By Robert Muhoho
Kenya safari security, culture / exercise.
The word safari means “journey” in Swahili. A “safari in Kenya” sounds like such an outdoor, healthy activity. It connotes exercise (perhaps strenuous) and possibly hiking boots. A false impression. For most tourists, game –watching safaris in the major game parks mean game drives in vehicles, vast amounts of food in the form of generous buffets, perhaps a siesta, and sitting around the campfire. Hardly great for abdominal muscles.
Many game lodges are now realizing the popularity of game walks. There is a move to offer more personal interactive experiences with the African bush. Because of park regulations, this is easier for places outside of game park Boundaries. Ranches and home stays often specialize in this kind of interaction.
Ironically, it is easier to get more exercise at the coast. There is always swimming, perhaps disco dancing at night, and long walks along the beach. However, sun and humidity, the languid pace, big meals and good beer also mean that exercise might not feature in your Kenya coastal holiday. You can always return to your aerobic classes when you get home.
Kenya tourist Security
Kenya has more than its share of bad press, particularly in the north and in Nairobi. While theft and violence are real concerns, the tourism industry and the government of Kenya are taking every possible step to ensure your safety. Travelers should exercise good sense and take some reasonable precautions:
• Don’t parade valuable jewelry
• Don’t stroll the streets at night
• Catch cabs rather than walk in strange areas.
• Don’t carry lots of money and important papers
• Don’t take valuables to the beach
• Don’t walk around Nairobi at Night.
Culture shock/stress in Kenya
Although Kenya is one of the wealthier countries in Africa, there is still a great deal of poverty. Visible poverty. Poor mothers with babies beg in the streets, makeshift shacks mushroom next to modern buildings, trash heaps have just but recently disappeared.
Life goes on in public-hairdressers ply their craft under a tree, sewing machine
s sing on sidewalks; furniture makers display their wares in the sun.
Kenya jars and excites with color and chaos, vibrant life and the unexpected. It can be an exhilarating, eye-opening cultural experience.
If you come from a fast and efficient lifestyle, you may feel frustrated by the slow pace and the inefficiencies. Humor works better than anger. Surely, slowing down and appreciating a different culture is part of what makes a holiday.
Remember one of the most common Kenyan Swahili expressions: “Hakuna Matata” Kenya- no problem in Kenya.
Vendor vigilance
You may be pestered by local vendors. Bargaining is the order of the day. Bartering is an option-T-shirt and pens are popular. Remember! Use humor and don’t be dismayed at persistence.
Photos-animals, landscape, people in Kenya
Photograph landscapes, photograph animals, but ask permission before taking photos of people, and be prepared to pay for the privilege in some instance.
Creepy Crawlies
You will see less of these than you expect but they do exist. You should not walk around at night, or in the bush, without shoes. Hopefully you will be lucky enough to see some brightly colored lizards or perhaps the odd chameleon. (P.S. most of us who have lived in Kenya for years have only seen a snake twice). Don’t forget your insect repellant.
Our Furry Friends
The animals are wild. They are not paid to entertain the guests, Respect them, and keep your distance. The fact that hippos are grazing next to your tent at night does not mean you can pat them. Hippos are very dangerous. So are lions, elephant, buffalo, rhino, crocodiles, monkeys, teddy-bear-like-hyrax…It is just not prudent to pet.
The big Five are lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and your choice of buffalo or hippo. Remember, each animal is more than an addition to a list. It is fun to see how individuals react with each other, in groups, and with the environment.
Favorites of tiny five
A scarlet nit, an iridescent emerald fly, and the walking stick.
Robert is a Kenya travel agent of Landmark safaris- One of travel agencies in Nairobi. At Landmark, we provide you with African travel advisories, Health and disease information and preventative injections and medications. Let us know where you want to go and your travel health questions here
http://www.landmarksafaris.comLabels: Cover, Insurance, Kenya, Plan, Safari, Safety, Security
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