Destinations
Destinations NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya is situated at an altitude of about 1660 m( 5450 ft). It is Ken...
Destinations
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya is situated at an altitude of about 1660 m( 5450 ft). It is Kenya’s principal economic , administrative , and cultural center and is one of the largest and fastest growing cities in Africa. Points of interest include the Nairobi National Park, a large wildlife preserve on the outskirts of the city; the National museum known for a display on early humans in Africa ; the parliament buildings and the busy municipal market. The 117 km2 Nairobi National Park is unique by being the only protected area in the world with a variety of animals and birds close to a capital city. As expected, the park is a principal attraction for visitors to Nairobi.
The park also serves many residents and citizens living in the city The park has a diversity of environments with characteristic fauna and flora. Open grass plains with scattered acacia bush are predominant. The western side has a highland dry forest and a permanent river with a riverine forest in the south. In addition, there are stretches of broken bush country and deep, rocky valleys and gorges with scrub and long grass. Man-made dams have also added a further habitat, favourable to certain species of birds and other aquatic biota (life forms). The dams also attract water dependent herbivores during the dry season. The park has a rich/diverse birdlife with 400 species recorded. However all species are not always present and some are seasonal. Northern migrants pass through the park primarily during late March through April. Nairobi National Park is one of the most successful of Kenya’s rhino sanctuaries that is already generating a stock for reintroduction in the species former range and other upcoming sanctuaries. Due to this success, it is one of the few parks where a visitor can be certain of seeing a black rhino in its natural habitat. To the south of the park is the Athi-Kapiti Plains and Kitengela Migration and dispersal area. These are vital areas for herbivores dispersal during the rains and concentrate in the park in the dry season.
Attractions
Access
Roads: Located only about 7 km from the city centre, the park is easily accessible on tarmac roads, mainly through Langata Road.
Accommodation
There are no accommodation facilities in the park. But a wide range of well developed accommodation facilities are available in the city. Further, there is also the Masai Safari Lodge near the park.
TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK
Tsavo West National Park covers 7065 km2, approximately 30% of Kenya’s area under parks, and contains a diversity of habitats, wildlife and a mountainous scenic landscape. The park is a vast expanse of savanna stretching from Mtito Andei, along the Mombasa-Nairobi road and south to the Tanzanian border. The North Eastern boundary along the Highway adjoins Tsavo East National Park, but Tsavo West has a more varied topography and a more diverse array of habitats than its neighbour.
The park’s habitats include open plains alternating with Savannah bush and semi desert scrub, acacia woodlands; rocky ridges and outcrops and more extensive ranges and isolated hills; belts of riverine vegetation; palm thickets and on the Chyulu hills, mountain forest. There are numerous rocky outcrops and ridges and part of the park, towards the Chyulu Hills, is of recent volcanic origin with lava flows and ash cones including the Shetani lava flow, an example of a recent volacano.
In the far south western corner on the Kenya Tanzania border is Lake Jipe, part of which is in the park. This very attractive lake is fed by runoff from Mt. Kilimanjaro and the North Pare mountains. At Mzima Springs, in the North of the park, water that has filtered underground from the Chyulu Hills gushes from below a lava ridge into a series of clear pools.
Climate
South Eastern Kenya, inland from Mombasa, and the altitude ranges between 200 – 1000m. Temperature ranges from 20 – 30o C and rainfall from 200mm – 700mm. Two ran seasons: Long rains – March/April & Short rains – Nov/December.
Access
Roads: The main access routes are through Chyulu Gate from Amboseli and Mtito Andei Gate from Nairobi (240 km) and Mombasa. Visitors from Mombasa also use Tsavo Gate near Manyani. The park can also be reached via Taveta-Voi road through Maktau, Ziwani and Jipe gates.
Attractions
Recent volcanoes, lava flows and caves with potential for geological and cave exploration, and hiking. Mzima Springs & underwater hippo watching, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Jipe, Mt. Kilimanjaro, elephant, rhino, diverse bird and plant species. And if lucky – Wild dogs.
Accomodation
Tsavo West National Park Lodges: Ngulia Lodge; Kilaguni Serena Lodge; Severin Safari Camp/Lodge; Finch Hattons.
Activities
Tsavo West National Park Visitor Activities:
THE ABERDARES NATIONAL PARK
The Aberdare National park consists of high alpine moorland and primaeval forest. Rarely visited beyond the lower salient, most visitors stay at the two tree hotels ,The Ark and Treetops that made history when queen Elizabeth of England was welcomed as a princess , and the following morning left the lodge as Queen. Both are situated in the forest glades and overlooking water holes . Salt deposits lure the animals out from the forest and at dusk flooghlights are switched on so that guests can view in comfort through the night . Many species pass through with some sightings of the elusive leopard and the rare bongo antelope. Each forest lodge is served by its base hotel ,the Outspan and Aberdare country club.Both are delightful country hotels with facilities and outdoor activities.
The Aberdares are an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern wall of the rift valley, running roughly 100km north south between Nairobi and Thomsons Falls. Soils are red and of volcanic origin, but rich in organic matter. There are two main peaks, Ol Donyo Lesatima (3,999m) and Kinangop (3,906m) separated by a long saddle of alpine moorland at over 3,000m. The topography is diverse with deep ravines that cut through the forested eastern and western slopes and there are many clear streams and waterfalls. The Aberdares are an important water catchment area providing water to the Tana and Athi rivers and part of Central Rift and Northern drainage basins. The Aberdare National Park lies mainly above the tree line running along the 10,000ft contour with some forest and scrub at lower altitude in the ‘salient’ area near Nyeri with the boundary running down to the 7000ft contour The unusual vegetation, rugged terrain, streams and waterfalls combine to create an area of great scenic beauty in the National Park.
Geography
Central highlands, west of Mount Kenya; Nyeri District; Central Province; 766km2.
Climate
Mist and rain occur throughout much of the year, with precipitation varying from around 1000mm yearly on the north western slopes to as much as 3000mm in the south east. Heavy rainfall occurs through most of the year.
Access
Roads: Aberdare National Park is readily accessible on tarmac from Nyeri and Naro Moru on the eastern side (160 kms from Nairobi). A road crosses the park to connect with another from Naivasha and North Kinangop on the west. The main towns from which the park can be approached are Nyeri (154 km from Nairobi) Nyahururu (188 km from Nairobi) and Naivasha (87 km from Nairobi). The park has 60km and 396km of primary and secondary roads respectively. The salient has an adequate road network. The central Aberdares is hardly accessible during the wet season and there are few motorable roads in Northern Aberdares which is also cut off from the central Aberdares. Most of the current road network is not accessible during the wet season. Aberdare National Park Airstrips: Mweiga Airstrip, next to the park headquarters or Nyeri Airstrip which is 12 km from Mweiga headquarters.
Attractions
Accomodation
Aberdare National Park Lodges: The Ark Lodge & Treetops Lodge Aberdare National Park Bandas: Fishing Lodge; Ruhuruini (Tusk Camp); Sapper Hut; KWS Hut at Treetops & KWS HQ Bungalow.
Activities
SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE:
Located in the homeland of the nomadic and colorful Samburu people, this semi-arid region is a popular stop for game watchers. Home to unique local species of giraffe and zebra, the reserve is also famous for leopard, river game, including crocodiles and hippos as well as the usual plains wildlife.The reserve offers scenic panoramic views of the vast rugged, landscape for which Africa is famous.
SHABA NATIONAL RESERVE
Established in 1968 at Isiolo and Neighbouring Samburu Reserve, Shaba is smaller with a greater occurrence of riverine forests with acacia trees, doum palms and a dramatic landscape. Although Shaba is greener than Samburu, it offers a lower frequency of game spotting than Samburu of species such as giraffes, zebras and plains game.
SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL RESERVE
A scenic park located just inland from the coast, South of Mombasa. The closeness of this park to the beaches of Mombasa makes it an ideal excursion for beach holiday makers who can experience the excitement of a Kenya Safari. The wildlife includes Elephant, Waterbuck, Antelope and Warthog. The big cats and other plains game can be spotted here.Vegetation ranges from savannah to coastal rain forest.
SIBILOI NATIONAL PARK
Sibiloi Park is located on the north eastern side of Lake Turkana and is close to the Ethiopian border. The park, one of the most remote and managed by Kenya Wildlife Service, is within an arid region on the eastern shores of Lake Turkana. The central island has a crocodile population of over 12,000 and is commonly refered to as having the largest crocodile population in the world. It also hosts hippos. The area is known to be one of the places in the world to have unlocked man’s early origins.
OL DONYO SABUK NATIONAL PARK
The name of this park established in 1967, Ol Donyo, means ‘mountain of the buffalo’. It is situated 85km north of Nairobi and has an excellent and clear view of Nairobi and other lowlands. Wildlife species that can be spotted here include buffalo, colobus monkeys, baboons, bushbuck, impala and dukier. The area also boasts of abudant birdlife.
Saiwa Swamp National ParkThis is a small park on the northern side of Kitale Town, home to the ‘sitatunga’ antelope. During recent years, there has been a depletion of the parks exotic and hardwood trees. But now, the locals are becoming more involved in the protection of the park, which has now begun to florish again. Wildife species to be found here include the blue, vervet and de brazza’s monkeys, black and white colobus, crowned crane and over 370 species of birds.
MT. KENYA NATIONAL PARK
Mt. Kenya is an imposing extinct volcano dominating the landscape of the Kenyan Highlands, East of the Rift Valley. Mt. Kenya lies about 140 km North, North-East of Nairobi with its Northern flanks across the Equator. The mountain has two main peaks – Batian (5200m) and Nelion (5188m). The mountains slopes are cloaked in forest, bamboo, scrub and moorland giving way on the high central peaks to rock, ice and snow. Mt. Kenya is an important water catchment area, supplying the Tana and Northern Ewaso Ngiro systems.
The Mount Kenya National Park includes a variety of habitats ranging from higher forest, bamboo, alpine moorlands, glaciers, tarns and glacial morains. The park, which was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997 and is also a Biosphere Reserve, covers 715 km2, and includes the Peaks consisting of all the ground above 3200m with two small salients extending lower down to 2450m along the Sirimon and Naro Moru tracks. Surrounding the park is Mount Kenya National Reserve with an area of approximately 2095 km2.
Climate
Climate, flora and fauna on Mt. Kenya varies with altitude. This varies with altitude and rainfall, and there is a rich alpine and sub-alpine flora. Between 1200m and 1850m, the vegetation is mainly dry upland forest comprising of Croton associations. Juniperus procera and Podocarpus spp. are predominant in the drier parts of the lower zone (below 2,500m), with rainfall between 875 and 1400mm (Naro Moru and Sirimon tracks on the western slopes). In wetter areas (over 2200mm/year) in the south-west and north-east, Cassipourea malosana predominates. Higher altitudes (2,500-3,000m with rainfall over 2000mm/year) are dominated by a dense belt of bamboo Arundinaria alpina on south-eastern slopes, and a mosaic of bamboo and Podocarpus milanjianus with bamboo at intermediate elevations (2,600-2,800m), and Podocarpus at higher and lower elevations (2,800-3,000m) and (2,500-2,600m).
Towards the west and north of the mountain, bamboo becomes progressively smaller and less dominant. There are also areas in zones of maximum rainfall 2,000-3,500m with up to 2,400mm/year, where Hagenia abyssinica with Hagenia revolutum predominate. Above 3,000m, cold (low temperatures) become a more important factor, tree stature declines, and Podocarpus is replaced by Hypericum spp. A more open canopy here results in a more developed understorey. Many of the trees are festooned with mosses. Grassy glades are common especially on ridges. High altitude heath between 3,000m and 3,500m is characterised by shrubs with small leaves like African sage, Protea and Helicrysum. The lower alpine or moorland zone (3,400-3,800m) is characterized by high rainfall, a thick humus layer, low topographic diversity, and low species richness. Tussock grasses Festuca pilgeri, and sedges Carex spp. predominate. Between the tussocks there are Alchemilla cyclophylla, Alchemilla johnstonii, and Geranium vagans. Above the 3500m contour is the Afro-alpine zone, a moorland characterised by tussock grasses, senecios and lobelias.
The upper alpinezone (3,800-4,500m) is more topographically diverse, and contains a more varied flora. Many of the species here are bizarre, especially the giant rosette plants Lobelia telekii and Lobelia keniensis, Senecio keniodendron and Carduus spp.. Senecio brassica is found in both the lower and upper alpine zone. There are a variety of grasses on well-drained ground and along the streams and river banks such as megaphytic Senecio battescombei and Helichrysum kilimanjari. Continuous vegetation stops at about 4,500m although isolated vascular plants have been found at over 5,000m. There are 13 species endemic to Mount Kenya listed in Hedberg, (1951).
Access
Access Roads: 175 kms from Nairobi, the park can be reached on Nanyuki-Isiolo road via Sirimon Track or Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru. The park is also reachable via Chogoria on the Embu – Meru road, about 150km north of Nairobi.
Attractions
Accomodation
Activities
Mountain climbing, game viewing and sightseeing.
THE MAASAI MARA
With a total area of 368 sq. km , the Maasai Mara is one of East Africa’s best known game viewing areas.It lies on the border of Kenya and Tanzania and is the northern extension to the renowned Serengeti plain; a land of undulating hills and rolling grasslands supporting a huge animal population ; When a casual visitor is treated to the sight of Lions in prides, sometimes numbering as many as thirty beasts with a handsome black manned male in dominance. A cheetah roaming the plains to run down its prey or a Leopard with its kill in the lower branches of a sausage tree. In the river Mara, there are hundreds of Hippo’s and some crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks. Elephants , Cape Buffalo, Girraffe, Gazelles, Topi Antelope and during the months of July to September ,over a million wildebeest and more than two hundred thousand Zebra with their attendant predators cross the Mara River from the Serengeti National Park in a seemingly endless procession.
Geography
The Masai Mara lies in the Great Rift Valley, which is a fault line some 3,500 miles (5,600km) long, from Ethiopia’s Red Sea through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and into Mozambique. Here the valley is wide and a towering escarpment can be seen in the hazy distance. Most of the game viewing activities occur on the valley floor, but some lodges conduct walking tours outside the park boundaries in the hills of the Oloololo Escarpment. The animals are also at liberty to move outside the park into huge areas known as ‘dispersal areas’. There can be as much wildlife roaming outside the park as inside. Many Masai villages are located in the ‘dispersal areas’ and they have, over centuries, developed a synergetic relationship with the wildlife. There are four main types of topography in the Mara: Ngama Hills to the east with sandy soil and leafy bushes liked by black rhino; Oloololo Escarpment forming the western boundary and rising to a magnificent plateau; Mara Triangle bordering the Mara River with lush grassland and acacia woodlands supporting masses of game especially migrating wildebeest; Central Plains forming the largest part of the reserve, with scattered bushes and boulders on rolling grasslands favoured by the plains game.
Wildlife
In a short stay during the wildebeest migration you could see thousands of animals, at other times there are still hundreds. The plains are full of wildebeest, zebra, impala, topi, giraffe, Thomson’s gazelle. Also regularly seen are leopards, lions, hyenas, cheetah, jackal and bat-eared foxes. Black rhino are a little shy and hard to spot but are often seen at a distance. Hippos are abundant in the Mara River as are very large Nile crocodiles, who lay in wait for a meal as the wildebeest cross on their annual quest to find new pastures. Every July (or sometimes August), the wildebeest travel over 600 miles (960km) from Tanzania’s Serengeti plains, northwards to the Masai Mara and the Mara River is the final obstacle. In October or November, once they have feasted and the grass has all but gone, they turn around and go back the other way. The Mara birds come in every size and colour including common but beautiful ones like the lilac breasted roller and plenty of large species like eagles, vultures and storks. There are 53 different birds of prey.
Climate
Altitude is 4,875-7,052 feet (1,500-2,170 metres) above sea level, which yields a climate somewhat milder and damper than other regions. The daytime rarely exceeds 85°F (30°C) during the day and hardly ever drops below 60°F (15°C) at night.
Access
Activities
Accommodation
Masai Mara Lodges & Tented Camps: Masai Mara has a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury lodges and private camps to budget camps. Lodges available include: Mara Serena Lodge, Keekorok Lodge, Mara Simba Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge, Sarova Mara Tented Camp, Governors Camp/s, Kichwa Tembo Camp, Mara Intrepids, Mara Safari Club, Fig Tree Camp, Ilkeliani Camp, Sekenani Camp, Mpata Safari Club amongst many others.
Amboseli National Park
Famous for the stunning scenery, with the 19,450 feet Mount Kilimanjaro dominating the view, this park, located on the Kenya -Tanzania border, is also known for its wildlife, especially the prolific elephant herds. The vegetation is varied but dominated by savannah which allows for viewing of the plains game, ranging from lions, leopards and giraffe.
Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Recently announced as a new location for flamingoes, Lake Bogoria National Reserve is one of the little visited parks in Kenya. Its attractions include its vast bird population (over 1.0 million) in addition to hot springs & geysers. The park is surrounded by superb landscapes and is also home to a large number of wildlife species such as the greater kudu, thompsons gazelle, zebra and warthog. Leopards have been reportedly sighted here
Chyulu Hills National Park
This park is joined to the north western part of Tsavo West National Park. Here there is a beautiful rolling ridge of volcano dating back four to five centuries and mountains which are great for cave exploration and trekking. The park is also home to the worlds longest lava tube and to a variety of animal life including giraffes, elephants, lions, monkeys, buffalo and crocodiles at Umanyi Springs. It also hosts a rich variety of birdlife.
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Located on the slopes of Mount Elgon (4300m), Mount Elgon National Park is an area of unspoiled mountain forest with a wide variety of game from the elephant, buffalo and colobus monkey to the giant forest hog, water buck and leopard. The area is also an ornithologists haven owing to the over 240 bird species to be located there. Other areas of interest include the four explorable caves (Ngwarisha, Makinyen, Kitum and Chepnyalil). Kitum extends 656ft into the mountain.
HELLS GATE NATIONAL PARK
Surrounded by looming cliffs, the Hells Gate National Park is home to a wide variety of birds & animal species and is one of only 3 parks in Kenya where walking is allowed. Within the park you can see the zebra, thompsons gazelle, baboon and even at times the cheetah and leopard. The park, home to more than 300 bird species is an ideal for an exciting and adventurous foot safari.
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
One of the most scenic parks in East Africa, this bird and rhino sanctuary is home to a wide range of animals including lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck and rhino, the only notable exception being the elephant. The park is also a bird watcher’s paradise, with 400 known species having being spotted here.Vegetation ranges from savannah to various indigenous forests. A world heritage site, Lake Nakuru is most famous for its million-plus grand pink flamingo population.
MALINDI & WATAMU MARINE NATIONAL PARKS
This two parks are located in an area established in 1979 and declared a “biosphere” : one of the four biospheres in Kenya. Located 199km from Mombasa city and on the Malindi-Watamu coastline, the parks have hundreads of fish species including huge groupers and rock cod with other varieties not yet identified. In Watamu Marine Park there is a coral reef that lies about 2km offshore. To get here you may hire a glass bottomed boat which allows you to see part of the reef. The parks have numerous categories of fauna and flora and three main types of coral.
MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK
Marsabit National Park and Reserve is situated south of Nairobi and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species such as the lion, leopard, big tusk elephants, cheetah, rhino, buffalo and other game species.It was also home to the famous Ahmed – a big tusker and his replacement Mohammed whose tusks were estimated to weigh 45kg each. The area is wild and dense owing to the thick forest cover and has two idylically beautiful crater lakes. This park is strictly for adventurous tourists.
MERU NATIONAL PARK
Lying North East of Mount Kenya, this park is known for its remote location and is therefore less frequented by tourists. Although generally semi-arid, several streams flowing off the mountain have led to the proliferation of rich forests and marshes which sustain the usual wildlife in addition to several species best spotted here, such as the Gerenuk and Lesser Kudu.
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya is situated at an altitude of about 1660 m( 5450 ft). It is Kenya’s principal economic , administrative , and cultural center and is one of the largest and fastest growing cities in Africa. Points of interest include the Nairobi National Park, a large wildlife preserve on the outskirts of the city; the National museum known for a display on early humans in Africa ; the parliament buildings and the busy municipal market. The 117 km2 Nairobi National Park is unique by being the only protected area in the world with a variety of animals and birds close to a capital city. As expected, the park is a principal attraction for visitors to Nairobi.
The park also serves many residents and citizens living in the city The park has a diversity of environments with characteristic fauna and flora. Open grass plains with scattered acacia bush are predominant. The western side has a highland dry forest and a permanent river with a riverine forest in the south. In addition, there are stretches of broken bush country and deep, rocky valleys and gorges with scrub and long grass. Man-made dams have also added a further habitat, favourable to certain species of birds and other aquatic biota (life forms). The dams also attract water dependent herbivores during the dry season. The park has a rich/diverse birdlife with 400 species recorded. However all species are not always present and some are seasonal. Northern migrants pass through the park primarily during late March through April. Nairobi National Park is one of the most successful of Kenya’s rhino sanctuaries that is already generating a stock for reintroduction in the species former range and other upcoming sanctuaries. Due to this success, it is one of the few parks where a visitor can be certain of seeing a black rhino in its natural habitat. To the south of the park is the Athi-Kapiti Plains and Kitengela Migration and dispersal area. These are vital areas for herbivores dispersal during the rains and concentrate in the park in the dry season.
Attractions
- Annual wildebeest and zebra migration in July/August
- Black rhinoceros
- Diverse birdlife
- Large predators- lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah.
- Aggregations of large herbivores- eland, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest
- Ivory Burning Site Monument
- Walking trails at hippo pools
- Nairobi Safari Walk & the Orphanage.
- Spacious accommodating picnic sites
Access
Roads: Located only about 7 km from the city centre, the park is easily accessible on tarmac roads, mainly through Langata Road.
- Nairobi National ParkRoads: There is an adequate administration and viewing road network with satisfactory signage.
- Nairobi National Park Gates: The park has seven gates, the main gate at KWS headquarters, East Gate, Cheetah Gate, Lang’ata Gate, Maasai Gate: Mbagathi and Banda Gate are service gates and therefore not used by tourists.
Accommodation
There are no accommodation facilities in the park. But a wide range of well developed accommodation facilities are available in the city. Further, there is also the Masai Safari Lodge near the park.
TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK
Tsavo West National Park covers 7065 km2, approximately 30% of Kenya’s area under parks, and contains a diversity of habitats, wildlife and a mountainous scenic landscape. The park is a vast expanse of savanna stretching from Mtito Andei, along the Mombasa-Nairobi road and south to the Tanzanian border. The North Eastern boundary along the Highway adjoins Tsavo East National Park, but Tsavo West has a more varied topography and a more diverse array of habitats than its neighbour.
The park’s habitats include open plains alternating with Savannah bush and semi desert scrub, acacia woodlands; rocky ridges and outcrops and more extensive ranges and isolated hills; belts of riverine vegetation; palm thickets and on the Chyulu hills, mountain forest. There are numerous rocky outcrops and ridges and part of the park, towards the Chyulu Hills, is of recent volcanic origin with lava flows and ash cones including the Shetani lava flow, an example of a recent volacano.
In the far south western corner on the Kenya Tanzania border is Lake Jipe, part of which is in the park. This very attractive lake is fed by runoff from Mt. Kilimanjaro and the North Pare mountains. At Mzima Springs, in the North of the park, water that has filtered underground from the Chyulu Hills gushes from below a lava ridge into a series of clear pools.
Climate
South Eastern Kenya, inland from Mombasa, and the altitude ranges between 200 – 1000m. Temperature ranges from 20 – 30o C and rainfall from 200mm – 700mm. Two ran seasons: Long rains – March/April & Short rains – Nov/December.
Access
Roads: The main access routes are through Chyulu Gate from Amboseli and Mtito Andei Gate from Nairobi (240 km) and Mombasa. Visitors from Mombasa also use Tsavo Gate near Manyani. The park can also be reached via Taveta-Voi road through Maktau, Ziwani and Jipe gates.
- Airstrips: Kamboyo, Kilaguni, Tsavo Gate, Jipe, Kasigau, Finch Hottons, Ziwani and Maktau airstrips are in good condition.
Attractions
Recent volcanoes, lava flows and caves with potential for geological and cave exploration, and hiking. Mzima Springs & underwater hippo watching, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Jipe, Mt. Kilimanjaro, elephant, rhino, diverse bird and plant species. And if lucky – Wild dogs.
Accomodation
Tsavo West National Park Lodges: Ngulia Lodge; Kilaguni Serena Lodge; Severin Safari Camp/Lodge; Finch Hattons.
- Tsavo West National Park Campsites: Lake Jipe (public); Kamboya (public); Royal Little (special); Simba (special); Kenge (special); Kudu (special).
- Tsavo West National Park Other Campsites: Kamboyo guesthouse; Tsavo West Information Visitor Centre.
- Tsavo West National Park Bandas: Lake Jipe Bandas, Kitani Bandas and Ngulia Bandas.
- Tsavo West National Park Picnic Sites: Poachers look out; Chaimu Crater; Shetani Lava Flow; Roaring Rocks; Mzima Springs; Visitor Information Centre Picnic Site.
Activities
Tsavo West National Park Visitor Activities:
- Boat excursion at lake Jipe
- Bird watching at lake Jipe
- Annual bird ringing at Ngulia lodge
- Hill and rock climbing at Chaimu and Ngulia Hills.
THE ABERDARES NATIONAL PARK
The Aberdare National park consists of high alpine moorland and primaeval forest. Rarely visited beyond the lower salient, most visitors stay at the two tree hotels ,The Ark and Treetops that made history when queen Elizabeth of England was welcomed as a princess , and the following morning left the lodge as Queen. Both are situated in the forest glades and overlooking water holes . Salt deposits lure the animals out from the forest and at dusk flooghlights are switched on so that guests can view in comfort through the night . Many species pass through with some sightings of the elusive leopard and the rare bongo antelope. Each forest lodge is served by its base hotel ,the Outspan and Aberdare country club.Both are delightful country hotels with facilities and outdoor activities.
The Aberdares are an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern wall of the rift valley, running roughly 100km north south between Nairobi and Thomsons Falls. Soils are red and of volcanic origin, but rich in organic matter. There are two main peaks, Ol Donyo Lesatima (3,999m) and Kinangop (3,906m) separated by a long saddle of alpine moorland at over 3,000m. The topography is diverse with deep ravines that cut through the forested eastern and western slopes and there are many clear streams and waterfalls. The Aberdares are an important water catchment area providing water to the Tana and Athi rivers and part of Central Rift and Northern drainage basins. The Aberdare National Park lies mainly above the tree line running along the 10,000ft contour with some forest and scrub at lower altitude in the ‘salient’ area near Nyeri with the boundary running down to the 7000ft contour The unusual vegetation, rugged terrain, streams and waterfalls combine to create an area of great scenic beauty in the National Park.
Geography
Central highlands, west of Mount Kenya; Nyeri District; Central Province; 766km2.
Climate
Mist and rain occur throughout much of the year, with precipitation varying from around 1000mm yearly on the north western slopes to as much as 3000mm in the south east. Heavy rainfall occurs through most of the year.
Access
Roads: Aberdare National Park is readily accessible on tarmac from Nyeri and Naro Moru on the eastern side (160 kms from Nairobi). A road crosses the park to connect with another from Naivasha and North Kinangop on the west. The main towns from which the park can be approached are Nyeri (154 km from Nairobi) Nyahururu (188 km from Nairobi) and Naivasha (87 km from Nairobi). The park has 60km and 396km of primary and secondary roads respectively. The salient has an adequate road network. The central Aberdares is hardly accessible during the wet season and there are few motorable roads in Northern Aberdares which is also cut off from the central Aberdares. Most of the current road network is not accessible during the wet season. Aberdare National Park Airstrips: Mweiga Airstrip, next to the park headquarters or Nyeri Airstrip which is 12 km from Mweiga headquarters.
Attractions
- Lesatima peak
- Kinangop peak
- waterfalls
- walks in the moorlands
- Twin hills
- Elephant hills and Table mountains
- Second largest population of black rhinos in Salient and Northern Aberdares
- Queen Elizabeth learned of her accession to the throne at Tree-tops
- The Kimathi Hideout
- Night viewing of wildlife at the Ark & Treetops.
Accomodation
Aberdare National Park Lodges: The Ark Lodge & Treetops Lodge Aberdare National Park Bandas: Fishing Lodge; Ruhuruini (Tusk Camp); Sapper Hut; KWS Hut at Treetops & KWS HQ Bungalow.
Activities
- Wildlife viewing
- Sight seeing
SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE:
Located in the homeland of the nomadic and colorful Samburu people, this semi-arid region is a popular stop for game watchers. Home to unique local species of giraffe and zebra, the reserve is also famous for leopard, river game, including crocodiles and hippos as well as the usual plains wildlife.The reserve offers scenic panoramic views of the vast rugged, landscape for which Africa is famous.
SHABA NATIONAL RESERVE
Established in 1968 at Isiolo and Neighbouring Samburu Reserve, Shaba is smaller with a greater occurrence of riverine forests with acacia trees, doum palms and a dramatic landscape. Although Shaba is greener than Samburu, it offers a lower frequency of game spotting than Samburu of species such as giraffes, zebras and plains game.
SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL RESERVE
A scenic park located just inland from the coast, South of Mombasa. The closeness of this park to the beaches of Mombasa makes it an ideal excursion for beach holiday makers who can experience the excitement of a Kenya Safari. The wildlife includes Elephant, Waterbuck, Antelope and Warthog. The big cats and other plains game can be spotted here.Vegetation ranges from savannah to coastal rain forest.
SIBILOI NATIONAL PARK
Sibiloi Park is located on the north eastern side of Lake Turkana and is close to the Ethiopian border. The park, one of the most remote and managed by Kenya Wildlife Service, is within an arid region on the eastern shores of Lake Turkana. The central island has a crocodile population of over 12,000 and is commonly refered to as having the largest crocodile population in the world. It also hosts hippos. The area is known to be one of the places in the world to have unlocked man’s early origins.
OL DONYO SABUK NATIONAL PARK
The name of this park established in 1967, Ol Donyo, means ‘mountain of the buffalo’. It is situated 85km north of Nairobi and has an excellent and clear view of Nairobi and other lowlands. Wildlife species that can be spotted here include buffalo, colobus monkeys, baboons, bushbuck, impala and dukier. The area also boasts of abudant birdlife.
Saiwa Swamp National ParkThis is a small park on the northern side of Kitale Town, home to the ‘sitatunga’ antelope. During recent years, there has been a depletion of the parks exotic and hardwood trees. But now, the locals are becoming more involved in the protection of the park, which has now begun to florish again. Wildife species to be found here include the blue, vervet and de brazza’s monkeys, black and white colobus, crowned crane and over 370 species of birds.
MT. KENYA NATIONAL PARK
Mt. Kenya is an imposing extinct volcano dominating the landscape of the Kenyan Highlands, East of the Rift Valley. Mt. Kenya lies about 140 km North, North-East of Nairobi with its Northern flanks across the Equator. The mountain has two main peaks – Batian (5200m) and Nelion (5188m). The mountains slopes are cloaked in forest, bamboo, scrub and moorland giving way on the high central peaks to rock, ice and snow. Mt. Kenya is an important water catchment area, supplying the Tana and Northern Ewaso Ngiro systems.
The Mount Kenya National Park includes a variety of habitats ranging from higher forest, bamboo, alpine moorlands, glaciers, tarns and glacial morains. The park, which was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997 and is also a Biosphere Reserve, covers 715 km2, and includes the Peaks consisting of all the ground above 3200m with two small salients extending lower down to 2450m along the Sirimon and Naro Moru tracks. Surrounding the park is Mount Kenya National Reserve with an area of approximately 2095 km2.
Climate
Climate, flora and fauna on Mt. Kenya varies with altitude. This varies with altitude and rainfall, and there is a rich alpine and sub-alpine flora. Between 1200m and 1850m, the vegetation is mainly dry upland forest comprising of Croton associations. Juniperus procera and Podocarpus spp. are predominant in the drier parts of the lower zone (below 2,500m), with rainfall between 875 and 1400mm (Naro Moru and Sirimon tracks on the western slopes). In wetter areas (over 2200mm/year) in the south-west and north-east, Cassipourea malosana predominates. Higher altitudes (2,500-3,000m with rainfall over 2000mm/year) are dominated by a dense belt of bamboo Arundinaria alpina on south-eastern slopes, and a mosaic of bamboo and Podocarpus milanjianus with bamboo at intermediate elevations (2,600-2,800m), and Podocarpus at higher and lower elevations (2,800-3,000m) and (2,500-2,600m).
Towards the west and north of the mountain, bamboo becomes progressively smaller and less dominant. There are also areas in zones of maximum rainfall 2,000-3,500m with up to 2,400mm/year, where Hagenia abyssinica with Hagenia revolutum predominate. Above 3,000m, cold (low temperatures) become a more important factor, tree stature declines, and Podocarpus is replaced by Hypericum spp. A more open canopy here results in a more developed understorey. Many of the trees are festooned with mosses. Grassy glades are common especially on ridges. High altitude heath between 3,000m and 3,500m is characterised by shrubs with small leaves like African sage, Protea and Helicrysum. The lower alpine or moorland zone (3,400-3,800m) is characterized by high rainfall, a thick humus layer, low topographic diversity, and low species richness. Tussock grasses Festuca pilgeri, and sedges Carex spp. predominate. Between the tussocks there are Alchemilla cyclophylla, Alchemilla johnstonii, and Geranium vagans. Above the 3500m contour is the Afro-alpine zone, a moorland characterised by tussock grasses, senecios and lobelias.
The upper alpinezone (3,800-4,500m) is more topographically diverse, and contains a more varied flora. Many of the species here are bizarre, especially the giant rosette plants Lobelia telekii and Lobelia keniensis, Senecio keniodendron and Carduus spp.. Senecio brassica is found in both the lower and upper alpine zone. There are a variety of grasses on well-drained ground and along the streams and river banks such as megaphytic Senecio battescombei and Helichrysum kilimanjari. Continuous vegetation stops at about 4,500m although isolated vascular plants have been found at over 5,000m. There are 13 species endemic to Mount Kenya listed in Hedberg, (1951).
Access
Access Roads: 175 kms from Nairobi, the park can be reached on Nanyuki-Isiolo road via Sirimon Track or Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru. The park is also reachable via Chogoria on the Embu – Meru road, about 150km north of Nairobi.
- Airstrips: The closest commercial airstrip to the park is at Nanyuki.
Attractions
- Pristine wilderness
- lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty
- geological variety
- forest
- mineral springs
- rare and endangered species of animals
- High altitude adapted plains game
- Unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants.
Accomodation
- Huts: Liki North Hut; Minto’s Hut; Austrian Hut; Mackinders Hut (managed by Naro Moru Lodge); Judmare Hut; Shiptons Hut (managed by Mountain Rock Hotel).
- Bandas: Sirimon Bandas & Batian Guest House.
- Mount Kenya National Park Lodges: Mountain Lodge (Serena Hotels) & Rutundu Fishes Lodge
Activities
Mountain climbing, game viewing and sightseeing.
THE MAASAI MARA
With a total area of 368 sq. km , the Maasai Mara is one of East Africa’s best known game viewing areas.It lies on the border of Kenya and Tanzania and is the northern extension to the renowned Serengeti plain; a land of undulating hills and rolling grasslands supporting a huge animal population ; When a casual visitor is treated to the sight of Lions in prides, sometimes numbering as many as thirty beasts with a handsome black manned male in dominance. A cheetah roaming the plains to run down its prey or a Leopard with its kill in the lower branches of a sausage tree. In the river Mara, there are hundreds of Hippo’s and some crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks. Elephants , Cape Buffalo, Girraffe, Gazelles, Topi Antelope and during the months of July to September ,over a million wildebeest and more than two hundred thousand Zebra with their attendant predators cross the Mara River from the Serengeti National Park in a seemingly endless procession.
Geography
The Masai Mara lies in the Great Rift Valley, which is a fault line some 3,500 miles (5,600km) long, from Ethiopia’s Red Sea through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and into Mozambique. Here the valley is wide and a towering escarpment can be seen in the hazy distance. Most of the game viewing activities occur on the valley floor, but some lodges conduct walking tours outside the park boundaries in the hills of the Oloololo Escarpment. The animals are also at liberty to move outside the park into huge areas known as ‘dispersal areas’. There can be as much wildlife roaming outside the park as inside. Many Masai villages are located in the ‘dispersal areas’ and they have, over centuries, developed a synergetic relationship with the wildlife. There are four main types of topography in the Mara: Ngama Hills to the east with sandy soil and leafy bushes liked by black rhino; Oloololo Escarpment forming the western boundary and rising to a magnificent plateau; Mara Triangle bordering the Mara River with lush grassland and acacia woodlands supporting masses of game especially migrating wildebeest; Central Plains forming the largest part of the reserve, with scattered bushes and boulders on rolling grasslands favoured by the plains game.
Wildlife
In a short stay during the wildebeest migration you could see thousands of animals, at other times there are still hundreds. The plains are full of wildebeest, zebra, impala, topi, giraffe, Thomson’s gazelle. Also regularly seen are leopards, lions, hyenas, cheetah, jackal and bat-eared foxes. Black rhino are a little shy and hard to spot but are often seen at a distance. Hippos are abundant in the Mara River as are very large Nile crocodiles, who lay in wait for a meal as the wildebeest cross on their annual quest to find new pastures. Every July (or sometimes August), the wildebeest travel over 600 miles (960km) from Tanzania’s Serengeti plains, northwards to the Masai Mara and the Mara River is the final obstacle. In October or November, once they have feasted and the grass has all but gone, they turn around and go back the other way. The Mara birds come in every size and colour including common but beautiful ones like the lilac breasted roller and plenty of large species like eagles, vultures and storks. There are 53 different birds of prey.
Climate
Altitude is 4,875-7,052 feet (1,500-2,170 metres) above sea level, which yields a climate somewhat milder and damper than other regions. The daytime rarely exceeds 85°F (30°C) during the day and hardly ever drops below 60°F (15°C) at night.
- Rainy Season: It rains in April and May and again in November and this can cause some areas of the Mara to be inaccessible due to the sticky ‘black cotton’ mud.
- Dry Season: July to October is dry and the grass is long and lush after the rains. This is a good time to come and see the huge herds of migratory herbivores.
- Hottest time: The warmest time of year is December and January.
- Coldest Time: June and July are the coldest months.
Access
- Road: It takes approximately 5 hrs by road from Nairobi to reach Masai Mara
- Air: Serviced by local flights (AirKenya, Safarilink & Mombasa Air Services) taking approximately 45 minutes from Nairobi. Charter flights are also available.
Activities
- Wildebeest Migration
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Huge savannahs of golden grasslands
- Big skies
- Rift Valley escarpment
- Lion sightings
- Local Maasai Culture
Accommodation
Masai Mara Lodges & Tented Camps: Masai Mara has a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury lodges and private camps to budget camps. Lodges available include: Mara Serena Lodge, Keekorok Lodge, Mara Simba Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge, Sarova Mara Tented Camp, Governors Camp/s, Kichwa Tembo Camp, Mara Intrepids, Mara Safari Club, Fig Tree Camp, Ilkeliani Camp, Sekenani Camp, Mpata Safari Club amongst many others.
Amboseli National Park
Famous for the stunning scenery, with the 19,450 feet Mount Kilimanjaro dominating the view, this park, located on the Kenya -Tanzania border, is also known for its wildlife, especially the prolific elephant herds. The vegetation is varied but dominated by savannah which allows for viewing of the plains game, ranging from lions, leopards and giraffe.
Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Recently announced as a new location for flamingoes, Lake Bogoria National Reserve is one of the little visited parks in Kenya. Its attractions include its vast bird population (over 1.0 million) in addition to hot springs & geysers. The park is surrounded by superb landscapes and is also home to a large number of wildlife species such as the greater kudu, thompsons gazelle, zebra and warthog. Leopards have been reportedly sighted here
Chyulu Hills National Park
This park is joined to the north western part of Tsavo West National Park. Here there is a beautiful rolling ridge of volcano dating back four to five centuries and mountains which are great for cave exploration and trekking. The park is also home to the worlds longest lava tube and to a variety of animal life including giraffes, elephants, lions, monkeys, buffalo and crocodiles at Umanyi Springs. It also hosts a rich variety of birdlife.
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Located on the slopes of Mount Elgon (4300m), Mount Elgon National Park is an area of unspoiled mountain forest with a wide variety of game from the elephant, buffalo and colobus monkey to the giant forest hog, water buck and leopard. The area is also an ornithologists haven owing to the over 240 bird species to be located there. Other areas of interest include the four explorable caves (Ngwarisha, Makinyen, Kitum and Chepnyalil). Kitum extends 656ft into the mountain.
HELLS GATE NATIONAL PARK
Surrounded by looming cliffs, the Hells Gate National Park is home to a wide variety of birds & animal species and is one of only 3 parks in Kenya where walking is allowed. Within the park you can see the zebra, thompsons gazelle, baboon and even at times the cheetah and leopard. The park, home to more than 300 bird species is an ideal for an exciting and adventurous foot safari.
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
One of the most scenic parks in East Africa, this bird and rhino sanctuary is home to a wide range of animals including lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck and rhino, the only notable exception being the elephant. The park is also a bird watcher’s paradise, with 400 known species having being spotted here.Vegetation ranges from savannah to various indigenous forests. A world heritage site, Lake Nakuru is most famous for its million-plus grand pink flamingo population.
MALINDI & WATAMU MARINE NATIONAL PARKS
This two parks are located in an area established in 1979 and declared a “biosphere” : one of the four biospheres in Kenya. Located 199km from Mombasa city and on the Malindi-Watamu coastline, the parks have hundreads of fish species including huge groupers and rock cod with other varieties not yet identified. In Watamu Marine Park there is a coral reef that lies about 2km offshore. To get here you may hire a glass bottomed boat which allows you to see part of the reef. The parks have numerous categories of fauna and flora and three main types of coral.
MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK
Marsabit National Park and Reserve is situated south of Nairobi and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species such as the lion, leopard, big tusk elephants, cheetah, rhino, buffalo and other game species.It was also home to the famous Ahmed – a big tusker and his replacement Mohammed whose tusks were estimated to weigh 45kg each. The area is wild and dense owing to the thick forest cover and has two idylically beautiful crater lakes. This park is strictly for adventurous tourists.
MERU NATIONAL PARK
Lying North East of Mount Kenya, this park is known for its remote location and is therefore less frequented by tourists. Although generally semi-arid, several streams flowing off the mountain have led to the proliferation of rich forests and marshes which sustain the usual wildlife in addition to several species best spotted here, such as the Gerenuk and Lesser Kudu.
