KENYA THE LAND OF CONTRAST
Kenya is a country of breathtaking beauty and great contrasts - from palm-fringed sandy beaches on the Indian Ocean to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya (5,199m, 16,890ft) which straddles the Equator; vast open plains and savannah, acacia woodlands, tropical rain forests, small farms, ranches and rich estates of tea, coffee, pineapple, wheat and sisal and harsh arid deserts in the north.

The Great Rift Valley, a massive fracture line in the earth's surface, runs from Jordan through Kenya and Tanzania, to Mozambique. Soda and fresh water lakes, interspersed by volcanoes, stretch through the length of the Rift. These variations in altitude and terrain create contrasts in the climate - from the hot humidity of the coast to the cold, sometimes frosty, early mornings and warm, sunny days of the central highlands and the dry burning heat of the northern deserts.

The people are just as varied and intriguing - a fascinating mix of cultures. Many retain their ancient traditions and crafts and the nomadic pastoral tribes are amongst the most colourful in Africa. A large proportion of Kenya's territory is reserved for its wildlife - game reserves are situated in some of the finest scenery in Africa. The proliferation and diversity of the animal and bird life is second to none, and the marine life in the coral gardens off shore is spectacular.

NATIONAL PARKS, GAME RESERVES.
Kenya has many national parks and game reserves, which are home to a spectacular array of animals, birds, reptiles and plant species. They are rated as among the best parks in the whole of Africa. There are also private and tribal community conservation areas which have become sanctuaries to some of the endangered animal species, as well as the more common. Marine life is also excellent and is preserved in the marine national parks off Kiwayau, Malindi, Watamu and Kisite. Along with the wildlife some of the parks have been gazetted to preserve the vegetation and unique location such as Mounts Kenya and Elgon, the Aberdare Range and the Kakamega Forest. Most of these areas are easily accessible by road, and to a number of parks there are scheduled air services