The magical Kenya presents to her visitors diverse options of wildlife and cultural experiences offered in over 50 protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries. The magnificent diversity of nature, cultures, wildlife, landscapes, and experience all mean endless opportunities.
With so many choices at your disposal, some travelers still find the prospect of planning a safari to Kenya quite uneasy. That’s not how it should be, as we present to you all the options to choose from as you plan your next magical safari to Kenya.
Putting it to simpler terms, the only person you should envy, is one who has yet made it to Kenya. A country so magical, located along the East African coastline on the Indian Ocean.
With the dramatic Great Rift Valley, mountains, Savannah grasslands, and several Lake-lands shut in Kenya, it’s a truly an amazing destination to visit on any African Safari.
Why go on Kenya Safari Tours
Thinking of an African safari, then the ultimate answer is a safari in Kenya. The best wildlife encounters that almost world travelers have had; they have been in Kenya. The country’s tourism has a lot of offers that you can never exhaust in just one safari, however, it would still take you to some few amazing places. Wildlife safaris in Kenya. With 24 national parks and 16 national reserves, there is nothing you can fail to see in Kenya. The lions, the cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, oribis, zebras, giraffes and so many others summing up to over 80 mammal species. The most visited national park in Kenya is Masai Mara national park for the wildebeest migration. Nothing thrills like watching thousands of animals migrating in search of pasture and water. Huge buffaloes appear so small like tiny insects, walking through the brown savannah grasslands and crossing the swampy areas, it’s all an amazing experience. Cultural tours in Kenya. If you have not been to the Masai people, then you don’t know what the African culture is. Have you heard about the most hostile tribes in Africa, ones who killed several whites during the colonial rule era and the construction of the East African railway? They were the Masai people, now very humble and hospitable, it’s probably becoming the best ethnic group to visit. A cultural tour in Kenya takes you through the highlights of the country’s culture, the people’s local way of living, tasting the local cuisines as well as enjoying the traditional performances.
Coast tours. Kenya’s location at the coastline of Indian Ocean has positioned the country on a global scale on world travelers’ bucket lists. Millions of tourists look forward to leisure trips in Mombasa, both locally and internationally. The beautiful white sand beaches, filled with fresh breeze and sounds of huge water waves all just make the stay at Kenya’s coastline stunning. Travelers here can swim, have boat rides with even the speed boats, diving, skating and so many others. City tours in Kenya. Kenya is a developed country with several beautiful cities. However, Nairobi being the capital city of the country, it has overshadowed other cities like Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega, Meru and many others. Most travelers to Kenya simply want to visit Nairobi the most beautiful city in East Africa. Nairobi is an amazing city that brings together modernity, nature as well as history. While in Nairobi, tourists visit Nairobi national park, located just in the center of the country’s capital to view several wildlife species like the elephants, buffaloes, warthogs and so many others. In the city still visit the several museums, malls, monuments and several other beautiful attractions.
Hiking safaris in Kenya. The country has several mountains like Mountain Elgon, mountain Longonot, mountain Satima, mountain Kenya and many others that facilitate marvelous hiking experiences in Kenya. Mountain Kenya is the second highest mountain in East Africa, it attracts countless trekkers to come and conquer East Africa’s second largest mountain. Hiking mountain Elgon to spot Africa’s largest caldera is also easier from the Kenyan side. Still in Kenya, trotters engage in birding, camping safaris, nature walks, business trips and so many others. Don’t hold back, there is no better way to explore Africa than having a safari in Kenya. Book that ticket and fly to the Magical Kenya.
Kenya Safaris to Lake Nakuru National Park
Everyone may think of only Masai Mara, but have you ever imagined that Kenya could also have a very unique and interesting destination that though uncovered, it is recommendable; Lake Naivasha National Park is the place.
Situated outside the town of Naivasha in Nakuru County, lying northwest of Nairobi and part of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is one of the freshwater lakes in Kenya and an Ultimate refreshment point for Kenyans. Its name is derived from the local Masai word Nai’posha, meaning “rough water” because of the sudden storms which can arise.
This lake seats at the highest elevation of Kenyan Rift valley at 1,884 meters in a composite geological combination of volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits from a larger Pleistocene era lake.
Also, the Lake Naivasha receives some of its water from perennial Malewa and Gilgil rivers though there is no visible outlet, besides the lake water is relatively fresh; it is assumed to have an underground outflow.
Lake Naivasha has a surface area of 139 km², and is surrounded by a swamp which covers an area of 64 square km, and varies depending on the amounts of rainfall. The lakes’ deepest area is at Crescent Island, at a maximum depth of 30m. Also, Njorowa Gorge that in the past formed the lake’s outlet is now high above the lake and forms the entrance to Hell’s Gate National Park.
Initially, between 1937 and 1950, Lake Naivasha was used as a landing place for flying boats on the Imperial Airways passenger and mail route from Southampton in Britain to South Africa. It connected Kisumu and Nairobi. In 1960s Joy Adamson, the author of Born Free lived on the shores of the lake, which gained infamy in the Happy Valley days between the two world wars. Interestingly, in 1999, Lake Naivasha Riparian Association received the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award for its conservation efforts regarding the Lake Naivasha Ramsar site.
However, Due to the unregulated use of lake water for irrigation, the level of the lake is getting reduced; another factor is fishing and related human activities. There is variation in the levels of the lake and almost dried up entirely in the 1890s.
Lake Naivasha is a host to several hippos and much other aquatic life. Visitors to this destination choose to sail on water as they get close to these creatures; the boat ride is located in a place that gives you a chance of spotting these creatures from a distance and not putting your life in any form of danger.
A unique feature of Mount Longonot offers a scenic view of the mountain across the beautiful Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha. Some of the wildlife found here includes buffaloes, elands, lion, leopard, bushbucks, common zebra, giraffe and Grant’s gazelles among others.
Lake Naivasha also serves as home to numerous wildlife such as buffalos, elands, impalas and waterbucks, something that makes it a perfect destination for game viewing;with a lot of game viewing opportunities. Despite all this wonderful gifting, there is no chance of sighting a leopard during a game drive experience.
Horseback Riding Safari
What a perfect opportunity to get close to the wildlife than to ride on a horse by yourself! at sanctuary farm in the Naivasha area, Visitors encounter the unique type of safari – a guided day tour on horseback. The land here is heavy with acacia trees rich forest coming upon giraffe, wildebeest, impala, zebra, gazelle, dik-dik and buffalo. However, the horse is familiar with this territory and the animals so it will let you ride up close to the wildlife.
The Lake has become a recreational center for Kenyans and some Tourists who opt to enjoy their relaxation moment in amazing places. The blowing winds which send ‘dust devils’ cavorting wildly across the plains making it very perfect for sailing on the lake which is set at the foot of Mount Longonot, on the north side
Game viewing includes giraffe, buffalo, Colobus monkeys, large lazy hippos, hartebeest, lion, leopard, and cheetah. Birdlife at the lake includes Long-tailed and Great Cormorants, Fish Eagles and Pied Kingfishers, Black Herons, Babblers, and Lovebirds.
Lake Naivasha is a Great site, a set aside to reflect the ecological importance of the wetlands around the lake. In records, More than 450 distinct birdlife species have been identified, and the resident avi-fauna is joined by several other species migrating from other countries from October to March. This is home to beautiful weavers, red-billed fire finches, grey-backed fiscals, Grey-capped warbler and many other interesting and colorful aerial creatures. The most famous of these, are the cormorants and pelicans while the African fish eagles are the most majestic of the raptors. As you traverse the acacia forests, you will encounter hawks, cuckoos, shrikes and other bird species not forgetting a solo giraffe that enjoys the thorn-leaves branches out of curiosity. The papyrus swamps are where you find jacanas, herons, and kingfishers. So don’t be left out, take a step and book your trip since you have known what you never knew.
Kenya Safaris to Lake Naivasha National Park
Everyone may think of only Masai Mara, but have you ever imagined that Kenya could also have a very unique and interesting destination that though uncovered, it is recommendable; Lake Naivasha National Park is the place.
Situated outside the town of Naivasha in Nakuru County, lying northwest of Nairobi and part of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is one of the freshwater lakes in Kenya and an Ultimate refreshment point for Kenyans. Its name is derived from the local Masai word Nai’posha, meaning “rough water” because of the sudden storms which can arise.
This lake seats at the highest elevation of Kenyan Rift valley at 1,884 meters in a composite geological combination of volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits from a larger Pleistocene era lake.
Also, the Lake Naivasha receives some of its water from perennial Malewa and Gilgil rivers though there is no visible outlet, besides the lake water is relatively fresh; it is assumed to have an underground outflow.
Lake Naivasha has a surface area of 139 km², and is surrounded by a swamp which covers an area of 64 square km, and varies depending on the amounts of rainfall. The lakes’ deepest area is at Crescent Island, at a maximum depth of 30m. Also, Njorowa Gorge that in the past formed the lake’s outlet is now high above the lake and forms the entrance to Hell’s Gate National Park.
Initially, between 1937 and 1950, Lake Naivasha was used as a landing place for flying boats on the Imperial Airways passenger and mail route from Southampton in Britain to South Africa. It connected Kisumu and Nairobi. In 1960s Joy Adamson, the author of Born Free lived on the shores of the lake, which gained infamy in the Happy Valley days between the two world wars. Interestingly, in 1999, Lake Naivasha Riparian Association received the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award for its conservation efforts regarding the Lake Naivasha Ramsar site.
However, Due to the unregulated use of lake water for irrigation, the level of the lake is getting reduced; another factor is fishing and related human activities. There is variation in the levels of the lake and almost dried up entirely in the 1890s.
Lake Naivasha is a host to several hippos and much other aquatic life. Visitors to this destination choose to sail on water as they get close to these creatures; the boat ride is located in a place that gives you a chance of spotting these creatures from a distance and not putting your life in any form of danger.
A unique feature of Mount Longonot offers a scenic view of the mountain across the beautiful Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha. Some of the wildlife found here includes buffaloes, elands, lion, leopard, bushbucks, common zebra, giraffe and Grant’s gazelles among others.
Lake Naivasha also serves as home to numerous wildlife such as buffalos, elands, impalas and waterbucks, something that makes it a perfect destination for game viewing;with a lot of game viewing opportunities. Despite all this wonderful gifting, there is no chance of sighting a leopard during a game drive experience.
Horseback Riding Safari
What a perfect opportunity to get close to the wildlife than to ride on a horse by yourself! at sanctuary farm in the Naivasha area, Visitors encounter the unique type of safari – a guided day tour on horseback. The land here is heavy with acacia trees rich forest coming upon giraffe, wildebeest, impala, zebra, gazelle, dik-dik and buffalo. However, the horse is familiar with this territory and the animals so it will let you ride up close to the wildlife.
The Lake has become a recreational center for Kenyans and some Tourists who opt to enjoy their relaxation moment in amazing places. The blowing winds which send ‘dust devils’ cavorting wildly across the plains making it very perfect for sailing on the lake which is set at the foot of Mount Longonot, on the north side
Game viewing includes giraffe, buffalo, Colobus monkeys, large lazy hippos, hartebeest, lion, leopard, and cheetah. Birdlife at the lake includes Long-tailed and Great Cormorants, Fish Eagles and Pied Kingfishers, Black Herons, Babblers, and Lovebirds.
Lake Naivasha is a Great site, a set aside to reflect the ecological importance of the wetlands around the lake. In records, More than 450 distinct birdlife species have been identified, and the resident avi-fauna is joined by several other species migrating from other countries from October to March. This is home to beautiful weavers, red-billed fire finches, grey-backed fiscals, Grey-capped warbler and many other interesting and colorful aerial creatures. The most famous of these, are the cormorants and pelicans while the African fish eagles are the most majestic of the raptors. As you traverse the acacia forests, you will encounter hawks, cuckoos, shrikes and other bird species not forgetting a solo giraffe that enjoys the thorn-leaves branches out of curiosity. The papyrus swamps are where you find jacanas, herons, and kingfishers. So don’t be left out, take a step and book your trip since you have known what you never knew.
Kenya Safaris to Amboseli National Park
Located 140km south of the capital city Nairobi, neighboring Tanzania is Amboseli National Park; it derives its name from Masai Amboseli Game Reserve, which is situated in Kajiado County, Kenya. The park is 39,206 hectares with a size of 8,000 km2 (3,100 sq mi) ecosystem that runs across the Kenya-Tanzania border. Its neighboring area is occupied by the nomadic Masai people who refer ‘Amboseli’ to ‘salty dusty place’ in their local language. The park has 5 gates that make accessing it easy, these include the Airstrip gate, the Kulunyiet gate, Iremito gate, Meshanani gate as well as the Kitirua gate.
On a serious note, this is the second-most famous national park in Kenya after Masai Mara National Reserve. It was back in 1906 when Amboseli was designated as a southern reserve for the Masai, before turning it as a game reserve in 1948 under the control of the residents; then 1974, the area was pronounced a national park in 1974 to the main unique ecosystem and declared a UNESCO site in 1991. This park protects two of the five main swamps, namely; a dried-up Pleistocene lake and semiarid vegetation.
The Amboseli national park experiences 2 showers of rainy seasons every year, with long rains lasting only 2 months starting from March to the end of April while the short rains start in November to the end of December translating to 200mm and 700mm.
Amazingly, you can see the soaring Mountain Kilimanjaro right from the park; this breathtaking view is home to several stunning wild animals that can be spotted here. While in the park, Mountain Kilimanjaro is best viewed in the morning, while enjoying a very rewarding game drive experience.
The five habitats that occupy this destination include the open plains, acacia woodland, and thorn bush country littered with rocks, swamps, and marshland. It is also true that vast part of the park seats across a Pleistocene lake basin, though dry, furthermore, in very wet weather, Lake Amboseli which is temporary in nature, floods and restricts access to this part of the park. The park’s climate is mainly hot and dry since a good part of the park falls in the rain shadow of Mt Kilimanjaro.
This park offers some rewarding opportunities for sighting African wildlife because of its bare vegetation caused by the long, dry months. It is home to African bush elephant, Cape buffalo, impala, lion, cheetah, spotted hyena, Masai giraffe, Grant’s zebra, and blue wildebeest not ignoring the large and small bird species in the area
It is also important to know that Amboseli National Park is home to the sought after famous ‘big 5’ namely the black rhinos, cape buffaloes, elephants, leopards, and the Masai lions. Besides these, other gem includes the wildebeests, cheetahs, plain zebras, crocodiles, and giraffes as well as hyenas to mention but a few.
Visitors also have chances of encountering a variety of impressive selection of bird species living within the park boundaries namely; the secretary birds, pied kingfishers, great white pelicans, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles, crowned cranes, and the lilac-breasted roller which is the national bird for Kenya,
Amboseli national park is renowned for being the best place in the world to get close to free-ranging elephants, which are plentiful and ever-present from the plains to the wetlands. Evidence shows that the number of elephants is becoming plentiful in the plains, yet the trees that support them are disappearing, however, efforts are made to preserve this treasure and derive ways to secure the environment.
Interesting, your visit to this park guarantees you an encounter with one of the Masai communities in the area who entertains guests with traditional dances and real cultural experiences. Besides that, you can enjoy birding, game drive, nature walk and hiking among others.
While in Amboseli national park, there are set rules to be followed such as; Never leave the vehicle, except at designated spots, don’t scare the wildlife since you are in there territory, keep to the designated tracks, avoid off-road driving, always respect the animal right.
Amboseli national park can be accessed by both road and air transport, by Air, the plane will land at Empusel gate airstrip or at the airstrips that are located at Kilimanjaro Buffalo lodge and Namangan town Emali on the Mombasa Road. Access Mombasa through Tsavo West National park via Kimana Gate
Then by road, the main road leading to the park passes via Namanga on the Nairobi-Arusha road through Meshanani gate. Optionally, you can use the route from Nairobi via Emali on the Mombasa Road through the Meshanani gate.
Amboseli National Park is open to visitors all year round.
Amboseli National park is one perfect destination for all visitors who desire to engage in a rewarding wildlife experience, it has offered ultimate products and gives you a chance of spotting the historic Mountain Kilimanjaro in the background. I now believe that after reading this article, you will be able to choose Amboseli as your next destination in Africa and Kenya in particular.
