A safari in Kenya is one of life’s most amazing experiences and the best travel adventure. However, many travelers share some common doubts about safety and any news outlet about Kenya seems to bring up only stories of terrorism, Ebola and traffic accidents. But you have to be unlucky to get caught up in trouble from these spells. Kenya has a lot to offer if you can shake off the negative media images, which is why you should go on safari for the following reasons:
1. To see the Great Wildebeest Migration
2. Beach, bush, mountains, desert, savannah – Kenya has many different environments, and with them, different cultures, wildlife, and birds.
3. Poaching is on the rise and grim predictions say there will be no elephants in 20 years.
4. Kenyans are ready to welcome visitors: The low number of tourists affects the entire economy and Kenyans want to show travelers their beautiful country.
The great wildebeest migration
Tourists flock to the Maasai Mara to witness the wildebeest migration, often touted as the eighth wonder of the natural world. Every year approximately 120,000 tourists come to watch the wildebeest cross the river while crocodiles bite them. But even if you miss the river crossing, seeing the huge herds (millions of animals!) grazing on the savannah is a sight to behold. The cameras can’t do it justice; You gotta see it for yourself.
varied environments
Whether you want a beach holiday, a jungle retreat, a mountain climb, or a desert experience, Kenya has it all. And you can put together an itinerary that covers some or all of these environments without having to fly long distances. The most common holiday in Kenya combines a safari with a few days at the beach at the end to wash off the dust. And along with these different environments come different cultures and wildlife: Samburu in northern Kenya has five endemic species that you won’t see in the parks to the south. For culture, you can visit a Maasai village, experience 14 different ethnic groups around Lake Turkana, and then end up in cosmopolitan Nairobi. The highlight of the Central Highlands is Mount Kenya, but you don’t need to hike for a week to enjoy the mountains; there are coffee and tea plantations to visit and the beautiful Thomson Falls. Through the Rift Valley and into western Kenya are lakes with myriad birds, including the famous flamingos.
Poaching threatens Kenya safari
There seems to be a misperception that poaching was a problem in the past, but it is not now. Unfortunately, this is not true, and is in fact getting worse. One prediction is that there will be no elephants in 20 years if poaching continues at the current rate. Lions and rhinos are also under significant threat, with rhinos disappearing at a rate that is simply not sustainable. It’s hard to be optimistic that humans can turn the tide with such strong market forces for ivory and rhino horn, so perhaps it’s best to come to Kenya now to see these magnificent animals before it’s too late. .
Kenyan people
Tourism is Kenya’s largest industry, so when tourist numbers are low, the entire country feels the economic impact. Kenyans are naturally hospitable, eager to welcome visitors and show off their country. Not everyone is a terrorist or crazy; most are proud of their country and excited to meet travelers. Also, Kenyans are doing a lot of positive work to develop Kenya that is unseen and unheard of. Come and see for yourself and get inspired!
A safari in Kenya will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. I came to Kenya in 2010 and now I have made it my home. But a word of warning: you may have heard people who have traveled to Africa talk about the “Africa bug”: it stings!
What are your perceptions of Kenya? Do negative news reports affect your decision about where to travel or ignore the hype and do your own research on a destination? Please leave your comments below.