TOP FIVE PLACES A MUST VISIT IN KENYA

So, what comes in your mind when you hear the name KENYA?

Definitely, everyone has their views and their correct definitions about Kenya. To me, when you mention the word Kenya, a sense of belonging, pride and joy normally fill my heart. This is because i know the unveiled secret about this country which has been halved by the equator: which is a rare chance indeed! and do you know what this means? It means its one of the very few countries which normally enjoys seasons with relatively constant temperatures through out  the world.

Just a little briefing about this country, it is situated in east Africa, with its Capital NAIROBI located at 1°16'S latitude and 36°48'E. This country attained its independence from Britain in the year 1963 with its major national holidays being Madaraka (kiswahili language tranlation for responsibility) elebrated on 1st June every year and 12th December called Jamhuri day (republic). Its national language is English and Kiswahili where by it is shared among the east african countries. The country has a total of 41 very friendly and fun loving tribes.

Now, any one who has traveled in kenya goes with one saying, that you haven't traveled yet, until you travel in Kenya, and that is because of the following:
1. The Maasai Mara National Park

If you want to see the 'big five' in one morning, Masai Mara in western Kenya is the place to be. During the dry season from July to October the wildlife spectacle is unparalleled. Nowhere else can you watch the annual migration of over a million wildebeest from a hot-air balloon. The 'Mara' is as close to "Out of Africa" as you can get.
More About the Masai Mara National Reserve:

2. Lamu

Banana House, Lamu, Kenya
Banana House, Lamu, KenyaLamu is one of Kenya's oldest towns, settled by the Swahili about 700 years ago. More recently discovered by backpackers, Lamu is a great place to unwind and wash off the dirt and grime accumulated from some hard traveling. No matatus or mini-buses here, just donkeys and the sound of the ocean waves. You can take a Dhow and explore the islands or enjoy wandering the narrow alleys of Lamu's old town.
Where to Stay on Lamu: Shela Beach area: Lamu Retreats offer several houses for rent; the cheapest is probably the Banana House. More upscale is the Peponi Hotel.
Lamu Town Petley's Inn is the best place to stay. Cheaper options include Pole Pole Guest House and the Kipepeo Guest House.
Getting to Lamu: Fly from Nairobi.

3. Lake Nakuru National Park

Getty Images
Lake Nakuru is famous for its huge flocks of flamingos that enjoy the alkaline waters of this shallow soda lake. Other than 1 million flamingos and many more species of birds, the park is also home to white rhino, warthog, giraffe, hippo, ostrich, and lion. Lake Nakuru is slowly recovering from several environmental pressures that caused its flamingo population to decline in the 1990's. Lake NakuruBest Time To Go: Year-Round
Where to Stay: There are two main lodges and several public and private campsites in the park.
Getting There: By road from Nairobi (3-hour drive).
More about bird life in Kenya.

4. Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya, KenyaMount Kenya is Africa's second highest peak. While the highest peaks Batian (5200m) and Nelion (5188m) require some technical climbing, Lenana (4985m) is the peak trekkers head to. Mount Kenya's slopes are cloaked in forest and moorland which gives way to rock, ice and snow. The mountain is part of a larger reserve.
The best time to climb Mount Kenya is between January - February, and July - October. There are huts on the mountain, or you can camp. Expect to pay around $850 per person on up, depending on the route you take.
More Info:

5. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park
Getty Images/Martin Harvey
Amboseli is a popular park with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro (in Tanzania). The park is centered around Observation Hill, which offers great views of the plains below. The Maasai live around the park and other than their cattle, Amboseli is home to more than 50 species of mammal and over 400 species of bird. You can see elephant, hippo, cheetah, leopard and more, see images of Amboseli. Best Time To Go: June - October
Where to Stay: There are several lodges and campsites in the park.
Getting There: By road from Nairobi (4 hours) or a daily scheduled flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airpo

This is just but a briefing, but to spice up your visit of Kenya, there is a variety of panoramic views all the way as you transit from one point to the other. This includes the great escarpments of The Great Rift Valley, Tropical rain forest all along the way, the hills and valleys of the Kenyan highlands among many.

Spoil yourself this year by visiting Kenya and you will never get enough of that! also make sure you say hi to me when you land.
 


 

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