Ten Essential Things to Do When You Visit Kenya

Located in the eastern part of Africa, this country is home to both diverse human ethnic communities and fantastic wildlife. The country is named after its 17,000-foot Mount Kenya. Once a European colonial possession, the country is now making its own path despite the numerous hurdles it faces.

1.) Hell's Gate National Park
So named because of its geothermal activity, Hell's Gate is one of the few national parks which visitors can tour on foot. It is also the location of the Olkaria Geothermal Station, which is slated to eventually service up to half of the country's power needs. Aside from the abundant wildlife, visitors can also see singing and dancing exhibitions by Maasai people at the Oloor Karia Masai cultural center.

2.) Lake Nakuru National Park
The park is located in the famous Great Rift Valley. Hie yourself to Baboon Cliff to watch the spectacle of some two million pink flamingos wading, flying, and foraging on the lakeshore. Aside from being Africa's first bird sanctuary, this national park is also a refuge for endangered white and black rhinos.

3.) Western Kenya
The western part of the country is relatively isolated. If you want to see the real Kenya, away from the influx of tourists, this is the place to go to. Be aware that finding accommodation and transportation here is a bit problematic, so you should plan well beforehand and be prepared to rough it.

4.) Lake Naivasha
This freshwater lake is a popular weekend getaway for those tired of the heat and bustle of Nairobi. Lake Naivasha is well-known for its avian fauna and its dramatic vistas as well as its horticultural industry. Take a trip to the south shore and see Elsamere, the real setting of the movie "Born Free."

5.) Mount Kenya National Park
Those who are fond of mountain climbing can go to this park and scale Mount Kenya's permanently snow-bound peaks, Nelion, Batian, and Lenana. It also offers wonderful scenery with lakes, glaciers, and springs. Animals such as elephants, black rhinos, colobus monkeys, duiker, leopards, and hyenas can be found in the forests of this national park.

6.) Karen Blixen Museum
Kenya isn't all safaris and wildlife. In the Nairobi area, you can visit the Karen Blixen Museum, which showcases and preserves examples of colonial architecture and memorabilia. Personal effects of Karen Blixen, the author of the novel "Out of Africa," are also on display.

7.) Paradise Lost Caves
Also located in the Nairobi area, this system of caverns was discovered by workers a decade ago and has yielded not only Stone Age artifacts but human remains as well. Tourists can explore the labyrinth on foot. Camel and horse rides are also available, and there is a nearby artificial lake where one can go on boat tours, fish, or swim.

8.) Shentani Lava Flow
Since Kenya has that big geologic scar running right through it, it's not surprising that the country is seismologically active. Another product of this volcanic activity, the Shentani Lava Flows are located at the foot of the Chyulu Hills and can be hiked. There are also caves nearby which can be explored by the intrepid tourist, but caution is recommended.

9.) Lake Turkana
This region in the north of Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lake Turkana, also known as the Jade Sea for the way algae in the water causes it to change color, is the biggest desert lake in the whole world. Its waters are full of wildlife such as hippos, tilapa, crocodiles, and the Nile perch. There exists the possibility of violence on the roads to Turkana, so travelers might opt to fly to get there.

10.) Samburu Game Park
Halfway between Lake Turkana and the capital of Nairobi, in an area of desert, lies the Samburu Game Park, named after the Samburu people. Wildlife watchers can come here to see giraffes, oryx, ostriches, and elephants in this harsh, open environment. Or sit down at the bar at the Samburu Lodge and watch the local leopards make short work of the bait put out to attract them for the guests' benefit.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos [http://www.destinationguide.tv] Visit [http://www.destinationguide.tv/kenya] to view or share Kenya travel videos [http://www.destinationguide.tv/kenya]

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Ten Reasons Why People Travel on Safari

When we go on an African safari we make a point of chatting to other visitors and over the past sixteen years we have compiled the following list of top ten motives people leave the comfort of their homes in order to travel to Southern or East Africa on a guided or self-drive safari.
If you have been on safari, or are thinking of going, see if your motive ties up with any of the ten that are listed below.

They are listed in order of importance:
1. Relaxation - People need to escape the stress of work and just relax. Some people relax at the swimming pool, read a book on the camp lawns, while others want solitude - the peace and quiet that you get at the Kruger bushveld camps or Kgalagadi wilderness camps. However you relax, recharging your batteries by breaking away from routine in an African national park is good medicine!

2. Photography - The 'big-five', 'super-seven' and 'elusive-eleven' are all exciting animals to photograph and your photos will provide perfect souvenirs for you to take back home. The Southern African parks of Kruger, Kgalagadi, Etosha and Pilanesberg are ideal game-viewing destinations as they all provide excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.

3. Nature - Some people go on an African safari for educational reasons such as to observe endangered species, documenting certain animals and plants or to see how many different birds and mammals they can see and tick-off.

5. Food and Culture - People want to experience different cultures and an African safari will expose you to many unique cultures, from the Himba tribe in Namibia and the Zulus in South Africa to the Maasai in Kenya. And don't forget the many different foods! We have had delicious German food in Namibia; succulent seafood in Mozambique & Tanzania and tasted nearly every game animal in South Africa, of which elephant and impala were yummy.
6. Attractions - These could be natural attractions such as impressive landscapes like the Victoria Falls or luxury accommodation such as is found in the Kruger Park's private lodges or the East African parks. Another attraction is the climate - when it's snowing in Europe and America, Africa has sunny skies with balmy evenings!

7. Activities - Nature photo-tours, hiking, mountain biking, horse-back or elephant-back safaris and even conferences are activities that can enhance your safari experience.

8. Honeymoon - If you are getting married you want to go to a special place to celebrate and most of the southern and east African national parks provide the ideal setting for you. Most game reserves and rest camps have at least one private chalet that is perfect for honeymooners.

9. Spiritual - The African safari experience will affect most people and they should start thinking about life - appreciating what they have, thanking God for His many blessings and also pondering on questions like 'where do we come from?', 'what is the purpose of life?' and 'what happens to us after we die?'.

10. Healing - People often visit national parks to scatter the ashes of a loved one as the place has special significance for them. The Kruger Park is one such popular place where you can combine a safari with the healing act of returning a loved one to nature.

So, you may identify with one of the reasons above or your motive may be a combination of the above points. Whatever the case, travelling on a safari can, and should be, an unforgettable experience.

Mario Fazekas is a wildlife photographer living in South Africa, and is the webmaster of http://www.kruger-2-kalahari.com - For a FREE Southern African Safari Guide please visit us here http://www.kruger-2-kalahari.com/stay-in-touch.html

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How To Enjoy African Safari Holidays

Africa is a vast continent and it has a lot to offer to vacationers who enjoy exploring and indulging in adventure activities. The Kenya safari and the Tanzania safari are among the most sought after tourist destinations where vacationers can see the wildlife in their natural surroundings, bask in the wonderful beaches, and come close to the nature. However, in order to get proper information regarding the places to visit and planning African safari holidays, it's essential that you should browse the websites of different travel agents who specialise in organising such holidays and select a reliable agent.

Advantages Provided By African Safari Organisers
Here are the following advantages that are provided by African safari organisers.
1) As compared to planning African safari holidays on your own, using the services of a reliable safari organiser would prove to be more economical for you. Usually, most people are not aware where to go, how to go, where to stay and what to see on such a holiday. However, these agents have been organising such itineraries for a long time and know how to get a good deal on air tickets, hotel bookings, special excursions and insurance. Besides, they are also able to get cheaper rates because of bulk bookings.

2) These agents have travel consultants who have first-hand experience of all the travel destinations in Africa, and they can guide the customers properly. The reliable agents are fully ATOL and ABTA protected, and when you book your African safari holidays through them, you will get full value for your money and also be fully protected financially.

3) Their experienced consultants can give you the right advice regarding the best hotels to stay and the must-see places to visit. You can also get proper guidelines regarding what clothes to wear, the type of food that would be available, and the cultural nuances of the places that you would be visiting.

4) You can also get experienced guides who can provide all necessary information and help you in your language and other issues.

The very mention of African safari holidays conjures images of spectacular landscapes, open Savannah, free roaming wildlife and proud tribes. Whether you are going on Kenya safari holidays or Tanzania safari holidays, the lure of the wild will leave you completely mesmerised. 

Your adventurous trip will take you splashing in lagoons, observing the great wild beast migration in Tanzania, flying low over the sand dunes of the Skeleton Coast, or admiring a beautiful sunrise over the Namib Desert in Namibia, which is supposed to be the world's oldest living desert. However, in order to make your African safari holidays a memorable event you need to take a few precautions.

Essential Precautions
It is quite important to take some essential precautions while going out on African safari holidays. Plan your trip properly by choosing the areas that you want to visit. Take the help of a reliable and experienced African safari company. Gather as much information as possible regarding proper clothing, medications, insect repellents, sun screen lotion and the local customs.

Take plenty of medications and inform the tour operator regarding your medical problems, if any. Carry sufficient amount of food and water on your adventure trips and keep yourself hydrated. Keep your important documents, passport, cash and other valuables safely with you or in a safe.

If you want to know all about the luxury safari holidays, including the Kenya safari holidays and Tanzania safari holidays, just visit http://www.luxury-safaris.co.uk today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peggy_Henry

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Enjoy an African Safari in Tanzania

An African safari in Tanzania is an ideal way of spending a vacation if you are a wildlife enthusiast or a photographer who wants to witness something truly majestic. The exclusive lodges, cottages and resorts also ensure that your stay is comfortable and add a different dimension to your experience of Safari Holidays. A Tanzania safari involves everything from staying in tree tops, to getting up close with wild animals and camping in the forests.

A good example is the Lake Manyara Tree Lodge which is located inside a mahogany forest close to an exquisite soda lake. The stilted tree houses with large windows that offer a view the forest and modern sophisticated furnishing will let you experience a luxurious stay, part of the African Safari special.

The Serengeti's western corridor is known for the Grumeti River camp which allows one to enjoy camping in spacious tents set up under the makuti canopies. Proximity to the bywaters of the Grumeti River will let one experience the wild pulse that beats around the African jungles. The north eastern part of Serengeti is famous for wild buffaloes and one can enjoy the safari lodges in Klein's camp and get a chance to stay in thatch and rock cottages.

The private verandah, exquisite wooden floors and well designed interiors with water heated with a fire under the tank will give you a royal feeling. One can catch a view of many wild animals in this region including wildebeest, oryx, zebras, buffaloes, elephants and rhinos.

The Ngorongoro crater is another famous land spot. Many tourists come here to watch the crater and enjoy the stay in the spectacularly designed Ngorongoro crater lodge. The Ngorongo is also famously known as the 8th wonder of the natural world and the view from the lodge sitting on the crater will justify its nickname. The Southern Tanzania is a part of the African safari that you shouldn't miss.

The biggest attraction is the Ruaha national park which along with its wild life treasurers is also famous for magnificent scenery and great bushes seldom seen elsewhere. Selous is another destination you must not miss in Tanzania. It is the biggest protected wild life reserve in Africa and is located so remotely that it could be reached only by small aircraft.

Another famous tourist destination in Tanzania is Tarangire. This is called the elephant capital too. Here baobab and marula trees will be your homes as you spend your night on tree tops set amidst these trees. The exotic and mystic feeling surrounding these tree tops and forests is a rare experience that is hard to get in any other part of the world.

No African Safari is complete without visiting Masai Mara which is the venue for the big five, the rhinos, elephants, lions, buffaloes and the leopards. In other words, it represents all the gems of the African wild, scenery to behold and a sight that is worth remembering for the rest of your life. The view of the wild and its majestic inhabitants is something that will make the journey worthwhile.

To know more about the African Safari package and Tanzania Safari find out about the kind of stay available in different places, please visit luxury-safaris.co.uk.

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