Antiques

A Quick Introduction to Kenya – The Original Home of the African Wildlife Safari   by Solomon Okila

Kenya is situated on the eastern Coast of Africa. The country is set astride the Equator and bisected from north to South by the Great Rift Valley. The country covers a total area of 580,530 square kilometers, including 13,395 square kilometers of inland waters.

The Indian Ocean coastline stretches for about 480 kilometres, offering world-class beach spots. Nairobi is the capital city and is about 500 kilometres inland from Mombasa, the major port on the Indian Ocean. Kiswahili is the national language and English the official language. Both languages are used by a huge portion of the population.

With an estimated population of more than 38 million people, Kenya gained full independence from the British rule on 12th December 1963 and was admitted to the United Nations four days later. In 1964, the country became a sovereign republic within the Commonwealth, with Jomo Kenyatta as its first president. He remained in office until his death in August 22 1978 when Daniel Arap Moi was elected leader of the Nation. President Moi ruled Kenya till December 2002 when he retired. Mr Mwai Kibaki took over as the president following a big win in the December 2002 general elections.

The current president is Mr Mwai Kibaki. The country experienced a brief moment of political turbulence following the parliamentary and presidential elections of December 2007. The outcome of the presidential results, which declared Mr Mwai Kibaki as the winner, were disputed by the leading opposition party at that time. This marked the start of weeks of bloody confrontations between different ethnic communities in some parts of the country. Some people lost their lives and quite a number were displaced from their homes.

The former UN Secretary General, Mr Koffi Annan helped the country back on track after brokering a deal that allowed the formation of a government of grand coalition. It brought together the major political parties. Under this arrangement, Mr Raila Odinga whose party has a huge majority in the parliament, is the prime minister and Mr Mwai Kibaki retains the presidency.

For the traveller and Safari seeker, Kenya is an enchanting country because few places in the world can better its varied attractions. The overwhelming appeal of the african wildlife sanctuaries, glorious beaches, breathtaking scenery in a vast and un-spoilt land, an almost perfect climate, sophisticated accommodation and a hospitable happy people.

Kenya contains almost every known geographical land form. From true glacial ice to arid desert, mountain massifs to rich savannahs, large lakes and dense forest: Mount Kenya (5,199 m.) with its breathless snow capped peaks stands sentinel above rolling grassland plains and the fascinating semi-deserts are much further to the North; Lake Victoria, the largest in Africa; Lake Turkana, now known as the “Cradle of Mankind”; the Indian Ocean coast, a place of white sandy beaches, turquoise seas and archaeological antiquities.

And above all are the wildlife sanctuaries: There are 25 National Parks, devoted to the absolute protection of the indigenous flora and fauna. There are 29 National Reserves, where wildlife have co-existed from time immemorial in perfect harmony with the pastoral nomadic tribes. These wild and lovely places vary in the abundance and variety of their animals, in scenery, in climate and altitude; from the famous savannah of Masai Mara National Reserve, to the ornithological paradise of Lake Nakuru in the Great Rift Valley.

Variations in altitude and terrain create contrasts in the climate: from the hot and humid coast to the fresh, sometimes frosty mornings of the central highlands and the dry burning heat of the northern desert; however, overall, it is seldom harsh, neither too hot nor too cold with long sun filled days.

In almost every part of Kenya there are hotels which hold their own with any in the world. Many, like the famous Treetops, the Norfolk in Nairobi and Mount Kenya Safari Club are internationally known. Some are architectural master-pieces, some are tented camps, true luxury in the bush. All have one common aim, to offer the best in comfort, quality and service in true African wildlife safari style.

About the Author

Solomon Okila is the Editor and Safari Consultant at African Voyages Tours and Travel. This is a tour operator and Safari Outfitter that specializes on African Travel and holidays. The website has guided thousands of travelers to achieve their dream holiday. For more information and guidance, visit the site at http://www.africanvoyages.com
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