Say the word safari (actually the Swahili word for “journey”), and most people immediately imagine Kenya. This East African country has a reputation as the birthplace of big-game trips, capturing America’s imagination through films like Mogambo and Out of Africa. The romantic idea lives on, with elegant camps and lodges that offer great game viewing along with luxury amenities. But fewer people know about the great beaches and interesting heritage that have long drawn European travelers. (Note: Due to turmoil following the presidential elections in early 2008, it’s best to consult with the State Department before setting up your itinerary, and stay away from regions prone to violence, especially near the Sudanese and Somali borders.)
Wedding Requirements To get married in Kenya, couples must present their passports and any applicable divorce or death records to the registrar’s office. There's a 21-day waiting period to obtain the license, but a special marriage license (about $75) that waives this waiting period can be granted at the registrar’s discretion -- contact the Kenyan High Commission before your arrival to apply. An additional special wedding license must also be obtained (about $120) if you plan to get married anywhere other than the registrar’s office. Once issued, the license is good for three months. For more information, visit attorney-general.go.ke.
What to Do
Kenya Safari Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya’s most celebrated game park, sits in the northern Great Rift Valley, extending from the northern edge of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. It’s named after the elegant, cattle-raising Maasai people who traditionally inhabited the land; you can take a village tour to learn more about them and their way of life. While it’s not Kenya’s largest game park (that would be Tsavo, further east), it is one of the best places in the world to see the big five: lion, leopards, elephants, rhino and cape buffalo, along with zebras, giraffe and massive herds of wildebeest, who rest in these plains from August to October. An established infrastructure and long-standing tradition of acclaimed safari camps makes it a perfect choice for couples that want to safari in style.
Mombasa A longtime favorite of European travelers, Kenya’s second largest city draws tourism with its balmy weather and pristine white-sand beaches. There are animal experiences here as well, such as at the Shimba Hills National Reserve, home to elephants, leopards and sable antelope. Offshore is excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.
African Culture The six-island Lamu archipelago sits 150 miles off Kenya’s northeast coast. You can fly from Nairobi to Manda Island, then get around by ferry. Lamu Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and was a thriving Portugeuse port in the 1500s. It remains relatively off the beaten path for tourists, with cultural cues coming from the predominantly Muslim population. Accommodations are simple and the pace is slow, offering a great place for intrepid travelers to wind down after their mainland adventure.
