Travel guide Kenya

These are very basic bungalows with makuti (woven palm leaf) roofs, which can be rented in the parks. They are inexpensive and often have a small, fully-equipped kitchen. Some lodges have taken inspiration from this type of traditional dwelling, to give a more authentic appearance to their tourism offering.

Literally the "Big Five", the Big Five are the savannah's most sought-after wild animals. For hunters, this term originally referred to Africa's most feared and respected mammals. The lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros reign supreme in the animal kingdom.

Boda-boda" were originally used for border-to-border transfers. Today, they're everywhere. Also known as "piki-piki", both refer to motorcycle cabs. They're easier to find than a cab or matatu. Only to be considered for short distances.

These small triangular-sailed boats can be seen sailing along the Kenyan and Tanzanian coasts. For centuries, these dhows linked Africa, the Persian Gulf and India. Today, very few of them make these long journeys. These small sailing boats have retained their charm, and a dhow cruise is still an experience.

There are more than 40 ethnic groups in Kenya. The main ones are the Kikuyus, the majority ethnic group, the Luos and the Luhyas, the Kalenjins and the Kambas, the Maasais... Kenya has more or less succeeded in forming a peaceful ethnic cohabitation since its independence in 1963. However, tensions arise during election periods.

These are 14-seat minibuses, decorated and often overloaded, which provide urban and interurban travel at full speed. Each matatu has its own driver and its own driver, its own rules and its own atmosphere. All exuberance is permitted. These matatus are the object of a real cult. The regulars have their favorite.

Traditionally, it's grilled goat's meat, but the term has come to refer to all kinds of wood-fired grills, simply eaten with salt and chilli. Nyama choma means "barbecued meat" in Kiswahili. On the street or in restaurants, this is a very popular speciality in Kenya.

In Swahili, "polé-polé" means "gently". It's the equivalent of "piano-piano" in Italy, "mora-mora" in Madagascar or "tipa-tipa" in Mauritius. On the Indian Ocean coast, where the pace seems slower and the atmosphere more relaxed than elsewhere, the expression is widely used... and you'll soon make it your own!

Known as the cradle of humanity, Kenya is also one of the strongholds of Swahili culture. A blend of African and Arab origins, the country is still strongly imbued with this cultural heritage, which is showcased in the island city of Lamu and numerous other forts. Its official language, Kiswahili, is another legacy.

In this country, which has been producing some of the world's finest teas since 1925, tea is still drunk at all hours of the day. Kenya produces, exports and consumes mainly black tea. Full-bodied and aromatic, it is usually served very sweet with milk, and sometimes even with ginger.

The national drink is beer (lager)! In fact, Kenya is said to be the biggest beer-drinking country in East Africa. It's quite good, low in alcohol content and inexpensive. It comes in different versions (export, lager, premium...). In bars, specify that you want a "cold" beer, as Kenyans often drink it lukewarm.

Ugali is a staple of Kenyan cuisine. Its preparation is childishly simple: boil water and mix white maize or millet flour until you get a compact, rather bland and filling puree. Ugali is usually served as an accompaniment to other dishes, with the flavors on the side taking precedence.