January Highlights
Cradle of mankind #1
The Eastern shores of the planet’s biggest permanent desert lake offers untamed landscapes of islands, shorelines, deserts, volcanoes and forested mountains inhabited by a multitude of peoples of diverse traditions.
South Rift #2
Another attraction approximately 50mins away from Lake Magadi is the intriguing 50 acre archaeological site on Magadi Road about 52km to the north east of the lake. World renowned as the “factory of stone tools” and the only place on record possessing an impressive number of Acheulean hand axes and the largest stone tools, the site gives evidence not only of local importance but also of international significance.
Mombasa #3
Kenya’s second biggest city Mombasa forms one of the six coastal Treasures boasting two distinct parts of completely different nature: The famous North Coast with its long chain of alluring beaches, diverse marine life and fine hotels that once ignited its reputation as one of Africa’s tourist havens. And the charming coastal city with its ancient roots that boasts a unique ensemble of historic buildings, a spicy blend of different cultures and – best of all – delightful people …
South Nyanza #4
South Nyanza offers a unique array of hidden attractions and solitary impressions. How about that: to boast about being one of the very few who have seen one of Kenya’s rarest antelopes! Or to feel like some kind of Indiana Jones and discover what is possibly the most impressive archeological site of the country…?
February Highlights
North Rift #5
While Bogoria is an alkaline lake protected as a National Reserve, Baringo is one of the two sweet water lakes in the Kenyan part of the Rift Valley.What about stretching your limbs at night under the stars in a pool full of warm mineral water? Or boiling an egg in a steaming geyser? Have you ever seen the mysterious airshow of the flamingos at Lake Bogoria or their enchanting ballet?
Central Coast #6
Experience Arabuko Sokoke, one of the biggest remaining coastal rain forests in Eastern Africa and the traditional lifestyles and cultures of the Swahili, Bajuni and Giriama people. There are plenty of beaches to bath, play, tan and meet the sea and the sun.
Samburu Land #7
Samburu Land is a vast region stretching from the foot hills of Mt. Kenya into the North which offers all of what makes up the wild beauty of Kenya’s outback. Open spaces, serenity, best opportunities for game safaris, outdoor activities and encounter the fascinating pastoralist culture of the Samburu people who lent the land their name are also cousins of the famous Masai.
Our Nationhood#8
Our nation unlike many African countries has been a relatively stable and peaceful democratic nation which has endured even through some critical civil unrest at some significant points. All in all our society has thrived through colonial rule and one-party rule to a multiparty democracy which now enjoys one of the most progressive bills of rights in the world after the promulgation of a new constitution on August 27, 2010.
March Highlights
Mount Elgon #9
The basalt ascents of the enigmatic Mt. Elgon have been held sacred for centuries since its first eruption more than 24 million years ago.
Cherengani Hills #10
On the Western walls of the Great Rift Valley raises the mountain chain of the Cherangani Hills with its pleasingly ranging slopes that merge into the fertile Uasin Gishu plains of the Western Highlands.
Lake Naivasha #11
Lake Naivasha is one the two fresh water lakes in the Kenyan part of the Rift; it is host to an incredible diversity of bird-life and the centre of the country’s blossoming flower business.
April Highlights
The Aberdare Range#12
Still revered as God’s abode when He was not on Mount Kenya; it was originally known as Nyandarua by the Kikuyu,which means ‘the drying hide’ because its contours have features akin to the folds of an unspread hide.
Tsavo West #13
Tsavo is the biggest national park in the country occupying approximately 22,000km², almost 4% of Kenya’s surface area, making it one of the largest in the world.
Nakuru #14
Situated about 160 km north of Nairobi, between the Lake Nakuru National Park which is renown for the sensational flamingo assemblies that visit its alkaline waters, and the colossal Menengai crater along with its combined volcanic landscapes.
Amboseli #15
Cast against wide skies and far horizons which blend with swampy springs and parched earth; Amboseli enjoys the exclusive position of having the highest mountain in Africa cast as its background in an exceptionally unique ecosystem which few other places in the continent can match in panorama and cultural history.
May Highlights
Mount Kenya #16
At 5,199 m, Mount Kenya stands as the second-highest peak in Africa, boasting almost 2800 km²of pristine wilderness, azure tarns, bleached glaciers and peaks of great beauty.
Lake Victoria #17
Also known as Nam Lolwe in Luo and Victoria Nyanza in Bantu, it is the biggest of the African Great Lakes and the largest tropical lake in the world, surpassed only by Lake Superior in North America.
Lamu Archipelago#18
This island is a beautiful place of rolling dunes and endless beaches, where tiny villages nestle among coconut and mango plantations as lateen sailed dhows ply the quite waters.
Kakamega#19
This western region which is around 52 km north of Kisumu City that is mostly acclaimed for its natural beauty, especially its wonderful bird-life and nature. Its forestry provides the ideal ambiance for self-guided nature walks and up close game watching.
June Highlights
Maasai Mara#20
The fabulous Maasai Mara is named in honor of the legendary Maasai. It is considered to be Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve by its very description and synonymous with the word safari in every sense. Its proximity to the plains of the Serengeti has made it a very celebrated venue of the spectacular Great Wildebeest migration. Also dubbed the 7th wonder of the world, according to a poll of experts conducted by ABC Television, this phenomenon is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide.
Ukambani#21
Kamba Land or Ukambani is divided in to three administrative county regions namely, Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties, stretching east of Nairobi along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway towards Tsavo National park and North East to Embu. It is widely perceived as a region regularly haunted by long drought seasons.
July Highlights
Laikipia#22
Wild and sparsely populated, Laikipia is the paragon of wildlife conservation. It is a vast expanse of natural country, high plains and rolling hills straddling the equator in the central highlands of Kenya, which roll out towards great plains. Righteously, this spectacular region is considered the gateway to Kenya’s wild Northern frontier country
Nairobi#23
Nairobi, in spite of it all, is still the safari capital of Africa even though the modern world has caught up with it speedily. A boondocks no more, this bygone Maasai watering hole will do more than wet your appetite. Nairobi is sleepless, energetic and contempo, offering an impressive introduction to both wildlife and nightlife. Its music clubs pulsating with vivacity, bustling shops and spirited markets alongside a mélange of ‘food joints’ will certainly tempt your palate.
August Highlights
Tsavo East#24
Tsavo East National Park is Kenya’s largest conservation area. Together with the neighboring twin park of Tsavo West, it is listed as number three of Africa’s mega parks! Many people underrate Tsavo East, simply because they are not aware of its wild, unknown north, an unspoiled paradise for explorers in the search of absolute serenity, which was a no go zone for decades until recently. Hence, most accommodations and guests are found in the south near Voi.
The picture gallery grows by the weeks and we trust that this has been informative to you. Take it a step further and spread the message: like it, share it, Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter and stay posted for the next Treasure.
Until the next time its many thanks from the 50 Treasures of Kenya Trust for every contribution in this feature with special mention made to Mr.Harmut Fiebig for the wonderful photography and most of all to you our treasured audience for your company.
You are highly treasured.
