Kenya
Electrifying Kenya
As you land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be warmly greeted with “Jambo!” by many Kenyan people. There is an electricity to Kenya that comes from its people. Kenya is a culmination of the Maasai, Samburu, Swahili, Turkana and Kikuyu. It’s a melting pot of history, tradition and culture.
One of Kenya’s main tourist attractions is the Giraffes Centre in Nairobi. It’s a conservation centre that is home to endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. You can interact with these graceful creatures in a safe enjoyable way. There are also muddy warthogs that live on the premises as well. There are a few ways you can get to the Giraffe Centre, take a taxi or buy a ticket for the train – it is easily accessible. It has an old charm vibe to the centre as the main building is a boutique hotel, Giraffe Manor. Which Giraffe coyly play around as well as pop their heads into to say “Hello”.
http://www.cntravelre.com/sight/kenya/giraffe-centre-nairobi – Image 01 (Giraffe Centre)
Located in Tsavo West National Park, is the Shetani lava flows. Locals, refer to it as the devil emerging from the earth. But are in fact volcanic formations formed by an eruption. And though you may find the wildlife in Tsavo and the lava flows interesting, the park has much more to offer. With Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, there is also the Mzima Springs that are streams of crystal clear water and the Chyulu hills. There are guided walking ranges, but it is best that you do so with a ranger from the park. Organising a tour from Mombasa is advised as guides usually know less-traveled areas of the park well.
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Africa/Kenya/East/Eastern/Tsavo_West/photo397104.htm – Image 02 (Shetani Lava Flows)
The multi-ethnic nation reflects in Kenyan food, with its African, Indian, European and Arab influences. Traditional food in Kenya is also derived from its location. Villagers living near Lake Victoria eat more freshwater fish, cooked in stews and with rice. The Maasai do eat meat, but only of a cow or goat. Perhaps the most staple dish in Kenya is ugali (maize meal porridge). Kenyans also share many dishes with Tanzania such as nyama choma (grilled or roasted meat). The best restaurant to taste authentic Kenyan food would be Madafoos in Nairobi. There are samosas, nyama dishes and Indian/Arab delights such as samosas. Another great restaurant to look out for is the Tamarind restaurant in Mombasa, serving delicious seafood dishes with and Arab twist.
http://www.trainingarunner.com/2015/01/14/ugali-kenyan-running-superfood/ – Image 03 (Ugali)
Due to the different ethnic groups in Kenya, there are no common traditional garments that are worn. Each group dresses differently. In the Maasai tribe, Men and women wear red toned Kangas (long rectangular piece of cloth), which can be worn in many ways. Women wear it as a dress. Men commonly also wear a shuka (like a blanket), wrapped around them and carry a club with them. Both men and women are adorned in jewellery, beads and elaborate headdresses. Many other tribes shave their heads or keep their hair very short. There are many travel agencies in Nairobi offering tours to Maasai villages in the South. Consider taking a tour to understand and appreciate the Maasai.
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/08/opinion/maasai-tribes-last-stand/ – Image 04 (Maasai people)
Kenya may be one of the well-travelled countries in Africa, but many visit simply for the wildlife. And while that is breath-taking, there is more. To truly appreciate a country, you must immerse yourself into it. As you walk through the streets of Nairobi on you last days under the African sun, you can feel a pulse. A beat. Kenya is electrifying.
