The Republic of Kenya is in Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania and is home to more than 70 tribal groups. Kenya is the heart of safari country and no matter what your expectations before you travel, the sights you will experience in this magnificent country will stay with you for the remainder of your life.

Kenya is also a diverse country, the magnificent safari’s, game parks to the West, virginal beaches to the East, spectacular coral reefs, the mountainous landscape in the central region wit its bamboo forests and its mixed culture combine to make the perfect holiday for the adventurous traveller.

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital is a lively and cosmopolitan city, with wide boulevards, open spaces and stunning scenery. The hotels generally have live bands or discos each evening and there are even a few nightclubs in the city. However be aware that the crime rate is high, especially during the evenings, this is a 3^rd world country and for the people of Kenya its overwhelming beauty is no substitute for poverty. Just make sure you don’t stray at night or take any of your jewellery with you on the trip, and don’t be rattled by children begging on the street or the state of the public toilets

The Indian Ocean laps the Eastern Coasts of Kenya, the main beach being Bamburi where the uncrowded beaches mixed with the liveliest evening entertainment make a popular resort for couples and singles alike. Dinai and Lamu are also great resorts, if a little quieter and not as ideal for children due to the lack of entertainment facilities. A paradise for snorkellers, approx. 250 brilliantly coloured tropical fish and coral reefs attract enthusiasts year after year (Oct – Jan generally gets the best snorkel conditions), the palm-shaded beaches are even better than photos can ever do justice to.

Kenya is a country that provides travellers with a huge variety of activities. Mix the traditional beach holiday in the Indian Ocean with the bustling markets of Nairobi, the snow bound summit of Mount Kenya; with camel safaris, wildebeest migration, spectacular coral reefs and a friendly, open nation of people (especially in the less tourist trodden routes) and you have found the trip of a lifetime.

The weather in Kenya varies from tropical along the coast to arid in interior. March to May is the main rainy season with a secondary season of October to December being so to a lesser extent. Most people visit Kenya in January and February, as the weather is dry and hot although the temperatures can never be called less than hot throughout the entire year!

Visit in Jan/ Feb (the main tourist season) to observe the birds of Kenya flock in vast numbers to Rift Valley.

For the fitter traveller why not climb to the top of Mount Kenya, all 5,200m to the summit, but for the more relaxed we would recommend a visit to Kakamega Forest to see the birds, mammals and reptiles in their natural habitat. Other activity based options are camel safaris, trekking through the spectacular scenery, game fishing off the coast of Malinda, white water rafting down the Galana River and of course diving and windsurfing off the eastern Coast of Kenya

Masai Market in Nairobi near to the Meridian Court Hotel is ‘the’ place to buy locally produced jewellery and bead from ‘locals’, held every Tuesday you’ll find the prices are a bargain compared to the main tourist shops. Other great tourist attractions in Nairobi are the National Museum, Snake Museum and just outside the city limits the Ostrich Park and Nairobi National Park.

A trip to Pate Island is worthwhile if you want to see Swahili ruins and some of the most impressive relics along the coastline.

The thought of Kenya brings with it images of safaris. In Swahili the word safari means journey and one of the most staggering sights is that of the wildebeest crossing the Mara River from the Serengeti to escape the floodplains and search for grass, whilst dodging hungry crocodiles. The animals head North in July/ August and back and in October.

Also in Masia Mara National Reserve you are likely to see elephants, buffaloes, zebras and hippos, and a visit to the Masai village is an insight into the people who actually live there every day. Amboseli National Park however is the place where you are more likely to see the endangered black rhino.

A trip to Mombassa on the East Coast will delight you with its beaches, history and the fascinating Fort Jesus, now a museum that describes the rise and fall of Mombassa and the many times it has changes hands and been burnt to the ground.

The Rough Guide to Kenya ~ Richard Trillo, Et al (Paperback - 30 September, 1999)

Lonely Planet: Kenya ~ Geoff Crowther, Hugh Finlay (Paperback - 20 April, 2000)

Easter sees the Safari Rally, held in Kenya every year entrants from all over the world pit against each other through the 3,000km of challenging terrain, taking 4-5 days.

The Rhino Charge at the start of June is a 4WD-racing event, which raises money to save the Rhino, if you hadn’t guessed. Held over an agreed weekend somewhere between June and September participants race through dense bush and outcrop to a plotted course.

Samburu is the location of the International Camel Derby at the end of July each year, an event not to be missed and has been rated amongst one of the worlds best events in the ‘Year of African Tourism’

Nairobi Race Course is not only home to racing throughout the year but also the Ferodo Concours d’elegance (a car beauty contest) arranged at the beginning of July.

Masai Mara National Reserve sees the wildebeest migrate en mass, arriving in July from the Serengeti.

End of September the Nairobi Air show, all funds raised are given to charity at the worldwide event.

Kenya is home to some of the finest hotels, resorts and lodges in the world, from the luxury hotels with superior lodging, dining and conference facilities in the nation's capital to the plush Indian Ocean resorts and the rustic lodges in and around the national parks. Kenya has much to offer visitors of all tastes and budgets.

Accommodation in the Kakamega Forest region is primarily of the budget variety, and is great for travellers / backpackers. The hotels to the North of the country are cheaper than those around Nairobi and by the coastal region including Lake Victoria, whereas for example the 3* beach resort Indian Ocean Hotel near Malindi costs from £200/ night for a large double room including breakfast.

For something a little different, it is possible to stay for a night in Shimba Lodge within the Shimba Hills National Park, sleeping in the treetops you’ll not get a closer feeling on one with nature

Prices drop in March –may an October to December, as this is the rainy season, but in general does not effect travelling, so if Kenya is just out of your budget this may be a good tie to go!

UK citizens need a visa to enter Kenya with passports valid for at least three months beyond the expected date of departure. Visa may be obtained on arrival by air with a cash payment of US$50 but this can cause delay and it is recommended that they be obtained in advance, from the Kenya High Commission, 45 Portland Place, London W1N 4AS (Tel 020 7636 2371/5) or through a travel agent. There is an airport departure tax of US$40, which is normally included in the price of airline tickets.

Hep A, Polio, Typhoid and Malaria are all strongly recommended. Yellow Fever is essential if arriving within 6 days of visiting an infected country and Meningitis is sometimes required, dependent on the time of year and specific area visited. Please seek professional advice. If you have not previously been immunised against diphtheria, polio or tetanus this is an ideal opportunity to have the immunisations carried out.

The usual health advice applies as with most foreign countries. Don’t drink the tap water or consume ice in drinks. Drink bottled water or use purification tablets. Take care against dehydration and over exposure to the sun, by drinking lots of (bottled) water and use high factor sun creams.