Kenya’s largest lake, excluding Lake Victoria on its western border, is Lake Turkana, in the northwest. Smaller lakes—including Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivahsa, and Lake Magadi—lie in or near the Eastern Rift. The country’s major rivers include the Tana and Galana (known as the Athi in its upper course) in the east, and the Kerio, Turkwel, and Nzoia in the west. Parts of each of these rivers are navigable by small vessels, but only the Tana is used by larger boats. Except for the Tana and some of its tributaries, most Kenyan rivers have not been used extensively for irrigation.

Amboseli National Park	Amboseli National Park Amboseli National Park is situated north west of Mt. Kilimanjaro on the Tanzanian border. In the center of the Park lies a now-dry lake basin. Within this basin is a temporary lake, Lake Amboseli, that floods during years of heavy rainfall. Amboseli is famous for its big game and its great scenic beauty and Mt. Kilimanjaro dominates the landscape. Large herds of elephant are common sights in Amboseli National Park, as are buffalo, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, Coke’s hartebeest, warthog, wildebeest, impala, giraffe, zebra and baboons. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals are also present. Around the swamps and seasonal lakes, birdlife is abundant with a good variety of water species.
Maasai Mara National Park	Maasai Mara National Park This world-renowned reserve, which stretches over 938 square miles of open rolling grasslands, is backed by the spectacular Esoit Oloololo (Siria) Escarpment, watered by the Mara River and littered with an astonishing amount of wildlife. Of the big cats, lions are found in large prides everywhere, and it is not uncommon to see them hunting. Cheetahs and leopards are less visible, but still fairly common. Elephants, buffalos, zebras and hippos also exist in large numbers. The ultimate attraction is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration in July and August, when millions of these ungainly beasts move north from the Serengeti. While you're more likely to see endless columns grazing or trudging along rather than dramatic river fordings, it is nonetheless a staggering experience.
Meru National Park	Meru National Park Meru National Park was made famous by the book Born Free, detailing author Joy Adamson’s hand-rearing of orphaned lioness Elsa in the Park. The beautiful Rojewero River bisects the Park, and along its banks birdwatchers may be fortunate enough to spot the handsome palm-nut vulture and the very elusive Peter’s finfoot. There is a diversity of scenery in Meru National Park, and a wide variety of habitats, ranging from forest, dry bush and grasslands to swamps and numerous rivers lined with doum palms, tamarind trees and acacias. The wildlife is varied, and numerous. Lion, leopard and cheetah are present, as are elephant and buffalo. There are large numbers of hippo and crocodile in the River. Grevy’s and Burchell’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and gerenuk add to the diversity.
Samburu Wildlife Reserve	Samburu Wildlife Reserve The Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves are among the most pleasant in Kenya, and relatively undiscovered. The permanent forest shade on the banks of the Ewaso Niyo river offer wonderful year-round game viewing and the birdlife is unusually numerous. The Samburu is a narrow plain giving way to rocky hillsides which are home to leopard. It is the unique wildlife, including the gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, beisa oryx and reticulated giraffe that attracts many visitors to this area. A highlight of these Parks is watching large numbers of elephant bathing in the Ewaso Nyiro River. Shaba, which lies to the east of the other two reserves, is scenically dramatic, with the River running through deep gorges and waterfalls. Mount Bodech and Shaba Hill dominate the landscape, and the plains are dotted with springs, small swamps and rocky hills.
Aberdare National Park	Aberdare National Park Aberdare National Park is a small park (296 square miles), situated 62 miles north of Nairobi. Aberdare consists of the Nyandarua Mountain range, and the thickly forested hills and valleys are home to rhino, bongo antelope and black and white colobus monkeys. Aberdare National Park was created in 1950 to protect the forested slopes and moors of the Aberdare Mountains. Aberdare National Park offers a game-rich experience and exceptional accommodation. Predators are well represented at Aberdare, and there is an abundance of bird species. The accommodation at Aberdare is exceptional and advance booking is essential.
Tsavo National Park	Tsavo National Park The main road from Nairobi to Mombasa splits Tsavo National Park into Tsavo East and Tsavo West. The Eastern section consists of large regions of flat, dry thorn bush, dominated by the Yatta Plateau. In contrast, the Western section is much more scenic, with a vista of volcanic mountains and hills, and outcrops with magnificent views. Visitors are permitted to walk to the source of the Springs – a most rewarding experience, often with sightings of wildlife going down to drink at the water’s edge. There is an observation tank sunk into the river, giving an underwater perspective of the wildlife satiating their thirst, and of a number of fish outside the window of the tank.
Great Rift Valley	Great Rift Valley The Great Rift Valley, with its associated escarpments and mountains encompasses the most dramatic, spectacular and varied scenery in Africa. The Great Rift Valley runs the length of Kenya from Lake Turkana in the north to Lake Natron on the Southern border with Tanzania, and is lined with a series of freshwater and soda-based volcanic lakes. The beautiful Lake Nakuru is recognized as one of the natural wonders of the world. It is renowned for its flamingos, and in 1961, sections of the Lake were established as a sanctuary to protect the almost two million resident flamingos. Lake Nakuru is today also a sanctuary for black and white rhino.

From classic tented camps, to mobile safaris, to luxurious lodges, Kenya offers a wide range of accommodations.

Kichwa Tembo	Kichwa Tembo Kichwa Tembo is situated at the foot of the Oloololo Escarpment, on the western border of the Maasai Mara Reserve in southwestern Kenya. Meaning ‘Head of the Elephant’ in KiSwahili, Kichwa Tembo is leased from Maasai landlords in the exclusive western Mara, which is much less crowded than the eastern part of the Reserve. In addition to an excellent year-round concentration of animals, Kichwa Tembo lies directly in the path of Africa’s spectacular Great Migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti, Tanzania, to the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
Cottar's 1920's Camp	Cottar's 1920's Camp A 1920's era feel to this camp set near the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. This camp gives you the authentic feel of that unique era when the word 'safari' became indelibly imprinted on the imagination of the adventurer, past and modern. Extending an era of luxury and quality, Cottars Safari Service returns to the original spirit and essence of 'safari', reminiscent of a golden era - an era of romance, professional guiding, adventure and elegance.
Elsa's Kopje	Elsa's Kopje For many years Kenya’s best kept secret, the untamed wilderness of Meru National Park is best explored from its hidden jewel – Elsa’s Kopje. Made famous by the film ‘Born Free’ and George Adamson’s lions, the lodge is invisible to the eye as you approach the kopje. Each of the 9 individually built cottages are luxuriously appointed, and here you’ll find the ultimate ‘room with a view’.
Joy's Camp	Joy's Camp An elegant oasis in the arid lands of Samburu; Joy’s Camp is built on the site of Joy Adamson’s tented home in Shaba National Reserve. The site was also home to Penny the leopard, the heroine of her last book. The 10 chic canvas bedrooms are set raised off the ground with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. The camp overlooks a large natural spring where elephant and lion jostle for watering rights with herds of buffalo and the rare desert species of Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy’s Zebra.
Loisaba Lodge	Loisaba Lodge Constructed from stone, local timber and thatch, the lodge is perched high on the edge of the plateau looking south towards Mount Kenya. Each room has large French windows that open onto a private deck cantilevered off the escarpment. The views are legendary, and a water hole a few hundred feet below draws continuous wildlife.
Tortilis Camp	Tortilis Camp You can't help but be awe-inspired by the contrasts and enormity of the African landscape — especially upon arrival at this award-winning, ecotourism lodge in Amboseli National Park. Built with a sensitive eye to its surrounding environment, Tortilis Camp sits nestled in a verdant acacia grove at the foot of the majestic, snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Luxury tents with private bathrooms and unrivalled views of the mountain make this the ultimate place from which to get up close & personal with the abundant wildlife, especially Amboseli’s famous land leviathan, the African Elephant.
Governor's Camp	Governor's Camp The setting is magical. So much so that almost a century ago it was reserved, exclusively, for Kenya’s colonial Governors and their royal visitors. Now Governors’ Camp nestles in the forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, it’s waters teeming with hippo and crocodile. Thirty-six tents line the riverbank, with uninterrupted views over the Mara River, others have views across the sweeping plains. Created in 1972, Governors’ Camp set new standards in luxury for a tented camp. Today it’s still Africa’s best. Everything is under canvas, all tents have bathrooms with hot and cold running water and flushing toilets.
Little Governor's Camp	Little Governor's Camp The Camp that Africa’s old hands swear by, Little Governors’ casts its spell over all who visit from honeymooning couples to Presidents.ntimate in character, there are seventeen tents tucked around a large watering-hole that teems with animal and bird life. From every veranda the view changes daily: Giraffe and Lion, Elephant and Warthog. Getting here is an adventure in itself, you first have to cross the Mara River by boat, then walk a short distance, escorted by armed guards, through the forest.
Governor's Il Moran	Governor's Il Moran Camp Governors’ Ilmoran is for those who want that extra bit of luxury. The camp comprises just 10 tents situated along the banks of the Mara River. This exclusive camp was formerly known as Paradise Camp and originally had 20 tents. The owner’s decision to reduce the size of the new camp is in direct response to their desire to preserve the surroundings and make a contribution to reduce the impact of tourists on the environment. This is probably the first time in the Mara that this has happened.
Governor's Private Camp	Governor's Private Camp The Camp that Africa’s old hands swear by, Little Governors’ casts its spell over all who visit from honeymooning couples to Presidents.ntimate in character, there are seventeen tents tucked around a large watering-hole that teems with animal and bird life. From every veranda the view changes daily: Giraffe and Lion, Elephant and Warthog. Getting here is an adventure in itself, you first have to cross the Mara River by boat, then walk a short distance, escorted by armed guards, through the forest.
Mfangano Island Camp	Mfangano Island Camp Lapped by the waters of Lake Victoria, shaded by giant fig trees, and lost to the world, Mfangano Island Camp is an oasis of tranquillity, an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The only way to reach Mfangano Island is by light aircraft, an adventure in itself. Your first view is of beautiful gardens set on a secluded bay. Lawns hug the waterline, flowerbeds and rock gardens surround the camp. Enormous boulders sit at the water’s edge, a perch for cormorants or giant monitor lizards to sun themselves.
Loldia House	Loldia House At Loldia House you’ll experience the life of Kenya’s early settlers, the pioneers who cleared the forests and first farmed the rich highlands. Loldia ranch was established by a family who trekked by ox-wagon from South Africa a century ago. Today their descendants still own the land. The original farmhouse is managed for visitors by Governors’ Camps. It’s an ideal spot to relax, taste the pleasures of Kenyan country life and explore the Great Rift Valley.
The Funzi Keys	The Funzi Keys Tucked away on an unspoilt island in the Indian Ocean, yet only 15 minutes flying time from Mombasa, The Funzi Keys´ unique appeal is its luxurious seclusion and beautiful natural scenery. Surrounded by water and superbly located on a west-facing beach with glorious views of the African sunset, this remote and exclusive hideaway is the perfect place to escape from the outside world in style.

Kenya’s ethnic diversity has produced a variety and richness of cultural forms that reflect African, Asian, and European influences. Visual arts are not highly important in contemporary Kenya, although varieties of wood and clay sculpture are produced for the tourist trade.

Daily Life	Daily Life Most Kenyans place great importance on the family and the traditional values and responsibilities associated with it. Kenyan families tend to be large, and households often include many members of the extended family. Polygyny exists to some extent among all social classes and ethnic groups. Many of Kenya’s rural inhabitants live on small farms; some live in houses made of mud and wooden poles with thatched roofs, while others live in houses of brick or stone with metal roofs. A small number are nomadic livestock herders, notably some of the Masai people in the south and the Turkana in the north. City dwellers who are wealthy or middle class typically live in modern houses and apartment buildings; however, many other city dwellers live in shantytowns or other inexpensive quarters.
Kikuyu Dress	Kikuyu The Kikuyu are Bantu-speaking people who make up the largest tribal group in Kenya. Traditionally an agricultural people, the Kikuyu long resided in separate family homesteads raising crops of millet, beans, peas, and sweet potatoes. Some groups also raised animals to supplement their diet, but little or no hunting or fishing took place. In these family homesteads, the basic social unit has consisted of a patrilineal group of males, who are polygamous, and their wives and children. The Kikuyu are an influential part of Kenyan society. Today they are some of the most educated and prosperous people in Kenya. Many live and work in Nairobi and other cities, often in government or business.
Maasai Women	Maasai The Maasai have a long tradition of pastoralism, though today some are adopting settled life. Masai origins are uncertain; however, some scholars believe that their ancestors migrated to the Rift Valley from what is now southern Sudan. These migrants practiced an agro-pastoral economy, growing sorghum and millet in addition to keeping cattle and other livestock. Most of them gradually adopted a strictly pastoral economy as they became dependent upon neighboring farming communities in the Rift Valley highlands.
Luhya	Luhya Unlike other ethnic groups in Kenya, the Luhya is not homogeneous. Its subgroups speak a common Bantu language and share cultural and ethnic traits. The Luhya comprise about 18 subgroups, some of which straddle the Kenya-Uganda border, though the majority live in Kenya. The Luhya traditionally have occupied the area between the southern side of Mount Elgon and the easternmost shore of Lake Victoria. Although scholars are uncertain about Luhya origins, they believe that Bantu speakers migrated into the region by the end of the 1st millennium. Luhya tradition holds that they are descended from Mugoma and Malaba, who were created by Wele, the supreme being.

Most of Kenya is covered with savanna grassland, and dotted with low masasa trees. The river valleys include baobab, acacia and teak trees. Many higher elevations contain dense forests, and patches of rain forest. Wildlife includes buffalo, elephant, hippos, lion, leopard, hyena, impala, giraffes, and baboons. Rhinoceros and cheetah are among a handful of endangered species.

Defassa Waterbuck	East Africa Acacia Savanna These dramatic savanna/grassland complexes are among the most distinctive in the world, with globally outstanding concentrations and diversity of large land mammals. The largely intact rangelands of East African Acacia Savannas support one of the world's most spectacular migration of large mammals. The region experiences a dramatic cycle of seasons with periods of drought alternating with monsoon months. As the drought approaches, great numbers of grazing wildebeests and zebras migrate north in search of food. Then, when the rains return, the animals alternate between two habitats: the Serengeti and Mara Plains. Predators follow.
Wood Gathering	Eastern Arc Coastal Forests A belt of lowland forests that run along the coast of eastern Africa from southern Somalia to the Mbemkuru River in southern Tanzania constitutes this ecoregion.
Bushfire	Montane Grasslands and Shrublands This habitat of the Chimanimani Mountains supports a rich array of plants and animals, including some species that are restricted to a single mountain. The ecoregion supports large numbers of endemic grassland plants.
Green Turtle	East African Marine Comprised of approximately 3,200 hectares of mangroves, the Rufiji Delta (found in this ecoregion) is one of the most important coastal wetlands in East Africa. Coral reefs along the coastline of Kenya, Tanzania, and northern Mozambique, form an almost continuous fringing reef - one of the largest of its kind on Earth.
Grevy's Zebra	Sudanese Savannas The Sudanese savannas comprise of large expanses of acacia woodland areas. Most of the trees here are deciduous, characterised by an understory of grasses, shrubs, and herbs.
Kiunga Reserve	East Africa Mangroves Compared to Southeast Asia, African mangroves support relatively low species diversity. However, the East African mangroves support the greatest flora and faunal diversity of African mangroves, as well as provide critical habitat for maintaining nearby coral reefs and populations of fish and birds.

• How do I get to Kenya?
  
  
  There are regular daily international flights from Europe and South Africa to Nairobi. From Nairobi local carriers connect the major tourist destinations for both National Parks and beach areas.
  
  
• What types of wildlife will I see?
  
  
  In addition to the annual Great Migration of millions of herbivores from Tanzania into the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya's wonderful wilderness areas offer excellent year-round game viewing - including elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, hippo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, olive baboon, Thomson's gazelle, Grant's gazelle, crocodile and over 1,000 bird species, along with a number of endemic species such as gerenuk and reticulated giraffe.
  
  
• What should I wear?
  
  
  You will need to pack comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothes for your Kenyan safari. Bright colors are not suitable for wildlife-viewing. It is best to have some warm clothing for early-morning and evening game-drives, especially in winter.
  
  
• How safe is Kenya?
  
  
  Your safety is of paramount importance, and even though Kenya is a safe destination, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions. Please carry a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques, and ensure that these items are kept in a safe place. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items and never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports.
  
  
• What kind of medical precautions do I need to take?
  
  
  Travel to Kenya poses no medical threat, but there is malaria in certain areas. Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions when travelling in Kenya.
  
  
• Which is the best time to visit Kenya?
  
  
  Kenya offers excellent game-viewing throughout the year. The country is divided by the Equator and enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. The hottest period is in February and March and the coldest in July and August. The average annual temperatures in the main areas vary as follows: Mombasa (coastal) from 70 - 90°F, Nairobi from 52 - 77°F, and the North Plain lands from 74 - 94°F. Depending on when the rains come, the Great Migration normally reaches Kenya in July. Hundreds of thousands of herbivores then disperse onto the plains of the Maasai Mara for the next couple of months.
  
  
• When is the rainy season?
  
  
  The 'long rains' occur from April to June and 'short rains' from October to December. Rainfall is sometimes heavy and tends to fall in the afternoon and evenings.
  
  

Africa Guide
Comprehensive country information, travel advice and climate charts.

Lonely Planet: Destinations
Your guide to unfamiliar places on the African continent.

Lonely Planet: Traveler Reports
Useful advice from travelers who have visited Africa.

World Wildlife Fund: Global Ecoregions
Fourteen major habitat types showing diversity of life on land.