleeping in a tent. Die hard traditionalists insist that a safari is not real unless it's spent under canvas, but it is not always like that. There are lots of travel companies and agents which can offer you a highly luxurious safari including hotels, found primarily in major cities or in beach resorts; small, individual "bush" lodges; and tented camps. It's easy to confuse camping in Africa with the rough-and-ready experience of your scouting days. Typical tented accommodations often include surprisingly luxurious amenities such as en suite facilities, spring beds with crisp linens, and fine dining.
Kenya's capital – Nairobi- is cosmopolitan, lively, interesting and pleasantly landscaped. Its central business district is handily compact and it's a great place to tune into modern urban African life. Like many other African cities, Nairobi has its share of bustling markets, skyscrapers, alarming matatu (taxi bus) drivers, dusty shanties and leafy suburbs with sweeping gardens. It's a good place to tap back into the world in between safaris and catch up on international news, get your films developed, wander through book shops and send off your post cards to envious neighbours. Nairobi is a city that never seems to sleep. The entire town has a boundless energy, and is thriving place where all of human life can be found. This is a place of great contrasts where race, tribe and origin all become facets of a unique Nairobi character. It is unusual in such a bustling city, to find a national park full of wild animals, yet this is the setting for the Nairobi National Park. Despite a startling backdrop of city skyscrapers, it is a haven for lions and rhino as well as zebra and many antelopes.
From the wildlife to the nightlife, Nairobi is a city unlike any other. With a fantastic music scene, excellent international restaurants and an endless and colourful array of shops and markets, there is plenty on offer for the visitor.
As Kenya is nowadays one of the most popular places on Earth to go safaring, do not miss an opportunity to plunge into the marvellous nature and specific atmosphere of this African country! Everyone has ever dreamt of going on a safari; why not fulfil your dream?
