MOST TOURISTS love this destination,The tourist industry is by far the largest single export earner in Kenya. Tourism forms a vital foundation for the country's economy and is highlights two of Kenya's most unique features: wildlife and beaches. Careful planning and proactive leadership have maximized the tourism potential as Kenya continually outpaces it's East African neighbors. A solid infrastructure coupled with a devotion to wildlife conservation has propelled Kenya to the forefront of the regional tourism industry.
NATIONAL PARKS AND GAME RESERVES
MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE
The Masai Mara is regarded as the most favorite and is definitely the most popular game reserve in Kenya, having over 140,000 visitors per year. The reserve lies approx 270km west of Nairobi and covers an area of approximately 1,510 sq km, bordering with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The landscaped is mostly open Savannah grasslands and acacia shrubland.
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| migration starts |
The mara game
It is considered the best because of its grass-carpeted smooth hills, the chocolate Mara river waters with frolicking hippos, a visit to the Masai Mara will fulfill the expectations of any visitor searching the African landscapes portraited in motion pictures such as "Out of Africa",no trip to Kenya would be complete without a visit to the Masai Mara.Though it’s not the best park for Birdwatching and some species are not easily found,it will give you a less rewarding experience than in places where birdlife is more concentrated, such as Samburu or the great lakeside sanctuaries. However many animals abound which include: leopards and rhinos ,more than 450 bird species, elephants, cheetahs, baboons, gazelles, giraffes, jackals, cheetahs, hyenas, water buffalo, ostriches, and a large variety of antelope, crocodiles, lions, vultures, hippopotamus and most important the wildebeests. Almost all the animals found in Mara are mammals.
THE GREAT MIGRATION
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| wildebeest migration |
This has been considered as the eighth wonder of the world, this is one of the most beautiful things about Africa. Wildlife migration is determined by the climate, the migration does not have start nor an end, each wildebeest's life in the Serengeti-Mara is a constant pilgrimage that is never over until the animal dies, but Starting any time from late July the wildebeest follow the rains and grazing to the wide and open grasslands of what has become known as "the Mara". They may be late, but they will always make the trip, driven by dry conditions in the Serengeti and led by the lightning and thunder to the north. This is one of the most exiting things I have ever seen; The herds gather at the suitable points and wander around nervously, their grunts sounding loud in the air. Eventually, one animal takes the lead and approaches the rim, scanning the opposite edge to analyze if any danger awaits after the crossing. When it finally dives into the stream, this seems to haul the rest of the herd. More animals follow in a single line across the river, while the lagged ones throw themselves towards the stream until the rearguard pushes the troops to a frantic race that ends up with some animals trampled to death, lying aside the course;
During the ford, if only one single animal detects any danger, it will jump back pulling the rest of the herd to a general retreat that sometimes brings panic and triggers a crazy stampede. . Finally, once the herd has resumed the crossing, the leaders head on towards their unknown destination.
Accommodation:
Mara Hippo Lodge
Located near the Ololaimutiek gate on the south -eastern end of the Mara Triangle Accommodation: Six types of tents to choose from, the lodge offers choice of families, single and couples tents. All tents and cabins are fitted with aprivate hot water shower and a WC Facilities: A swimming pool within the compound. The dining and the bar is both casual in the interior and in the open air.
Sarova Mara Camp
Located inside Masai Mara Game Reserve having 75 tents with permanent floors and roofs including private bathes hot or cold running water and electricity Facilities: A restaurant and 2 bars. Swimming pool, Hot air balloon safaris followed by a champagne breakfast in the wilderness.
Located near the Ololaimutiek gate on the south -eastern end of the Mara Triangle Accommodation: Six types of tents to choose from, the lodge offers choice of families, single and couples tents. All tents and cabins are fitted with aprivate hot water shower and a WC Facilities: A swimming pool within the compound. The dining and the bar is both casual in the interior and in the open air.
Sarova Mara Camp
Located inside Masai Mara Game Reserve having 75 tents with permanent floors and roofs including private bathes hot or cold running water and electricity Facilities: A restaurant and 2 bars. Swimming pool, Hot air balloon safaris followed by a champagne breakfast in the wilderness.
Other accommodation includes:
Mara Fig Tree Camp
Siana Springs
Kichwa Tembo Camp
Mara Serena
Siana Springs
Kichwa Tembo Camp
Mara Serena
Aberdare national park is located in the range of the same name, it lies approximately 175 Kms north of Nairobi, in the Central Highlands, Central and has an altitude of 7,000 to 14,000 ft.The scenery of the region is beautiful as is the range of wildlife. There is a dense forest so it may require some searching for the animals but there are also many purposes built game viewing lodges. The animals to be found in the park includes: elephant, lion, black rhino, waterbuck, gazelle, giant forest hog, genet cats, leopard, buffalo and the rare spiral-horned antelope known as the bongo.
Accommodation:
includes two loges, Treetops and the Ark which both provide night game viewing facilities. There are also three self-catering sites ("bandas"), eight tented campsites and one public campsite.
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
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| Thousands of flamingoes |
The lake and the city of Nakuru are located on the bed of the Rift Valley, 156 km northwest of Nairobi and the park lies 6kms from Nakuru town
Nakuru is one of the alkaline Rift Valley lakes and a fantastic bird sanctuary, It is best known for its thousands, sometimes millions of flamingoes nesting along the shores. The number of flamingoes on the lake varies with water and food conditions and the best vantage point is from Baboon Cliff, the lake is beneath the high cliffs of eastern Rift Valley offering the spectacular view of up to 2 million flamingoes at one time (during the season) along with hundreds of other species including birds of prey. Around the lake is a fenced area of about 190 sq Kms which is a National Park and is habitant to Rothschild Giraffes, monkeys and black rhinos.
Accommodation:
The nearby Nakuru city offers several choices for accommodation, but no top category hotels. There are two lodges within the park limits:
Lake Nakuru Lodge:
Lake Nakuru Lodge is located at the southeastern end of the park, on top of a hill overlooking the landscape around the south shore . There are 120 beds in attached huts, swimming pool, restaurant and bar. In front of the terrace there is a waterhole where some animals may be found.
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge:
The lodge belonging to the Sarova chain is located near the eastern shore. Formerly it was a tented camp, which was re-built as a lodge. It has 65 rooms chalet-style, swimming pool, sauna, bar and restaurant, as well as an excellent service and a privileged location.
Camping:
There are two campsites, both with running waters and long-drop toilets. Just inside the park gate is the Backpacker's Camp Site and further in there is Njoro Camp Site
Lake Nakuru Lodge is located at the southeastern end of the park, on top of a hill overlooking the landscape around the south shore . There are 120 beds in attached huts, swimming pool, restaurant and bar. In front of the terrace there is a waterhole where some animals may be found.
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge:
The lodge belonging to the Sarova chain is located near the eastern shore. Formerly it was a tented camp, which was re-built as a lodge. It has 65 rooms chalet-style, swimming pool, sauna, bar and restaurant, as well as an excellent service and a privileged location.
Camping:
There are two campsites, both with running waters and long-drop toilets. Just inside the park gate is the Backpacker's Camp Site and further in there is Njoro Camp Site
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| Zebras grazing |
Though it’s a small park at approximately 395 sq km, is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. It is spread across the Kenya-Tanzania border and the local residents are the Maasai but people from other parts have also settled there, attracted by the tourist-driven economy and intensive agriculture along the swamps. The park protects two out of the five main swamps in Kenya. The views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, coupled with the variety of game to be found, draws the visitors in.
Accommodation:
Amboseli Lodge
inside Amboseli National Park Accommodation: 36 traditional cottages & 76 modern accommodation units all well spaced in beautiful gardens. Rooms have bathrooms and are surrounded by an electric fence. Facilities: Swimming pool with full view of Mt. Kilimanjaro Nightly traditional Masai dances. Main restaurant & 2 Bars
Amboseli Serena Lodge
Situated in Shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, the lodge is at the centre of Amboseli National Park. Guest rooms, individually appointed with authentic Africana and murals painted by a renowned local artist, convey a distinctive Masai Manyatta mood. Traditional feasts and tribal dancing overlooking the waterhole where big game gathers. Swimming pool.
The Marsabit National Reserve lies in northern Kenya in a densely forested mountain park, being home two beautiful crater lakes. The park was once famous for it's large tusker elephants but that was before the poachers slaughtered most the large ones. Elephants are still in abundance along with large herbs of kudu and many birds of prey.
Accommodation:
The park has a lodge and camping facilities.
Accommodation:
The park has a lodge and camping facilities.
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| tourists filming rhinos |
The park is situated approximately 360km northeast of Nairobi and covers an area of 870 sq kms. Of all of Kenya's national parks and reserves, Meru has the greatest variety of habitats and landscapes within its bounds and remains as the most unspoiled park in Kenya. Savannah forest and swamp can all be found in the reserve which is dissected by at least 15 seasonal rivers, including the Tan
a River which is one of Kenya’s largest rivers
a River which is one of Kenya’s largest rivers
Game found here includes; lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, antelopes, and buffalo. In the many rivers hippo and crocodile are found in abundance. You may be lucky to spot Kenya only colony of the rare white rhino.
There are several other parks which can be visited from here within a day, they include Bisandi National Reserve, Kora National Park, Rahole National Reserve and Mwingi National Reserve
There are several other parks which can be visited from here within a day, they include Bisandi National Reserve, Kora National Park, Rahole National Reserve and Mwingi National Reserve
Accommodation:
Lodging in Meru National Park can be found at the Meru Mulika Lodge, with 132 beds or the Leopard Rock Lodge with 20 beds located at the extreme north of the Reserve.
Camping:
There are a number campsites at Meru National Park. Sites with facilities include the Murera Gate Campsite and the Park Headquarters Campsite, both of which have toilet and water services. The eight other campsites in the Park do not have any services, these are: Fever Tree, Rojewero, Kampi ya Nyati, Simba, Kithanga, Mugunga, Kanjoo, Bisanadi and Kindani.
Camping:
There are a number campsites at Meru National Park. Sites with facilities include the Murera Gate Campsite and the Park Headquarters Campsite, both of which have toilet and water services. The eight other campsites in the Park do not have any services, these are: Fever Tree, Rojewero, Kampi ya Nyati, Simba, Kithanga, Mugunga, Kanjoo, Bisanadi and Kindani.
Kakamega Forest
For visitors, the best time to visit the park is during the rainy season (April-July) when the flowers are blooming. There is a wide variety of unique wildlife and birdlife to be observed in the park. There are about 350 species of birds, including snake-eating birds, which are rare. Visitors can observe animals like the bushpig, gray duiker, civet, Sunni, clawless otter; nocturnal animals like the ground pangolin, porcupines, leopard; rare primates like the black and white Colobus, De Brazza monkeys, Blue monkey, olive baboon, and red-tailed monkey.
Incidentally, the De Brazza Monkey is called "Karasinga" in Swahili, due to its white beard.
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| walk through the forest |
MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK.
The National Park lies approximately 176kms northeast of Nairobi and covers an area of approximately 700 sq kms, with a landscape consisting mainly of forest and bare rock. Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano straddled across the equator, and is Africa's second highest peak. The altitude ranges from between 11,000 to 17,058ft, with the highest peaks being Batian at 17,058ft and Nelion at 17,022ft. These are regularly climbed by experienced climbers though very few actually make it to the top. The more popular peak for climbers is the easier Lenana which reaches a height of 16,354ft. and can be climbed without the use of specialist equipment. Climbers are often accompanied by a guide, with ports being available. There are climbers huts is rest up in, but plenty of food and warm clothes should be taken with you. The best time of the year for climbing is from mid-January to late February and from late August through September
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The scenery is stunning and quite breathtaking. It is also a botanist's paradise, with a wide variation in flora as the altitude changes.
The region is home to a variety of wildlife including some unique species, such as Black and White colobus and Sykes monkeys, bushbuck, buffalo, elephant, Olive baboon, waterbuck, black rhino, leopard, hyena, bongo and at high altitudes zebra and eland can be found.
Accommodation
Available at the Mountain Lodge in the heart of the rainforest. and there are three self catering (banda) sites within the park camping sites.
Available at the Mountain Lodge in the heart of the rainforest. and there are three self catering (banda) sites within the park camping sites.
BEACHES
Meanwhile the busiest of all beaches in Kenya with a lot of beach hotels, resorts and activities such as water sports, camel riding, boat tours, etc. The reef is only a 30 minute swim of 10 minute boat ride away from the beach.
It isn’t very "Kenyan" – although still far more exotic than your average Mediterranean holiday beach – but it sure is a lot of fun. If you are looking for comfort and lots of things to do, and like the bustle, it has lots to offer. You can also use Diani well as a base for exploring the region, since the inland national parks and other points of interest are close. But if you're into quiet, secluded places and roads less traveled, then better skip Diani.
A good thing about Diani is that the level of security has gone up, with many askaris (guards) at the beach and even more at the hotels. Because of this, most beach boys and hustlers have moved elsewhere. On the other side, the beach tends to get covered largely or entirely during high tide.Good hotels directly located at Diani Beach are:
• Alliance Africana Sea Lodge
• Diana Sea Resort
• The Sands At Nomad
TIWI BEACH
A lovely, quiet beach that hasn’t been overrun by hordes of tourists yet. Apart from the large Tiwi Beach Resort on the southern end, it only has small cottages and no big beach hotels or resorts. Except around the Tiwi Beach Resort, beach boys and panhandlers are absent, although some places are visited by a few friendly locals offering foods. It’s a also a great and safe spot for swimming, since the reef is very close.
The other side of the coin is that there are few restaurants and organized activities. This needn’t be a problem, since most cottages have their own small restaurants, cooks and/or self-catering facilities. But it’s clearly a beach where you want to go if you’re looking for some real peacefulness.
While all cottages and accommodations will have private guards around the clock, and the beaches are safe during the days, you should avoid walking around alone outside of them even during daytime – it’s a secluded area.
SHELLY BEACH
This beach gets it’s name from it’s shells. It’s strong point is being very close to Mombasa – after taking the Likoni ferry you can get there with a matatu bus for KSH 30. You can swim at Shelly Beach during high tides, but there’s a lot of seaweed. For the rest, other beaches in Kenya have more to offer
North Of Mombasa
NYALI BEACHNyali Beach is the first beach to the north of Mombasa, and easily accessible from there. It’s a long straight stretch mainly taken up by hotels. Some of the most popular North Coast beach hotels are located here. The shopping centre at Nyali has a big Nakumatt supermarket, an internet café and a good book store
The reef located 2 kilometers from the beach, has created a kind of lagoon, which makes it a good place for kite surfing and other water sports. A lot of activities are offered both by the hotels and other vendors.Good hotels directly located at Nyali Beach are:
- Voyager Beach Resort
- Nyali Beach Hotel
BAMBURI BEACH
Bamburi Beach is known for it’s good restaurants, huge hotels and busy nightclubs. Water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling and water skiing are offered by the hotels, while locals offer camel rides on the beach and dhow sailing trips (dhows are traditional vessels). Local vendors on the beach can be very persuasive.
Good hotels located directly at Bamburi Beach are: - Travelers Beach Hotel
- Sarova WhiteSands Beach Hotel
KENYATTA BEACH
Kenyatta Beach, next to Bamburi Beach, is very popular. Of all beaches in Kenya, it’s about the only one where you’ll see large groups of Kenyans by the seaside. While there are a quite lot of beach boys and hustlers, it’s generally a fun and (family) friendly place to be. During low tides, a large area is uncovered, filled with coral pools and suitable for walking. Sailing boats are offered for hire as well as other activities, and local vendors sell ice cream, drinks and snacks.SHANZU BEACH
Further up north, Shanzu Beach (as well as Kikambala) is too far from Mombasa for a day trip. It’s dominated by the luxury resorts of the African Safari Club chain. It often inspires mixed feelings: on the hand, the beach itself is lovely. On the other hand, most places here are little more than tourist traps and the areas outside the resorts are filled with beach boys, panhandlers and working girls, sometimes masquerading as ‘massage’ girls.
It’s most important attraction are the Ngomongo Villages, a theme park that depicts Kenyan traditional life through mock rural homesteads inhabited by traditionally dressed people, artists and a score of activities for the visitors. It’s not very authentic, but it is entertaining.
A good hotel located directly at Shanzu Beach is:
- Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel
Located in flat and thick forested area, Kikambala Beach is the first low-budget beach north of Mombasa. During low tides, the sea retreats about a kilometer and it’s only possible to swim with high tides.
