Revered by anthropologists as the 'cradle of humanity', Kenya is wild and a little dangerous. If you're adventurous - and sensible - it promises the globe's most magnificent wildlife parks, unsullied beaches, thriving coral reefs, memorable mountainscapes and ancient Swahili cities.

The Swahili word safari (literally, journey) wouldn't mean much to most people if it wasn't for this East African adventure land. No matter how many Tarzan movies you've seen, nothing will prepare you for the annual mass migration of wildebeests in the Maasai Mara.

If you've ever fantasised about Africa - sleeping in the bush surrounded by wildlife beneath the broad African sky or walking with tribespeople through places the first humans called home - then Kenya is for you. Kenya's incredible natural environment and cultural heritage is almost unmatched in Africa, and travel is mostly straightforward and inexpensive.

Warning

Political rallies such as those held in Nairobi and Kisumu in July, 2004 can become violent. Travel advisories recommend that visitors exercise caution, avoid rallies or demonstrations and stay aware of the situation as the details and dates of rallies may change.

Nairobi isn't referred to as 'Nairobbery' for nothing, so carry as little cash as possible and nothing of value. The areas around River Rd and Uhuru Park are particularly notorious for muggings, day or night, as are the beaches near Mombasa, and most encounters with the police are likely to end with money changing hands.

Bandits have been known to operate near Lamu, between Isiolo in Kenya and the Ethiopian border, and in Kenya's northwest and northeast. Ask for advice locally about these areas. Readers have reported travel along the Kitale-Lodwar road, as dangerous.

Full country name: Republic of Kenya
Area: 583,000 sq km
Population: 31.63 million
Capital City: Nairobi
People: 22% Kikuyu, 14% Luhya, 13% Luo, 12% Kalenjin, 11% Kamba, 6% Kisii, 6% Meru, 16% other
Language: Swahili, English
Religion: 35% Protestant, 30% Roman Catholic, 30% Muslim, 5% Animist
Government: republic (multiparty state)
Head of State: President Mwai Kibaki

GDP: US$23.9 billion
GDP per capita: US$360
Annual Growth: 1.6%
Inflation: 4.5%
Major Industries: small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, beer, batteries, textiles, flour), agricultural processing, oil refining, chemicals, cement, tourism
Major Trading Partners: Uganda, Tanzania, UK, Germany, UAE, South Africa