Maasai Mara National Reserve

Lion in the Mara

1672sq km of designated wildlife Reserve area. Maasai Mara is located in South-West Kenya on the border with Tanzania. Though migratory, 250,000 Zebra and 1.3 million wildebeests make this park their home. Other fauna in the park include Rhino, Giraffe, Topi, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Jackals, Hyena, Hippo and much more.

Bird life is prolific here and includes some 50 or so birds of prey. Vultures and the like may be seen often hovering above a kill waiting for remnants.

Maasai Mara is the perfect wildlife sanctuary. I am sure that many who have visited this reserve share my opinion. The temperature is never too hot nor too cold. The rolling plains are not covered by too much vegetation so that the animals are never too hard to find.

The Maasai that live within close proximity of the park enjoy a peaceful co-existence with the wildlife.

Migratory Herd of Gnu at the Mara

The greatest animal spectacle in the world - The Great Migration , occurs here. The movement of wildebeest and zebras between the Mara and the Serengeti. More than a million wildebeest and zebra come into the Mara from the Serengeti in July and August, a spectacle not to be missed. This park, which is an extension of Tanzania's Serengeti, has more wildlife than anywhere in East Africa. However, animals are not the only residents in this park, as it is also the home to the nomadic Maasai people, who live and graze their herds on the outskirts of the park. A trip into a Maasai manyatta can be arranged where you can interact with the people and learn about the culture of these nomadic people. The abundance of game means that you are almost guaranteed to catch a glimpse of the Big Five of Africa.

There are many Luxurious lodges in the park due to the large number of visitors. The campsites in and around the park are also many and very well kept.

Maasai Mara is truly a spectacle and a visit to East Africa is not complete without a visit to the world famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli Bull Elephant

Amboseli National Park is at the foot of Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. 280 kilometres from Nairobi, the park provides breathtaking views of wildlife and Mount Kilimanjaro creates the finest photogenic backdrop to a game park. The 320sq km National Park is on the southern border of Kenya.

Much of Amboseli is dry and desert like. In dramatic contrast to the dry areas of Amboseli, there are two swamps both fed by underground streams from the melting snows of Kilimanjaro. Wildlife on the plains of the park are easy to spot. Elephants, buffaloes, lion, gazelle, cheetah, wildebeest, hyenas, jackal, warthog, giraffe, zebras and baboons are all present.

Samburu National Reserve

The Gerenuk

Situated in Northern Kenya, around the Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu Buffalo Springs and Shaba National parks lie in a vast area of semi-desert and desert. They are characterized by open savannah plains that are broken only occasionally by small rugged hills. Samburu is becoming one of the most popular game parks in Kenya after the Mara partly due to its being only 350 kilometers
from Nairobi.

The game park's permanent water supply attracts a numerous number of species that can be found here. Crocodiles are a common site along the rivers, and some of the lodges leave bait to lure in the leopards. It is from these lodges that you are more likely to see a leopard than anywhere else in Kenya. The parks offer excellent bird-watching opportunities for the bird lover.

Aberdare National Park

The black and white colobus monkey

The National Park covers the Aberdare Range of mountains. The high altitude makes the park different to the typical savannah of most Kenyan parks and creates a cool alternative to the traveler. The range consists of beautiful indigenous mountains, bamboo forests and moorland. The forest is rich in wildlife; elephant and rhino, warthogs, bushbuck, waterbuck, buffalo and the giant forest hog are all to be seen. Three species of monkey i.e. Sykes, Vervet and the black and white Colobus are all common.

Treetops and the Ark, two unique lodges, are situated amidst the rich forest on the lower slopes of the park. Here, visitors can enjoy viewing the animals from the comfort of their lodge. The lodges provide one of the few close-ups of wildlife from their ground level viewing areas where visitors literally come face to face with the animals! Treetops became world famous in 1952 when Princess Elizabeth, who was on holiday in Kenya with Prince Phillip, became Queen Elizabeth II on the death of her father, King George VI.

Nakuru National Park

View from The Baboon Cliff of Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru is a soda lake on the basin of the Rift Valley. The lake is within the area designated as National park and contains a wealth of bird life and surprisingly large populations of animals as well. With over 400 species of birds, this park is a bird watcher's paradise. The main attraction to this national park is the large concentration of nearly two million flamingoes that flock seasonally to feed on the blue-green algae. The views within the national park are also spectacular. A magnificent and breathtaking sunset can be seen from the top of the Baboon Cliffs.

A variety of wildlife can be seen in this park, including the zebra, impala, gazelle, lions, leopards, hyenas, rhinos, hippos and buffaloes. A specialty of this park is the White rhino and more than 30 endangered Rothschild giraffes that were introduced to the park.

Tsavo National Park

Hippos in Mzima Springs

Tsavo is the largest national park in Kenya and hosts the world's largest wildlife sanctuary. Due to the sheer size of this park, it has been divided into Tsavo West and Tsavo East, Tsavo West being the more popular of the two because of its diversity of scenery.

Within Tsavo West are the Ngulia Mountains and the Ndawe Escarpments, which are part of the same volcanic movements that created Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley. This volcanic upheaval also created an underground river system forming the famous Mzima Springs, which gushes out several thousand gallons of crystal-clear water each day providing Mombasa with its drinking water supply. Hippos, crocodiles and a variety of fish can be seen in the crystal-clear water from a sunken observation tank built at the springs. The largest concentration of elephants is found in this park. Lions and cheetahs are abundant but are difficult to spot in the high grass.

In contrast, Tsavo East consists of arid flatland, desert and is far less visited than Tsavo West. Many animals have migrated into this part of the park from areas where the vegetation is too dense for them. The Kongoni and zebra now reside here in large numbers.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Grevy Zebra

"Buffalo Springs National Reserve was established on both banks of the Ewaso Ngiro to protect the fine selection of wildlife that rely on the river for their survival.

Leopard is often sighted here as are oryx, elephant and gazelle, plus the more unusual such as reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra and the blue-legged Somali ostrich. Interestingly enough, some common zebra are found at Buffalo Springs, though they do not interbreed with the Grevy's variety.

The Reserve is also home to the kori bustard who stands a metre high. The Kori's behaviour is unpredictable, at times running or crouching at the first sign of danger while sometimes completely fearless of humans. The male puts on a remarkable display at times, inflating his neck and neck feathers until its head seems to disappear then raising his tail until it lies along his back.

Lake Bogoria National Reserve

Bogoria's Flamingoes

Lake Bogoria is situated 60 km north of Nakuru town which is 170 km from Nairobi. The lake is within a protected area known as the Lake Bogoria National reserve.

Bushland and riverine forests with grasslands along the shore make up the vegetation in this reserve. The late Lesslie Brown, a world famous ornithologist wrote of the lake, "I have been there when the spectacle of flamingoes and other birds was of sublime magnificence". This is a haven for flamingoes which congregate in their millions in and around the lake.

There is very little wildlife at Lake Bogoria, but oddly enough, it is a haven for Greater Kudu and sightings of these animals are quite common. One of the greatest attractions of the lake is multitude of pink flamingos and other bird species.

The region around the lake is very hot in the daytime but cools down in the evening. There are 3 campsite facilities around the lake and the huge Acacia trees provide the much needed shade from the Sun.

Bogoria has lots of thermal activity under the lake and this is evident in the many geysers and steam jets that can be seen there.

Longonot National Park

Longonot National Park is a fairly new park, created to preserve the interesting biodiversity around Longonot crater. Mount Longonot is actually the highest of all Rift Valley volcanoes and its crater rim is scarred in many places and typified by deep lava funnels. The name Longonot originates from the Maasai word Oloonong'ot, meaning "mountain of steep ridges". In fact, the entire perimeter of the extinct crater is characterized by deep ridges. Longonot National park is accessible from Nairobi and is only about 45 minutes drive from the city centre. An impressive view of the crater can be seen when driving along the main Nakuru Nairobi Rd.

Weekend hikers often visit this park and trek up and down the slopes of this crater.

Hell's Gate National Park

Fisherman's Tower Hell's Gate

Hell's Gate National Park, lying south of Lake Naivasha, is a popular park for daily excursion from Nairobi. The Park is particularly popular with walkers and campers who can enter without a vehicle and move noiselessly past herds of zebra and gazelle. The park is flanked by imposing cliffs which lead to a narrow canyon containing hot springs and geysers.

Hot Springs Hell's Gate

Hell's Gate is only about an hr's drive from Nairobi and is visited often by people who drive up there from Nairobi and love to have picnics there. Hell's Gate National park not too long ago attracted the attention of US Movie Makers. Parts of the movie "Tomb Raider II" staring Angelina Jolie was shot here.

Lake Victoria

The Lake Victoria

The Source of the river Nile. A question that puzzled many in the west before John Speke, a British explorer found himself on its southern shore in 1858, the question settled itself. At 69,490sq km, Lake Victoria is the largest in Africa and the second largest fresh water lake in the world. There are many islands on the Lake some like Mfangano and Rusinga are now major tourist spots. The lake is fed by many rivers and is drained by the Nile which flows up north thousands of kilometres to reach Egypt where it sustains the population through irrigation.

Because of the luck of any Major game parks around the lake region, not so many tourists visit the area. The lake and the area around it is abundant in birdlife not found in any other part of the country. Such birds include: The Red Headed Quelea, Blue Swallow and Swamp flycatcher.

The Luo community who are a fishing tribe live on the shores of this lake on the Kenya side. They are also to be found on the Ugandan side.

Lake Naivasha

Hippos in Lake Naivasha

The area around this fresh water lake is home to about 300 species of birds.. The lake being of fresh water is unusual in the sense that it has no known outlet as is the norm for any fresh water lake. It is a favorite picnic spot for residents of both Nairobi and Naivasha. Its proximity to Nairobi (Only 100km) is one of the reasons why it is visited by so many people from Nairobi.

Right in the middle of the lake there is the crescent Island where herbivores such as Gnu, Giraffe, Impala, Zebra are present. One can take a boat trip to the island and walk about among these animals before being picked up for a trip back to shore. Not to worry, the island has no known carnivores.

Bird life is abundant on the lake and includes those which feed on the fish in the lake. Such are the Fish eagle, Cormorants, Pelicans, King fishers and more.

Other birds to be seen at Naivasha include: Lovebirds, Spectacled weaver, Red billed fire-finch, Black heron and the Grey backed fiscal.

On the lake itself are Hippo families that spend most of their daytime in the lake and come out at night to feed on the vegetation around the lake.

There are Large flower farms around the lake and most of their produce is intended for export. Grapes are also grown here and the Naivasha white wine is not bad at all with freshly caught fish from the lake.

The largest accommodation facility is the Lake Naivasha Country Club. Other campsites and more private homes around the lake also welcome tourists.

Lake Turkana

Lake Turkana

"The Northern frontier". The lake is situated far north Bordering Ethiopia. The lake is huge, covering an area of 6,405 sq km. At its deepest it achieves a depth of 109 metres.

Due to the remoteness and aridity of its location, not many venture up north to visit the lake. There is a lot to be seen up north. The trip takes one through places virtually untouched by civilization. Culture is rich, the Scenery is breathtaking and keeps your mind away from the heat, dust and wind.

The temperature here is lowest in July and August. The mean daily temp has been recorded at some 29degrees centigrade. Temperature normally fluctuates between 19.9 and 39.9 degrees centigrade on any given day with the nights being coldest.

The lake provides good fishing and the size of Tilapia caught at the lake will impress any keen angler.

The Lake Turkana Region is said to be the cradle of mankind and many prehistoric finds have been made here most by the Leakey Family of Archeologists.

Arawale National Reserve

Arawale National Reserve is 533 sq kms of bush land on the northern banks of the Tana River. The Reserve was created in 1973 in order to offer protection to the rare Hunter's Antelope, sometimes called Hunter's Hartebeest although it is more closely related to Topi than the Hartebeest. The species is only found north of the Tana River as far as the Somali border but in the best of conditions it is far from numerous, and sightings are rare.

Bisinadi National Reserve

Bisinadi National Reserve forms a protective screen to the east of Meru National Park, allowing the latter's wildlife more freedom of movement at the same time restricting human encroachment. The reserve is underdeveloped, roads are virtually non-existent and even access is limited.

Chyulu Hills

Chyulu Hills National Park, which lies alongside Tsavo West National Park to the north-west consists of much of the Chyulu range, some of the world's newest mountain ranges. The most recent volcanic activity occurred hear only 500 years ago. A four wheel drive track leads to the peak at Shaitani from the Chyulu Gate near Kilaguni Lodge and it is simple to walk to a series of spectacular caves on the sides of the volcano.

Central Island National Park

Central Island National Park is designated as the main breeding place of the Nile crocodile. The island is also a breeding ground for many different varieties of water birds, which are plentiful throughout Lake Turkana. The Park is one of the most inaccessible in all of Kenya and very few visitors manage to venture to the island which is relatively barren and unpopulated, with no visitors facilities.

For the keen adventurer, this park's isolation and the scenery one gets on the long drive there is something to write home about. Be prepared for sweltering heat, upwards of 40 degrees Celsius in the day.

Dodori National Reserve

Dodori National Reserve is named after a river which enters the Indian Ocean at Dodori Creek, reputedly a favorite haunt for the dugong. Dodori is also well stocked with topi, probably some of the largest concentrations to be found in Kenya. Lion and elephant are also plentiful. Away from the river, the Reserve is very thick; almost impenetrable bush studded with giant baobabs. Some entry into this tangled jungle is possible from the coastal road which runs from Kiunga to Mkokoni and these accesses lead to numerous small crater-like waterholes almost always frequented by antelope, gazelle and a variety of water birds.

Kamnarok National Reserve

Kamnarok National Reserve extends for about 20 kms along both banks of the Kerio River, over 40 kms north-east of Eldoret in western Kenya.

Kisite National Park

Kisite Marine National Park is a haven for shells and corals which are protected along with the many fish species found within its boundary. In fact, the extensive coral gardens at Kisite attract myriads of brightly coloured coral fish. The Marine Park is excellent for both snorkeling and scuba diving.

Kora National Reserve

Kora National Reserve is one of four Parks and Reserves that forms a protective buffer to the east of Meru National Park, permitting the latter's wildlife the freedom of movement while restricting human interference in the area. Roads are virtually non-existent in the Reserve and access is very difficult.

1,787 sq Kms of wildlife reserve area. It is an area of mostly bush land and acacia. Doum palms may be seen here and there in the park.

Kora was the last home of George Adamson, Known the world over for his lion rehabilitation efforts. Kora is unique in that there are no roads in the park and therefore any visits have to be done in a very able 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Losai National Reserve

Losai National Reserve is a restricted tourism area, having formerly been a habitat for black rhino and elephants. Losai is characterized by rugged terrain; a lava plateau with scattered volcanic plugs covered with thorn bushes. Its relative isolation and inhospitable terrain make it very difficult to visit, even in a four wheel drive vehicle.

Malindi National Reserve

Malindi Marine National Reserve is a haven for coral reefs and the fish and other species which rely on such reefs for their sustenance. All fishing within the Reserve is prohibited as is the extraction of coral, starfish and shells ensuring protection for all species. The coral gardens in the middle of the Reserve are viewed by skin divers, snorkelers and visitors aboard glass bottom boats This is Malindi's primary attraction.

Malindi also boasts quite an impressive stretch of white sandy beaches.