Kenya

East African country of savanna wildlife, Rift Valley lakes, volcanic highlands, Indian Ocean beaches, and Nairobi energy.

Africa > Kenya

Kenya is one of the most rewarding countries in Africa for the independent traveler. It has everything: dramatic wildlife, a long Indian Ocean coastline with white sand beaches, a jagged landscape of volcanic mountains and rift valley lakes, and Nairobi — one of Africa's most energetic cities. The Maasai Mara alone would justify the flight. Everything else is a bonus.

The country straddles the equator but geography keeps things from getting unbearable. Nairobi sits at 1,700 metres and has a notably mild climate year-round. The coast is hot and humid. The north is a vast, dry desert. In between lie the highlands of Central Kenya, tea country stretching across rolling hills at altitude, and the Rift Valley with its soda lakes full of flamingos.

Kenya has more than 40 ethnic groups. The Kikuyu are the largest, historically farming the fertile central highlands. The Maasai are the most internationally recognized — nomadic herders who still move cattle across the savannah — though most live as they want, not as tourists expect. The Luo along Lake Victoria are traditionally fishermen. The Swahili people of the coast have centuries of Arab, Persian, and Indian influence woven into their culture, food, and architecture.

Tourism is well-developed by African standards, which is both a blessing and a minor curse. You can move around Kenya without too much logistical pain, find decent food in most towns, and expect safari operators to be reasonably professional. The flip side is that the Maasai Mara in high season can feel crowded, and prices in tourist areas reflect a global market rather than local wages. Get off the main circuit and you'll find a country that rewards curiosity.