Old Pictorial Map of Kenya, 1968: Safari, Animals, Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Lake Victoria

Embark on a journey through time and space with the "Tourist Map of Kenya," a vibrant and detailed pictorial representation crafted by the Survey of Kenya in 1968. This map, a testament to Kenya's rich heritage and natural beauty, was created in the wake of the country's independence from the United Kingdom, symbolizing a new era of self-determination and a keen interest in showcasing its wonders to the world. The Survey of Kenya, an institution with a storied history of cartographic excellence, meticulously illustrated the nation's sprawling landscapes, from the bustling cities of Nairobi and Mombasa to the serene expanses of its national parks and reserves. This map not only serves as a guide but as a colorful narrative of Kenya's journey towards independence and its aspirations for the future.

The map's design is a feast for the eyes, employing a pictorial style that brings Kenya's diverse ecosystems and wildlife to life. Illustrations of majestic animals such as lions, elephants, and rhinos dot the landscape, inviting viewers to explore the natural habitats that make Kenya a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the map is a rich repository of information, detailing roads, railways, airports, and tourist attractions, making it an invaluable resource for adventurers and scholars alike. The inclusion of neighboring countries Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan provides context to Kenya's geographical and cultural landscape, emphasizing its role as a pivotal nation in East Africa.

Historically, the map is a reflection of a pivotal moment in Kenya's history, a mere five years after gaining independence. It serves as a visual celebration of the nation's identity, showcasing its natural wonders and cultural landmarks to attract tourists and foster a sense of national pride. The map's detailed depiction of Kenya's provinces, game reserves, and national parks, accompanied by charming illustrations of animals, captures the essence of the country's commitment to conservation and its status as a sanctuary for some of the world's most iconic wildlife.

The map is not just a tool for navigation but a canvas that narrates Kenya's story, from its pre-colonial roots to its aspirations as a newly independent nation eager to welcome the world. It highlights key cities and towns, each with its unique history and contribution to Kenya's cultural tapestry. Nairobi, the capital, emerges as a bustling metropolis, while Mombasa's coastal allure and historical significance are prominently featured. This detailed portrayal invites exploration and discovery, offering a glimpse into the heart of Kenya.

In conclusion, the "Tourist Map of Kenya" is more than a mere cartographic creation; it is a bridge connecting the past, present, and future. Crafted by the Survey of Kenya, this map encapsulates the spirit of a nation at a crossroads, eager to chart its own course while celebrating its rich heritage. It stands as a testament to the beauty and diversity of Kenya, beckoning travelers, historians, and dreamers to explore its landscapes, wildlife, and stories. This map is not just a guide but a treasure, a piece of history that continues to inspire and inform generations.

Cities and towns on this map

• Nairobi (3,500,000)
• Mombasa (1,200,000)
• Kisumu (400,000)
• Nakuru (300,000)
• Eldoret (250,000)
• Meru (200,000)
• Nyeri (200,000)
• Kakamega (200,000)
• Machakos (200,000)
• Kitale (150,000)
• Thika (150,000)
• Malindi (150,000)
• Lamu (150,000)
• Garissa (150,000)
• Voi (100,000)
• Isiolo (100,000)
• Wajir (100,000)
• Mandera (100,000)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Mount Kenya
• Mount Kilimanjaro
• Lake Victoria
• Lake Turkana
• Indian Ocean
• Tana River
• Athi River
• Galana River
• Ewaso Ng'iro River
• Mara River
• Voi River
• Tsavo River
• Sabaki River
• Uaso Nyiro River
• Lake Naivasha
• Lake Nakuru
• Lake Baringo
• Lake Bogoria
• Lake Turkana
• Lake Jipe
• Lake Chala
• Lake Magadi
• Lake Elementeita
• Mount Longonot
• Mount Suswa
• Mount Meru
• Mount Elgon
• Mount Marsabit
• Mount Kulal
• Aberdare Range
• Cherangani Hills
• Mau Escarpment
• Ngong Hills
• Shimba Hills
• Taita Hills
• Chyulu Hills
• Loita Hills
• Mathews Range
• Ndoto Mountains
• Samburu Hills
• Lorogi Plateau
• Laikipia Plateau
• Kinangop Plateau
• Mau Narok Plateau
• Mara Plains
• Serengeti Plains
• Tsavo Plains
• Tana Delta
• Lamu Archipelago
• Malindi Marine National Park
• Watamu Marine National Park
• Mombasa Marine National Park
• Kisite Marine National Park
• Diani Beach
• Nyali Beach
• Bamburi Beach
• Shanzu Beach
• Tiwi Beach
• Watamu Beach
• Malindi Beach
• Lamu Beach
• Shela Beach
• Manda Beach
• Kiwayu Beach
• Vanga Beach
• Shimoni Beach
• Msambweni Beach
• Gazi Beach
• Galu Beach
• Kinondo Beach
• Ngomeni Beach
• Mkunguni Beach
• Chale Beach
• Funzi Beach
• Pemba Island
• Zanzibar Island
• Mafia Island
• Lamu Island
• Manda Island
• Paté Island
• Siyu Island
• Kiwayu Island
• Tanga Island
• Pangani Island
• Latham Island
• Mnemba Island
• Chumbe Island
• Vamizi Island
• Koyama Island
• Tumbatu Island
• Mkokotoni Island
• Changuu Island
• Bawe Island
• Unguja Ukuu Island
• Kenya-Ethiopia border
• Kenya-Somalia border
• Kenya-Tanzania border
• Kenya-Uganda border
• Kenya-Sudan border

Historical and design context

• Title: Tourist Map of Kenya
• Date: 1968
• Mapmaker: Survey of Kenya
• Coverage: The map covers the entirety of Kenya, as well as parts of the neighboring countries of Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan.
• Themes: The map shows a variety of information, including roads, railways, airports, national parks, game reserves, and tourist attractions.
• Design: The map is a pictorial map, which means that it uses illustrations to represent different features. The map is also quite colorful, which makes it visually appealing.
• Historical significance: The map was published in 1968, which was five years after Kenya gained independence from the United Kingdom. The map is a reflection of the country's newfound independence and its desire to promote tourism.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.