Kenya Walking Holidays, See the Real Africa

Feb 11, 2013 by Cost Effective Travel    1 Comment     Posted under: Africa, Blog

A walking holiday in Kenya could completely alter the way you see wildlife, and Africa itself. This intriguing country has a broad geographical diversity that ranges from flat plains, to beaches, to the highlands which feature entirely different landscape and weather. Historically, because of its’ fertile soil and strategic significance in East Africa, Kenya has been a popular destination for migrants, who have brought their traditions and culture to the country.

The migrants have come from other areas of Africa. Also, they have come from Arab colonies on the coastal strip, throughout the period of Islamic territorial expansion. Ever since the fifteenth century, Europeans began to arrive in Kenya, with the Dutch, Portuguese, British and Germans all vying for a piece of its’ rich farming land. The country had become part of the British Empire by the late nineteenth century, and remained so till 1963, when it was declared an independent republic.

Also, Kenya is well known for having some of the earliest fossil records of humans, which are thought to be at least four million years old. These records provide some indication of a species that might have preceded human beings, as far back as six million years ago. This legacy of history and culture is all ripe for exploring on a walking holiday to Kenya.

Kenya and the Countryside

Kenya is world famous for its’ fantastic wildlife, and the wonderful care that is provided to protect it. On a walking holiday to Kenya, you will have the opportunity to witness this wildlife up-close in its’ natural environment – an experience which is as far removed from going to the zoo as you can imagine. Rather than just watching wildlife programmes on TV, you can actually see the reality for yourself, which is much more exciting. Watch this video, and you will see why:

The People of Kenya

Kenya’s modern African population is divided into different linguist groups, and there are over thirty distinct dialects, or languages, spoken in the country. On a Kenyan guided walking holiday, you will have the chance to see the way local people live, farm and work. It is an intriguing cultural experience that should not be missed. Also, you might get the chance to watch traditional local crafts being practised. Or, you could try your hand at bartering with the local market traders to secure that must have memento.

Kenya for Tourists

A walking holiday to Kenya does not just have to be based inland. The country’s coastline and beaches are world renown, and you can spend some of your time partaking in the normal tourist activities of swimming and sunbathing. Nonetheless, the coastline is not only for frolicking, because there are other areas of the coast just waiting to be discovered by foot, where you might witness unique wildlife, such as the various species of seagoing birds.

There are a broad range of guided Kenyan walking holidays where you can explore the country, while under the guidance of an expert tour leader. There are many itineraries to pick from, and lots of people opt for a pre-defined itinerary (as recommended by their travel agent), so they don’t have to make any detailed arrangements themselves. Generally, the accommodation consists of modern and comfortable hotels, which are situated in specially chosen areas. Normally, these hotels are used as a base for the guided walks each day. There are multi centre itineraries available as well, and opting for one of these will help you better explore the sheer diversity of this fascinating country.

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