KENYA 
Kenya is synonymous with big game and for good reason. With a land area almost two and a half times that of the United Kingdom the country has more than fifty national parks and game reserves. Many are known worldwide and offer the wildlife enthusiast the possibility of observing and capturing (on film) virtually all the large animal species of Africa as well as a myriad of smaller mammals and a wealth of bird species. There is, however, much more to Kenya - tribal people living traditionally, the stunning scenery of the Great Rift Valley with its mountains and lakes, a huge variety of eco-systems and habitats and the coast, lapped by the Indian Ocean and home to the Arab / African mix known as Swahili.
Nairobi
In the centre of the country, Nairobi is a modern and cosmopolitan city. Gateway to the principal wildlife reserves, Nairobi is the focus of all the nation's activities and is developing at an alarming pace. If you have a day or so to spend in Nairobi we recommend a visit to The National Museum, of particular interest are the Leakey family fossil and early hominid collections; the Langatta Giraffe sanctuary gives you the opportunity to see "eye to eye" and to hand feed an endangered Rothschild Giraffe and a little shopping either at the markets for cheap & cheerful goodies or along Kenyatta Avenue for artefacts and books.
Mombasa & The Coast
From references in Paradise Lost, the Old Testament and in ancient Greek manuscripts we know that even before the time of Christ, the Kenya coast and particularly Mombasa and Malindi were thriving centres of trade. For thousands of years these ports traded in ivory, tortoise shell, rhinocerous horn, peacock, apes and at times slaves. Certainly from 600 B.C. there are definite records of trade with Arabs - resulting in the Swahili language which is a hybrid of Arabic and the local vernacular.Today, Mombasa and the Kenya coast is an interesting mix of Africa & Arabia with a little Portuguese thrown in. Mombasa is Kenya 's second-largest city and the biggest port on the north east coast of Africa . Light and heavy industry is abundant around the town but along the coast tourist facilities are abundant and varied. Those visiting can enjoy quiet beaches shaded by palms and lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean . For the active there are water sports, bustling markets & galleries to explore and the history of Mombasa to be toured.
Aberdare National Park
Established in 1950 this park comprises 590 sq kms (28 sq miles) and includes moorlands and a portion of the forest of the Aberdare Mountains which are part of the central highlands of Kenya and in altitude range up to 3,930m (12,900 ft). The mountain slopes are covered with heavy forest and are criss-crossed with deep ravines through which hidden trout steams flow and waterfalls cascade.
Amboseli
Amboseli is justly famous for its big game including buffalo, elephant, lion, giraffe, hyena, cheetah and a variety of smaller carnivores and antelope species; and for its picturesque scenery, which benefits from the beautiful backdrop of snow covered Kilimanjaro, Africa 's highest mountain at 5,894m (19,340 ft). The park is largely arid lands of acacia and tall savannah grasses and in such an exposed landscape the animals are easy to observe. In places, subterranean springs have transformed the plain into marshland. Constantly changing, the springs have a determining influence on life in the park. In recent times infiltrated by salt water, they are modifying the ecosystem, causing the loss of certain plant species. The continual changes can, however, have a beneficial effect as the general rise of the water table now attracts increasing numbers of pink flamingos and pelicans.
Laikipia Plateau
The Laikipia plateau in central Kenya is the last often referred to as the last stronghold of romantic East Africa; vast open ranches, shadowed by snow-capped Mount Kenya and home to man communities including the Laikipia, Masai and the Samburu.
Masai Mara
Although not Kenya's largest park, the Mara, as the Kenyans call it, is undoubtedly its best known and contains great concentrations of wildlife. Covering an area in excess of 1,800 sq km (almost 700 sq miles) it was established in 1961 and adjoins the Serengeti in Tanzania forming the northern end of the great migration ecosystem. This is the traditional land of the Masai people, nomadic herders who choose a traditional lifestyle and who are permitted to graze their cattle in the area.
The park's habitats include the forests along the banks of the Mara and Talek Rivers , acacia forests and open savannah. These various habitats are home to a great variety of game including lion, leopard, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest (gnu), giraffe, buffalo, jackal, topi, gazelles, impala and elephant. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles are plentiful in the rivers and the bird life is also abundant. No less than 53 different species of birds of prey alone have been recorded.
Lamu
Lamu is Kenya 's oldest living town and boasts a rich and colorful history. The appearance and character of the town have changed little over the centuries. The architecture of the houses and buildings dates back to the 18th century. There are few motor vehicles on the island and local people use boats and donkeys for transport. The sites that you will want to include, the village of Shela , Lamu Fort, the Swahili House Museum , and the Donkey Sanctuary are all easily reached on foot. Spend your days relaxing on the beautiful and deserted beaches, try out a variety of water sports, enjoy the balmy tropical setting, explore nearby islands and the shipyards of Matandoni, shop in Lamu Town and enjoy sumptuous seafood meals for unbeatable prices!
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