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The Republic of Kenya is a country in Eastern Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the northeast, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, and Sudan to the northwest, with the Indian Ocean running along the southeast border.
Kenya has considerable land area of wildlife habitat, including maasai mara, where blue wildebeest and other bovids participate in a large scale annual migration. Up to 250,000 blue wildebeest perish each year in the long and arduous movement to find forage in the dry season. The "Big Five" animals of Africa can also be found in Kenya: the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant. A significant population of other wild animals, reptiles and birds can be found in the national parks and game reserves in the country. The environment of Kenya is threatened by high population growth and its side-effects.
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Interesting Reading on Kenya:

Kenya Beach Vacation - fun things to do on the eastern Africa coast
Mombasa Travel Guide

Preparing Yourself for a Wildlife Photography in Kenya   by Lucy Maruhi

When I first thought about doing wildlife photography in Kenya I was a bit stuck for inspiration. I was in the middle of the city with no wildlife in sight, unless you counted the people milling all around me, and I wasn't due up for another long vacation in Kenya for at least a few months yet. So obviously wildlife photography in Kenya, in the wild was out, but someone very helpfully pointed me in the direction that I'm about to point you in now. There is more or less all the wildlife varieties that I could want in Kenya, you just need to be where the action is.

Its the thought of capturing on film the big cats like the lions, the cheatah and the Leopards or maybe the elephants that brings me to Kenya. What about hippos, or zebras or even rhinos? You could even go for the birds at the Kakamega Game Reserve Deep in the indegenous rain forest with beautiful bird species that you could only marvel at.

And if you don't like the idea of going big, then do you like the idea of going small? Have you thought about monkeys, squirrels, butterflies and insects? What about the much maligned rodent varieties? As you can see there are many different types of wildlife photography in Kenya options available to you and you just have to reach out and take it.

In the wild, is where you get all the action, all the heart pounding terror of being in the wild along with the animals, knowing that you're in their home court and that your advantage depends entirely on the guide who's leading you around. This then is what many of the greatest photographers interested in wildlife photography in Kenya yearn to do and where they end up anyway. Whether the reality meets their expectation of the dream is another matter entirely.

They're there, in the wild, with the ability to get up close and personal with their wildlife subjects. Nothing at all like the zoo back home, but then again what did you expect right? However, it's also true that wildlife photography in Kenya shots, are natural, and don't have to be shots of the big game animals. wildlife photography in Kenya shots can be of anything that is considered wild. Take the wildebeest crossing the Mara river for instance. I consider the shots that I took of this phenomenon to be God sent. The sight of the Lions bouncing and bounding around like nobody's business and defending their territory with deep menacing growls is a sight to capture when doing wildlife photography in Kenya. The fact that they wouldn't hurt human beings is another matter entirely.

So although in-the-wild wildlife photography in Kenya is great and looks amazing, its not an easy job for the amateur photographer, at least in the beginning. The Kenya wild is preferably where you might like to take your wildlife photographs, but sometimes you just don't have the choice or the ability to do that. In that case I would recommend that you start your sojourn into wildlife photography at your local zoo. I am not Kidding! Going to the Masai Mara, Samburu, or the Tsavo National Parks will offer you the opportunity to catch some of the fiercest wildlife, in their habitats, then at their best and their worst. It's a bit like catching a movie star in their baggy sweat pants with absolutely no makeup on them! It's fascinating and you will absolutely get the chance for candid shots if you were in their natural habitat.

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About the Author:  Lucy Maruhi is a Tour Operator and has been researching and reporting on Travel, Tour and Vacation for years. For more information on Wildlife Photography in Kenya, visit her site at Wildlife Photography in Kenya

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Full list of Tours and Safaris in Kenya
SAFARI, BEACH & ECO LODGES & RETREATS IN KENYA
Diamond Beach Village, Manda Island, East Coast
Diamond Beach Village offers an alternative to the concrete hotel, more of a rustic Robinson Crusoe experience. We work very closely with the local Swahili people taking into account their culture and only using local methods and materials to create a refreshing, eco-friendly, alternative style holiday.  We have 6 locally built huts and a tree house for accommodation surrounded by gardens, hammocks, rock and drift wood art and bird baths. We have a fantastic restaurant serving traditional cuisine from 8am-9pm.  Come and relax, swim, eat, and be looked after by our friendly staff or go snorkelling, sailing, fishing, walkng, windsurfing, and see the markets and museums of Lamu town. The perfect place to chill out after a safari.
Mara Explorer, Luxury Tented Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve
Mara Explorer is situated on a broad, thickly forested bend of the Talek River in the middle of the Masai Mara National Reserve.  Mara Explorer is situated on a broad, thickly forested bend of the Talek River in the middle of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Mara Explorer’s own all-weather airstrip means you can be in the camp less than an hour after leaving the bustle of Nairobi. The well- maintained road from the capital provides a scenic ride of just under five hours.  Private game drives with experienced personal guides, Walking safaris in the Mara Conservation Area, Bush Breakfasts and dinners under the stars, Romantic sundowners in spectacular selected areas, Visits to Maasai communities supported by the camp, Transfers for early-morning hot air balloon rides...
Olonana, Luxury Tented Accommodation, Masai Mara National Reserve
Olonana is situated on the banks of the Mara River, in the heart of Kenya's Big Game country. This unique setting offers a world of remarkable opportunities for safari adventurers. In addition to big game viewing in the Masai Mara Reserve, visitors are offered a rare glimpse of the day-to-day lives of the Maasai people in the adjacent Maasai village or 'engang'. No other lodge in the Mara offers such a close cultural experience with the Maasai.  Our chefs will delight you with exquisite cuisine, which can be served al fresco perched on the Siria escarpment overlooking the Mara plains or as a picnic deep in the bush. Or you can sink into the comfortable sitting area with some books from the camp's library lounge, and then enjoy a delicious dinner in the dining room overlooking our private section of the Mara River.
Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Luxury Tented Accommodation, Masai Mara National Reserve
Welcome to the Masai Mara of Kenya (also spelled "Maasai Mara"), recently designated as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The Royal Mara Safari Lodge is situated directly on the wildebeest "Great Migration" route, near the two world famous wildebeest migration Mara River crossing points and near Leopard Gorge, all made internationally known by the BBC's Big Cat Diary television program. Our tented lodge and camp is located on the popular Hippo Bend Lagoon of the Mara River, amongst several elephant, buffalo and giraffe herds, and with close proximity to several lion prides, including the "Maternity", Musiara Marsh, "Aitong", and Ridge prides.Given the position of our camp in the richest game section of the Masai Mara, the Western Masai Mara, our camp guests are in the best location to most readily discover the Big Five mammals.
Samburu Intrepid, Luxury Tented Safari Camp, Samburu National Reserve, Mount Kenya
Perched on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in the heart of Samburu National Reserve, Samburu Intrepids enjoys a unique perspective of one of Africa’s most celebrated wildernesses.  Located 345 kilometres north of Nairobi, the journey to the camp involves a 50-minute flight to the Samburu airstrip followed by a 20-minute drive or a four and a half hour drive from Nairobi for those with more time on their hands. Twice-daily game drives with resident guides, Camel and walking safaris outside the reserve, Seasonal rafting trips on the Uaso Nyiro River, Bush breakfasts and dinners under the stars, Romantic sundowners overlooking the plains, Visits to neighbouring Samburu communities....
EAST COAST ACCOMMODATION - KENYA
Diamond Beach Village, Manda Island, East Coast
Diamond Beach Village offers an alternative to the concrete hotel, more of a rustic Robinson Crusoe experience. We work very closely with the local Swahili people taking into account their culture and only using local methods and materials to create a refreshing, eco-friendly, alternative style holiday.  We have 6 locally built huts and a tree house for accommodation surrounded by gardens, hammocks, rock and drift wood art and bird baths. We have a fantastic restaurant serving traditional cuisine from 8am-9pm.  Come and relax, swim, eat, and be looked after by our friendly staff or go snorkelling, sailing, fishing, walkng, windsurfing, and see the markets and museums of Lamu town. The perfect place to chill out after a safari.
Kipungani Explorer, Lodge, Lamu Island, East Coast
Perched on the edge of its own beach, Kipungani Explorer is one of East Africa's most simple but sophisticated coastal hideaways.  Overlooking a deserted 14-kilometre beach on the southwestern tip of Lamu Island, Kipungani Explorer is a dream destination for those seeking a true desert island holiday. After a 90-minute flight from Nairobi, you will be met at Manda Island and transported by boat to the lodge, which is located two degrees south of the Equator.  Snorkelling and diving on the reefs off Kinyika Rock and Manda Toto (November to March), Windsurfing in the sheltered Lamu channel, Creek or deep sea game fishing, Sailing aboard our own Arab dhow, Bird walks in and around the property, Visits to Lamu's historic mosques, markets and museum, Day trips to the ancient ruined forts of Manda Island, and Visits to our neighbours in Kipungani Village.
Lamu-Island Villa, Self-Catering, Lamu Island, East Coast
Located on the shores of East Africa, in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Kenya, Lamu is a town, an island, and an archipelago. There, time seems to have stopped somewhere in the XVIII or XIX century, and life is still much what it used to be at the time of the Sultanates of Pate and Zanzibar.  Alternating enless beaches and mysterious mangroves, old historical buildings and untouched nature, fishing trips and BBQ, Lamu can fulfil all holidays dreams. The house is located between Lamu Town and Shela village, in a 1/4 acre secluded garden, remote and peaceful, 200 m from the sea. With 200 sq. m., three bedrooms, two terraces, living room, equipped kitchen and toilet/bathroom, the house can comfortably sleep six people.
KENYA BEACHES ACCOMMODATION - KENYA
Safari Beach D.C., Holiday Home, Mombasa
The Presidential Style Villa is located within the Alliance Safari Beach Hotel, situated 45km from the Moi International Airport, and 5km from Ukunda Airstrip. Alliance Safari has the understated elegance and ambience of an exotic African Village and is truly the romantic get away. It is graciously tucked into Diani’s secluded natural habitat. Here, the crystal Indian Ocean kisses the broad white sands of the famous 17km Diani Beach – one of the world’s finest.  Double storey Villa, rondavel style with makuti thatching. It comprises two floor units with identical facilities. Each can accommodate up to 16 people.
MASAI MARA SAFARI ACCOMMODATION - KENYA
Mara Explorer, Luxury Tented Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve
Mara Explorer is situated on a broad, thickly forested bend of the Talek River in the middle of the Masai Mara National Reserve.  Mara Explorer is situated on a broad, thickly forested bend of the Talek River in the middle of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Mara Explorer’s own all-weather airstrip means you can be in the camp less than an hour after leaving the bustle of Nairobi. The well- maintained road from the capital provides a scenic ride of just under five hours.  Private game drives with experienced personal guides, Walking safaris in the Mara Conservation Area, Bush Breakfasts and dinners under the stars, Romantic sundowners in spectacular selected areas, Visits to Maasai communities supported by the camp, Transfers for early-morning hot air balloon rides..
Olonana, Luxury Tented Accommodation, Masai Mara National Reserve
Olonana is situated on the banks of the Mara River, in the heart of Kenya's Big Game country. This unique setting offers a world of remarkable opportunities for safari adventurers. In addition to big game viewing in the Masai Mara Reserve, visitors are offered a rare glimpse of the day-to-day lives of the Maasai people in the adjacent Maasai village or 'engang'. No other lodge in the Mara offers such a close cultural experience with the Maasai.  Our chefs will delight you with exquisite cuisine, which can be served al fresco perched on the Siria escarpment overlooking the Mara plains or as a picnic deep in the bush. Or you can sink into the comfortable sitting area with some books from the camp's library lounge, and then enjoy a delicious dinner in the dining room overlooking our private section of the Mara River.
Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Luxury Tented Accommodation, Masai Mara National Reserve
Welcome to the Masai Mara of Kenya (also spelled "Maasai Mara"), recently designated as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The Royal Mara Safari Lodge is situated directly on the wildebeest "Great Migration" route, near the two world famous wildebeest migration Mara River crossing points and near Leopard Gorge, all made internationally known by the BBC's Big Cat Diary television program. Our tented lodge and camp is located on the popular Hippo Bend Lagoon of the Mara River, amongst several elephant, buffalo and giraffe herds, and with close proximity to several lion prides, including the "Maternity", Musiara Marsh, "Aitong", and Ridge prides.Given the position of our camp in the richest game section of the Masai Mara, the Western Masai Mara, our camp guests are in the best location to most readily discover the Big Five mammals.
MOUNT KENYA SAFARI ACCOMMODATION - KENYA
Samburu Intrepid, Luxury Tented Safari Camp, Samburu National Reserve, Mount Kenya
Perched on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in the heart of Samburu National Reserve, Samburu Intrepids enjoys a unique perspective of one of Africa’s most celebrated wildernesses.  Located 345 kilometres north of Nairobi, the journey to the camp involves a 50-minute flight to the Samburu airstrip followed by a 20-minute drive or a four and a half hour drive from Nairobi for those with more time on their hands. Twice-daily game drives with resident guides, Camel and walking safaris outside the reserve, Seasonal rafting trips on the Uaso Nyiro River, Bush breakfasts and dinners under the stars, Romantic sundowners overlooking the plains, Visits to neighbouring Samburu communities....
SELF-CATERING / VACATION RENTALS IN KENYA
View Details Tembo Villa, Diani Beach
A newly built 4 bed Luxury Villa with its own 12 metres pool located in Diani Beach approx 100 metres from the beach front. 
Tembo Villa, Diani Beach /Diani Beach/Mombasa/Kenya/Africa/
View Details Bougain Villa
Luxurious African style villa at the shore of the Indian ocean with big garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
Bougain Villa /Diani Beach/Mombasa/Kenya/Africa/
View Details Villa Peppercon
African style villa 10 minutes walk from the Indian Ocean with big tropical garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
Villa Peppercon /Diani Beach/Mombasa/Kenya/Africa/
View Details Cottage Lamu
African style villa 10 minutes walk from the Indian Ocean with big tropical garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
Cottage Lamu /Diani Beach/Mombasa/Kenya/Africa/
View Details Cottage Old Mombasa
African style villa 10 minutes walk from the Indian Ocean with big tropical garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
Cottage Old Mombasa /Diani Beach/Mombasa/Kenya/Africa/

 
The allure of Mombasa - Kenya's all round tourist resort

Mombasa Hotels

Mombasa is a major sea gateway for the whole of eastern Africa.  It is Kenya's oldest town and the second largest metropolis, after the capital city, Nairobi.  It is also the air gateway for those coming to enjoy the beaches along the Kenyan Coast. From Mombasa, you can enjoy Kenya's magical wildlife safaris.

Mombasa has a long history dating back to 200 AD. There is an old harbor that is still visited by trading dhows bringing frankincense, Myrrh and marvelous Persian and Bokhara carpets for the Mombasa bazaars. A walk around the old town is a fascinating maze of narrow streets, overhanging balconies and mysterious doorways leading to dark interiors.  History and culture of Mombasa A melting pot of diverse culture, once conquered by the Portuguese, Mombasa has seen many rulers and conquerors - the Arabs used Mombasa for the slave trade and the British used the town as a naval and trading post.

Fort Jesus, overlooking the entrance of the old port of Mombasa, was built by the Portuguese in 1593 to protect their trade route to India. An Italian architect, Jao Batisto Cairato, designed it; it was the 'crown jewel' of his career.  Fort Jesus is today hailed as one of the best examples of 16th century military architecture. In 1962, the Fort opened its doors to the public as a museum and has since remained a popular attraction for foreign and local tourists, researchers and students.

Alongside Lamu town, Mombasa is the epitome of Swahili. Many buildings in residential areas, and part of the old town are still built in the original Swahili architectural form, with a blend of modern plans. Swahili houses are large and spacious, with intricate carvings in wood and plaster and lavish doorframes.

Beach Activities in Mombasa Besides swimming and simple sunbathing, you can undertake a wide variety of water sports and water activities while on vacation in Mombasa. These include scuba diving, snorkeling, dhow trips,  deep-sea fishing and many others. The waters below teem with abundant marine life. In Mombasa, the sun shines all year round. The diversity of activity is simply unequaled.

Night life in Mombasa Nightlife in Mombasa is limited mainly to eating out while many of the nearby beach hotels feature discos, casinos and nightclubs.   North and south of Mombasa Island are the most developed beach resorts with a wide choice of hotels that have nightlife activities.

National parks for wildlife viewing from Mombasa Because of Mombasa's proximity to wildlife national parks and game reserves, visitors to Mombasa are able to enjoy safaris to so of Kenya's wildlife areas.  Day excursions to the parks and even short overnight safaris can be easily arranged from Mombasa.

Towards the south of Mombasa, there is The Shimba Hills national reserve and the adjoining Mwalugange Elephant sanctuary represent an environment of extraordinary diversity.  Both are no more than 250 square kilometers and 36 square km respectively and yet together they form one East Africa's most diverse plant and animal havens.  It takes less than 1 hour to drive from any of the hotels in the north coast of Mombasa to Shimba Hills Lodge.

Apart from Shimba hills, and to the interior of the country, you find the Tsavo National park. This park is split into two sectors of East and West covering a total area of over 20,000 sq km. Tsavo was once famous for herds of over 60,000 elephants. Although these herds have since been depleted through drought and poaching, it is still possible to see large herds on the east side.

Over the west are the Mzima springs where Hippo and Crocodile can be seen from an underwater hide. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary   is a small, private game sanctuary adjoining Tsavo and has a high concentration of wild animals. Driving from Mombasa to Tsavo East gate will take 2 hours at most.

Further inland from Mombasa, you find a little gem of a park - Amboseli - situated right at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. Elephants abound in the lower forest and swamp areas. Cheetahs are found on the salt flats, Giraffe wander through the Doum palms while herds of Zebra and Wildebeest feed on the open plains. The snow-capped dome of the mountain provides the perfect backdrop to the peaceful grazing game, making this park a photographer's paradise.

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Kenya Beach Vacation - fun things to do on the eastern Africa coast

Safari and Beach Lodges in Kenya / Kenya Beach Accommodation

The beaches of Kenya are some of the world's most alluring playgrounds. Besides the beauty and tranquility, they offer plenty of opportunities for water sports and other beach vacation activities. Or simply sun-bathing. One is not surprised then, that more than 50% of Kenya's international standard hotels are based along the coast.

Some of the fun things to do while on your beach vacation on the Kenya coast are:

Dolphin-Watching
Since dolphins are frequent visitors off the Kenyan coastline, dolphin-spotting dhow trips are organized to the Kisite Marine Park. This is a full day trip with traditional lunch served either onboard or on Wasini Island. Snorkeling equipment is provided so that you can build up an appetite while exploring the coral gardens.

Dhow Trips
A dhow is a traditional sailing ship with over 1000 years history of plying the waters of the East Africa Coast. Built entirely from wood, they were traditionally used to transport spices, carpets, and other goods between Africa and India. Sightseeing, lunch or dinner is available with on-board entertainment in form of fire-eaters, limbo dancers, acrobats and more.

Dhows usually have wooden eyes carved into the front sides. It was believed that these eyes would protect the dhow from being marooned on reefs, and from the evil eye that could be placed by the enemies. Today, the tradition lives on, even though the superstitions have died out.

Visit to the Marine Parks
The beach towns of Mombasa, Malindi and Watamu all have marine parks and reserves are simply amazing in terms of diversity and beauty of the marine life they host. They pars and reserves are also very accessible. The Kiunga Marine National reserve provides a refuge for rare sea turtles and dugongs - mermaids. Trips from the hotels can be arranged to the animals and appreciate the conservation efforts being undertaken to save them from extinction.

Deep-sea fishing
Some of the best fishing off the African continent is found off the Kenyan coast, where many all-Africa records have been set. Kenyan waters are home to millions of billfish and contain the top sporting game-fish. Malindi is probably the best place in Africa for sailfish, while the Pemba channel is known for striped marlin, large yellow-fin tuna and sharks. All along the coast from Lamu in the north to Shimoni in the south, boats and equipment are available for hire.

Scuba Safari
The Kenyan coral reef is home to some of the world's most diverse marine life. Swim along the coral gardens and visit the marine life underwater. For wreck divers, MV Diana lies in around 35 meters of water just off Bamburi Beach in the north coast beach of Mombasa.

Various activities are also available along the entire coast, including windsurfing, water skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Surfing can be found off Lamu at Sheila beach, but beware of sharks, as there is no coral reef.

Most hotels will have an information desk where you can access information on how to book and get your waters ports and activities organized.

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Solomon Okila is the Editor and Senior 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/tours/index.asp

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