Despite having a coastline of beautiful beaches perfect for lazing, the country simply has too many exciting things to see. Stirring landscapes ranging from jagged peaks to wildlife-laden plains and tropical reefs make for an epic natural playground for all who visit.
There are a lot of things to do in Africa.
The word "sabre" means "journey" in Swahili, which is why it was born in Africa. Spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) is a major aspiration of many visitors to Africa, and as one would suspect, Kenya provides some of the continent's most impressive natural places for it.
The Masai Mara is one of the most famous natural reserves in the world. Amboseli National Park, with its forest-clad escarpments, is one of the best places for Big Five safaris. The Samburu Game Reserve in the remote north is also home to the "Samburu Big Five": Beisa oryx, Grevy's zebra, long-necked gerenuk, and Reticulated giraffe. The only national park within a city in the world, it is home to lions, leopard and buffalo, as well as hundreds of species of birdlife.
The trekking terrain of Mt Kenya is one of the most beautiful and rewarding in Africa. The mountain's diverse valleys, glaciers and dramatic summit are extraordinary sights, and they are best seen over a challenging multi-day hike to Point Lenana, the mountain's third- highest peak and highest reachable without climbing equipment.
The slopes of Mt Elgon are technically in Uganda but on the border with Kenya and are home to many animals. It is another great option for treks that last several days. Climb up Mt Longonot to its crater rim, take a walk in the dense Kakamega Forest, or visit a waterfall in the mountains of Aberdare National Park and listen to the birds. Karura Forest is the capital of the country and has around 30 miles of trails around a waterfall, caves, rivers and a wetlands.
It has been described as the greatest natural spectacle on the planet. Between July and October, as many as 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles cross the Mara River to feed on the grass of the Masai Mara. There are herds of elephants and giraffes in the open savanna and they are followed by a sea of prey. There is always a lot of drama during the migration.
Some of the easiest snorkeling in East Africa can be found in the calm inshore waters ofKenya. On the other side of the reef, where whale sharks, dolphins and swordfish play, is Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve, an excellent place to go.
Highly regarded operations offer open water diving courses for those who want to improve their diving skills. It's a good place to get your toes wet. PADI courses begin in shore-based pools beneath swaying palms in Diani Beach, Watamu and Wasini Island.
This two-wheeled pursuit offers a unique way of embracing both the country's incredible landscapes and its renowned wildlife. You can ride over the red earth paths in the volcanic confines of Hell's Gate National Park or take a cycle tour of the plains of the Masai Mara. When in the saddle, the sense of engagement with the wildlife is even greater.
There are some great single track routes for mountain bikers who want nothing more than to test their skills. You can explore the coastal areas around Diani Beach by bike.
The most romantic way to view the Indian Ocean coast is from the deck of a dhow. The wooden sailing vessels used along this stretch of coastline have been in use for hundreds of years. Launching from the historical island of Lamu, from the shores of Mombasa town, or the modern resort village of Diani Beach, these wind-powered voyages will slip past stunning sliver.
Many people's memories of this East African nation are related to their interactions with the locals. The Maasai people, with their red shukas, bright smiles and overwhelming presence, add a depth of warmth to any trip into the Mara region.
The same can be said for the striking Turkana people in the eastern part of the lake. The El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Dassanach, Gabra, Borana, Konso are some of the tribes that visitors to the Marsabit-Lake Turkana Festival will see.
There is a lot of different cultures in Africa. The South Asian population of Hindus, Muslims, Goans and Sikhs are part of the legacy of the former British colony. The Swahili people on the coast are tied to a language and an African history that is related to Arabia and Persia. You can immerse yourself in the world in the alleyways of Lamu town and Shela village on Lamu Island.
Do you want to experience the thrill of the indian ocean? Windsurfers and kitesurfers use the same winds that power the dhows. The latter has caught on in the country with many schools providing lessons for beginners and equipment rentals for experienced kitesurfers.
The epicenter of action is Diani Beach. It's highly recommended that you go to the less crowdedShanzu beaches. The waters off Watamu and Malindi are great for experienced surfers because of the larger waves and lack of a reef. Whitewater rafting trips can be taken on the Athi and Tana rivers, which thunder down from the Central Highlands at certain points during the year.
A hot air balloon ride above the famous rolling savanna and flat-topped acacia trees of the Masai Mara is one of the most thrilling experiences in the country. A view of lions stalking their prey or a lone black rhino moving through the bush is something that nobody can forget. It is possible to see the perfectly proportioned elephant-shaped shadows cast by the largest member of the Big Five. There are few experiences in life that are as peaceful as a hot air balloon tour in Africa.
If you want to mix wildlife, culture, landscapes and adventure, camel safaris are a great way to go. Visitors will see nomadic life and mingle with local people in the Samburu and Turkana areas. On these trips, the main attraction is the journey, even though wildlife is not as abundant as in the south.
The mornings are spent on the move with visitors either riding the camels or walking alongside them. Participants have the rest of the day to enjoy guided walks or just relax. Samburu moran lead the caravans with English-speaking tribal guides on hand to give interesting details on local folklore, ornithology and local customs.
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