GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
Kenya lies astride the equator on the eastern coast of Africa. It's bordered in the North by Sudan and Ethiopia, in the East by Somalia, on the southeast by the Indian Ocean, on the South by Tanzania and to the West by Uganda.With the Equator traversing the country, there are only two rainy seasons . Sunshine is experienced throughout the year, although it is cooler during the months of June, July and August. Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya grew up from a railway construction camp named "enairobe" in Masai Language (meaning a place of cold water ) to the modern centre of commercial, financial, manufacturing and tourist destination in eastern Africa. Today the city population stands over 2 million. . It's mean annual temperature is 62 degree Fahrenheit (17 degree Celsius Tourist who Kenya spend one or two nights in Nairobi, which has places to visit:- Bomas of Kenya with exhibitors of African traditional dances, Karen Blixen Museum, the house where Karen Blixen of the "Out of Africa" fame; National Museum, Leakey pre-history discoveries and tribal artifacts, Utamaduni, an up-market craft centre, others are Kazuri Beads, original ceramic in Karen, and Undugu Co-op. and the The coastal region particularly Mombasa is a little hotter, this is a place to get tanned.

PEOPLE & CUSTOMS
Kenyans are the most friendlier people and this is reflected by the way of their traditional greetings; "Jambo na Karibu" meaning "Hello and welcome". Kenya has 48 different ethnic groupings or tribes. The Arabs trader who intermarried with coastal East African natives gave birth to a mixed Afro-Arab tribe:the Waswahili, whose language Swahili, is today spoken over nearly half the African Continent. Apart from Arabs and Waswahilis, there the Mijikendas along the Kenyan Coast, Kikuyu ,Embus and Merus in Central Kenya, and the environs of Mt. Kenya.  Some extra-ordinary tribal traditions and customs are entrenched in the famous Maasai (in Masai Mara), Turkana and Samburu, who remain unaffected by the unstoppable tide of Neoism, and remain intact. They live in series of circular huts with doomed roofs. Other tribes include Kalenjin, Gusii, Luhya, Luo, Boran and Somali etc.

CAPITAL & MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
One of the National Parks established in 1948, it covers 117 sq. kms and features pristine savannah and it is only 8 kms from the city centre. It is dominated by Giraffe, Wildebeest, Gazelle and Eland. With the exception of Elephant , the Big Five have been spotted. The park, is conveniently located to the business traveller and offers the spectacle of a silhouette of the city on the horizon. To the South is Athi River with its Hippo pools, and lastly there are two animal orphanages including Daphne Sheldrick's Home for Orphaned Elephants and Rhinos.

TSAVO NATIONAL PARK
It covers 20,807 sq. kilometres. It has a characteristic red soil that is is due to roaming elephants which loosen the foliage.The Park lies midway between Nairobi and Mombasa. In the park is the Mzima Springs which is fed with water by Chyulu Hills. The remarkable oasis supports Hippos, Crocodiles, Gazelles, Zebras, Giraffes and many more .Acacia forests are filled with birds and Monkeys. Vantage points include Ngulia Escarpment and Voi in the East, the Chyulu Hills in the west and the lava flows/cones at Shitani (near Kilaguni Lodge).

AMBOSELLI NATIONAL PARK
It is the most popular National Parks right on the Tanzania border, and offers a unique panoramic view of the snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is located 165 kms SouthEast of Nairobi with an area of 392 sq kms. The park entrance is on the North via Namanga. You can expect to see a proliferation of Giraffe and Elephant. Species found here includes Zebra, Baboon, Velvet Monkey, Lion, Cheetah, Rhino, Wildebeest, Grant's Gazelle and many more. Birdlife seen in this region includes the Taveta Golden Waver and the Malachite Kingfisher.

MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE
The Mara's gentle fertile climate offers the richest stocked reserve that encompasses some 1672 sq kms with an unlimited spectacle of wildlife. Its is located 268 kms west of Nairobi. Herds of Elephants, browse among Lion, Buffalo, Thompson's Gazelle, Zebra and Topi. Occasionally a Rhino, Cheetah or Leopard can be seen. Hippos and crocodiles are found in the Mara River. There is an annual migration of Wildebeest to the rains in the north.

MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK
The cool fresh mountain air, the panoramic views, and tranquillity. All this are found in the highest mountain that sits astride the Equator. This Park rises to the 10,500 feet altitude and constitutes three principal zones upwards. First is the bamboo jungle and thick mountain forests that covers the vast gentle slopes; then the alpine zone with its vegetation the includes the Giant Groundsei :towering some 18 feet in height. Finally the rock peaks that are perpetually clad in glaciers and snow-fields. Most of the game can be best spotted below the park boundary in and around the forest Snow Leopards are also found.

ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK
In this mountaineous range ,everything is on a grand scale. . Mutant Alpine plants include the 18 feet high Seneccio that flowers only once in 20 years! Huge trees cover the lower foothills. This unique ecosystem is fuelled by the perpetual heavy rains. Rivers plunge in glorious waterfalls, with the the grandiose one acquiring its name from Thompson who explored the area in 1883. There is the Elephant migration trek to Mt. Kenya. Rhinos can be spotted.

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
Lake Nakuru and Elementaita, plays host to Flamingoes, Cormorants, Pelicans, Black Winged Stilts, Avocets and a mass of Ruffs. In the North is the Menengai Crater (85 sq. km). This protected habitat supports Rhinos ,Lions and Buffalos. Game includes Leopards or Black Rhinos. Close by is Lake Elementaita.

GAME RESERVES

MERU GAME RESERVE
This is where Elsa, Joy Adamson's lioness, was returned to the wild. On the lower slopes of Mt. Kenya, it remains a pristine wilderness with dense riverine forests that attract Leopards, and a full complement of 'the big five' including Black Rhino, in a dramatic setting adorned with doum palms. Over 300 species of birdlife have been spotted. The wooded thornbush and grasslands in volcanic rock, give way to open red soil grasslands over in the East. Highlights include Mulika Swamp and the Adamson's Fall where the Rojweru and Tana rivers converge.

MWALUNGANJE
To the north-west of Shimba Hills lies Mwalunganje,that is watered by the Manolo River, a favourite spot of male Elephants, and where they take their entertaining mud baths. The area with its surrounding thick forest became a reserve to open up a connecting corridor for the elephants trekking south en-route to Shimba Hills. The conservation area is recognised for its role in the development of young yet independent male Elephants in their demanding life ahead. The terrain is diverse, riverine forest gives way to deciduous woodlands and dry baobab bushland.Also found here is the rare Sokoke Scops Owl.

SHIMBA HILLS
This compact size game sanctuary covers 192 sq kms and is just 30 kms from Mombasa.It comprises rainforest, which opens out into gentle hills, rolling savannah and riverine forest. Sea breezes maintain a cool climate. Elephants with their young ones, the graceful Giraffe, numerous species of Antelope and occasionally the proud and magnificent Lion can be seen. Tents at Taita Hills satisfy a thirst for a bush safari.

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