If any country in the world would boast of God’s creation which is enclosed with diverse sceneries, ancient granitic hills, a desert, majestic landscapes and coral reefs, a myriad of wildlife, a good all year-round climate, history and different cultures, Kenya is definitely that country.
Over the years, Kenya has become synonymous with the world’s greatest “Big Five” creatures besides an abundance of spectacular scenery and inspiring views to behold. From the coastal shores where you are sure to be spoilt with pristine white sandy beaches and a warm temperate climate all year round to the Great Rift Valley which teems with scattered lakes, volcanoes and craters, you will relish in the spectacle of millions of flamingos in the world-famous Lake Nakuru. Each passing day offers visitors to Kenyan tourist attractions a new experience and you can never predict what new discovery awaits you every morning as you kick off your day.
Table of Content
- Amboseli National Park
- Aberdares National Park
- Central Island National Park (Turkana)
- Hells Gate National Park
- Kakamega Forest National Reserve
- Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
- Lake Baringo & Bogoria National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- Malindi Marine National Park
- Marsabit National Park
- Masai Mara Game Reserve
- Meru National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Mount Kenya National Park
- Mombasa Marine National Park
- Mwingi Game Reserve
- Nairobi National Park
- Ol Pejeta, Loisaba&Soysambu Conservancy
- Samburu Shaba Game Reserve
- Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Tsavo East National Park
- Tsavo West National Park
- Watamu/Kisite & Malindi Marine National Park
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Covering 392 Square kms, Amboseli lies immediately north-west of Mount Kilimanjaro, on the Border with Tanzania. Large concentrations of wildlife occur here during dry season thereby making Amboseli a popular tourist destination. The park is surrounded by six communally owned group ranches.
The image of elephants wandering across grass plains with the snowy peak of Mt Kilimanjaro in the background defines Amboseli. The park is beautifully situated at the foot of the towering Mount Kilimanjaro and is home to the brightly painted Masai tribe.
Amboseli dust is ancient volcanic ash whose salt crystals shimmer on the surface of the parched lakebed during dry season. Amboseli is famous for its large concentrations of wildlife. Here you are sure to see herds of large elephants, lions, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, wild dogs as well as gnus, kaffir buffaloes, Burch ells, Zebras, etc. Surrounding Amboseli are ranch areas where the Maasai community share the land with wildlife.
ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK
The Aberdare National Park is located 180 kilometers from Nairobi and its main attractions include wildlife (elephants, buffalos and leopards), sceneries and waterfalls.
Well known to the world as the home of succession where in came a princess and out went the Queen of England while at Treetops lodge, Aberdare is a land of fortune and diversity. The Park got its name from Lord Aberdare who was one of the founder members of the Royal Geographical Society. Located in the central highlands west of Mount Kenya, Aberdare National Park is covered with huge trees which give way to bamboo forests as you go higher. From about 3, 000 meters upward, the landscape consists primarily of alpine moorland that leads to a grassland and giant lobelias that present an attractive contrast. It is good to try out this destination of fortunes because you might end up being a queen or king just as happened to Queen Elizabeth!
Major physical attractions include Lesatima and Kinangop peaks, numerous waterfalls, Twin Elephant hills, Table Mounts, black rhinos, elephants, buffalos, giant forest hogs, lions, leopards and baboons. Black & White colobus as well as Monkeys are abundant. Bird viewing is incredible with over 250 species of birds recorded here. Trout fishing and a visit to the Kimathi hideout which was used by the legendary Mau Mau General are highly recommended.
HELL’S GATE NATIONAL PARK (NAIVASHA)
Popularly referred to as “the land of the daring and adventurous”, Hell’s Gate National Park is just an hour’s drive from Nairobi and is famous for its magnificent landscape. The valleys, rocky outcrops and winding gorges make it a haven for photographers. Being the only national park where walking or riding a bicycle is permitted makes it even more attractive. Covering an area of 68.25 km2 and about 90 km from Nairobi, Hell’s Gate welcomes you into the adventurous and daring world of Game viewing, rock climbing, geysers, Raptor nesting in cliffs, walking along a spectacular gorge, geological sceneries, hot springs, scenic landscape, the Geothermal Station, Masai culture among others.
The Park is situated in the environs of Lake Naivasha which is Kenya’s land of blossoming roses as well as other flowers and vineyards.
Hell’s Gate National Park offers some of Kenya’s best Rock Climbing experience. There are high cliffs with several possible routes, plenty of opportunities for climbs and Abseiling. Fischer’s Tower which is a large volcanic pillar is worth climbing too. There are qualified rock climbing guides based at Hell’s Gate Park headquarters whereas equipment and guiding services are also readily available at the Park’s gate for hire.
Despite its rather alarming title, Hell’s Gate National Park provides the ideal venue for a day trip from Nairobi. This is a truly panoramic picnic spot or an evocative camping stopover.
Spectacular sceneries which include towering cliffs, gorges, stark rock towers, scrub- clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam adds to the reason why it is renowned as one of the most Atmospheric Parks in Africa.
4 & 5 LAKE BARINGO & LAKE BOGORIA NATIONAL RESERVES
Lake Baringo & Lake Bogoria National Reserves are named from “The Great Rift Valley Lakes”
Lake Baringo lies north of Lake Nakuru and is a fresh water lake with cone shaped Islands. Lake Baringo is home to an abundance of birdlife as well as Njemps who are fishermen that go about their traditional work in amazing and unsinkable reed boats. Nearby is the salty lake Bogoria which is full of birdlife especially Flamingos and is home to hot springs too.
Lake Baringo is a perfect breeding ground for many species of fresh water birds, such as Fish Eagles, Verreaux’s Eagles, Darters, Cormorants and a large colony of Goliath Heron. Apart from bird life, there is also a large number of Hippos that live in the lake.
Lake Bogoria itself occupies most of the reserve and is really a spectacular sight that reflects searing blue skies and a pink rose of Flamingos. It has significant ornithological interest with over 135 species of birds. Like Nakuru, the alkaline lake waters grow blue-green algae which seasonally attracts hundreds of thousands of Flamingos. The Reserve is home to the rare Greater Kudu, buffalo, zebra, impala, dik-dik and many other small animals.
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
Lake Nakuru National Park is fondly referred to as “Bird Watchers Paradise’ and is home to white rhinos” too. The park was gazetted in 1968 and it has got the largest population of rhinos in Kenya. Lake Nakuru National Park is also home to Lion Hills, Makalia waterfalls, unique vegetation, a picturesque landscape, yellow acacia woodlands and a wide range of birds with the most famous ones being Flamingos and Pelicans. Situated next to Nakuru town, Lake Nakuru National Park forms a sea of flaming pink as far as the eye can see. Lake Nakuru is world famous for flamingos, and was gazetted as a National Park in order to protect stunning flocks of lesser flamingo which literally turn its shores pink. Millions of flamingos get their food in the salty deep-green waters of Lake Nakuru. The park is indeed a birds’ paradise hosting over 500 species.
Animals here include Thomson gazelles, Grant gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, giraffes, buffalos and even black rhinos, leopards plus of course over 500 bird species. Buffalos, leopards, lions, Rothschild Giraffes, White and Black Colobus monkeys are plentiful in the forest. The bush lands offer eland, Steinbok, impala, Chandler’s Reedbuck and dikdik, while rock hyrax and klipspringer occupy the cliffs and escarpment. Key attractions worth mentioning also include theBaboon cliff and Out of Africa View-points.
MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE
Also known as “Home of the Great Wildebeest Migration’’, Masai Mara Game Reserve is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Kenya. This reserve is home to the world famous annual Wildebeest Migration crossing from Serengeti (Tanzania) that consists of hundreds of thousands of animals.
The highlight of this spectacle is the crossing at Mara River where the strong current and crocodiles eliminate the weak ones and those that cross the river have another fight with predators lurking on the river banks. The reserve is located in the Great Rift Valley in primarily open grassland. Wildlife tends to be most concentrated on the reserve’s western escarpment. The Masai Mara is regarded as the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife viewing areas.
Every year from July to October the world takes a front seat in Masai Mara for wildebeest migration. Annually, over 1.5 million wildebeests, gazelles, gnus and Zebras converge at the border of Serengeti and Masai Mara thereby making a spectacular entrance in a surging column of life that stretches from horizon to horizon before finally plunging wildly into the raging waters of the Mara River. This creates a frenzy as the fight against swift currents and waiting hungry crocodiles takes priority. Those that survive crocodiles and raging waters cross over to the patiently waiting predators such as lions, jackals, leopards and hyenas for another survival battle.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Masai Mara during the migration, pick a spot by the river bank and watch as crocodiles and other predators compete to pick-off strugglers from the clattering herds of wildebeest and zebras in the Mara River.
Masai Mara Game Reserve has got two rivers namely Mara River and Talek River both of which are full of crocodiles as well as hippos and note that these rivers do not dry up throughout the year. The abundance of water and excellent availability of food are the reasons why Masai Mara has got a great population of wild animals in the whole of Africa.
MERU NATIONAL PARK
Meru National Park is wild and beautiful. It straddles the equator and is bisected by 13 rivers as well as numerous mountain-fed streams. Meru National Park became most famous as the setting for Joy Adamson’s book “Born Free” – which tells the story of Adamson’s life and research amongst lions and cheetahs. “Elsa” the lioness was the most well-known and her grave is marked here. It was here that Joy Adamson set her lioness Elsa free and also it is in this park that the last white rhinos in Kenya lived until 1988. The park has got diverse sceneries from woodlands on the slopes of Nyambeni Mountain Range that lies northeast of Mount Kenya and wide-open plains with wandering riverbanks which are dotted with palms.
Animals that can be viewed here include: lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, lesser Burchell’s Zebras, Grevy Zebras, Masai and reticulated giraffes, Grant gazelles, gerenuks Kudus, duikers and dik-diks (which count for Africa’s smallest antelopes). Large prides of lions can be seen and some of Kenya’s largest herds of buffalos are also present in this park. The 13 rivers abound with hippos and crocodiles but fishing for barbus and catfish is permitted at camp sites and along the Tana River.
Additionally, there are over 300 species of birds recorded in this park and they include Peter’s finfoots which inhabit the Murera and Ura Rivers, the Pel’s Fishing Owl, Kingfishers, rollers, bee-eaters, starlings and numerous weavers.
MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK
Mount Kenya is fondly referred to as “the land of snow, volcano, savannah & wildlife” Therein is foundA UNESCO World Heritage Site which is Mt. Kenya that is an extinct volcano lying 140 kms to the far North-East of Nairobi and its Northern flanks are seen across the Equator. Mount Kenya has got three main peaks namely Batian (at 5199m), Nelion (at 5188m) and Lenana (at 4985m). Slopes of the mountain are cloaked in forest, bamboo, scrub and moorland while the peaks have rocks, ice and snow. Mt. Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain and is regarded as the realm of Ngai who was a god of the local Kikuyu people. Traditionally, all Kikuyu homes were built to face this sacred peak. They call it Kirinyaga, or place of light.
The mountain is an awe-inspiring sight. Its ragged series of peaks are crowned with snow, and its slopes are thick with forest. The mountain is best seen at dawn, when the sun’s early light shines its impressive summit; high over the surrounding plains. While the 5199-meter summit is a difficult technical climb, the lesser peak of Lenana peak (4985m) can be reached much more easily by any fit trekker. This trek takes between 3 and 5 days through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife, a unique montane vegetation including pod carpus as well as groundsel and finally the equatorial snow.
Mount Kenya National Park is very different from all the others. Although many animals live here, (e.g. elephants and buffaloes) you do not see them on game drive (since we don’t have game drives here) but you see them at the water hole by the “Serena Mountain Lodge” where guests are often taken. Most animals are seen at night when they come to the waterhole to drink water. Key attractions in this park include pristine wilderness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological variety, a forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered species of animals, high altitude adapted plains game, a unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants.
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Nairobi National Park is “the World’s only Wildlife Park within a Capital City” and is
located 10km South of Nairobi City. The park is home to Black rhinos, lions, Buffalos, leopards and many more other animals plus over 400 species of birds out of which 20 species are seasonal European migrants.
If you want to face a lion in the outskirts of a large city, there is no better opportunity than in the Nairobi National Park. You can set off in the morning for a bush safari and spend the afternoon around the asphalt jungle of the city.
The Park is one of the most successful of Kenya’s Black rhino sanctuaries that is already generating stock for reintroduction in former and other upcoming sanctuaries. Due to this success, it is one of the few parks where a visitor can be certain of seeing a black rhino in its natural habitat.
Main attractions here include black rhinos, diverse birdlife, large predators especially lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs. Other notables are elands, buffalos, zebras and wildebeests. While at this park, you may also visit the Ivory Burning Site Monument and The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre; apart from participating in walking trails at hippo pools.
TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK
Tsavo East National Park resulted from the division of Kenya’s largest Park in 1948 into East and West for administrative purposes – the Tsavo National Park with an area of 21,812 km2.
The resultant two parks are divided by the Nairobi – Mombasa railway or road. Tsavo East National Park is famous for Man Easters lions that attacked and almost brought to a halt the construction of Kenya-Uganda Railway. It is also home to Lugard falls, Yatta Plateau, Large herds of elephants Rhinos, Hirola (Hunters Hartebeest) and other wildlife.
Listed here below are some of the park’s key scenic attractions: –
- Yatta plateau – It is about 290Km long and is one of the world’s longest lava flows.
- Lugards Falls on the Galana River – This is not a true falls but a series of rapids. Visitors can walk down to the river to view the rapids.
- Mudanda rock – This is a long rock outcrop that is about 1.6Km long. There is a dam at the base where animals can be seen drinking and visitors can walk along the rock to enjoy a cool breeze as well as view wildlife at the base.
- Aruba Dam – was built in 1952 across the Voi River and it attracts many animals as well as water birds.
- Tsavo/Athi rivers confluence – where the two rivers join to form the Galana River.
- Large herds of elephants Rhinos, Hirola (Hunters Hartebeest) and other wildlife.
Besides the scenic attractions, here below are historical facts and details of the park:
- Captain Lugards – was an explorer from Europe who passed through the area on his way to Uganda and had a drop over at the Lugards Falls area.
- During the World War I (1914-1918), British forces built fortresses along Tsavo river to counter threats from invading German forces from Tanganyika (present Tanzania) – whose intention was to blow up the Tsavo river bridge that was vital to British Communication.
- The Waliangulu and Kamba tribes used it as a hunting ground prior to gazettement.
- Krapf journeyed on foot through this area in 1848 crossing the Tsavo River on his way to Kitui where he went on to be recorded as the first European to see Mt. Kenya
- Construction of the railway reached Tsavo River in 1898. During the construction of the bridge, Lions (Man eaters of Tsavo) terrorized the workers killing over 130 people before being killed by Col. Patterson.
The weather in Tsavo is pleasant virtually throughout the year. There are two rain seasons. The long rains generally come in March – May and the short rains from October – December.
TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK
Tsavo West National Park is nick named the “Land of Volcanic Lava, Red elephants, springs and so much more”
The park boasts of well over 60 species of mammals and more than 400 species of birds. Tsavo West National park is famous for its dramatic sceneries, the Mzima Springs for underwater hippo watching, Rhino Sanctuary and “red elephants”.
Tsavo National Park which was the precursor of Tsavo West NP was founded in 1947 and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Kenya. The park has over 60 species of mammals and 400 different species of birds. The Park’s “red elephants” owe their colour to dust from red soil which is prevalent in this area. Also present are lions, cheetahs, antelopes (oryx, kudus, Grant’s gazelles and Thomson’s gazelles), Burch ell’s Zebras, Masai giraffes, baboons and vervet monkeys. In Mzima Springs, crocodiles and hippos are common place.
Other attractions at Tsavo West National Park are the recent volcanoes, lava flows and caves with potential for geological as well as cave exploration, hiking, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Jipe, Mt. Kilimanjaro, rhinos and diverse plant species. If lucky, you may spot Wild dogs.
SHIMBA HILLS national reserve
This hidden little gem will surprise you. The Shimba Hills Reserve is a coastal jungle and therefore a special feature compared to the other national parks of Kenya where vast savannah plains predominate. The landscape is characterized by densely overgrown hills which rise 150 to 450 meters above sea level. When visibility is good, you can overlook the south coast of Kenya from various vantage points and see the sea.
The Shimba Hills are the perfect weekend escape option from Mombasa. Lush tropic vegetation, interesting wildlife and a glamorous resort make for the perfect weekend away. Wander around the reserve and discover coastal rainforests as well as waterfalls.
Lush green meadows crisscross the region where the native animals can best be observed. A peculiarity of the Shimba Hills is the rare sable antelopes, which in Kenya can only be found in this reserve.
The forests are home to monkeys, warthogs, giraffes, elephants, waterbucks and kaffir buffaloes as well as many species of birds such as eagles, falcons, bee-eaters, woodpeckers and kingfishers. Shimba Hills is surely a magical place that most people have never even heard of.
SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Samburu National Reserve is situated at the southeastern corner of Samburu District in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It is bordered to the south by Ewaso Nyiro River which separates it from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
The reserve covers an area of 165 Km² and is located around 345Km from Nairobi.
Samburu National Reserve lies within an ecological zone which is classified as arid and semi- arid with moisture index of 42 to 57 whereby evapo-transpiration is therefore greater than available moisture. The days are extremely hot while the nights are cool.
The annual mean temperatures range between 18ºC and 30ºC while the mean annual rainfall is 354mm with peaks in November and April. Dry season here starts in late May and goes up to early October during which time a large concentration of wildlife is found in the reserve due to abundant availability of lush vegetation along the Ewaso Nyiro River – the main source of water to the Reserve and the nearby communities.
This reserve is rich in wildlife and famous for abundance of the rare northern specialist species such as the Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx (also referred to as Samburu Special). The reserve is also popular with no less than 900 elephants. Large predators such as Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs are a great attraction.
Also, Kamunyak the Miracle Lioness that adapted the babyOryx is a resident in the reserve. Wild dog sightings are also a common in this unique protected area. Birdlife is abundant with over 450 species recorded. Birds of the arid northern bush country are augmented by a number of riverine forest species. Lesser Kestrel and the Taita Falcon are species of global conservation concern and they both utilize the reserve.
Five species categorized as vulnerable have been recorded in this reserve. These are African Darter, Great Egret, White-headed Vulture, Martial Eagle and the Yellow-billed Ox-pecker. The critically endangered species under CITIES – Pancake tortoise (malacochersustornieri) is found in this reserve too.
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Mount Elgon National Park is a magical park of its own that is situated between the border of Kenya and Uganda. This park lies on the north western part of Nairobi; barely 470kms away. From Kitale, Mount Elgon National Park is about 11 kms drive and it is adjacent to the magnificent Saiwa Swamp. The park takes its name from Mount Elgon which also serves as a water catchment spot for river Nzoia and Turkwel. It was established in 1968 primarily to host wildlife species and it is also designated as a UNESCO Man/Biosphere Reserve.
Mount Elgon being one of the attractions in the park can best be described as being high in the mist-wreathed hills of western Kenya and a towering volcanic giant which is crowned by a vast caldera that is etched by glacial tarns, honeycombed by labyrinthine caves, fissured by valleys and cascaded by streams.
Visitors to Mount Elgon National Park can explore the forest, see elephant caves besides enjoying biking and hiking on the eighth highest mountain in Africa – Mount Elgon.
CENTRAL ISLAND NATIONAL PARK (TURKANA)
Emerging starkly from the blue-green waters of the largest permanent desert lake in the world, Lake Turkana’s Central Island is made up of three active volcanoes that belch sulphurous smoke and steam. Three crater lakes, Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake and Tilapia Lake provide breeding grounds for the world’s largest concentration of Nile crocodiles. Central Island has a campsite where visitors can enjoy the beautiful haunting sight of the lake’s luminous waters wash up onto a black lava beach while the moon rises over the menacingly smoking craters.
Wildlife
The island is home to hippos, bats and the world’s largest Nile crocodile population.
Birds
More than 350 recorded species including large flocks of flamingos.
KAKAMEGA FOREST NATIONAL RESERVE
Time has stood still for the Kakamega Forest which is a remnant of the rain forest that stretched all across Central Africa. This beautiful forest is home to various mammals including bush pigs, giant forest hedgehogs, colobus monkeys, Debrazzar monkeys and pottos. Some of the birds to be seen here include the Blue Headed Bee Eater, Black Billed Turaco, Turner’s Eremomela and Grey Parrots. Bird watching, hiking and rock climbing can be enjoyed here in the serenity of the forest that time forgot.
Key features
- In the reserve do not miss the view point of Buyangu Hill with the wonderful overview of the surrounding forest which is especially impressive at sunrise.
- Small but lovely Isiukhu waterfall.
- The giant tree on Mukangu trails.
- Nature trails with labeled trees of interest and pollinator garden.
- The only remnant in Kenya of the once great tropical rainforest that stretched across central Africa.
- Home to several hundreds of species of birds, snakes, monkeys, bushbucks, duikers, countless tree species and natural glades.
- Over 380 species of trees, 330 species of birds, 27 species of snakes, 7 primates, over 400 species of butterflies and several other mammals.
KISUMU IMPALA SANCTUARY
Set on the shores of Lake Victoria which is the largest freshwater lake in Africa, the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is a peaceful and relaxing place to enjoy the natural beauty that abounds here. The sanctuary hosts impalas, the rare Sitatunga antelope as well as big cats, buffalos, giraffes, cheetahs and several primate species. The sanctuary is also home to five campsites all with spectacular views of Lake Victoria. Bird watching, nature walks and glass bottomed boat rides compliment the activities availed at the sanctuary.
MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK
Far to the north of Kenya, a densely forested mountain and three crater lakes provide a haven for a variety of birdlife, mammals and reptiles. The beautiful Marsabit National Park is a refuge for huge tusked bull elephants, diverse birdlife and reptiles. Hikes in the dense forest wreathed in mist can be enjoyed along with camel rides, bird watching and visits to the singing wells.
Key features
Wildlife
- Elephants, buffalos, greater/lesser Kudus, hyenas, Grevy’s zebras, Kirk’s dik-diks, reticulated giraffes, lions, leopards and baboons.
MWINGI GAME RESERVE
Hot, dry, remote and unspoiled, this reserve is a designated Wilderness Activity Zone and allows for fly camping, fishing, camel and horseback safaris for the intrepid visitor. Other attractions include the Adamson Falls, fishing plus boating on Tana River and visiting Kampiya Simba – former home of Joy and George Adamson and the grave of Elsa the lioness.
Key features
Wildlife
Due to the fact that Mwingi national reserve is bordered by other reserves, it is frequently visited by different animals from the neighboring parks. Animals that are found in Mwingi national reserve include Caracals, elephants, hippos, leopards, lions and several antelope species among others.
WATAMU MARINE NATIONAL PARK & RESERVE
Green turtles, unique coral gardens, the Gede Ruins – the Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve has it all. The park is part of a complex of marine and tidal habitats along Kenya’s north coast with rich and diverse bird life, fish, turtles and dugongs. Visitors can enjoy the white sandy beaches, snorkeling, water skiing, windsurfing and glass bottomed boat tours.
MOMBASA MARINE NATIONAL PARK & RESERVE
Warm Azure Ocean, swaying coconut palms on white sandy beaches are to be found in the Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve. The park lies between the Mtwapa and Tudor Creeks and its blue waters are ideal for wind surfing, water skiing, snorkeling and diving. They also provide a home to a colorful variety of marine species including crabs, starfish, stone fish, cucumber sea urchins, corals, turtles, sea grasses and interesting migratory birds that include crab plovers.
KISITE MPUNGUTI MARINE PARK & RESERVE
Unspoiled, beautiful and sun kissed, the Kisite Marine Park was established to protect the scenic islands and special habitats of a wide range of endemic marine animals and breeding migratory birds. It lies in the coral gardens south of Wasini Island and encompasses three small coral rag forest islands; each with considerable areas of fringing reef. Kisite is one of the most rewarding snorkeling locations at the coast. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, diving and of course sunbathing.
MALINDI MARINE NATIONAL PARK & RESERVE
From swimming with zebra fish to windsurfing, this beautiful slice of Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline provides a perfect getaway. The park is endowed with magnificent resources such as fringing reefs, coral gardens in the lagoons, sea grass beds, mangroves, mudflats, marine mammals, turtles and various species of shorebirds. Visitors can also enjoy glass bottom boat rides, snorkeling, camping and beach walks in this veritable paradise.
- Prolific marine life includes crabs, corals, sea urchins, jellyfish, sea stars, and sea cucumbers. Different varieties of coral species comprise of Acropora), Turbinaria and Porites
OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY
Africa’s most iconic animals hunt, graze, breed and fight for survival on the plains of Ol Pejeta every day in an ecosystem that has the highest densities of wildlife in Kenya besides Maasai Mara. Using the latest technology to monitor species populations and smart fencing techniques that allow free movement of migratory wildlife, Ol Pejeta prides itself on being at the cutting edge of conservation innovation. As the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees, Ol Pejeta is also safeguarding some of the most vulnerable wildlife in the world.
LEWA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY
Lewa serves as a safe refuge for the critically endangered black rhino and the endangered Grevy’s zebra as well as elephants, lions, giraffes, wild dogs and other iconic wildlife species in Kenya. The Conservancy is also home to more than 400 species of birds in Isiolo.
LOISABA CONSERVANCY
Loisaba is a 57,000 acre wildlife conservancy located in Laikipia – Northern Kenya. With abundant wildlife, exquisite accommodation and adventurous activities, Loisaba will revive your mind, rejuvenate your body and revitalize your soul.
One of the best ways to view the wildlife at Loisaba is from a safari converted 4 wheel drive on a game viewing. Whether you choose to go out early in the morning or later on in the afternoon, a qualified guide will take you across the open plains, through the central scrub area or along the river.
As a haven for over 260 bird species and 50 mammal species, guests can spend time with towers of endangered reticulated giraffes, herds of elephants and endangered Grevy’s zebras, prides of lions, cheetahs and elusive leopards. Similarly, African wild dogs which have been thought for many years to be extinct in the region are once again being sighted at Loisaba.
