I am currently continuing my education, with the aim of being a lawyer. Idealistically I would like ...
I am currently continuing my education, with the aim of being a lawyer. Idealistically I would like to be a politician (theres a first) and change things, however realistically chances of that are.. well none!
Member since:18.02.2001
Reviews:5
Having been brought up in Kenya, I'm pretty sure I know it inside out! They say once you have been there is always a place for it in your heart! Kenya does have everything to offer; from gorgeous beaches, to luxiouriously forested mountains, African bush land and desert.
When going to the coast, most tourists head off to the simple and deffinate success of Mombasa, all very well; but not the ultimate African beach experiences. Due to being linked to the city, Mombasa's beaches are often quite dirty, for the purest sand, and bluest water, Malindi or Watamu is a safer bet. Mombasa hosts some night life; nothing compared to English clubbing, but deffinate entertainment- washed down by a couple of Tusker's! It is sometimes difficult to find out about the clubs; the most popular is Pirates- everybody has been there. It's very easy to get too and from clubs; just get a taxi, but watch out for the ones smoking ganja at the same time! Check the price before you drive, and always try to argue
it down! Malindi has beautiful beaches, but less nightlife, though there is still plenty to be had. The hotels of Malindi, Hemingways in particular have boasted the likes of Naomi Campbell and Bill Gates, and many others- I stayed next door- saw her arguing over the price of a necklace- she was trying to bargain it down!!! In Kenya always be careful to watch your stomach- have your steaks well done, don't eat the side salad, always drink bottled water! You will need lots of Mozi defeater for it though! The beaches are however plagued by many beach boys; always be polite; you are of course a visitor, but you aren't obliged to speak to them; you are their guest! Most hotels have guards on the beach front of the hotels, but venturing far down the beach after dark, is not entirely to be recommended! If you're doing a package deal, Mombasa is in very close vecinity (close in African terms) To the Tsavo national park, though once devastated by poaching, is now well on it's way to recovery.
On Nairobi, there are many guest houses and hotaels; of varying quality, and price; which ever is best for you. The nightlife is typically African, ther are many clubs, try the Simba Saloon, and Pavement- thats where I used to go! The center of town is not a particularly pretty spectacle, worth avoiding! I would recomend carrying a bumbag; not in tourist style- but underneath your clothing! Always look like you know where you are going. Although you hear all the horror stories; the crimes tend to occur to people who puut themselves in the situations! Never use the public transport- referred to as Matatus ofr the stagecoach- it's just not worth it; your face will sticvk out a mile; besides they are not very safe, it is a very common site to see matatus driving along with people literally hanging out the door, and window! The one thing you must visit is Nairobi National Park, a national park, that survives in the center of an up and coming (or so they say) city. This park is very special, unlike most small parcs, it is not fenced off, and therefore, animals are free to come and go, so the parc is very seasonal.
National parcs; well you will never be stuck for choice. Game parks- the ones where you go to watch the animals are tourist traps. Watch out for Ambosseli (on the border with Tanzania approx. 8hrs drive over potholed roads from Nbi), being very small, you are guaranteed to see animals, if you can see past the hoards of tourist vans watching as well! Massai Mara,(approx 8 hrs on very potholed roads at times! a deffinate must! This is a very special parc; if not shambollic, it is owned by the Maasai themselves, so unlike other parcs there are no regulations as t off road driving, and night time driving; though this is not to be recommended, there are still the poachers. Samburu,(approx 6-8 hrs again suprise suprise- potholed roads!) with the beauty of the Samburu people, combined with the beauty of this exceedingly special park you can't go wrong! For the best game parks Tanzania is probably a better bet. I would recommend in particular Tarangiri- if I recall correctly the size of France) That is the only place where I have seen Lions kill, and the three cats all in the same dy! The camps are good too, situated on top of a hill, with niothing but a slope seperating you from the out strtching park below. AS the saying goes, in Kenya you will find 1 lion surrounded by 12 buses, in Tanzania they say 1 bus surroounded by 12 lions!
Kenya from an outward bounds perspective also has alot to offer; a few beach hotels offer you the PaDI course for scuba; you can be taught how to wibndsurf, indeed almost any watersport. There is also Mt.Kenya and Mt.Elgon to climb. Elgon is in the more deserty part of Kenya, I cant comment personally, having never been, but I have heard glowing reports! Mt.Kenya, is a simple walk up, with many beautiful views! 3 different peaks to choose from, Nellion, Batien, and Lenana, each with superb views! WEll wotrth it! Of course there is always Mt.Kilimanjaro next door in Tanzania, for those not satisfied with the second hghtest peak in Africa! Though I have to say I believe the views from Mt.Kenya a re more spectacular then those to be had from Kili! Then there is the aberdarezs, a secluded forrest! Well wothrth seeing, the money raised from the annual Rhino Charge(off road contest tht has graced the likes of Colin McCrae!), goes towards conservation of Elefants in Aberdares! Also worth it is the ranch of Laikipia, for the ultimate colonial experience; not on the generalt list of tourist must sees, which is why this place is spectacular! Pick the time of year you are best suited for- December through to March are the hottest- then the short rains come!
If you go, you cant do all of it at once, but remember, theres always another time! Whatever happens Kenya will take a piece of your heart; if the unspeakable happens, a bitter one. You will always have Kenya in the heart, if you visited and had a good time!
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