It is easy to see why KENYA has become such a popular holiday destination. It offers every activity that you could dream of. Set astride the equator and cut in half by the Great Rift Valley and Marked by a chain of fresh water and soda lakes, Kenya covers a huge area of 582,644 square kilometers.
Kenya is best known for its 25 national parks and 29 national reserves which offer the greatest variety of wildlife remaining anywhere in the world.
But Kenya has a wide range of other attractions, too. High mountains, wide rivers, large fresh water lakes, dense forest, and on its eastern shores, superb golden beaches and islands dotted close to the shores of the warm Indian Ocean.
ON SAFARI IN KENYA
Your gateway to Kenya is through the capital city of Nairobi, a fascinating combination of African colour and cosmopolitan bustle.
With over 10% of its surface area devolved to the preservation and protection of wildlife, Kenya's national parks and reserves are world-famous.
This is one of Kenya's leading Games reserves and a trip to Kenya would be incomplete without visiting the Masai Mara. It lies on the border between Kenya and Tanzania and the northern extension of the renowned Serengeti. During the time of migration (August to September), over a million wildebeest, accompanied by zebra and predators surge across the Tanzania border searching for fresh pastures. Game is seen in incredible multitudes, stretching as far as the eye can see. A special highlight here is a balloon safari at sunrise.
This is a fairy-tale place of dense forest, misty moorlands and alphine plants. This is romantic location of famous Treetops, where Princess Elizabeth became Queen. Here you'll also find the unique Ark. Each unique in style but all offering the opportunity to enjoy night game viewing at floodlot waterholes.
To the east of Masai Mara is the celebrated Amboseli National Park, the perfect location from which to view Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. It is rather unique, being seasonal swamp creating the perfect home for an incredible variety of animals and birds.
These famous reserves were created with the help of the Adamson family of "Born Free" fame. Located on the fringe of the northern region, the Uaso Nyiro River cuts through them and the waters attract large numbers of animals and birds.
Renowned as an ornithologist's paradise, this is the seasonal home to an estimated one and a half million flamingos. Lion roam this park and there is an established rhino sanctuary. Close by is scenic Lake Naivasha and the interesting Hell's Gate National Reserve where water birds and predators live on the cliff and the waters' edge.
It is Kenya's largest national park and one of the biggest game sanctuaries in the world. Tsavo west has views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and is surrounded by the Chyulu Hills. More than 60 major species of mammal roam here.
THE KENYA COAST
Kenya's coastline stretches for 480 km and offers gleaming white sands, lapped by the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean. It is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the world. Much of it is paralleled by an age-old coral reef offering unbeatable opportunities for scuba diving and deep sea fishing.
A holiday at any one of the beaches is about relaxing in the sun, exploring the local towns and enjoying a sense of the exotic. If you want a taste of a safari as well, it's easy enough to combine the two and spend a few days observing animals in their natural habitat.
Mombasa is the island centre and gateway to the coast. It's a mystical mixture of ancient and modern and has colourful cosmopolitan population, blending Africa, Arabia and Asia. Few realise that this picturesque port is actually an island, with two deep water harbours.
The town itself has narrow winding streets and huge Fort Jesus, once the scene of innumerable sieges and battles over the centuries, adds a special flavour to this interesting town.
The Kenya coast has become one of the world's great holiday playgrounds, with more than half of Kenya's 100 international-class hotels found here.
The coastline around Mombasa is split into four areas. To the south Diani Beach is one of the quieter corners , with its wonderful, wide beaches. It's accessible from the city only by ferry. Across the bridge, the North Coast is where most of Mombasa's hotels are found , as well as its nightclubs, discos and restaurants.
In the north you'll find Watamu and Malindi, with more beautiful white-sand beaches and top class hotels. Slightly further north lies the Lamu archipelago, where the old Arab Town of Lamu dates back to the 10th Century. Veiled women wandering the narrow streets conjure up images of Zanzibar as it might have appeared a century ago.
The water is always warm, the sun shines clear almost every day and the heat usually tempered by cooling breeze. Swimming is safe on almost every beach and there'slots of time to enjoy the white sand beaches, fringed with palms casuarinas and brilliant bougainvillea.
The closest resort hotel to Mombasa, Nyali, lies just 9 km north of the island centre. Set in 20 acres of flamboyant tropical gardens, its borders one of the finest beaches in Kenya. Coconut palms and casaurina trees fringe the snow white sand and, beyond, the clear warm waters of the Indian Ocean provide safe swimming.
The hotel offers accommodation in suites, standard and superior rooms all tastefully furnished with private facilities. The beach side setting of the famous Mvita Grill is one of the most romantic in the world-imagine an evening of delicately grilled lobster, chilled white wine and the reflection of the room over a gently rippling sea. The restaurant also serves pasta specialties, seafood, poultry and salad dishes.
Non-motorised watersports - windsurfing, snorkeling and mini-sailing are offered free. Guests can also enjoy scuba diving and deep-sea fishing but a levy is charged for these sports. The Nyali Beach Hotel has two pools and one can play tennis, take an aerobics class and enjoy a game of volleyball. At the nearby Nyali Golf Club guests can play golf and squash free of charge.
The Indean Ocean Beach Club is situated 40 km south of Kenya's ancient Arab seaport, Mombasa. It overlooks the beautiful white sands of Diani Beach and the Tiwi River estuary. Set in 25 secluded acres of swaying coconut palm groves and magnificent, old baobabs, this exclusive resort recreates the bygone opulence of its Moorish past.
All the rooms face the beach are tastefully appointed with local hand-carved furnishings and luxurious amenities. Each room has its own verandah, en suite bathroom with bath/shower and separate toilet, mini-bar, direct dial telephone, hairdryer and the choice of air-conditioning or old fashioned ceiling fans. Guests are individually attended to by personal valets who provide 24 hour-hour in-room dining and morning tea/coffee service.
There are 2 a la Carte restaurants and 3 bars. Most evenings a variety of entertainment and dining is organised from beach barbecues to Arabian Night gala dinners. During the day soak up the sun around the pool. For the more energetic there is windsurfing, sailing, tennis, pedalos, kayaks and snorkeling which are all free. A charged is levied for deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. Guests can play golf at the Nyali Golf Club free of charge.
For the less energetic there's croquet, painting , exploring the reef from a canoe, birdwatching on the Tiwi River estuary, or stroll along the beach or in the hotel's own beautiful tropical gardens.
Situated on the beautiful, secluded and undiscovered Galu Beach on Mombasa's south coast. The Pinewood Village is a small and exclusive luxury resort offering privacy and every comfort.
Accommodation is in private villas set in lush tropical gardens. Each of the two and three bedroom villas has a spacious living room and dining area. The villas also have a terrace off the lounge area where you can have private barbecues. In addition each villa has its own personal chef, who will prepare meals of your choice. The chefs are specially trained and will also do your shopping.
Upstairs, the bedrooms are large and individually furnished, with balconies and modern en suite bathrooms. Air-conditioning is installed in the rooms, or if you prefer, you can use ceiling fans to cool the air. Telephones in the villas are direct dial, and laundry facilities are provided free of charge.
The large pool overlooks the sea and has a sunken bar where you can enjoy a drink or a snack. If you feel like eating out, you can try the restaurant which prides itself in preparing outstanding cuisine.
All sporting facilities are provided free. There is a floodlit tennis court, a championship squash court as well as table tennis and darts. Game and light fishing tackle can be organised from the hotel.
Just 18 km north of Mombasa island on Shanzu's coral white beach, this Moorish-style luxury hotel offers the highest standards of service and accommodation. There are 166 air-conditioned rooms, each with private bath, shower, mini bar, direct dial telephone, hairdryers and balcony or terrace as well as 24 hour room service. The hotel also has two luxury suites featuring 2 king-size beds, a dressing area, lounge and balcony.
The hotel's cuisine is based on fine fresh Kenyan produce. There are 3 excellent restaurants, offering different buffets and menus. Guests can sample varied cuisine's, from different regions in Kenya to European cuisine. Serena Beach does not only serve haute cuisine: the Sokoni Plaza offers delicious hamburgers and ice cream, and tea and cake is served in the Makuti Bar. Free coffee and tea is available all day, and complimentary sparkling wine is offered with breakfast.
A comprehensive entertainment programme includes African dancing, floor shows, live bands and disco music. By day, the hotel is a haven for sports lovers. It has an exquisite pool, floodlit tennis courts, squash courts and mini golf - all of which are free.
Other facilities include a shopping arcade with 2 boutiques, a tobacconist and a hair-dressing salon. There is a free shuttle bus service and conference facilities for up to 40 people.
Nestling amid palms and luxurious gardens on Kenya's famous Diani Beach, this lovely hotel is an imaginative creation of traditional architecture and superb modern facilities.
Doubled-storeyed Makuti thatched rondavels are grouped in 7 informal villages named after Kenya's well known game parks. Each of the 220 comfortable bedrooms is air-conditioned with private terrace or balcony, en suite bath or shower, radio, telephone and mini-bar.
The hotel has some superb restaurants - the Village Restaurant offers varied international cuisine with the local flavour. The Island Grill specialises in seafood and Kenya game specialties by candlelight. From the Beachcombers Brassiere, guests can enjoy a panoramic view over the pool and the sea while enjoying a late breakfast or lunchtime snack.
By day, there are pleasures of the beach, also 2 swimming pools, 3 floodlit tennis courts, 2 squash courts and a variety of watersports from fishing to snorkeling. The hotel has a shopping arcade, car hire facilities, and a tour desk for sightseeing.
The Jadini Beach Hotel provides stunning sea views from its bedrooms which are located in 2- and 3- storey buildings with some cottages in the lush gardens.
All accommodation is air-conditioned, with telephone, mini-bar and piped music, bathroom en suite and balcony or terrace. Cuisine is excellent here with a choice of 4 restaurants, 6 bars, a coffee bar and a fresh juice bar.
The emphasis here is on fun and there's lots to do. Sports facilities include a swimming pool, 3 floodlit tennis courts, 2 squash courts, diving centre and school. There is a windsurfing base and school as well as deep-sea fishing, billiards and table tennis.
Tropical days end with a drink in one of the informal bars, followed by beach barbecues, live bands, tribal dancing and shows. There are 5 shops, rent-a-car and excursion offices and a hotel bus service is available for trips and transfers to Mombasa.
Situated just 35 km south of Mombasa, this lovely hotel overlooks coral-fringed Diani Beach. Set amidst shady tropical gardens and trees, accommodations is in rondavels each with 2 rooms.
All rooms are air-conditioned with adjoining bathrooms, radio, telephone and either a balcony or terrace.
Cuisine is international with a local flavour - there is also the a la carte Makaa Grillroom which specialises in charcoal grilled seafood, and the Palm Restaurant which serves international cuisine. The Pasta'n Pizza Garden right beside the beautiful beach serves snacks throughout the day. Guest can also dine at the excellent restaurants at the Africana's sister hotel next door - the Jadini Beach Hotel.
The hotel has a swimming pool and all other sports facilities are located at the Jadini Beach Hotel next door.
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