Holidaying in Kenya? Here are some "Must See's"

Kenya is a fascinating country with so much to see. From the hustle and bustle of the city of  Nairobi, the pristine beaches of Mombassa, to the National Parks with the most amazing wild life in the world. Kenya is rich in culture and is home to many different nationalities making it a colorful melting pot of diversity. They say Africa gets under your skin after a while and its difficult to leave and its very true. The way of life here is simple and affordable, people are friendly and it has a kind of innocence about it which makes it all the more special for children to grow up here.

You can’t visit Kenya without doing a Safari, it is an awesome experience.

Maasai Mara is the National Park I would recommend, each time I have been there I have never been disappointed. This game reserve is a short flight from Nairobi. It is also accessible by road and will take the good part of the day to get there. The roads here are an experience in itself! On the way you will also see various wildlife and Maasai villages.

The Maasai Mara national park is home to so many animals. Lions, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Buffalo and Hippos and that is only to name a few. Accommodation ranges form Luxury 5 star tented camps to very basic backpacker style. The last time my Mum came to visit we stayed at one of the Luxury Tented Camps (the only way I will camp! Haha) and it is located on the bank of a river. The camp is surrouned by an electric fence. I love Hippos, and one night I heard something so I got up and just on the other side of the fence was one of the biggest Hippos I had ever seen! It was magical to be so close, By the time I called my mum and my husband, it disappeared back into the water. So I take it as my special moment with one of my favorite animals.

The Elephant Orphanage is another must see. This is in Nairobi National Park, not far from where we live. It is home to Elephants and Rhinos orphaned by poachers who have killed the mothers for their tusks. Yes as disgusting as it is, it still happens. The family running this operation does a fantastic job. As of last month they had 11 baby elephants in their care as well as two Rhinos. The Orphanage is open for only 2hours in the mornings. It is important the Elephants do get too used to people as they will be released as they get older and can fend for themselves. The careers of the elephants talk to the public and explain each elephants so to why they are there, where they were found etc then the elephants are brought out. Where else can you get this close to pat and elephant? It is also a great way to spread awareness that these inhumane practices still go on today.

Markets

What an experience this is! The Markets here are crazy and a must do. Its hectic, hot, you will be bombarded by anyone with anything to sell but at the same time is in good fun. There are endless carvings, paintings, jewelry, fabric, clothing, dolls, antiques, statues made form recycled metals. People are very talented and very resourceful. Although you really have to bargain hard, any foreigner is seen as an ATM! So brush up on the bargaining skills and if you can master a little Swahili that’s even better!

That’s just a taste of what Kenya has to offer.