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.
Nowhere
in Africa can travellers find more diverse and interesting travel
possibilities than Kenya. From the shores of Lake Victoria to the
coastline's spectacular resorts, this land is filled with wonder and
excitement.
Many visitors, unfamiliar with Africa, are amazed at the remarkable
scenery and variety of ecosystems, from the cool forests near Mount
Kenya to the lakes of the Rift Valley. The dense wildlife of Masai
Mara and the vastness of Tsavo pass expectations and rarely disappoint.
In addition to the spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife, the
genuinely friendly reception travellers receive from the people they
encounter in Kenya means that our travellers leave feeling they have
made lasting friendships in addition to lasting memories of a trip
of a lifetime. Perhaps that is why so many return.
*.
NAIROBI
1. NAIROBI N.P.
2. AMBOSELI N.P.
3. MT. KENYA N.P. (Treelodge: Mountain Lodge)
4. SAMBURU, BUFFALO SPRINGS AND SHABA RESERVES
5. LAKE NAKURU N.P.
6. MASAI MARA N.P.
7. ABERDARE N.P. (Treelodges: Treetops, The Ark)
For
a copy of this map:
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.
OTHER
AREA INFO
Nairobi
The capital of Kenya and a vital tourist gateway to the game parks
of East Africa, Nairobi is often the starting place for safaris. The
city’s history dates back to the times of rail travel and was
a stopping place on the rail line between the coast and Uganda because
there was always a plentiful supply of water to fill the boilers on
the locomotive. The high altitude makes for pleasant temperatures
throughout the year.
Lakes Region
The Great Rift Valley is part Of the Afro-Arabian rift system which
stretches from Jordan in the north to Mozambique in the south. Nowhere
is it more clearly defined than in Kenya where in places it is as
wide as 80 km (50 miles) across, with escarpment walls rising up to
600 m. (2000 ft). Some of the views from these walls are quite spectacular.
In Kenya a chain of seven shallow lakes is scattered along the floor
of the Rift Valley. Several of these lakes have no outlet and some
are extremely alkaline because of the deposits from the many volcanoes
in the valley. These include the South, Central and North islands
in Lake Turkana, Londiani and Menengai (near Nakuru), Eburru, Longonot
and Suswa (around Lake Naivasha) and Shomboli on the Kenya/Tanzania
border.
Lake Elmenteita
Most of this shallow 18 sq km soda lake is on private land and forms
part of the Delamere Estate’s Soysambu property. There is some
game in the bush around the lake, with flamingo and pelicans congregating
along the shores. Some very pleasant escorted nature walks around
the lake’s shores are available.
Lake Naivasha
Steeped in 19th century settler history, this is a very picturesque
900 sq km freshwater lake and a favourite weekend haunt for Nairobi
residents. Here, you can fish, sail and visit Crescent Island where
gentle walking is popular. Nearby is the dramatic Hell’s Gate,
overshadowed by the mysterious Mount Longonot.
Lake Turkana
Lake Turkana is one of the natural wonders of the world, a massive
inland sea that is classified as the largest desert-lake in the world
and covers 6,405 sq km. The lake is a source of life to some of Kenya’s
most remote tribes and is also believed to be ‘the Cradle of
Mankind’ due to the 1.6 million year old ‘Turkana boy’
(Homio erectus) found here. It is a very remote destination, but one
that repays the intrepid traveller with rich rewards.
Lake Victoria
Being the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria
covers an area of nearly 70,000 sq km and is one of the chief sources
of the Nile. Life here has not changed for centuries and fishing is
a major industry. The cultures are fascinating, the people beautiful
and the scenery spectacular.
Hell’s Gate
Hell’s Gate covers an area of around 69 sq km and is situated
close to Lake Naivasha, a short drive from Nairobi. The main characteristic
of the park is its diverse topography and geological scenery, with
some spectacular gorge walks, scenic landscape and hot springs to
enjoy. It is also an important home to the lammergeyer vulture.
Tsavo National Parks
By far the largest of the national parks, the combined areas of Tsavo
East and West National Parks is more than 21 000 sq. km and is watered
by the Athi/Galana river. This was originally one huge national park,
split in two by the main Nairobi/Mombasa highway and for administration
purposes.
This area does not host the large number of visitors who go to the
better known parks, but it has a large variety of animals, more difficult
to see because of the seasonal depth of vegetation and because they
are spread over such a large area.
During the terrible poaching years of the nineties the huge elephant
herds of Tsavo East were decimated, but strict controls have seen
a great reduction in poaching activities and large numbers can be
found in both parks.
There are over 60 different mammals in the parks and the bird life
is equally varied.
Taita Hills Sanctuary is to the south of Tsavo West and south west
of the main highway. High standard accommodation as well as camping
sites are available in all three areas.
Tsavo West
Undoubtedly the main attraction in this, the smaller of the two Tsavos,
is the beautiful area of Mzima Springs 40 km from Mtito Andei.
From these springs, which are fed underground from the nearby Chyulu
Hills, flow an estimated 97 million gallons of water a day, and the
palm fringed oasis attracts animals from all around to drink in the
clear waters.
A most unusual underwater observatory allows visitors to watch the
inhabitants of the waters, hippo, crocodile and shoals of barbet from
a very ‘different’ viewpoint.
Around this area are flows of lava and the most spectacular is the
Shetani lava flow, believed to have formed only 200 years ago (the
Chyulu Hills from which the flow came are themselves only 500 years
old).
Shetani means ‘devil’ in Swahili and the older residents
tell blood curdling stories of the fate of their ancestors during
the original eruptions.
An excellent network of roads offers opportunities to explore deeper
into the park where predators abound and herds of elephant, buffalo,
zebra and gazelle (including oryx) may be found.
In the scenic area of Ngulia is a Rhino Sanctuary where numbers of
black rhino browse in safety.
Tsavo East
Once away from the riverine vegetation of the Galana River and the
imposing Yatta Plateau, this area is mainly dominated by flat bush
and huge baobab trees. It was the main area of poaching in the past
and some parts still remain closed to the public. At one point the
river tumbles down a narrow gorge known as Lugard’s Falls, named
after Lord Lugard who travelled up the Galana on his way to take up
governance of Uganda and to forget an unrequited love in England.
The Kenya/Uganda railway line runs close to the road in this area
of the park and it was here that work on the railways was halted in
the early 20th century when man-eating lions dragged several workers
away and devoured them in the bush. This gruesome episode is described
by the eventual killer of the man-eaters, Col. J. H. Patterson, in
the ‘Man Eaters of Tsavo’.