NATIONAL PARKS & RESERVES - KENYA
Aberdares
Slightly larger than Mount Kenya National Park, the Aberdares offers an eco-system
that is fairly similar. Its mountain ranges climb to over 4,200m and consist
mainly of tropical high-alpine vegetation. In the lower-lying regions, you
will find rain/bamboo forests, moorlands, waterfalls, rivers and dams filled
with trout. The most common species include giant forest hog, black rhino,
elephant, lion, leopard, serval cat, a variety of monkeys, as well as spectacular
birds.
Amboseli
One of the most popular parks in Kenya, we think it is a real gem. Situated
at the foot of Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, it forms the backdrop
to most photographers' pictures. Absolutely spectacular on a clear day, when
the snowy peak of Kibo is seen. Elephants abound in the forest and swamps,
feeding on the lush papyrus and other grasses. Cheetah, lion and many hyena
can also be seen on the salt flats or in the forests. Giraffe, zebra and wildebeest
are always spotted on the open plains or congregating at the edge of the swamps.
Lake Nakuru
The most famous of the Rift Valley Lakes, Nakuru is a soda lake renowned for
its magnificent array of birdlife. But it is the migratory flocks of thousands
of greater and lesser flamingo that really create the attraction here, when
the lake's shallow waters turn pink. Black and white rhino, the rare Rothschild's
giraffe, a small herd of buffalo, dik dik, klipspringer, the occasional leopard
and hundreds of other plains game are also found here.
Lake Baringo
About 100km north of Nakuru, this tranquil freshwater lake is host to some
rare bird species seen nowhere else in Africa. Boat trips on the lake are
popular to view the hippo, crocodiles and bird life. One can also visit a
local Njemps tribal village or watch the villagers fishing from their frail
papyrus boats.
Lake Bogoria
Lying between Baringo and Nakuru, Bogoria was initially created to protect
the greater kudu, found on the western Laikipia escarpment. Bushland and forest
ravines surround the soda lake, also a favourite nesting site for flamingo.
Another fascinating attraction is the hot sulphur springs, which bubble and
shoot hot jets of water from the ground.
Lake Elmenteita
Most of this shallow soda lake is on private land and forms part of the Delamere
Estate's Soysambu property. There is some game in the bush around the lake,
with flamingo and pelicans congregating along the shores. Some very pleasant
escorted nature walks around the lake's shores are available.
Lake Naivasha
A very picturesque freshwater lake and a favourite weekend haunt for Nairobi
residents, who enjoy fishing and sailing. Alternatively, there are many boat
trips or perhaps a visit to Crescent Island for a gentle walk. Nearby is the
dramatic Hell's Gate Gorge Reserve, overshadowed by the mysterious Mt Longonot.
Lake Victoria
Being the world's second-largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria covers an
area of nearly 70,000 sq km and one of the chief sources of the Nile. Life
here has not changed for centuries, the cultures are fascinating, people beautiful
and scenery, spectacular.
Masai
Mara Reserve
One of East Africa's most famous reserves, the 1,600 sq km 'Mara' consists
of undulating hills and great rolling grasslands that sustain some of the
most varied wildlife in Africa, if not the world. There is always game in
the 'Mara', however it changes its character dramatically with the seasons.
So, when the grass is fairly high in many areas, game viewing is restricted,
but the countryside is incredibly green and at its most scenic. As the countryside
dries out, game viewing improves. Game concentrations are at their greatest
from around July to the end of October, when the migrating herds filter across
the Mara River from Western Serengeti. During this period, you will find vast
plains filled as far as the eye can see, with wildebeest, zebra, gazelle,
eland, topi and hartebeest, as well as the normal resident herds such as elephant,
buffalo and giraffe. Naturally, these are all followed by great prides of
lion, hyena, cheetah and the various other scavengers. Many animals do not
survive these annual trips due to exhaustion or the treacherous river crossings,
where some of the world's largest crocodiles await their feast.
Other highlights of the 'Mara' include, the early morning balloon safaris,
walking in the community areas adjoining the main park and some of the lodges
fascinating programs orientated towards children's wildlife education.
Meru National
Park
Meru is in the northern frontier, east of Mount Kenya. It is an area still
relatively untouched by tourism which makes it most alluring. The animals
are found in good numbers, but are shy, being unused to their human counterparts.
This park is one of the driest in the country with little rainfall, though
it is criss-crossed with numerous rivers and streams running off nearby mountains.
The landscape is wild, blessed with dense ribbons of vegetation laced by magnificent
stands of baobab trees, and doum and raphia palms which run through the dry
valleys. The area is famous for Elsa, the orphaned lioness reared by Joy and
George Adamson, and eventually returned to the wilds of Meru. The park is
also in the process of receiving many elephant and both black and white rhino
from neighboring reserves. Definitely a park in which to get away from it
all and, one that is earmarked for major improvements.
Mount
Kenya
The park was created around Africa's second highest mountain. It straddles
the equator and covers an area of more than 715 sq km. Mount Kenya is perceived
as sacred by the Gikuya people, as there is said to be a god who lives here.
The mountain's snow-capped peaks can be seen on clear days, but often enclosed
in low cloud cover. With altitudes ranging from 1,600m to 5,200m, there is
a wide range of vegetation. It includes rich sub-alpine flora, low-lying forests
and bamboo zones, as well as moorlands and tundra. Common species found are
giant forest hog, tree hyrax, white-tailed mongoose, elephant, buffalo, suni,
duiker, leopard, black rhino, bushbuck, bongo and a type of 'golden cat'.
Mountain buzzards, tinker birds and various louries are also fascinating spots.
Nairobi
National Park
Just 10km from the city centre and only 117 sq km in size, this is Kenya's
oldest park, established around 1946. With over 500 varieties of birds recorded
and more than 100 mammal species, it makes a great early morning or afternoon's
excursion. Common sightings include zebra, giraffe, buffalo, ostrich, gazelle,
eland, hippo, vulture and lion. It is also a great place to see black rhino.
Salt Lick
Situated on the main Voi to Taita road, south of the Taita Hills, Salt Lick
links a game corridor to Tsavo West. Formerly a sisal plantation, it has been
transformed into a 113 sq km reserve with some interesting grasslands and
woodlands. The area now attracts a good quantity of zebra, buffalo, elephant,
waterbuck, reedbuck, impala, eland, gazelle and much more. The birdlife is
also excellent.
Samburu,
Buffalo Springs and Shaba
These are three adjoining reserves situated north of Mt Kenya. Watered by
the muddy Uaso Ngiro River and natural springs, this is classified as a lowland
area, so generally hot, arid and dusty. It is also extremely scenic, with
ravine areas dominated by acacia and doum palms. Also of interest are the
volcanic rock cones and craggy hills, which spread through certain areas of
the park. Large numbers of gerenuk also make this area exciting, although
other species are also common. These include crocodile, hippo, gazelle, Beisa
oryx, Grevy's zebra, 'Somali' ostrich, Reticulated giraffe, elephant, vervet
monkey and cheetah, leopard and lion that still roam its acacia woodlands,
ravines and grasslands. There are also some amazing bird sightings in the
riverine forests.
Shimba
Hills
Shimba Hills runs parallel to the coast and is approximately one hour's journey
from Mombasa. Located at 500m above sea level, Shimba is covered by beautiful
forest foliage and makes a refreshing break from the sticky humidity of the
coast. There is not a huge amount of game, but common species include elephant,
buffalo and giraffe and for the lucky few, the rare sable antelope.
Tsavo
East And West
This huge park is split into two by the main Nairobi to Mombasa highway and
covers a total area of around 2,000 sq km. The park is quite arid with only
two permanent rivers, but its flat landscape is dotted with hills and boabab
trees, making it extremely attractive. Tsavo is still famous for its 'red'
elephants, so called because of the red murrum earth that they spray themselves
with and the legends of man-eating lion. Most game congregates among the acacia
and raphia palms, which line the riverine areas. Common spots include elephant,
buffalo, ostrich, gazelle, giraffe, zebra and the accompanying predatory cats.
Less frequent sightings are gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx and Hunters hartebeest.
Popular attractions in the park are the Lugard Falls, Yatta Plateau (which
is the world's longest lava flow) and Mzima Springs. Here, there is an underground
viewing platform to observe crocodile, hippo and the various fish under water