All Modules 61-Kenya | Page 7

7 forests covering the lower part of the mountain where we find as part of its vegetation: olive trees, cedar and podo. On top of the lower zone we can find the bamboo jungles that measure approximately 7,800 fees. Its vegetation is basically bamboo, moving on to the next zone formed by a belt of trees of rose-wood, before ending in a zone where we find chaparrals. This point is dry and there are no trees. In the national park of Aberdare, named that way for Lord Aberdare of the Royal Geographic Society, we can find the oldest mountain in Africa, known as Nayndarua. In this park we can find a part that is fenced in (with electric fences) for the protection of rhinoceros. In this park live a large variety of animals, typically found in the jungle. Laipikia in the colony was a European settlement with vast ranches that interfered with the animal and community life of the area. Since its Independence it is the zone where there has been an inccrease in animal life, especially the black rhinoceros, elephants and zebras that are under government protection. Around those parks there are very complete hotels nowadays that offer, besides the marvelous landscape, full of parks and natural reservation, a rich fauna which is an unquestioned attraction to be able to consider Kenya a tourist site of major interest. Tourism and Economy Tourism has been a determinant factor in the economic growth of Kenya, and has shown constant growth since 1980. A large percentage of tourists come from Europe; people attracted by the beauty of Safaris, parks and natural reservations.