US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Beautiful, geologically and biologically diverse country
I spent about 4 months (August to December) traveling in Kenya, visiting several different regions of the country from Lake Victoria to the Indian Ocean. I passed through Nairobi several times between different legs of the trip and I gradually became accustomed to the hustle and bustle. The roads were overall in poor condition when I visited in 2002, but they were dramatically better when I went back briefly in 2010.
While in Kenya, I snorkeled in the Indian Ocean, summited Mount Kenya, watched the big game in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and near Tsavo, drank cow's blood with Maasai, camped and had an exciting close encounter with wildlife in Hell's Gate, and explored the rainforest in Kakamega. There is tremendous ecological diversity in Kenya- not just the classic savannah!
One of my favorite places was the island of Lamu. Nearly 10 years later, I sometimes still fantasize about the fruit smoothies they sell there. Delicious! If you have time, I highly recommend visiting the Kenyan coast. The history of trade is fascinating and the beaches are beautiful! Watamu was one of my favorites because you can easily swim to the reef for snorkeling.
Another highlight of the trip was climbing Mount Kenya. I went with two girlfriends and we hired a guide but no porters so we carried all of our own things. We only saw two other people without porters in the 6 days we were on the mountain, and we definitely felt like a bad-ass group of women. The climb up Mount Kenya was scenic and interesting- well worth it even if you don't get to the peak. Our guide was impressively agile and a great help.
I spent a fair amount of time in western Kenya, in the rolling, tea-covered hills between Lake Victoria and Mount Elgon. Kakamega Forest, a unique habitat in Kenya, has tremendous biodiversity. I am not a birder, but I know that Kakamega is one of the best places for birding in Kenya. One of my favorite memories is from walking up to a hill in the forest before dawn to watch the sunrise and see the mist and birds above the tree canopy. I loved Kakamega so much that I almost did my dissertation research there, but ended up working in Tanzania instead.
Throughout Kenya, I stayed in homestays, budget, or mid-range accommodations. I often took public transportation (for both long and short trips). The basics of Swahili are relatively easy to pick up, but most people in Kenya also speak English.
Friendly people, loads of wildlife. Modern amenities.
MR
Email Carlos Oliveira | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kenya is in reality a marvelous place to enjoy safaris.
Kenya combines the amazing wildlife and scenery of a safari destination with the ease of accessibility. Flights operate to Nairobi and Mombasa from many major European cities. Coming from the US is a bit rough, but if you're not particular about which airline you take or where you have a layover it's still very accessible.
The only real complaint I have is that the brochures from other safaris looked better than the safari I took. I don't know if this is a case of "The grass is always greener" but I had a great vacation and an incredible safari!
Email Kaylee Le C | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had a wonderful time, got to see all the animals up close, all the accommodation arranged for us was to a high standard and the people are very friendly.
DE
Email Henning | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was our first trip to Africa and our first safary and our expectations are more than fullfilled
PL
Email Maciek Bit | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I think Kenia is economically the best place to visit.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The diversity of wildlife, the many parks and private reserve, the overall good accommodations, safety in the bush, adequate roads contributed to why we like Kenya for safari. Plus we lived in Nairobi for a year.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kenya is just the most fantastic place. The people are so friendly. They say you can't visit Africa just the once and I totaly agree. We have been twice now and I will definately be returning.
Kenya has it all. Cosmopolitan cities, beautiful wildlife reserves, friendly people, and a host of wonderful accommodations. I look forward to returning to the area one day soon.
