Snow in Kenya?! Check this out

Heavy rains experienced in Kenya this week, but who would have thought this would happen too?

Lamu Old Town

The World Heritage Committee inscribed Lamu Old Town on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001

The town of Lamu began life as a 14th century Swahili settlement, but the island has seen many visitors and influences, including Portuguese explorers, Turkish traders and the Omani Arabs.

All left their mark, but Lamu developed its own particular culture, which has ultimately endured.

Lamu’s narrow streets remain unchanged, and in the markets and squares around the fort life moves at the same pace as it always has.

There are no vehicles on this island, and the donkey and the dhow remain the dominant form of transport.

The people of Lamu are great believers in tradition and custom, and this is a strong society built on a respect for the past.

For the traveller, Lamu is a hypnotically exotic experience, made even more enjoyable by the relaxed and welcoming attitudes of the locals.

To visit Lamu is to enter another world, and the visitor finds themselves becoming a part of this world. Life slows down, and long days are spent strolling along the waterfront, exploring the town or relaxing on the beaches.

Mijikenda Kaya Forests

The Mijikenda Kaya Forests consist of 11 separate forest sites spread over some 200 km along the coast containing the remains of numerous fortified villages, known as kayas, of the Mijikenda people.

The kayas, created as of the 16th century but abandoned by the 1940s, are now regarded as the

abodes of ancestors and are revered as sacred sites and, as such, are maintained as by councils of elders.

The site is inscribed as bearing unique testimony to a cultural tradition and for its direct link to a living tradition.

The World Heritage Committee inscribed Mount Kenya National Park on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997

Ol Pejeta Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ol Pejeta Ranch has created a sanctuary for Chimpanzees, working in close conjunction with the Jane Goodall Institute. While Chimpanzees are not native to Kenya, small endangered populations are found in the rainforests of neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda, and throughout Central and West

 

Africa.

The refuge at Ol Pejeta has been designed as a safe haven for Chimps from Central Africa, rescued from the bush meat and pet trade.

All of the Chimps at Ol Pejeta were rescued from these kinds of conditions. They now roam free on a large island at the centre of the ranch where they have formed a large social group, and interact and breed freely.

Nyali Golf & Country Club

The Nyali Golf and Country Club is the only eighteen-hole golf course on the north Coast. Monty Lowry was the golfer behind the course’s design.

160 acres of land were set aside for its construction, and in 1956 the first nine holes were

completed, with the second nine completed in 1980.

This particular course is said to be challenging as the winds influence playing conditions. The club also prides in its restaurant notably the II Duetto which specializes in Italian cuisine.

Sky Diving

There are many ways to see Kenya on safari, but how about from 14,000 feet above the ground, falling earthwards at 120 miles per hour? For adrenaline junkies, the Kenyan coast has become the latest hot spot for aerial adventure- where the equatorial atmosphere at sea level can give skydivers more than a minute of full freefall over the beautiful blue Indian Ocean, before touching down on pure white sands on one of the world’s best beaches.

Tandem Jumps, Diani Beach

This is the perfect place for a sky-diving at sea level, it is possible to experience a full one minute accelerated free fall from 14,000 feet. Best of all, divers land directly on the beach outside their hotel, and after a short rest, can climb back aboard their plane at Ukunda airstrip, just 10 minutes away. Novices are welcome to experience the thrill of tandem dives, or to participate in a full skydive course. This is the nearest experience possible to flying free as a bird – freedom at its most pure and simple. Tandem jumps are the best way to discover skydiving. Physically attached to an instructor, you jump together, giving you all the thrill of a skydive, with none of the stress of managing your descent and parachute along the way.

These jumps are extremely popular- and straightforward. A tandem jump is an unforgettable experience, but for many- it is not a “once in a lifetime” thrill. After this introductory taste of the pure adrenaline and freefall, plenty of jumpers- even those who may have felt some apprehension at throwing themselves out of plane- can’t wait to do it again.

So when you are planning your safari to Kenya, look beyond the usual, and take to the skies for a very different perspective on paradise.

Hiking And Trekking

For the Trekker, Kenya is a world of highs and lows- From the snow capped peak of Mt Kenya to the desert plains of the north. There are a range of treks from sedate hill walks through game rich ranges to high altitude routes on alpine slopes. For those aiming higher, Kenya offers plenty of challenges. Climbers may be aware of the mighty peak of Mt Kenya, but there are many other climbing areas to be explored. There is a broad scope of destinations, from granite cliffs and volcanic rock towers to the ultimate challenge- a technical assault on Africa’s second highest summit.
Where

Technical Climbing – Mount Kenya

Mt Kenya is considered the most challenging technical climb in Africa, and attracts experienced climbers from all over the world. Making the summit requires both expert guiding and equipment.

While any fit trekker has a good chance of reaching Point Lenana, the ascent to the summit, crested by twin icy peaks called Batian and Nelion is a serious 5.10 technical climb across ice, scree and rock. Climbers should be experienced and prepared and use a reputable guiding company with all required kit provided.

In general, the climbing season is from July to early October.

There are around 30 technical routes, though the most frequent route to the summit is on the South East Face, approaching the mountain along the Chogoria route. This climb requires at least 5-6 days. The final approach to the summit requires a steepling ascent of a tarn before crossing the large Lewis Glacier to climb to Nelion. The following day a crossing to Batian is made.

A North face ascent means a direct assault on Batian, with an overnight camp at the foot of Firmin Tower.

Rock Climbing, Fischer’s Tower

Hell’s Gate National Park has some of Kenya’s best Rock Climbing. There are high cliffs with several possible routes, and plenty of opportunity for climbs and Abseiling. Fischer’s Tower, a large volcanic pillar, is also a good climb.  There is a qualified rock climbing guide based at Hell’s Gate Park HQ (by Elsa gate). Equipment and guiding services can be hired at the Park gate.

Mount Elgon Trekking

The high isolated passes and moorlands of Elgon make for excellent trekking. The series of craggy peaks around the caldera reaching 4321m makes for an enjoyable climb, but equally rewarding is exploring the forests, geothermal springs and caves.

Trekkers should be adequately prepared. Despite its equatorial location the Mountain can be cold, and it often rains. All trekkers should have plenty of warm clothing, and sturdy footwear. There are several established routes on Elgon, but the Mountain lends itself to exploration and free hiking. Local guides and Rangers are your best resource. The cliffs of lower Elgon and Sudek are also  good for rock climbing

Loroghi Hills

Wild and isolated yet easily accessible, the Loroghi hills are one of Kenya’s best trekking regions. The hills provide stunning views across the Rift Valley, as well as high mountain passes and the cool of deep forested valleys.

Tracks wind their way up the Lesiolo escarpment, reaching a 2580 metre pinnacle at Poror Peak. The real beauty of this region though, is the opportunity to meet and spend time with the Samburu people, for whom these hills are home. Travelling with a Samburu guide helps you to get to know both the land and its people, making your trek more than just a walk.

Wild treks in Aberdare Forest

This is good country for an adventurous wild trek through the forest with a lot to explore. There is a well marked trail and observation at the beautiful Karuru Falls. From this high vantage there are also excellent views of the entire range and the distant Gura Falls. There are also wooden walkways across the lower Chania falls. If you’re feeling hot, and brave, you may wish to attempt a plunge into the icy waters here.

The lower, densely forested Salient has plenty of game, both big and small. The upper slopes have high moorlands and open plains, which are ideal for walking, rising to a summit of 4000 metres at Satima. There are excellent views across to the snow capped peak of Mt Kenya and the surrounding plains. Trekkers should remember that this area can be bitterly cold at night. There are some basic campsites and huts available for trekkers.

Kakamega Forest walks

The lush forest has many good trails, and the wide variety of unique plants and animals make for an truly fascinating trek. Trekking conditions are quite easy, although one should be prepared for occasional rain.

There are a range of trails and circuits allowing for treks and walks of varying length. The close proximity of good accommodation within the forest provides a good base for exploration. Excellent and fully qualified guides can be hired locally from the rest houses or campsite. These guides have a wealth of local information and can give the visitor a real insight into the forest and its rich diversity. Kakamega is popular with specialist birding and naturalist safaris, who often lead treks through the forest.

Trekking in Baringo

Ol Kokwe Island in the middle of the lake is perfect for exploring on foot. There is good birding, and views across the lake to surrounding mountain ranges. There is a Njemps Fishing village where you can visit and at the far north of the island, a series of bubbling hot springs.

Trekking, Lake Elementaita

Walking around the lake in the morning or afternoon is great for birding. There is always a high concentration of flamingo on the shores, with Fish Eagles and other birds in the forests. Zebra, Giraffe, Gazelle and other plains game are often seen here.

Menengai Crater Trek

An excellent hike in this area is to the rim of Menengai Crater, high over Nakuru town. This huge volcanic crater is 12km across and 500m deep. It is possible to climb up to the craters edge (2272m) with spectacular views from the top. The hike should take about 6 hours to the crater and back from Nakuru.

Hiking Mount Longonot

The 2100m high Mt Longonot is an enjoyable way to spend a day. The views from the top across to Naivasha and the Aberdares are sensational, and the views of the crater within the mountain even more breathtaking. The climb up is relatively easy if you take it slowly, and the average climber can reach the top in an hour and a half, following a well defined path. Take plenty of water with you. There are rest stops with tables on the way. Once at the top, a further hour can be spent walki

ng around the crater rim, with excellent views the entire way. There is also a steep path down to the crater floor. Ranger guides are available at the Park Gate.  Longonot is an easy day’s trek, but for the adventurous, the crater presents interesting possibilities for abseiling. Abseillers would need their own equipment and the assistance of a locally skilled guide.