Ten Essential Things to Do When You Visit Kenya

Located in the eastern part of Africa, this country isbe found in the forests of this national park.
home to both diverse human ethnic communities and6.) Karen Blixen Museum
fantastic wildlife. The country is named after itsKenya isn't all safaris and wildlife. In the Nairobi area,
17,000-foot Mount Kenya. Once a European colonialyou can visit the Karen Blixen Museum, which
possession, the country is now making its own pathshowcases and preserves examples of colonial
despite the numerous hurdles it faces.architecture and memorabilia. Personal effects of
1.) Hell's Gate National ParkKaren Blixen, the author of the novel "Out of Africa,"
So named because of its geothermal activity, Hell'sare also on display.
Gate is one of the few national parks which visitors7.) Paradise Lost Caves
can tour on foot. It is also the location of the OlkariaAlso located in the Nairobi area, this system of
Geothermal Station, which is slated to eventuallycaverns was discovered by workers a decade ago
service up to half of the country's power needs.and has yielded not only Stone Age artifacts but
Aside from the abundant wildlife, visitors can also seehuman remains as well. Tourists can explore the
singing and dancing exhibitions by Maasai people atlabyrinth on foot. Camel and horse rides are also
the Oloor Karia Masai cultural center.available, and there is a nearby artificial lake where
2.) Lake Nakuru National Parkone can go on boat tours, fish, or swim.
The park is located in the famous Great Rift Valley.8.) Shentani Lava Flow
Hie yourself to Baboon Cliff to watch the spectacleSince Kenya has that big geologic scar running right
of some two million pink flamingos wading, flying, andthrough it, it's not surprising that the country is
foraging on the lakeshore. Aside from being Africa'sseismologically active. Another product of this volcanic
first bird sanctuary, this national park is also a refugeactivity, the Shentani Lava Flows are located at the
for endangered white and black rhinos.foot of the Chyulu Hills and can be hiked. There are
3.) Western Kenyaalso caves nearby which can be explored by the
The western part of the country is relatively isolated.intrepid tourist, but caution is recommended.
If you want to see the real Kenya, away from the9.) Lake Turkana
influx of tourists, this is the place to go to. Be awareThis region in the north of Kenya is a UNESCO World
that finding accommodation and transportation here isHeritage Site. Lake Turkana, also known as the Jade
a bit problematic, so you should plan well beforehandSea for the way algae in the water causes it to
and be prepared to rough it.change color, is the biggest desert lake in the whole
4.) Lake Naivashaworld. Its waters are full of wildlife such as hippos,
This freshwater lake is a popular weekend getawaytilapa, crocodiles, and the Nile perch. There exists the
for those tired of the heat and bustle of Nairobi.possibility of violence on the roads to Turkana, so
Lake Naivasha is well-known for its avian fauna andtravelers might opt to fly to get there.
its dramatic vistas as well as its horticultural industry.10.) Samburu Game Park
Take a trip to the south shore and see Elsamere, theHalfway between Lake Turkana and the capital of
real setting of the movie "Born Free."Nairobi, in an area of desert, lies the Samburu Game
5.) Mount Kenya National ParkPark, named after the Samburu people. Wildlife
Those who are fond of mountain climbing can go towatchers can come here to see giraffes, oryx,
this park and scale Mount Kenya's permanentlyostriches, and elephants in this harsh, open
snow-bound peaks, Nelion, Batian, and Lenana. It alsoenvironment. Or sit down at the bar at the Samburu
offers wonderful scenery with lakes, glaciers, andLodge and watch the local leopards make short work
springs. Animals such as elephants, black rhinos,of the bait put out to attract them for the guests'
colobus monkeys, duiker, leopards, and hyenas canbenefit.