Kenya is still regarded by many as the start of safari tourism on the African continent , most notably because of its famous national parks and incredible scenic beauty and fascinating cultures.
The capital city Nairobi, is an arrival hub for travel deeper into Kenya, and depending on time of arrival, connect out to the safari lodges on the same day. One of the few Shuls in East Africa, is in Nairobi, with a lovely community of approximately 100 people, where regular Shabbat services are being held.
Many international airlines service Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and from there transfer to Nairobi Wilson Airport for the small charter style aircrafts that fly south into the major national parks, which remain the biggest attraction for the visitor to Kenya.
Masai Mara, is by far the most famous National Park of all, and home to the great migration. AmbosIeli National Park, bordering on Tanzania, is famous for its amazing views of Mt Kilimanjaro, across the border inside Tanzania.
This is the the location for the iconic photo of an elephant or a giraffe in the foreground, with a snow capped mountain peak in the distance. Whilst Kenya hosts many more remote National Parks, it is very seldom that our Kosher guests stay longer than a few days on a safari in Masai Mara or Amboseli.
Guests usually, head over the border into Tanzania, across to the coastal regions of Zanzibar, or even experience Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.
In terms of Kosher catering, we have set up a few good temporary Kosher kitchens in Masai Mara and Amboseli. As a rule in Kenya, meals will most likely be Parev.
The Kenyan government is not open to importation of any forms of meat, when they feel their country provides sufficient red meat options. With the microscopic Jewish community in Nairobi, there is not enough need for a formal Kosher butchery or abattoir. So at best, you might find a premade Friday night meat meal is available for Shabbos, at the Shul.
We recommend combining Kenya with Tanzania, for a well rounded East Africa experience if time and budget allows.
