Kenyan Forests - Aberdare Forest

The Aberdares are the third highest range of mountains in Kenya, reaching a summit of just over 4000m. This massive range is well known for its thick salient forests, and their prolific game.

These high altitude forests are broken by moorlands and plains, and through the abundant tree cover there are sensational views of the Rift Valley and the peak of Mt Kenya.

The forest is a hidden world of wildlife. The thick vegetation provides perfect cover for countless species.

Very large herds of Elephant and Buffalo move almost silently through the undergrowth, while overhead noisome birds and colobus monkeys dominate the canopy.

At night the forest comes alive, the cries of hyrax and the distinctive rasping growl of leopard echoing among the trees. The Aberdares has two ‘Tree Hotels’, unique safari lodges set high in the canopy above waterholes and natural salt licks.

Night sees an unending procession of game emerge from the forests to visit these clearings.

This is an ideal opportunity for guests to unobtrusively observe game at length. A night in the Aberdares is unforgettable. Elephant herds surround the waterholes, drink and then fade way into the forest.

Buffalo bulls fight over territory in spectacular battles. Sleek Genet cats descend from the trees and slip through halls of the lodge. the Occasionally a Rhino or the elusive Bongo antelope appear and visit the waterhole.

The Aberdares can also be explored by vehicle, or on foot. There are trekking trails throughout the forests, and across the moorlands. A few days spent here is one of Kenya’s best forest treks.

The foothills of the Aberdares are ideal for exploring on horseback and there are crystal clear mountain streams that abound with Trout. The Aberdares are a great place for waterfalls.

There are a series of spectacular falls along the range, and at Nyahururu, Thompson’s Falls have became a popular rest stop for travellers.

Getting Around – Main road access to the Aberdares is via Mweiga or Nyeri, both easily accessed from Nairobi by bus/matatu or private transport.

You’ll need your own transport, or to be part of a safari, to get to the forest. Many trekking companies can organize transfers from Nairobi to Mt Kenya. The forest lodges also have daily transfers.

There are good roads within the park, though 4WD is needed during rain. The lodges and hotels here organize game drives. There are hiking trails through the Aberdares. A ranger guide is compulsory.

Kenyan Forests - Mt.Kenya Forest

Mt Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak is regarded as the realm of Ngai, god of the local Kikuyu people. The mountain itself is an awe-inspiring sight with its ragged peaks, and equatorial snow.  Mount Kenya is surrounded by a belt of verdant forest that is an equally fascinating destination.

Traditionally, all Kikuyu homes were built to face this sacred peak. They call it Kirinyaga, or place of light. While the 5199 metre summit is a difficult technical climb, the lesser peak of Point Lenana (4985m) can be easily reached by any fit trekker.

This trek takes between 3 and 5 days, through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife, unique montane vegetation including podocarpus and grounsel, and finally one of the worlds r

arest sights, equatorial snow.

For those who don’t want to climb the Mountain the cool highlands that surround its base are well worth a visit. The forests are ideal for game viewing, and there are crystal clear mountain streams that are the perfect place to land a Trout.

Getting Around – Main road access to Mt Kenya is via Nanyuki or Naro Moru, both easily accessed from Nairobi by bus/matatu or private transport. Some trekkers access the Mountain from the small village of Chogoria. There is an airstrip in Nanyuki, with both scheduled and charter flights available. Many trekking companies can organize transfers from Nairobi to Mt Kenya. Hotels in Nanyuki and Naro Moru can organize transfers to the gates of Mt Kenya National Park. The forests can also be accessed from Kiganjo.

Kenyan Cities - Kisumu

Kisumu City is a quiet port town on the shores of Lake Victoria with wide streets and fine colonial architecture.

Kisumu was awarded City Status in 2001 and has since grown into an attractive urban centre, with an excellent museum, one of Kenya’s largest open markets and excellent facilities for visitors.

Located just a Kilometer from Kisumu’s central business district is the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary a walking sanctuary and holding area for animals which require special protection in this densely populated area. Herds of impalas and zebras roam freely in the sanctuary.

Within the sanctuary is an animal orphanage that contains a collection of caged lions, leopard, cheetahs, baboons, hyena, jackals, bush duikers, bush buck and buffaloes.

To the south of Kisumu City fishing villages line Lake Victoria towards the broad waters of Homa Bay. This area is home to Ruma National Park, a small but attractive park with many unique species.

The best way to appreciate the beauty of this region is on the lake itself. The sun shines brightly, and gentle breezes rise from the water.

In trees along the shore, Fish Eagles call to each other with long haunting cries. Sunsets turn the water to gold, as the local fisherman in their canoes pull in their nets and slowly turn for home.

Kenyan Cities - Mombasa

Mombasa is a place steeped in history, yet at the same time fascinating commercial and cosmopolitan port town.

Mombasa is an island connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries. The town overlooks a wide harbor, where commercial shipping mingles with traditional sailing dhows.

The true heart of Mombasa is found in the exotic old town, among the narrow winding streets and Arab architecture. The air here is always heavy with the scent of spices.

At the water’s edge is Fort Jesus, an imposing fort that stands watch over the harbor.

The high gun turrets, battlements and underground passages of this 16th Century Fort were the centre of a historic struggle for control of the Kenya coast between the Portuguese army and the Shirazi Arabs. This war was waged around Mombasa over hundreds of years and countless battles, and the Fort stands as a testament to this tumultuous past.

Modern Mombasa is a city of great diversity and life. This is a town were all are welcomed and quickly absorbed into this great coastal melting pot.

Mombasa is a place where both history and progress are greatly valued, where a busy harbor existence is lived at its own unique, tropical pace.

Kenyan Cities - Nairobi

Kenya’s capital city has risen in a single century from a brackish uninhabited swampland to a thriving modern capital.

Modern Nairobi is still the safari capital of the Africa, but the modern world has quickly caught up with the city. A frontier town no more, Nairobi has become one of Africa’s largest, and most interesting cities.

Nairobi is a city that never seems to sleep. The entire town has a boundless energy, and is thriving place where all of human life can be found.

This is a place of great contrasts where race, tribe and origin all become facets of a unique Nairobi character.

The city has not lost its sense of the past, with an excellent museum a

nd the historical home of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa open to visitors.

This is not a modern capital separated from the great wilderness that surrounds it. Just outside the city is Nairobi National Park, 113 sq kms of plains, cliffs and forest. The park is home to large herds of Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe and more. Rhino, Cheetah, and a large number of Lions are all found here, living wild within 20 minutes of the centre of town.

48 Hours In Nairobi

Short guide To The magical city for the active traveller – Sightseeing, shopping, eating out and more.

The Kenya Lakes - Irresistible

The World Heritage Committee inscribed Kenya’s Lake Systems of Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001

It comprises three inter-linked relatively shallow lakes in the Rift

Valley Province of Kenya and covers a total area of 32,034 hectares.

The Lake System is home to 13 globally threatened bird species and some of the highest bird diversities in the world.

It is the single most important foraging site for the lesser flamingo anywhere, and a major nesting and breeding ground for great white pelicans.

Visitors to this great lakes in Kenya can also fine sizeable mammal populations, including black and white rhino, Rothschild’s giraffe, greater kudu, lion, cheetah and wild dogs and is valuable for the study of ecological processes of major importance.

Kitesurfing on Kenyan Coast

The Trade Winds of the Kenya coast have brought the world to our shores for centuries. Now they are attracting devotees of the ocean’s latest thrilling action sport- Kite surfing. Perfect wind conditions, beautiful tropical beaches and ready access to Kenya’s world famous game parks make this the most exciting new destination for ocean borne adventure.

Nyali Beach

Nyali Beach, North of Mombasa is an 11.5 kms stretch of white powdery sand with a reef 2km offshore that provides a natural lagoon – ideal for starting out or learning to perfect more advanced kite surfing moves.

Che-Shale, Malindi

Che-Shale in Malindi is another prime Kitesurfing destination in Kenya. Che-Shale is around 25 kms North of Malindi. A small exclusive refuge situated on a deserted golden beach on the fringe of the Indian Ocean, Che Shale is set amongst a coconut palm plantation.