The Top Ten Reasons to
Travel to Kenya
The original safari destination, Kenya has inspired movies such as 'Out of Africa', 'The Ghost and the Darkness', and 'The Lion King'. Explored by the intrepid, Kenya has been immortalized by such writers as Ernest Hemingway, Beryl Markham and Isak Denisen (Karen Blixen). Many celebrities vacation here, as do the royals. Arguably the Cradle of Mankind, the Leakey family has made many paleoanthropological discoveries of our ancestors. Being on the equator, the country is blessed with warm weather year-round, and can be visited any time of the year, even when it rains. There are many reasons to take a safari to Kenya. These are the top ten that the Classic Escapes team collectively decided upon.
- The people – the smiling faces, the children with the wide grins that warm your heart, the authentic Kenyan hospitality that begins with the first person welcoming you, your naturalist guide and driver, and continues straight through with every person you meet on your journey.
- The culture – a completely different way of life that offers a rich contrast and appreciation of lifestyles – the life-altering experience that transforms. The beautiful songs and rhythms are sure to enthrall you. There are 42 unique cultures and 75 native languages beside English and Swahili. The pride in their cultures is obvious in dress, decoration, dance, and music.
- The diversity of wildlife that is abundant – from the “big five” (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard,) to the most fantastic birds with their colorful plumage from the thousands of flamingos lining the shores of Lakes Nakuru and Bogoria, to the quintessential African bird – the Lilac-breasted Roller. Watching them in their natural habitat reminds us that we’re in their home and we’re the guests. The proximity is awe-inspiring – looking a lion in the eye quite close-by, without barriers, and knowing that you’re completely safe. Animal antics are also sure to fascinate you – sitting at breakfast and watching the baboons and vervets trying to steal your food; seeing a cheetah chase a “Tommie” and rooting for the gazelle…
- The amazing landscapes – endless savannahs dotted by acacia trees; lakes such as Lake Victoria – the source of the River Nile, and lakes Nakuru and Naivasha among others; the breathtaking Great Rift Valley visible from outer space; the rugged peaks of Mt. Kenya; the snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro best viewed from Amboseli; the sand beaches of the Indian Ocean and the many parks and reserves set aside for the preservation of animals for future generations – more than 65 national parks and reserves.Above all of this, the expansive open skies – star studded with some of the brightest stars one can only imagine!
- Of course, the migration – the greatest show on earth – up to two million wildebeest and zebras, followed by the magnificent predators that feed on them (lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, wild dog, jackal) – as they migrate between Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Maasai Mara.
- Tusker Beer, a source of pride for Kenyans, and a very good one too! Beer not your thing? Try world-celebrated teas and coffees, home-grown in Kenya.
- The accommodations – some of the most beautiful and varied lodges, from tented camps to thatched cottages, to cosmopolitan hotels and resorts, all with beautiful decorations, good food, and friendly and attentive staff.You are privileged while being pampered every step of the way. Sleep to the sounds of nature all around you – the roaring lion, the lullaby of birds, the laughing hyena…Wake up with a friendly jambo as your waiter knocks on your door and brings you coffee/tea and biscuits!
- The beautiful Swahili language…try your luck at learning some words before you go – jambo (hello), karibu (welcome) and asante sana (thank you very much).
- The shopping where bargaining is the norm, and learning to be respectful while negotiating. Baskets, weavings, carvings, jewelry – one gets lost in the endless arts and crafts to be had.
- Above all, you can shoot wildlife, with a camera – NOT a gun! (Hunting was banned in 1977). What amazing photographs, video and memories you’ll take home, sure to inspire your friends and family!
Everyone says that Kenya is the perfect first safari, and it really is – it does not let you down. It becomes just an introduction, and you know you will return!