DESTINATIONS AFRICA |KENYA
OF THE BEST
NAIROBI SIGHTS
Karura Forest: The world’s second-largest urban forest is on the edge of the city and a
green haven for walking, cycling and lunch with atmospheric
forest views at The River Cafe. African Heritage House:
Overlooking Nairobi National Park, this architectural treat (also a guesthouse and
restaurant) houses American- born owner Alan Donovan’s collection of pan-African art.
Nairobi National Park: The world’s only national park in a city is home to more than 100 mammal species and 400
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Maasai women keeping craft traditions alive; a hot-air balloon ride; adult rhino with baby PICTURES: Shereen Mroueh; Shutterstock/TravelPhotoBloggers, Pal Teravagimov
its Magical Kenya agent training programme and stepped up its efforts to work with agents via trade representation agency SLC Representation.
COMMUNITY LIFE In recent years, more lodges have been engaging in a meaningful way with the local community, be it championing storytelling and craft traditions or supporting education and training programmes that empower local people, particularly women. Lodge designs are often inspired by Kenyan architectural traditions and chefs are encouraged to innovate with local ingredients such as cassava and ugali (cornmeal). The Maasai Mara remains the country’s most famous safari destination, but central Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau is growing in popularity; andBeyond has opened a lodge in Suyian Conservancy, where 70% of staff are local. Engaging cultural activities can sit alongside wildlife experiences as an excellent way to entice families and repeat visitors. Families Worldwide has a new nine-day Lakes, Mountains & Maasai of Kenya trip designed with older children in mind. With game drives in the Maasai Mara and boat safaris on Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley, guests will also have time with a Maasai tribe, taking part in activities such as learning warrior
Engaging cultural activities can sit alongside wildlife experiences as an excellent way in which to entice families and repeat visitors
skills and jewellery making. Contiki, which focuses on the 18-35s market, takes a similar approach by incorporating one of its Make Travel Matter Experiences to support the community during its Kenya Adventure itinerary, alongside adrenaline-pumping activities such as mountain biking and hot-air balloon safaris.
HERITAGE CONNECTIONS Food is a huge part of Kenya’s cultural product. From December, Cottar’s Safaris is adding a new Cottar’s Culinary Safari in partnership with renowned Kenyan chef Kiran Jethwa, where clients can go wild foraging, hear stories from a Dorobo hunter-forager and enjoy guided wildlife experiences, as well as learning traditional cooking techniques.
“I believe food is the most authentic way to connect with a place,” says Jethwa. “We’re
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types of bird. Clients may even spot the elusive black rhino. Nearby Sheldrick Wildlife Trust operates an orphaned elephant rescue and wildlife rehabilitation programme.
Local shopping: The mobile Maasai Market, which moves between venues such as
Westgate Shopping Mall and Village Market, is excellent for gifts, fabrics and art.
Restaurant-hop: Nairobi is
bliss for foodies, from fusion gastro-lounge Talisman, pan-Asian Zen Garden and Diamond Plaza’s ‘Little India’ options; concierges
and tour operators can tailor recommendations.
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PICTURE: Shutterstock/mbrand85
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