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Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is home to some of Africa’s rarest and most distinctive wildlife, including the Somalia Ostrich, Beisa, Oryx, Gravy zebra, Reticulated giraffe, and Gerenuk. The Samburu National Reserve’s picturesque environment is a result of the region’s semi-arid ecosystem and riverine forest. The reserve is a sizable area of distant, untouched wilderness that is home to a haven of wildlife and is situated in one of Kenya’s less visited districts, Samburu County, to the north of Laikipia. It serves as a true wilderness experience.

The serene Ewaso Nyiro River, the largest river in northern Kenya, flows through the barren Sambura region. That satisfies the thirst of the diverse fauna that lives in the reserve. In this instance, the Sambura people were drawn to the area by the reserve’s dependable water source, which supplies water for their cows. Keep in mind that the river Ewaso Nyiro supports Shaba National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and Samburu National Park.

The Ewaso Ng’iro river, which runs through the reserve and is known for its “brown water,” as well as the blend of acacia, thorn trees, riverine forest, and grassland vegetation, are the main draws for a variety of species. This river offers the best opportunity for game viewing in the reserve, which is home to herds of elephants, antelopes, gazelles, zebras, giraffes, leopards, oryx, Somali ostriches, gerenuk, Gravy’s zebras, and reticulated giraffes, as well as an abundance of monkeys, crocodiles, and different species of birds.

Being one of the two places where renowned George and Joy Adamson environmentalists raised Elsa the Lioness made it a successful book on African tourism due to its pristine wilderness. It is also well-known as the residence of Kamunyak, a lioness well-known for taking in Oryx calves. But this game reserve, which was made a national reserve in 1985, is located in Kenya on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro river and covers an ecosystem area of roughly 165 square kilometers.

Samburu National Reserve hosts a wide variety of animals and bird life which attracts millions of visitor who tend to visit the reserve on their African safari and Kenya’s northern plains can be seen in abundance here, including gerenuk, Oryx, Gravy’s Zebra and Reticulated giraffe, all the three big cats, African leopard, lions, cheetah can also be sighted here, as well as cape buffalo, elephants and hippopotamus. Warthogs, Grant’s gazelles, Olive baboons, Kirk’s dik-diks, waterbuck, and impala are among the other creatures that may be seen in the park. A handful of black rhinoceroses have also been reintroduced into the reserve after a 25-year absence owing to excessive poaching, rewarding it with fantastic game viewing.

The reserve is also a birding tourist destination with over 350 species of birds which can be spotted and some of species include; grey-headed kingfisher, bee-eaters, Marabou stork, bateleur, Verreaux’s eagle, yellow-necked spur fowl, Vultures, secretary bird, superb starling, lilac-breasted roller, northern red-billed hornbill, yellow-billed hornbill, palm-nut vulture among others which can make your birding tour admirable.

A clan of the Maasai that reside near the park, the Sambura tribe is one of the smallest Kenyan safari reserves and is surrounded by villages of Borana, Rendiles, and dominant Sambura tribe who herd their cattle in the reserve. Their culture and norms are considerably different from those of other communities.

Attractions in Samburu National Reserve

River Ewaso Nyiro

As it runs from north to east through to southeast through Somalia to link with the river Jubba, this is one of Kenya’s largest rivers and a vital supply of water for the Samburu’s animals and gorgeous riverine forest.Huge populations of Nile crocodiles find refuge in the River Ewaso Nyiro, which is also the ideal place to see wildlife because many mammals come here to drink.

Big three cats

Three big cats—leopards, lions, and cheetahs—call the reserve home, making Samburu a well-known wilderness safari destination. They can best be found along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river, which links for water.

Samburu Culture 

In this safari location, you can go in search of animals but end up learning about the fascinating Samburu culture and interacting with their lovely customs. The Samburu people are well renowned for their propensity to herd livestock, and when tourists arrive, they can ride camels. True to African heritage, they dress in a distinctive manner, painting vivid designs on their faces to draw attention to their attractive facial characteristics. Noting that Samburu means butterfly, many tourists who visit the reserve are appreciating.

Camelback Rides  

This is a really cool African safari experience since you get to ride camels through the stunning nature of Samburu National Reserve. It appears to be conventional but is actually the simplest approach to explore the reserve and get closer to the mammals there.

Samburu Special Five

Samburu National Reserve is well-known for its special fives, including reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, Somali ostriches, grey zebras, and Beisa oryx. These animals are uncommon on other African safaris and are best viewed here during game drives and nature walks. These species can be found in riverine forests and wide savannah grasslands.

Riverine forest

The area inside the reserve appears to be greenish, and there is an intriguing cool breeze that draws numerous bird species. Among the bird species you may see are the Bateleur, Vulturine Guinea Fowl, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Sunbird, Bee-eaters, Marabou stork, Tawny Eagle, and Verreaux’s Eagle, among others.

Mount Koitar and Mount Ololokwe

The park is made more intriguing by these mounts that are located in the center of the reserve. Many little animals can be seen resting on them, and the vista is rewarding and the photography is highly memorable.

The reserve’s natural beauty, the Reteti Elephant, and the elephant watch camp are further visitor draws.

Activities in the Samburu National Reserve

The wonderful experience that visitors to Sambura National Reserve can have is listed below as follows:

Game Drives  

While full-day game drives are the finest way to experience how the wildlife survive, eat, and relax, game drives are a special safari activity that are best done early in the morning while animals are still active and may be the appropriate time to search for their meals. The Ewaso Nyiro River is one of the greatest places in the reserve to observe these wildlife species, which include the special fives of the Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, Gravy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, and Gerenuk.There are numerous other species, such as elephants, lions, and leopards. We encourage visitors to Sambura to always take a wildlife drive in a 4×4 safari vehicle and to always hire a guide.

Bush Breakfast 

The Samburu National Reserve offers a wonderful and unforgettable experience because you may witness wildlife up close while taking in a delicious breakfast or meal in the Samburu wilderness.

Camel Ride Safari

You can explore the park in a distinctive, traditional way by mounting a camel and riding into the Samburu wilderness. Consequently, you will get the chance to explore the park’s surroundings, which include lovely landscape and a significant population of elephants along with other species.

Mount biking  

This exciting activity, which is also carried out in the Samburu National Reserve, involves using motorcycles to explore the area and is rewarded with breathtaking views of the diverse wildlife, vegetation, bird watching, and big cat tracking.

Bird Watching  

Samburu National Reserve is home to over 350 different bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Some of the species that can be seen there include the yellow-necked spur fowl, yellow-billed hornbill, palm-nut vulture, grey-headed kingfisher, bee-eaters, Marabou stork, Vulturine Guinea fowl, Secretary bird, Bateleur, sunbirds, and lilac-breasted roller.

Samburu National Reserve also offers cultural tours, walking safaris, big cat tracking, and photography.

Best Time to Visit Samburu National Reserve

The best times to visit the park, which is in a remote area with a semi-arid environment, are from December to March and late March to May. During these months, the reserve receives a little rainfall, the roads are passable, and this allows for clear game watching in the park.

Getting to Samburu National Reserve

The Sambura National Reserve is easily reachable by car or by road.

By Road

300 square kilometers are thought to require 5 hours of travel from Nairobi to the main location.

By Air

Wilson Airport offers daily scheduled flights to Sambura Airstrip.

Accommodations in Samburu National Reserve

Travelers can stay in distinctively rewarding hotels and luxurious campsites while on a safari in the Samburu National Reserve, including Sasaab Lodge, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Sarara Camp, Sasaab Camp, Elephants Watch Camp, and Samburu Sopa Lodge, among others.

Try to see Samburu National Reserve, a site worth a visit, on your next safari to Kenya.

Hells Gate national park

Hells Gate national park : In the Rift Valley Province of Kenya, in the Nakuru County, and between Lake Naivasha, Longonot, and Suswa Volcanoes, sits the picturesque Hells Gate National Park, a popular destination for safari travelers. The Hells Gate national park is located about 14 kilometers off the old Nairobi-Naivasha route, 90 kilometers south-west of Nairobi. The park’s name comes from a tiny cliff-side opening that was originally a tributary of an ancient lake that provided food for early inhabitants in the Rift Valley. Fisher and Thomson, two explorers who traveled through the region in 1883, gave the park its name.

Hells Gate National Park is made up of a very picturesque landscape made of various features created during the eruption of Mount Longonot, which occurred over 100 years ago and the ashes cover the park. The park has a total area of 68.25 square kilometers and is located at an elevation of 1,900 meters above sea level. Hot springs, a geothermal station (Olkaria geothermal station), geothermal steam, volcanic gorges, Fischer’s Tower, and the Central Tower, two volcanic plugs boarded with red cliffs, are some of the magnificent features that make up the landscape of Hells Gate national park.

The park was created in 1984 as a small national park with the goal of safeguarding the diverse fauna that can be found there as well as the breathtaking natural features including Fischer’s Tower, Central Tower, and Hell’s Gate Gorge.

The vast plains of Hells Gate National Park are also home to a variety of animals, including cape buffalo, lions, leopards, black-backed jackals, Thomson gazelles, eland, cheetahs, impala, zebras, spotted hyenas, and defassa waterbuck.

With approximately 130 kinds of birds, including the well-known indigenous lammergeyer, raptors, and migratory bird species, the national park is also a fantastic habitat for birds. Hells Gate National Park is home to a variety of birds, such as African kestrels, Arrow-marked babblers, Chinspot batis, Egyptian vultures, Golden-winged sunbirds, Eastern imperial eagles, Jackson’s widowbirds, Bearded vultures, Mottled swifts, Nyanza swifts, Red-winged starlings, Schalow’s wheatears, Verreaux’s eagle

Kenya safari activities to do in Hells Gate national park

Game viewing

Game viewing is a fun Kenya safari activity that allows you to go around the park’s savannah region in a 4X4 with a pop-up roof. Hells Gate National Park is home to many different species of animals that you may see while on a game viewing safari. Both morning and afternoon game drives are available. During these drives, keep an eye out for species including lions, cheetahs, leopards, gazelles, giraffes, zebras, rock hyraxes, cape buffaloes, and many more.

Bird watching

One of the best places to go on a birding safari in Kenya is Hells Gate National Park, which is home to over 100 different bird species.The national park is known for being a prime location for lammergeyers to breed, and visitors who go birding there will enjoy seeing a variety of colorful bird species there, including African kestrels, Arrow-marked babblers, Chinspot batis, Egyptian vultures, Golden-winged sunbirds, Eastern imperial eagles, Jackson’s widowbirds, Bearded vultures, Mottled swifts, Nyanza swifts, Red

Rock climbing

The national park is a well-known location for rock climbing safaris in Kenya. It has a variety of characteristics, including deep, secret canyons and high, rocky cliffs that can be scaled. You can climb to Fischer’s tower while rock climbing at the Gate National Park. This tower was created when semi-molten granite was pushed to crack, cooled, and hardened while extruding.

A Maasai folktale will be told to you by the local guide as you ascend the Fisher Tower, which is close to the park’s main gate and sits at a height of 25 meters. When you look at the tower and its design, it resembles the shape of a female, which is in keeping with the Maasai folktale that claims a Maasai girl was turned into a stone for disrespecting her family before being married.

Bicycle riding

Riding a bicycle through the park’s rough terrain is a very adventurous activity that allows you to take in the scenery and see many of the animals that live there, including Thomson’s gazelles, olive baboons, hartebeests, and elands, among others.

Hiking 

For those who wish to spend more time in nature and take in the breathtaking landscape of the park, hiking in the park is an excellent activity. Hiking in the park will take you through hot springs, geysers, towering rock formations, deep gorges, and more. The Obsidian cave is visited during your walk on the Buffalo circuit in Hells Gate National Park. The cave was formed as a result of the rapid cooling of molten volcanic lava coming into contact with water while being poured into a lake or ocean, resulting in a glassy texture of the rock. You can enjoy watching tiny air bubbles create fascinating effects while exploring the cave, such as the common golden sheen known as Sheen Obsidian or Rainbow Obsidian.

Accommodations at the Hells Gate National Park

In this beautiful park, there are a lot of nicer places to stay when on a safari in Kenya. These places range in price from cheap to luxurious, and include places like Camp Carnelley’s camp and Fish Eagle Inn.

How to get to Hells Gate national park

The park is located in Kenya’s Rift Valley Province, with Nakuru City being the closest city. It is easily accessible by both road and air, both of which are widely available in Kenya.

By road

The majority of safaris to Hells Gate National Park begin in Nairobi, the nation’s capital. From Nairobi, the park is reachable through a tarmac road that travels 90 kilometers via Naivasha Town on the Lake route South at a junction 5 kilometers south of Naivasha. You can use a vehicle provided by your tour operator or simply proceed to the park from Naivasha Town if you lease a special automobile.

By air

There are available domestic chartered flights to the park. Domestic flights from Wilson Airstrip to Naivasha Airstrip, which serve the park and the surrounding areas, are provided by a number of domestic carriers, including Safari Link.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

One of nature’s most iconic vistas, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is unquestionably a must-visit location for tourists. Additionally, it is one of the most well-known wilderness and wildlife conservation areas in Africa, let alone the entire continent, due to its exceptional population of the big five, including lions, African leopards, African bush elephants, African buffaloes, black and white rhinoceros, cheetahs, over 500 bird species, and many others that travel with the magnificent great migration of the wildebeest from the Serengeti plains to the Mara reserve. However, Nairobi, Kenya’s primary capital city, is only 180 kilometers distant from the reserve, which is situated in south-western Kenya on the edge of the rift valley.

The word Masaai was derived from the Masaai people, who are the country’s original residents and who migrated all the way from the Nile Basin and whose description area is now the Maasai people of Kenya. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is also known as a large game reserve, not just in Kenya but also throughout the world. This Maasai community is spread out over southern Kenya, northern, central, and northern Tanzania.

NOTE: This protected area is referred to with pride as Maasai Mara and locally as “the Mara,” which is Maasai for “spotted circles.” And this is because the area’s surroundings are covered with many short, bushy trees.

The National Reserve is really humbled to host one of the great wildebeest migrations, which is recognized as one of the ten natural wonders of the world and one of the seven natural wonders of Africa, and makes the Reserve well-known throughout the world. The great migration is one of the most important natural events in the world, attracting millions of tourists who come to have an extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime experience and see nearly 1,300,000 blue wildebeest from above. To be aware of, the greatest time to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve for the magnificent wildebeest migration is from July to October each year.

Maasai Mara National Reserve used to occupy an area of over 520 square kilometers, including the Mara Triangle, before it was first established in 1961 as a wildlife refuge. Later, in late 1961, the area was expanded to the east, totaling a square kilometer and 1821 acres, and it was turned into a game reserve. The Narok County Council served as the reserve’s administrative body during that particular period in 1961. The reserve was accorded national status in 1974, and the remaining area—about 159 square kilometers—was given back to the maasai people and neighboring communities. Additionally, between 1976 and 1984, a total of 162 square kilometers of land were taken out of the reserve, bringing the total down to 1,510 square kilometers.

The Trans Mara County Council, sometimes known as the “TMCC,” was established in the western portion of the reserve in 1994. As a result, the management of the reserve is now split between the new council and the previous Narok County Council. Previously, the park was under the control of the Narok County Council. Keep in mind that the Mara Conservancy, a non-profit organization run by the Mara Triangle, was established in May 2001.

Fortunately, the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with its exceptional great wildebeest migration and expansive size that safeguards one of the largest populations of wild animals in Africa, is renowned as the top tourist destination in that continent.

The top wildlife and natural attractions in Maasai Mara National Reserve are found both inside and beyond the reserve. Examples of these attractions include;

One wouldn’t attempt to participate in the remarkable annual wildebeest migration, which is the largest animal migration in the world.

OI Kinyei Conservancy

This conservancy, which is located in the middle of the reserve on the edge of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, is one of the main attractions in the Maasai Mara. The conservation offers breathtaking views of the reserve’s rolling kopjes.

Narok Museum

We urge visitors to include this experience in every Maasai Mara tour package they choose. One of the magnificent sights in this little town where visitors may view Kenyan traditional architecture and maasai culture clothing is the Narok Museum, which is located in the main town of Narok.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve also offers a wide range of exciting activities that visitors can engage in to have a wonderful, unforgettable experience that may even entice them to return for more adventure. These off-the-beaten-path activities include horseback safaris, game drives, and nature hikes.

Game drive 

This is one of the most spectacular things to do in the Maasai Mara National Reserve because it is home to over 95 different kinds of mammals. Visitors may take a 4×4 safari vehicle up close to see the wild creatures while also adhering to park rules.Elephants, impalas, coke’s hartebeest, jackals, duikers, cheetahs, servals, and elephants are just a few of the wildlife that can be seen.In this reserve, there are three different times for game drives: morning (6:30 am to 10:30 am), evening (4:30 pm to 6:30 pm), and night (6:30 pm to 7:30 pm). All three times must be strictly followed by an armed guide.As a traveler, it is up to you to decide which option will work best for you.

Nature walks

Due to its vastness and ability to preserve one of the greatest populations in Africa, Maasai Mara is endowed with nature. Here, you may discover much more of the natural world both inside and outside the park.The local community looks after the reserve, providing visitors more opportunities to discover its hidden elements that would be missed during a game drive.Expect to see a variety of creatures up close during your nature walk activities, including elephants, giraffes, antelopes, buffalo, grazers, and birds of the air. You may also be able to approach the Mara River and have an unforgettable experience.

Hot air balloon safari

It can take 1 to 2 hours to enjoy the great aerial view of a herd of wildebeest that migrate into the reserve’s wildlife, the rift valley, and many other sights. This is an incredibly amazing experience that begins early in the morning. The ranger gives you instructions on how to start up, and you sit down inside the air balloon.

Horse riding safari

The finest way to discover the Maasai Mara landscape, wildlife trails, and fresh air of nature is with a horseback riding safari. When the migratory experience is in full swing, it goes above and beyond what you would have anticipated, and a certified game ranger conducts this activity.

Culture encounter

One of the largest cultures in Africa, the maasai, which are known as pastorists in the nation, surround the reserve. Travelers can witness the maasai people’s distinctive traditional attire, rules, and practices and return home with a memorable African traditional experience to tell the rest of their stories.

Bird viewing 

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is renowned for housing approximately 500 bird species, 60 of which are raptors and some of which migrate.Vultures, Marabou’s storks, Secretary Birds, Ostriches, Long-Crowned Eagles, African Pygmy Falcons, Horn Bills, Crown Cranes, Secretary Birds, Sooty Chat, Tawny Eagle, Kori Bustard, and Kenyan National Bird are just a few of the species on the list.

Wildebeest migration viewing

One of the most exciting and rewarding wildlife viewing experiences in the world is seeing wildebeests migrate between two national parks. They can spend two to three months in Maasai Mara before moving on to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Millions of tourists gather to Maasai Mara during this activity from July to October in order to witness an annual wildebeest migration in person.

Best time to visit Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is best visited every year, even though there are two distinct seasons—dry and wet—and the best time to travel is during the reserve’s peak season, which lasts from July to October, when the wildebeest migration takes place. The greatest time to enjoy rewarding wildlife viewing and other park activities is from early November to early February.

Where to stay while in Maasai Mara National Reserve

A visitor to the Maasai Mara shouldn’t worry about where to stay because the reserve boasts a wide range of comfortable lodging options with good amenities, professional chefs, and more. Accommodations range from luxury to mid-range and can be booked with the assistance of a reliable tour operator.You can contact us at Achieve global safaris for more information about the reserve, and if you don’t mind, we can arrange all of your tour booking reservations, including booking your hotel room, Maasai Mara tour packages, and transportation by air or road from your pick-up to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or from Uganda Entebbe International Airport.A few examples of these lodging options are Kilima Camp, Kichwa Tembo, Mpata Club, Naibor camps, Sentinel Mara camp, Enkewa camp, Mara Bush Camp, and numerous others.There is ample room for you to set up camp in your own tent as well.

Finally, I would advise anyone considering a trip to an African country to make sure they visit Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is home to one of the world’s top ten natural wonders, the annual migration of millions of blue wildebeest, which has made Kenya a popular tourist destination worldwide.Be aware that there are numerous other beautiful and gratifying activities that are done, like admiring the reserve’s beautiful landscape.Book today to learn more about Kenya, Africa’s historical natural gift.

Amboseli National Park

One of the main safari destinations in Kenya is Amboseli National Park, which is 240 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, the country’s capital. The park is situated in the Loitoktok district of the Rift Valley. The name Amboseli national park comes from the local slag “Amboseli,” which means “Salty dust.” The park is also known as “the land of giants” due to the enormous number of large elephants with long trunks that roam freely in the park’s savannah plains.

Amboseli is situated against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, the largest free-standing mountain in Africa, which rises 589 meters above sea level. As the snow on the mountain melts, it creates the watering holes and mashes that can be found in the park.

The 392 square kilometer Amboseli National Park is home to a rare environment and a unique blend of geography, geology, hydrology, and cultural history. Open plains, acacia woodland, thorny shrubs and palm trees covering rock formations, marshes, and marshlands encircling Lake Amboseli are among the five diverse habitats that make up Amboseli. In nature, Lake Amboseli is a transient lake that fills during the rainy season when the park experiences significant rains. It is a Pleistocene lake basin.

Before being gazetted as a national park, Amboseli National Park was known as Empusel. It was established as a national park in 1974. The park was first formed in 1906 as a national wildlife reserve, and its name was changed to Amboseli national park in 1974 when it was given the status of a national park. Amboseli National Park was designated by UNESCO as a Man and the Biosphere reserve in 1991 due to the unique fusion of ecology and culture.

Amboseli national park is a well-liked stop on Kenya wildlife tours for great game viewing safaris. It is home to a variety of safari attractions, including animal and avian species. Big tusked elephants, cape buffaloes, lions, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, zebras, wildebeests, Grant’s and Thomson gazelles, impalas, hippos, and many other animals can be seen in Amboseli National Park.

With over 400 different bird species residing in the swamps, grasslands, and acacia forests of the park, Amboseli National Park is regarded as a top spot for Kenya birding watching safaris. Egrets, herons, pelicans, steel-blue whydahs, hornbills, African swamphens, common redshanks, taveta golden weavers, yellow-necked spurfowls, Sudan mabuyas, beautiful chameleons, viraible skinks, African stripped skinks, and many other species of birds may be found in Amboseli.

Kenya safari activities to do in Amboseli national park 

Game viewing 

Amboseli National Park is home to vast herds of elephants that may be seen wallowing in the murky waterways beside hippos. It has been acknowledged for providing outstanding wildlife viewing safaris and is included among the best sites for Kenya wildlife safari in Africa. On morning and afternoon game drives, you may see animals in the park. Among the creatures you can see are lions, cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, spotted hyenas, antelopes, and many others.

On Amboseli game viewing safaris, you may take in the breathtaking African sunrise and sunset over the area’s scenery.

Bird watching 

More than 400 kinds of birds may be found in the park, including those that live near lakes, marshes, and savannah grasslands. The park is a top choice for bird watchers traveling to Kenya on Kenya birding trips. Amboseli National area’s bird watching safari provides views of many of the bird species that call the area home, including egrets, herons, pelicans, steel-blue whydahs, hornbills, African swamphens, common redshanks, taveta golden weavers, yellow-necked spurfowls, and many more.

Hot air balloon safaris 

You shouldn’t skip a hot air balloon safari in Amboseli when on a safari in Kenya. Hot air balloon safaris are exhilarating safari activities that provide fantastic aerial views of Amboseli National Park from a ride suspended in the sky above the park’s landscape. Hot air balloon experiences begin as early as 6:00 am in the morning to take in the magnificent sunrise. You will see vast herds of elephants, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, lions, leopards, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro as you travel in the hot air balloon safari.

Cultural encounters 

Amazing cultural experiences can be had in Amboseli. These trips are organized and carried out under the supervision of a game ranger who is informed about the masai people and their culture. They take you on a cultural encounter in the Maasai communities located on the park’s borders. Cultural interactions provide people a chance to get to know the Maasai people’s customs, norms, and cultures better. These encounters include opportunities to speak with elders, visit bomas, schools, and market centers, and learn more about things like cattle ranching, cultural dances, and theater.

How to get to Amboseli national park 

The park is accessible by air and road and is located 240 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and main tourist destination.

By road

By car, it takes about 4 hours to get from Nairobi’s main road to Amboseli via Namanga, which leads to Meshanani Gate. Another route to the park is Nairobi via email, which is 228 kilometers long and runs along Nairobi Mombasa Road. The ideal type of vehicle to utilize when traveling by road to the Amboseli National Park is a 4X4 wheel vehicle.

By air

An airfield for light aircraft is located at Empusel gate, and there are further optional airstrips at Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge and Namanga town. These are used to enter Amboseli National Park. Domestic/chartered flights are offered by a number of airlines, including AirKenya, Safarilink, and Mombasa Air Safari, from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to several of the airstrips serving the park.

Accommodations in Amboseli National Park

Accommodations are provided by safari lodges and camps, which are divided into three categories: luxury, midrange, and cheap. Among these are Satao Elerai camp, Ol Donyo Lodge, Amboseli Serena Safari lodge, Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Campi ya Kanzi, Kibo Safari camp, Kilima Safari camp, and Ol Tukai Lodge.

Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park : Due to its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, good road systems, rhino reserve, opportunity for rock climbing, Mzima spring, and enjoyable guided hikes along the Tsavo River, Tsavo West National Park is better known as a safari destination.

The park, however, is situated on a sizable piece of land that extends over an area of roughly 9,065 square kilometers and is located in Kenya’s coast province in the western section of Nairobi. Despite the fact that Tsavo West and Tsavo East national parks are closer to one another than the other, the road from Nairobi to Mombasa and the railroad divide them.

They both provide adjacent ranches and protected areas that together make up the Tsavo conservation area, which is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, or “KWS,” which is also known as Kenya’s national park administration. Tsavo West National Park, on the other hand, is incredibly rich in biological diversity, which can be seen in the savannah ecosystem, which includes Acacia woodland, open savannah, scrubland, belts of riverine vegetation, and rocky ridges like the poacher’s lookout from which visitors can view the teeming herds in the open plains below.

Elephants, leopards, lions, hippopotamuses, lesser kudus, hartebeests, Cape buffaloes, Masaya giraffes, and Eastern black rhinoceroses are just a few of the wildlife species that may be seen in the park. There are also many different species of birds to be seen here.

Before Tsavo West was designated a gazette national park in 1948, the region was home to Waata hunter-gatherers, Maasai pastoralists, and Erma pastoralists. And at that time, the native population was evacuated to Mtito Andei, Voi, as well as other places in the nearby Taita hills. Following Kenya’s declaration of independence in 1963, hunting inside the park had to be outlawed in order to give Tsavo enough security to be protected by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

In addition to climbers who can enjoy the park’s cliffs as they explore elephants roaming the plains of Tsavo, sight see eagle, falcons, and vultures circling on thermals around the crag with Kilimanjaro, and this can be done on a clear day, Tsavo West National Park has become one of the most popular tourist destinations that draws photo tourists from all over the world who are interested in experiencing the true wilderness, remarkable terrain, and. Rock climbing is one of the best activities to engage in in Kenya’s national parks, and this is because to the rock’s sturdy gneiss cliffs, which are frequently covered in grips and unobstructed flora. The first climber, known as “Mastodon,” took three days to complete the ascent of the Tsavo Chimney, which is the world’s most magnificent rock formation that stands 300 meters tall from the east face of Kichwa Tembo. Since it frequently gets very hot on clear days, the climbing experience begins early in the morning.

Tsavo West National Park attractions.

It is gratifying to discover the ancient lands of the lions in 1898 while building the Uganda railway.

The breathtaking Mzima springs, which create the most enchanting and exciting spectacle on African soil.

The roaring rocks and Poacher’s Lookout provide a breathtaking vantage point from which to see the herd’s movement across the park.

A vivid volcanic area where molten lava from shetani lava, which was ejected from the earth roughly 200 years ago, can be found.

Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary

Due to poaching that started in the 1960s, there are now fewer black rhinos in this area than there were previously.

Lake Jipe sits

The ideal location for bird watching is along the Tanzanian border.

Game Watching

The best game watching in the world is available at Tsavo West National Park.

Activities to do in Tsavo West National Park

Game drive

Elephants, buffalo, black rhinoceros, hippos, lions, leopards, lesser kudus, masai giraffes, and other animals are among the wildlife species that can be spotted during a game drive, which is conducted in open savannah grassland and can be enjoyed in a 4×4 wheel vehicle.

Hot Balloon safaris

It’s incredible to discover the African wilderness from the air, and a balloon ride provides a fantastic aerial view of the region’s wildlife, bird life, hills, foliage, and much more.

Birding /nature walk

Tsavo features exciting paths where you may go on a nature walk experience and enjoy fantastic views of various bird species, like flamingos, the surrounding area, and animals up close, like elephants, among others.

Visiting local villages

The Masai people’s traditional dwellings and rewardingly different clothing code are really lovely to encounter.

Visits to Rhino Sanctuary 

Visit Tsavo West National Park and take part in a once-in-a-lifetime rhino tracking experience.

Cultural dances

The Masai culture dance is quite gratifying since you can watch them jump around and narrate stories while taking in their distinctive dance.

Accommodations in Tsavo West National Park

Nguli Safari Lodge, Kilaguni Safari Serena Lodge, Kitani Severin Safari Camp, Voyager Safari Camp, professional campsite, Simba Campsite, Chulu Campsite, Kamboyo Guest House, and many more privately owned lodges and campsites are available in the park for your stay in Tsavo West.

Getting to Tsavo West National Park

By taking the Mombasa Road, it is possible to travel 240 kilometers from Nairobi to the Mtito Andei Gate and other gates such as Tsavo and Lake Jipe.

Another choice is to fly from Wilson Airport, where you can reserve a domestic flight, but your dependable tour operator can handle this for you. The closest airport to the park is Maktau, and charter planes are a very real option for getting there.

Best Time to visit Tsavo West

All seasons are suitable for visiting Tsavo West National Park.

Visit this truly spectacular area of African wilderness right away to see the picturesque grandeur of the park’s wildlife and vegetation and to take home a memento of your time spent on the continent.

Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park, the largest national park in Kenya, is a well-known safari destination for animal enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is located in southeast Kenya and has an area of about 13,747 square kilometers. Above all, with a combined area of 21,000 square kilometers, the two national parks Tsavo East and Tsavo West make up the larger game reserve sanctuary in Kenya. Tsavo is one of the top safari destinations for animal viewing because of the park’s broad savannah grassland and water source. On your safari to Kenya, you can see more than 500 different bird species in the park, which has a large population of wild creatures.

The physical features, birds, and wild creatures that can be found in Tsavo East National Park are its attractions.

River Galana

River Galana has been around for a while and provides a breathtaking view of Lungard Falls, as well as crocodiles and a variety of other creatures that may be seen along the river’s banks gathering for a drink. Elephants, lions, Kudus, dik diks, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles are a some of the species you can witness in person.

Kanderi swamp
This water body, which can be found in Tsavo East, offers a rewarding view of lions and elephants coming here to take mud baths and quench their thirst.
Yatte plateau: Yatte plateau is the world’s longest lava flow and it stretches along the western edge of the park. It is located close to the Garana River.

Aruba Dam

Aruba Dam has a lovely appearance and draws a variety of wildlife and aquatic bird species.

Animal species

Tsavo East National Park is one of the largest game reserves in the world and is home to a variety of species, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, blue duiker, African wild dogs, African cheetahs, giraffes, African savannah hares, common elands, aardwolves, banded mongooses, Coke’s hartebeest, common genet, African wildcat

Activities in Tsavo East National Park

Game drive viewing

In the early morning when the sun has just risen, in the evening, at night, and during the day, the park offers breathtaking views of various wildlife species.Elephants, waterbucks, impala, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, baboons, warthogs, giraffes, and many other species can be seen during your morning game drive.You can witness nocturnal animals like bush babies, predators like leopards, and lions preying on smaller species when you go on a night game drive.

Camping

Travelers can spend the night in the outdoors while camping in Tsavo Ground, where they can hear lions roaring in the bushes and take in the splendor of the African sky.

Hot air balloon

It’s incredible to experience the African bush from above and be rewarded with aerial views of animals like elephants, buffaloes, and avian species.

Cultural dances

The Masai community, which offers a distinctive traditional culture, is all around the park. This is one of the most distinctive cultures in the world, and what makes them distinctive is their dress code. Additionally, their traditional dance is fascinating since people leap around when they dance, which is quite gratifying for tourists.

Bird watching

More than 500 different bird species can be found in the Tsavo East National Park, including the Somali bunting, Slender-tailed nightjar, Taita fiscal, Rufous chatterer, Pangani long claw, Northern brownbul, Fischer’s starling, African finfoot, Vulturine Guinea fowl, Somali Ostrich, Somali bee-eater, Red-bellied parrot, Martial eagle, and Black faced sandgrouse, among others.

Best time to go to Tsavo East National Park

All seasons are good for visiting Tsavo East National area, although the greatest time to see wildlife is from December to mid-March and from June to October, when the area is dry. The greatest time to go birding is during the park’s wet season, which runs from April to June and from October to November.

Accommodations, Lodges, and Tented Camps in Tsavo East

One of the most popular activities in Tsavo East is camping. The mid-range and luxury tents listed below offer breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty. Examples of these safari tented camps include Galdessa Safari Camps, Satao Camp, Patterson Safari Camp, and Crocodile Camp.

A traveler can stay in a distinctive safari lodge while on a safari tour in Tsavo East, however the cost will depend on the traveler’s budget. These include the Aruba Ashnil Lodge, Kipalo Hills, Kilalinda Luxury Lodge, Voi Wildlife Lodge, and Tsavo Safari Camp.

Tsavo East National Park access

The distance from Nairobi to the Mtito Adei Gate on the Mombasa Road, where one can reach the Tsavo East National Park, is roughly 240 kilometers.Then it traveled 290 kilometers to get to Tsavo Gate. Keep in mind that driving is quite gratifying because it offers stunning views of the countryside and nature.

Air transport

As an alternative, you might choose to fly to Voi Airstrip, one of the park’s airstrips, in less than 40 minutes.

Make your reservation today to learn more about the diverse species that can be found in the Tsavo East and to enter to win the best safari experience of a lifetime.

Lake Nakuru National Park

The 4th largest town in Kenya, Nakuru, is the closest town to Lake Nakuru National Park, a very rewarding Kenya safari location for birding and game viewing experiences. The park has a total area of 188 square kilometers, of which Lake Nakuru makes up 45 square kilometers. It is located in the Kenyan Rift Valley, some 164 kilometers north of Nairobi.

Lake Nakuru, which is protected by the park, gives the park its name. The word Nakuru is a local dialect of the local Maasai language and means “a place of dust” or simply “dust.” Lake Nakuru was created as a national park in 1961.

The park is made up of savannah grasslands, mountains, and Lake Nakuru, which covers 45 square kilometers of the space. Alkaline Lake Nakuru is a striking feature of the park and a well-known location for bird watching in Kenya.

Millions of flamingos and other water birds can be found on the lake’s beaches, drawn there by the algae. With over 2 million pink flamingos residing on the lake’s shores and flourishing on the plentiful algae in its warm, saline waters, the national park is the best place in the world to see birds.

There are 400 different bird species that live in the Lake Nakuru national park’s savannah plains and along its shores, including pink flamingos, little grebes, ducks, white-winged black terns, stilts, avocets, goliath herons, hammerkops, pied kingfishers, African fish eagles, verreaux’s eagles, and many others.

Lake Nakuru national park

56 species of mammals have been identified in the park’s savannah grasslands, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, Thomson gazelles, black and white rhinoceroses, zebras, impalas, deer, jackals, giraffes, wild dogs, and colobus monkeys.

A rhino sanctuary is part of the Lake Nakuru National area and is home to roughly 100 white rhinos and 50 black rhinos. Male rhinos in the area weigh an average of 2300 kg, while female rhinos weigh an average of 1700 kg.

Kenya safari activities to do in Lake Nakuru national park

Game viewing

One of the best places in Kenya for game viewing is Lake Nakuru National Park, which is home to a variety of gorgeous animal species that can be observed on game viewing safaris, making the experience worthwhile. The park offers morning and full-day game drives on a variety of trails that wind through the park. During a game viewing safari, guests may see lions, leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, Thomson gazelles, zebras, impalas, jackals, wild dogs, and rhinos among other stunning creatures.

When visiting the rhino sanctuary, which is home to approximately 100 white rhinos and roughly 50 black rhinos, the park offers visitors the chance to see the endangered rhinoceros (black and white).

Bird watching

A great place to go on a birding safari in Kenya is Lake Nakuru National Park, which serves as a haven for millions of pink flamingos drawn to the lake’s beaches by the algae. During a Kenya birding safari, visitors can see over 400 different bird species in the park, including the Abyssinian thrush, the Arrow-marked babbler, and many others. Bateleur, Godwits with black tails, Lapwing with black wings, Burning canary scrub robin with a brown back Crab-plover, European roller, Eastern imperial eagle crane with a grey crown Woodpecker with a grey head, Amazing snipe, a larger-spotted eagle, the grey-crested helmet shrike Starling of Hildebrandt, rufous sparrow of Kenya the lapwing vulture Maccoa duck, a lesser flamingo, a lesser kestrel, a long-tailed widowbird, White-eyes of Montane Arctic puffback, drab harrier, lark with a red cap The Rüppell’s robin-chat, the Rufous-throated wryneck, the Schalow’s wheatear, Slender-billed greenbul, shining sunbird, sooty falcon, weaver of Speke, Among others, White-fronted bee-eaters and the Western reef heron.

From November through April, when the park is in breeding season and many of the birds are in full plumage, is the greatest time to go on a birding safari in Kenya.

Walking safaris

The Lake Nakuru National Park is a breathtaking location for Kenya walking safaris. Walking safaris are a great way to explore many park areas that are inaccessible by vehicle. In the Lake Nakuru National Park, walking safaris are conducted primarily along the lake’s shoreline and the park’s savannah plains. As you stroll through the park, you may see lions, leopards, impalas, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and other animals as well as numerous birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and grey-headed woodpeckers.

ACCOMMODATION IN LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

There are several lodges and campsites in the park that provide accommodations for visitors on Kenya safaris. Luxury, Midrange, and Budget lodges and campgrounds are available in the park. Some of these are Sarova Hill Game Lodge, Flamingo Hill Tented Camp, Kivu Resort, Lake Nakuru Flamingo Lodge, and Ziwa Bush Lodge.

HOW TO GET TO LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

The park is a popular Kenya safari location since it is easily reached by both air and ground transportation. It can be entered through one of three gates: the Main gate, Lanet gate, or Nderit gate.

By Road: Using the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, it takes 30 minutes to travel there from Nairobi, and along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas of the Great Rift Valley. If you choose to travel by road, you must drive a 4X4 vehicle.

By air: It takes 25 minutes to fly domestically from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Naishi Airstrip.

Mount Kenya National Park

After Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya National Park is the second-highest mountain in Africa. It was designated as a protected area in 1949 and is known by the moniker “Come touch the sky” due to its peak’s height of 5,199 meters. The 715 square meter protected area include the Kenyan mountain, the local fauna, and the forest reserve. The various vegetation zoning zones serve as excellent habitats for wildlife, particularly mammals and birds.

The mountain serves as a water catchment area for the park, collecting water from melting glaciers and natural springs. Rare and endangered species of wildlife can be found in the park. The plains wildlife and vegetation that resembles alpine vegetation have adapted to the high altitude. While on their Kenya Wildlife excursions, the visitors take pleasure in trekking the mountain, camping, and caves alongside the mountain’s rough glacier.

Before it was designated as a national park that included Mt. Kenya and the forest reserve, the park was initially the forest reserve. Just one year after being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1977, the entire region was then classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. The Kenyan government primarily intended to conserve the park’s biodiversity, natural picturesque views, and most significantly, the water source that was so crucial to the community in the area. These goals led to the park’s gazetting.

How to get to Mount Kenya National Park

Using road transportation, it is extremely simple to travel the 175 kilometers from Nairobi to the Mount Kenya National Park. The Nanyuki-Isiolo Road is used by several public taxis and shuttles that travel daily to the Mt. Kenya region. One can cross through Naro Moru by way of Sirimon Track or Nyeri-Nanyuki route.

The park is also accessible via Chogoria on the Embu-Meru, which is located 150 kilometers north of Nairobi, the country’s capital. You can arrange for a private tour operator driver-guide to pick you up from your hotel in Nairobi. If local operators organize it, it will be simple for you even though it is expensive and offers numerous benefits to the guest, including safety and on-time arrival. If one wants to successfully arrive to the park or be dropped off close to the park gates when traveling by public transportation, one must be aware that there are often three roads that are highly suggested to utilize.

If using public transportation, the cost ranges from 500 to 800 Kenyan Shillings and dumps you off on the main road. The cost of a special hiring to get you to the park gates today ranges from 2000 to 8000 Kenyan shillings, depending on how far the first taxi left you. In the Mount Kenya National Park, there are four gates: the Kamweti, Marania, Burguret, and Themwe gates.

Domestic aircraft can also get you to the park, dropping you off at Nanyuki airfield, which is the closest airport. Your driver-guide will be there to welcome you at the airport, take you to the park gate so you can get cleared, and then start the day’s climb. Depending on your level of physical fitness, 3 to 4 days of hiking are recommended.

Vegetation of Mount Kenya National park

The Mount Kenya National Park’s vegetation is diversified because of the park’s various altitudes, which results in shifting vegetation zoning. The park’s vegetation is separated into various zones that alter as the altitude changes. Depending on how well each plant can acclimatize to the altitude, a different plant dominates each Zone. The majority of plant species at the Mountain have both their English names and the native Kikuyu and Embu names, which is unusual.

The Indian Ocean, which extends from the east to the south-east, is the source of the park’s damp weather. While the park’s surroundings are generally level and are covered by open savannahs and receive little rainfall, the hills that receive heavy amounts of rain are covered by dense bamboo growth. The native Kikuyu have now converted the open savannah to agricultural land. From broad savannah grassland through montane forest to bamboo and the Afro-alpine zone, the vegetation is ranked.

Arrangement of the vegetation Zone in Mt Kenya

Cultivated Zone

The Kikuyu converted this into agricultural land, but it is still covered by the open savannah grassland.

Montane Forest

As one ascends to an altitude of 2000 meters, they reach a montane forest that is dominated by Ocotea usambarensis. This comes after the grassland.

Bamboo Zone

This is a confined location with heavy rainfall that is located in the center of a mountain covered with bamboo trees.

Timberline Forest 

African rosewood dominates this area, which is located between 3,000 and 3,500 meters above sea level.

Heathland and Chaparral 

This can be found at an altitude of 3,200 to 3,800 meters. While the Chaparral can be found in the mountain’s drier regions, it primarily inhabits the area where the mountain is wettest. Erica predominates in heathland, while African sage does so in chaparral.

Afro-alpine Zone  

This mountain’s second-to-last vegetation zone spans the elevation range of 3500 meters to 4500 meters. Dendrosenecio Keniensis and Dendrosenecio keniodendron, two enormous species, dominate it.

Nival zone: 

This is the last zone with glacier and it is above 4500 meters.

Mount Kenya National Park’s attractions

Wildlife  

More species can be seen in Mount Kenya National Park, including large African Forest Elephants, Cape Buffaloes, monkeys, leopards, Dik-diks, and Forest Hogs among many others. Over 130 different bird species, predominantly woodland birds, can be found in the park.

Mont KenyaThe park’s main draw is the second-highest mountain in Africa. The mountain takes up approximately half of the park. The mountain may be climbed in 3 to 5 days, however the technical climbers usually reach the top first.

Mount Kenya National Park activities

The park is home to a number of amusing activities that enhance visitors’ trips to Africa. One can experience the actual wilderness of Africa by taking a safari to Mount Kenya National Park.

Many people are misled by the park’s name into assuming that it is primarily used for hiking, which is incorrect. As I mention in this essay, there are a number of things you may do in the park.

Hiking  

There are seven distinct paths up the mountain, and this is the main activity there. Naro Moru is the simplest and most well-liked of the seven paths. Sirimon, Chogoria, Batian, Nelion, Timau Route, and Burguret Route are more routes.

Game viewing 

Although the park is known for its mountains, it is also home to a variety of animals, including mammals like forest elephants, buffalo, and others. On the Keny safari vans, the passengers have pleasure in viewing game. They occasionally get to witness leopards and forest hogs.

Birding

More than 130 different bird species call the park home, the majority of which are forest birds and only a few of which are open savannah birds. Although they can be taken at any time of year, birding safaris are best taken in the rainy season when the birds are nesting and reproducing.

Scenic views  

Enjoy the sightseeing and beautiful mountain vistas, especially if you are a trekker rather than a hiker who can’t make it to the summit. As part of the Kenya Safari Tour, seeing the caves is also possible at the park, which is a wonderful experience.

Just a few meters from the Equator, the Mount Kenya National Park, which is dominated by Africa’s second-highest mountain, offers beautiful scenery. visiting the Kikuyu’s ancient divinity, Ngai. The residents still keep their doors wide and face the mountain because they think they receive a blessing from it. For religious ceremonies and other customs, the Kikuyu travel to the mountain’s slopes.