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Adventure and Sport in Kenya
The perception of Kenya in the UK is that it is the ultimate safari destination, and boasts sensational beaches. There is little doubt that Kenya is a market leader for safari, matching the most spectacular scenery, wildlife and weather of its competitors at an affordable price. As we have seen in module 6, Kenya also boasts some of the best beaches in the world – expanses of white, powdery sand lapped by the Indian Ocean. A true tropical escape with safari country just a short journey away!
However, such is the diversity of product available in Kenya that there are countless other activities to choose from. Kenya caters for a huge number of ‘niche’ (or specialist) markets and will appeal to almost anyone: couples (honeymoons and weddings), golf enthusiasts, cyclists, culture vultures, families, adventure seekers, walkers, climbers and hikers, fishing enthusiasts, horse riders, those in search of a short break and many more! That’s why Kenya Tourist Board describes Kenya as ‘a different safari everyday’ – because you really can do something different every single day! This module explores those options. __________ Families Kenya is made for families! A short flight time, great year round weather, gently shelving beaches and an abundance of wildlife to view in its natural habitat – what child would not be excited about a holiday to Kenya?! In addition, many coastal properties run specific children’s clubs that offer kids a host of daytime and evening activities and parents a well-earned rest. The coastal resorts also have child friendly pools, dining rooms and equipment – so that if they ever get bored of the beach there is plenty to do! Many properties feature family rooms too, and some have child offers at certain times of the year to make family travel to Kenya even more affordable! This also includes the option of booking holidays on an all-inclusive basis. A great deal for families! __________ |
Kenya’s lakes, rivers and coastline offer plenty of opportunities for adventure, whether you’re the nervous beginner or the most intrepid expert! The Indian Ocean provides a range of water sport facilities, giving visitors the chance to enjoy kayaking, snorkelling and diving over coral reefs, and sailing. Many of the properties on the coast (especially the all-inclusive hotels) include non-motorised water sports in the price of your stay. A nominal charge is made for motorised sports. Remember that there are seven marine parks and reserves off the coast of Kenya for those who enjoy life beneath the waves! For those interested in something bigger in the water, head out on one of the many fishing boats that are available. Fish abound, and with the season lasting from August until March there are plenty of opportunities for serious fishing enthusiasts. For those that would rather swim with the sea life than catch it, dolphin and whale watching is also available. Diving and snorkelling boats on day trips to Wasini Islands or dive sites often encounter dolphins along the way. These are bottlenose dolphins, and are often seen in large family groups. The dolphins usually follow and feed on schools of fish. They will often follow passing boats and swim into the breaking bow wave, using the slipstream created to coast along the side of the craft. This playful behaviour is very common among dolphins, which seem to take great pleasure in streaming from side to side of the bow, often breaking water and leaping into the air.
For whales, head to Kenya in October where humpback whales often visit the waters. White water rafting is also available for those seeking thrills on the water! As is to be expected, the best rafting can normally be done during and straight after rainy seasons when the waters are at their fastest. Gentler rafting is however available year round. The main place for white water rafting is in the River Tana – the largest river in Kenya, which starts close to Mount Kenya and meets the sea at Ungwana Bay, a 40km wide delta. The bay lies between Malindi and Lamu. __________ |
Golf As if water sports were not enough, Kenya also offer visitors the chance to enjoy land based sports too! One of the most widespread sporting activities is golf, which proudly boasts 39 golf courses, 12 of which are used for championship events. In Kenya all golfers play with caddies who assist with the local rules, your swing, and general advice. All courses offer equipment hire, pro-shops, driving ranges and a resident golfing pro. As Kenya boasts 12 hours of sunshine a day, little rainfall (even in rainy season it rarely rains before 10am and after 5pm), and many courses over 5,000ft elevation, the ball will go further too! In addition, thanks to the great wildlife and scenery, a round of golf in Kenya is unlike golf anywhere else in the world! And of course, the variety of activities available in Kenya mean that a golfing holiday can be combined with a wildlife safari, a beach holiday, diving, fishing and so much more! Nairobi Within a 20 mile radius of Nairobi are seven 18-hole golf courses including:
Mount Kenya The Mount Kenya Safari Club is the only place in the world where you can tee off in the northern hemisphere and putt out in the southern. Nearby the Aberdare Country Club allows for a truly spectacular round of golf in the crisp mountain air. The Coast The coast is a great destination for those seeking relaxation. All the sport facilities you could need are on hand, plus four great challenging golf courses:
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Cycling One of the best ways to explore the countryside of Kenya is to get up-close and personal on a bicycle! This is an easy and cheap way to travel, and a great way to keep fit. The quiet villages and beachside roads around Malindi and Watamu are easily explored, with the coast providing a great backdrop. A very different landscape can be explored around Lake Naivasha, Hells Gate National Park and Laikipia. __________ |
Trekking is Mount Kenya’s main attraction – there are four main trekking routes on the mountain top. Point Lenana stands at 4,985 metres and can be reached by those of a reasonable level of fitness. Meanwhile Batian is the summit of the mountain and stands at 5,199 metres – the second highest in Africa. Mount Elgon also makes for excellent trekking, whether exploring its forests, geothermal springs and caves or climbing to its 4,321 metre peak.
Mount Longonot at 2,100 metres is an enjoyable place to spend a day, with fantastic views across to Naivasha and Aberdares. Although Aberdares itself has no well-defined trekking routes there is a lot to explore, including a great walk to Karuru Falls. Other forest trekking can be found at the Kakamega and Arubuko Sokoke forests. Whilst walking within the nature reserves and national parks is restricted, outside of the reserves there are many options. __________
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The impressive Ol Olokwe, just north of Samburu, has some excellent climbing routes, and alongside Hell’s Gate National Park can claim some of the best climbing in Kenya. There are also great caving opportunities. Kenya’s Chyulu Hills are home to one of the world’s longest cave tube systems – at 13km long. Other caving sites include Tsavo East and Mount Elgon.
Culture Vultures Kenya has a fascinating mixture of old and new cultures, the oldest dating back to the dawn of civilisation itself! See module 8 for more information. __________ |
| Weddings and Honeymoons The beautiful white sand beaches, the spectacular backdrops of Mount Kenya or the Great Rift Valley, the short flight time, the small time difference from the UK, and some of the most beautiful wildlife in the world – what better place for an overseas wedding or honeymoon? Kenya is a growing destination for weddings and honeymoons – and who can blame the bride and groom for heading to a country with such fabulous hospitality? To find out what is required to tie the knot in Kenya please visit www.kenyahighcommission.com Many tour operators also offer wedding and honeymoon packages. __________ |
When most people consider short breaks, they immediately think of the UK or a European city such as Paris or Madrid. But recently the trend has been to travel further afield, including places such as New York, Moscow and Eastern European countries. So why is Kenya ideal for a short break?
__________ Horse riding Horseback safaris are offered at Ol Donyo Wuas in the Chyulus, in the foothills of the Aberdares and in the Maasai Mara. Horseback is a great way to get close to nature. To request a brochure, please email: kenya@hillsbalfour.com [testbutton] |
Introduction
As a result many visitors to Kenya combine safari and beach activities, and many scheduled UK operators offer a combination of the two. Additionally many UK charter operators offer beach packages with safari add-ons. Either way, you’ll get the best of both worlds – beach and safari!
Water safari
Dolphins are also known to join divers and snorkellers, and to surround and swim with people. This magical experience is a common occurrence on day trips in this area.
Trekking
The Cherangani Hills are a series of rolling hills gently rising to 3,529 metres and offer trekkers an extensive series of tracks and paths that wind through semi-arid scrub, farmland and open fields, eventually rising into dense forest.
Rock Climbing and Caving
Short breaks
