Kenya

Kenya has an almost unparalleled physical diversity. Straddling the Equator the landscape rises from tropical Indian Ocean beaches to Mount Kenya and includes desert, Rift Valley lakes and grassland plains teeming with wildlife.

The history of Kenya has given rise to some equally varied men, women and events. The setting for Karen Blixen’s romantic memoir ‘Out of Africa’, the birthplace of the modern photographic safari, the troubled days of the Mau Mau insurgency, George Adamson and the ‘Born Free’ story and the world class middle and long distance runners of today.

Independence came in 1963 and Jomo Kenyatta was appointed the country’s first President. The population of 39 million is comprised of at least 40 different tribes with over half the country Christian while the coastal region is predominantly Muslim. English is the lingua franca although this is the land where all four sub-Saharan ethno linguistic groups meet. In the nearly sixty years since independence Kenya has seen some anxious times but remains today as exciting as ever, thanks in large part to arguably the most dynamic people in East Africa.

A remarkable and surprising destination Kenya has extraordinary wildlife, beautiful scenery and a plethora of safari options. Whether one stays in a mobile tented camp, on a private owner operated ranch or in a Maasai community conservation area there is something for everyone. Game driving in the Mara, horse riding through the migration, hiking in the central highlands, camel trekking in the northern frontier district, fly fishing on high altitude lakes, swimming, snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing and kite surfing. A truly unique country.