Traveling back to Kenya
It is December in icy Central Europe. The sky is dark, the days are short, the wind is freshening, temperatures are dropping below freezing, it’s time for winter jackets, winter boots and cosy Christmas markets. I miss the long summer days, the short rain showers and the beautiful rainbows that mysteriously appear in the sky. Having grown up in Germany and being from Kenya, there always comes a moment when I realise that two summers in one year is not a bad idea. And so then, the trip to Kenya begins.
The Equator
The beauty of Kenya lies in East Africa on the Indian Ocean. Its geographical location on the equator means that it is cold in the middle of the year, which leads to violent storms and very heavy rainfall that develop in the hotter summer months around Christmas and at the beginning of the new year. Kenya is one of 13 countries through which the equator runs. If you visit the equator in Kenya, you will come across locals who love to show visitors what is known as the Coriolis effect of Nanyuki. It is really fascinating to see how the clockwise movement of the water from this position changes depending on which hemisphere you are on.
Beauty
Kenya is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, prized for its vast lands that stretch over 224,000 square miles. This country is home to the great Mount Kilimanjaro, which is 5,895 metres high. Kenya is also home to the Great Rift Valley and the picturesque lakes in Naivasha, Elementaita and Nakuru. These places are often visited when looking for relaxation and tranquillity. They are sparsely populated, the nature is very rich and rather untouched by human activity. An environment perfectly suited for eco friendly activities.
When visiting Kenya, one is always treated to a rich variety of wildlife, sometimes found right on the doorstep. Monkeys can often be seen picking fruit from the trees and large birds such as the marabou stork flying majestically across the sky. Kenya’s wildlife is inhabited by over 2400 animal species and over 600 plant species.
Wildlife
Among this large number, the Big 5 are the most admired. The Big 5 are lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant. The Big 5 are most commonly seen in national parks and on safaris. The grassy forests of the savannah landscape have given people the opportunity to appreciate one of Africa’s many treasures.
Safaris & Wildlife Conservation
Safaris in areas such as the Masai Mara, Tsavo and Naivasha are known to be very popular during the Kenyan summer months. The Kenyan government and other organisations continue to work hard to find a balance between tourism revenue and appropriate conservation initiatives and objectives. The increase in visitor numbers during the high season leads to an expansion of accommodation (lodges). Unfortunately, this has led to more damaged roads and increased human disturbance of natural habitats, vegetation and migration patterns. The largest animal migration in the world takes place in Kenya. Every year, 2 million gazelles, wilderbeast and zebras migrate clockwise through the Serengeti in search of nutritious grass and water.
A majority of safari lodges are eco-friendly and use green energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines and recycled water. Some lodges also have organic kitchens and provide training and employment for locals. Sustainable options are always a great way to enhance the places you visit and have fun at the same time.
Conserving wildlife and preserving the habitats of other animals by reducing human activities has always been a challenge for Kenya’s wildlife. A commitment that Kenya and many private individuals are taking up to protect what is beautiful and unfortunately so often exploited. It is highly recommended that visitors educate themselves on sustainable safari experiences. This can be done in an enjoyable way by staying in private conservancies that are known to add great value to local communities and wildlife conservation.
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The coast
Protecting what is above the ocean is as important to Kenya as protecting the beauty below. Coastal areas such as Mombasa and Diani are known to draw the majority of tourists during the hot months. These attractions generate high revenues for the Kenyan economy but bring little profit to the locals in these areas. The result of the large human footprint is often the accumulation of garbage on the beaches and the destruction of coral reefs, as well as a shortage of fish for fishermen. Kenya Marine Mammal Network (KMMN) and many other organisations are committed to effective change and collect 404 kg of waste along the coast. In 2017, the Kenyan government imposed a ban on the use of plastic bags, which has had a remarkable impact on the environment.
If you visit the beaches of Mombasa, kilifi, Diani, Malindi and or Lamu in the hot December months, you are sure to meet the beach boys who spend most of their day selling various handmade items to tourists. In doing so, they have become fluent in the most common European languages, allowing them to communicate and interact with visitors. Kenya is loved for its vibrant and cultured environment.
Culture
As you wander through Kenya’s rapidly developing cities, you will encounter over 70 ethnic groups (tribes), each with their own language and traditions. However, in Kenya’s busiest cities, the main languages spoken are Swahili and English, with other popular languages being French, German and Italian.
Food
Staple foods such as Ugali, a type of corn meal and Chapati, a type of flat bread are very popular in Kenya. They can be eaten with almost anything and are much appreciated by visitors from abroad. On festive occasions and at family gatherings, Kenyans often enjoy Nyama Choma, which means grilled meat. Kenya’s rich agriculture provides a very natural and nutritious selection of fruits and vegetables. Although vegan culture is not as widespread in Kenya, most meals have commonalities that can sustainably support a vegan lifestyle.
Joshua Redmond
I have lived in different countries throughout my life. Many of which I would consider home. I have always appreciated reconnecting with a place, with people, with culture and with myself. Seeing and feeling things from different angles is a great way to better understand the world and its challenges. Broadening your horizon through travel should always be encouraged.