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  • Africa
    • Introduction
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    • Kenya
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  • Kenya
    Overview
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    Explore
    • Nairobi and around
    • The Central Highlands
    • The Rift Valley
    • Western Kenya
    • The National Parks and Mombasa Highway
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  • Things not to miss
Many climbers consider Africa’s second-highest peak a tougher test than Kilimanjaro: it’s certainly less of a highway to the top. You’ll be glad of the new via ferrata on the last morning. Even most Kenyans have never heard of their most impressive upcountry ancient site – huge stone circles in a remote part of western Kenya. The world record count of bird species seen in 24 hours – 342 – was made at this freshwater lake in the Rift Valley. There’s budget accommodation on the shore and luxury lodges on the islands. Join twelve local tribes for three days of traditional song and dance in a chilled, international atmosphere. The newest conservancy in the greater Mara region combines wildlife conservation with community involvement and offers outstanding viewing of big cats, elephants and giraffes. The Indian Ocean coast is sheltered by a coral reef for nearly its entire length: you can drift among shoals of fish or skim around on a kite- or surfboard. On the city’s doorstep, the park is home to nearly all Kenya’s big mammals, including the largest of Kenya’s antelopes, the eland. Kenya’s biggest lake packs in busy harbours, virtual plains of water hyacinth, pretty beaches and mountains. The chain of lakes at Mzima Springs, fed by subterranean meltwater from Kilimanjaro, is a magical location in an exceptionally beautiful park – Tsavo West. Book a night out in the bush under the stars, on a specially adapted “star bed” atop a secure platform. These curious, harmless reptiles can be found all over Kenya, but only the highlands are home to the impressive Jackson’s three-horn species, like a miniature triceratops. If you’ve never had a fresh coconut, you’re in for a treat – try one at any coast hotel for the price of a tip to the intrepid tree climber. The perfect getaway from Nairobi: excellent backpackers’ hostels, boating, a music festival, hippos and the secluded and atmospheric Green Crater Lake. Venture to the shores of Lake Turkana in the barren lands close to the Ethiopian border where the climate is harsh, life precarious and the landscapes searingly beautiful. Get on petting terms with tiny pachyderms at this highly regarded centre. There is nowhere in the world like the ancient seafaring town of Lamu, with its maze of alleys and cool lodgings on every corner.