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Bradt Guide Kenya
Ref: BRA042
Kenya’s wildlife remains at the heart of its attractions, yet there is so much more to discover. Scale the slopes of Mount Kenya to find tropical ice on the Equator or explore the coral gardens of the Swahili coast. Seek out the origins of man in Kenya’s rich cultural heritage. Or simply revel in the country’s natural wilderness, from northern deserts to the steam jets of the Rift Valley lakes and the wildebeest migration – the greatest wildlife show on earth.
As the country moves towards a greater sense of individuality for travellers, Claire Foottit’s newly researched guide is the ideal planner and travel companion.
• Natural history, conservation and culture in depth
• Where to see wildlife, from national parks to lesser-known regions
• A to Z of activities, special interests and events to help create a personal safari
• Detailed coverage of accommodation, including ecolodges
• Adventure options, from gold-panning to sky diving
Book Reviews
‘Well-researched…invaluable to anyone planning a trip to Kenya who wishes to make the most of the time spent there.’
Jake Grieves-Cook, Kenya Tourism Federation
‘Insightful.....and has a positive outlook’ Gemma Bowes, The Observer
‘...the best Kenya guide ever’ Nigel Winser, Royal Geographical Society
‘one of the most informative books around on Kenya’ Dennis Fairey, publisher, Msafiri
‘...really excellent, and by far the best guide I have seen.’ David Lovatt Smith, consultant
‘...gives prospective travellers to Kenya a detailed cultural and natural history of the country, together with a modern perspective on all aspects of Kenyan life.... an excellent all round guide for anyone planning a Kenyan safari.’ Kenya Tourist Board: www.magicalkenya.org
'I must commend you for producing the best guidebook I have seen on Kenya for a long time.’ Ron Beaton, Kenyan tour operator
Author's Note, by Claire Foottit
The eminent palaentologist, Dr Richard Leakey, once put forward the notion that our genetic memory embraces the Origins of Man, enhancing the appeal of Kenya even to those who have never visited Africa before. It is an interesting concept, echoed in the writings of the psychologist Carl Jung, and not beyond the realms of possibility. Kenya is rich in pre-history, and even today the search is on for the ‘missing link’ in Man’s evolution.
My own introduction to Kenya has been through my family. My Scottish grandparents were among the first coffee planters at Kiambu who arrived with all the accoutrements of Victorian settlers, not dissimilar to the Out of Africa genre; my mother nursed in Nairobi and my father was an agriculturalist under the colonial administration, being trained at Egerton College, which is now a thriving university. We left after independence in 1963 and as a young child I can remember well the Uhuru (freedom) celebrations in Nairobi when a sense of euphoria gripped the people. Although much has changed in 40 years, I still had a sense of déjà vu observing the December 2002 election results.
It is this underlying, palpable energy, the assault on the senses – vibrant colours, a myriad of sounds, the smell of rain on dust, vast horizons and wilderness – together with the vitality and humour of the Kenyans, which has drawn me back time and time again. As a student I arrived overland from South Africa, driving a truck from Botswana, through Zambia and Tanzania to Kenya. This was followed after university by another overland trip through Egypt and Sudan to Kenya, after which I backpacked around the country and worked at the Ark (a tree hotel in the Aberdares) and as a volunteer with Limuru Boys’ Centre. It was at this time that I had the opportunity to go on camping safaris and to taste tropical ice on Mount Kenya – wildlife in natural surroundings and stunning scenery (Kenya is one of the best places to witness the scale of the Rift Valley), together with fascinating tribespeople, gave me a further appreciation of the wealth of Kenya’s natural and cultural heritage.
It’s the combination of friendliness, magnificent wildlife viewing (undoubtedly among the best in Africa) and dramatic scenery which has formed the foundation of Kenya’s tourism industry. Tourism, wildlife conservation and the welfare of local people now verge on being symbiotic. This has made for some fascinating changes in the tourist industry over the past decade, where mass tourism has been superseded by a growth in ecotourism and community tourism enterprises. The transformation has given rise to a wide spectrum of choice, not only in accommodation, but also in how to experience a safari and the different options available. I have attempted to portray these aspects in this guide.
Over the years, Kenya’s fortunes have wavered, from a thriving economy to the crippling effects of corruption and latterly the threats of international terrorism, but it has never lost its spirit. A new era dawned in 2003 with the election of Mwai Kibaki as Kenya’s third president. It’s an exciting time of challenge and opportunity where Kenya, a peace-loving nation, can bring a greater balance of wealth to its people and fulfil its economic potential. It is a beautiful country with a warm heart, and I have little doubt that any tourist or traveller will enjoy and be enriched by time spent in Kenya.
Claire Foottit was born in Kenya and, although she now lives in the UK, has made numerous return trips to Kenya and other parts of Africa. An Edinburgh University graduate in geography and landscape studies, she has worked in design and PR in the environmental field.
Currently working as a photojournalist specialising in African tourism and conservation, she has an in-depth knowledge of Kenya's tourism, wildlife conservation and cultural issues and a comprehensive understanding of the country, based on ten years' experience in the Africa travel industry. She has had over 60 articles published in newspapers and magazines that include The Times, The Scotsman, The Herald, Wanderlust, Travel Africa and Geographical, as well as the in-flight magazine of Kenya Airways, Msafiri. She is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and has recently qualified as a Kenya Professional Safari Guide (B level).
£12.95
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