Tourism in the East African Nation - Report Example

Magical Kenya! Name: Institution: Magical Kenya! This is one of the campaigns run by the Kenyan government in global newspapers and television to promote Tourism in the East African nation. Kenya is famous for the long sandy beaches along its coast, expansive ranches and national parks hosting a wide range of species and spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley. Kenya also thrives under a very diverse culture and its people are perhaps the friendliest in the African continent. Amidst these features and people, it has probably the worst transport system. The roads are chaotic and smoke filled with long traffic jams, even at off peak hours of the day. Part of Kenya’s breathtaking features include the annual Wildebeest migration in the month of August between the Maasai Mara National Park and the Serengeti. In addition, the native Maasai tribe who live a semi nomadic life add to the flavor of visiting this nation (Travel & Leisure Close). Before embarking on the travel top Kenya, I randomly asked a few family members on what they knew about Kenya. The answers were quite interesting. Most people recognized Kenya for the Maasai. Others mentioned a fact or two regarding violence that took place in 2008 over a disputed presidential election. Others were quite unaware of the nation asking if the Nation is in Asia or the Middle East. The most interesting answer was that Prince Williams, The Duke of Cambridge proposed to Kate Middleton in the Kenyan Savannah. With the answers, a little research and flight information confirmed, the safari begun. The journey into remarkable Kenya started at the Moi Airport in the coastal city of Mombasa. The air was hot and humid. Amidst the fatigue, the scenery looked magnificent overlooking the ocean with small boats and dhows on a fishing party slow disappearing into the horizon. The landscape seemed calm with tall coconut and palm trees ushering to the hotel. The evening sunset dazzled over the sandy beaches creating a remarkable sight. After a few photographs, it was quite fascinating that the temperatures were above normal. The visit took place in July, a month that averages 32 degrees. The prospect of visiting some of the most famous features proved exciting. Part of the safari involved visiting the Western city of Kisumu, attending a cultural week in the remote town of Magadi, visiting the Maasai Mara for the annual wildebeest migration, Visit the military town of Nanyuki and finally complete the visit in the Capital Nairobi. Secretly, I wished to spend a few nights among the native Maasai Tribe. Diani Beach and the hagglers Taunted as one of the best beaches in Africa, Diani beach on the South Coast of Kenya provided for a perfect beach walk. The beach attracts thousands of tourists from different places on earth with Italians and Americans being the most prominent. Diani beach boasts of a rich heritage with the locals deeply involved in its management. At the beach, I enjoyed a swim in the sky blue waters with constant interruption by hagglers asking if I needed anything from a hat to a boat ride in their state of the art yacht. The yacht was an oversized canoe with a creaky engine that spewed smoke at beach goers. The beach formed a long line of palm trees and mangroves with crustaceans easily viewed through the clear water. A low tide swept a crab to the show near one of the beach boys, who poked it with his feet before the waves crashed on his feet carrying the crab away with them. The visit at the Kenyan coast ended with a visit to historical Lamu town and one of the oldest towns in Africa. The town consists of narrow streets and donkeys were the main mode of transport in the town. The buildings were historical seemingly telling a story about the early times. The visit in Lamu ended at Gedi Ruins that serve as evidence of the presence of African civilization. I managed to buy two kangas, the African shawls, packed and caught a flight to the lakeside city of Kisumu. Kisumu Dala On arrival at the Kisumu airport, a stench wafted and filled the air. The smell of raw caught fish. Kisumu City lies next to Lake Victoria, named after the Queen Victoria. Overlooking the lake and the airport were two hills and massive green vegetation that represented a fertile land. To spice the adventure, I opted not to use a taxicab, but a motorbike, a popular means of transport in the city. The bumpy ride took a few minutes to the city center. Exploring the relatively small city took a few hours. I visited a museum believed to be the cradle of Mankind. The museum had skulls, making the various stages in the human existence. The locals were friendly people. They referred to the city as Kisumu Dala, meaning Kisumu our home. The city boasts of a strong heritage, having been one of those that develop due to the construction of the railway. The visit to Kisumu would not be complete without a sail in the local dhows as well sampling a delicacy of fish prepared using local vegetables. After a sumptuous meal of fish, the voyage into Lake Victoria begun. The trip advisers offered that an evening ride was best and increased the prospect of catching fish. Riprap riprap rang the water as the guide used oars to paddle the small dhow into the deep waters. After about 20 minutes of sailing and deep into the waters, the nets were cast. We patiently waited as local music from the stereo made the constant mosquito bites bearable. The guide lit a lantern lamp, claiming the light attracts the fish towards the net. After an hour of waiting, terrible mosquito bites and learning local lingual, the nets were uncast with 15 fish caught. The fishing experience made the safari more interesting. It meant I participated in one of the most prominent cultural activities in Kenya. After catching a few hours of sleep, it was time to experience the World-renowned Maasai Mara game reserve. The Maasai Mara The journey from Kisumu to the Mara took roughly four hours by road. The Mara being in the Rift Valley accorded some very good opportunities to take photos of the escarpments and massive green scenery that thronged both sides of the escarpments. The lush tea farms seemingly like a massive bed of green. It was a sight to behold and marvel. Tired from the little sleep the previous night after the fishing expedition, I slept halfway through the journey only waking up to enjoy some of the local delicacies haggled on the roads and to which the guide advised we sample. On arrival at the Mara and paying USD 10 for gate fees, we decided to test the limits and offered to camp in the wild. The prospect of having a lion or elephant trump the tents failed to create worry. After setting up the camps, it was time to sample the local environment. The first stop point was at a local village occupied by the Maasai. The Maasai live a semi-nomadic life. They live in small houses called Manyatta made of mud and dung to enforce them. Being pastoralists, they keep thousands of cattle and sheep among other livestock. They also wear traditional shukas, instead of normal clothes as well as sandals made from rubber to enable them move easily through the grassland in search of pasture. The village comprised of Manyatta and at the middle of the tiny village, a huge structure to serve as the paddock for the kettle stood firm. This ensured they protected their livelihood. On seeing us, the morans, who are Maasai warriors begun performing a traditional dance in which they jump up high making humming sounds. A few children ran towards us to welcome us to the village. The villagers welcomed us into the office of the elder and we were offered milk in a traditional gourd. They embarked on slaughtering a small lamb for us to enjoy their traditionally prepared meat. The prospect was inviting enough. The process of slaughtering the lamb comes from a tradition in which the jugular vein is jabbed using a sharp knife and the blood collected used to prepare the meat. After about an hour, the meal was ready served with traditional rice and some herbs. With the dusk setting in slowly, the young boys and Moran begun ushering in the livestock in the shed created at the middle of the village. The running cattle created a massive whirlwind of dust amidst the orange light from the setting sun. It was time to leave the hospitable Maasai. The experience was interesting enough, but secretly, I hoped to spend a week among them and learn more about their lives and culture. Back at the camp, a few lights were set up around the tents to keep the animals at the bar and a born fire lit to keep us warm. I wrapped the shukas previously purchased around myself and sat next to the bonfire reminiscing of the experience. After sleeping, the howling of hyenas from far and constant noise by monkey around the tent made sleeping practically impossible. The chirping of the birds woke me up reminding me of what lay ahead in the activities. The day of the game drive to the Mara River to witness the annual wildebeest migration. The Guinness book of records recognized it among the nine wonders of the world. It was a prospect to look forward. During the game drive, we came across a pride of lions laying and our presence seemed not to bother them. We also came across some buffalos and elephants drinking water. About a mile away, mooing sounds could be heard, as wildebeests crossed the Mara. They were in the millions and rushed across the river, making these howling sounds. It was a sight to behold and treasure. An unexplained natural phenomena. From the Mara, the game drive took us to the small town of Magadi, the biggest producer of salt to Kenya. Magadi holds massive geothermal potential with hot springs producing naturally steamed water. At the small town, hagglers sold their wears to all to which I obliged and purchased a painting. Party in the Bush Both the Kenyan and British armies occupy the military town of Nanyuki. The town borders Kenya’s highest peak, Mt Kenya. It is famed for its explosive nightlife and many call it the Kenyan Vegas. A Kenyan experience is not complete without a Nanyuki party. The town also boasts of massive ranches and conservancies. From the heart of the town, one viewed the snow capped Mt Kenya at clearer angle. It was a beautiful sight. It is in this town that Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton. After a heavy lunch of barbecued meat referred to as nyama choma in the local dialect, we caught sleep in readiness for the night. The Sampling of the nightlife begun at 8 pm, visiting some of the local clubs. Most blared electronic music, perhaps from the influences of the huge population of foreigners. The bars stocked mostly local brands of beer including Tusker and summit. They also stocked whiskeys and vodkas. The local brands of beer were good and so was the music. It was a fulfilling bush experience. Traffic Snarl up and Good-bye Kenya Hangover and tied from the activities of the previous night, it was time to bid Kenya goodbye. The journey from Nanyuki to Nairobi took roughly five hours by road. Normally, the journey takes two hours, but massive traffic jams mar Nairobi. The journey towards the airport was even worse, being a rainy evening during the rush hour. Luckily, the connecting flight was deep into the night. At the airport, I marveled at the experience and the good times I had with the locals, sampling the culture as well as visiting the various towns. The warmth, the experiences, the people prove one point, this was Indeed this was magical Kenya! References Kenya Safari Offers Kenya In Style Package. 2014. Travel & Leisure Close - Up, KAMALKHAN, K., 2009. The Swahili architecture of Lamu, Kenya: Oral tradition and space, McGill University (Canada). RODIQUE NGOWI, A.P., 2006, Apr 30. Kenya. Deseret News, JAMIESON, A., 2009, Jan 12. Kenya safari. The Ottawa Citizen, 0-A9. PHILLIPS, M.M., 2009, Aug 27. Off The Beaten Track / Lamu Town, Kenya. Wall Street Journal. GETTLEMAN, J., 2010, Jan 12. LAMU JOURNAL. New York Times (1923-Current file), 1. Vergne, J., 2011, Jan 12. MAASAI MARA. The Daily Telegraph, 1. SIDDIQI, M., 2011, Mar 25. Ultimate Kenya safari guide. Leader Post J.C., 2012, Feb 04. SHOOTING 'LION' ON A ROUGH SAFARI. New York Times (1923-Current file), 109. Gaitho, M., 2013, Nov 01. MY TOWN: Nanyuki. Daily Nation. Read More

At the beach, I enjoyed a swim in the sky blue waters with constant interruption by hagglers asking if I needed anything from a hat to a boat ride in their state of the art yacht. The yacht was an oversized canoe with a creaky engine that spewed smoke at beach goers. The beach formed a long line of palm trees and mangroves with crustaceans easily viewed through the clear water. A low tide swept a crab to the show near one of the beach boys, who poked it with his feet before the waves crashed on his feet carrying the crab away with them.

The visit at the Kenyan coast ended with a visit to historical Lamu town and one of the oldest towns in Africa. The town consists of narrow streets and donkeys were the main mode of transport in the town. The buildings were historical seemingly telling a story about the early times. The visit in Lamu ended at Gedi Ruins that serve as evidence of the presence of African civilization. I managed to buy two kangas, the African shawls, packed and caught a flight to the lakeside city of Kisumu. Kisumu Dala On arrival at the Kisumu airport, a stench wafted and filled the air.

The smell of raw caught fish. Kisumu City lies next to Lake Victoria, named after the Queen Victoria. Overlooking the lake and the airport were two hills and massive green vegetation that represented a fertile land. To spice the adventure, I opted not to use a taxicab, but a motorbike, a popular means of transport in the city. The bumpy ride took a few minutes to the city center. Exploring the relatively small city took a few hours. I visited a museum believed to be the cradle of Mankind. The museum had skulls, making the various stages in the human existence.

The locals were friendly people. They referred to the city as Kisumu Dala, meaning Kisumu our home. The city boasts of a strong heritage, having been one of those that develop due to the construction of the railway. The visit to Kisumu would not be complete without a sail in the local dhows as well sampling a delicacy of fish prepared using local vegetables. After a sumptuous meal of fish, the voyage into Lake Victoria begun. The trip advisers offered that an evening ride was best and increased the prospect of catching fish.

Riprap riprap rang the water as the guide used oars to paddle the small dhow into the deep waters. After about 20 minutes of sailing and deep into the waters, the nets were cast. We patiently waited as local music from the stereo made the constant mosquito bites bearable. The guide lit a lantern lamp, claiming the light attracts the fish towards the net. After an hour of waiting, terrible mosquito bites and learning local lingual, the nets were uncast with 15 fish caught. The fishing experience made the safari more interesting.

It meant I participated in one of the most prominent cultural activities in Kenya. After catching a few hours of sleep, it was time to experience the World-renowned Maasai Mara game reserve. The Maasai Mara The journey from Kisumu to the Mara took roughly four hours by road. The Mara being in the Rift Valley accorded some very good opportunities to take photos of the escarpments and massive green scenery that thronged both sides of the escarpments. The lush tea farms seemingly like a massive bed of green.

It was a sight to behold and marvel. Tired from the little sleep the previous night after the fishing expedition, I slept halfway through the journey only waking up to enjoy some of the local delicacies haggled on the roads and to which the guide advised we sample. On arrival at the Mara and paying USD 10 for gate fees, we decided to test the limits and offered to camp in the wild. The prospect of having a lion or elephant trump the tents failed to create worry. After setting up the camps, it was time to sample the local environment.

The first stop point was at a local village occupied by the Maasai. The Maasai live a semi-nomadic life. They live in small houses called Manyatta made of mud and dung to enforce them. Being pastoralists, they keep thousands of cattle and sheep among other livestock.

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