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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.