Maps and Directions
We used our 'Illustrated Road Atlas of Africa', the Collins Tourist Map for Kenya and Tanzania, and the Footprint Handbook 2000 for East Africa. Most tar roads were in a poor state, some apalling and the signposting left something to be desired. However the campsites and National Parks were well marked, both to the site, and within. We had available a number of specific park maps, which were excellent.
Impressions
We thoroughly enjoyed Kenya, especially as we had friends living there who helped us enormously. The people are warm and friendly across the country; being able to follow the migration from Tanzania to Kenya was special; our Lamu excursion an exquisite delight and the privileged safari we enjoyed up-country probably colours our judgement. We have noted the cost of living has increased in East Africa (above that of southern Africa), although the entrance fees into the Game Parks are less. Nairobi is an acquired taste; the pollution is very bad; the traffic awful and there are numerous aid organisations and the UN African HQ based in Nairobi compound the traffic problems, which when added to the fact that Catherine caught pneumonia the day she arrived in Nairobi, it is true to say we preferred the countryside.
