Kenya

By Meggan Rau

Kenya is synonymous with wild jungle safaris, striking landscapes, and, most importantly, unparalleled adventure. Where else can you watch a massive wildebeest migration from the lofty comfort of a hot air balloon, snorkel and scuba coral reefs teeming with sea life, or observe some of the world’s most magnificent animals—lions, giraffes, and elephants--outside the artificial environment of a zoo? Kenya, of course. Untamed, and yes, a little dangerous, the East African country of Kenya is an ideal destination for intrepid travelers looking for jam-packed adventure and heart-pounding encounters with all that is wild.

Situated on the equator, Kenya shares its borders with Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya’s geography is varied—the country is comprised of plains and plateaus, highlands and glaciers, and, on the Tanzanian border, Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, dominates the horizon. The climate is tropical—the coast is hot and humid, the interior of the country is more temperate, and to the north and northeast, the climate is very dry. Kenya has two rainy seasons: from April to June, and again from October to December.

Though Kenya is one of Africa’s more powerful economies, it is a developing nation, and battles with more than its fair share of poverty, disease, and social issues. The cities, as well as many of the country’s roads and byways, are considered dangerous, and visitors are encouraged to be alert and mindful of any potentially unsafe situations.

Kenya is the safari capital of the world. The country’s 59 national parks and game reserves are an excellent place for safari-goers to spot the famous “Big 5”—lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo, as well as giraffes, wildebeests, and, for those who are very lucky, the endangered black rhino. A trip to Kenya isn’t complete without a visit to Masaai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya’s share of the Serengeti Plains, to see the world famous annual wildebeest migration.

Other must-see national parks include Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, (you’ve never seem so many flamingoes!), and Mount Kenya National Park, to climb Africa’s second highest mountain.

At Malindi-Watamu Marine Reserve, visitors can snorkel and scuba dive a stunning coral reef, located about a kilometer offshore.

Kenya’s bustling capital city of Nairobi, situated on the banks of the Nairobi River, is a great place for visitors to arrange safaris to nearby Nairobi National Park.