Local Attractions
Safaris and Natural Parks
Visitors often think of Kenya as a synonym for Safari. Excursions to the tribal areas of Turkana and Samburu are the most known and appreciated. The Masai Mara National Reserve, west of Nairobi, is one of the most beautiful game reserves in the Country and is protected by UNESCO: the Mara, as it is called, is inhabited by the Masai who hunt and work the land side by side with the many species of wild animals that populate the reserve’s 320 km²: lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras and hippopotamuses.
Kenya-bound travellers are attracted by its many natural reserves: among them, the Marsabit National Park & Reserve, where wild animals live protected by the forest not far from the beautiful Lake Paradise, a volcanic lake surrounded by an enchanting natural landscape. Other destinations of natural interest are Amboseli Park, the Mijikenda Kaya forest (another UNESCO heritage site) and Baringo Lake.
Malindi
Malindi and Watamu Marine Parks:
These parks were established in 1968 and are the first of their kind in Africa. The ocean blue waters here host a wide variety of corals. Within the coral kingdoms that abound herein, multi-coloured fishes can be seen ducking in and out of this extensive reef. The coral gardens offer spectacular areas for goggling. In these gardens you are bound to see different species of coral fish like the Angelfish, Butterfly fish, Triggerfish and even have an opportunity of watching the Surgeonfish at work. Many glass-bottomed boats to take you for tours in the coral gardens are available. Scuba diving can also be arranged within the hotels.
Casino Malindi:
Casino Malindi is a freestanding ocean front casino, welcoming players and non-players alike. By day, Casinó Malindi maintains a casual atmosphere, with visitors strolling into the coolness of the air-conditioned building to escape the equatorial sun and enjoy a few hours of entertainment.
Nairobi
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city, the largest in Eastern Africa and the fourth largest in the whole African continent. It is the heart of the country’s politics, economy and culture and acts as hub for several tourist circuits, especially the safari-related ones. In fact, it is also known as Safari Capital of the World or Green City in the Sun. It is a cosmopolite, densely populated city that features the typical contradictions of many large cities in developing countries.
Lamu
Lamu, the most ancient city in Kenya, lies on a beautiful coast of its homonymous island. It is almost wholly inhabited by Muslims and it used to be a commercial sea hub. Lamu overlooks the sea and is a quiet and fascinating place that offers such extraordinary cultural richness to have become a UNESCO world heritage site. The Lamu Museum and the Swahili House Museum preserve historic and artistic testimonies of great interest. The Donkey Sanctuary and a ride on the dhow , the typical boat, are among the attractions that Lamu offers its visitors.
