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January 21, 2022Tips to Hire A 4×4 Car in Kenya
January 22, 2022When it comes to African safaris, Kenya stands out. Over 10% of the land in Kenya is protected and shelters over 400 mammal species, about 1000 bird species with a distinct landscape characterized by sun-bleached savannas, mountains, forests, and more.
Kenya lies at the heart of Africa with many countries surrounding it including Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Tanzania. It is also surrounded by the scenic Indian Ocean to the East and has Great Rift Valley that runs through it from the North to South. Kenya also boasts of its magical mountain peaks including Mt. Kenya and protects a significant portion of Lake Victoria which is the world’s second-largest freshwater Lake.
Whether escorted or self-drive safaris in Kenya without doubt guarantee holidaymakers great sightings of the big 5 game that is Elephants, Rhinos, Lions, Leopards, and Buffaloes. In addition, there are thousands of other wildlife species to keep an eye, birds, and other natural features.
Wildebeest migration/Masai safaris
The wildebeest migration is undoubtedly one of the 7 natural wonders in Africa. Embarking on wildebeest migration is a lifetime opportunity for tourists on Kenya safaris to watch closely over 2 million wildebeest, gazelles, zebras as they cross the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania. While they move, they are closely followed by several predators giving you a great chance to keep an eye on them as well.
The best time to enjoy watching wildebeest migration in Kenya is during the dry months of the year that is June and November. In Kenya, wildebeest migration occurs in Masai Mara National Reserve which is found in the Southwestern side of the country within Narok County. The nature reserve sits on 1510sq.km of land area lying close to the border with Tanzania almost like an extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
Masai Mara takes its name from the Red cloak which the Maasai people wear. The Maasai lived in Masai Mara Reserve for centuries before they were displaced and the word “Mara” denotes to mottled. Maasai Mara is Kenya’s top-visited destination for wildlife viewing and protects about 450 species of birds, 95 mammal species, amphibians, and reptiles. The wildlife viewing experience includes watching the great migration usually from July, September to October.
Other than wildebeest, gazelles, zebras, Masai Mara also boasts of other diverse wildlife species including Hyenas, Crocodiles, Elephants, Maasai Lions, Elands, Giraffes, Cheetahs, and African Leopards. Masai Mara National Reserve is 270kms off from Nairobi Kenya, approximately 5 hours’ drive and by air, about 45 minutes.
Big Five game experience
Kenya is incredibly a complete big five-game safari destination in Africa. It boasts of its superb network of big five game parks each offering opportunity to visitors on safaris in Kenya to see African Lions, African Bush Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffaloes. The top places to visit for a big game safari in Kenya include Masai Mara National Reserve/Mara Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Parks, and others.
Amboseli safaris
Amboseli safaris introduce you to Amboseli National Park, Kenya’s second most popular safari park. Amboseli NP is 240kms off from Nairobi capital and it is located within Kajiado county, occupying up to 8000sq.kms of land area. It takes its name ‘Amboseli’ from Masai word meaning salty dust.
Amboseli National Park is remarkably one of the leading game viewing destinations in East Africa. The park is blessed with a diversity of wildlife including Big cats such as Lions, Cheetahs; Elephants, Giraffes, Antelopes like Elands, Impalas, Waterbucks. There are also over 400 species of birds including pelicans, kingfishers, and more.
While on Amboseli safari, the places to spend a night include Africa Amini Maasai Lodge, Mount Kilimanjaro View Lodge, Sentrim Amboseli Lodge, Weru Weru River Lodge, Maasai Simba Camp, and more.
Tsavo safaris in Kenya
Tsavo safaris are amazing and offer a great chance for you to visit Tsavo National Park/Tsavo Conservation Area, one of the biggest and oldest National Parks in Kenya. The Park is separated into 2- the Tsavo East and Tsavo West which all straddle within the semi-desert region of Taru Desert. The Tsavo National Park takes its name from Tsavo River and Tsavo East in particular shelters a huge concentration of Elephants that often bathe in the red dust. Other attractions include Yatta plateau, Mudanda rock, birds, Lugard Falls, and other interesting animal species including Zebras, Hyenas, Cape Buffaloes, Giraffes, Rhinos, Antelopes like Impalas, Waterbucks, Gazelles and others.
Tsavo West which is 965sq.kms is blessed with distinct attractions of its own including birds, Mzima springs, Chaimu crater, Crocodiles, Hippos. While on Tsavo safari, visitors have plenty of accommodation facilities including Kitani Lodge, Red Elephant Safari Lodge, Voyager Safari Camp, Kilalinda Lodge Tsavo, Gladessa Bush Camp, Ndololo Safari Camp, and others.
Lake Nakuru safaris
Lake Nakuru National Park is found in Central Kenya about 156kms Northwest of Nairobi and it is famous for its pink flamingoes. Established in 1961, Lake Nakuru NP hosts about 450 species of birds, a variety of mammal species including Rhinos, Waterbucks; 550 species of plants including Euphorbia candelabrum forest, Yellow acacia woodlands, and others. The places to consider for an overnight stay on Lake Nakuru safaris include Chui Campsite, Naishi Guesthouse, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Hill Lodge, Makalia Campsite, Acacia Picnic Site, Rhino Campsite, and many more.
Nairobi safaris
Nairobi is the biggest and capital city of Kenya lying within the South-Central part. It is famous for its historical background like the colonial history the fact that during colonial rule, it served as the capital of British East Africa. Today, Nairobi is visited not only for its historic sites but also for tourists on Kenya safaris to explore the stunning wildlife attractions in Nairobi National Park and other surrounding areas. Nairobi NP shelters a diversity of wildlife including Leopards, Black Rhinos, Cheetahs, Lions, Buffaloes, Zebras or visit David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see orphaned Elephants.
Mombasa holidays Kenya
Visit the second largest city and port- Mombasa while on Kenya safari. Mombasa lies Southeast of Kenya and is known as a multicultural destination where you get to explore distinct cultures such as Asian, Indian, Kenyan, Arab, Portuguese and more. Other places not to miss on Mombasa holidays include visiting Fort Jesus, Old Town built in the 16th century, local markets, souvenir shops, small streets, beaches such as Diani beach in the South.
Lamu tours
Located in the Northeastern side of Mombasa, Lamu is a beautiful island in Kenya and also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lamu town was founded in the 12th century and tourists can explore the distinct architectural buildings, donkey sanctuary, Lamu Fort, arts and crafts.
When to go for a safari in Kenya
The best time to go for a safari in Kenya is during the dry season- January to February, June to October. These are the best months of the year for Kenya safari holidaymakers to enjoy game viewing especially for visitors interested in watching the great migration. The heavy rains are often experienced from March to May (long rains) and October till December (short rains). However, a strong 4×4 is highly recommended to explore Kenya National Park, and among the 4x4s recommended include Land cruiser, Landrover, and Nissan Patrol.