Rock Art in Kenya

Africa has the greatest diversity of rock art of any continent on earth. Rock art in Africa goes back tens of thousands of years; the oldest abstract engravings have been scientifically dated 77,000 years old, making them the oldest rock art in the world. Rock art in Africa represents history of which there are no other records. It has been continually produced and reproduced by a multitude of societies in a multitude of social, economic and environmental contexts. They express the ideas, beliefs and imagination of past and present human societies as well as their impressive technical and artistic ability. Rock art is part of our heritage –it informs us of who we are and of our common humanity.

Kenya possesses an interesting variety of rock art offering an extraordinary connection through time. Visiting rock art sites will give you the opportunity to support local communities who benefit from their local rock art and the tourism that it attracts.

– Rock Art at Kakapel
– Rock Art of Mfangano Island
– Rock Art of Namoratunga
– Rock Gongs of Lewa Downs
– Rock Art in the Nairobi National Park
– Rock Art at Loiyangalani

Museums & Monuments

The doorway to Kenya’s history and origin is in the museums and monuments. With exhibits dating back to the prehistoric era, you can connect to the magical story of Kenya’s past.

– Gede Ruins and Museum
– Fort Jesus Museum
– Karen Blixen Museum
– Lamu Museum
– Nairobi National Museum, Snake Park and Botanical Gardens
– Koobi Fora Prehistoric Site

Popular Sites

There are places in Kenya that you cannot afford to go back home without visiting. These popular sites are loved because of the interesting story behind their existence or the noble course that go on in these places that make them popular. If you would like to see the mighty elephant being rehabilitated and fed through a milk bottle, the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary is the place to go camping. Once, chimpanzees used to be caged and tortured, some hunted and killed for meet, not until the Chimpanzee sanctuary at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. These popular sites are the places to visit if you would like specific rehabilitated wild animal stories. Get your campervan hire and take your camping adventure to any of these places.

– Fort Jesus
– Giraffe Center
– David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
– Ol Pejeta Chimpanzee Sanctuary

World Heritage Sites

Kenya is proud to be home to 6 unique world heritage sites identified by The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Clustered in different categories, these sites have been identified precisely because of their cultural, historical, natural and archaeological value. These world heritage sites combine to form the ultimate quintessence of the nation.

– Lamu Old Town
– Fort Jesus
– Kenya’s Lake Systems
– Lake Turkana National Parks
– Mount Kenya National Park
– Mijikenda Kaya Forests

Marine Parks

There is no natural world that can be more serene and bubbling with life than the world under sea. Marine parks in Kenya have been established at the Coastal Kenya to protect the rich aquatic life abound in the Kenyan waters. If underwater photography and underwater flora and fauna excites you, come to Coastal Kenya and enjoy your underwater paradise. From the Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park in Kwale up to the Kiunga Marine National Reserve in Lamu, these protected waters thrive with pure marine life, which brings color to this underworld.

– Malindi Marine Park
– Watamu Marine Park
– Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
– Mombasa Marine Park

Conservancies

The conservancy model of conservation was adopted in Kenya’s wildlife protection areas in order to create co-existence between wildlife and livestock of communities living near tourism attractions. Many conservancies can be described as playgrounds for both wild and domesticated animals to interact as they roam wildly. A conservancy safari in Kenya is unique because on horseback, or walking or while biking, you get the most up close and personal experience with the wildlife you love.

The experience is extra ordinarily unforgettable. For lovers of conservation, you can also experience some of the most endangered wildlife species with the help of professionally trained guides. Lastly, tourists are also given a chance to visit local community projects that the conservancy is involved in. Serves as a unique chance to interact with local community cultures and perhaps make friends.

– Ol Pejeta Conservancy (O.P.C)
– Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
– Ol Kinyei Conservancy
– Selenkay Conservancy
– Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
– Mara Naboisho Conservancy

Cosmopolitan. This is the best way to describe Kenyan cities. Starting with the ‘World’s only wildlife capital’ of Nairobi city to the Coastal city of Mombasa island, Kenyan cities are modern and the whole world is here. These cities are a buzz with amazing skyscrapers, fun nightlife and an urban culture to admire and adopt. On a city tour, you could experience the rich history dotting different sections of the city, take lovely pictures of the cities at night or even experience the real city life of city dwellers on the streets.

Nairobi

Kenya’s capital city has risen in a single century from a brackish uninhabited swampland to a thriving modern capital.

Modern Nairobi is still the safari capital of the Africa, but the modern world has quickly caught up with the city. A frontier town no more, Nairobi is one of Africa’s largest, and most interesting cities.

Nairobi is a city that never seems to sleep. The entire town has a boundless energy, and is thriving place where all of human life can be found.

This is a place of great contrasts where race, tribe and origin all become facets of a unique Nairobi character.

The city has not lost its sense of the past, with an excellent museum and the historical home of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa open to visitors.

This is not a modern capital separated from the great wilderness that surrounds it. Just outside the city is Nairobi National Park, 113 sq. kms of plains, cliffs and forest. The park is home to large herds of zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Giraffe and more. Rhino, Cheetah, and a large number of Lions are all found here, living wild within 20 minutes of the centre of town.

Mombasa

Mombasa is a place steeped in history, yet at the same time fascinating commercial and cosmopolitan port town.

Mombasa is an island connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries. The town overlooks a wide harbor, where commercial shipping mingles with traditional sailing dhows.

The true heart of Mombasa is found in the exotic old town, among the narrow winding streets and Arab architecture. The air here is always heavy with the scent of spices.

At the water’s edge is Fort Jesus, an imposing fort that stands watch over the harbor.

The high gun turrets, battlements and underground passages of this 16th Century Fort were the centre of a historic struggle for control of the Kenya coast between the Portuguese army and the Shirazi Arabs. This war was waged around Mombasa over hundreds of years and countless battles, and the Fort stands as a testament to this tumultuous past.

Modern Mombasa is a city of great diversity and life. This is a town were all are welcomed and quickly absorbed into this great coastal melting pot.

Mombasa is a place where both history and progress are greatly valued, where a busy harbor existence is lived at its own unique, tropical pace.

Kisumu

Kisumu City is a quiet port town on the shores of Lake Victoria with wide streets and fine colonial architecture.

Kisumu was awarded City Status in 2001 and has since grown into an attractive urban centre, with an excellent museum, one of Kenya’s largest open markets and excellent facilities for visitors.

Located just a Kilometer from Kisumu’s central business district is the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary a walking sanctuary and holding area for animals which require special protection in this densely populated area. Herds of impalas and zebras roam freely in the sanctuary.

Within the sanctuary is an animal orphanage that contains a collection of caged lions, leopard, cheetahs, baboons, hyena, jackals, bush duikers, bush buck and buffaloes.

To the south of Kisumu City fishing villages line Lake Victoria towards the broad waters of Homa Bay. This area is home to Ruma National Park, a small but attractive park with many unique species.

The best way to appreciate the beauty of this region is on the lake itself. The sun shines brightly, and gentle breezes rise from the water.

In trees along the shore, Fish Eagles call to each other with long haunting cries. Sunsets turn the water to gold, as the local fisherman in their canoes pull in their nets and slowly turn for home.

Enjoy pure and unspoilt landscapes on the highlands and valleys of Kenya. Spectacular views of the green upcountry and a whim of nature cascades across the meandering hills. Hikers and mountain climbers find satisfaction in exploring these opportunities for adventure in Kenya, so join in.

Mount Kenya

Mt. Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak is regarded as the realm of Ngai, god of the local Kikuyu people. Traditionally, all Kikuyu home 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 days early light silhouettes its impressive summit high over the surrounding plains.

While the 5199 meter summit is a difficult technical climb, the lesser peak of Point Lenana (4985m) can be easily reached by any fit trekker. This trek takes between 3 and 5 days, through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife, and unique montane vegetation including pod carpus and groundsel, and finally one of the world’s rarest sights, equatorial snow.

For those who don’t want to climb the Mountain, now is a good time to learn about exercises for climbers for this expedition. The cool highlands that surround its base are well worth a visit. The forests are ideal for game viewing, and there are crystal clear mountain streams that abound with Trout….

Getting there – Main road access to Mount Kenya is via Nanyuki or Naro Moru, both easily accessed from Nairobi by bus/matatu or private transport. Some trekkers and climbers access the mountain from Chogoria. There is an airstrip in Nanyuki with both scheduled and charter flights available. Many trekking companies can organize transfers from Nairobi to Mt. Kenya. See the Trekking, Mountain Climbing and Safaris and Tours sections for details.

Getting around – Hotels in Nanyuki and Naro Moru can organize transfers to the gates of Mt. Kenya National Park.

Climbing Gear- Mount Kenya is a fascinating place to visit. But you do need the right gear to assist you in the climb. For instance, you need the best shoes to climb through the harsh terrain as you approach the peak. You also need to have proper clothing, jackets for the cold, etc.

Western Highlands

This truly spectacular region is one of Kenya’s best kept secrets. The highlands and escarpment of the North Rift Valley provide some of the country’s most awe-inspiring views, across the broad and beautiful Kerio Valley.

The scenic vistas around the Elgeyo escarpment are truly stunning, especially from the ‘World’s End’ viewpoint at Nyaru. Waterfalls flow down the face of these escapements, and at Chebloch, on the valley floor water runs through a deep and narrow gorge with sheer rock walls.

The highlands are an excellent place to explore, and there is plenty to discover among the many hills and ranges. From the high Tugen Hills, there are excellent views across arid rift valley floor to Lake Baringo. The lush green hills around Kericho are home to Kenya’s tea industry, and the nearby Kisii Community is world renowned for their beautiful soapstone carving.

Unlike most of Kenya’s mountains and ranges, the rolling Cherangani Hills are not volcanic in origin. The hills are centered upon a forested escarpment and surrounded on three sides by sheer cliff faces. They are crisscrossed by walking paths, and ease of direction and undemanding slopes make this excellent country for relaxing hill walking. The paths cross open farmland, pass through sheltered valleys and wind their way up to forested peaks. This is a birding mecca, and whether you are a serious ornithologist or a hobby birder, you should not miss the Cheranganis. There are excellent bird guides available locally.

Wildlife enthusiasts can also visit the nearby Saiwa Swamp National Park. This is one of the few parks that permits walking, and is an ideal place for a day’s hike. This wild country is home to many and varied species, the best known being the very rare Sitatunga. This semi-amphibious antelope lives in the depths of these swamps. Rimoi National Reserve, in the Kerio Valley, is an important area for elephant migration.

The Western Highlands have become a major draw for sporting tourists. This is the home of many of Kenya’s world famous runners. This is probably the finest place on earth for high altitude athletic training, and many international athletes visit training camps around Iten and Kaptagat.

But the real beauty of these Highlands lies in the solitude, peace, and isolation to be found in the hills.

Getting Around – The central travel hub of this region is Eldoret, which is serviced by both bus and air traffic. Kenya’s third international airport is located in Eldoret, with frequent domestic services. There are several airstrips throughout the region, including a large public air strip at Kericho. Other major towns in this region with good road access include Kericho, Kitale, Kaptagat and Kabaranet. Some trekking companies can organize transfers from Nairobi to the Cherangani Hills. There is a very good road network throughout the entire Western Highlands. There are good bus and matatu connections among most towns and villages.

This destination is an ideal walking, trekking and cycling country (although there are many steep hills), even within Saiwa Swamp National Park. It is possible to take an organized safari into this area.

Menengai Crater

Located on the northern side of Nakuru is the single largest surviving volcanic crater in the world. The Menengai Crater is an extinct volcano that offers striking views of Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria and the crater itself.

It is believed that the crater is a historic ground for a battle between different clans from the Maasai community who fought for grazing land and pastures on the slopes of the Rift Valley. For photography lovers, 8 km to the top of the crater, beautiful pink and blue colors of Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria become clearer and can make excellent pictures under a brisk sunset.

Activities: Hiking, trekking, biking, camping, picnicking at strategic campsites, and photography.

Rift Valley

Originally named the ‘Great Rift Valley’ by British Explorer John Walter Gregory, the Rift Valley is a geographic stretch extending 6000km across the Middle East and Africa from Jordan to Mozambique. The valley encapsulates tremendous changes in topographic diversity with its scarps and volcanoes, lakes, ancient granitic hills, flat desert landscapes and coral reefs and islets. The astounding view, as you approach from Nairobi, Kenya is quite unbelievable. To show you just how expansive the rift is, the ground unexpectedly disappears from under you, extending thousands of kilometers in either direction. An excellent starter to the Kenyan Rift Valley, it may appear, the most amazing part of this experience is sinking deeper to explore the Lake System of the Rift.

Activities: Hiking, trekking, game viewing, photography, guided walks around the crater lakes, picnic lunch, bird watching, golfing and community visits.

The trade winds of the Indian Ocean brings forth the beauty that embowers the South Eastern part of Kenya. Beautiful stellar beaches. Wild waters of the Indian Ocean you can play in. A revitalizing sun for that beautiful tan. Come to Kenya and sample the seaside life and also save some time for a visit in the mainland Coast where the cultures of the Coastal communities vibrate.

Diani Beach

Surrounded by the breathtaking Indian Ocean, soft white sands, lush greenery and the striking shade of emerald blue that emerges from its clear warm waters, Diani is Kenya’s most relaxing retreat. It is the perfect place to get away from the stress of everyday life or to relax before and after an exciting safari.

With its 17 kilometers of beautiful, flawless, soft white sand, Diani Beach has been awarded the best beach destination in Africa for 5 years running and is popular with families, honeymooners, backpackers and water-sports enthusiasts alike. From visiting its marine national park, diving with dolphins and sea turtles, spotting whale sharks, kitesurfing, skydiving and nightlife, Diani offers a range of activities for all ages.

Diani boasts a wide range of resorts, hotels, B&Bs and budget stays. From the backpacker to the luxury traveler, everyone can find the ideal retreat.
A foodie’s heaven, eat al fresco at various local cafés serving the best of local fresh Swahili dishes or enjoy a luxurious seafood platter in one of the highly rated international restaurants.
There is plenty to do in and around Diani, on, off and above water. Take a day trip out on an original dhow boat to Wasini Island to look for dolphins and sea turtles. For a small adventure take a glass bottom boat or small fishermen’s dhow to the sandbank and marvel at the fantastic underwater world. Go a bit deeper into the ocean and dive with one of the PADI certified diving companies in Diani. The constant trade winds make Diani a top spot for kite surfers and windsurfers.

Take it to the sky for the thrill seeking; skydiving down onto the pristine beach is a fantastic adventure. On land, guided walks through sacred forests, a monkey sanctuary, a turtle information centre and a trip to Shimba Hills, the only coastal national park that is home to the endangered Sable Antelope, are some of the many options waiting to be explored.

North Coast

The coastline North of Mombasa is a world of enthralling history and natural beauty.

The coast is lined with pristine palm fringed beaches, and the calm inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The beaches are broken by the wide mouth of Kilifi Creek, whose azure waters are a popular port of call on the international yachting circuit.

The beaches of Nyali, Vipingo, Kikambala and Shanzu are home to a wide range of World Class resorts with fine cuisine and services.

The peaceful beach havens of Mtwapa and Takaungu offer an ideal escape from the outside world, with endless deserted beaches.

The offshore reefs are alive with coral, myriad fish, sea turtles and dolphins. Both outer and inner reef walls offer world class diving with spectacular coral gardens and drop offs, and Kenya’s best wreck diving on the MV Dania.

Malindi and Watamu

The small town of Malindi is at the centre of a strip of idyllic tropical beaches offering the visitor a range of world class resorts and quiet relaxing hideaways. Further south, the sleepy village of Watamu is fronted by wide white beaches. This tranquil haven is home to several well established resorts, and many private guesthouses scattered through the forest along the deserted shore.

At Watamu a Marine National Park has been established, an ideal day trip for divers and snorkellers alike.

Northwest of Malindi is the spectacular Marafa Depression, locally known as ‘Nyari’ and popularly known as Hell’s Kitchen. An extensive series of sandstone gorges and sheer gullies, this unique and otherworldly landscape has become part of local folklore.

The thick jungles of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest reserve hide a world of wonders. In the cool of the forest winding paths will take you in search of rare endemic birds and mammals, and visiting herds of Elephant.

The forest holds another secret, the lost town of Gedi, a deserted trading Swahili town hidden deep in the forests, whose winding passages and crumbling walls tell of a long and mysterious past.

Walk through the Forest, explore the mangroves by boat, dive on the reef or try your hand at big game fishing. At the North coast you have all these choices and more, with the space and freedom to relax, unwind, and soak up the atmosphere.

Lamu

Lamu is a place like no other, a peaceful tropical island where life is lived at its own relaxed rhythm, but a place whose history is as mysterious and fascinating as the winding streets of its medieval stone town.

The island itself is a beautiful place of rolling dunes and endless beaches, where tiny villages nestle among coconut and mango plantations and lateen sailed dhows ply the waters. But Lamu’s real attraction is its Old town.

The town of Lamu began life as a 14th century Swahili settlement, but the island has seen many visitors and influences, including Portuguese explorers, Turkish traders and the Omani Arabs. All left their mark, but Lamu developed its own particular culture, which has ultimately endured.

Lamu’s narrow streets remain unchanged, and in the markets and squares around the fort life moves at the same pace as it always has. There are no vehicles on this island, and the donkey and the dhow remain the dominant form of transport.

The people of Lamu are great believers in tradition and custom, and this is a strong society built on a respect for the past.
For the traveller, Lamu is a hypnotically exotic experience, made even more enjoyable by the relaxed and welcoming attitudes of the locals. To visit Lamu is to enter another world, and the visitor finds themselves becoming a part of this world. Life slows down, and long days are spent strolling along the waterfront, exploring the town or relaxing on the beaches.

Dhow safaris can take you beyond Lamu into the surrounding archipelago, where isolated villages, ancient ruins and a few luxurious and exclusive resorts lie hidden among the islands of Manda, Siyu, Pate and Kiwayu.

This idyllic island speaks to the heart and soul, and a trip to Lamu is a romantic experience that can become a lifelong affair.

The wild roars and nature comes alive in Kenya! Kenya’s protected areas are home to different variety of flora and fauna species. Each wilderness area is specially branded because it has something unique to offer. From the ‘World’s only Wildlife Capital’ of Nairobi, ‘Bird Watchers Paradise’ of Lake Nakuru to the ‘Kilimanjaro’s Royal Court’ of Amboseli, Kenya’s wilderness areas are the face of the wild Africa. This is why we are the home of the safari.

Masai Mara Game Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Kenya- Africa. 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. The annual wildebeest’s migration alone involves over 1.5 million animals arriving in July and departing in November.

There have been some 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles and over 400 birds species recorded on the reserve.

Mara Triangle
Wildlife- Nowhere in Africa is more wildlife abundant. The Mara is known as one of the finest wildlife destinations in the world, with an excellent chance of seeing the big five, cheetah, serval, hyena, bat-eared foxes, black-backed and side-striped jackals, hippo, crocodile, baboons, warthog, topi, eland, Thompson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, impala, waterbuck, oribi, reed-buck and zebra.

Climatic conditions – Altitude 5,300 feet (1,600 metres). Rainy season from November through May, with peak rainfall in December-January and April-May. Dry season from June-November. Often sunny mornings with cloud build-up in the afternoons – during the rains this develops into thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Max temperatures up to 30°C and min temperatures around 20°C.

Access – The Mara Triangle is serviced by two all-weather airstrips– Mara Serena and Kichwa Tembo. The main road access into the Triangle is through Narok and Sekenani Gate.

Accommodation – Mara Serena (150 beds that have luxury bedding and cozy pillows) and Little Governors’ Camp (36 beds luxury bedding and cozy pillows) are the only two lodges situated in the Triangle. Kichwa Tembo, Mpata Club, Olonana, Mara Siria and Kilima Camp are situated on the periphery but use the Triangle.

Best time to visit – Peak season is between July and October, during the migration. Early November and February can also offer excellent game viewing.

Activities – Game viewing, camping, night game drives, visits to Masai cultural villages, ballooning, bush dinner, lunch and breakfast. Masai Mara makes for a spot for a destination wedding photographer to engage different scenes with clients.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru was first gazetted as a bird sanctuary in 1960 and upgraded to National Park status in 1968.

The Park has Kenya’s largest population of rhinos. The surface of the Lake Nakuru occupies about a third of the park. It supports a dense bloom of the blue-green Cyanophyte Spirulina platensis from which it derives its colour and is a food source for flamingos.

During peak season over millions of flamingos and Pelicans congregate on the lake.

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is unique by being the only protected area in the world with a variety of animals and birds close to a capital city.

The park is a principal attraction for visitors to Nairobi.

Nairobi National Park is one of the most successful of Kenya’s rhino sanctuaries that is already generating a stock for reintroduction in the species former range 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.

Nairobi Tented Camp is the first accommodation of any sort to be allowed in this unique safari destination. There is nowhere else in the world like it. Each of the 9 tents houses 2 people, and have their own flushing toilets and safari showers, so you can enjoy en-suite living safari style. This is a wilderness escape where you can savor the thrill of camping in the heart of thick bush land right on the door step of the capital city.

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is one of the lesser-known national parks, but is nevertheless teeming with life.

Situated alongside the Ewaso Nyiro River, there is plenty to attract wildlife from the surrounding savannah plains.

The reserve is rich in wildlife with an abundance of rare northern specialist species such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and the beisa oryx (also referred to as Samburu Special Five).

The reserve is also home to elephants and large predators such as the lion, leopard and cheetah. ‘Kamunyak’, the miracle lioness that adopted the baby oryx was as a resident in the reserve.

Wild dog sightings are also a common attraction to this unique protected area. Birdlife is abundant with over 450 species recorded.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park covers an area of 68.25 square km and is situated in the environs of Lake Naivasha about 90 km from Nairobi. The park is 14 km after the turnoff from the old Nairobi-Naivasha highway.

It is characterized by diverse topography and geological scenery. It is an important home of the lammergeyer (The Bearded Vulture).

Hell’s Gate can be accessed through two main gates: the main Elsa Gate and the Olkaria Gate. The latter also serves the Olkaria Geothermal Station that is located inside the National Park.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli lies immediately north-west of Mount Kilimanjaro, on the border with Tanzania. The Park covers 392 square km, and forms part of the much larger 3,000 square km Amboseli ecosystem.

Amboseli lies immediately north-west of Mount Kilimanjaro, on the border with Tanzania. The Park covers 392 square km, and forms part of the much larger 3,000 square km Amboseli ecosystem.

Large concentrations of wildlife occur here in the dry season, making Amboseli a popular tourist destination. It is surrounded by six communally owned group ranches.

The National Park embodies five main wildlife habitats (open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush country, swamps and marshland) and covers part of a Pleistocene lake basin, now dry.

Amboseli is famous for its big game and its great scenic beauty; the landscape is dominated by the towering Mount Kilimanjaro.

The National Park embodies five main wildlife habitats (open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush country, swamps and marshland) and covers part of a Pleistocene lake basin, now dry. Within this basin is a temporary lake, Lake Amboseli, that floods during years of heavy rainfall.

Major Attractions: Mount Kilimanjaro; Observation Hill which allows an overall view of the whole park especially the swamps and elephants; Swamp below observation hill hosts many elephants, buffaloes, hippos and a variety of water fowl like pelican; Egyptian goose; contemporary Maasai culture and indigenous lifestyle; herds of elephants.

Wildlife: Amboseli has over 80 different mammals to be found ranging from the tiny (and rarely seen) spectacled elephant shrew to the huge bulk of the African elephant. Few visitors will go home without superb elephant pictures with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. There are over 400 bird species.

Getting there – By Road: The main road into the park is from Nairobi via Namanga (240 km) on the Nairobi-Arusha Road, via Meshanani Gate. The road is tarmacked up to Namanga but is marram from Namanga to Meshanani Gate (75km).

The other road is via Emali (228 km) on the Nairobi- Mombasa Road. The road is tarmacked up to Emali and marram from Emali to Remito Gate (64 km) Access from Mombasa is mainly through Tsavo West via Kimana (Olkelunyiet) Gate.

By Air: The Park has an airstrip at Empusel gate. There is also an airstrip for light aircraft at the Park Headquarters (Olekelunyiet). Other airstrips exist at Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge and Namanga town.

Where to stay – Amboseli has a range of accommodation to suit all budgets, tastes and interests. There are very basic campsites where one can pitch a tent and sleep under canvas in the wild, well appointed safari lodges, luxury tented camps with large, fully furnished tents, small private camps for your exclusive use and much, much, more.

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

A rugged, hump-backed outcrop of ancient rock jutting high above the Athi Plains and hazily visible from Nairobi, Ol Donyo Sabuk is a densely forested mountain known to the local Kikuyu as ‘The Mountain of the Buffalo’, and to the Maasai as ‘The Big Mountain’.

Just one road leads to its summit, which offers magnificent 360’ panoramas over the Athi River, the pineapple fields of Thika and the snow-capped peaks of both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.

Within easy reach of Nairobi, the lush vegetation and cool air of this compact and scenic National Park make for an ideal day trip or camping weekend.

Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserve

The Isiolo District lies at the northern foot of Mt Kenya rising above the expansive range lands of northern Kenya.

The arid and semi-arid zones district sits as a divide between the populous agricultural highlands of the Mt. Kenya region and acts as a gateway into the vast lowlands of North Kenya inhabited by various nomadic pastoralist communities where wildlife and livestock freely co-exist.

Together with the adjacent Samburu, and divided by the river Ewaso Nyiro, the three reserves form a very popular tourist destination because of the diverse wildlife populations they support.

Unlike other wildlife areas in Kenya’s northern tourist circuit, the reserves, which are popularly known as the Samburu Ecosystem, sustain free ranging wildlife species both within the three reserves as well as far into community lands.

Climatic Conditions – Temperatures range from 30ºC during hottest months to 20ºC between July and September. Annual rainfalls range between 100mm to 300mm on average usually divided into two seasons, short rains in October/ November and long rains between February and May.

Wildlife – Besides normal species found elsewhere in Kenya, the area is a natural home to the five rare species known as the five northern species which are endemic to this area. They are Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Somali ostrich and the gerenuk. Shaba is also the home for the highly endangered Williamson’s lark. All these rare species can only be found inside this game reserve.

Access – Roads: From Nairobi through Nanyuki on a tarmac road to Isiolo, then a 22km murram road. Air: Buffalo Springs Airstrip is used by scheduled flights from Nairobi each day linking the reserves to other tourism destinations.
Best time to visit – All the year round

Activities – Game viewing safari, nature walks, entertainment by pastoralist cultural dancers, and visits to cultural villages to get the experience of nomadic lifestyle in the community.

Meru National Park

Meru National Park is wild and beautiful. Straddling the equator and bisected by 13 rivers and numerous mountain-fed streams, it is an especially beautiful area of Kenya. It has diverse scenery from woodlands at 3,400ft (1,036m) on the slopes of Nyambeni Mountain Range, north east of Mt. Kenya, to wide open plains with meandering riverbanks dotted with doum palms.

Game to view includes: lion, elephant, cheetah, leopard black rhino, zebra, gazelle, oryx and some of the rarer antelope, Lesser Kudu and duiker, also the more common dik dik, one of Africa’s smallest antelope. Large prides of lion can be seen and some of Kenya’s largest herds of buffalo. The rivers abound with hippo and crocodile, fishing for barbus and catfish is permitted at camp sites and along the Tana River. In the mid 1980’s, the Park suffered from poaching, however KWS armed wildlife security patrols have driven out the poachers and the elephant population has stabilized with breeding herds settling down.

Over 300 species of birds have been recorded, including: Red-necked falcon, Heuglins courser, brown-backed woodpecker, sunbirds Peter’s Fin foot, inhabiting the Murera and Ura Rivers; Pel’s Fishing Owl, kingfishers, rollers, bee-eaters, starlings and weavers.

The Park is most famous as the setting for Joy Adamson’s book “Born Free”, the story of the Adamson’s life and research amongst lion and cheetah. “Elsa” the lioness was the most well-known and her grave is marked here. There is one lodge (132 beds) and two tented camps are planned. There are 8 special campsites which must be pre-booked, one public campsites; Elsa camp, KWS self-help bandas and Leopard Rock bands.

There are two routes to Meru national park from Nairobi. The first is the main road via Nyeri, Nanyuki and Meru, the second is via Embu-Meru road. It offers the best approach via the Ura gate. Dry weather route from Meru is through Mathara and Kangeta towards Maua turning left on the Kinna road leading to the National park gate. There are airstrips and leopard rock or Meru Mulika lodge.

Far away up in the North, Kenya is expansive, unexplored but rich in color. Every day, the sun seems to be smiling down on this part of Kenya. It brings forth light and heat that revitalizes the sights and sounds of Northern Kenya. With a fun all-terrain vehicle, tour these rugged terrains and experience the thrills, well cut out landscapes that flourish into the horizon and even desert wildlife.

Maralal and Beyond

Maralal is a frontier town, the beginning of the Great Northern wilderness and the staging post for many great adventures. This simple town is a thriving centre for the local Samburu people, and the streets are always busy with camels, passing warriors and traders.

Maralal is a frontier town, the beginning of the Great Northern wilderness and the staging post for many great adventures. This simple town is a thriving centre for the local Samburu people, and the streets are always busy with camels, passing warriors and traders.

Beyond Maralal lies some of Kenya’s most beautiful country. Here the broad arid plains give way to the spectacular Loroghi Hills and the high, wild Matthews ranges. Dry river beds course through this land, and have become the tracks and routes of nomadic camel trains. The wild country between Maralal and Turkana is ideal for the adventure seeker.

Here in these vast empty spaces, there is freedom to explore and lose yourself in the wild. Whether you want to take a truck to Turkana or a camel through Samburu land, this is your starting point.

Turkana

Kenya’s North is desert country- hot, parched and broken by volcanic activity, where ancient blackened lava flows and endless thorn trees stretch from horizon to horizon.

Getting to Turkana overland is no mean feat. While it is possible to fly to the Lake in a Chartered aircraft (and indeed flying is recommended for the furthest Northern reaches) it must be said that flying to Turkana some what distills the adventure.

This is place where the journey is very much part of the destination- and it is only by taking the long difficult road that a real sense of remoteness is gained. However, the flight itself is quite an experience, taking in wonderful vistas across the Suguta Valley and providing a bird’s eye view of the Lake itself.

Most visitors make the longtrip from Nairobi over a 2 or 3-day period, stopping en route at Maralal, Samburu, or Marsabit. The trip winds through some beautiful country, and travelers invariably encounter Rendille camel trains, and pass by tiny villages and nomadic encampments along the way.

The history and cultures of the North- the Samburu, Pokot, Gabbra, Borana and many more are written upon the soil of this trackless land- and travelling through this area is a great education in itself. Both the East and West shores of the Lake each offer unique areas of interest.

At the South East tip of the Lake, reached via South Horr, the tiny oasis of Loiyangalani (“the place of the trees”) attracts many travelers to its palm groves, where a constant wind offers relief from the searing heat.

There is a well-maintained campsite and basic lodge here. Many safari companies and operators offer truck trips to this area- sometimes combined with a Camel safari further south.

Cradle of Mankind
For over 100 years, the National Museums of Kenya’s has been protecting, preserving, and promoting Kenya’s Historical, Natural, Cultural heritage and recently its Contemporary Art through Museums, Antiques and Monuments.

Kenya is endowed with the richest pre-historic fossil heritage dating over 100 Million years ago, back into the dinosaur age. The Lake Turkana eco-system is amongst Kenya’s six World Heritage Sites. The lake is the world’s largest desert as well as alkaline lake containing the largest Nile crocodile population.

The National Museums of Kenya holds the world’s largest collection of human pre-history, the longest and most complete record spanning over 27 Million years. You can also find records of fauna and plant species related to the evolution theory e.g. elephants, crocodiles- displayed in-situ at the Cradle of Mankind site.

In addition to fossil records, the existence of a long record of technological evolution with tools as old as 2.3 million years old also exists. The study of human evolution still continues to-date through the tireless efforts of Kenyan scientists at the National Museums of Kenya.

A Kenyan; Mr. Kamoya Kimeu, made our most famous discovery, the Turkana Boy dated 1.6Million years. This was a young boy of 9 – 12 years old, 1.6 meters tall, and is the only almost complete skeleton of a human related fossil ever found in the world.

Make your pilgrim trip to the Cradle of Mankind and discover the land where our ancestors once trod. Take a journey through the most spectacular scenery in Kenya while experiencing the rich cultures of minority communities like the almost extinct El Molo.

Loiyangalani

Loiyangalani is a good base for exploring- either by boat to South Island National Park, or by climbing nearby Mount Kulal- a challenging climb which needs to be undertaken with care.

El Molo Bay is home to Kenya’s smallest tribe, the El Molo whose numbers have dwindled through intermarriage and linguistic and cultural absorption into the Turkana and Samburu communities.

One of the last true hunter-gatherer communities, the El Molo are centered on this small bay, which is also a good place to spot crocodiles and birdlife.

Outside influence has been slow to reach this distant frontier, and the El Molo, Turkana and other communities along the Lakeshores still live lives dictated by tradition, myth and custom.

In many places here, life continues unchanged as it has for centuries.

Sibiloi National Park

For the more adventurous, the long road North leads to Sibiloi,a 1600 square km National Park recently accorded World Heritage Status. This park is a real surprise after a long desert journey- there is plenty of open green, grassland- and plenty of game. Zebra, Topi, Giraffe, Ostrich, Hippo and the occasional Lion and Cheetah have all been sighted in the park.

Koobi Fora Museum

Situated along the Eastern shores of Lake Turkana is Koobi Fora Site and Museum, a World Heritage Site also popularly known as the Cradle of Mankind. On site are mainly extinct fossils like the crocodile, giraffe and tortoise at least four times larger than today’s.

You can also relax at the Koobi Fora camp overlooking the lake away from city life, enjoy spectacular sunsets and teeming wildlife. Koobi Fora is a very important site for Hominid Fossils, famous internationally since Richard Leakey’s discovery of ‘1470’ a 2 million year old skull of Homo Habilis.

As interest in visiting this area increases, there is promise of improved visitor facilities and safari options in this area.

Western Turkana

Western Turkana is more accessible, via the road North from Kitale to Lodwar and onward to Ferguson’s Gulf and the village of Kalokol. There is a basic lodge here- originally a fishing lodge for those looking to catch prized Nile Perch.

About 60 kms further north is beautiful Eliye Springs, home to spring fed oases, large crocodile populations, and many small Turkana villages. There are a few simple lodgings available here.

Just a little further North, the all new Lobolo Camp treads the fine line between roughing it and the more comfortable “easy” tented camps in Kenya’s more accessible Parks and Reserves.

The first permanent tented camp in Turkana, Lobolo is nestled among 100acres of lush forest, watered by a series of fresh water springs. The camp has 6 spacious, spotless tents with spring water showers and specially raised beds to take advantage of cool breezes, and provide views of the sunset over the Lake.

A central mess tent serves up remarkably first class meals, with flame grilled brochettes, fresh salad, and excellent local Nile Perch.

With excellent boats and guides- trips around the Lake, specialized fishing trips for Nile Perch and many others are possible. Lobolo caters for those who still want to enjoy the adventure of travelling to this wild frontier, but still appreciate the value of a comfortable bed, a cool shower in the evening, and the occasional unexpected luxury- such as delicious hot samosas with soy sauce served by the campfire.

Overnight fly camps on Central Island National Park can also be arranged. The island is a great place to spend a day exploring. Although only five square kilometers in area, the hills neatly conceal three separate volcanic crater lakes.
A hike around the crater rims is an ideal way to spend the morning or afternoon.

Each lake has its own unique ecology- and flamingo, crocodiles and plenty of water birds can be seen as you follow the narrow ridges across the islands spine. One of these small lakes is home to an ancient species of Tilapia- a small fresh water fish – whose existence suggests that the Lake may have once been fed by the Nile.

The outer slopes of this up thrust volcanic cone are breeding colonies for many water birds, and a slow drift in a canoe around the island makes for great bird watching- with plenty of nesting pelican, cormorant, heron and gulls- and hunting raptors including African Fish Eagles, Osprey and even Marsh Harriers, and local rarities such as Skimmers.

The delicate ecological balance of this region is threatened by increasing human population pressure, but the development of tourism- and its economic benefit- may just be the vital ingredient for the preservation for future generations of intrepid travelers.

For those who reach these outer limits today, there is no better way to spend a night than stretched out by a campfire on Central Island, listening to the soft lap of water on the shore as the sunset gives way to a stunning stars cape overhead.