Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Places To Visit In East Africa

By David Hughes

When you think of Africa, you perhaps think of savannas packed with different breeds of animals. You think of safaris, of white water rafting, and about the abundance of wildlife. East Africa is no dissimilar, and in truth is exactly this - more so than even other regions of Africa. The best spot to enjoy all that Africa has to offer is absolutely Kenya, one of the most admired traveller destinations in recent times.

Kenya has an abundant tourist trade. In reality, it earns a large amount of revenue from its tourist trade that it has become the second major source of income for the country. Most of this wealth comes through safaris in its 19 national parks and game preserves. In addition to this, there are mosques in Mombasa, the Great Rift Valley, coffee plantations, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and its gorgeous beaches.

If you are departing to Kenya, you must certainly go on a safari through one of its several national parks. These safari tours have well qualified personnel and guides available for its visitors. These parks include the Amboseli National Park that stretches through to Tanzania, Kora National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, and Nairobi National Park, which is the smallest and at only7 kilometres away from the city.

You can reserve a wildlife safari either through your travel agent, or when you arrive at Kenya. You can select from loads of alternatives such as from budget safaris, where you will be back in the city by nightfall, or longer and extra deluxe safaris where you will stay in five-star cabins in the park and go out for a safari during the day. You will love this experience as you witness the Big 5, and enjoy the stunning views made up by the teeming wildlife and diversity in plantations.

You can also choose to go white water rafting. Some tour operators will lump the two experiences, so if you sign up for a five or seven day package, you will be able to white water raft along the river, and then stop at a national park and go for a safari. The combined package of safari and white water rafting is relatively cheaper than the individual trips to these spots.

A further great way to spend your time in Kenya is on the beaches. The seashore extends on forever, and the waves are unimpeded by any island on their way from the Indian Ocean and strike into the beach, making a beautiful view.

Make sure you also head over to the coffee plantations to check out how the coffee you drink every morning reaches you. You will love the heady smell, and the knowledge you will get from visiting the coffee plantation spots. You can also head over to Mr. Kilimanjaro, where you will be stunned by the beauty of the mountain and its region.

Therefore, instead of dreaming of Africa, this year set out to Kenya and experience Africa. Discover for yourself why it is that folks go back again and again to this brilliant country. - 16732