Mount Kenya National Park
A wide variety of wildlife inhabits the park, some unique to it, including Sykes and Colobus monkeys, buffalo, elephants, black rhinos, leopards, the elusive Bongo antelopes and giant forest hogs. It is also home to many species of birds such as the giant kingfisher, olive pigeons and red-fronted parrots. Air: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport. Rail: Train: Thika Station. Road: Bus: Services to Nanyuki (from Nairobi). Car: A2 heads northwest from Nairobi, by-passing Murunga, before heading west around the base of Mount Kenya to Nanyuki.Contact Addresses
Senior Warden, Mount Kenya National Park, PO Box 69, Naru Moru, Kenya Tel: (0171) 2383Mombasa
Introduction
Sultry, dusty Mombasa is the gateway to Kenya's sparkling Indian Ocean coast. Crammed onto an island that is connected to the mainland by a short causeway to the west, a bridge to the north and a ferry to the south, this distinctly tropical city is steeped in history. Its chunky fort, historic houses and cosmopolitan population bear witness to its long pedigree as a trading centre: Swahili, African, Indian, Chinese, Omani and British traders have been striking deals here since the 12th century, and dhows (traditional sailing boats) still ply the surrounding waters.
Who goes there?
Most of the tourists who fly into Mombasa waste no time in heading out of town to the beach resorts to the north and south. The mixed bag of hotels in the city centre cater to business visitors, independent travellers and urban aficionados, while the beach suburbs have a few package holiday hotels.
Where in the world?
Mombasa, the largest city on the Kenyan coast and the largest Indian Ocean port in East Africa, is situated in the south of the country, 85km (53 miles) from the border with Tanzania. The Kenyan capital, Nairobi, is 487km (303 miles) inland, to the northwest. The coral outcrop of Mombasa Island measures just 5km (3 miles) by 3km (2 miles).
When to go?
The best months to visit Mombasa are January to March when the chance of rain is low. Temperatures are fairly consistent fluctuating between 27-31°C (81-88°F) during the day and rarely dipping below 22°C (72°F) at night. April to June are the wettest months with frequent often heavy rainfall.
Flying in
Moi International Airport, Mombasa (MBA)
