Kenya The Land Where Safari Was Born

Kenya The Land Where Safari Was Born
As a child, Africa fascinated me - a land where the wild
and exotic animals of storybooks and zoos roamed free on
the plains. And where Kenya was always the quintessential
home of the safari.

Many visits later I'm no less enthralled by this region of
dramatic contrasts, and remarkable wildlife amid stunningly
beautiful and varied landscapes that are still unencumbered
by the trappings of man. And little compares to nights
filled with the primal sounds of the bush - the hoots and
laughs of hyenas, the grumble of distant lions and the
snorts of a hippo.

Kenya, the land where safari was born, is also known as the
cradle of mankind - evidence of some of the earliest human
settlements has been found here, suggesting that it was the
birthplace of humanity from which descendents moved out to
populate the world. However, it's the boundless wilderness
and big game of this region that has long attracted
adventure seekers from all over the globe. No other African
country can boast such an incredible range of scenery,
unique geographical features and species.

A safari in Kenya is an extraordinary holiday for any
wildlife lover, no matter your budget or the level of
adventure you're looking for. There's no end of things to
explore; from the highlands of central Kenya to the great
Rift valley; from the elephants of Amboseli wallowing in a
small watering hole, to the vast shores of Lake Victoria,
the second largest lake in the world; and from the
spectacular views of Africa's highest point, Mount
Kilimanjaro, down to a coast of shimmering white sands
along the Indian Ocean.

Soak up the wonders of nature while camping under the stars
out in the bush, hundreds of miles away from civilization,
or relax in luxury at one of the lodges scattered
throughout the many game reserves and national parks of
this magical country.

Whether you're walking, driving, or even bobbing your way
across the plains atop a camel, you'll discover the scents,
sounds, and footprints of the bush, as you enjoy the sight
of a hyena at full gallop, weaving behind the
adrenaline-powered run of a gazelle, or a mighty battle as
buffalo bulls fight over territory.

If you venture on a Kenyan safari during July or August,
perhaps the best way to check out the wildlife is by hot
air balloon. Few places offer a better vantage point from
which to witness the amazing phenomenon that is the annual
wildebeest migration across the plains of the Maasai Mara,
when millions of hooves thunder northwards in search of
sweeter grazing during the drier months in the south.

The Maasai Mara Reserve, 200 sq miles of rolling hills,
woods and acacia trees watered by the Mara and Talek
rivers, opens onto the Serengeti plains of Tanzania. Home
to the famously independent and traditional herdsmen, no
trip to Kenya would be complete without a visit to Masai
Mara. They regard themselves not just as residents of this
area but as much a part of the life of the land, as the
land is part of their lives.

A visit to Kenya is a veritable life-changing experience
filled with an abundance of wildlife, including elephants,
zebras, black rhino, lions, leopards and various antelope.
One visit alone will be enough to make you understand
Earnest Hemmingway's words, "unknowable, unimaginable,
unbelievable... and completely unforgettable.

----------------------------------------------------
Lindsay Carswell is a passionate adventurer and explorer.
Having lived on three continents she has currently settled
in the world?s original cultural melting pot, New York
City, where she works as a television producer and
freelance writer. Visit
http://www.magicglobe.com/kenya/safaris.asp for more
information.