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"OUT OF AFRICA"
Kenya, known for many years as the safari country in Africa, is the first country where safaris were undertaken. One of the most famous, first safari travellers was adventurer Denys Finch Hatton who came to Kenya in 1911. He was not only a hunter but also a dedicated nature lover and loved to travel in style. In 1925, he started safaris for the wealthy elite and made sure they lacked nothing. Back then, it was still mainly about hunting, "big game hunting", the more trophies the better. That is where the name "Big 5" eventually came from; these animals were the most difficult to hunt on foot.
Safari became increasingly popular and after the famous film "Out of Africa", Kenya could count on increasing interest worldwide. Fortunately, today you can still enjoy a great safari because of the largest concentrations of varied wildlife in Kenya's many beautiful nature parks. Furthermore, Kenya is known for its large numbers of flamingos and over a thousand bird species. Kenya also has great differences; there are modern cities that look quite Western but, especially in the interior, there are still a number of indigenous peoples who are still very attached to their traditions
. Kenya has a very varied landscape due to the large differences in altitude; forests, endless plains, snow-capped mountains, freshwater lakes, desert, rolling savannahs and the rugged Rift Valley. But above all, the white palm beaches on a crystal-clear sea, the pleasant climate and a population that is very friendly, helpful and hospitable make for an unforgettable holiday. Until 1963, Kenya belonged to Great Britain. Since 1964, the official name has been "The Republic of Kenya"
The Masai Mara is a nature reserve in south-western Kenya. It covers 1510 km² and borders the Serengeti Plains. A major attraction for tourists is the massive seasonal migration of wildebeest and zebra. Within the park is an extensive network of dirt roads that can be driven by all types of cars in the dry season. In the rainy season, the roads are difficult even for a four-wheel-drive car. The Masai Mara offers a variety of accommodation options, from camping sites to luxury lodges. Masai Mara is located at an altitude of 1500 to 2100 metres. The landscape consists mainly of grass plains topped by occasional acacias and riverine forest. Two main rivers flow through the park, the Talek and the famous Mara. Most rain falls in the northern part of the park, which also means that the density of game varies considerably from time to time. The wildebeest are on the vast plains of the Serengeti during the rainy season. During the dry season, they gradually migrate northwards. By the end of the dry season, they have arrived in the Masai Mara, especially in the green northern part.
Amboseli National Park is a 392-square-kilometre protected nature reserve located in Kenya's Kajiado district. Forty kilometres south of the park is Mount Kilimanjaro, just across the border from Tanzania. Amboseli National Park is Kenya's most popular national park after Masai Mara. It has a small airport, Amboseli Airport. The Masai are the largest ethnic group in the park, but attracted by the fertile land and the large number of tourists, many other Kenyans have settled here.Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya's most popular parks. The name "Amboseli" comes from a Maasai word meaning "salty dust", and it is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close.
Lake Nakuru is one of the lakes of the Great Rift Valley. It lies south of Nakuru, in central Kenya and is protected both by the establishment of Lake Nakuru National Park, and by UNESCO's recognition of the area as a World Heritage Site in 2011. Lake Nakuru here is part of the protected system of Kenyan lakes in the Great Rift Valley. The abundance of algae attracts a large number of flamingos. Even more birds flourish in the area, as do baboons and other large mammals. Black rhinos and white rhinos have been released into the park. Water levels dropped sharply in the 1990s but then rose again
Nairobi National Park is Kenya's smallest national park. It is located 24 kilometres from the capital Nairobi. The Nairobi-Mombassa railway line traverses the park. The park covers an area of 117 square kilometres and was opened in 1948. It is a park closed on three sides. The fourth side is deliberately left open due to migration of animals such as wildebeest and zebra. The well-known African savannah animals are present with the exception of the elephant. It is a well-known site for black rhino observation. The park is easily accessible and open all year round. On the eastern side of the park is an observation point in a bend of the Athi River. Here hippos, birds, turtles and lizards can be observed.
Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya's oldest and largest national parks, opened in April 1948. The park has a size of 13 747 square kilometres. The park is located near the village of Voi in the Taita Taveta district of Pwani county. To the west is Tsavo West National Park, with which it was still officially one park until May 1948. The two parks are separated by the A109 and a railway. The park is named after the Tsavo River. Some of the main attractions include: Mundanda Rock Yatta Plateau Lugard Falls Arubadam.
Distance and driving time from Mombasa: 123km/76mi, 2 to 4 hours
Lake Bogoria is one of the lakes of the East African Great Rift Valley. Like Lake Nakuru and Lake Elmenteita, Lake Bogoria is part of the protected system of Kenyan lakes in the Great Rift Valley. These lakes were designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2011. The three lakes are shallow and interconnect underground. The water is alkaline, causing large quantities of green algae to grow. The algae are the favourite food of lesser flamingos, which breed in large numbers at the lake. Lake Bogoria is also an important breeding ground for the pink pelican. The area around Lake Bogoria is a nature reserve home to many of Africa's well-known mammal species, such as black rhinos and white rhinos, giraffes, lions and cheetahs.
The adjacent nature reserves of Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate National Park can be combined well from an accommodation at Lake Naivasha. Unlike the other lakes in Kenya, Naivasha is a freshwater lake. The lake is home to a significant population of hippos, crocodiles and particularly large numbers of African ospreys. Hell's Gate National Park is pre-eminently the park for adventurous walks and cycling through a rocky area. South of Lake Naivasha lies the relatively small Hell's Gate National Park, which has a large altitude difference. The park is home to two extinct volcanoes that created the Hell's Gate gorge and two lava towers. A hot spring can be visited via the gorge and buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, Thomson's gazelle, Grant gazelle and eland can be seen during activities in the national park
Located off the northern coast of Kenya, the Lamu archipelago embodies the charm of Swahili culture and East African history around the Indian Ocean. With a string of seven islands of all shapes and sizes, it is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The largest islands are Pate Island, Manda Island and Lamu Island. The latter is also home to Lamu Town, Kenya's oldest settlement, which is listed as a World Heritage Site. If you are looking for a beach holiday away from the crowds, the Lamu archipelago is the place for you. Here you will find peace and serenity.
Step back in time where cars have no place. Cars are banned in the old town and goods are mainly transported by mule. Wander through Lamu's old town through a maze of little streets, where buildings are made of local materials like mangrove poles, limestone and coral stones and are decorated with beautifully carved doors.
Mount Longonot is a stratovolcano southeast of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, Africa. It is thought to have last erupted in the 1860s. Its name is derived from the Maasai word Oloonong'ot, meaning "mountains with many spurs" or "steep ridges". From Nairobi, you can climb this mountain.
Land of lava, springs and magical sunsets"
From the sight of fifty million gallons of crystal-clear water gushing from the under parched lava rock, the Mzima Springs, to the Shetani lava flows, Tsavo West is a beautiful, rugged wilderness. The savannah ecosystem comprises open grasslands, scrub and acacia forests, belts of riverine vegetation and rocky ridges, including the Poacher's Lookout, where visitors can watch the teeming herds in the plains below. Tsavo West offers some of the most beautiful safari tours in the world and attractions include elephant, rhino, hippo, lion, cheetah, leopard, buffalo, various plant and bird species, including the endangered corncrake and the near-threatened basra reed warbler.
Distance and driving time from Mombasa: 210km/130mi, 4 to 5 hours
Lake Elmenteita is an alkaline lake in the Great Rift Valley and is located about 120 km northwest of Nairobi in Kenya. It is part of Kenya's Great Rift Valley lake system and has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 2011. Moreover, this lake is covered by the Ramsa Convention.
Just a 15-minute drive from Nairobi's business centre is Karura Forest, a green oasis in the city. No fewer than 3 rivers run through the park, and there are also a 15-metre-high waterfall, a bamboo jungle, a cave system and a wetland. The diversity of fauna and flora in the park is very high. Most of the native tree species of the higher parts of Kenya are found here; among the foliage, hundreds of bird species are home as are bats, antelopes and several species of monkeys. A few years ago, they made work of constructing facilities and bicycle and hiking trails.Since then, the park has been a popular destination for walks and picnics for the city dwellers.
Lake Naivasha derives its name from the Maasai word for ‘rough water’ due to the sudden storms that are known to arise in the area. Easily accessible from Nairobi, the lake is a refreshing day trip or weekend break from Kenya’s busy capital.
Located in Nakuru County, Lake Naivasha is a large freshwater lake which sits just outside the town of Naivasha. Situated at an elevation of 1,884m, Lake Naivasha is the highest lake within the Great Rift Valley.
Lake Naivasha is famous for its high populations of hippos and flamingos. There are over 1,500 hippos in the area, and you are almost guaranteed to see one.
The lake is a birder’s paradise as it is home to over 400 bird species. Lesser and greater flamingos flock to the lake, forming a wash of bright pink across the lake's surface.
Giraffes, zebras, impalas, and waterbucks can be sighted in the immediate vicinity of Lake Naivasha, around Crescent Island, Crater Lake Game Sanctuary, and Longonot National Park. Lucky adventurers may even glimpse a leopard.
The Samburu National Reserve is a game reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River in Kenya. On the other side of the river is the Buffalo Springs National Reserve. The park covers 165 km² and is 350 kilometres from Nairobi. It ranges in altitude from 800 to 1230 m above sea level.
A wide variety of animals and birds can be seen in Samburu National Reserve. Several large game species that are common in Kenya's northern plains are abundant here, including the following dryland fauna: gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, oryx and netgiraffe. All three big cats, the lion, cheetah and African leopard are also found here, as well as the elephant, Cape buffalo and hippopotamus.
Other mammals commonly seen in the park include olive baboon, warthogs, Grant's gazelle, Kirk's dik-dik, impala and waterbuck. A population of black rhinos has been reintroduced to the park after a 25-year absence due to heavy poaching.
There are more than 350 species of birds. These include the grey-headed kingfisher, sunbirds, bee-eaters, marabou stork, wood eagle, verreaux's eagle, bateleur, vulture-eared grouse, yellow-necked dwarf grouse, lilabor stroller, secretary bird, magnificent starling, northern red-billed hornbill, yellow -billed hornbill and several vultures, including the palm vulture.
The Ewaso Ng'iro river contains large numbers of Nile crocodiles basking.
The beautiful Marsabit National Park in Kenya is a haven for 'big tuskers', which are male elephants with huge tusks. The park has many interesting geological features and is an oasis of green surrounded by an otherwise arid environment.
Marsabit National Park became famous in the 1970s when it was the habitat of many elephants known to have the longest tusks in Africa. One of the old Bulls was called Ahmed, who was guarded 24 hours a day by presidential decree. When he died, he was found to have tusks that weighed more than 300 kilos. A model of Ahmed now stands in Nairobi's National Museum. Today, the park is still known for its elephants with their impressive tusks.
Ruma National Park is the only terrestrial park in Nyanza province in Kenya. The park, also called the 'last retreat of the Roan Antelope', protects Kenya's only indigenous population of rare Roan antelopes
Ruma national park was established in 1983 to protect the country's last remaining population of Roan antelope. The roan (or korongo as the antelope is called in Swahili) is the third largest antelope species in Kenya. They can be recognised by their distinctive black and white face that is almost similar to a tribal mask. Roan antelopes live in herds of up to 20 animals led by a dominant male.
Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and home to two of the world's last remaining northern white rhinos. It is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees, in a sanctuary established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the black market.
Black rhinos have been acutely threatened with extinction since 1993. At that time, there were only an estimated 2300 animals left worldwide. Today their numbers have risen again to over 5000. In Ol Pejeta their number has grown from 20 in 1995 to 140 today, which makes Ol Pejeta definitely worth a visit!
It has some of the highest predator densities in Kenya, and still manages a very successful livestock programme. Ol Pejeta also seeks to support the people living around its borders, to ensure wildlife conservation translates to better education, healthcare and infrastructure for the next generation of wildlife guardians.
The Taita Hills Wildlife Conservancy derives its name from the surrounding clusters of hills and is an integral part of the Eastern Arc forests classified as an biodiversity hotspot. The conservancy covers an area of 28,000 acres of mosaic habitat where the plant physiognomy is riverine forest, savanna wood and grassland. The vegetation formation is usually dense, stratified and always dominated by Acacia /Commiphora trees and may appear to be evergreen in wet areas such as in the central lowlands of the sanctuary.
The sanctuary straddles the Southern Tsavo West National Park and is an important dispersal area and migrating corridor for wildlife between Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park and making it a highly valued tourism recreational area and of ecological importance. The topography is generally mountainous that offers breath taking landscape views of the Kilimanjaro, Pare, Uluguru mountains and the clusters of Taita Hills with a seasonal river dividing the sanctuary into valleys and lowland plains.
Distance and driving time from Mombasa: 201km/125mi, 3 to 5 hours
Solio Game Reserve is physically diverse, scenically spectacular, covered by open grass lands, wooded ravines. It is internationally recognised as the most successful rhino breeding reserve in Africa. It is hone to various species such as the endangered Black and White Rhinos, buffalo, eland oryx, lion leopard and cheetah as well as felines and creatures of the night.
The ‘Solio Ranch’ is one of the finest wildlife parks in Africa, which hasn´t figured on the tourist map for generations. The park is a fenced, privately-owned wildlife conservancy geared towards rhino conservation. The Solio Game Reserve was founded in 1970 when the owner of the Solio cattle ranch fenced off a large section of land and dedicated it to conservation. The park plays a major part in the protection and breeding of black rhinos in Kenya. Breeding has been so successful that rhino from Solio have stocked game reserves all over Africa. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for more information on the Solio Reserve and rhino conservation.
Lumo Conservancy is a community-based wildlife conservancy located in the Taita-Taveta County of Kenya. It is situated between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, making it an important wildlife corridor for animals moving between these two larger protected areas.
Lumo Conservancy is a prime example of a community-driven conservation initiative. It was established by the local community with the aim of conserving wildlife and their habitat while also generating income and improving livelihoods for the people living in the area. The conservancy is managed by the Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary Trust, which includes members from local communities.
One of the least-known treasures of Kenya’s safari portfolio ,Shimba Hills National Reserve is an outstanding excursion from Mombasa. Combining pretty, forested hills with ample grasslands, Shimba Hills offers the chance to see elephants, sable antelopes, buffalo, baboons and giraffes. The reserve is also known for its abundant birdlife, and the butterfly population here has to be seen to be believed.
Distance and driving time from Mombasa: 52km/32mi, 2 hours
Barely known to international travelers, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary lives up to its name with lots of elephants on show. It’s delightfully quiet, and you may sometimes even have the elephant sightings all to yourself. The scenery, too, is pretty special, particularly along the Cha Simba Valley section of the reserve. A visit here sends a strong signal of support to the local community that oversees the sanctuary.
Distance and driving time from Mombasa: 59km/37mi, 1½ to 2 hours
The Aberdares are an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern wall of the rift valley, running about 100 Km north south between Nairobi and Thompsons Falls. This beautifully scenic region is much cooler than the savannahs and offers a completely different perspective on the country. The national park lies mainly above the tree line. The scenery is spectacular with its mountainous terrain covered in thick tropical forests swathed in mist.
The thick rainforest gives way to bamboo forest and interesting alpine vegetation the higher you travel up the mountain peaks within the park. The forest is home to populations of forest Elephants, Buffalo, Lion and several species of antelope such as Waterbuck, Duiker, the rare Suni and Bushbuck. If you are very lucky you might catch a glimpse of Kenya's rarest antelope, the Bongo. The Park is also home to a healthy population of Black Rhino.
Serval and Leopard also occur some of which have a rare black coat. There are many species of primates, including Black and White Colobus and Sykes and Vervet Monkey's.
Aberdare National Park is located about 150km (93 miles) east of Nairobi, and is easily accessible from Nyeri and Naro Moru. The Park is 87 km (54 miles) from Naivasha.
Kenya is not yet a tourist destination. Yet a high and low season can be distinguished as well as a dry and rainy season. Below is an overview of the main seasons.
June to September
The dry season is considered the best travel time for Kenya. June to September.October form the dry season. August also marks the peak of the Great Migration. A bucket list item for many travellers.
Jun to Aug + Jan & Feb
June to August and January and February are the busiest months. The former, of course, because of the international holidays. January and February because of the hot and dry weather.
March to May
Although there is not a whole lot of rain, March to May are the rainiest months in Kenya. It is a lot quieter in the country then (and cheaper), but it is not the best period for safaris.
The best travel time for Kenya is the dry season in January, February and June through September. Most travellers will therefore choose to travel during this period.
So what can you expect from the other months?
January
The best travel time for Kenya actually starts right away in January. One of the warmest months in terms of temperature and one of the driest in terms of rainfall. In addition, nature is beautifully green because of the 'short rain season' of November and December.
It is a perfect month for wildlife spotting and beach relaxation. An excellent month, then. This is also reflected in the number of travellers. January is one of the busiest (and also most expensive) months in Kenya.
February
February is similar to January in terms of weather. The landscape is still impressive due to the 'short rain season' and wildlife sightings are good. In addition, the rain starts to increase slightly. So expect occasional showers.
March
March officially marks the start of the rainy season. That doesn't mean it rains every that. On the contrary. You can still spot wildlife on dry days.
Because of the rain, vegetation starts to emerge, so towards the end of the month everything is in bloom. Beautiful, but that also means wildlife is harder to spot.
April
April is one of the lesser months. It is now 'long rain season' and there is more rain. Wildlife is hard to spot, safaris literally fall into the water and relaxing at the beach is probably out of the question.
May
May weather is similar to April. Lots of rain, wening chances of spotting wildlife and roads become impassable. Not the best travel time for Kenya.
June
In June, the rain starts to subside again. It is a lot drier. Because it rained heavily in the months before June, nature is in full bloom. That means wildlife is harder to spot, but it is possible.
This makes June one of the better months to be in Kenya.
July
July is one of the better months to be in Kenya. The weather is good, the rain has subsided and the first wildebeest from Tanzania are heading towards Masai Mara. All in all, a very good month.
Only downside is that it also gets busier. International holidays often start around July. Combined with the good weather and the upcoming Great Migration, this makes for a busy month.
August
Along with September, August is one of the driest months of the year. This automatically also makes it one of the better months for travelling in Kenya. August is the best month for wildlife spotting.
The Great Migration now begins in Masai Mara where wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migrate from Tanzania to Kenya in their millions. One of the most impressive natural phenomena in the world!
Due to international holidays, it is also one of the busiest (and most expensive) months. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance.
September
September is similar to August in terms of weather. When talking about the best travel time for Kenya, these are the best months.
The advantage of September is that it gets quieter, as many travellers return home due to school and work.
October
In October, it slowly gets warmer. In addition, rain starts to increase slightly. Though it is minimal. The weather is good, wildlife is plentiful and the millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migrate towards Tanzania again.
In addition, October is a quiet month. Therefore, October is one of the best months to travel in Kenya.
November
November marks the start of the 'short rain season'. The rains in November and December are short but strong. Tight blue skies give way to clouds and safaris become more difficult due to the rain. Some parks close.
It is very quiet though, making it one of the cheaper months.
December
Like November, not exactly the best month to travel. Some parks close their doors, it rains more often than average and the temperature is high. Wildlife spotting is still possible, though.
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