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Frommer's Favorite Experiences
Watch the Wildebeest Migration: Witness one of the world's most spectacular movements of wildlife when millions of wildebeest and their zebra friends move through the Masai Mara Game Reserve and Tanzania's neighboring Serengeti National Park on an annual migration following the rains and new grazing. The predators follow them, and during the birthing seasons there are easy pickings to be had. You can see the biggest density of animals in the Masai Mara from July to August.
Climb Mount Kenya: There are three routes to the top of the second tallest mountain in Africa at 5,199m (17,058 ft.), and it's a more technical climb than Kilimanjaro in neighboring Tanzania, but it's a great way to enjoy the mountain scenery and see snow on the equator. The view from the top across the clouds to the peak of Kilimanjaro are incredible.
Snorkel in the Indian Ocean: With warm temperatures, clear waters, and a myriad of interesting marine life, Kenya's coast is ideal for snorkeling. The long fringing coral reefs attract thousands of tropical reef fish, lobsters, turtles, and rays, and are protected in several marine parks. For those who don't want to get wet, the reefs can also be explored by glass-bottomed boat.
Balloon Over the Masai Mara: One of the top things to do in Kenya is hot air ballooning at dawn over the Masai Mara -- especially during the wildebeest migration. Apart from the hiss of the burners, the flight is magically silent and there are magnificent views over the smooth golden grassy plains and purple hills.
Watch Baby Elephants Play: The David Sheldrick Orphanage in Nairobi National Park (tel. 020/891-996; www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org) cares for baby elephants that were abandoned or orphaned in the wild, until they are old enough to be re-released. Visitors can watch the elephants playing with each other and their keepers, which is a delightful experience; the orphanage is also home to some baby rhinos.
Visit Laikipia Plateau: Kenya's newest tourist attraction (and still unknown to most tourists), Laikipia is a patchwork of game ranches protecting a large wilderness area in central Kenya. It's Big Five territory, and the region now has the largest concentration of animals outside the Masai Mara. A safari experience here is very personal, as most of the upmarket lodges are hosted by ranch owners and guests will gain insight into wildlife conservation.
Gin and Tonics at the Norfolk Hotel: A Nairobi must-do is to have a drink at the Lord Delaware Bar in Nairobi's famous Norfolk Hotel, which played a leading role in Kenya's colonial history and continues to be Nairobi's finest and best-known hotel. Built in the early 1900s, the Norfolk is where the early settlers and adventurers met for gin and tonics; Nairobi grew up around it.
Spend a Day at Lake Naivasha: An easy drive from Nairobi, Lake Naivasha is a pretty lake dotted with papyrus and surrounded by forests of giant acacia trees where black and white colobus monkeys play. The country lodges and campsites on the shores allow day visitors, so you can take boat rides on the lake to get close to the hippos and birds, or go on game walks to see antelope, zebras, and giraffes in the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary. Also on the lake is Elsamere, the former home of Joy Adamson of Born Free fame and is now a museum and tea garden.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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