Things to Do in Kenya

Paxtu Cottage was the former home of the Scout Movement founder, Lord Baden-Powell. Today the cottage is integrated into the Outspan Hotel buildings and serves as a small Scouting Museum. Baden-Powell died in 1941 and his grave at St. Paul's Cemetery in Nyeri has been declared a national monument.

The Desert Museum in Loiyangalani is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Lake Turkana, also known as the Jade Sea for its near magical colours. The museum is dedicated to educating tourists about the unique cultures of the indigenous tribes of the Turkana region. Artefacts include traditional items used by the people living off this harsh, but beautiful land. The collection definitely focuses on their weaponry and hunting tools and interesting information boards can be found throughout this beautifully designed structure. The museum is the official venue for the annual Lake Turkana Festival – a celebration of the area and its inhabitants' traditions and cultures. Loiyangalani is a small town located on the eastern coast of Lake Turkana. The town was established around a fresh-water spring and is often called an oasis in the desert. For more information, visit museums.or.ke.

The Leisure Lodge Golf Club offers a unique playing experience in peaceful Diani Beach. Players of all skill levels will find the 18-hole course an appealing challenge. The beautiful course is designed by Tommy Fjastad to harmonise with the natural environments found in Diani. Palm, cashew nut, casuarinas and mango trees line the fairways. Between teeing off, take time to enjoy the resident wildlife and birds. The Leisure Lodge Golf Club is home to the annual Diani Masters.

The Uzuri Spa and Fitness Forest is situated in the grounds of the Leopard Beach Resort within six acres of indigenous forest. ‘Uzuri’ – meaning goodness in Swahili – is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and rejuvenation of mind, body and soul. The spa offers a luxurious combination of original African products and European style treatments. The extensive menu of treatments for men and women ranges from TheraNaka massage therapies to Theravine anti-ageing facials, hydrotherapy, body wraps and the usual waxing, manicures and pedicures. Uzuri comprises five treatment rooms including two double rooms for couples. All treatment rooms have an outside courtyard for al-fresco massages, each with showers that complement the hydro baths. Other facilities include Afya Gym – a fully equipped health and fitness gym, a large outdoor Jacuzzi, a sauna and steam bath. A health bar is situated next to the pool offering a variety of fresh juices, smoothies and a selection of healthy salads and light meals. The latest addition is a dedicated yoga and aerobics pavilion. Soothing sounds, intoxicating aromas, tranquil ambience, gracious staff, peace, serenity and pampered indulgence typifies the Uzuri experience.

The Local Ocean Trust Marine Conservation Centre is an interactive and educational centre promoting marine conservation in the area. The Centre is the first of its kind on the Kenyan coast and celebrates the varied marine habitats of Watamu. Their mission is to instill an appreciation of the beauty and wonders of the marine world, particularly the underwater one, which few Kenyans have had the opportunity to witness. Attractive murals and illustrated displays provide fascinating information on intertidal zones, mangroves, coral reefs, and open ocean, sea turtles and Mida creek. +254 (0) 233 2118 or +254 (0) 71 575 6738 info@watamuturtles.com www.watamuturtles.com

Kakamega Forest is situated in Western Province Kenya, north-west of the capital Nairobi, and near to the border with Uganda. It is said to be Kenya's last remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once spanned the continent. Including reserves, the forest encloses about 230 square kilometres, a little less than half of which currently remains as indigenous forest. There are numerous grassy clearings and glades. Large mammals are rare. Part of the forest also contain unique and rich highland ecosystems, but generally the fauna and flora of the Forest have not been comprehensively studied by science. The climate is very wet with over two metres of rain annually. The rainy seasons are April-to-May and August-to-September. In the north of the Forest is the 4,468 hectares (45 km2; 17 sq mi) Kakamega National Reserve The local inhabitants are the Luhya people, who rely on the forest to supply most of their needs. Source Wikipedia.org

One of Kenya’s biggest and most popular parks, Tsavo East National Park is home to a prolific diversity of wildlife, and is a hot spot for global biodiversity. In operation since 1948, it is also one of the oldest parks. The park is named for the Tsavo River, which flows through it from west to east. It borders the Chyulu Hills National Park, and the Mkomazi Game Reserve in Tanzania. Its fame is largely due to the numerous animals that can be seen, particularly the legendary ‘Big 5' – ‘Masai’ lion, black rhino, Cape buffalo, great herds of elephant and leopard along with antelope, hippos, eland, giraffe and plentiful birdlife. The central section of the park has countless rock paintings in caves.

Mzima, meaning “alive”, is a beautiful oasis of four natural springs in Tsavo West National Park. The source of the springs is a natural reservoir under the Chyulu Hills. Mzima Springs is a wonderful place to observe the circle of life. Hippos, crocodiles and turtles congregate in spring-fed pools. Fish-spearing birds in turn eat dung-eating fish. And so one feeds the next in the food chain established by the hippos that consume up to 45 kg of grass every night.

Kick back with a cocktail while the waves gently lap your toes. At the Forty Thieves Beach Bar & Bistro you can listen to live music, play bar games, watch water sports, enjoy a delicious lunch or party the night away. You’re always assured a warm welcome and there's a disco under the stars every evening. www.beachbar.co

Visit the unique Nairobi National Park – the planet’s only protected reserve neighbouring a capital city. Here wildlife can often be seen against an urban backdrop of skyscrapers. Situated only 7 km from Nairobi city centre, the park is home to black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, buffaloes, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, elands and diverse birdlife. Interesting attractions include the Ivory Burning Site Monument, Nairobi Safari Walk, the Orphanage and walking trails at the hippo pools.

The impressive Fort Jesus on Mombasa Island is a significant historical landmark in East Africa and a popular attraction for local and international visitors. It was built in 1593 to guard the entrance of the harbour by order of King Philip I of Portugal, also King Philip II of Spain, joint monarch of the Portuguese and Spanish Kingdoms. The fort was given the name of Jesus, and displays the shape of a man from the air. In 2011 Fort Jesus was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significance as one of the most outstanding and well-preserved examples of 16th Century Portuguese military fortifications. Apart from its status as a major tourist destination, the Fort is an important host for numerous research programs, a Conservation Lab, and Education Department and the Old Town Conservation Office.

Snakes alive! Stroke a slithery, scaled reptile and watch venomous snakes being milked. Bio-Ken Snake Farm is a research centre housing fascinating reptiles and dealing mostly with snakes and snakebites. It houses the largest collection of snakes in East Africa and is open to visitors. As well as touring the facilities and the reptiles, visitors can go on day safaris to look for snakes in their natural habitat with trained guides. Bio-Ken Snake Farm is regarded as the best of the snake parks along Kenya’s coast. Treading lightly upon the Earth Bio-Ken operates a snake removal service for the locals. Their ‘Saving Snakes’ program ensures that unwanted reptiles are released into a more suitable spot in the wild or housed at the Snake farm for study. Snakes are also milked for medical research and for making anti-venom to treat local victims of poisonous snakebites. Up for a terrific scaly adventure? Join experts on a Big 5 Snake Safari – searching for the most impressive African snakes – pythons, boomslang, puff adders, cobras and mambas! Did you know? Kenya is home to 127 snake species, of which only 18 have caused human fatalities and 93 are not venomous or dangerous. Open 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 17:00 +254 (0) 42 32303 snakes@africaonline.co.ke www.bio-ken.com

Artists, art lovers and patrons alike shouldn’t miss stopping in at Diani Beach Art Gallery for a refreshing take on contemporary fine African art. The airy space and relaxed atmosphere lends itself to enjoyable viewing and discovering more about top African artists. The diverse selection of painted works, sculptures and photography hails from well-known artists as well as up-and-coming creatives from Kenya and Africa. Keep an eye open for their art classes, wine and cheese evenings, special promotions and other events. Where? Diani Beach Shopping Centre, Diani Beach. Open Monday to Saturday 09:00 - 17:00. +254 (0) 20 268 4110

Kisite Mpunguti National Marine Park’s star attractions include dolphins, coral gardens, fabulous snorkeling, diving and bird watching. The stunning sandy beach is good for environmentally friendly recreational activities. The ecosystem covers a marine area with four small islands surrounded by coral reef. Kisite Island itself is covered in low grass and herbs while the Mpunguti Islands feature dense coastal equatorial forest. Significant numbers of rare crab-plovers and roseate terns migrate from Europe to nest here. Tropical reef fish include large schools of pelagic fish, butterfly, parrot, rockcod and angel fish. Manta rays, turtles, dolphins and reef sharks are frequently seen.