Lake Turkana

Lake Turkana 


At Kenya’s far Northern frontier lies one of the natural wonders of the world. Lake Turkana is a massive inland sea, the largest desert lake in the world. This single body of water is over 250 kilometres long- longer than the entire Kenyan coast.


It is widely known as the Jade Sea, because of the remarkable, almost incandescent, colour of its waters. After a long journey through the sweltering deserts and lava flows of Northern Kenya, the sight of this vast body of bright turquoise water comes as an unearthly, ethereal vision. 

The Lake is a source of life for some of Kenya’s most remote tribes. The Turkana, with ancestral ties to Uganda, live a semi-nomadic existence around the Lake. The country’s smallest tribe, the El Molo, live a hunter-gatherer existence on the shores, in villages of distinctive rounded reed huts.

Turkana has one of the longest living histories on earth, and recent fossil evidence unearthed at Koobi Fora has led to the Lake being referred to as ‘The Cradle of Mankind’. The site lies at the heart of the Sibiloi National Park, a place of stark beauty and prehistoric petrified forests.

The Lake itself is a natural treasure, with the world’s single largest crocodile population. In Turkana these reptiles grow to record size, with some of the largest specimens found on remote windswept Central Island. Lake Turkana is Kenya’s most remote destination, but one that repays the intrepid traveller with rich rewards.

Our culture

Our Culture

Kenya has a culture born of countless sources. This region has been crossed by the paths of a long and complex history. From the prehistoric records of early man to the present day, Kenya has been a land of unending change, contrasts and diversity. The early tribal states saw cycles of migration and shifting power, with Kenya as a  meeting place for peoples from the plainlands of the south, the forests of the West and the deserts of the North. The sea brought influences from the outside world, and the passage of the spice trade created the unique coastal culture, where lines between Africa and Arabia blurred. The open coast brought European influences into this world of change and began a turbulent struggle for control whose exotic history lingers today. The first explorers discovered a land of great peril and greater beauty, and their great adventures created the most unique colony in the British Empire. This was a meeting place of cultures, where adventurers and soldiers of fortune mingled with a complex tribal society, and the arrival of labourers and merchants from India brought new and pervasive influences. The colonial legacy lives on in the traditions of the great safari, and the pursuit of adventure and freedom. Kenya has drawn on all of these influences to develop its own unique culture. This is the nations greatest strength- the ability to blend the best of many worlds into a strong, singular identity. Today, Kenya welcomes the world to its shores and continues to evolve a modern culture that is born of endless variety, and yet purely, proudly Kenyan.

Art & Theatre

Art

Kenya’s culture exemplifies the art of adornment and decoration, and history shows that this has been a long and influential tradition. Throughout the country, there are many examples of rock art and cave painting by early man, and of similar designs and motifs carried through recent centuries. Many Kenyan traditional societies placed great significance on decoration of both functional and ritual objects, and the body. In tribes such as the Kuria and the Samburu, this was raised to the form of high art. The Samburu place great significance on physical beauty and adornment, especially among warriors, who take great care with their physical appearance, using hair styling and ochre body painting to create an impression of great delicacy. It was this trait that earned them their name Samburu- Butterflies, given to them by other tribes. Many Northern nomadic tribes such as the Boran, Oromo and Gabbra extensively decorate functional items, including water gourds, stools and neck pillows. The Turkana people, who live in one of Kenya’s harshest environments, still afford great care and attention to decoration of the body and objects such as ostrich egg waterholders, wrist knives and clubs. For the Maasai, the use of decorative beading is extremely significant, and jewellrey is used to emphasize social status and to signify stages of initiation and passage. Modern forms of art came to Kenya progressively. The art of carving was practiced throughout Kenya to produce both functional and decorative items. The Kamba people are considered the best Kenyan carvers, and have long been known as skilled woodworkers. Carving on the coast was centred on the island of Lamu, where the local Bajun tribe is believed to have influenced Arab craftsmen to create a unique hybrid of styles. The Kisii of Western Kenya are also well known for their carving in stone, using a locally quarried soapstone. They use a locally quarried soapstone to produce a range of carvings. The most popular items are small animals, chess pieces based on traditional African designs and more functional items such as egg cups, soap dishes, coasters and ash trays. The soapstone here varies in colour from white (the easiest to carve) through various shades of pink to a deep lustrous red (the most difficult to carve). The tourist trade has certainly had great influence over Kenyan carving, but many traditional designs have survived, and often new and interesting carving styles. Graphical art in Kenya has a much less defined history. There are certain traditions in design and representation derived from rock art patterns, but also considerable influence from the coast. Textile design and decorative art throughout the coast created strong Swahili designs from Middle Eastern roots. Painting and drawing in the formal European sense was introduced by colonialism. There were several European artists in colonial Kenya, the best known being Joy Adamson. Although better known for her conservation work and writing, she was also an accomplished artist. Her botanical paintings were used as a base for Kenya’s original textbooks on plants, and her huge collection of tribal portraits remain a body of work of great anthropological importance. Kenyan painting has gradually developed incorporating traditional designs with modern technique. One of Kenya’s best known painters, who has achieved international fame and recognition, is Joel Oswago. Joel is from Western Kenya, and his brilliant paint work depicts scenes of Luo life both traditional and modern. His style is difficult to describe or define. He paints his subjects in an intense defined manner, emphasizing bodily and facial features with sharply contrasting primary colours. This can create an impression of harshness, but also of great physical vulnerability. His scenes of village life are usually structured in a tableau to suggest an immediate social or domestic situation. His art can be remarkably funny, terribly sad or often a combination of both. Kenya has developed a name as a home for bohemian expatriate artists, and there are many international artists living and working in the country. Probably the best known of these is Peter Beard, an American photographer. Beard spent many years living and working in Kenya, and has became internationally famous for his photographic record of his life in the bush. His work is mostly expressed in a series of journals, in which photographs, news cuttings, mud, blood and objects are plastered across the pages. These images have been exhibited internationally and converted into several books. While some consider his work ego-driven and overly avant garde, the heart of his collection is a deep passion for Kenya and strong but well founded concerns for its future. At the National Museum an independent trust, called the Kuona Trust, has been established to foster and encourage Kenyan artists. The Trust has set up an artists residence by the shores of Lake Naivasha, where a space and accommodation for artists is available. This program is bearing great fruit, and the centre located directly beside the Museum, is open to the public. There are displays of modern art here in all media. Promising artists include Michael Wambua Soi and Rochard Kimathi Wamae.  There are several other private galleries in Nairobi city. Theatre Theatre in the traditional sense is very popular in Nairobi. There is a National Theatre, and also several small dramatic companies. Probably the best known are the Phoenix Players. In Kenya, theatre is commonly used as a form of social education. Short dramatic presentations are often used in schools and public meetings to give meaning to lessons, campaigns and rallies. Plays tend to be local production of foreign plays, and there is a definite tendency towards broad comedy. Locally written plays are becoming more and more common, often social or political satires or domestic farces. Kenyans are great fans of satire and broad comedy. Stand up comedy, often in the form of group sketches or parodies, are very popular. An extremely popular comedy group, called Redykyulass became extremely popular, and appeared in a weekly television program performing a mixture of social and political satire.

Modern Culture

Modern Culture

Kenyan Modern Culture was born of myriad sources and influences both new and old. Despite the many and varied influences that have shaped Kenyan society, the culture in Kenya has become truly and purely Kenyan.  If any one thing of Kenya speaks of this unique character, it is the modern melding of traditional societies and culture. In Kenya it is possible to leave Nairobi, a city with a thriving business heart powered by the latest information technology, and drive in just a few hours to a place where life is lived in accordance to tradition and custom, where warriors armed with spears drive cattle into thorn brush enclosures to protect them from lions at night. In Kenya the modern and the traditional live side by side, and at times the lines blur. For many visitors to Kenya, this is evident within minutes of arrival. Among the busy urban traffic, the median strips of fresh grass along the airport road are a popular place for Maasai herdsmen to graze their cattle. Some people lament the gradual change in lifestyles, and loss of many customs and traditions in deference to modern life and values. But much more than any other country on earth Kenya has maintained many of its traditional cultures. Indeed, in Kenya tradition and custom is not seen as being linked to the past, but as being an amorphous and evolving part of everyday life. The result is a completely unique culture, in which it is possible to see a Maasai walking across the plains using his distended earlobes to support walkman headphones, a group of urban Kikuyu joining in a traditional wedding ritual in which a bride is sung out of her house by the grooms family, or a Samburu Business man with a traditionally beaded mobile phone cover. The ease with which Kenyans adopt and adapt to new cultural influences has a long history. Kenyan culture is built on the acceptance and absorption of new and varied cultures, whether it was migrant nomads or sea borne traders. The end result is a culture of endless influence and yet one completely uniquely Kenyan in character.

Music & Dance

Music & Dance

Traditionally, Kenyan music originates from several sources. Many of the Nomadic tribes of this region share some common ground in the use of songs and chants, particularly among Maa speaking groups. Maa song has always played a large role in ceremonial life, and continues to. One of the best known Maasai ceremonial songs is the Engilakinoto, sung after a victorious lion hunt. Structured around a deep rhythmic chant it is accompanied by a spectacular dance in which warriors display their strength and prowess by leaping directly and vertically into the air. Elsewhere, the use of drums became widespread and central to elaborate traditional dances. The word Ngoma (drum) is still used to describe most forms of traditional music and dance. A variety of drums were used throughout the country. The Luhya of Western Kenya developed a very distinctive dance style called Sikuti after the local name for a drum. This extremely energetic dance is usually performed by paired male and female dancers, and accompanied by several drums, bells, long horns and whistles. The Kamba and Chuka people both developed a distinctive drumming style, in which a long drum is leant forward and clasped between the thighs. The Kamba were well known for their athletic, almost acrobatic dancing. Other instruments were developed, including reed flutes and basic stringed instruments. One of the finer of these was the Nyatiti, similar to the medieval lyre. The Nyatiti is commonly played throughout Kenya’s West. It has a gentle, relaxing sound, and is usually played solo with a single singer, and sometimes accompanied by light percussion or bells. Ayub Ogada is a modern master Nyatiti player from Kenya, who has become internationally famous. His first album En Maana Kuoyo is an excellent introduction to the sound of the Nyatiti. On the coast, the growth of Swahili culture saw the growth of a unique style of music, called Taarab. Combining elements of African percussion with Arabic rhythms, Taarab become a popular form of music that remains a coastal favourite today. Traditional Taarab music used large numbers of musicians and Arab instruments such as the Oud, combined with violins and several vocalists. Modern Taarab continues to evolve, and is adopting some rhythms and grooves from Hindi film music and bhangra. But at the heart of Taarab remains a core of very rhythmic, poetic Swahili lyrics. One of the better known Kenyan exponents is Juma Balo. Inland, the colonial period gave rise to Beni singing, a group folk song that contained strong elements of social commentary and political criticism. Beni songs were always very long and were sung in the form of a narrative story. The 1960’s saw the arrival of both Independence and the electric guitar, and the birth of modern Kenyan popular music. There were two definite influences: From the South, South African Jazz and Zimbabwean ‘highlife’ guitar work, and much more significantly, from the West, the distinctive rumba rhythm of Congolese pop. A hybridized form of music evolved- widely known as Benga, and usually rather tribally targeted. Singers sung in their own tribal language, resulting in strong ethnic followings. Many of these artists remain popular today, such as Luo musician DO Misiani , late great Luhya legend Daudi Kibaka and venerated Kikuyu singer Kamaru, and his subsequent imitators such as One Man Guitar. The rise of Christianity greatly increased the popularity of gospel music in general and choral music in particular. Throughout the 1970’s and 80’s Nairobi became a popular crossroads for African musicians, and many Zairean rumba bands either made Kenya their home or a frequent stopover concert venue. Their influence on Kenyan music was considerable, and much of popular Kenyan music derives its central rhythms and guitar lines from Congolese pop. Even today Lingala and Congolese music is extremely popular throughout Kenya. There was some influence from the coast, using more Swahili and Asian based styles, resulting in a short lived wave of Kenyan pop, spearheaded by Them Mushrooms from Mombasa. The 90’s and the 21st Century have seen a great deal more Western influence, and the adoption of reggae, rap, rhythm and blues and swing into Kenyan music. A new wave of popular musicians is creating a form of Kenyan music which fuses traditional elements with the many external influences to produce something new and very interesting. Two young Kenyan musicians, Joseph Ogidi and Jahd Adonijah began performing and recording their own compositions in 1999. They called themselves Gidi Gidi Maji Maji, and had a surprise runaway hit with ‘Ting Badi Malo’ an infectious pop song built around a blend of Swahili and Sheng rap. After taking a break to attend Uiveristy, they returned with a vengeance to release 'Unbwogable' a danceable and politcally flamable song that became an anthem for opposition politics and reached its peak with the 2003 change of Government in Kenya. One of Kenya’s most inspiring stories is that of Mighty King Kong, an Afro-reggae singer from Western Kenya. Born in Siaya District, he was afflicted with polio at a young age, badly withering one of his legs. When his father died, his family moved to Kisumu, where he ran away from home. He lived for 6 years on the streets of Kisumu, during which time he made money by busking. His singing and dancing earned him local fame, and his new name ‘The Mighty King Kong’. Eventually he made his way to Mombasa, where he began to get work as a DJ in several nightclubs, before finally taking to the stage with his own act performing reggae in Luo, Swahili and English. He was an immediate hit with crowds in the clubs, and was soon playing to packed houses across the country. His first album Ladies Choice sold well throughout Kenya. He has recently released a follow up album Cinderella, an appropriate title given his own real-life rags to riches story. From a very different background is Eric Wainaina, a young classically trained musician. His musical style is a blend of very African guitar riffs with a commercial Western feel. His first album, Sawa Sawa was a hit, mainly through the success of the single Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo, a satirical political song with a highly danceable melody. Rap has become increasingly popular among young Kenyans, and there are several Kenya based rap acts. While the sounds of groups like Kalamashaka or Necessary Noize are virtually indistinguishable from US based rappers, the lyrics are most definitely Kenyan and have much to say about life in modern Kenya. One of the more popular Kenyan rappers is Poxie Presha, whose well cut album Total Ballaa was a massive hit. Ragga has also become popular, with blends of Afro-reggae and rap. One of the better known Kenyan Ragga artists is Nazizi the female vocalist from rap group Necessary Noize also known for her solo ragga work. The formation of a loose alliance of Kenyan Hip Hop artists as Ogopa DJs created a nonstop hit factory that sent tune after tune to the top of the Kenyan charts. By 2002, formerly idolized Western artists were wiped out of radio airplay by Kenyans such as Nameless- who had a huge hit withNinanoki and went on to record the bestselling album On Fire. His collaboration with a young artist E-Sir was a track called Boomba Train, that also dominated dancefloors and clubs across the country. E-Sirs career was tragically cut short by a road accident in 2003. The Ogopa group produced many other young stars, including Mr Googz and Vinnie Banton a talented duo of singer-songwriters whose hip hop song about life in the outer Nairobi suburb of Githuraibecame anthemic throughout the city. Redsan, a singer as well known for his looks as his music has kept Kenya's female population enthralled with hits such as Julie and Raha- a track whose hip hop overtones are underscored with coastal taarab sounds. As the current trend for fusion of world and western styles grows, many Kenyan artists are exploring this new realm of musical possibility. One of the most popular up and coming artists is Mercy Myra who combines traditional and modern, African and Western styles. The arrival of better and more easily accessible instrumentation and recording facilities is continuing to strengthen and diversify the Kenyan music scene. Quality CDs of Kenyan music are widely available in Nairobi, and can be found internationally in some specialist music stores. As music in Kenya continues to grow and evolve, and opportunities for young talented Kenyans increase, the future sounds great…

THE BIG 5 GAME

The phrase big 5 game was coined by big game hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. I'm sure you have come across this term many times. And I'm also sure some of you thought they are the biggest( in size) et al.............The collection consists of the lion, the african elephant, the african buffalo, the leopard and the rhinoceros. The members of the big 5 were chosen for the difficulty in hunting them and not their size, which is why the leopard is included and say, the formidable hippo is not. The big five are also the most dangerous mammals on earth. All exist within numerous Kenyan National Parks and Reserves.

The Lion (Panthera Leo)

The lion is a large carnivorous feline of Africa and Northwest India and has a short tawny coat, a tufted tail, and, in the male, a heavy mane around the neck and shoulders









The African Buffalo/Cape Buffalo(Syncerus Caffer)

The Cape Buffalo is a large horned bovid. ( Im also sure you dont know what 'bovid' is..... wikipedia is always available!!) It is the most dangerous of the five( believe it or not) reportedly causing the most hunter deaths.









The Rhinoceros

The rhinoceros is a large, thick skinned herbivore having one/two upright horns on the snout. In Africa, there are two distinct species of rhinoceros; the black rhinoceros(diceros bicornis) and the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). Both of these, as you can see from the pictures have two upright horns on the snout. Sadly, both are endangered.






The African Elephant

The African Elephant is a very large herbivore that has thick, almost hairless skin, a long, flexible, prehensile trunk, upper incisors forming long curved tusks of ivory and large, fan shaped ears.

There are two distict species of African elephants, which are the African Forest Elephant(loxodonta cyclotis) and the African Bush Elephant( loxodonta africana)

The Leopard (Panthera Pardus)

 The leopard is a large, carnivore feline either with tawny fur with dark rosette-like markings or black fur. Leopards , amongst the 5, are the most difficult to acquire hunting licences for and are often difficult to hunt due to their behaviour and their nocturnal feeding habits. Leopards hunting usually overlaps several weeks of baiting.

WHEN YOU VISIT KENYA........................

 KEY EVENTS THAT TAKE PLACE IN KENYA

FEBRUARY
Mountain Biking

There is a common misconception amongst tourists and visitors to Kenya that the blessed 254 can only be viewed from vehicles and by air. This, however, can't be further from the truth. In fact, if you really want to experience Kenya,  especially its nature, it is through cycling. Kenyan Mountain Biking really does coin the phrase, 'being one with nature.'  Biking is done as far as possible from the larger and busy roads.

                                              
 You will experience Kenya like most never do, from visiting local villages and traditional tribesmen to the breathtaking scenery and landscape as well as wildlife grazing on the plains. This event is a challenge that one should look into while visiting.





White Shark Diving
I dont think this beast of the sea needs much introduction or education. If some of you need information on the white shark diving, revolves around the migratory habits and patterns, in the deep sea, that often ends up venturing on coastlines around the world. Until recently, Kenya was not one of this coastlines. There has been an increase in whale shark population at Malindi, Diani and Watamu during this time. (I kid you not). The incredible occassion is a unique opportunity as it offers you the chance to get up, close and personal with this amazing and gigantic but elusive fish.





MARCH TO OCTOBER
Quattro Charge

This is an event that takes place every year where the big boys and the big girls get the big toys (4by 4 vehicles) and participate in obstacle challenges in extremely difficult terrain. The challenge  similar to the rhino charge in June,without the distance, with shorter obstacles and a bit less vigorous. Many serious fanatics of the 'sport' gauge the performance of their vehicles before the rhino charge. Spectators can try attempting this challenge but its advisable not to use your office car for this. hahaha. And don't worry there will be plenty of opportunity to mess up in front of a big crowd. 




APRIL
Kenya Open Golf

The Kenya Open Golf Championship is an annual golf tournament held in Kenya, that makes up part of the PGA European Challenge Tour. About 150 participants used to compete at Muthaiga Golf Club. However, in recent years, it has been held at Karen Country Club.







MAY
Sawa Sawa festival

The annual Sawa Sawa Festival is held at the Sakarasi Dome in Ngara, Nairobi, (5 minute drive from the city center) a recently renovated complex. This is a three day festival that showcases various musicians both local and international.





JUNE
Lewa Marathon

The annual Lewa Marathon is perfect for any runner in quest of adventure. It is also the only race of its kind that runs within a game reserve. The marathon is held across the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy next to Mt. Kenya, true to its motto, ''Run Wild''. The animals are  however kept at a safe distance by a large team of armed rangers, a helicopter and two light aircraft. Approximately 1000 runners from across the world participate in the marathon.

Established in 2000, the marathon chief sponsor, Safaricom has raised more than $1,000,000 ( approximately 75 million kenya shillings) for conservation and community developments around the country. For those who love running, the Safaricom / Lewa marathon offers a stimulating challenge and unforgettable sporting experience. Due to the heat and altitude, the marathon is considered to be one of the toughest marathons in the world today.








RHINO CHARGE

Rhino charge has got to be one of the best ideas in the history of ideas and fund raising. To participate, all one needs is a vehicle, a crew of 6, a map and a large expanse of unspoilt Africa for them to be let loose on. The event is limited to a maximum  of 60 vehicles only. The competing vehicles are provided with a simple map the night before the event, where the location of the Guard Posts has been plotted. 

After 10 hours of boulder bashing, bush pushing, lugga lurching, swamp sucking and cliff hanging under the hot African sun, the results show that the teams have made it all the way round the course. The winner is not determined by the speed at which they are travelling at, but completion of this gruelling course with the least distance covered. sounds simple huh?
















Safari Sevens Rugby

The safari sevens rugby tournament is an iconic event held every year at the Kenya Rugby Union Football Club(K.R.F.U.) located within Nairobi. It is a major international competition, in which teams from the around the world vie to participate in to compete in. It is one of the most popular tournaments. Since it was established in 1996, the Sevens tournament has continually and steadily developed. It is a must attend if you are within the country in June.