Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Park

Tsavo National Park is the largest game sanctuary in the world comprising Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills.  It is well over 21,000 sq. km and is located halfway between Mombasa and Nairobi.  Its fascinating, inspiring landscape and proximity to Kenya’s coast makes the park a popular safari destination.  The game sanctuary is one of the world’s leading biodiversity areas.  It is ideal for photography on account of its unlimited sunlight and the expanse of the Yatta Plateau – the world’s largest lava flow. 

One of the outstanding features of this game sanctuary is its huge population of red elephants which derive their red colouring from the rich red earth of the park.  Other wildlife to be seen include buffaloes, rhinos, lions, hippos, leopards, crocodiles, waterbucks, kudus, gerenuks, zebras, hartebeests and the hirola antelope that has been translocated to Tsavo East. 

Tsavo occupies its place in the frontier folklore as a place where tow lions killed and ate close to 40 engineers and their crew who were constructing the Kenya-Uganda Railway during the turn of the century.  The man eaters of Tsavo nearly brought the construction work to a halt.  The marauding lins of Tsavo have been immortalized in a book entitled “Man Eaters of Tsavo” written by colonel J.J. Patterson.

The park has well over 500 species of birds which include ostrich, buzzards and migratory kestrel.  Some specific areas of the park are ideal for walking safaris as there are many nature trails and it is possible to explore the famous Chaimu volcanic craters.  Chyulu Hills and the great Kilimanjaro can be viewed clearly from this park.  Other outstanding features worth seeing include cave and geological formations, Shetani lava flow and Mzima Springs underwater observatory.  Accommodation in Tsavo is available in three game lodges, four tented camps, three public campsites, and on special campsite as well as three self-service bandas.  Outside Tsavo West is a private game sanctuary in which are located the luxurious Taita Hills salt lick lodges.

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Shimba Hills National Reserve

The Shimba Hills National Reserve is some 30 minutes from Mombasa South (Diani).  It is an enchanting coastal forest rising 1,400 ft above sea level, with a cool breeze lowing from mount Kilimanjaro.  This unique park is home to elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, the newly introduced giraffe, as well as several species of primates.  Africa’s largest antelope “the sable” is found only in the Shimba Hills.  The distinctly horned antelope is perhaps the park’s greatest attraction.  Shimba holds a population of about 200 of this powerfully built antelope.

The Reserve is one of the few along the eastern coast where the remnants of a tropical rain forest still exist.  The African hardwood known in Kiswahili as Mvule as well as great numbers of cyard fern, and its fossils dating back to over 220 million years are among the special trees and plants found here.

The treasures of birdlife for which Shimba Hills National Reserve is famous, include some of the rarest birds species.  The golden oriole, the black tailed bustard, and the Madagascar night heron have been spotted in Shimba Hills National Reserve.  Apart from its abundant wildlife, plant and birdlife, Shimba is also famous for its scenic beautiful landscape which comprises of hills and valleys extending beyond the reserve boundaries. 

A popular spot for visitors to the Reserve is the 25 metres high Sheldrick Falls.  This is on of the best vantage places in the park for viewing wildlife.  Within the Reserve is the 67 bed Shimba hills lodge.  This is the only tree hotel along the Kenyan coast.  All the rooms overlook the water holes and allow for unrestricted game viewing.

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Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

The Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve is the largest surviving stretch of coastal forest in East Africa.  It covers 420 sq. kilometers.  Together with the adjoining Mida Creek, Arabuko Sokoke comprises an ecosystem of great diversity containing many rare species of birds, butterflies, amphibians and plants.  There are five butterfly species found here but not anywhere else in the world.

While Arabuko Sokoke is home to a large nuber of fascinating as well as a varied population of snakes, lizards, frogs and toads, it is its diversified birdlife for which the forest is locally and internationally renowned.  With a high concentration of endangered bird species Arabuko Sokoke is classified as on of the two most important sites for bird conservation in Africa.  There are altogether some 230 recorded bird species in the forest, which include some of the rarest species such as the Amani Sunbird, Clarke’ Weaver, Sokoke Pipit, Spotted Ground Thrush, Sokokean Scopes Owl and East Coast Akalat.  Arabuko Sokoke is the last stronghold of the Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew and the Sokoke Bushy-tailed mongoose.

The best time for a visit to Arabuko Sokoke are morning hours or late afternoon as during the middle of the day most of the wildlife hid from the heat.  The peak time of bird activity in the forest lasts from dawn to about 9.30 am.  For nature lovers, Arabuko Sokoke is the place to visit.

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Mount Longonot and Hell’s Gate National Park

Mount Longonot National Park is only ninety kilometers from Nairobi and lies at an altitude of about 1,900m – 2,200m.  Mount Longonot is a young volcano which rises 2,796 m above sea level.  It is a captivating sight for visitors wishing to view the Naivasha basin, the volcano and crater, as well as the Great Rift Valley.  Hell’s Gate is an ideal family get-away for a day trip from Nairobi as well as a stop over en route to Lake Nakuru.  It is famous for natural hot geysers, as well as eagle and vulture breeding grounds.  Special locations for viewing the Great Rift Valley, include Fischer’s Tower, Central Tower and Njorowa Gorges.  The game that can be viewed include buffaloes, Maasai giraffes, elands, coke hartebeests, lions, leopards and cheetahs.  About 103 species of birds have been recorded in this game sanctuary.  Accommodation is available in the fabulous range of nearby hotels, lodges, and homestays around Lake Naivasha.

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Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Bogoria National Reserve

Lake Nakuru is a shallow alkaline lake on the edge of Nakuru Town and lies a distance of 160 kilometers from Nairobi.  The lake is world famous as home to millions of flamingoes.  The number of flamingoes depend on the water level whch determines the quantity of algae on which the birds feed.  Flamingoes are known to migrate to other Rift Valley lakes when the water level is low.  It should be noted that dramatic drop in Lake Nakuru’s water level occurs approximately every 10 years mainly due to drought. 

Lake Nakuru National Park surrounds the lake and was gazetted to protect the colony of flamingoes as well as to provide sanctuary for such endangered species as the Rhino.  There is a colony of about 25 white and black Rhinos, on of the largest concentrations in the country.  Predators are also residents of this park.  Rothschild giraffes have been translocated into the park for safety.  Game viewing in the park is relatively easy.  Accommodation includes two lodges; a Kenya Wildlife Service Guest House; five campsites; self help bandas and two picnic sites namely, Makalia falls and Njoro River mouth close to the main gate.

Not far away from the Lake Nakuru National Park is Lake Bogoria National Reserve.  This is a very quiet reserve with a variety of bird species.  The reserve is one of the very few places in Africa where one can see hot springs and geysers.  This reserve and the Lake Nakuru National Park share some species of birds as some of them migrate between the two lakes.

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Maasai Mara Game Reserve

The Maasai Mara Game Reserve is arguably Kenya’s most popular game sanctuary.  It is the most famous and most visited game reserve in Kenya.  The film “Out of Africa” was made to a great extent in this sanctuary.  There is a profusion of all types of wildlife including the big five.

A spectacle worth seeing is the annual migration of millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles from the Serengeti plains across the Tanzania border and the Mara river to reach Maasai Mara grazing fields from late June.  The dramatic crossing of the river and the preying on the migrants by predators can be viewed from early July to August.  The Reserve abounds with birdlife since close to about 452 odd species have been recorded.  Hot air balloon safaris are readily available in the park.

Accommodation is plentiful in Maasai Mara and range from 5-star lodges to luxury tented camps.  There are also spartan tented camps and campsites within the game reserve.  Game walks and night game drives are specialities outside the game reserve.  Visitors to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve have easy access to Lakes Naivasha, Magadi, Victoria and Elementaita.

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Mount Elgon and Kerio Valley Reserve and Saiwa Swamp National Park

Mount Elgon lies at an altitude of about 2,500m – 4,200m and is about 470 kilometers from Nairobi.  Mount Elgon National Park is one of the most beautiful, truly wild and intact sanctuaries.  Game viewing is excellent.  The park provides a home to over 400 elephants as well as buffaloes, protected colobus and blue monkeys, giant forest hog and other types of antelopes.  Over 240 species of birds have been recorded here.  There are four fascinating and explorable caves which are popular meeting places for elephants.  This is where you can see the elephants that have been dubbed “underground Elephants”.  There is a lodge, two hotels, three campsites as well as one picnic site.

Kerio valley is another interesting lace to visit as it is a biodiversity area.  Its depth of about 1,219m is truly striking.  The Saiwa Swamp National Park was opened to provide home to the rare semi-acquatic Sitatunga antelope.

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Sibiloi National Park

The Sibiloi National Park is credited as one of the world’s greatest treasury of paleontology as the proof of man’s origin has been unearthed in this area.  The Park was established to protect unique prehistoric and archaeological sites.  Over 160 fossilized remains of early man of the genus Homo Habilis and Homo Erectus, which place man’s origin to three million years were discovered in this area.  In addition, well over 4,000 fossilized specimens of mammal and stone age artifacts have been unearthed here.  Lake Turkana is home to a colony of well over 12,000 crocodiles, the largest surviving community in the world.  The area is renowned for its prolific birdlife.  Ferguson’s Gulf is an especially wonderful place to be during March and April to view the North-ward flight of migrant birds.  Bus trips are organized from Nairobi to this area for the adventurous visitors.

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Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserve and Marsabit National Park and Marsabit Reserve

The highlights of these national reserves are the spectacular scenic beauty, rivers and forests.  It is an area where the local people have a very rich and colourful cultural heritage.  The sanctuary has numerous permanent springs and a wealth of wildlife which includes leopards, hippos, elephants, lions, reticulated giraffes, grevy zebras, bongos and crocodiles in the Engare Uaso Nyiro river.  Over 365 species of birds have been identified in these sanctuaries.  There are a number of special campsites managed by mobile tented camp safari operators.

The Shaba National Reserve is home to the monument of Joy Adamson who, together with her husband George, contributed greatly to Kenya’s wildlife as an author, conservationist and artist.  The film “Born Free” is based on Joy’s book of the same title.  Shaba National Reserve was the setting for the film “Sheena Queen of the Jungle”.  Shaba National reserve is home to the rare Somali ostrich.

North of the above national reserves are the Marsabit National Park and Marsabit National Reserve.  These tourist attractions are endowed with a great variety of the big cats  such as lions, cheetahs and leopards as well as other attractive animals including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, oryx, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, dik-diks, hyenas, gazelles and kudus.

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Meru National Park, North Kitui (Mwingi), Kora, Bisanadi, Rahole and Tana River Primate National Reserves

Meru National Park, North Kitui (Mwingi), Kora, Bisanadi, Rahole and Tana River Primate National Reserves comprise an integrated part of the northern tourism circuit. Meru National Park was opened in 1968 and lies at an altitude of 305m – 1,036m and covers an area of 870 square kilometers.  It is 348 kilometers away from Nairobi.  Meru National Park is one of the best watered sanctuaries and is situated on the slopes of Nyambene Mountain ranges, North East of Mt. Kenya.  The Park teems with a a variety of wildlife that includes lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, rare antelopes, lesser kudu and duicker.  The park is home to the largest herds of buffalo in Kenya.  Meru National Park has an estimated 300 species of birds.  The park was the setting of Joy Adamson’s book “Born Free” that chronicles an in-depth study of lions and cheetahs.  Accommodation is available in one lodge and two tented camps as well as the eight special campsites.

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Mount Kenya and Aberdare National Parks and Mwea National Reserve

These parks and game reserves are part of the most fascinating sanctuaries in terms of scenic splendour and the great variety of wildlife found here.  Mount Kenya National Park lies at an altitude of about 3,400m – 5,200m.  It offers excellent game viewing, mountain climbing and breath taking scenery that includes glaciers, tarns and peaks.  There are also mineral springs.  According to the local folklore, Kenya owes its very name to this majestic mountain which is also ranked as the second highest mountain in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Mount Kenya National Park is the centerpiece of these game sanctuaries.  Part of the mountain’s attraction is the variation in flora and fauna found at different altitudes.  Dry upland forest covers the lower slopes while true mountain forest begins at an altitude of 2,000m and comprises of cedar, Meru oak and podo trees.  A belt of bamboo forest that merges with small trees, interspersed with glades begins at an altitude of 2,500m.  The forest is home to a variety of animals and rare plant species.

The wildlife in the sanctuary includes colobus monkeys, sykes monkeys, bushbucks, buffaloes, elephants, olive baboons, waterbucks, black rhinos, leopards, giant forest hogs, genet cats, hyenas and the elusive bongos to name but a few.  Sightings of albino zebras have been recorded in these sanctuaries.  The mountain also features in the local people folklore as being the home of the supreme-Being “Ngai” (God).  It is, therefore, treated as a holy shrine.  There is one game lodge within the park, seven mountain climber’s huts as well as three self help bandas.  In addition, there are three other lodges and one more self help banda outside the park.  One outstanding establishment outside the park is the renowned Mount Kenya Safari Club whose attractions include a game breeding ranch and the William Holden nature centre.

The Aberdare ranges lie at an altitude of about 2,134m – 4,268m.  It is home to the first tree hotel in Africa and harbours significant memories in world history.  In 1952, Queen Elizabeth II learnt of her accession to the British throne while she was a guest at the Tree Tops lodge following the death of her father, King George VI.  It is also at the nearby town of Nyeri that lies the remains and tomb of Lord Baden Powel, the founder fo the Worldwide Boys Scouts Movement.  There are two lodges, three self help bandas, eight special camp sites one public camp site and five picnic sites within the park.

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Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

Lying at a distance of 65 kilometres from Nairobi, this park is ideal for a day’s excursion from the capital city.  The park’s main attraction is its unparalled beauty and the clear views of Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Ol Donyo Sabuk is a mountain which rises to about 2,500m from an otherwise flat terrain.  The local folklore refer to the mountain as the supreme-Being’s “Ngai’s” (God) second lesser home.  The graves of Sir William Northrup Macmillan who was a great philanthropologist and his wife Lucie lie near the mountain's summit.  The Macmillan Library in Nairobi was built in memory of this great philanthropologist’s wife.

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Mombasa, Malindi, Watamu, Kiunga and Kisite/Mpuguti National Marine Parks

These marine parks are found along the Kenyan coast.  Here, you can enjoy a blissful view of the rich marine life of the Kenyan Coast at a very close range.  The wide variety and colours of coral and fish is simply breathtaking.  Visits to the marine parks are mainly through riding in boats with glass bottoms.  However, snorkelling or scuba diving is allowed for those who are more adventurous.  The best time to visit the marine parks is during the low tide and on a relatively calm day when the water is clear.

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