Kariandusi archaeological site of Kenya

What is the Kariandusi archaeological site?
Kariandusi is an archaeological site located in Kenya that has yielded evidence of human habitation and stone tool production dating back to the Middle Stone Age.

What kind of tools were found at Kariandusi?
The tools found at Kariandusi include hand axes, cleavers, and flakes, which were likely used for a variety of tasks such as hunting and woodworking.

What time period does the Kariandusi site cover?
The Kariandusi site covers the Middle Stone Age period, which is estimated to be between 280,000 and 50,000 years ago.

Who discovered the Kariandusi archaeological site?
The Kariandusi site was discovered by the British archaeologist Louis Leakey in 1928.

How has the Kariandusi site contributed to our understanding of human evolution?
The Kariandusi site has provided valuable insights into the technological development and behaviour of early human populations in East Africa, and has helped to fill in gaps in our understanding of human evolution in the region.
Kilaguni Serena Lodge in Tsavo

What is the location of Kilaguni Serena Lodge?
Kilaguni Serena lodge is located in the Tsavo west national park in Kenya. It is situated on the edge of a cliff, on the Mzima Springs, which is a natural source of water for wildlife in the park with panoramic views of the Chyulu Hills and the Kilimanjaro mountain range. The lodge is about a 3-hour drive from the city of Mombasa, and it is easily accessible from the main Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.

What kind of accommodation does the lodge offer?
Kilaguni Serena Lodge offers a range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. The lodge has 73 guest rooms, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, and they offer breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.

What activities are available at the lodge?
There are many activities available for guests at Kilaguni Serena Lodge, including game drives, bush walks, and visits to the Mzima Springs. Guests can also relax by the pool or participate in cultural activities such as traditional dance performances. The lodge also has a spa where guests can enjoy massages and other treatments.

What is the wildlife like in the area around the lodge?
Tsavo West National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and buffalo. Guests at Kilaguni Serena Lodge can see these animals on game drives or on guided walks through the park.

Is there a restaurant at the lodge?
Kilaguni Serena Lodge has a restaurant that serves a range of international and local dishes. The restaurant has a terrace that overlooks the Mzima Springs, offering guests a beautiful setting in which to enjoy their meals. The lodge also has a bar where guests can relax with a drink.

Tafaria Castle and Country Lodge

What amenities are available at Tafaria Castle and Country Lodge?
The lodge offers a variety of amenities including a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and conference facilities.

Are there any cultural activities or excursions available at Tafaria Castle And Country Lodge?
Yes, Tafaria Castle And Country Lodge offers a range of cultural activities and excursions for guests to enjoy. These include visits to nearby Maasai villages, where guests can learn about the traditional way of life of the Maasai people and participate in cultural activities such as beadwork and dancing. The lodge also offers guided tours of the surrounding area, including visits to historical sites and natural landmarks..

Is the lodge suitable for children?
Yes, Tafaria Castle And Country Lodge is suitable for children of all ages. The property has a playground and a variety of activities that are suitable for children, such as horse riding, bird watching, and nature walks. The lodge also has a children’s menu at the restaurant and babysitting services upon request.

What is the history of Tafaria Castle And Country Lodge?
Tafaria Castle And Country Lodge is a castle-themed hotel located in Nyeri, Kenya. It was built in the 1980s by a British expat named Tony Budden, who wanted to create a unique and luxurious accommodation experience for travelers. The castle has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to maintain its high level of comfort and style.

Where is Tafaria Castle And Country Lodge located?
Tafaria Castle And Country Lodge is located in Nyeri, Kenya.

Egerton Castle of Nakuru

What is the story behind Lord Egerton castle?
Lord Egerton built the Egerton Castle to impress his then fiancé who turned down his offer of marriage proposal because his house was too small. When he bought this Nakuru plot during the colonial time, Lord Egerton built himself 2 other houses which were small.

Where is the Egerton Castle?
The Egerton castle is located off the Nakuru highway in Nakuru about 3km from the town. The castle is a historic landmark and a beautiful piece of architecture. It was built by Lord Egerton, the 4th Baron. The fortress has 53 rooms that take you through the colonial era as you marvel the castle’s ravishing beauty.

Why is the lord Egerton castle historic?
The Lord Egerton castle was built using building materials imported from abroad between 1938 and 1954. It took a decade to complete. This delay was attributed to the second World War that affected the labor supply for construction and interrupted the movement of building materials. It is a rare archaic piece of architecture that belongs to the 20th century and makes the castle timelessness.

How many rooms are there at The Lord Egerton castle?
The Lord Egerton castle consists of 53 rooms, including classic room, kids’ room, a main bedroom, wine cellar, study rooms, a darkroom for photographs, and many others. The castle’s floor and stairway are made from oak and the roof of zinc tiles.

Is the Lord Egerton castle open to the public?
Yes, it is. The Lord Egerton castle was opened in 2005 to the public. Since then it has became a top venue for cosy and luxurious events, weddings, cocktails, and corporate events among others. The castle’s extravagant and wealthy designs coupled with flower gardens and lawns together with its archaic architecture makes this castle attractive and a tourist spot for anyone. People visit the castle daily and are guided by a tour guide. Guests pay Kshs. 150/- and Shs. 75/- for children as entrance fee.
Joy Adamson

Who was Joy Adamson?
Joy Adamson was a conservationist who founded the movement to preserve the wildlife in Africa. After her education in Vienna, Joy relocated to Kenya. There, she married a British game warden, George Adamson, who had worked as a gold prospector, goat trader, and safari hunter in Kenya from 1924. Joy Adamson won international fame with her book son African wildlife, particularly the trilogy describing how Joy and George raised Elsa, a lion cub, and returned it to the wild in its natural habitat: Living Free: The Story of Elsa and Her Cubs, Born Free: A Lioness of Two Worlds, and Forever Free: Elsa’s Pride. All 3 books were best sellers that were later on condensed into 1 volume as The Story of Elsa and developed into films.

How did Joy Adamson die?
On 3rd of January 1980, the conservationist, Joy Adamson was killed in northern Kenya in the Shaba game reserve, where she had been observing the behaviour of leopards. Even more shocking was the initial explanation for her death that Joy had been fiercely attacked by a lion. Joy Adamson’s body had been found on a path near her camp in Mawson. It quickly became apparent to her husband, George Adamson, and the park authorities that human forces were responsible for this heinous crime. Her injuries appeared to have been caused by a sword-like weapon and not by the fangs and claws of a lion. Besides, her tent where she lived had been opened, and the trunk contents had been scattered. Although authorities convicted someone for the murder of Joy Adamson, the true story behind her death remains a mystery.

Where is Joy Adamson buried?
Joy Adamson in her will had specified that her body should be cremated, and her ashes should be buried in Pippa and Elsa’s graves. Accordingly, Joy’s colleagues and her husband took her ashes and honouring her will placed them in the Meru game reserve in the graves of her 2 dear friends.

How is the movie Born Free related to Joy Adamson?
The book Born Free was written by the pioneering naturalist, artist, and author, Joy Adamson in 1960. The book is based on George Adamson’s, her husband’s, diaries that narrates her efforts to rehabilitate and raise the orphaned lion, Elsa, as a cub and return it to the wilderness.

What is the story behind the movie Born Free?
The actor Bill Travers MBE and her actress wife Virginia McKenna OBE went to Kenya in 1964 to make what would become a classic movie, Born Free. The film, based on the best seller by the same name by Joy Adamson is the life life story of how she along with her husband George rehabilitated and raised an lion cub, Elsa, before releasing it into Kenya’s wilderness.
Thomson’s Falls

Where is Thomsons falls in Kenya?
Thomsons falls is on a river called Ewaso Ng’iro in Central rift valley Kenya. It is a few kilometres from Ol Bolossat lake. This lake drains from the Aberdare range. The falls is situated 3km from Nyahururu town, at an elevation of 2,360m. Joseph Thomson was the first European to reach Thomson falls in 1883. He named them for his father.

When is the best time to visit Thomson's falls in Kenya?
The best time to visit is between August to December and January to May. During these months the climate is pleasant and has very limited rainfall. The highest temperature 26°C is in January while the lowest temperature 19°C is in June. 

What do I need to know before visiting Thomson's falls in Kenya?
What you need to know is that Thomson’s Falls is a beautiful tourist attraction that can be viewed from designated spots along the edge. You can see it falling 72m into a river down below. There is also a trail that can be followed to get a closer view of Thomson’s’ Falls. It is a guided walk that may attract a fee from the local guides. The trail is an easy descent with stones making a neat path. It gets a little slippery and tricky as you get closer. Wear waterproof clothes and hiking shoes for the hike downstream. Very likely, you might get wet as you get too close to the waterfall. So carry a change of clothes.

What are the entry charges to Thomson's falls in Kenya?
The entry charges to gain access to Thomson’s falls varies depending on the nationality of the visitors. For Kenyans, the entrance charge is Shs. 100 which they collect at the gate of Thomson’s Falls. For non-Kenyans, non-East Africans, non-residents and foreigners, it is Shs. 200/- per person. And children below the age of 12 pay 50% of the adult rate.

What is the history behind the Thomson's falls in Kenya?
Joseph Thomson, a geologist and naturalist from Scotland, found Thomson’s Falls in Nyahururu in 1883. He discovered it when he walked all the way from Mombasa to Lake Victoria. The European settlers, as well as other foreigners and residents, nicknamed it T Falls.

Nairobi

Do people in Nairobi speak English?
Most people do. However, some local phrases are such a staple of the language that Kenyans assume that those words are part of the English language. To avoid miscommunication, it is best to learn some basic words like sawa meaning okay, kesho meaning tomorrow and sasa  meaning hello.

Is Nairobi safe?
There are some hotspots travellers should avoid. These include the Kibera slum, which is the largest slum in Africa. In addition, Eastleigh, in Nairobi is also considered such an area due to the number of incidents that have happened since 2012.

What is Nairobi known for?
Nairobi is known for its wildlife. It may seem strange to look for animals in 1 of the busiest and largest cities in Africa, but the city has some wonderful locations where wildlife takes centre stage.

Is Nairobi safe at night?
The city square and Nairobi central are safe and busy by day and even more policed and well-lit at night. However, if unsure, take a taxi by your hotel because it’s best not to venture out alone.

What's so special about Nairobi?
Nairobi is popularly called the “Green City in the Sun”. Nairobi’s vibrancy makes it the most amazing city in the world. It is a city full of culture, home to beautiful national parks and wildlife as well as historically rich.

Mount Kenya Lodge

What is so special about Mount Kenya lodge?
Mount Kenya lodge is situated in the highest national park in the world, arguably, is located in Mount Kenya. This volcanic mountain is a wildlife preserve. It is a national icon in the country’s highest mountain.

What are the main features of Mount Kenya?
Mount Kenya is a Natural World Heritage and a climber’s Mecca. Walls, secondary peaks, couloirs and ice-cliffs rise up in profusion from Mount Kenya. The edges of the jet stream shaped by nature have fashioned it into an African jewel. .

How do I get to Mount Kenya national park?
Mount Kenya national park is 175kms away from Nairobi. It can be reached on Nyeri-Nanyuki road, which is near Naro Moru or Nanyuki-Isiolo road, which is via Sirimon track. Mount Kenya national park is also reachable through Chogoria, which is on the Embu-Meru road. This road is approximately 150km to the north of Nairobi.

Spoiler title
A timbered drawbridge leads from the lodge up to the forest. Inside, there are timbered game-viewing decks, log panelled walls and winding stairs leading to comfortable and cabin-styled rooms. At the end of a tunnel you will find a photo-hide with spectacular viewing and photographic opportunities metres away from the animals at the water hole.

What are the accommodation facilities near Mount Kenya lodge?
Lodges near Mount Kenya are famous for attracting sports-minded tourists with many hiking and walking trails, canoe and river rafting spots, campsites as well as trout fishing. They are some of the oldest of the country’s most famous safari lodges with interesting colonial architecture. Treetops lodge situated in the Aberdares where Queen Elizabeth of England spent her honeymoon is not to miss for the  historically minded visitor.

Kenya Safari

How much should I budget for a Kenya safari?
The Kenya safari cost can vary based on various factors including the safari duration, the type of accommodation, the month of the year, and the group size. Typically, a reasonable Kenya safari can cost around $120 to $180 per day per person. These budget safaris generally includes basic transportation, accommodations, park fees, and game drives. For a luxurious experience, expect to pay about $300 to $800 per day per son. These safaris include opulent accommodations, specialized guides, private transportation, hot air balloon, and cultural experiences. These rates do not include airfare or any safari activities outside of the itinerary.

When is the best time to visit Kenya?
The perfect time to do a Kenya safari depends on the activities you would like to engage in and what you would like to see. Generally, the peak season runs from July all the way to October. This dry season is an excellent time to go to most of the national parks for game viewing since the vegetation is scant, and the animals are concentrated around the water. The famous wildebeest migration takes place in Maasai Mara from July to October. These months are the most popular time. However, other times of the year also offer good experiences, especially Samburu and Amboseli. Expect short rains during November and December due to which the landscape is green and lush. January and February is a time to do bird watching and see the young newborn animals. The rainy season starts in March and carries on until June, and the parks might get flooded. This is the time to take advantage of the low season rates.

How many days do you need for a safari in Kenya?
The duration of your Kenya safari depends on your budget, destinations, and interests. However, to have a pleasant safari experience, a minimum of 3 or 4 nights is recommended because it will give you time for a couple of game drives and park exploration per day. If you wish to see wildlife species, visit multiple places, or go for cultural tours or balloon rides, you may have to extend your stay for a few more days. The safari duration would also vary depending on how much it takes for you to get to Kenya. You might also want to include some relaxation time at the beach after or before the safari.

How much do you tip a safari driver in Kenya?
The common practice of tipping in Kenya while on a safari is a great way to appreciate the effort of your safari driver if you have had a memorable time. The amount varies depending on the service level, the safari duration, and group size. As a guideline, tip your driver around $15 per day for budget safaris. For luxurious safaris, you can tip around $30 per day. However, this is a suggestion. You can adjust it depending on your experience with the service. You may also feel free to tip guides or camp staffs who have contributed. Therefore, it is recommended to carry denominations of cash, as those places may not change larger bills. It is a personal choice and not mandatory to tip. However, the gesture shows appreciation and gratitude for their good work. 

How long does it take from Nairobi to Masai Mara?
The time duration between Nairobi and Maasai Mara depends on the mode of transportation. By road, it takes 6 hours and by flight it take an hour. If you opt to do a road safari during the rainy season, you need a land cruiser as the roads can be bumpy. However, it is much more relaxed to go by flight.

Kenya weather

What is the climate of Kenya like?
Kenya has a climate with the temperature and rainfall varying in some degrees depending on the areas. Generally, Kenya experiences long rains between March and May. The short rains occur between October and December.

What is the average temperature in Kenya?
The average temperature in Kenya ranges from 20°C to 30°C, depending on the season and location.

Does Kenya experience extreme weather events?
Yes, extreme weather events happen in Kenya. The country experiences, floods, droughts, and landslides. It is prone to extreme variability in climate. These events cause damage to livelihoods, agriculture, and infrastructure.

What should I pack for a trip to Kenya?
When visiting Kenya, it is recommended to pack lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather. It is also advisable to bring sturdy shoes or boots for safari activities, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

What is the air quality like in Kenya?
Air quality is poor in Kenya, especially in some areas due to pollution from industry and vehicles. The burning of waste also causes high pollution levels. It is recommended to take precautions. Avoid outdoors where there is high pollution ot wear a mask.