Kenya
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| Rhino at sunset, near Solio. |
One third of Kenya is semiarid desert; one third is highland, mountain and forest, lake and farmland, much of it fertile and bountiful. The remaining third is savannah grassland - home of the last remaining great wildlife spectacle in the world. Differences in terrain and altitude create contrast in the climate, from the hot humidity of the coast to the cool frosty mornings of the central highland country and dry burning heat of the northern desert. With long sunny days it is an almost perfect climate.
The Great Rift Valley, an ornithological paradise with the many lakes and extinct volcanoes scattered over the floor, bisecting Kenya from north to south and where one can study the glory of a million flamingoes as they colour the waters of Lake Nakuru shimmering pink. The famous Masai Mara Reserve in the South west is an extension of the Serengeti where one can witness the spectacular migration across the vast open grass plains. Mount Kenya stands majestically at 5,199m (17,058 ft) on the Equator towering above the clouds and grasslands, the slopes covered with dense mountain forest. The Northern Frontier District is semi desert and harbors rare animals only found in Northern Kenya. Further north is Lake Turkana or 'The Jade Sea' where you can try your luck and fish for the great Nile Perch. A little further north takes you to Koobi Fora 'The Cradle of Mankind' where Dr Louis Leakey discovered early man. The Indian Ocean to the south east offers sandy white beaches, and turquoise seas protected by a colourful coral reef, making it a holiday paradise with the many historical sites to visit.
One of Kenya's true gems is the colourful and varied cultural people such as the Maasai and Samburu whose nomadic culture has changed little over the years. A visit to a tribal homestead is a truly humbling experience.
