Types of Tourism in Kenya
HIKING
The country’s landscape varies from the lowlands on the coast to the highlands in the southwest of the country, which are traversed by the Rift Valley. Any of these places will be of interest to lovers of hiking. The Rift Valley is located 100 km west of Nairobi.. This fault zone formed at the site of a rupture of tectonic plates about 20 million years ago. Volcanoes stand along the valley, the most famous of which are extinct Kenya and sleeping Longonot. There are also several lakes in the valley – Rudolf (Turkana), Naivasha, Nakuru, Bogoria, Baringo and Magadi. Hiking can also be practiced in the National Parks of the country, but before traveling, be sure to consult local guides about the presence of animals dangerous to humans in the parks.
CLIMBING THE MOUNTAINS
In the southwestern part of Kenya, the Central Highlands stretch, where there are several peaks with a height of more than 4000 m. Climbing the extinct volcano Kenya is very popular (5199 m), Mount Elgon, which is located on the border with Uganda, and the dormant volcano Longonot. Check top-medical-schools.org for travel information in Kenya.
VOLCANOES
In Kenya, there are extinct and dormant volcanoes. All of them are located within the Central Highlands near the Rift Valley. The most popular volcano is the extinct volcano Kenya. This is the second highest point in Africa, its height reaches 5199 m. Among other volcanoes, the dormant volcano Longonot can be distinguished. Hiking trails have been laid on the slopes of these volcanoes, along which tourists can reach their peaks.
LAKES
Within the limits of the Rift Valley, a variety of lakes are very interesting, which are surrounded by National parks and reserves.
At the foot of Mount Longonot, at an altitude of 1880 m, lies Lake Naivasha, which is home to more than 340 species of birds and a large population of hippos. In the center of the lake is the island of Crescent, where the rarest African eagle nests. The southern coast of Lake Naivasha is a great place to relax. Numerous campsites and hotels are located here. More than 400 species of birds live
on the shores of the freshwater lake Baringo , and it is also known for its rich ichthyofauna. In the center of it is an island with African tribes living here, where you can get acquainted with their culture.
Lake Nakuru is interesting in that one of the largest populations of pink flamingos in the world settles here, and in its nursery of rhinos. Lake Bogoria is located not far from it., which is called the most beautiful lake in Africa. Hot springs can be visited in the vicinity of the lake.
Lake Rudolph (Turkana) is considered one of the most salty reservoirs in the world. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The lake is popular among fishing enthusiasts, because it is home to Nile perches and many other types of fish. Tourists will also be interested in Lake Magadi, on the banks of which flamingos and dozens of species of animals are found. Part of Lake Victoria
is located in the southwest of the country. Victoria is the largest lake on the African continent and the second largest freshwater lake on Earth. Its area is 68 thousand square meters. km. Kenya, along with Tanzania and Uganda, divides Lake Victoria into 3 parts. Kenya belongs to the smallest of these parts with an area of 3785 sq. km.
BEACH HOLIDAYS
The eastern part of Kenya is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean. Sandy beaches stretch along the coastline, which is 480 km long. The main beach resorts are located in the vicinity of the city of Mombasa . To the north of the city, beaches such as Bumburi, Casuarina, Kenya , Nyali and Kelifi are of interest. To the south are the beaches of Likoni, Tivi and Diani. Each of them has a length of more than 10 km, and together the northern and southern beaches occupy a strip of coastline 120 km long.
In the northern part of the coast, the most popular beach resorts are Malindi and the small island of Lamu , which is separated from the mainland by a narrow strait. The best beaches of the island are located 2 km south of its capital – Lamu, in the town of Shela or on the nearby small islands of Manda and Pate. You can also recommend the Shimoni resort, which is located in the very south of the coast of Kenya.
DIVING
The Kenyan coast is surrounded by colorful coral reefs that are of great interest to divers. Diving in Kenya the best time to practice is from January to March, when underwater visibility reaches 20 m. The worst visibility is observed in July-September and is about 7 m. whitetip sharks and many colorful tropical fish.
For diving, the coastal National Marine Park is good, parts of which are scattered along the coast. Very popular places around Mombasa, especially Watamu Marine Park. In Watamu, coral reefs are located close to the coast, so getting to them is quite easy. When diving in local waters, you will see a huge variety of hard corals. In Watamu, dive sites such as Moray reef, where the diving depth reaches 30 m, Canyon with numerous coral walls that descend to a depth of 30 m, and arches, Drumers reef, which is suitable for beginners, and the 20-meter sunken ship Mead. You can dive to the ship only at high tide, it lies at a depth of 14 m. Giant groupers are found here. Also interesting in Watamu are the dark underwater caves of Vuma and Turtle Reef, where you can see rare green sea turtles. Between June and September, whales swim off the coast of Watamu, migrating from South Africa.
South of Mombasa, you should go to the Mpunguchi Marine Park, where some of the largest stingrays are found on the entire coast of East Africa. Not far from the beach of Bamburi, at a depth of 35 m, lies the sunken cargo ship Denmark . The upper part of the vessel, down to a depth of 15 m, is a great place for beginners, while the lower part of the vessel will be interesting for professionals.
Within the resort of Shimoni on the south coast, there are several Marine Parks where you can swim with dolphins. Near Shimoni is Wasini Island with the popular Newley Reef.
EXCURSIONS
Excursion program in Kenya includes travel in the protected areas of the country, moreover, the most common safari in several of them at once, it lasts for several days, and sometimes for several weeks. Tours are also offered to archaeological sites, where you will see the remains of ancient settlements, and to the main cities of the country.
