From its vast savannah plains to lush tea plantations, and from its snow-capped mountain summits to palm-fringed beaches, the east African country of Kenya provides a stunning backdrop for Africa’s most classic safari adventures. Kenya is bordered by the Indian Ocean, Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania, and is conveniently divided into five major geographical regions: the Highlands, the Great Rift Valley, the Western Plateau, the Coastal Region, and the Northern Plains.
Due to this varied geography, no other African country boasts the fauna and flora diversity of Kenya. Wildlife is prolific here at any time, but nothing tops the Great Migration, when nearly two million wildebeest and zebra follow the rains to new grass. Additionally, Kenya boasts the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, African Elephant and both rhinoceros species), as well as many other large herbivores (Common Eland, Giraffe, Hippopotamus), several antelope species (Impala, Waterbuck, Lesser Kudu, Common Duiker, etc), smaller predators (Cheetah, African Wild Dog, Spotted Hyaena, Serval and jackals), and many other smaller mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Over 1100 species of birds have been recorded in Kenya, and the country boasts 10 endemic and a further 37 near-endemic species. Special species include Jackson’s Francolin, Sokoke Scops Owl, Grant’s Wood Hoopoe, Grey-crested Helmetshrike, Taita Apalis, Williams’s Lark, Tana River and Aberdare Cisticola, Kikuyu and Taita White-eye, Hinde’s Babbler, Abbott’s Starling, Taita Thrush, Clarke’s Weaver, Turner’s Eremomela and Sharpe’s Longclaw.
Kenya is naturally blessed with some of the continent’s top parks and wildlife reserves. These include:
• Amboseli National Park, watered by melting snows from iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, supports abundant wildlife, including great numbers of African Elephant
• In the north lies arid Samburu Reserve, with unique species such as the reticulata subspecies of Giraffe, the endangered Grevy’s Zebra and the localised Somali Ostrich, along with a more relaxed Big Five experience
• Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its huge flocks of flamingos that gather in the shallow soda lake in the Rift Valley, a sight to behold indeed!
• The fabled Maasai Mara is the Kenyan mirror of Tanzania’s Serengeti. The Mara River, home to hippos and monstrously big crocodiles, runs through the entire reserve, and is the main stage of the annual Great Migration production. Local Maasai tribesman also offer cultural tours, a unique addition to the wildlife experience.
• Home of the famous maneless Lions, Tsavo National Park is situated on the Kenyan coast, offering the best location for a combination of a wildlife safari and beach holiday.
The country has an excellent, well-established tourism infrastructure, decent roads and friendly people. As you can see, it’s all here in Kenya, Africa’s original safari destination. We currently offer three trips to Kenya:
• Our East Africa Migration Safari focuses specifically on the Great Migration and also includes a few days in Tanzania;
• Our 7 Day Kenya Safari offers the best of what this fantastic country has to offer;
• We also offer a small-group, expert-guided, dedicated Birding tour to Kenya
For more information you can also contact us directly on info@naturetravelafrica.com and we will create the perfect customised itinerary for you.