Mount Kenya National Park
According to Camping Explorer, Mount Kenya is the second highest African peak after Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, with Batian Peak (5199 m). It is located in the center of the country, slightly below the equator. There are 11 glaciers on its snow-covered mountain peaks.
According to legend, the creator of the universe, Ngai, lived on the top of Kiriniaga. The distorted pronunciation of the name of this peak in the Kaliba language gave its modern name, as well as the name of the whole country.
This park lies right on the equator line, just 150 km from Nairobi. Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa with Batian Peak (5199 m) and Nelion (5189 m). The snowy peak of Kenya invariably attracts many climbers and lovers of conquering mountain peaks.
Here, among the eternal snows and alpine meadows, many rivers flow, including the Tana River, which is the largest river in Kenya. Thanks to fertile soils up to a height of 2000 meters, intensive farming is carried out. Then the cedar forest begins, in which olive trees, ferns, lianas and mosses grow. At an altitude of 2500 meters thickets of giant bamboo appear up to 12 meters high. And already at an altitude of 3200 m, the vegetation becomes poorer and it is here that the Mount Kenya National Park begins, with an area of 492 square meters. km.
And now it is quite a popular place for rock climbing, as even beginners can find easy paths for themselves and see eagles soaring. In the foothills there is a luxurious cedar forest, in which, in addition to cedars, olive trees, ferns, lianas and mosses also grow. At an altitude of 2500 m, thickets of giant bamboo appear, the height of which can reach 12 m or more. Those who get higher will be able to see elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, rhinos, as well as numerous herbivores – bushbucks, duikers and even bongos. Here is the most beautiful and respectable manor-club “Mnt. Kenya Safari Club”, where many famous Europeans stop to rest.
Baringo National Park
That salt lake is located in the west of Kenya, within the Great Rift of Africa. A feature of Baringo is an unusually large variety of birds (about 448 species). Flamingos are of the greatest interest to tourists. They live here in huge colonies, several thousand each, and create a huge pink spot on the water.
Like other lakes located within the Great African Rift, Baringo has its own distinctive features and characteristics. The scenery of the lake is amazing!
There are several rocky islets and mountain ranges that are visible from everywhere. Depending on the light and weather, the cloudy brown water of the lake constantly changes its color. Becoming, then light yellow, then dark brown.
The waters of Baringo are home to crocodiles, hippos and various fish. Therefore, among the local residents of Nyamps, the main industry is fishing. Very often you can see their fishing rods hanging from small canoes standing near the shore. And despite the fact that there are many crocodiles here, the Nyamps believe that they are absolutely safe.
The land surrounding the island is rich in unusual trees and exotic plants.
The area of Lake Baringo is characterized by very hot weather. Therefore, going here, do not forget to take a hat, glasses and a swimsuit.
Fort Jesus
– the fortress of Portuguese pirates still keeps the secrets of its brave robbers. A sightseeing tour of Mombasa with an inspection of the fort, and then the Arab quarter, the center of Mombasa, the former slave market will take you into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, with a labyrinth of narrow streets, and fancy shutters on the windows. To the north of Mombasa is the ancient Arab city of Lamu, dating back to the 10th century. It is also worth visiting the tortoise nursery where huge turtles are bred, as well as the crocodile farm, both of these nurseries are very close to the hotels (~5km).
Mombasa
The city of Mombasa is located on the island of the same name, which connects to the mainland in the southern and northern parts of the city. There is a train station in the center of the island, and there are many hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues around. Magnificent beaches stretch in the north and south of the city. There are rail, bus and air links between Nairobi and Mombasa. Buses run regularly between Mombasa and Tanzania.
Mombasa, a hot city with an interesting history, built in the 12th century, is the largest port on the east coast of Africa. For several centuries it was a shelter for Muslims, and in 1505, after the attack of the Portuguese, it was burned and razed to the ground. It was restored and destroyed again, after which the ruler of Mombasan rebuilt the city and began to fight the Portuguese. Mombasa’s Old Town area bears witness to hard times. But its wooden carvings and balconies are a reason for the constant admiration of travelers. The most striking sight of the old quarter is Fort Jesus, which rises above the entrance to the harbor. It was started by the Portuguese in 1593 and changed its appearance several times from 1631 to 1875.
A lot of old ship cannons remained from the past fierce battles in the city. They can be seen not only in Fort Jesus – the main fortress of the city, but also simply lying at crossroads or at the gates of prestigious hotels. One of the largest is a gun salvaged from the German cruiser Koenigsberg, sunk by the British in 1915 near Fort Jesus.
Until the end of the 17th century, the Portuguese managed to maintain control over Mombasa. Then, for another hundred years, the city was ruled by the Omani Arabs, who drove the Portuguese out of their main fortress – Fort Jesus. And since 1888, Mombasa passed into the hands of the British…
Now a museum is located here, and the fort itself is a spectacular mixture of Italian, Portuguese and Arabic architecture.