Kenya

The country got its name from the mountain range of Kenya. It is the second-highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro. Having visited this mountain, lovers of aromatic coffee will be able to see with their own eyes how beans grow and fill with invigorating juices at numerous coffee plantations. Kenya is one of the main exporters of this product in the world. Tourists are also attracted by local rich natural reserves and clean white sand beaches stretching for 500 km along the country's coastline. Right on them are comfortable hotels with well-developed infrastructure, as well as many healthy and delicious restaurants. Kenya attracts with its endless vastness of wildlife where antelopes, giraffes, and zebras stroll. These are the best areas for a bright, memorable safari. It is interesting that many celebrities choose this destination for their honeymoon. For example, Ivanka Trump (the daughter of the 45th US President) and American actress Paris Hilton used to take a rest here. It is known that Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain also adores Kenya. After all, it was here, during a short vacation, she received an offer of hand and heart from Prince Philip.

Kenya's Geography
The Republic of Kenya is a large state in East Africa, with a population of over 46 million people. Until 1963, it was a British colony. The state borders with Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan. In the western part of the country, there is the world's largest freshwater Lake Victoria. The total length of its coastline is over 7000 km. In the south-east, the Indian Ocean washes Kenya with its waves. In general, the water surface occupies more than 11 thousand km² of the 583 thousand km² of the total area of the state.
Geographic areas of Kenya include the Lake Victoria Basin, the East African Rift Valley with adjoining mountain ranges, eastern plateaus, semi-arid and arid territories in the north and south, and the coast.
Its earth interior contains a wide range of minerals: gold, rubies, and barytes. A few years ago, oil reserves were discovered in the north-western part. Kenya is developing most dynamically among all eastern African countries.
The main features of Kenya are its wide long beaches and abundant wildlife with a stunning variety of birds and mammals. Over 450 species of animals and over 600 species of birds are officially registered here. A few decades ago, people used to hunt antelopes and elephants here, and as a result, their numbers decreased many times. Now it's strictly forbidden, and the animals are protected by law.

What to See

Nairobi

It's the capital of Kenya and the biggest city in East Africa. It is home to the famous National Park. It is the only place where you can observe the life of lions, giraffes, and many birds in such close proximity to the metropolis. Safari walks in the park are popular among tourists. The Giraffe Centre (20 km from Nairobi) is also of great interest. Here you can feed these amazing animals from hand, pet, hug, and even kiss them. We recommend you climbing to the heliport, which is located on the roof of the second-highest building in Nairobi (163 m) and the third one in Africa, to take a picture of the city panorama. This is the Old Mutual Tower office complex. An hour's drive from the capital of Kenya is Naivasha, a rather deep freshwater lake that has become home to hundreds of birds and a huge population of hippos. Finally, to feel Kenya in all its manifestations, one cannot ignore the Kibera slum. They are just 5 km from the center of Nairobi, close to clean and cozy homes. They are the largest slums in Africa, home to over 500,000 adults and children.

Mombasa

It is the economic center and the second-largest city in the country. Here is located Fort Jesus, built in 1593, to protect against attacks by Turks and African tribes. It is ranked among the architectural masterpieces of the XVI century and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The old part of Mombasa, consisting of narrow streets and Arab-style houses with open-worked balconies, deserves special attention. There are several dozen mosques in the city. The oldest of them, Mandhry (1570), is of the greatest interest. In ancient times, it was a lighthouse for ships. There is also the largest crocodile farm — Mamba Village Crocodile Farm — in Africa, where 12 thousand crocodiles of different ages live. Don't miss the Tsavo East National Park. However, it is located 200 km from Mombasa but is especially popular with tourists. It is the largest park in the world, where you can see animals of the "great five": an elephant, giraffe, buffalo, rhino, and a leopard.

Kisumu

Kisumu is the third-largest city in Kenya. It has an airport. Agriculture and shipbuilding are developed. Nearby is the Kisumu Reserve, where baboons and hippos live.

Nakuru

This town offers a fascinating Lake Nakuru National Park. Pink flamingos, black and white rhinos live here. Safari in this area is impressive — the lake often gathers over a million flamingos and pelicans. The surface of the water becomes entirely pink from the abundance of these beautiful birds.

Malindi

It is known for being visited by the famous navigator Vasco da Gama in 1498. On this occasion, a coral pole was erected, which can be explored. In addition, tourists are attracted by the buildings of the Old Town.

Narok

The largest national park in Kenya, Maasai Mara National Reserve, is located in the vicinity of this city. It stretches on one and a half thousand square meters, at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level. It is home to over 80 mammal species and four hundred various birds. A great number of lions especially attract the attention of tourists. You can see the beauty of the park only by jeep, accompanied by a guide. You can't go on foot. For those who do not save money on leisure, there is an option to travel by hot-air balloon.