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Mamba is Swahili for crocodile. Nairobi's Mamba village is the most popular and the biggest crocodile farm in Africa. Mamba village is divided into different sections which include the crocodile farm, the horse and camel riding, and floura magic, which is bonatical garden.

Orchard and aquatic plants are the speciality but they also display carnivorous species, marine aquarim and snakes. The restaurant specilizes in game meat such as crocodile,ostrich and zebra.

Hobbies & Activities category: Children activities; Culnary attraction; Gerdenor Botanic display; Zoo or animal collections.

Recreational options

* Leisure Park
* Crocodile Pens
* Superb Scenery
* Conferences Facility
* Secluded Picnic site
* Children Playgrounds
* Camel, Horse, Boat Riding
* Ostrich Park, Bird watching trail
* Man-made lake, restaurant, barbeque, lounge, bar, bandas, art gallery, gift shop
* Amphitheater& a Botanical Garden replete with rare exotic medicinal plants and trees
* Adequate Space for Garden Parties, Weddings, Splendid Photo/Video Shooting Sessions

The crocodile pen

Nairobi Mamba Village - just as the name suggests, is the home of Crocodiles in Kenya's capital city. The species found here is the Nile Crocodile - which is one of the three species common in Africa and the biggest as well.

Also considered as man-eaters, the Nile Crocodile can, and sometimes does easily snatch and devour human beings at will. Any close encounter with the reptile is to be avoided at all costs. The Nile Crocodile also known scientifically as Crocodylus Niloticus - is on average a well known reptile, primarily owing to its huge size.

It has four short, splayed legs; a long powerful tail; and a scaly hide with rows of scales (known as ossified scutes) running down the back to end of its tail. Its mighty jaws are regarded as its greatest asset and weapon. The nostrils, eyes and ears are also located on the top of their heads - the reason why the reptile is able to conceal the rest of its body underwater.

Juvenile crocodiles are grey, dark olive or brown - though the cross-bands on their tail and body are darker. And as they mature - their hide gets darker as the cross-bands fade away.

The color of the Crocodile's skin makes it easy for the reptile to lay in wait patiently for unsuspecting prey. At the Nairobi Mamba Village, the existing pens are flanked by grayish rocks and sand beds where the Croc's bask - within a richly vegetated background meant to mimic their wild and natural habitat.

Nairobi Mamba Village Ostrich Park

Amazing integration of nature and man activities with an opportunity to see savannah ostrich in an extensive area and yet get close enough to feed them from your hand.

All this is experienced in the Mamba village Ostrich Park. Ostriches are flightless birds, regarded as the world's largest and heaviest birds. Their scientific name Struthio camelus is derived from the Greek word "camel sparrow". In local Kiswahili dialect they are referred to commonly as "mbuni".

Ostriches can be found in especially Africa - although almost all zoos worldwide must have the bird within their pens. The birds also considered to be powerful runners - have long, sturdy legs though each has only two toes.

At the ostrich park in Nairobi Mamba Village, the sanctuary provides an amazing integration of nature and activities. Visitors have an opportunity to see a graceful savannah ostrich within its natural environment and also get up close enough to feed them from one's hand.

Nairobi Mamba Village Leisure Park

The mamba village leisure park provides a great location for relaxation. Outdoor activities such as garden weddings, graduation ceremonies, concerts self structured games and funfair's can be held here.

A soon-to-be-inaugurated Leisure Park covering about 10 acres is currently under creation. Upon completion, it is expected to transform Nairobi Mamba Village into an environmental conservation centre and a botanical garden of a kind in East Africa with more than 90 medicinal trees already planted in the grounds.

Nairobi Mamba Village concentration of indigenous medicinal plants and exotic trees cannot be found anywhere else in Nairobi on a single location.

In the long term Nairobi Mamba Village Leisure Park is intended to offer an ideal location for relaxation, outdoor activities such as garden weddings, graduation ceremonies, live music concerts, self structured games and funfair's among other activities, which require expansive space. Nairobi Mamba Village Leisure Park in future will have the following features:

* Medicinal arboretum
* Large open lawns
* Amphitheater
* Water garden
* Palm garden
* Mini-Golf

 

Much of the natural wealth currently found in Kenya can be laid in the door from the country’s two largest cities: Mombasa and Nairobi.

For during the early many years of the twentieth century, the link that was forged between these two cities – one (Mombasa) a non-descript port town and also the other (Nairobi) a swamp-like plain of land – provided a basic template for growth that has allowed the country to develop and it is the foundation which it is built.

In tandem, they are basically the lifeblood of Kenya and have much to offer visitors in search of cultural richness and diversity.

Cosmopolitan in the outlook but happily steeped in history, the heart of Mombasa is said to be its old town district in which the narrow streets are awash with busy markets and the smell of fresh fish and herbal scents fill the air.

Mombasas history is probably best exemplified by Fort Jesus, a 16th century battlement which was the focal point of the struggle for that Kenyan coast between the Portuguese army and Shirazi Arabs. The fort has withstood a catalogue of damage over the years and today stands a sturdy proof of the citys war torn history.

Through centuries of ruling strife including British rule and the fight for independence, current day Mombasa is a city filled with diversity and life – the second biggest in Kenya. Happy with its cosmopolitan credentials, Mombasa welcomes a world of culture to the humble abode with Mosque and Hindu Temples side by side with Christian symbols of worship – a veritable assortment of faiths co-existing with peace and understanding.

Unlike many modern, forward-thinking cities, Mombasa is proud of both its background and the strides it has taken to become what its today. Likewise Nairobi – Kenyas capital and one from the largest cities in Africa by having an estimated population of three million.

 

Once a sleepy frontier town, Nairobi is now a city so busy, it never sleeps. Like Mombasa, Nairobi is happy with its background and the role its played in its cultural makeup. The city is modern yes, but it also exists as microcosm of life where race and tribal origins serve as a successful recipe for cultural harmony. This historical context and also the cocktail of cultures its produced are celebrated in the Nairobi National Museum – situated near to the city centre.

Whilst proud of its history, Nairobi is certainly not a slave to it and is a city like not one other. Its inhabitants are friendly and enthusiastic, as well as for visitors, the town is always alive having a multitude of shops and markets to go to and restaurants in which to eat. A fantastic nightlife also is based on store having a diverse selection of entertainment to enjoy ranging from casinos, nightclubs and theatres.

Individual and distinctive yet resolutely intertwined, Kenyas Mombasa and Nairobi are synonymous with a country full of history and culture and something that is ripe for exploration.

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The Samburu Game Reserve should be in your itinerary when you plan an in Kenya Safari or any African Safari Holiday, because it is one of the less well known of the Kenya Game Reserves, and so less crowded, and in addition it has several species which are considered to be unique to the region.

Going on an in Kenya Safari should not necessarily be all about the 'big five', but also the chance of spotting animals such as Grevy's Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, as well as Elephant, Lion and Cheetah.

Sadly there are no rhino in the park because of poaching, but there are over 350 species of bird which includes Kingfisher, Sunbird, Bee-eater, Marabou Stork, Bateleur, Palm-nut Vulture.

Last but not least the Usaso Nyiro River contains large numbers of Nile crocodiles, the second largest species of crocodile, who can grow up to 20ft. in length, weighing over1500lbs., and are known to snatch and devour a human

Samburu Game Reserve is situated north of Nairobi, is only 40 square miles in size, and is part of the Northern Frontier District.

There are two entry points, the Buffalo Springs and Ngae Mare gates, and dominated by two mountains, the Koitogor and Ololokwe. The Uaso Nyiro or 'Brown Water' also flows through, coming from the Kenyan Highlands.

The river is attraction for the animals, and the whole place is really quite peaceful beacause for many years it was difficult to get to, and there is a total absence of any industry.

In terms of vegetation there is a mixture of grass, thorn trees, riverne forest and acacia.

The lodges and camps in the Samburu Game reserve for the visitors includes, Bedouin Camp, Elephant Watch Camp, Larsen's Camp, Samburu Intrepids Club, Samburu Lodge, and Samburu Serena Lodge.

A good choice for your Kenya safari, as part of your African Safari Holiday is undoubtedly Samburu Game Reserve, a much less crowded place to go.

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Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial (Mass) tourism. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights(wikipedia).

Kenya is probably most famous for its expansive plains which are heavily populated by zebra and wildebeest and the flamingos that hang out in the many lakes. This is also the land of the Masaai people, a semi-nomadic subgroup of African culture and one of the most well-known ethnic groups in Africa. A Kenyan safari taken near or in one of their camps can teach visitors much about African heritage.

Other sites include Lake Victoria and the Masai Mara camp. The Masai Mara is a world-renowned game viewing region. Elephants, giraffe and many other animals frequent this region. The grasslands provide a great cover for the predatory animals, like lions, to hide out in. In Kenya you can also get a great view of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Another popular place to visit during a luxury Kenya safari is the Shaba National Reserve, named for Mount Shaba which looms 1525 meters in the air on the border of the reserve. This is a prime place for spotting waterbucks, dikdiks (small antelopes), lions, cheetahs, gerenuks (long-necked antelope), buffalo, gazelles and a great many species of birds.

Because the country is on the coast, it is easy to add a visit to one of the small islands to your luxury Kenya safari. Check out Rusinga (just off the eastern shore of Lake Victoria) or Lamu Island (part of the Lamu Archipelago). Lamu Island is called the "the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa" by the World Heritage List.

A luxury safari in Kenya is pretty easy to come by with direct flights from London. You can go on a safari or ecotour at pretty much any point in the year. August is probably the most popular time. This is when the Masai Mara camps are busiest.

The wet season is mainly in April and May, which may make the coast and beaches undesirable. However, this is a good time to see baby animals. The rains also bring flowers and more greenery, and the acai trees are near peak. The rainy season is the off season, meaning this is the time for a little more privacy on your luxury Kenya safari.

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A big reason why thousands of people visit Mombasa each year is the beautiful beaches that stretch for miles along the North and South Coasts. In addition to being a haven for those who are looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation, watersports and fishing enthusiasts can also get their money’s worth.

But Mombasa has a lot more to offer visitors than just beaches. Remnants of historical and cultural attractions from centuries ago still remain. Other attractions showcase the diversity of flora and fauna in the region, and nature parks are an appealing destination for many visitors. As well, there are opportunities to experience the different facets of the Kenyan culture – within the city, in some of the surrrounding towns, and even in remote villages.

Bombolulu Workshops

The Bombolulu workshops are located along the north coast of Mombasa. Founded in 1969, Bombolulu Workshops is a Project of the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya (APDK). It is a major tourist attraction which consists of a Cultural Centre with 8 traditional homesteads. The Centre also runs a traditional Restaurant and entertains guests with traditional dances throughout the day. The Centre is run by the “Association for the physically disabled” and employs 150-disabled craftsmen/women who produce jewelery, hand printed textiles, wood carvings and leather crafts. The products are sold in a large showroom and exported to 20 countries. Bombolulu Workshops have grown to be one of the biggest rehabilitation centres in Kenya and has built a reputation as one of Kenyans most reliable exporters

Fort Jesus

Fort Jesus is Mombasa’s most popular tourist attraction. The fort, located along the coastline near the Old Town, is a monumental piece of architecture that was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. The fort has a museum that displays various artifacts from the era where Mombasa served as a transit point for the slave trade and commodities, and which enjoyed regular visits by seafarers and the like. Its interior comprises of torture rooms and prison cells where slaves were kept in captivity before being traded. Weapons such as canons, which were used to defend the fort from invading foreigners as well as rioting locals, can be seen both inside and outside of the fort. The fort opens its gates for viewing in the morning and closes at dusk.

Gedi Ruins

On the North coast of Mombasa towards the town of Malindi lays one the most historic ruins found in Mombasa, called the Gedi Ruins. Gedi was a small town built entirely from rocks and stones, which was inhabited by a few thousand Swahili people and ruled by a very rich Sultan. These ruins date back from the 15th century, and through careful preservation most of the original foundations can still be seen today. A well-informed and educated guide gives a tour of the ruins. The ruins are designated as a National Museum by law, and their preservation are a direct reflection of the commitment of the Government to uphold the country’s cultural and historical background.

 

Old Town

“Old Town” is the part of Mombasa that is reminiscent of the days when the Arabs exerted a heavy influence on the town and its culture, and especially in the architecture and language (Kiswahili has a lot of phrases derived from various Arabic dialects). It is well known for its ancient buildings, extravagant art designs and curio shops that sell antique and popular Kenyan souvenirs. Old Town is best seen when explored by foot with an experienced guide, as the streets are too narrow to accommodate a large number of vehicles. The town’s inhabitants are mostly of Arab origin who’s forefathers once roamed the same streets of the town. Fort Jesus is located just a few steps away from where the town “starts”, thus a complete tour of the fort and the “Old Town” can be done in a single day.

Mombasa Tusk

The Mombasa “Tusks” are symbolic representations of entrance into the heart of the town. The tusks were built to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth to the town in 1952, as they lay directly on the path from the port to the town. Ivory was considered to be an exquisite commodity during the time, and in essence the tusks were meant to embrace the Queen and the British Empire into the town and within its social structure. Coincidentally the tusks also spell the letter “M” for Mombasa.

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Turn TV time into reality - the Masai Mara has been thrilling kids for ages. Experienced rangers and Maasai tribemen lead professional activity programmes which teach your children ancient tribal sports and exciting bush survival techniques. A unique way to get your kids in touch with the wilderness, they will learn first hand about the importance of conservation - and have a ball doing it.

Perhaps the most rewarding part is that they get to do all this while you enjoy game drives and all the lodge luxuries in peace and quiet. We recommend Rhino Camp for an excellent family-friendly accommodation and boredom-busting activity programmes - and view our Masai Mara family safaris here for recommended Masai Mara safari itineraries.

Kairi Tours and Safaris is keen to promote the western Kenya tourist circuit which covers the Lake Victoria basin which includes the entire tourism activities inside and around Lake Victoria gulf in Kenya. Kenya boasts 10% of the great Lake Victoria in East Africa, but within the 10% portion of Lake Victoria, many tourists activities are unexplored within this region. As most travelers dream of finding a new and unknown destination, somewhere far from the beaten tourist path, where the thrill of real discovery and exploration reward them with new and unexpected experiences, sights and sounds, western Kenya, Lake Victoria region is the place for them. Western Kenya is an area of great geographical, agricultural, cultural and natural diversity, offering the tourists just as much, if not more, than many of Kenya’s better known tourist destinations. The Kenya Tourism Board is in the event of promoting this region both locally and internationally. It is not a wonder that most Kenyan populace have never seen Lake Victoria. This beautiful region is virgin, an undiscovered world of wonders, with huge contrasts. Endlessly diverse, Western Kenya has lush green highlands, the tropical rain forest of Kakamega, the great water expanse of Lake Victoria, which is the source of the Nile, and much more for it is a vast area.

Kericho agritourism activities

The first stop from Nairobi is Kericho. This town is at the heart of the tea-growing zone of the Rift Valley. Here you find the lush green carpet of tea bushes which is literally a gold nugget as tea remains one of Kenya’s biggest foreign exchange earners. This region produces one of the world’s finest quality teas. Agritourism and agro tourism is becoming popular, and Kericho has grown into a reasonably big rural town. Kericho is the perfect base to launch a tour of the tea plantations. There are also horticultural farms producing cut flowers. A tour of the Finlay company flower farm will make even the ordinarily dull person appreciate the smell and beauty - and even value - of flowers. The company exports more than 90 per cent of the flowers it grows.

Kit Mikaye

There are many spectacular rock formations which abound with myths and mythologies in western tourist circuit. The massive columns of Kit Mikaye in Seme are towers of boulders piled together into gravity defying columns. According to legend, this was once the homestead of a powerful man who used to abuse and mistreated his first wife. The woman returned to haunt him after her death, eventually turning him and his property into stones. The stones have been a source of solace for the Luo people for a long time. They believe that if any man with a problem visits the stones, his problems will be solved and his wishes answered, so long as elders sacrifice a goat at the site. In the past, only men were allowed near the rocks, but visitors are these days welcome. The site is managed by the Kit Mikaye Rock Development group which plans to construct a Banda where visitors can get refreshments and accommodation. Religious groups visit the rocks hoping that their prayers will be answered.

Got Ramogi

The Luo believe their people were born in a sacred forest hill known as Got Ramogi in Yimbo. This area of Bondo has beaches and unique plants. At Kang'o ka Jaramogi, there is a museum built in honor of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. His mausoleum is at this site. The tomb of his first wife is part of the museum in which various traditional items are displayed.

Dominion Firm

Based in Luo Nyanza in Bondo and Siaya districts at the delta of River Yala at Yala swamp, it is an upcoming agri /agro tourism center. It is a modern Farm built by the Americans using American Agricultural Technology. Famous for Aquaculture Tourism in Kenya and the Bob Greene Weir on river Yala and Pro poor- poverty eradication tourism in Western Kenya.

Lake Victoria and it’s island

Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, is a sight to behold. It has sandy beaches and is dotted with about many small islands. The lake is an endless expanse of blue, stretching as far as the eye can see and beyond into Tanzania and Uganda. The islands are also tourist sites, each with unique features;

Ndere Island National Park

Ndere Island Game Park is a gazetted National Park inside Lake Victoria. Antelopes and crocodiles are in plenty. This Island is 10 minutes on boat from Kaloka beach.

Rusinga Island

Rusinga Island, which is accessible by road, is the burial site of political genius Tom Mboya. At the site is the politician’s mausoleum. There is also the Mary Leakey archeological site. Although the site is not developed, plans are under way to return the excavated fossil and construct a proper archeological site. The Rusinga Island Club is built right on the beach and can accommodate 18 visitors. It offers lots of activities including, fishing, sport fishing, sight seeing and water skiing.

Mfangano Island

The Mfangano camp is situated on the un-spoilt island of that name in Lake Victoria and occupies an entire secluded bay on the island’s western shores. A boat ride across the lake brings one to Mfangano Island. This is basically a fishing village, on it is where the Governor’s Camp, an exclusive club with six cottages and a capacity of 12 guests, is built. The 6 rooms all have stunning views of the lake and offer complete privacy, en suite bathrooms with bath and shower, basin and flush toilet, as well as hot and cold running water. Decorated in ethnic style, all rooms have four-poster beds and private verandas, which give them a special charm. Each room is open to the lake and offers uninterrupted views and spectacular sunsets. Visits to Mfangano Island on Lake Victoria provide a unique opportunity to see the colorful life on the lake, where enchanting Luo fishing villages have not changed in centuries, the bird life is unsurpassed and seeing the families of otters is an added bonus. Mfangano Island Camp is a perfect place for nature lovers, and is particularly recommended as a relaxing retreat for honeymooners.

Takawiri Island

Takawiri Island is a sandy beach, likes of Mombasa beaches inside Lake Victoria. It can be reached by road from Kisumu via Homabay to Mbita and by ferry from Luanda K’otieno beach-45 minutes ride on the lake ferry. It has cottages which can accommodate 16 people sharing a double room. It is famous in fishing activities and the amazing sunset on Lake Victoria. You can also enjoy walks through lush vegetation on top of the hills or along the lakeshore. For those interested in culture, there is the possibility to visit a Luo family and experience their day-to-day life or the school in the next village.

Mbasa and Mholo Island

The Mbasa and Mholo islands are a few meters apart. Both are famous for abundance of bird life. Uninhabited by man, the islands have many bird species including egrets and the fish eagle. There are also many monitor lizards, which feed on eggs and birds. One of the islands is inhabited by wild goats and sheep. Visiting these islands at the end of the day is an incredible experience. Thousands of birds fill the air, literally carpeting both islands in life as they descend to roost among the rocks and trees. With the last rays of the sun turning the waters of the Lake to gold, this is one of Kenya’s greatest natural spectacles.

Boat Rowing Contests in Lake Victoria
This is an exiting tourist sports adventure which is conducted throughout the years along the fishing beaches on Lake Victoria. It is used mainly for creating awareness of an epidemic and as a sports event during festivities.

Ruma Nationa Park

Ruma National Park, home to the rare Roan antelope, Jackson hartebeest and the tiny Oribi antelope is located near Mbita at Lambwe valley. This little visited park comprises 120 square kms of savannah and gently rolling hills. This is the last refuge of the very Roan antelope, with the world’s last remaining wild population found within the boundaries of the park. The Roan is easy to see on the wide open grasslands, grazing freely among stands of whistling thorn acacia. Ruma is also home to several other rare species, chiefly the Rothschild Giraffe, Jackson’s Hartebeest and the tiny Oribi antelope.

The Kisii/Gusii Community

From the heat of Ruma, you move on to a relatively cool area of the beautiful Western Highlands; Kisii land. First stop is at Tabaka near Kisii, home to Kenya’s finest stone carvers. The Kisii / Gusii community are renowned for their artistic skill with the local soapstone. They have a long tradition of carving ornate decorative art and jewelry, together with functional items such as plates and bowls. The stone is found in a series of large open quarries throughout the Gucha area, which have also proved equally rich in uncovered fossil evidence and prehistoric artifacts. Cooperative workshops have been formed to produce work for the international market. Kisii stone is sold worldwide, and several works by Tabaka artists have found a place in major international art collections. Tabaka soapstone graces the UN HQ in New York, and the UNESCO HQ in Paris, in the form of a massive 7- ton “bird of peace” or Enyamuchera.

The success of this industry shows in the town of Tabaka, where every household seems to be busily engaged in carving, polishing, washing and packaging stoneware. This very success has meant the preservation of a very important cultural tradition. A visit here is an excellent opportunity to experience this rich culture and to purchase some beautiful handcrafted works of art.

Luhya Community

The main road from Kisumu leads to Kakamega Town, the heart of the land of the Luhya community. The Luhya have a diverse culture. There are many clans and sub-clans, each with varying customs and traditions. The Luhya community is known for the vibrant traditional dance known as the Isikuti. The dance is performed by groups of paired men and women to the accompaniment of bells and whistles.

Bull fighting of Kakamega
Among the Luhya, the most important traditional sporting event is bull fighting. Two large bulls are brought into a large open field to fight. The bulls are spurred on by an excited throng of onlookers, blowing traditional horns. Bull fights are held throughout the year and are fast becoming a commercial venture, with the champion bull’s owner winning money. Recently we visited the small village of Sigalagala, near Kakamega, where we attended a spectacular traditional bullfight. Such events are an important event for the local Luhya community, these are pitched battles between two bulls each one representing an individual village. Thronged by excited supporters, the bulls lock horns and fight until one bull turns and runs. The winning bull is led around the field in a victory lap, accompanied by a chanting, jubilant crowd. This impressive spectacle represents a significant cultural link between traditional African cattle culture and the art of bullfighting as practiced throughout Southern Europe.

Weeping Stone
Not far from Kakamega Town is the "weeping" Stone of Maragoli. This huge rock produces a constant stream of spring water, which flows on the sides, giving rise to many and varied local legends.

Kakamega Forest
The only rain forest in Kenya - is a "feast for the senses", a vibrant living spectacle of animal and plant life. The forest, which covers 240 square kilometers, has more than 380 different plants and is home to 400 species of butterflies, some unique and only found in the forest. The forest teems with bird life. There are gray parrots, blue turacos, hornbills and plenty of forest raptors. Reptiles also abound in this forest with 27 different species of snakes identified so far. Seven species of primates, including colobus and Sykes monkeys live in this forest. The forest is also home to Mama Mutere a tree scientifically known as Mysopsis Eminee. It is claimed to be the oldest tree in the forest and its seedlings have been exported to many countries. The tree has medicinal value - its bark is said to cure stomach pains and prostrate cancer. This tree type produces highly valued timber and is, sadly, an endangered species. Local guides explain the great ecological significance of the reserve. Kakamega is a remnant forest, once linked to the great Equatorial forests of the Congo, and is home to a number of unique and endangered species.

You will meet with representatives of KEEP (Kakamega Environmental Education Programme) a community group working with local children to ensure that the forest and its resources are protected and preserved for the future. They also provide guiding services to local guesthouses and have constructed accommodation facilities for backpackers within the grounds of the forest station.

The Western Highlands
Sports tourism is becoming increasingly popular around the world, and Kenya’s Western Highlands are the home to some of the world’s finest sportsmen. In the days preceding the Western Kenya launch, Kenyan runners had dominated the international athletic scene, taking 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th place for men and 1st and 2nd for women in the Boston Marathon.

The secret of this success lies in these hills. The average altitude in this area is well over 2000m, and these rarified conditions are ideal training conditions for runners. Two local schools, St. Patrick’s at Iten and Sing’ore Girls near Eldoret have produced most of Kenya’s Olympic Superstars. Altitude training can assist with development of both endurance levels and technique.

Five separate highly specialized training camps for athletes have been established in the Iten and Kabarnet area, for both local and International athletes. These are ideal for athletes looking to gain a high altitude advantage.

Kerio Valley
Kerio Valley is a natural tourist attraction of its own kind. Viewing of the valley is amazing as to how nature has its own making. At the edge of the vast Kerio Valley, you take in some of Kenya’s most incredible views, descending the valley wall to the floor of the rift valley; you pass beautiful Torok Falls, the deep chasm at Chebloch Gorge, and the plains of little explored Rimoi reserve, an important area for elephant migration. The tour ends high in the Tugen Hills at Kipsaraman, where one of Kenya’s first community museums has been opened. The museum houses exhibits on biodiversity and conservation, as well as important local human fossil finds and a fascinating exhibit on the possible prehistoric origins of a local mythological creature, the Chemosit, or Nandi Bear.

Even more impressive than the museum is its location. Perched on a the edge of a precipitous drop, the view from Kipsaraman is an incredible panoramic vista of the Rift valley and distant Lake Baringo that quite literally takes the breath away. With this view as a backdrop, visitors to this area were welcomed with an impressive display of traditional dance and song by the local communities.

Community Involvement
In every single area that you visit, you will find local communities deeply involved and passionately committed to the promotion of their local attractions. This deep sense of community pride and the warmth of the welcome extended to visitors bode well for the future growth of tourism in this area.

A safari to western Kenya is a guaranteed journey of discovery and experience of the wild, wonderful and welcoming Western Kenya.

1. The Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara Reserve is the most popular wildlife park in Kenya. From July - October you can witness the incredible migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra. The Maasai tribesman also offer cultural tours which really add to the experience. The Mara showcases big families of elephants, buffaloes, lions and hippos among many more.

2. Lake Nakuru National Park

alkaline waters of this shallow soda lake. Other than a 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.

3. Mount Kenya National Park is Africa's second highest peak. Mount Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage site and seat of the Kikuyu God, Ngai. The Reserve is home to rare species of animals as well as spectacular lakes, mineral springs and forests. The mountain is an incredibly important watershed, providing water for about 50% of Kenya’s population and producing 70% of Kenya’s hydroelectric power.

4. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is a popular park with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. 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 elephants, hippo, cheetah, leopard and more.

5. Tsavo National Parks

Tsavo National Park is split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West. The Tsavo parks are vast and the landscape is wild. Tsavo East is less developed than Tsavo West but more accessible. In Tsavo West you can watch elephants bathe among the hippos and the crocs from a unique vantage point of an under-water glass tank. The "Big Five" do live here, but you have to look carefully to spot them.

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Basic Swahili Phrases for Travelers

While many East Africans speak some English or French, knowing a few words of Swahili will really help you out in the more rural areas and along the coast. Since Swahili is a second language to most East Africans, they'll understand a little broken Swahili, and they'll certainly appreciate your efforts.

Greetings

Greetings are important in East Africa and you don't launch into a conversation or even ask a question without first saying "hello, how are you?".

· Hello = Jambo / hujambo / Salama

· How are you? = Habari gani

· Fine (response) = Nzuri

· Goodbye = Kwa heri / Kwa herini (more than one peson)

· See You Later = Tutaonana

· Nice to meet you = Nafurahi kukuona

· Goodnight = Lala salama

Civilities

· Yes = Ndiyo

· No = Hapana

· Thank you = Asante

· Thank you very much = Asante sana

· Please = Tafadhali

· OK = Sawa

· Excuse me = Samahani

· You're Welcome = Starehe

· Can you help me? = Tafadhali, naomba msaada

· What is your name? = Jina lako nani?

· My name is = Jina langu ni ...

· Where are you from? = Unatoka wapi?

· I'm from .. = Natokea ...

· May I take a picture? = Naomba kupiga picha

· Do you speak English? = Unasema kiingereza?

· Do you speak Swahili? = Unasema Kiswahili?

· Just a little bit = Kidogo tu!

· How do you say in Swahili? = Unasemaje ... kwa Kiswahili

· I don't understand = Sielewi

· Friend = Rafiki

Getting Around

· Where is the ... = ni wapi ...

· Airport = uwanja wa ndege

· Bus station = stesheni ya basi

· Bus stop = bas stendi

· Taxi stand = stendi ya teksi

· Train Station = stesheni ya treni

· Bank = benki

· Market = soko

· Police station = kituo cha polisi

· Post Office = posta

· Tourist Office = ofisi ya watali

· Toilet/bathroom = choo

· What time is the ... leaving? = inaondoka saa ... ngapi?

· Bus = basi

· Minibus = matatu (Kenya); dalla dalla (Tanzania)

· Plane = ndege

· Train = treni/gari la moshi

· Is there a bus going to ...? = Kuna basi ya ...?

· I'd like to buy a ticket = Nataka kununua tikiti

· Is it near = Ni karibu?

· Is it far = Ni mbali

· There = huko

· Over there = pale

· Ticket = tikiti

· Where are you going? = Unakwenda wapi?

· How much is the fare? = Nauli ni kiasi gani?

· Hotel = hoteli

· Room = chumba

· Reservation = akiba

· Are there any vacancies for tonight? = Mna nafasi leo usiko? (Kenya: Iko nafasi leo usiku?)

· No vacancies = Hamna nafasi. (Kenya: Hakuna nafasi)

· How much is it per night? = ni bei gani kwa usiku?

· Mosquito net = chandalua

Days and Numbers

· Today = leo

· Tomorrow = kesho

· Yesterday = jana

· Now = sasa

· Later = baadaye

· Every day = kila siku

· Monday = Jumatatu

· Tuesday = Jumanne

· Wednesday = Jumatano

· Thursday = Alhamisi

· Friday = Ijumaa

· Saturday = Jumamosi

· Sunday = Jumapili

· 1 = moja

· 2 = mbili

· 3 = tatu

· 4 = nne

· 5 = tano

· 6 = sita

· 7 = saba

· 8 = nane

· 9 = tisa

· 10 = kumi

· 11 = kumi na moja (ten and one)

· 12 = kumi na mbili (ten and two)

· 20 = ishirini

· 21 = ishirni na moja (twenty and one)

· 30 = thelathini

· 40 = arobaini

· 50 = hamsini

· 60 = sitini

· 70 = sabini

· 80 = themanini

· 90 = tisini

· 100 = mia

· 200 = mia mbili

· 1000 = elfu

· 100,000 = laki

Food and Drinks

· I'd like = nataka ...

· Food = chakula

· Hot/cold = ya moto/baridi

· Water = maji

· Hot water = maji ya moto

· Drinking water = maji ya kunywa

· Soda (soft drinks) = soda

· Beer = bia

· Milk = maziwa

· Meat = nyama

· Chicken = nyama kuku

· Fish = sumaki

· Beef = nyama ng'ombe

· Fruit = matunda

· Vegetables = mboga

Health

· Where can I find a ... = Naweza kupata ... wapi?

· Doctor = daktari/mganga

· Hospital = hospitali

· Medical Center = matibabu

· I'm sick = mimi ni mgonjwa

· I need a doctor = nataka kuona daktari

· It hurts here = naumwa hapa

· Fever = homa

· Malaria = melaria

· Headache = umwa kichwa

· Diarrhoea = harisha/endesha

· Vomiting = tapika

· Medicine = dawa

Animals

When you're on safari in East Africa many of the guides and trackers will speak Swahili.

· Animal = wanyama

· Buffalo = Nyati / Mbogo

· Cheetah = Duma / Chita

· Cow = N'gombe

· Elephant = Tembo / Ndovuh

· Giraffe = Twiga

· Goat = Mbuzi

· Hippo = Kiboko

· Hyena = Fisi

· Leopard = Chui

· Lion = Simba

· Rhino = Kifaru

· Warthog = Ngiri

· Wildebeest = Nyumbu

· Zebra = Punda milia

More animals in Swahili.

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Kenyans and overseas tourists will soon be able to visit attractions within Karura Forest and enjoy the beauty of this pristine natural resource during there kenya safaris.

Key Attractions

Among the attractions that visitors will be able to enjoy are Mau Mau caves, scenic waterfalls, picnic sites, bamboo forest, nature trails and wildlife such as monkeys.

The forest has now been fully fenced off with help from the Friends of Karura and is considered totally suitable for excursions and picnics inorder to make kenya holidays suitable.

Karura Forest is a 1063ha urban forest located in Nairobi, bordering Runda, Gigiri and Muthaiga estates.

Conservationists, including 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Wangari Maathai have in the past carried out extensive campaigns to save this unique forest.

Wildlife in Karura Forest

Mammals: include Harvey’s Duiker, Grimm’s Duiker, Bushbucks, Bush pigs, Genet Cats, Civets, Bush babies, Porcupines, Syke’s Monkeys, Ground Squirrel, Hares and the Epauletted-bat.

Reptiles: Include pythons, green snakes and monitor lizards.

Birds: The forest hosts around 200 species of birds including Ayres Hawk-eagle, the African Crowned Eagle, the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, the Hartlaub’s Turaco, the Narina Trogon, Owls, Crested Cranes, Sparrows, Doves, Weavers and Vultures.

Butterflies: Include the African Queen and Desmond’s Green Banded Swallowtail.

Plants in Karura Forest

Plantations: Cover 632 hectares. Species found include Araucaria cunninghamii, Eucalyptus saligna, E. globula, Grevillea robusta, Cupressus torulosa and Cupressus lusitanica.

Indigenous trees: Cover 260 hectares. Species include Olea europeae subsp. auspidata, Croton megalocarpus, Warburgia ugandensis (Muthiga), Brachyleana huillensis (Muhugu), Uvaridendron anisatum, Markhamia lutea, Vepris nobilis, Juniperus procera (Cedar), Craebean brownii, Newtonia buchananii, Salvadora persica, Ficus thonningii, Trichilia emetica, Calondendrum capense and Dombeya goetzenii.

Shrubs: Include Strychnos henningsii (Muteta), Erythrococca bongensis (Muharangware), Vangueria madagascariensis (Mubiro), Rhamnus prinoides (Mukarakinga), Caesalpinia volkensii (Mubuthi), Solanum incanum (Mutongu), Elaeodendron buchananii (Mutanga) and Rhus natalensis (Muthigio).

Other plants: near the tree nursery, and; small wetlands that are important habitats for birds. There are groves of Arudinaria alpina, Kenya’s native bamboo species along the riparian belts of Gitathuro and Ruaka rivers; exotic giant bamboo Dendrocalamus giganteus along Karura river

Other areas of special interest Karura Forest

Other important attractions that visitors to Karura Forest enjoy are: 
• Mau Mau caves
• Scenic waterfalls and rivers
• Picnic sites
• Marked walking trails
• Small wetlands that are habitats for birds
• The incinerator formerly used by Central Bank of Kenya to burn old currency notes
• The area about which the late Professor Wangari Maathai carried out a campaign against illegal acquisition of forest land.

Activities available
In Karura Forest, one can undertake the following activities:
• Forest walks
• Forest drives
• Bird watching
• Butterfly watching
• Cycling
• Running
• picnicking

Getting there & getting around
By private transport: The main entrance to Karura Forest is on the Limuru Road just after the Belgian Embassy. However, one can also use either the KFS main gate which is off Kiambu road and opposite CID Headquaters, or the Old Kiambu Gate which is on Old Kiambu road.

By public transport: Matatu (public service vehicle) numbers 11B, 106, 107, 108, 114 or 116 from Nairobi City Centre will get you to the main entrance on Limuru Road. To use the KFS main gate on Kiambu road, take matatu numbers 100 or 120.

Taxi hire from the city centre costs approximately Ksh 1,000.

One can easily get around Karura Forest using the existing network of driving tracks and walking trails. Most sections of the forest are accessible by saloon cars.

What to wear and carry
Comfortable walking shoes or trainers, drinking water, binoculars, camera and wildlife books especially for birds and butterflies.

Climate
There are two wet seasons: April-June (long rains) and October-December (short rains). In between, days are sunny and dry except for July and August which is usually cool and cloudy. The average annual rainfall in Karura is 930 mm.

Important things to remember when visiting Karura forest:
• Enjoy yourself; in addition to seeing, pause and listen regularly.
• Stop to allow wildlife to move off the tracks before you pass.
• Do not feed wild animals.
• Do not start fires in the forest.
• Do not take away animals, animal products, plants or plant parts.
• Do not mark or deface tree stems, stones and other features.
• Avoid unnecessary noise as it disturbs both wildlife and other visitors. Do not exceed 40kph when driving in the forest.
• Take all the litter that you brought away with you.
• Keep to the designated tracks and paths when walking and always be sure of where you are headed to or coming from as orientation in forests can be difficult.

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MERU NATIONAL PARK

Meru National Park is a Kenya game park located east of Meru, 350 km from Nairobi Covering an area of 870 km², it is one of the most famous known parks of Kenya. It has abundant rainfall, 635–762 mm in the west of the park and 305–356 mm in the east. It is also a good place for kenya safari.

The rainfall results in tall grass and lush swamps, which make it difficult to spot game. It has a wide range of wild beasts like elephant, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, cheetah, black rhinoceros and some rare antelopes.

Meru was one of the two areas in which conservationists George Adamson and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness made famous in the best selling book and award winning movie Born Free. Elsa the Lioness is buried in this park and part of Joy's ashes were scattered on her gravesite. Joy Adamson released Pippa the cheetah in this park.

Due to high rainfall the area has tall grass and dense swamps making it more difficult to spot game, unlike other African parks. The park does, however, have a wide range of wildlife including elephant, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, cheetah, reticulated giraffe, and zebra. The birdlife is also impressive and there are roughly 280 recorded species, which is also enjoyable to watch during kenia safari.

Game to view includes: lion, elephant, cheetah, leopard and some of the rarer antelopes; Lesser Kudu, duiker and Dik Dik, one of Africa's smallest antelopes. Large prides of lion can be seen and some of Kenya's largest herds of buffalo. The rivers abound with hippo and crocodile, fishing for barbus and catfish is permitted at camp sites and along the Tana River. In the mid 1980's, the Park suffered from poaching, however Kenya Wildlife Service armed wildlife security patrols have driven out the poachers and the elephant population has stabilised with breeding herds settling down.

Over 300 species of birds have been recorded including: the Peter's Finfoot which inhabits the Murera and Ura Rivers, the Pel's Fishing Owl, kingfishers, rollers, bee-eaters, starlings and numerous weavers.

Meru National Park achieved worldwide fame with its association to Joy Adamson's Born Free. The film chronicled the rehabilitation of Elsa the lioness as she was re-introduced to the Kenyan wilderness.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

• Former home of Joy and George Adamson and Elsa the lioness
• Views of Mt Kenya
• Rivers and riverine habitats
• Tana river
• Adamson's falls

WILDLIFE

Grevy's Zebra, Elephants, Eland, Bush Pig,  Waterbuck, Cheetah, Leopard, Reticulated Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Bohor Reedbuck, Hartebeest, Python, Puff Udder, Cobra, Buffalo, more than 300 recorded species of birds.

BIRDS

More than 300 recorded species

ACTIVITY OPTIONS

• Game viewing
• Camping
• Scenic
  

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks .

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Planning on going for a Kenya safari? Amboseli National Park is located in Loitoktok District, Rift Valley Province of Kenya. The ecosystem mainly savannah grassland spread across the Kenya-Tanzania border. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants among other wildlife species. Other attractions of the park include opportunities to meet the Maasai and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

In Amboseli’s case it is big skies and far horizons combined with swampy springs and dry and dusty earth trampled by hundreds of animals. Amboseli has an endless underground water supply filtered through thousands of feet of volcanic rock from Kilimanjaro’s ice cap, which funnel into two clear water springs in the heart of the park.

However, the climatic pendulum can swing from drought to flood, and in the early 1990’s ceaseless rain changed Amboseli into a swamp.A few years later the rains failed and the grass-covered plains turned to dust.

The Amboseli area includes the Amboseli and Chyulu Hills National Parks, as well as large Maasai communities and wildlife sanctuaries. This is a very busy park because of its proximity to Nairobi and ease of reaching the many lodges/hotels built in and around the park. The trick is to stay in one of the less mainstream camps and visit the park from mid-morning to lunch when most of the other guests are back in their hotels enjoying brunch! Formerly known as the Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve, the area extends to the Tanzanian border and covers an area of 39,206 hectares with a series of swamps at its core. 

Amboseli National Park has the awe-inspiring ‘inselberg’ of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background towards the south of the park, and this giant of a mountain located oddly amongst vast plains makes Amboseli one of Kenya's most picturesque parks. The series of swamps that are the result of springs from the ice-melt of "Mount Kili" give the park an enormous biodiversity, and it's one of the foremost wildlife destinations in Kenya - almost equal to the spectacular game counts of the famous Masai Mara and the lesser travelled Laikipia.

The five habitats that occur here are open plains, acacia woodland, thornbush country littered with rocks, swamps and marshland. Most of the park lies across a pleistocene lake basin, now dry. In very wet weather, a temporary lake, Lake Amboseli, floods and restricts access to this part of the park. The climate is mainly hot and dry and most of the park falls in the rainshadow of Mt Kilimanjaro. 

The animals in the park are famous, especially the free ranging elephant families. There are large herds of buffalo and elephant that wallow in the swamps and are often seen in the palm forests. Zebra, wildebeest and hippo graze on the plains, whilst in the acacia woodland the uncommon fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk are found, and the spectacled elephant shrew.

The large Maasai community in the area means that traditional dances are frequently organised for visitors to observe and learn about the cultures and lectures are also available to learn even more about it. For the more traditional safari experience, bush barbecues, game drives and bird walks are offered, and these are an enjoyable way to spend your time here.

Interacting with the elephants is a big part of the experience in Amboseli and there are many film documentaries telling the stories of these graceful large creatures. The road network is very good although because of the nature of the ashy, volcanic structure of the soil, the park is incredibly dusty in dry season.

Some of the major attractions of the park are:

• Glacial peak of Mt Kilimanjaro if the clouds clear!
• Close interaction with the elephants
• Mt Meru - hiking
• Observation Hill which allows an overall view of the whole park especially the swamps and elephants
• Contemporary Maasai culture and indigenous homesteads (although a little commercialised, worth a visit)
• Camel safaris are also available in the area although we suggest the Laikipia offers better camel safaris with a more rounded experience.

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Kenya has long been known as an adventurer's paradise. This is a land of endless opportunity for the active traveller, a country rich with possibilities for adventure and discovery.

For the Trekker, Kenya is a world of highs and lows- From the snow capped peak of Mt Kenya to the desert plains of the north. There are a range of treks from sedate hill walks through game rich ranges to high altitude routes on alpine slopes.

For those aiming higher, Kenya offers plenty of challenges. Climbers may be aware of the mighty peak of Mt Kenya, but there are many other climbing areas to be explored. There is a broad scope of destinations, from granite cliffs and volcanic rock towers to the ultimate challenge- a technical assault on Africa’s second highest summit.

Kenya has some excellent potential areas for off road mountain biking. As the popularity of the sport increases, more and more mountain bikes are now for hire, and there is plenty of undiscovered country for bush biking.

Kenya is home to a very active equestrian community, and horses are a great way to explore wilderness areas. Riding through herds of game is an ideal way to experience the wild up close and personal.

Looking for a more unusual mode of transport? The North of Kenya has a thriving camel culture, and the camel is used by many nomadic tribes. These deserts and wide arid plain lands have long been crossed by camel trains, following ancient routes through deep valleys and along winding dry river beds. Large herds of dromedary (single humped) camels are found throughout the North. A safari by camel is a unique way to see this country. The trackless deserts and high ranges of the Northern frontier are beautiful and remote places, completely isolated from the modern world. Walking through this wilderness with a camel train, camping in the wild and sleeping under the stars, you can travel through an Africa unchanged since the passage of the first explorers…

Far from the northern deserts, the waters of the Indian Ocean are an adventurers playground. The coast of Kenya has a well deserved reputation for big game fishing and has attracted fishing devotees such as Ernest Hemingway, drawn by the promise of world-class fishing. Local tag and release programs ensure eco-friendly fishing.

These waters have a long been a traditional passage for sailors and today dhows still ply the calm waters of the coastline. The coast is an ideal place to explore by boat, and the beaches are ideal for all kinds of watersports.

Inland, the beautiful, bird rich freshwater lakes of the Rift Valley are also ideal for boating, waterskiing and windsurfing.

The inland Lakes and rivers of Kenya also present plenty of opportunity for world class fishing, from Trout to the mighty Nile Perch

White water rafting and kayaking are relatively new sports in Kenya. However, with extensive and spectacular river systems, good grade white water and wide freshwater lakes, the possibilities are boundless.

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Elephant Shrew

The cutest of the "Little 5", the elephant shrew is a small, insect eating mammal with a long nose.They can grow up to 30 cm and have relatively long legs which they use to hop about looking for food. Their little trunks are quite flexible and can be twisted to sniff out insects, which they then flick into their mouths using their tongues. They've been known to leap almost 3 feet in a single bound. Elephants shrews are not very social and often live in monogamous pairs. They mark their territory with a strong scent produced by a gland under the tail. Scientists have recently discovered the Elephant shrew may actually be more closely related to elephants than shrews.

The Buffalo weaver bird can either refer to the common Black Buffalo Weaver, or White-headed Buffalo Weaver. Both are found in dry areas and are very common especially in East Africa. Out of all the Weavers, the Buffalo weaver is a messy nest-maker. Their large communal nests have several side-entrances and are usually made of sticks and thorns. They are among the largest of the weaver birds, measuring up to 24 cm. Their diet consists of small and medium grass seed, small insects, and small fruits. They are quite loud and social these birds, with a range of cackles and calls.

Rhino Beetle

The Rhino beetle is a large insect with ferocious looking body armor. They belong to the scarab beetle family (Scarabaeidae). Rhino Beetles can grow up to 2.5 inches long. Both sexes have similar body armor, but only the males have a large horn (hence the name "rhino") which they use in combat with other males. Rhino beetles also use their horns to dig for food inside rotting tree trunks, or undergrowth. They actually have quite a varied diet, they'll eat rotting fruits, bark, sap and vegetable matter. Rhino beetles are among the strongest living creatures in the world in proportion to their body weight. Rhino beetle larvae can take up to five years to mature into an adult.

Leopard Tortoise

Leopard tortoises all have unique and beautiful markings on their shells, hence their name. They can be found mostly in the drier, grassy areas of the continent. Leopard tortoises generally eat grasses, and this must suit them well because they live up to 100 years. They generally do not burrow except when building a nest for their eggs. They are good diggers though, I used to try and keep them as pets when I was very young, and they always managed to escape. Leopard tortoises can reach up to 18 inches in length and weigh up to 40 lbs. They are solitary animals.

Antlion

The antlion is the smallest member of the "Little 5" club, and you may be more familiar with its name "doodlebug". The Antlion is the larvae stage of a winged insect that looks like a dragonfly. Antlions dig little conically shaped sand traps in the ground to catch small ants, which they eat by basically sucking them dry. They then toss out the dry carcass and wait for their next victim. Not surprising then, they tend to live in sandy, arid areas throughout Africa. The antlion larvae has a wide body, large jaws and apparently lacks an anus. It is a bit of a mystery as to why they are called "antlions", maybe because of their predatory nature.

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Wildebeest Migration

The dry season is the best time of year to witness the annual migration of the wildebeest from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara. The crossing usually happens in August or September.

Rainy Seasons

The rainy season months of November, April and May can be an advantageous time for a safari. Prices on lodging plummet and the parks are devoid of the normal tourist rush.

Sambura National Reserve

Safaris to Sambura National Reserve will be fruitful anytime of year because the area is particularly arid. Lacking dense brush, animals are easily spotted as they head to the Ewaso Ngiro River to drink.

Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Kakamega Forest National Reserve, a mid-altitude rainforest near Kisumu, is best visited between December and March. Large amounts of rainfall occur between April and November.

Bird-Watching

Tsavo East National Park is known for its migratory birds. The best time for bird-watching in the park is from October to January.

Kairi Tours organizes family adventure travel in Kenya from the unique position of the lessons learned and the many wonderful experiences we have shared as we have traveled extensively in Kenya with our two children when they were still under 12.

Family adventure travel has been part of us, our kids hit ground on the walking trail, joining the walks in the comfy of baby carriers and now as young nature enthusiast, they have done most of the walks in our itineraries. Their bird list is growing by each outing and their knowledge about wildlife is expanding beyond mere identification.

What to expect in our family adventure travels:

· First and foremost, we recognize that arranging your family travel to Kenya is about choosing an operator that you can fully trust. We have been in operation  and we have gained a reputation of reliability from a good portfolio of overseas tour operators, as well as huge numbers of independent travelers who book direct with us.

· On safari vacations, nothing makes the kids more edgy than exhausting long distance travel - our solution to this is to arrange your tour on a circuit of nearby parks that have excellent game viewing with minimal road transfers. We recommend a min of 2-3 nights per tented safari camp to make your family adventure tour relaxed without packing up every morning. Your kids will have a familiar base to come back to at the end of the day.

· We will work with you to incorporate fun and easy game viewing walks in your family adventure travel - the whole family can get right out in nature. The walks have flexible distances with easy to see game such as giraffes, zebras and gazelles. You will not be cooped up in a safari minibus throughout your trip - this has been one of the many highlights families have commended us for.

· Accommodation matters - and we go for small safari camps where families are treated with personalized attention. These are the best places for accommodating special dietary needs. All rooms have an internal bath/shower and flush toilet.

· Expect knowledgeable safari guides to accompany you throughout the trip. In a fun and yet educational way he will talk to your children about wildlife, birds, culture and all facets of Kenyan life. You can never rule out a holiday experience igniting an interest in a career. Read more on how we organize our guided safaris.

Family adventure travel in the Rift Valley and Masai Mara.

This is a very relaxed Kenya family adventure travel with two bases in the Rift Valley - each with 3 nights and ends with 3 nights in Masai Mara. Of importance is that it is off the high-tourism circuit and it has minimal road transfers. You may opt for internal flights from Mara to Nairobi. We offer you stress free family travel that is a genuine alternative to the package safaris. See detailed itinerary for Kenya safaris

 

10 Kenyan Dishes You Will Definitely Love

The most popular foods in Kenya are fresh foods from the country's vast resources. Farmland, lakes and the Indian Ocean provide readily available vegetables, fruits and meats. Often, the ingredients used to prepare a Kenyan dish are fresh, very cheap and easily used to make a quick meat

Ugali (Cornmeal Staple)

most common Kenyan food staple is ugali - usually made from cornmeal that is added to boiling water and heated until it turns into a dense block of cornmeal paste. Ugali has the consistency of a grainy dough and the heaviness of a brick.

For many Kenyans, ugali along with a small amount of cooked vegetables or saucy stew is a normal meal.

(Mashed Peas and Potato Mix)

of the most famous dishes in Kenya, a food that originated as a Kikuyu staple and spread throughout the country.

Green peas and potatoes are boiled and then mashed up before whole kernels of maize (corn) are added to give the mash some extra starch and texture. This hearty and heavy Kenyan food is famous to eat with roasted nyama choma meat (nyama na irio) or just some Kenyan style stew.

for more info visit; http://www.kairi.co.ke/.

Githeri (Beans and Corn)

complicated, a Kenyan dish that consists of boiled beans, corn kernels, and possibly mixed in with a little bit of vegetables.

The combination of Githeri is a filling, highly nutritious, and can be quite good when complimented with salt, pepper, chilies, and even a chapati!

Kenyan Pilau (Spiced Rice)

is a glorified combination of rice cooked with flavor bursting spices like cumin, cardamon, cinnamon, and cloves. The fragrant rice is fantastic to eat with a form of meat stew and a few slices of fresh tomato and onions.

Biriyani is another form of spiced rice that is a popular Kenyan food on the coast.

Wali wa Nazi (Coconut Rice)

rice is a popular Kenyan food mostly along the Indian Ocean coast. White rice is cooked with grated coconut meat to create a fragrant twist on plain boiled rice. Wali wa nazi is best enjoyed with a serving of fish or chicken curry, some vegetables, or even bean stew.

Sukuma Wiki (Collard Greens / Kale)

most popular vegetable Kenyan dishes is sukuma wiki (known as collard greens or a form of kale in English).

The nutritious green leafy vegetable is often cooked in oil with a few diced tomatoes, onions, and flavored with a sprinkle of mchuzi mix (Kenyan food secret flavoring salt or stock cube flavoring.

Kenyan Stew

can include a number of different meats: beef stew, goat stew, chicken stew or any other animal stew. Kenyan stew dishes might also include a few other base vegetable ingredients such as carrots, peppers, peas, or potatoes. The sauce is usually formed from a light tomato base and accented with onion, salt and pepper, and that essential mchuzi mix!

Nyama Choma (Roasted Meat)

food list is not complete without a mention of nyama choma, also known as roasted meat. Goat and beef are the 2 most common forms of nyama choma, but chicken (kuku choma) and fish (samaki choma) are also valid choices.

Fat and the grizzle from the meat is the choice part of the animal, and is often consumed with a quick dip into a pile of salt for extra flavoring! It's also possible at many places to get the "fry," - the fried meat variation.

Matoke (Plantain Banana Stew)

bananas are cooked up in a pot with some oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chilies, meat (optional), and lemon juice. The bananas are cooked until they become soft and begin to form a thick sauce with the other ingredients.

The result is a delicious dish that is reminiscent of boiled potatoes in sauce and excellent to eat with rice, ugali, or a chapati.

Chapati (Flatbread)

can trace their origin from the influence of the Indian population. Kenyan style chapatis are made with a flour dough that is wound into a coil before being rolled into a flat round circle. The dough is then fried on a skillet accompanied by plenty of oil so it becomes crispy on the edges but remains moist and doughy on the interior.

Chapatis can be considered more of a special form of Kenyan food, a treat to eat. Chapatis go well with fried cabbage, beans, or even just rolled up with a cup of tea!

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1 - GO ON A SAFARI

Buffalo'sforging through rivers in the mid of the jungle, elephants
going slowly over the endless plains, lions stalking their preys
through the savannah grass...

For many the safari is the main reason to do in Kenya. Kenya enjoys
the reputation of being the safari country of Africa, and indeed – the
enormous variety of landscapes and wildlife between the national parks
make it a very attractive safari country.
Kairi Tours is one of the most reputable Safari Booking Agencies in
Nairobi and they guarantee you a great expedition at affordable and
negotiable cost. See http://www.kairi.co.ke/ for further information.


2 - WATCH THE WILDEBEEST MIGRATION

Always on a different moment, hundreds of thousands of wildebeests
suddenly gather at the Serengeti plains to trek to greener places.
After making a big circle through Tanzania and Kenya, they come back
to the Serengeti plains again. At the point where they have to cross
the Grumeti River, there are camps from where you can watch this
extraordinary phenomenon.

3 - VISIT A TRADITIONAL TRIBAL VILLAGE

A number of tribes in Kenya still live more or less the same as their
ancestors have done for thousands of years. The Masai are the most
famous of them. Nowadays they earn some extra cash through receiving
tourists for a 'cultural' visit. You get to meet the elder men who
explain their way of life, have a cup of chai, and perform traditional
dances, etcetera. The few Masai who speak English will function as an
interpreter.
Visit


4 – VISIT THE VIBRANT COAST REGION

The coast region stands apart within Kenya. This is where the vibrant
mix between African, Arabic and Indian influences has created the
famous Swahili culture. Swahili has become the lingua franca in all of
East Africa. Places to visit are the island city of Lamu and the
harbor city of Mombasa, where Fort Jesus - built in the 16th century
by the Portuguese - gives an insight into colonial times.

Oh, and don't forget the coast has over 500 kilometers of beautiful
white sand beaches, often with private Hawaii-style resorts where you
can have dinner in the open air with a Bacardi coke while looking over
the Indian Ocean.
Find more Kenya travel tips at,

http://www.kairi.co.ke/


5 – TAKE A BALLOON TRIP

Air balloon gliding over Masai Mara National Reserve.

Going over one of the national parks is very different in an air
balloon! It's a very special experience to flow over the country and
have a 360 degrees view over all the wild animals walking beneath you.

Although they are advertised as "balloon safaris", they aren't really
full safaris. Trips typically start at dawn and take a few hours,
after which there's a champagne breakfast on the ground. They can be
arranged through many top end lodges.


6 – TREK MOUNT KENYA

Mount Kenya, the country's highest mountain

Going to the almost vertical top (Batian, 5199 meters) is only for
trained and fully equipped climbers. But anyone who is reasonably fit
can take tracks that go up to 4000 metres, or even higher.

Be aware that above 4000 metres it's not tropical anymore, but
freezing cold, foggy and windy... Hiring guides is usually pretty
expensive.


7– VISIT NAIROBI

'Big Bad Nairobi' – the hub to East Africa - is in a class by itself.
Delve into the city's night life in one of the many nightclubs selling
the best best brewed African  beer. Next morning around noon, take a
lunch at Simmers, Taidy's, Step's or any other restaurants the city
has to offer.

Then take a matatu ( public-private minibuses) to the Masai Market and
the National Museum of Nairobi, where some of the oldest remains of
human's ancestors – Kenya has been called the 'Cradle of Mankind' –
are on display. And Nairobi National Park, with many wild animals, is
right outside the city.
Visit us for Kenya Safaris more information

Shrouded in the forest of Arabuko Sokoke forest near the Malindi town in Kenya lies the mysterious, abandoned rocky town of Gedi with the puzzle of its ancient history still remaining unresolved. Regarded as one of South Africa�s greatest historic puzzles, it still displays architecture and construction technology that is unusually developed for that era which is as far back as the 13th century.

The village which was supposed to have been set up in the early 13th and 14th century have no records mentioned of it in the contemporary archeological scripts nor evidence of its sudden abundance. The Swahili village that is now gracefully mingled with the forest still has most of its rocky remnants intact and exhibits astonishing architecture and technology from its flushing drainage systems and bathrooms to excellent sewage systems and roads. Evidence of trade that seemed to have thrived here from different countries is found and yet strangely no allusion to it has been made in any of the contemporary literature.

The town lies in the North coast of Mombasa which is a coastal jungle stretch and it is believed that a community thrived on these grounds in the 13th and 14th century. The village and its remnants are considered as a National Museum and are indeed sight of great tourist attractions. Its deeply unresolved throng of its mysteries is a subject of fascination and much speculation including its trade transactions of which the Venice beads and Chinese coins were excavated. The village itself is strangely sophisticated denoting complex architecture and building systems for that era and these include a mosque, large stone houses with stair ways, bathrooms with flushing over head basins, a palace and neat city streets with gutters. What is perhaps more perplexing is the fragments of porcelain that is found, signifying reoccupation in the later 16th century. Neither reason for reoccupation is available and only speculation and various theories still prevail.

Offering a memorable stay in this Kenyan coastal line is the Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa which blends the coastal scenery of Kenya with native grace, beauty and indefinable hospitality. This Mombasa Hotel is one fabulous place with mesmerizing scenery as it lies along 30 acres of golden sand bordered by the blue green Indian Ocean and offering an array of stylish modern rooms and suites complete with modern amenities of international standards. For a Beach Hotel Mombasa, this one offers a truly unforgettable stay with its indoor luxuries, ravishing oceanic sceneries and outdoor excursions to enjoy the African wildlife. Contact us for more on Kenya Safaris

 

 

As darkness sets on the island of Lamu, excited shouts, music and the ululating of women fills the air. Dressed in their most colourful and stylish outfits, donned with heavy gold bracelets and chains, their hands and feet decorated with flower patterns made from traditional henna, the women anxiously await the arrival of the star of the evening: the bride. As the live band in the expansive hall draws the crowd to a climax, the bride makes her grand entry.

She enters amidst shouts of 'Bibi Harusi, the bride, has come!' as the women let out their high-pitched sounds of joy. Her mother, friends, sisters and aunties follow in her footsteps, dancing and singing, literally escorting her in. Her sight catches the breath of many: it is the most important appearance this young woman will ever make in her life. She has now officially entered womanhood; she is a married woman, a changed person, and the results of days, sometimes weeks, of beauty treatment, culminate in her moment of entry. She majestically struts in, all bright and shiny, showing off her glittering gown, her astonishing hairdo and make-up and the intricate henna patterns on her arms and legs.

The grand entry of the bride represents the climax of a Swahili traditional wedding. Such weddings are held among the entire Swahili population of Eastern Africa, including the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, and the Tanzanian and Kenyan coasts. Swahili weddings incorporate a deeply rooted culture and religion, which can be traced back to the Arabic roots of the Swahili population.

Although a Swahili wedding can differ according to local tradition and the depth of a families' wallet, the basics remain the same. If a young man and woman want to get married, first, a dowry payment has to be made. This involves elaborate negotiations between both families. The dowry, usually a sum of money or gold, or furniture for the newlyweds' house, is given to the girl. Secondly, the girl has to consent to the marriage. On the wedding day, before the actual wedding vows are taken, she is asked three times if she has consented to this marriage. If she says no at any one time, the wedding is immediately called off. If she agrees, the vows are then taken with witnesses present, one of which has to be her father or a representative of her father.

For those who are not able to afford elaborate wedding celebrations, a simple ceremony incorporating these things makes for a valid marriage. Swahili culture however deems marriage one of the most important events in a person's life, and it is therefore expected that a wedding be celebrated in style.

When wedding negotiations are over, a wedding date is set and preparations can start. Two weeks before the wedding day, the bride receives a 'Sanduku', the Swahili word for suitcase. It is literally a sizeable suitcase filled with every imaginary item the girl could need for her personal use in her first year of marriage. It includes clothes, shoes, underwear, make-up, toiletries, materials for making dresses, bed sheets, perfume, and even toothbrushes and toothpaste.

A week before the wedding, the girl is taken to a secluded place where she can prepare herself, receive all kinds of beauty treatments and can ask her female relatives, especially her godmother, all the questions she has about the life she is about to enter. For a young Swahili woman, her wedding day symbolises the transition to womanhood. In her culture, this comes with responsibilities, such as a husband and later on a family, but also with rights; she has come of age. She can now wear make-up, gold, beautiful dresses, do her hair, attend weddings -something unmarried girls are not allowed to do- and generally be a woman in her own right.

One of the most noticeable differences between a traditional Swahili wedding and its Western style equivalent, is that the bride and groom are not together when the wedding vows are taken, and they are even separated during much of the festivities. This is based on the religion of the Swahili people, Islam, which does not allow men and women to celebrate such an occasion together. Reason being that the women would not be able to celebrate freely; that is removing their headscarves, dance their sensuous traditional dances and be generally free when men are watching.

During the official ceremony, or Nikkah, the groom is normally in a mosque; his wife to be is in the same area -but not in the same room- if space allows, for instance if the mosque compound harbours another building or secluded area where the bride can sit. It does happen that the bride is not anywhere near the groom when they say their vows. She could be at her parent's home, or any other place that is deemed fit.

When the wedding vows are taken, it's time for the bride to come out in her moment of glory. She makes her entry in front of the female wedding guests, and takes her place on a stage in front of the crowd so that she can be admired and people can take pictures with her. A while later, the groom joins her and after elaborate congratulations and picture opportunities, they leave together as man and wife, leaving their guests to celebrate and eat sumptuous amounts of food.

When attending a Swahili wedding, it's quite obvious that the women are in charge here. The air in the hall where the festivities are taking place is heavy with the perfume of all the women present, their outfits a feast of colour, their gold dangling in abundance. A wedding celebration is a Swahili woman's party time; it is her chance to get dressed up, show her latest fashion outfits, wear her gold and dance until morning; a chance to get away, if only for a while, from the chores of daily life.

There are usually several other functions following the official ceremony and the 'showing of the bride'. A smaller party with close relatives can follow, or a religious celebration where prayers are recited to bless the couple. Sometimes a mock 'fight' is staged; if the party is at the girls' parents house, the husband has to 'break down' the door to get his wife; and usually, he has to 'bribe' the male relatives of the bride to let him in!

With the official wedding day over, the celebrations can go on for several more days. The husband then takes his new wife to all his relatives to introduce her - in Swahili tradition; a bride becomes part of the husbands' family after marriage. She remains a bride until she gives birth to her first child. Her 'bridal' days are then officially over. But by then, she will have probably gone for countless other weddings to enjoy the party!

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