Travel is made fun once done in the right destination; especially in a place with wide spectrum of unique attractions and hospitable people. Our experience in running safaris in the different countries across East Africa enables us to reveal to the world updated facts and experiences as it is in different destinations. Now is time to know what it means by having a safari in Kenya.
There is no better safari destination we can give you complete details about like this; the unique attractions, the best time to visit, history, meals, mammals, accommodation facilities, safari activities offered and the park entrance fees among others. Feet in Kenya, provokes the spirits of fun, adventure, and relaxation in the local communities, different national and marine parks spread across the country, beautiful beaches, and amazing cities; Nairobi city, Kisumu city, and Mombasa among others.
Safaris to Kenya can be tailored as Budget or Luxury trips for one or more days, in a single destination, or a combination of more than one destination, with all that, must be done available. These can be during your summer or winter holiday, camping adventure, student tours, business adventure, family retreat, photography, and hiking among others.
The republic of Kenya ranks as the second-largest country in East Africa after The Republic of Tanzania. No one gets shy of its beauty, cool weather, modern and ancient infrastructures, flora and fauna, and unmatched attractions; a reason why it is a jewel in Africa thus the name; Magical Kenya.
It is one of the thirteen countries in the world crossed by the equator, and situated at the great rift valley regions; bordered by the Indian Ocean to the southeast, Somalia to the east, Uganda to the west, Ethiopia to the north, Tanzania to the south, and the Republic of Rwanda. Kenyan cities are Kisumu, Nairobi, and Mombasa, dominated by Arabs, and Europeans whose origin dates from years ago; each having a say in unique attractions, and accessibility to the different attractions.
Languages spoken in Kenya include among others Kiswahili which is official and widely used, English, and some French, but also several other local dialects. As you traverse the country to the local markets, communities, cities, beaches, or national parks; a word or more with the local natives creates a strong relationship, and steers the safari vibes.
In 1963, Kenya got her independence from the British colonial powers after a series of revolving events since the 1st millennium AD; a period from when human settlements were identified in the country; the era when the Bantu migrated from the western part of Uganda.
In the 19th century, the Europeans explored it and established the East African protectorate in the year 1895, renamed from the 1920 Kenya colony. The first president was Jomo Kenyatta who led the country as a de facto one-party state under the Kenya African National Union party from 1963 to 1978 and succeeded by Daniel Arap Moi whose presidency stretched to 2002, changing the one-party system to a de jure system.
Kenya’s current president is His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, who gained power in the 2013 elections, and driving the country into great economic growth, boosting conservation, and strengthening security. Kenya is among the very few peaceful and secure safari destinations not only in the continent of Africa but in the world, with unspoiled landscapes, cultures, and wildlife diversity. In comparison to other destinations, it has not gone through a serious war or conflict, except for the once-in-a-while Al-Shabab attacks, that fortunately have not seen any tourist die or affected, meaning your safe arrival and departure is guaranteed, coupled with unforgettable experiences.
As you plan a safari to Kenya, know that you have over 25 national parks to pick from, and marine parks spread across different directions of the country. Literary, every region in Kenya has a unique attraction; though these are the most common parks your ears will listen to while you are in the country, or through a recommendation from the travel operators;
Masai Mara National Reserve.
A jewel; Masai is one of the top national parks in the world, not for its size, but because of the beauty atoned by the landscape, variety of flora and fauna, and the famous wildebeest migration. Researchers revealed that Maasai Mara national park is home to half over 20% of the Lion population in the world, and a majority of predators, and birds.
From Nairobi city, be sure to spend about 6 hours on the road to the park, but with unique encounters of flourishing plantations, rolling hills, and the Great Rift Valley, from which chances are that you will have a stopover for photography, and watching the giant Mount Kenya. Mara national park is an extension of the vast Serengeti national park of Tanzania. It was established in 1948, in Narok county, southwestern part of Kenya. In the park do we find the Mara River; the exciting obstacle for the wildebeest and other migrates as they move for fresh pasture. In the fight for survival, the migrants have to negotiate with the running water, crocodiles, Hippos and the lions among others. This is one of the most ideal destinations to enjoy aerial views of Mother Nature, and a toast of Campaign while on a hot balloon experience.
The Great wildebeest migration in Kenya (Masai Mara national park).
Talking of the great wildebeest migration, this is so far the greatest animal migration in the world; one of the world’s natural wonders, and a must-watch movement. It is an annual migration of millions of wildebeests, accompanied by zebras, impalas, and many more, from Serengeti national park to Masai Mara national park, in search of fresh pasture, and water.
The migrants have a task of keeping watch on each other while tackling the giant water bodies, valleys, bushes, and traps laid by predators. The cycle starts in Serengeti in December with reproduction, that entrance and exit from Masai Mara national park In Kenya is always there in June to August, and October and June respectively.
Lake Nakuru National Park.
A true Birders Haven; Lake Nakuru national park is a must-visit destination in Kenya, occupied by the vast lake Nakuru; an alkaline soda ash lake that harbors a large concentration of pink flamingoes, and several other bird species such as the flamingoes, and kingfisher. Other attractions in the park include among others; elephants, zebras, hyenas, unique Antelope species, wildcats, and lions among others. The park covers approximately 140sqkm of land, with hilly valleys, swamps, and scrubs. It is located in the north southern part of Nairobi city, in the quiet region of the country. The park got its status in 1968, and the name; Nakuru in the local Masai dialect means dust.
Amboseli National Park.
Transformed to a national park in 1974, and recognize as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991, Amboseli national park is one of the top safari destinations in Kenya, and one of the most recommended destinations for your holiday. The park lies beneath the giant roof of Africa; the snowcapped mountain Kilimanjaro which gives it a magnificent beauty, at the border between Kenya and Tanzania. It is located southeast of Nairobi city, Kajiado County, about 240 km.
Amboseli is composed of a huge concentration of Elephants, the Masai giraffes, semiarid vegetation, and Pleistocene lake, sprawling through 39,206 hectares of land.
Aberdares National park.
Situated in the east of the great African rift valley at the Aberdare mountain ranges; a 766sqkm land was designated a national park in the year 1950, approximately 100km off Nairobi city. The park is made up of bamboo trees, waterfalls, streams, waterfall, flora and fauna, a V-shaped valley, and a lush rain forest.
The notable residents in the park include among others; over 250 rare bird species, wild dogs, cape buffalo, lions, elands, elephants, and leopards among others. Activities in the park include among others; game drives, birding, and a guided nature walk among others
Subaru national park
This is one of the prime safari destinations in Kenya, with a variety of wildlife species, notably; the elephants in Kenya. It was gazetted in 1961 after a proposal from Rodney Elliot, and the name picked from the Samburu natives. The park is situated in the north-central part of Kenya, surrounded by Isiolo, and Shaba.
Other national parks, from which you may visit, include; Hell gates national park, Tsavo west national park, Tsavo west national park, Nairobi national park, Meru national park, Kisiti-Mpunguti national park, Mombasa marine national park, Kamkamega forest national park, Longonot national park, Watamu national park, Sibiloi national park, and Ol Donyo sabuku national park among others. Buffalo spring and Shaba reserve
Planning to visit any of the above destinations, be informed that gates open at 06:00 am local time, and closes by 19:00 hours local time, with every visitor expected to be possessing complete identification; notably, passport, visa, or national ID, to mention but a few.
And if you want more than just a national park, marine parks, and national reserves offer, then may swim, snorkel, or relax in the beautiful exotic beaches, visit Lamu island, explore diverse cultures, and cuisine in Malindi and Mombasa, uncover the tropical historical islands, Amazing landscapes, enjoy the authentic vibes of African drums with the local Maasai and Samburu cultures, and walk through the busying streets of Nairobi or Mombasa city.
SAFARI ACTIVITIES IN KENYA.
Cultural experiences.
This is one way we walk out and uncover other people’s cultures; especially those people who have withstood the pressure of modernity, and upheld the ancient performances, meals, dress cord, and many more. In Kenya, you will not want to miss out on the thrilling encounter with the Maasai warriors; renowned hunters and herdsmen living outside Maasai Mara national park and the neighboring parks, as well as the Samburu cultures, with their unmatched cultural identity. For the hours spent with the cultures; you will listen to the different stories, enjoy the dances, and a taste of the lip-smacking local cuisine.
Witnessing the Annual Wildebeest Migration.
It is massive, very dramatic, and great, witnessing millions of mammals, dominated by the wildebeests fighting for their lives, just make sure their bellies are full, and the thirst quenched. Watching the wildebeests disrespect the quantity of the water at the Mara River, and the existence of hungry crocodiles and hippos is fun as the mission gets dramatic, with a varied cry for help, and a defensive fight.
There are set camps that enable you to follow the movement of these creatures, from the start to the climax at the Mara River. Most times the migrants arrive at the Mara River by June and return by September.
City Tour and Night Life
Know the pride of the city dwellers in the different cities of Kenya; Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa cities. Explore the museums, historical attractions, eating points, happy places such as the clubs, and local markets among others. It is important that once in a foreign country, walking in its streets is a bonus experience. The cities of Kenya are decorated with unique attractions, ancient and modern infrastructure, and many more.
Game drive.
Game viewing is one of the most thrilling activities tourists do in all national parks, except for those with primates. With a park ranger, you drive through the different regions of the park, for the hours you so wish, in search for the wilderness residents of your choice; notably the lions, leopards, African cape buffaloes, rhinos, and elephants among others, cheetah, different antelope species, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, and many more.
Birding.
Flamingos, ostrich, Abbott’s starling, olive ibis, Abyssian owl, African crowned eagle, African grass owl, black headed-heron, common moorhen, sharps long claw, and the purple throated cuckoo-shrike among others, are a mention of some birds you not to miss; especially for an addicted birder. Through the guidance of an expert birding guide, you can find these avian species in the national parks, swamps, mountains during a hike or by the lake shores.
Bird watching is best done in the early hours of the day, noon and late in the evening when they are resting in the nests, and found in one place.
Beach experience.
Escaping the noise in the world to quiet beaches spread across the shoreline of the Indian Ocean is unforgettable, especially when it comes to diving deep to swim beside the sea life, snorkel, play on the white sand, enjoy the lip-smacking kinds of seafood, or just relaxing by the still waters. The adventure is cheap, and there is no limit to the number of days you can stay.
Primate trekking.
This is mainly done at Kamkamega forest national park, hosting a good selection of primates; notably the Chimpanzees and monkeys among others. Trekking is restricted to healthy persons, with no flue or fever, aged above 15 years from any part of the world.
It commences very early in the morning with a briefing, before the ultimate activity, which can last for hours depending on your speed and physical fitness. It is always fun identifying the sound and sight of the primates
Hiking / climbing.
Feel like stretching your legs, or glancing at the landscape from the top? a hike to one of the mountains in Kenya; notably Mount Kenya, or Mount Elgon, leads to unforgettable memories. Hiking any of the mountains or valleys in Kenya is fun, and one of the cheapest safari offers. It can be a day or more, but the memories are permanent.
What you should know before coming to Kenya.
A yellow fever vaccine certificate is a Must, especially for persons in countries with a history of the yellow fever virus.
Due to the Covid 19 virus, it is expected that you get tested before traveling to the country. If you can, we advise you get the Jab as well.
Kenya has 20% of the lion population in the world, so chances are high that you can spot one or more.
Dress decently.
Kenya is a co-host to the annual wildebeest migration in its Maasai Mara national park
The climatic condition is perfect for the safari experience thus one of the idlest destinations for visit during your holiday. In and outside the national parks is safe, with expert security personnel.
Other necessary documents for a safari to Kenya include; Visa, passport, and national IDs for east African citizens among others; gadget; a professional camera, binoculars, smartphone, extra memory storage, and many more, garments such as long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and warm clothes among others, hiking boots and many more.
When to Visit Kenya?
The best months to visit Kenya is during its dry seasons; June to September and December to march. At this time, the ground is firm, and the weather favors hiking and a free-flowing search for the flora and fauna in the different national parks. However, November, March, April, and May favor birders because of the availability of migrant birds. Whereas Budget travelers because of discounts.
Where to stay?
Though you choose to spend a night in the city or national parks; accommodation facilities are available, ranging from Budget to Luxury lodges, Hotels, homesteads, hostels, and campsites among others.
Kenya is one of the finest safari destinations in the world, very affordable, and safe. It is gifted by nature, and the weather is also one of the best for adventure, thus a perfect justification for your visit.
