KENYAN FLAG
The black color symbolizes the people, the red color symbolizes the struggle for independence, and the green symbolizes agriculture. The white stripes symbolize unity and peace. The Masai shield and two spears represent the country's willingness to defend its freedom.

KENYA NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK (#2)
Beneath Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,342 ft.), Africa's highest mountain, is the most visited of Kenya's National Parks, Amboseli. About a four hour drive from Nairobi or Mombasa on the Coast, it is in the heart of Masailand where the tribesmen still graze their cattle alongside the wildlife. The land is characterized by scrub and fragile saline grasses. The melting snows of Mt. Kilimanjaro feed rivers and springs that supply water to the park swamps. This lifeline for the mammals attracts large numbers of Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Masai Giraffe and herds of Zebra, Antelope and Gazelle. Lion, Hyena, Leopard and Cheetah are also found here. The bird life is phenomenal with over 400 indigenous and migratory species.

ABERDARES N.P. AND MT. KENYA (#7)
About two hours from Nairobi are the National Parks of Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. The Aberdares are a mixture of high peaks, indigenous forest and bamboo thickets. There are two exciting 'Tree Lodges' on the lower slopes both situated in glades overlooking water holes.

Floodlighting illuminates the surrounds of the water holes and Elephant, Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Bushbuck, Giant Forest Hog, Bush Pig, Waterbuck and the rare and elusive Bongo Antelope are often seen from the lodge.

SAMBURU, BUFFALO SPRINGS AND SHABA RESERVES (#4)
Approximately 210 miles due north of Nairobi, past the equator and at the onset of the vast desert scrub area lie these three reserves. Watered by the permanent River Uaso Nyiro (pronounced Washeneru) it is an oasis supporting much wildlife. The Oryx, Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Blue Ostrich and the beautiful Reticulated Giraffe, are indigenous to this region. The diminutive Dik Dik, Lesser Kudu and Gerenuk Gazelle are more prominently seen here than in other parks.

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK (#5)
Just 93 miles northwest of Nairobi is Lake Nakuru, a soda lake famous for its seasonal gatherings of Lesser and Greater Flamingoes by the millions. The park life includes Leopard, Hyena, Hippo, Zebra, Lion, Cape Buffalo, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, various gazelles and the rare Rothschild's Giraffe. It is also a Rhino sanctuary and one of the only places in East Africa you can see White Rhinos.

MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE (#6)
An extension of the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Mara is considered Kenya's leading Game Reserve. Its 700 sq. miles of undulating hills and rolling grasslands support a wildlife spectacular all year round. The Mara is host to large prides of Lion, dominated by black-maned males, Cheetah, Leopard, Elephant and herds of Cape Buffalo by the hundreds. You can also see a regular cast of Hyena, Gazelle, Impala, Masai Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest along with large Crocodile and Hippo in the Mara River. It is also one of the few places you can still see Black Rhino. Late June to early October is the yearly migration from the Serengeti. There is an unbelievable massing of thousands of Wildebeest, Zebra and Gazelle along with other migrating antelope. You can get a birds-eye view of it all with an optional hot air balloon ride.

NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK (#1)
Kenya’s oldest National Park (1946) is located just 20 minutes from the city center. While relatively small, at seventy-five square miles, it is one of the better places to see black rhino. The park is home to some 80 species of wildlife, with the exception of elephant, and over 500 species of bird.

One of Africa's most magnificent attractions is the continuous movement of more than one and a half million wildebeest. The world's largest migration of mammals has been featured for years on television programmes, with vivid images of wildebeest after wildebeest leaping into the Mara River. Equally thrilling is the site of new calves being born and struggling to get their footing with the threat of predators always nearby.
Many travellers hope to include the opportunity to view the migration as part of their safari. Our map below helps provide a typical cycle of migration movements. It is important to note that the cycle is dependant on rainfall and growth of grass and may not be exactly as shown.

This movement is constant and exact locations cannot be guaranteed, for the migration simply follows the annual rains in search of good grazing pastures. The following guide is a general overview for reference only. Please contact us for the latest migration
update, as our guides on the ground can provide more accurate positions.

January to April/May
The animals congregate on the short grassy plains of the southern and eastern Serengeti, which includes the Ngorongoro Conservation area. Calving generally occurs between February and March.

April/May
Following the end of the rains, the migration gradually heads north west towards the western corridor and Grumeti. During this time is “The Rut” where the wildebeest mate. The members of the herd that did not mate, often break away from the main group and head north through the Seronera Valley.

June/July/ August
During these months most of the migration heads north and east, overflowing into Masai Mara towards the beginning of August.

September/October
Some stragglers remain behind in the northern Serengeti but most spend these months in Masai Mara.

November/December
With the arrival of the short rains, the herds move south and east returning to southern Serengeti and the northern area of Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Some of the herds will make this journey to the east of Serengeti along the Loliondo area.

Photos may not be reproduced without written permission.
© 2002 Safari Express Company