Kenya: Your Web Surf Safari
Known as the Cradle of Humanity for its links to early human life, Kenya conjures up images of water-bathing hippos, lions on the prowl, grassy plains, and khaki-clad photographers on safari. There’s no easier way to plan a trip to Kenya than by using the Web. With glossy travel magazines, guidebooks, tourism sites, and advice from fellow travelers at your fingertips, you can’t go wrong. We’ve sorted through the maze of information and collected comprehensive, accessible sites to take you from idea, to plan, to reality.
Expand All Guide SectionsKenya Travel Basics
Whether you crave adventure or quiet relaxation, you’ll find it in this mesmerizing destination. On the Web, tourism sites and online travel guides reveal Kenya’s mix of grassland terrain, breathtaking wildlife, and gritty city life.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Official tourism sites offer package vacation deals, for example a flight and a safari. Consider these options, as they may be less expensive than booking everything separately. Consider telephoning or e-mailing tourism offices for recommendations, as well.
- It may be less expensive to book your safari with a Kenyan company after you’ve arrived, but booking with a U.S. company before you go is less of a hassle. Guidebooks recommend setting up everything prior to your trip.
- Safaris carry romantic notions of old world explorers alone in the wild, but modern day safaris are a bit tamer. You’ll be in a vehicle with other travelers in a Kenyan national park or reserve, such as the Masai Mara Games Reserve or Amboseli National Park. Safaris can still be “hard work,” however, as National Geographic reports.
- Kenya boasts more than two dozen national parks and reserves, making it the most popular safari destination and the best bird-watching country in Africa. For a list of Kenya’s parks and reserves, as well as details of where to find species of wildlife and birdlife, visit Gorp.
Dulcinea's Picks
For official tourism resources …
MagicalKenya.com
, official site of the Kenya Tourist Board, provides information on safaris and geographic features of the country like the coast and forests, as well as practical transportation and accommodation advice for each. Mold your journey with sections on culture and heritage, dining and cuisine, and parks and nature.
Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife
promotes sustainable conservation and management of wildlife. Read up on Kenya’s array of animals, or use the site’s “Trip Planner” tool. Visit the “Contact Us” page to locate a regional tourism office.
For travel guides …
Rough Guides
encourages travelers not to treat Kenya as a “succession of tourist sights.” Take the planning reins using practical information (what to see, how to get there) along with subtly enticing descriptions of the land.
The New York Times
“Travel” section touts this intriguing Kenya Guide. Let the combination of dramatic photos and multimedia presentations, alongside news articles and captivating destination features, paint a rich picture of the country’s culture.
Africa Guide
provides a no-nonsense guide to Kenya in this thorough site. Find detailed practical and cultural information divided into clearly labeled topics and subtopics. Be aware that links to recommended tours and safaris are included in some sections.
For cities and attractions that may be of interest …
IgoUgo
content is created by real travelers. Consult the toolbar for separate sections covering “Experiences,” “Restaurants,” “Nightlife,” and “Things To Do” in Kenya. Get inspired to plan your itinerary using the photos and commentary in each section.
Kenya Travel Ideas
has a few grammatical errors but content is solid, with a personal and friendly tone. Look for safari recommendations, event descriptions, cultural details, and practical information for your trip.
National Geographic
reveals the country’s quirks in this colorful guide. Scroll down for “Kenya Features” and learn about authentic handicrafts and music groups.
Concierge.com
is an affiliate of Condé Nast Traveler that caters to the upper echelon with high-end restaurant and hotel recommendations. Regardless of your budget, you’ll benefit from archived feature articles, photos, and “See + Do” advice. Read “Eating” for a bit of cultural insight.
Bicycle Africa
offers bicycle tours of several regions in Africa. Enter “Kenya” into the search tool to find relevant tours. Cultural immersion and educational travel are emphasized, and all ages of “generally active” cyclists are welcome. Accommodation is included with tour packages.
For an inside look at safaris …
National Geographic Traveler
eschews the posh pushed by so many of its glossy counterparts, in favor of meaningful travel. Take a look at “Scenes from a Kenya Safari,” where the author traveled to the Rift Valley Province and befriended semi-nomadic relatives of the Masai. A photo/text slideshow gives the specifics in irresistible detail.
National Geographic Adventure
magazine sent a writer and photographer to Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, where they captured the lions of Kenya’s Tsavo region, and spent time with local Masai tribesmen. Get a glimpse of the people and wildlife that you may see on your own safari.
Travel Requirements for Kenya
Start planning early. Organize your travel documents and vaccines and review general safety ... read more »
Getting to Kenya
If you’re departing from the United States, you’ll be flying into Nairobi or Mombasa. ... read more »
Kenya Hotels
Kenya offers an eclectic mix of hotels, lodges, and camps, many of which bring you up close and ... read more »
Getting Around in Kenya
Adjusting to transportation in foreign countries may be a bit unsettling, but the Web can ease your ... read more »
Kenya Travel Blogs and Forums
For honest evaluation of destinations, accommodations, and travel experiences, look no further than ... read more »
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