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Holidayco.co.uk specialises in cheap kenyan holidays, package holidays and late deals to a huge number of destinations. Find out more about Kenya in our guide below.

Holidays in Kenya

Kenya is located on the east coast of south-western Africa, and stretches inland east as far as Lake Victoria and north to the Ethiopian border. The terrain is very varied, ranging from coastal plains through forests to rugged mountains. The main geographical features are the Great Rift Valley and Mount Kenya.

Kenya's coastal region is renowned for its beaches of white sand, with coral reefs lying just off the coast, in the Indian Ocean. The most prominent city in the region, Mombasa, is a mix of African, Arab and European influences and has a rich history.

Long a centre for the spice trade, Mombasa's old town shows its Arabic heritage in its architecture, but today the town bustles with characteristically African life while yet remaining cosmopolitan and welcoming to visitors. The city boasts a number of fascinating mosques, churches and temples alongside the impressive Fort Jesus, built by 16 th-century Portuguese soldiers.

The capital, Nairobi, lies far inland and is famous for its energy and vibrancy. As well as being a modern capital with all the bustle and nightlife that goes with it, Nairobi is an important centre for safaris in the great Kenyan wilderness. The Nairobi National Park lies just outside the city, and is home to an array of wildlife including buffalo, rhino and zebra, and of course the great cats – cheetahs and lions.

There are of course other nature reserves. Tsavo, Laikipia and perhaps the most famous reserve of them all, Masai Mara, await discovery by the intrepid traveller. Each has its own characteristics and unique wonder.

The northern expanses of Kenya are largely desert or semi-desert. Few people live there, but the region is not entirely deserted. Nomadic tribes cross the desert, following their traditional way of life. There are also oases to be discovered, such as at Marsabit, where you can see herds of elephants wandering wild, at home in their natural environment.

Kenya is also a land of lakes. The Great Rift Valley contains a great many volcanic lakes populated by flamingos and other wild birds plus crocodiles, rhino and leopards. To the west lies Lake Victoria, source of the Nile and an excellent location for freshwater game fishing.

Kenya Facts At A Glance

Area: 582,650 square km.

Climate: Tropical in the coastal areas, increasingly dry inland and desert in the north.

Terrain: Varied. Plains, rising to central highlands, plus Great Rift Valley

Population: 33 Million

Languages: English and, Kiswahili, with numerous indigenous languages

Currency: Kenyan Shilling

Time Zone: 3 hours ahead of GMT

International Dialling Code: +254

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Places to visit

The big cities offer a range of shopping opportunities in the form of modern malls, supermarkets and gift ships, but for authentic Kenyan flavour you will need to visit the markets. There you can find whatever you are looking for – coffee, musical instruments, cloth or souvenirs.

Nairobi has large open-air markets, and most areas have their own market. Haggling is the normal way of doing business, which can be tiresome or great fun depending upon your taste. Kenyans are hard but friendly bargainers, and there is a custom whereby those in hurry can come to an agreement quickly, though this is not the way to get a really good deal.

Things to do

Top of the list of things to do in Kenya is take a safari – the question is, which one? There are so many incredible things to see. The obvious choice is to head out into the countryside in search of the diverse and fascinating wildlife that lives there. However, there are other options available.

Some safaris concentrate more on the human and cultural side of Kenya, bringing visitors face to face with the traditional way of life of the indigenous people. It can seem like stepping into another world – or back in time a million years – to leave the sophisticated big-city environment behind and see spear-armed warriors herding cattle on the plains just like their ancestors did. Other safaris concentrate on the spectacular scenery or other aspects of Kenya. Of course, any safari will include elements of all the diversity that is Kenya – culture, wildlife, scenery and more.

Along the coasts, the clear waters of the Indian Ocean offer an excellent range of diving opportunities. Alternatively, you could explore the coast by boat or go big game fishing in the Indian Ocean or one of the lakes.

Those whose tastes run to the rugged and outdoors, there is plenty of adventure to be had. Mountain and bush biking, or trekking in the wilderness, is a good way to see the countryside up close. For those seeking something just slightly less strenuous, horse riding among the wild herds is an unforgettable experience. In the more northerly regions of the country, camel riding is an alternative.

Kenya also boasts some excellent attractions for climbers. Mt Kenya might be a bit much for most visitors, but there are plenty of other possibilities including rugged hills and volcanic spires.

If the mere thought of all that activity wears you out, there are gentler activities. Kenya has a thriving sporting culture. Spend a relaxing afternoon watching cricket or a polo match, or a horse race. Many sports clubs have facilities available for those who want to do rather than watch. Swimming, tennis golf and many more activities are on offer.

There is also a thriving nightlife in the big cities, with many excellent bars, restaurants and nightclubs on offer. Kenya is very cosmopolitan, so it is not hard to find something to your taste. There are also many unique eating opportunities, including zebra and giraffe meat, if you feel adventurous. Nairobi and Mombasa have several casinos, if gambling takes your fancy.