For a country of its size, Kenya sure packs a lot in: mountains and deserts, colourful tribal culture, beaches and coral reefs, and some of Africa’s best wildlife attractions. In fact, to say Kenya is Africa in microcosm would not be stretching the point. There are a million different reasons to come here, and picking just one is nigh impossible. Stunning landscapes set the scene, from Kakamega’s rainforests to Indian Ocean beaches by way of Mt Kenya National Park; the rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara to searing deserts on the shores of the Jade Sea; with The Rift Valley, home to Hell's Gate National Park, cleaving a massive gash through it all.
Wildlife safaris have been the mainstay of Kenya’s tourism for decades, and several Kenyan parks, like Tsavo National Park, are among the best places in Africa to see lions, elephants, leopards and the famous wildebeest migration. Kenya rates as one of the top five bird-watching destinations in the world; other activities for outdoor enthusiasts include trekking the glacial ridges of Mt Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara, snorkelling at the Marine National Park in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast, and much more besides. Kenya's biggest city, Nairobi, with the baddest of reputations, is sidestepped by many visitors, but, in fairness, has an interesting urban appeal with its cafes and nightlife.
The people, too, represent a wide cross-section of everything that is contemporary Africa, and everyday life brings together traditional tribes and urban families; ancient customs and modern sensibilities. Swapping the latest political gossip with the switched-on locals is just one more small pleasure that comes with the culture.
Few places provide the extraordinary opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat. East Africa's reputation as the quintessential kenya safaris destination is well deserved. This is a region of dramatic contrasts and extraordinary wildlife on display in uncrowded and pristine landscapes of great beauty and variety. It’s hard to rival the range of travel choices Kenya offers from scenic Kenya safari tours to cultural immersion; from lounging on pristine beaches to the adventure travels; from a broad range of sporting activities to an endless list of special interest opportunities.
Modern Nairobi, the safari capital of Africa, is a perfect place to combine the safari and shopping experience. Nairobi is a place of great contrasts where diverse cultures all become components of a unique Nairobi character.
The city hosts several separate open markets on various locations around the city. Commonly christened the Maasai Market, this marketplace offers a wide range of local arts and crafts from all parts of the country in one single spot where travelers can look around and bargain at will.
These colorful markets are interesting to visit and a good place to find assorted indigenous gift items suited for this festive season and all year round.
A quick enquiry from your hotel or tour agent can reveal where this rotational markets are held and on which days. Nairobi undeniably has numerous options for the ardent shopper.
Kitengela Glass Studios – Everything is unique, nothing is wasted
Kitengela Glass Studios, located just outside the city of Nairobi, provides the perfect location for a day trip, ideal for the entire family. Here you can truly combine the safari and shopping experience.
The studio borders Nairobi National Park, the world’s only wildlife capital. The park’s rolling plains are home to buffalo, zebra, black rhino, giraffe and diverse birdlife. Cheetah and lions are often seen. Visitors can take a game drive through the park on the way to the studios.
The ambience at the studio, complete with sculptures, unique architectural designs, mosaic pathways and a backdrop of the thriving modern Nairobi city is an unforgettable one. For those who do not fear heights, a walk across the suspension bridge linking Silole Sanctuary and Kitengela Glass provides the added thrill to the whole experience.
Visitors have the opportunity to see the artistic styles of the local skilled artisans as they transform recycled glass and scraps of other materials into beautiful works of art, jewellery and home-ware. The patience and skill devoted to the entire process is simply remarkable as is the final product.
Recycled materials form the bulk of the medium used - nothing is wasted.
Melted scrap glass is meticulously shaped to form beautiful glass pieces, walls and walkways lined with bottle tops and scrap glass pieces creating astonishing mosaics. Steam injected oil is used to power the furnaces, all aimed at getting the most out of the materials used and striving for a low lifetime energy consumption.
The wide variety of glass hand made products available at Kitengela make exceptional gift items. Say it with glass...
For those looking to extend their stay, accommodation is available at the adjacent Maasai Lodge. Large groups planning to visit the studio or wish to make any sort of special request should call for appointments.
