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Visit the Safari.

The boundless wilderness and big game of the East Africa region has long attracted adventure seekers from all over the globe. No other African country can boast such an incredible range of landscapes, unique geographical features and species. Kenya offers visitors a chance to experience a natural world unchanged by the passage of time. The Kenyan wilderness is home to an endless array of ecosystems, the staging ground for natural cycles of life, death and regeneration as old as the planet itself. This great range of natural habitats means that there is plenty to explore, and plenty of species to encounter.

This is a land of endless potential for the wildlife enthusiast. From great migratory herds of the open savannah to an incredible abundance of birdlife, from the depths of a tropical rainforest to the depths of the Indian Ocean teeming with fish, this is a world of natural wonders.

A safari into the wilds of Kenya is a journey into nature at its purest. Everywhere you look there is a profusion of life…

Take a Wildlife safari through Kenya’s....

Kenya is world famous for its breathtaking landscapes. Kenya has no fewer than 40 national parks and game reserves supporting a wide range of unique habitats. From the great wilderness of Tsavo National Park to ASC’s exclusive Kimana Game Sanctuary situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the dense rain forests of Mount Kenya National Park to the vast plains of the Masai Mara; bird and beast roam free in their natural habitat. For years adventurers, travellers and photographers alike have been drawn to Kenya's natural beauty to sample what to many is the ‘Real Africa’.

Business travellers to Kenya will find all of the facilities they need are widely available. Many hotels and resorts throughout the country offer corporate rates and discounts and have modern, efficient business centres with complete computer, telecommunication and internet services.

About Kenya

Kenya lies across the equator on the east coast of Africa. It is surrounded by Somalia in the north east, Ethiopia and Sudan in the north, Uganda in the west and Tanzania to the south.

The south east of the country is the coastal belt, with white sandy beaches, palm trees and year-round hot weather next to the Indian Ocean.

The altitude gradually increases as you move inland towards the central highlands, which is where you will find the capital Nairobi and the continent's second highest mountain, Mt. Kenya.

The Great Rift Valley then separates the highlands into east and west. The western part of Kenya, towards the Ugandan border, is where you will find lush rainforests and the famous tea plantations.

Moving south and gradually east, the landscape becomes more arid as you reach the Masai Mara and the concentration of wildlife.

The little-visited northern part of Kenya bordering Somalia and Ethiopia is a vast, semi-desert area, used mostly for cattle grazing.

The Serengeti and Masai Mara are different, but form part of one great ecosystem and of course play host to the thousands of wildebeest and zebra who migrate through them, across the country borders of Kenya and Tanzania.

A comprehensive East Africa safari therefore would ideally take in the big game areas of both countries. Then of course, each country has its own highlights, such as Lake Nakuru or the Amboseli National Park in Kenya - or a relaxing detour to Tanzania's own piece of paradise in the form of Zanzibar.

In short, combining Kenya with Tanzania tour and safari allows you to experience many of East Africa's safari highlights.

The positive results of British colonialism in Kenya included a reasonable transport infrastructure and a successful agricultural economy with good land-use practices. The country could feed itself, and it exported premium-quality coffee and tea.

Mining has played a minor role in Kenya's economy. The country has limited reserves of gold, ruby, fluorspar, soda ash and titanium, though a controversial project to mine titanium was derailed in 2003.

The history of Kenya's economy since independence is a troubled one. Probably the major impediment to Kenya's economic development has been the 400% growth in its population. Other problems include government laxity in curbing corruption and enforcing market reforms, extreme floods and droughts, and a lull in investor confidence.

Since 2003 some progress has been made in eliminating corruption and encouraging financial support. GDP grew more than 5% in 2005, but a consistent growth rate of between 5% and 7% will be needed to have an impact on poverty.

Today Kenya's economy relies mainly on the export of tea, coffee, flowers and vegetables. These industries earn more than 60% of Kenya's foreign exchange, and employ 80% of its workforce.

Tourism is another major contributor while Kenya has a burgeoning informal sector. The jua kali (hot sun) traders work at roadsides, selling everything from welding services to potted plants.

Self-help groups have also gained popularity, teaching handiwork courses that are economically empowering, particularly for women.

Money

The unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling (KSh), which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are KSH1, and 50, 10 and 5 cents.

The exchange rate is in your favour. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world.

The price of a beer starts at KSh35. A traditional meal will cost about KSh150, while you can expect to pay about KSh500-1000 for a more classy meal. Petrol costs about KSh35 per litre. A roll of 36-exposure print film will cost about KSh200.

Banking hours are as follows:

Monday to Friday: 09h00 - 14h00 First Saturday of the month: 09h00 - 11h00

Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas open and close half an hour earlier while banks and bureaux de change at international airports are open 24 hours a day.

National and international banks have branches in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho and Nyeri and in most other major towns.

All major credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club and American Express) are widely accepted.

Tipping is not required but, unlike in some other African countries, is not forbidden either. Most hotels include a 10% service charge on the bill. If the service charge has not been included a KSh100 tip is usual, although the amount is entirely at the visitor's discretion.

Bear in mind that salaries in East Africa tend to be very low, and that people working in service industries rely on tips to supplement their wages.

On safari you should tip your driver, cook and guide. These people do not earn very much so you should tip as much as you feel you can. KSh150 per employee per day is about right, but of course this depends on you and how happy you were with the service.