Rare Old Pictorial Map of East Africa by McKenzie, 1961: Nairobi, Serengeti, Tsavo, Kilimanjaro, Victoria

Embark on a vivid journey through the heart of East Africa with the "East Africa" map, a masterful creation by the renowned Scottish cartographer John McKenzie. Crafted in 1961, this map is not merely a navigational tool but a vibrant tableau that captures the essence of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanganyika (now Tanzania). McKenzie, who spent many years in East Africa, utilized his profound understanding of the region to depict not only the geographical layout but also the rich tapestry of its wildlife and cultures. His work coincides with a pivotal era when these nations were on the cusp of independence, striving to forge a new identity free from colonial rule.

The map itself is a colorful, pictorial representation that goes beyond topographical accuracy to include enchanting illustrations of Africa's iconic fauna such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras. These illustrations are not just decorative but serve as a gateway to understanding the diverse ecosystems that characterize the region. Additionally, the map highlights major cities like Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Mombasa, intricately marked with major roads that connect these bustling hubs of culture and commerce. The inclusion of political borders and natural features like lakes, rivers, and mountain ranges provides a comprehensive view of the landscape's physical and administrative dimensions.

John McKenzie's map also serves as a cultural archive, showcasing various local tribes including the Maasai, Kikuyu, and Luo, each represented in vibrant scenes and traditional attire. These depictions are thoughtfully placed alongside illustrations of safari camps, encapsulating the adventurous spirit of East Africa's tourism, which was burgeoning at the time. This feature not only adds to the map's aesthetic appeal but also offers insights into the social fabric and lifestyles of the region's inhabitants during a transformative period in their history.

Noteworthy are the detailed insets of Tsavo and Serengeti National Parks, which are renowned for their wildlife and ecological significance. These insets allow for a closer look at areas that are key to understanding East Africa's environmental conservation efforts and the challenges they face. The shaded relief and spot elevations provide a sense of the terrain, enhancing the map's utility for both educational and recreational purposes.

In conclusion, John McKenzie's "East Africa" map is a treasure trove of information and beauty, reflecting the geographical, political, and cultural landscapes of a region at a historical crossroads. It is not only a tool for navigation but also a piece of art that tells the story of East Africa's rich heritage and its journey towards independence. This map is an invaluable resource for historians, educators, and anyone fascinated by the allure of East Africa.

Cities and towns on this map

• Kenya
• Nairobi: 4,397,073
• Mombasa: 1,208,333
• Kisumu: 610,996
• Nakuru: 564,241
• Eldoret: 475,716
• Meru: 396,143
• Thika: 384,232
• Nyeri: 295,150
• Kitale: 284,196
• Malindi: 281,810
• Garissa: 256,088
• Kakamega: 248,261
• Machakos: 246,077
• Kisii: 244,899
• Kericho: 237,220
• Naivasha: 236,688
• Lamu: 235,162
• Kilifi: 233,404
• Bungoma: 229,679
• Busia: 226,342
• Homa Bay: 222,614
• Migori: 219,556
• Narok: 218,803
• Embu: 213,126
• Marsabit: 199,011
• Mandera: 184,714
• Wajir: 179,930
• Isiolo: 175,616
• Nanyuki: 171,724
• Mumias: 157,264
• Murang'a: 156,337
• Maralal: 154,741
• Siaya: 152,336
• Voi: 151,613
• Taveta: 148,760
• Malaba: 145,956
• Lodwar: 143,810
• Kapenguria: 141,531
• Mwingi: 140,992
• Witu: 136,985
• Lamu island: 135,836
• Nyahururu: 135,080
• Mwatate: 133,936
• Wundanyi: 132,326
• Hola: 128,846
• Thika Town: 128,479
• Naro Moru: 127,467
• Migori: 126,204
• Mbale: 124,888
• Elwak: 124,398
• Moyale: 123,932
• Wajir: 123,224
• Archer's Post: 122,848
• Takaba: 122,768
• Kilifi Creek: 122,505
• Kiambu: 122,192
• Mpeketoni: 121,602
• Bura: 121,378
• Madogo: 120,922
• Kalokol: 120,783
• Kolbio: 120,615

• Kiunga: 120,320

• Tanzania

• Dar es Salaam: 4,364,541
• Mwanza: 1,287,042
• Arusha: 416,442
• Mbeya: 385,279
• Tanga: 273,332
• Dodoma: 208,243
• Morogoro: 207,296
• Tabora: 199,924
• Kigoma: 197,421
• Moshi: 184,292
• Iringa: 151,347
• Songea: 146,066
• Shinyanga: 145,000

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Pictorial illustrations of local wildlife
• Shaded relief
• Spot elevations
• Political borders
• Major rivers
• Major lakes
• Mountain ranges
• National parks and game reserves
• Inset map of Tsavo National Park
• Inset map of Serengeti National Park

Historical and design context

• Title: East Africa
• Mapmaker/Publisher: John McKenzie; East African Standard Ltd., Nairobi
• Date: 1961
• Design or style: Colourful, pictorial
• Historical significance or context: The map was created at a time when East Africa was undergoing significant political and social change, reflecting the region's journey towards independence and a growing sense of national identity.

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 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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 in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) 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).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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 are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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 on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

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

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.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.