Just as a sapling reaches out toward a shaft of light and a lick of moisture for sustenance, a parallel lust for life appears starkly epitomized in the annual migration of wildebeest and zebras in the vast plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara.  For this alone, Kenya is worth visiting for travellers in their 30's and 40's a hundred times over. Yet, this and all its renowned national reserves are not its only attraction. Yes, Kenya evokes an image of lions prowling the untamed grasslands, elephants trumpeting their arrogance and flamingos flicking myriad hues of blush and rouge on the landscape but the tribes that inhabit these hostile lands are equally interesting with their distinctive customs and traditions that come alive in their language, art, dance forms and indeed their very existence day in and day out. Mount Kenya, standing over 5000 metres beckons with its startling views and beaches that hug its southeast coastline throws up a pleasant surprise to many who believe the country is all and only about wildlife safaris. Away from its famed wilderness, Kenya’s cities such as Nairobi wears the attire of a cosmopolite with assurance while Mombasa, Lamu Islands and Malindi preserves its colonial heritage and Swahili history within the realm of its old quarters.

Best time to visit: Late June to October. Note: The annual migration of the wildebeest begins around August and remains until October.

Currency: Kenyan Shilling

Weather and Average temperature: daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F, but it is warmer on the coast. Kenya is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and summer. There is, however, both a Dry and Wet season.

National Language: Swahili, English

Top Dishes to try: Kenyan Pilau – a rice dish spiced up with cardamom, cloves, cumin, and cinnamon and generally accompanied by a meat stew.