Magical Kenya - Middle East

Kenya
Middle East Travel Guide

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Contents..........................................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
4. Tourist Map
5. Magical Kenya
6. Wildlife Safari
7. Culture and History
8. Kenya, a Land of Adventure
9. The Kenyan Coast
10. Nairobi
11. MICE
12. Kenya for Families
13. Flights to Kenya
14. Contacts
15. Gallery

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Tourist Map
© Javier Yanes/Kenyalogy.com

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Magical Kenya
V
isitors to Kenya are spoilt for choice with the country’s versa-
tility. Whether it be exploring the savannahs rich with game,
experiencing cultures that have remained unchanged, or
activities ideal for adventure-seekers – Kenya has it all...
The main tourist hot-spots regularly
visited by international and regional
travellers are safaris in the many
national parks and game reserves
in Kenya. These provide nature lov-
ers the opportunity to catch a glimpse
of the abundant wildlife that enriches
the Kenyan landscape. Other attrac-
tions include Mombasa Great Rift
Valley, coffee plantations at Thika, Mt.
Kenya, the UNESCO heritage sites,
wildlife and its beaches along the
coral reefs’ warm waters in the
Indian Ocean. Amboseli National
Park is also home to Mt. Kilimanjaro,
where the best view is said to be
from Kenya.
Boasting a culture which stems
from countless resources, the region
benefits from a long and complex
history, dating back from early man
to the present day.
Kenya’s prime wildlife view-
ing areas can be accessed in
a safari van or 4x4 using the
country’s road network, or
by short flight. The domestic
aviation sector, largely based
at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, is
geared to handle this traffic
with fleets of small aircraft
suited for rudimentary
bush airstrips.
Apart from local operators
such as Safarilink and Air
Kenya, there are many char-
ter flights as well, including:
Amboseli, Tsavo West, Lewa
Downs, Nanyuki (for Laikipia),
Shaba, Meru and Samburu.
Airports & Airstrip
Kenya Fast Facts
.............................................................................................................................
Population: 43,013,341
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Climate: Warm on the coast;
cool in the central highlands;
and hot in the north and east
Size: 586,600km2

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MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE
Visiting Season: All-Year-Round
Plays host to the Great Migration which involves over 1.5 million animals.
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
VisitingSeason:March-April
Oneofthefewparkswhereavisitorcanseeablackrhinoinitsnaturalhabitat.
SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Visiting Season - All-Year-Round
Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, giraffe, gerenuk and the oryx call this
reserve home.
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
During peak season over one million flamingos congregate on the lake plus
half a million pelicans.
MOUNT LONGONOT NATIONAL PARK
Extinct Volcano - Mt. Longonot, rises to 2,776m above sea level providing a
view to behold, and a relatively easy adventurous climb.
MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park includes various habitats: higher
forest, bamboo, glaciers, tarns and glacial moraines which are great
for trekking.
ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK
The Aberdares are an important water catchment area providing water to
the Tana and Athi rivers and part of the Central Rift and Northern
Drainage Basins.
MOMBASA MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Colourful and prolific marine life and coral species.
NAIROBI ANIMAL ORPHANAGE
VisitingSeason-All-Year-Round
TheoldestanimalorphanageinKenya,recordingover200,000visitorsannually.
HELL’S GATE NATIONAL PARK
Hell’s Gate is characterised by diverse topography and geological scenery
and is an important home to rarely seen Lammergeyer Vultures.
LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY
VisitingSeason-All-Year-Round
Spanning62,000acres,Lewaishometo10percentofKenya’sblackrhino
populationandover14percentofitswhiterhinopopulation.
K
enya’s pristine
wilderness and iconic
wildlife has an extremely
high environmental standard which
ensures a quality experience.
For more information, visit: www.kws.org
Wildlife Safari

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Culture and History
K
enya has managed to develop its
own unique and diverse heritage and
culture, which spans 42 tribes. This is
the nation’s greatest strength - the ability to
blend the best of many worlds into a strong,
singular identity.
Museums
.....................................................................................
Museums offer an ideal platform to glimpse Kenya’s
past and present cultural and historical heritage. Below
is a list of some of the country’s national museums
which are of interest to the international traveller.
- Tamnach Museum
- Wajir Museum
- Nairobi Gallery
- Rabai Museum
- Malindi Museum
- Lofyangalani Desert Museum
- Hyrax Hill
- Meru Museum
- Gede Ruins
- Kariandusi
- Kabarnet Museum
- Kitale Museum
- Lamu Museum
- Narok Museum
- Kisumu Museum
- Kapenguria Museum
- Nairobi National Museum
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Nairobi Snake Park
MAASAI CULTURE
SAMBURU CULTURE
LAMU
The best way to experience and learn about Maasai
life is to go on a tour to a Maasai village or Many-
atta. Watch, learn and take part in Maasai beading
and make traditional jewellery and after cook din-
ner the Maasai way.
Tourists can take part in traditional chants and
dances. In addition, tourists can also have the op-
portunity to take part in Samburu beading.
The best way to witness their culture is to stay in a
lodge or camp managed by a Samburu community.
Lamu began life as a 14th century Swahili settle-
ment, but the island has seen many visitors and
influences, including Portuguese, Turkish and Omani
Arabs. Tourists visiting here can take part in fishing,
dhow making, henna art and learn local traditional
cooking methods.
Please visit www.museums.or.ke to find out all about our museum offerings.

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GOLF
Few places in the world offer such ingredients for a
golf holiday. The opportunity to play the sport and to
see wildlife sometimes on the course is an incredible
experience. IAGTO has recognised Kenya as an un-
disputed golfing destination. More info at www.kgma.
co.ke/
WHITE-WATER RAFTING
The Tana River is a drop pool river offering exciting
white-water rafting, as does the Athi River that bor-
ders Tsavo National Park. Mathoya River can offer
arguably the most technically challenging water to be
found across Kenya.
BALLOON SAFARI
A morning flight will give you a bird’s eye view, offering
exceptional vistas such as the Great Rift Valley. Early
morning is the ideal time to see wild animals on the
plains. In the Masai Mara Game Reserve it is an unfor-
gettable experience as you glide leisurely above.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
Both Mt. Kenya and Mt. Longonot offer a route for
every level of trekker and climber. It is not surpris-
ing that trekking on these mountains is high on many
travellers’ priority lists.
BUNGEE JUMPING
The ultimate adrenaline rush can be combined as part
of a safari in the north, or as part of a white water
rafting experience at Tana River near Sagana.
A
nation known around the world,
famous for its culture, history and
natural beauty, Kenya is also an
adventure-seeker’s paradise. The secret
of its success is its ability to combine each
of these qualities with ease.
Kenya is a magical land of
beauty and adventure.
Kenya, a Land of Adventure

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The Kenyan Coast
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
W
ith much of Kenya bordering the coast, visitors are spoilt for choice with pristine
white beaches from the North to the South coast. Where the wilderness meets the
sea, the areas are rich in history, with much to see and do. Access can be acquired
through Mombasa International Airport, which is the largest and busiest airport in Kenya.
FORT JESUS: Built in 1591 by order of King Philip I of
Portugal, the fort is considered as one of the most
well-preserved examples of 16th century Portuguese
military fortifications. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
HALLER PARK: Known as one of the largest animal
sanctuaries in Mombasa, Haller Park boasts a variety
of animals, reptiles, insects and botanical gardens.
LAMU TOWN: One of Kenya’s oldest towns, and is one
of the original Swahili settlements on the East African
coast. The town has hosted numerous Muslim reli-
gious festivals and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
SWAHILI PEOPLE & CULTURE:Their name originates
from the Arabic word, ‘Sawahil’, which means ‘coastal
dwellers’, and are a Bantu ethnic group and culture
found predominantly in East Africa.
ARABUKO SOKOKE FOREST RESERVE: Home to many ani-
mal species, including Sokoke Scops Owl, the Amani
Sunbird and the Golden-Rumped Elephant Shrew.
MOMBASA OLD TOWN: A UNESCO World Heritage Site,
the old town’s historical buildings add to its charm,
combining Africa, Arabic and European influences.
KIPEPEO BUTTERFLY CENTRE: A community-based en-
terprise by the people living around Arabuko Sokoke
forest, the centre has three houses of butterfly.
MWA LUGANJE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY: A conservation
area and park for elephants, the sanctuary is located
adjacent to the Shimba Hills National Reserve.
MALINDI TOWN: Popular among tourists, Malindi is
near to Watamu resort and Gedi Ruins. Other at-
tractions include the Sabaki River and Watamu and
Malindi Marine National Parks.
DEEP SEA FISHING: These waters are some of the best
fishing grounds in the world; home to black, blue and
striped marlin, broadbill swordfish, mako sharks,
sailfish and other species.
SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS: For a once in a lifetime
experience, swim with these magnificent mammals
whilst on board a Dolphin Dhow to Wasini Island or
on a snorkelling and diving day excursion to Kisite
Marine Park.
SAILING: Sailing trips can be arranged for mornings or
evenings. Various sail companies offer trips at
competitive rates. There are opportunities to sail in
authentic Arabic dhows or take a boat trip to one of
the various marine parks and reserves.
GOLF: Kenya is quickly becoming an international golf
destination, thanks to the efforts of The Kenya Golf
Marketing Alliance. Clubs to choose from include
Vipingo Ridge Golf Course, Nyali Golf & Country Club,
and Leisure Golf Club, to name but a few.
NIGHTLIFE: Nairobi and Mombasa are home to some of
the most popular nightspots in Kenya.
FOOD: With such cultural diversity, there is not one
dish that encapsulates all of Kenya. Staples are maize
and other cereals, ugali, sukuma wiki and nyama
choma.
Coastal Attractions
Coastal Activities

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N
airobi is the only city in the world that borders a national park – The Nairobi National
Park, and is serviced by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport. The
city’s F&B options take you on a culinary journey, and its internationally-recognised
hotel chains, museums, outdoor markets where one can buy wood carvings and khangas,
nightlife, cultural festivals and theme nights whet the appetite of any discerning traveller.
THE GIRAFFE CENTRE: Located in Langata, the centre
has been set up as a breeding centre for the endan-
gered Rothschild giraffe and operates conservation/
education programmes for Kenyan school children.
MAMBA VILLAGE: Get up close to crocodiles and os-
triches, as well as other species of wildlife in grounds
that are spread over 30 acres. A campsite is also
available for groups of up to 50 adults.
GIRAFFE MANOR: Set across 12 acres of private land
within 140 acres of indigenous forest near Nairobi
city centre. A boutique hotel offering an unparalleled
experience of giraffes, as well as warthogs, bush -
buck, dik dik and more than 180 species of birds.
NAIROBI NATIONAL MUSEUM: Built in 1929, the museum
houses collections of Kenya’s history, nature, culture
and contemporary art, as well as its rich heritage.
KAREN BLIXEN MUSEUM: Witness Kenya’s history, and
see the farm house which gained international fame
from ‘Out of Africa’, the Oscar-winning film based on
Karen Blixen’s autobiography of the same name.
THE NAIROBI RAILWAY MUSEUM: Trace the history of
Kenya’s growth through its railway, arguably the life-
blood and reason for the country’s evolvement.
DAPHNE SHELDRICK ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE: The orphan-
age was founded and managed by Daphne Sheldrick,
the widow of one of Kenya’s well-known game war-
dens, David Sheldrick.
MWA LUGANJE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY: A conservation
area and park for these majestic creatures, the sanc-
tuary is located adjacent to the Shimba Hills National
Reserve.
When in Nairobi...
Shopping Malls
- THIKA ROAD MALL
- THE VILLAGE MARKET
- CAPITAL CENTRE
- SARIT CENTRE
- THE JUNCTION
- PRESTIGE PLAZA
- TUSKYS MALL
Nairobi

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MICE
K
enya is a popular destination of choice
for a variety of meetings, incentives,
conferences and exhibitions. This is not
only true for the many city hotels, but also
lodges situated in parks and reserves, as well
as large coastal resorts.
MAGICAL KENYA TRAVEL EXPO
www.magicalkenyatravelexpo.com
KENYA AIRWAYS EAST AFRICAN SAFARI CLASSIC RALLY
www.eastafricansafarirally.com
STANDARD CHARTERED NAIROBI MARATHON
www.nairobimarathon.com
SAFARI SEVENS RUGBY
www.safarisevens.com
RHINO CHARGE
www.rhinocharge.co.ke
MAASAI MARA MARATHON
www.kenyaairwaysmarathon.com
LEWA MARATHON
www.lewa.org/support-lewa/safaricom-marathon
KENYA OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
www.kenyaopengolf.com
CAMEL DERBY
www.magicalkenya.com
LOIYANGALANI FESTIVAL
KENYA DERBY
www.kenyahorse.com
Venues
Key Events in Kenya
Some venues have been designed specifically for lar-
gescale conferences. The most notable is Nairobi’s Ken-
ya International Conference Centre (KICC), with modern
conference and exhibition equipment and seating for
up to 4,000 delegates. It offers the ideal environment to
discuss business or work with colleagues. Many hotels
offer first-rate conference packages to international
standards, with conference and venue prices deemed
competitive. Moreover, most hotels have excellent
facilities and modern technical support.
.............................................................................................

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R
enowned throughout Africa as one of the continent’s friendliest countries, Kenya is
considered ideal for families. With kids’ clubs in hotels and resorts, and with settings and
nature bringing family together, it is also the perfect place for parents to relax. Moreover,
most hotels in national parks have activities for children to engage in, with child-friendly tented
camps in most national parks and reserves.
KIDS’ ATTRACTIONS
ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
GIRAFFE CENTRE - WWW.GIRAFFECENTER.ORG
The Giraffe Centre, started in 1983, is a Non-Profit making
organization whose main objective is to provide conserva-
tion education for school children and the youth of Kenya.
Children can interact with the Giraffes as well as feed
them and learn more about conservation.
THE VILLAGE MARKET - WWW.VILLAGEMARKET-KENYA.COM
The complex is home to over 150 outlets covering
210,000ft2
retail space, 20,000ft2
office space and a rec-
reation facility hosting a 12-lane bowling alley, Nu-Met-
ro Cinema hall, 9 hi-tide waterslides amongst others.
NAIROBI ANIMAL ORPHANAGE - WWW.MAGICALKENYA.COM
Established in 1964 as a refuge and rehabilitation
centre for wild animals found abandoned or injured
throughout Kenya, the unique facility records over
200,000 thousand visitors every year.
MAASAI MARA - WWW.MAASAIMARA.COM
Perfect for families, Mara Intrepids offers a family
programme which provides a fun and exciting opportunity
for children to learn about the wild from the Masai who
specialise in plants, wildlife and survival skills.
LAKE NAKURU - WWW.MAGICALKENYA.COM
Besides the flamingos that the lake is famous for, there
are approximately 400 other bird species visiting the lake.
Game can also be found in the park giving children a per-
fect opportunity to witness them up close and be educated
at the same time.
MT. KENYA - WWW.MOUNTKENYATRUST.ORG
VisittheSweetwatersWildlifeSanctuary,hosttotheJane
GoodallSanctuarywherechildrencanseechimpsthatare
undergoingrehabilitationandvisittheMoraniRhinoCenter
tolearnaboutRhinoconservation.
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Kenya for Families

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Flights to Kenya
Airline Frequency Departing City
Emirates Airline 14 flights weekly Dubai
Etihad Airways 7 flights weekly Abu Dhabi
Kenya Airways 10 flights weekly Dubai / Abu Dhabi
Qatar Airways 18 flights weekly Doha
Saudi Airlines 2 flights weekly Jeddah
Air Arabia 7 flights weekly Sharjah
Rwandair 3 flights weekly
(to Mombasa)
Dubai
..........................................................................................................................................................................................
W
ith the Middle Eastern airlines steadily increasing their presence in both Nairobi and
Mombasa, reaching Kenya’s ever-alluring tourist attractions has never been easier.
While Etihad Airways and Kenya Airways jointly provide conveniently timed services on
the Abu Dhabi-Nairobi route, Qatar Airways offers almost 20 weekly flights to the Kenyan capital
from Doha. Turkish Airlines seamlessly links Ankara and Istanbul with both Nairobi and Mom-
basa, while travellers from Jeddah can fly directly to the Kenyan capital with Saudi Airlines. And
with flexible low cost options provided by Air Arabia, itineraries can be created for any budget.

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List of accommodation facilities in Kenya
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caters (KAHC)
www.kahc.co.ke
List of Tour Operators in Kenya
Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO)
www.katokenya.org
Information on Parks and Wildlife
Kenya Wildlife Service
www.kws.org
Information on Kenya’s tourism product
Magical Kenya
• http://www.kenyaembassy.ae/, Abu Dhabi 971-2-
6666300, Dubai 971-4-3428111
• http://www.kenyaembassydoha.com/,
Tel: 44931870 Doha
• http://www.kenyaembassy-muscat.com/,
Tel +968 24697664 Muscat
• http://www.kenyaembkuwait.com/,
Tel:+(965) 25353985 Kuwait
• http://www.kenyaembassyriyadh.com/,
Tel: 966-1-4881238 Bahrain
EMBASSY DETAILS
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Contacts

The Travel Centre
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai
UAE
PO Box 75142
Tel: 00971 4 3166170
Fax: 00971 4 3166565
Email: tarig@gulfreps.com
Facebook: magical Kenya gcc

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