THE NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
The Nairobi National Park is 9 km south East of Nairobi
city center. The small park (28,000acres, and 117 sq kms )
contains all the major animals except the elephant. The
sight of wildlife grazing majestically against the backdrop
of the city skyline is a pleasant experience. Close to the
entry point of the Park is the Nairobi animal Orphanage,
founded in1963 to provide a home for injured and orphaned
young animal. Here the animals are nursed to good health and
then released to the wild. Altitude: 1,533-1,760m Bird Life:
There are some 500 species. Vegetation: Dry transitional
savannah on the plain with gallery forests in the valley.
LAKE NAIVASHA
Size: 68 sq kms. Altitude: 2,777m. Vegetation: A wide
variety of succulents. Lake Naivasha is surrounded by stands
of papyrus and is a bird watchers paradise. Waterbirds
exists in great variety and abundance. Fish eagles and
Ospreys herons and egrets, lily-trotters, red knobbed coots
and black crakes can be found within the area. In addition
to the bird population, over 500 hippos reside in the lake.
While in Naivasha you could easily visit the Hells Gate
National Park for Walking safaris and see the Geo Thermal
power station (Ol Karia)that supply power to the locals.
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
Altitude: 1,753-2,073m. Vegetation: Size: 188 sq kms. The
lake is fringed by swamps and the surrounding areas support
a dry transitional savannah with dry forest occupying the
more elevated areas. Lake Nakuru National Park lies in the
heart of Rift Valley. The Park was gazetted in 1967 as the
first bird sanctuary in Africa. Lake Nakuru has been
described as a “bird watchers’ paradise”, and is
acknowledged to be the greatest ornithological spectacle on
earth. Millions of flamingoes flock here throughout the year
and transform the shores of the lake to a pink ‘carpet’ over
300,000 birds can be seen at one sighting. Besides the
flamingoes, Lake Nakuru National Park provides habitat for
over 400 bird species. Lake Nakuru National Park, which
surrounds the Lake, was established to protect the colony of
Flamingoes as well as to provide a sanctuary for such
endangered species as the White Rhino and the Rothschild
Giraffe. The animals have been placed behind an electrical
fence for their safety and surveillance. The Park abounds
with other wildlife, notably; Buffalos, Hippos, Giraffes,
Zebras, Primates, and many species of Antelope.
SAMBURU AND SHABA NATIONAL RESERVES
Samburu and Shaba National Reserves, situated in the
sparsely populated semi-desert region of Kenya, form one of
the most interesting game viewing areas in the country. Size
of Samburu National Reserve: 165 sq kms. Altitude:
800-1,230m. Vegetation in Samburu National Reserve: Narrow
riverine woodland of doum palm. Otherwise acacia woodland
with bushland, grassland, and scrubland. Samburu National
Reserve adjoins the Buffalo Springs National Reserve in the
South and Shaba National Reserve to the East. The Game
Reserve is traversed by the gentle Ewaso Nyiro river, which
meanders, slowly between numerous acacia trees, providing
life support to the dry-land animals and a home to many
crocodiles and Hippos. The two National Reserves are the
exclusive home of some unique wildlife that include the
reticulated Giraffe, the Gravy’s Zebra and the Beisa Oryx.
It is only in these game sanctuaries that you will find the
graceful Gerenuk (sometimes called Giraffe Gazelle), a
long-necked Gazelle that stands on its hind legs to nibble
on high bushes leaves, and the rare blue-necked Somali
Ostrich. Other animals commonly seen in Samburu and Shaba
National Reserves include the Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant,
Eland and a small number of lions. There are over 100
species of birds. Large flocks of Guinea fowls are a common
sight. Shaba was the home of Joy Adamson, the world-renowned
author, conservationist and artist, together with her
lioness Elsa. In Samburu National Reserve lives Larsen, the
strange lioness who has, completely out of character,
attempted several times to adopt antelope babies.
LAKE BOGORIA AND LAKE BARINGO NATIONAL RESERVES
Altitude: 1,000-1,600m. Vegetation: Mainly bushland with
small patches of riverine forest. Grasslands along
shoreline. About 125 km North of Nakuru town lies Lake
Bogoria, one of the most beautiful and spectacular of the
Rift Valley lakes. It is a shallow soda lake and one ideal
for the production of blue-green algae, the stable food for
the flamingoes migrate to this lake from Lake Nakuru and
elsewhere for breeding. But perhaps more interesting is the
breath-taking view of steam jets with boiling geysers which
bubble out of natural underground rock. It is a geological
wonder one cannot afford to miss. These springs are hot
enough to boil an egg within minutes! About 25km in the
North is Lake Baringo, a fresh water lake without a surface
outlet. Lake Baringo has over 400 bird species. Boat rides
past schools of Hippo and a visit to islands on the Lake are
popular activities.
MOUNT KENYA AND THE ABERDARES NATIONAL PARKS.
Altitude: 1,829-3,994m. Vegetation: Rich alpine and
sub-alpine flora giving way at lower altitudes to bamboo
forests and montane forests. Mount Kenya (5,199m) is the
second highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kenya National Park was established in 1949 to protect
the mountain forests and bamboo thickets with their varied
wildlife, the alpine moorlands, and the glaciers. The park
includes all the mountains area above the tree line. Mount
Kenya National Park offers game viewing, mountain climbing,
and beautiful scenery with interesting variations of flora
and fauna at different altitudes. Wildlife found in this
Game Park include Buffalos, Elephants, Rhinos, Leopards,
Primates and many species of Antelope,. Sightings of albino
Zebras have been recorded in this sanctuary. One interesting
establishment close but outside the Game Park is the world
renowned Mount Kenya Safari Club whose attractions include a
game breeding ranch and the William Holden wildlife
Education center. About 95 km to the west of Mount to the
West of Mount Kenya lies the Aberdares National Park. The
park was set up for the protection and preservation of the
indigenous forests as a water catchments area, the prolific
wildlife, the moorlands, and for mountain climbing
adventures. The most common wildlife in Aberdares National
Park include the Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Giant Forest
Hog, Spotted Hyena, Eland, and Bush Duiker. The rare and
beautiful forest antelope, the Bongo, inhabits the higher
bamboo zone. The most common wildlife in Aberdares National
Park includes the Elephant, Buffalo, leopard, Giant Forest
Hog, Spotted Hyena, Eland, and Bush Duiker. The rare and
beautiful forest antelope, the Bongo, inhabits the higher
zone. The Aberdares’ two famous lodges-The Ark and the
Treetops- are specifically designed to enable the residents
view the animals after dark, both offer floodlit saltlick
and ponds that can be observed from some secure areas in the
lodges. It was while a guest at the Treetops that Queen
Elizabeth 11 of England ascended to the British throne. It
is also at the nearby town of Nyeri that lie the remains of
Lord Baden Powell, the founder of the boys Scouts movement.
MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Altitude: 1,500-2,170m. Vegetation in Masai Mara Game
Reserve: Open grasslands with patches of acacia woodland,
thickets, and riverine forests. Rolling plains. Masai Mara
National Reserve is undisputed the richest and most popular
game sanctuary in Kenya. It is widely believed to be the
greatest concentration of wildlife in the world. There is a
profusion of all types of game in Masai Mara. There are
large herds of Elephants, Buffalos, Zebras and Giraffes.
Also found in great numbers are cheetahs, Hyenas, Warthogs,
Primates and many species of Antelope. The Game Reserve is
particularly known for having a large population of the
black manned lions. Luck is however essential for spotting
the shy and elusive leopard and hostile rhino. Masai Mara
also abounds with birdlife; about 450 odd species have been
recorded. A spectacle to behold is the annual migration and
the crossing of the Mara river by over one million
wildebeests together with approximately 200,000 Zebras and
large Antelopes. This dramatic event takes place during the
months of July and August. The animals, with unshakable
resolve to reach the sweet grass across, plunge into the
swollen river to face a flotilla of crocodiles. It is unique
and memorable experience. Some have described it as one of
the most awe-inspiring sights on earth. Accommodation
facilities in Masai Mara are plentiful and range from
luxurious 5-star lodges to Spartan tented camps. Hot air
balloon excursions are available in the Game Reserve.
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Size:392 sq kms. Altitude: Up to 1,155m. Vegetation:
Semi-arid acacias and grasses papyrus sedges in the swamp
lands. Amboseli National park is one of the most popular
wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya. It is situated close to
Kenya. It is situated close to Kenya- Tanzania border, The
Park lies at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest
mountain in Africa (5,896m) whose snow-capped summit
presents a splendid view on clear days. Amboseli National
Park is often referred to as “The home of Elephants’ some of
the largest Elephant herds are found here. The Game Park
also contains vast groups of Zebras, Wildebeests, Giraffes,
Buffalos, Hippos and Antelopes. Also to be found in Amboseli
are lions, leopards, Cheetahs, Rhinos and many species of
plain game.
TSAVO EAST AND TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARKS.
Altitude of Tsavo National Park: 229-2,438m Geographical
Location: South-east Kenya, inland from Mombasa. Tsavo lies
mid-way between Nairobi and Mombasa. Tsavo National Park,
measuring approximately 22,000sq kms, is believed to be the
largest game sanctuary in the world. For administrative
purposes, the game park has been split into Tsavo East
National Park contains the Yatta plateau, one of the world’s
largest lava flows, and the lugard Falls, a favorable haunt
for the sunbathing Nile Crocodiles. Outstanding features in
Tsavo West National Park include the 8km long Shetani
(devil) lava flow and the fabulous Mzima springs, an oasis
that has no comparison. Here, a subterranean river of
crystal-clear water from Kilimanjaro melting snow gushes out
of the ground. The water is so clear and cool that you watch
teeming tropical fish, hippo and the crocodile eyeball to
eyeball while sitting in the safety of an underwater glass
window observatory. There is also Chyulu Hills beneath which
lies one of the biggest cave system in the world. The
fascinating physical landscape and its proximity to Kenya’s
coast makes Tsavo a popular safari destination. On account
of it’s size this National Park does not have the traffic
experienced in other game sanctuaries. Tsavo accommodates a
huge population of “red Elephant”-red coming from the rich
red earth of the park. Also of great attraction are the
maneless Tsavo lions, descendants from the infamous “Man
Eaters of Tsavo”-lions that wrecked havoc in the work campus
of coolies building the Kenya-Uganda railway at the
beginning of the 20th century. Other animals to be found in
Tsavo include Buffalos, Rhinos, Leopards, Hippos, Zebras,
Giraffes, Primates and Antelopes. MARALAL Maralal is set
amid hills and forest and on most days herds of Thomson's
gazelle, zebra, impala and eland frequent the lodge grounds,
apparently unaware of visitors viewing them from the lodge
verandah. Maralal village nearby has one unpaved street and
is somehow reminiscent of a frontier town. Only 30 kms north
of Maralal.
KAKAMEGA FOREST RESERVE
Kakamega Forest is a superb slab of virgin tropical
rainforest the heart of an intensely cultivated agricultural
area. It is the home to a huge variety of birds and animals
and it is real a must see. Here you will find exotic species
like the rare De Brazza’s monkey, other forest primates
include the red-tailed monkey the colobus and blue monkey.
In the night you will see the hammer-headed fruit bat or a
flying squirrel The biggest attraction to this reserve is
the abundant bird life the best months being June, August
and October when many migrant species arrive. More than 300
species of birds have been recorded, you are most likely to
see black and white casqued horn bill, Ross’s Turaco,
greater Turaco. Wild flowers and butterflies are wonderful
in October. This is an excellent place for walking, trails
are the best way to appreciate the forest and there are
established trails. Places to stay in Kakamega include the
Rondo Retread, which was opened recently to visitors, 3km
from the main road. This is a church group owned place and
they mainly use it for their missionaries in the initial
stages but now it has become popular and it is a wonderful
top end accommodation in self-contained bungalows. The
gardens are very beautiful just the place to go for solitude
away from it all. There are also some bandas operated by KWS
and a campsite at Buyangu or one could hope to stay in town
hotels.
LAKE TURKANA
Size of South Turkana National Reserve: 1,091 sq kms.
Province: Rift Valley. District: Turkana Geographical
Location: North-west Kenya, 100kms north of Kitale. Altitude
of Turkana National Reserve: 900-2,270m. Vegetation: Dense
thorn bush, riverine forest, and scattered forest. Fauna:
Elephant and greater kudu Appropriately called "The Jade
Sea" because of its remarkable colouring in the harsh
surrounding purple and black volcanic rock, this is
undoubtedly the least hospitable, but most interesting of
all of Kenya's lakes. For in the Sibiloi National Park, a
rich fossil region has revealed fascinating clues to the
origins of mankind and his predecessors, dating back almost
three million years. This far north area is surprising in
its wildlife and the lake also supports a large colony of
crocodiles. Central Island is the nesting area of big
colonies of fascinating water birds.
BEACH HOLIDAYS IN KENYA. MOMBASA.
The island if Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest metropolis
and the main sea gate to East Africa. It is adequately
connected to up-country centers by road, rail and an
efficient domestic air service. Mombasa has the harmonious
mixture of the ancient and the modern. The old Town is a
fascinating place of antiquity, characterized by narrow
streets and old-fashioned houses. The 16th century Fort
Jesus, a massive fortification built by the Portuguese, is a
major attraction. The old Dhow Harbour and the Mombasa
Marine Reserve are other places of interest. A wide variety
of social amenities and superb modern accommodation
facilities make Mombasa the most popular holiday destination
for both local and foreign tourists. It is a paradise for
sun and sand lovers Water sports, deep –sea expeditions,
out-door activities and indoor entertainments are available
in abundance. The South Coast resort area, linked by ferry
to Mombasa Island, is very popular on account if its
magnificent white sandy beaches.
MALINDI AND WATAMU
Size: 213 sq kms. Province: Coast District: Kilifi.
Geographical Location: Kenya coast and shoreline,
approximately 30kms long and 5kms wide, including Mida
Creek. South of Malindi and 88kms north of Mombasa.
Altitude: Sea level. Vegetation: Algae, microscopic marine
plants, marine angiosperms, mangroves, palms, and casuarina.
The most popular spot in Malindi Marine National Park, one
of it’s kind in Africa The Park lies about 2kms offshore and
is reachable by glass- bottomed boats. The park abounds with
beautiful and diverse marine life. Other places of interest
include the Vasco da Gama Pillar erected in 1498 as a
navigational aid and the Malindi crocodile Farm and Snake
Park. A short distance north of Malindi at Mamburi is large
saltpans, which produce salt for both domestic and export
markets. However what draws tourists to this small town more
than anything else is the ‘holiday air’ that blows about the
place. The tranquility of the township and the merry
atmosphere facilitates complete relaxation. About 24kms
south of Malindi is Watamu Beach holiday resort with its own
marine National Park established for the preservation of
coral reef resources. The coral reefs here are of exquisite
beauty .A short distances from Watamu are the famous Gedi
ruins, one of the principal historical monuments on the
coast. Near the Gedi ruins is the Kipepo Butterfly Farm
where many species of butterfly are collected for export.
LAMU
The Lamu archipelago is 30 minutes flight from Malindi. Access to Lamu Island is only possible by boat. The town is linked to the mainland and to the three other small islands of Kiwayu, Manda and Kiunga by waterways. Air travelers land at the airstrip on the Manda Island and the proceed by boat to lamu. Lamu is a unique town. It has magnificent old houses and street that are too narrow and winding to accommodate motorized transport. Consequently donkeys are the only mode of transportation! There is a thriving Swahili culture in Lamu that has defied the passage of time and architecture that resists change. You do not need watch here. Nothing happens in a hurry in Lamu! It is one of the most interesting tourist destinations anywhere.
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