Lapped by the Indian Ocean, straddling the equator, and with Mount Kenya rising above a magnificent landscape of forested hills, patchwork farms and wooded savanna, Kenya is a richly rewarding place to travel. Great historical figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway immortalized this country. Out of Africa and other films have romanticized and perpetuated the safari mystique.

Globally recognized as the home of safari, Kenya has abundant wildlife and one of the most diversely majestic landscapes on the continent. Lodge safaris are generally less expensive here than in Tanzania. Flying, mobile tented, walking and horseback safaris also are available. Many of the private reserves cater to a maximum of 12-24 guests in luxury accommodations and offer activities not allowed within the parks, such as open vehicles, night game drives and escorted walks.

In the national parks you may view game in vehicles with roof hatches or poptops. Booking a safari with a private vehicle and guide is a great way to maximize the quality of your game-viewing experience. Other activities include hot air ballooning, mountaineering, scuba diving, freshwater and deep sea fishing, and relaxing at beach resorts.

Kenya’s wild life habitat is considerable and includes the Masai Mara, an area of animal migration. Africa’s “Big Five” animals are found in the country, which are the leopard, rhinoceros, lion, elephant, and buffalo. The national parks and reserves are also home to numerous other animals as well as reptiles and birds. The annual migration between June and September is a popular event for filmmakers.

Kenya lies across the equator in East-Central Africa, on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Kenya shares some of its tourism resources with Tanzania (Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem) and also with Uganda on Mount Elgon. Lake Victoria is shared between Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. The capital and commercial City is Nairobi. There are over 40 different ethnic groups in Kenya. Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa and the country takes its name from the mountain.