Kenya Safaris

Kenya Safari

Kenya’s Nairobi remains the largest and the mot busy city, it prides itself with its unique geographical location on which all the East African time zones are referred from. Alongside Nairobi is the port city lying along the Indian Ocean coast, the Mombasa city which also includes Mombasa islands. These are in addition to other popular cities like Kisumu and Nakuru.

The coastal part of Kenya draws its origin from the deep roots of Arab and Islamic influence who long traded using the port given its proximity with the Middle East, South East Asia and the Indies. With time, close contacts and assimilation gave birth to a blend Swahili culture merging both parties’ characteristics. This also created other famous cities along the coast such as the Malindi, Lamu and Pate.

The modern Kenya was formed following the “Mau Mau” revolution against the British colony and eventuated into a full sovereign country in 1963 thus its common wealth country status up to today.

Kenya is neighbored by Tanzania, Uganda and Somalia along other Eastern African countries. Kenya was named after the 5,200 meter high mountain in the central highlands of the country, Mount Kenya. The Kikuyu called this mountain nyaga, “the mountain of whiteness”.

Kenya was founded by late Jomo Kenyatta who led the political movement against a colonial occupation soon after World War 2, as a result he automatically became the inaugural president of Kenya. The principal political parties merged voluntarily to form the Kenyan National union (KANU) led by himself.

Wildlife Wonders in Kenya: Safaris and Beyond

Kenya is the dream destination for tourists and locals that long to experience the riches of its national parks and reserves, mountains, forests, lakes and long stretches of the coastline filled with marine attractions and beaches.

The most famous attraction that brings visitors to Kenya for an impeccable wildlife experience is the Maasai Mara National Reserve. A goosebumps seasonal experience of the numerous migrating wildebeest across the migration corridor from Tanzania’s Serengeti. This experience is a wonderfully unique and rare to enable to catch up with unless an intentional and carefully planned visit is considered.

You are never prepared for the experience! Even if you witness it multiple times! It will leave you in awe and the driver might have to force driving you away from the migration scene so you can enable to see other wildlife and experience the Maasai Mara as a whole including the rest of the big five.

Maasai Mara is situated within the great rift valley of the Narok country and it covers 1510 km squares of the “Mara” meaning plains of the shrubs, savannah and grasslands that extends to the horizons. As it names suggests, the Massai Mara is occupied predominantly by the Maasai people, a nomadic semi pastoral society that lives and coexist peaceful with the wildlife in the plains.

Within it, are sanctuary of two rivers, the Mara River and the Talek River that runs into the North. Maasai mara serves as the east African paradise of wildlife containing a vats wildlife diversity all in one area, the likes of leopards, elephants, the black and white rhinoceros, antelopes, hippos and hartebeests just to mention a few.

Birds’ tourism

In addition to the wildlife the, national reserve is a home for approximately 470 bird’s species, an ideal destination for those who love birds viewing alone or top of the wild animals experience.

Cultural tourism

Within the Maasai Mara, you can also have a tailor-made cultural experience into the Maasai bomas where you will learn all the cultural differences and contrast the distinct between your culture and the Maasai culture. You will have a glance first hand of the difference in social systems, economic activities and leadership. You may also have a briefing about some of the cultural activities that the world is trying to eradicate and probably pick a possible loop hole for solutions, for example female genital mutilation.

 Hot air Balloon Safaris

 While the plain remains very accessible for an on-ground expedition, there is also the luxury to have an aerial view of the plains and its rich wildlife. It’s a thrilling experience very much preferred by newlyweds given the romantic touch that comes with it. A hot air balloon gives an opportunity to feel like part of the ecosystem while experiencing it. Literally among the wildlife but at a safe enough distance for both the tourist and the animals.

Alongside the Maasai Mara, Kenya also harbors may other tourist attractions with a vast variety of wildlife experience namely Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park, the Amboseli National Park, the Aberdare national park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu, Nairobi National Park, Mount Kenya National Park and beach tourism.

Mount Kenya

 Kenya is also a place where you can enjoy an experience to “touch the sky” through one of the remarkable free standing volcanic Mount Kenya with the second highest peak following the Kilimanjaro. Mt Kenya’s highest peak reaches an altitude of 5199m high above the sea level with remnant 12 glaciers and four secondary peaks that are found at the glacier valleys.

Mount Kenya hosts approximately 20 lakes and tarns. It also has three major dot peaks for mountainous scenes, the Batiana and Nelion for highly technical climbers and the Point Lenana remains the ecological and scenery viewing given its beautiful ecosystem and mountain scene ambience. Pristine wilderness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological variety, the forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered wildlife species, high altitude adapted game, unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants are a sight. The kikuyu tribesmen believe that the mountain is a home for a supreme being, the processor of Brightness.

Mombasa port city

 Despite the fact that Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya, Mombasa triumphs it popularity by ranking top as one of the top tourist destination in Kenya. Its geographical location along the Indian Ocean coast, for the obvious reasons of the spectacular beaches, assorted aquatic life, and friendly community with an intermingle-able culture remains one of the most loved beaches of the east African zone.

Today, when you visit this coastal town, the culture of the people you will see is a total reflection of its history. Ancient architectural remains such as Old Town, Fort Jesus plus the historic Portuguese fort are popular tourist destinations impacted by Mombasa’s trade culture as well as Islamic and Portuguese culture.

Mombasa is a very safe city that is immersed in history however it also has a captivating, sophisticated and commercial port town. This city is an island joined to the mainland by ferries and bridges. It has a great view of a wide harbor where trading ships mix with the local sailing dhows. Mombasa’s essence can be located in the modern old town alongside the Arab architecture as well as the small winding streets. The air around here is usually thick with the fragrance of spices.

Mombasa Marine National Park is among the most vibrant offshore reserves of Kenya. The Mombasa Marine National Park conserves mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds as well as sandy beaches. Thrill-seekers will have the time of their life at this national park since there are a number of other activities you can indulge in such as diving as well as snorkeling. You will get to see the stunning unique aquatic life here. The Mombasa Marine National Park can be reached through some of the beaches such as Bamburi, Shanzu as well as Nyali.

While in Mombasa do not forget to treat yourself to a great shopping experience by taking a trip to the stunning Maasai Market in Mombasa that might overwhelm you with multitudes of great items that are suitable for all visitors. The market comes with an assortment of magnificent local trinkets as well as keepsakes; you will have to convince yourself not to purchase all of them. There are amazing wood carvings, rare paintings in addition to so much more in this market.

Cost

The cost of visiting ranges from 300USD per person to 500USD to visit the wildlife attraction sites without including the Mombasa coast nor airfare costs. However these prices are highly fluctuant based on the season, the safari company that you are booking the expedition with and the level of service that you would like.one important thing is to explore your options

Kenyan Safaris

Nature lovers from every corner of the world gather in stunning destinations to enjoy the natural wonders of planet Earth. Kenya is a spectacular safari destination in East Africa, which is home to many tourist attractions ranging from the wildlife-rich national parks and national reserves, and scenic landscapes to the white-sand beaches on the Indian Ocean coast.

Kenyan safaris are not-to-miss trips around this vibrant country that can reduce your thirst for revisiting.

Why visit Kenya?

With a jam of tourist attractions, Kenya has every reason to be visited by any nature lover. The number of destinations exceeds the expectations of visitors. Many tourists coming to this country are always amazed and left mouth-open by the splendid attractions found in Kenya.

Kenya cohosts the Great Migration, one of the world’s greatest spectacles that draws the attention of nearly all nature lovers in the world. This gigantic mammal migration on earth features a huge herd of over 1.5 million wildebeests, about 500,000 zebras, and over 200,000 gazelles. The herd migrates from the south of the Tanzanian Serengeti National Park into the Kenyan Masai Mara National Reserve.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is a Kenyan top destination not only for witnessing the Great Migration but also for observing its diverse wildlife. This national reserve is home to a variety of wild animals including giraffes, elands, hyenas, hartebeest, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, several antelopes, bushbucks, hippos, aardvarks, and cheetahs to mention just a few.

Amboseli National Park is the second most sought destination in Kenya after the Masai Mara. This park is endowed with large herds of elephants that roam through its verdant woodlands, savannah, and terrain. Magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, are among the wonders that make this park unique. Mount Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania of course, but its scenic views can be spotted from this park even clearer when you climb the Observation Hill. Amboseli is also rich in wildlife including wildebeest, hyena, zebra, hippo, and many others.

Tsavo East National Park beats all other national parks in Kenya due to its largest area of about 4535 square miles. This park stands a chance to be visited by any safari-goer wishing to view all the Big Five animals that is, elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and black rhino. Tsavo East is characterized by flatlands dotted with giant baobab trees hence hosting many wild animals including oryx, klipspringer, lesser kudu, and antelopes among others. The Yatta Plateau, which world’s longest lava flow decorates this park, and it runs to Mombasa Highway.

Have you been on a wildlife safari inside the boundaries of a capital city? We always know that parks and game reserves are situated away from cities. However, the case is not for Nairobi National Park which is found within the Nairobi City. It is just the smallest park in Kenya with an area of 45 square miles but enriched with wonders and wildlife adventures. It hosts four animals that make the Big Five i.e. lion, leopard, buffalo, and black rhino.

The coast of Kenya has exquisite sand beaches if you want to feel the Indian Ocean’s cool breezes. Some iconic destinations along the Kenyan coast where you spend your beach holiday include Watamu Beach, Malindi, and Mombasa. You can enjoy a lot of things in these idyllic beaches including swimming, sun bathing, boat safaris, and scuba diving.

Interested in mountain climbing? You are in the right place. Kenya is home to Mount Elgon and Mount Kenya, both of which are towering peaks in Africa. The former is the seventh-highest peak while the latter is the second-highest peak in Africa. All these two mountains can be hiked by both experienced and non-experienced climbers.

When to visit Kenya?

Kenyan safaris can be conducted all year round. However, it is worth taking note of Kenyan rainy and dry seasons.

From June to September, Kenya experiences little or no rain at all. This is the perfect time for wildlife adventures since unpaved roads inside the national parks and reserves are free of mud and, therefore easily accessible. However, you should be informed that during this time, spectacular destinations in Kenya become crowded driving the prices of many services up. Therefore, the dry season is expensive and crowded. If you need a more private budget safari, the wet season fits you.

From November to May, Kenya receives heavy rains leading to the accumulation of mud in rough roads. This makes it harder for visitors to penetrate the parks or reserves. In addition, the migratory bird species settle for breeding from February to April. Birders will enjoy this moment with the songs of many colorful birds. This season receives a low number of tourists thus driving the price of many services including accommodations down.

There are a lot of wonders in Kenya for visitors to explore than words to describe them. This scenic country welcomes people of all identities to witness Mother Nature.