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Kenya first became a British colony in 1920 when the economic importance of the fertile lands of the interior were realised. Up until then, the territory was simply being used to get from the coast to Uganda, considered to be a much more important territory.

The Mau Mau were a militant African nationalist group operating in Kenya in the 1950s. Primarily from the Kikuyu tribe, they started a rebellion against white colonial rule. This was one of the reasons that Kenya finally threw off the shackles of British colonial rule in 1963.

The country has been relatively stable since independence and continues to be by far the largest and most important economy in East Africa.

Mining, agriculture, manufacturing and tourism are all important pillars of the economy. Recent political turmoil and terrorism attacks have seen Kenya lose much of their tourism market to neighbouring Tanzania which generally has more of a diverse and less commercialised offering.

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Attractions in Kenya

Wildlife

East Africa has long been considered the ‘home of safari’ and the open landscapes are certainly conducive to seeing game – especially in the Masai Mara National Reserve.

The great migration – arguably the most well known and publicised wildlife phenomenon on the continent – takes place in the Mara toward the end of every year as more than a million animals move into the country from the Serengeti in Tanzania in search of water and fresh grazing.

They stay for a few months before heading back to the short grass plains for calving in February but the few months that the migration is in the country are spectacular with black rhino, vast herds and predator galore making for unforgettable viewing.

Cultural

Kenya has a rich cultural history but most safari tourists will know the country as the ‘land of the Maasai’. They are a proud rural people with colourful dress that occupy the premier big game areas where they are visible at most lodges / hotels where they perform traditional song and dance ceremonies.

They also still herd their cattle and goats through many conservation areas – especially around the Masai Mara – and their villages or ‘cultural bomas’ are an interesting place to visit (with a guide) to get a glimpse of their tradition and lifestyle.

* Note – although authentic villages, the inevitable pitfalls of modern commercialism have become apparent and some of these visits can feel ‘contrived’.

Scenic

Probably the most iconic scenic destination in the country is Amboseli National Park near the Tanzanian border where photographers scramble to get shots of herds of elephants feeding at the marsh with the ice-capped Kilimanjaro in the background!

Other notable spots include Lake Naivasha with its flamingos and the tree-studded plains of the Masai Mara with endless lines of wildebeest!

What we consider to be HIGHLIGHTS of a visit to Kenya

• Masai Mara National Reserve
• The Great Migration
• Hot Air Balloon over the Masai Mara
• Migration crossing the Mara River
• Views of Mt Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park

Best Seasons to Travel to Kenya

OUR FAVOURITE MONTHS - May – December

Safari Areas in Kenya

• Masai Mara National Reserve
  Selected Lodges / Camps
  Governor’s, Cottar’s

• Amboseli National Park
  Selected Lodges / Camps
  Tortilis Camp

• Samburu National Reserve
  Selected Lodges / Camps

• Aberdares National Park
  Selected Lodges / Camps

• Nairobi
  Selected Hotels
  Tribe Hotel, Sakara Hotel, Norfolk Hotel

Fast Facts about Kenya

• Capital: Nairobi
• Population: 32 million
• Government: Multi-party Democracy
• Head of State: President Mwai Kibaki
• Length of term: 5 years
• Maximum terms: 2 years
• Currency: Kenyan Shilling
• Exchange rate: USD 1 : KSh 80.90
• Dominant religion: Christianity, followed closely by Islam
• Major Industries: Agriculture, tourism, fertilizer
• Literacy: 74%
• Urbanisation: 22%