Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, a bustling metropolis with good markets, restaurants and a few sights. Consider staying two nights - it will allow you to get over your jet-lag as well as creating a buffer day in case of flight delays. Use the extra day to look around the city - the Giraffe Center where you get up-close to these wonderful animals, and Karen Blixen's House, home of the author of "Out of Africa" are nice spots to explore on a leisurely day.
The next day, set off on your African safari! Many companies still insist on visiting Aberdares National Park and stay at lodges such as The Ark or Treetops. While there is something to be said to stay at African safari lodges frequented by high-society, game viewing is limited here. My suggestion is you make a beeline for Samburu National Reserve in the centre of the country. This safari park sits in arid lands on both sides of the Ewaso Ng'iro river, which provides a year-round water source for game. Some of those animals are unique to this part of Kenya - reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra among others. But what you will remember the park for are the numbers of gerenuks, antelopes with very long necks, and the dik dik, a tiny antelope which seems to be everywhere.
After Samburu, turn south. If you are travelling by road and are headed for Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a convenient overnight safari stop. While there, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, or see some of the black and northern white rhino the conservancy aims to protect.
In the south-west of the country lie some of Kenya's most famous game reserves. First and foremost among them is Masai Mara National Reserve, dubbed Africa's greatest game reserve (as it is connected with Tanzania's Serengeti I would argue that both of them combined form Africa's greatest reserve). Picture rolling hills covered in grass with millions of animals grazing, pursued by predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah. In August, September and October the area hosts the annual Wildebeest Migration, called by many the Greatest Show on Earth and high on the list of many safari seekers. The Mara truly is Kenya's Noah's Ark and whether you stay in one of the lodges or tented camps within the park, or on a private concession outside of it, you are sure to have a safari par excellence.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a convenient stop halfway the Mara and Nairobi. Most people stay one night and marvel at the huge flocks of flamingos gracing it's shores (they are replaced by pelicans in the wet season). It is also a great spot to see white and black rhino and each time I visited I have seen leopard. Birds abound and the views from the top of the escarpment overlooking the lake are amazing.
There are many more parks in Kenya - Amboseli is famous for the classic photos of elephants with Kilimanjaro (across the border in Tanzania) in the background. Tsavo East and West, combined forming one of the largest protected landmasses in the world, are little visited. It is here that you can experience a true African Wilderness and the country's largest elephant population.
Down on the coast are the resorts south of Mombasa, while further north the delightful Swahili town of Lamu beckons. Snorkelling is amazing in both, while Lamu offers a chance to enjoy Swahili culture little touched by the modern world.
No matter where you go in Kenya, you are sure to have a wonderful safari!
Related posts:
Best time to go on safari
The annual Wildebeest Migration
Feedback from Africa
Kenya & Tanzania - interesting articles
Kenya reading list
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| Cheetahs in the Masai Mara - photo by the author |
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