The East African nations is one of Africa’s
rising stars. Touted both the gateway and capital of East and Central Africa, Kenya
has a lot of activities for the adventurous tourist. With a wide variety of
terrain and climate zones, Kenya offers you a lot in a small space. Be it the
desert areas of the north, the famed game reserves of the south, the snowy
peaks of Mt Kenya on the equator, or the sandy beaches of Mombasa, you always
have something new and exciting to see. Here are three places that will take
your breath away.
Lamu
While most tourists frequent the popular
city of Mombasa, it is Lamu where all the authenticity is. Mombasa’s appeal is
lost in the rapid modernization and large crowds that are not characteristic of
Lamu. Lamu still has that ancient Swahili feel: luxuriously slow, tastefully
sunny, and enjoyably pristine. The beaches are wide and clean, the curious are
creatively unique, and the overall experience breath taking. Today, Lamu has
very many exclusive luxury accomodations for the lavish tourist: from tented
camps in nearby mangrove forests, five-star beach hotels, private villas, to
tree houses. The locals are very friendly, and will serve you a feast of
Swahili delicacies: a blend of Arabic spice with local Bantu creativity. After
you have enjoyed the sun, sand, vibrant night life, and sightseeing of the ancient sights, head a little inland for wildlife.
It is surprising how close by all the attractions are!
Maasai Mara
Barely 6 hours away lies one of the world’s
finest National Parks: the Maasai Mara. Home to a tasteful selection of
wildlife, flora, and fauna, this large park offers unparalleled sights and
sounds. Most notably, the world’s 8th wonder happens here every
year. Get a front row view of the magnificent Wildebeest Migration as you
follow along in an air condition safari car. For even more thrill, stay one of
the many tented camps, listening to the sounds of lions, elephants, and the
laughing hyenas all through the night. It is perfectly safe! If you prefer,
book yourself in at one of the hotels beside a watering hole, and witness the
magic every morning and evening as wildlife come to feed.
Aberdare National Park
It is surprising that there is a snow
mountain lying right on the equator. Mt. Kenya is a truly unique feature, home
to a host of rare animals, as well as home to the mythical god of the local
Kikuyu tribe. The stoic mountain hosts the Aberdare ranges, where the Aberdare
National Park lies.
Indeed, the beauty of this park has
attracted royalty. Queen Elizabeth was on tour here, just before the tragic
announcement of her father’s passing. More recently, Prince William and Princess
Kate holidayed in the area just before the famed proposal.
It is easy to see why this place is so
attractive to royalty. The beautiful, jungle air, lively wildlife scene, along
with regal accommodation make this an irresistible holiday destination. Get
front row seats to water holes, explore Elephant Hill on foot, and journey
through a maze of prime safari routes. Overlook stunning mountain sunsets while
enjoying Africa’s most elegant hospitality. Staying at the Treetops Hotel
observing a herd of elephants, where Her Majesty once stayed, it is easy to
fall in love with the beauty of Central Kenya.
