Kenya Travel Guide & Manual

Contents

3 KTF foreword

Effective representation of tourism private sector for sustainable tourism growth

5 KWS foreword

Protecting our wildlife is priority No 1

7 KTB foreword

A very warm Jambo to you all

8 Adventure

If you love a challenge, the adventure starts here

12 Kenya coast

For a great holiday notion, head for the ocean

13 Inland Lakeside getaway

Lake views, fishing and wonderful islands

14 Entertainment

This Kenya Travel Guide & Manual is published by:

Cultural diversity produces entertainment galore

17 Athletics

Kenya takes pride in its world-class athletes

18 Golf

Great climate, wonderful scenery, perfect golf

22 Flowers

Future smells sweet for flower exporters

25 Tea

Quality cuppa that tickles the world’s taste buds

27 Coffee

Kenya has perfect recipe for world-class coffee

28 MICE

Conference sector is catalyst for Kenyan tourism

30 Directory of National Parks & Reserves

Land & Marine Publications Ltd 1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way Severalls Business Park, Colchester Essex, CO4 9RA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Fax: +44 (0)1206 842958 E-mail: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd Office 5, 2nd floor, Park Place Business Centre 2nd Parklands Avenue, off Limuru Road, Parklands PO Box 45456-00100, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 368 5700; 0734 415 133 The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor nor of any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions.

Editorial co-ordinator: Imelda Ndomo Printed by: Buxton Press ISSN 1756-1817 Š 2014 Land & Marine Publications Ltd

1

KTF foreword

Effective representation of tourism private sector for sustainable tourism growth

K

enya Tourism Federation (KTF) is honoured to once again partner with KTB and KWS to present this new edition of the Kenya Travel Guide & Manual.

Kenya is a land of varied beauty that sums up many travellers’ dreams. Our country continues to welcome many visitors, many of whom make countless return visits, charmed by its natural beauty that includes spectacular wildlife and birdlife; endless miles of pristine beach on the Indian Ocean; Africa’s second-highest peak, Mount Kenya; the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley; the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria; the pleasant tropical weather; and a rich and diverse cultural heritage.

KTF is the umbrella body for the private sector in tourism. We work towards a conducive business environment for the tourism sector by engaging with government; private-sector stakeholders in tourism and other sectors; and development partners.

KTF is made up of seven mainstream constituent associations: • • • • • •

Kenya Association of Tour Operators Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers & Caterers Kenya Association of Travel Agents Mombasa & Coast Tourist Association Ecotourism Kenya Pubs, Entertainment & Restaurants Association of Kenya • Kenya Association of Air Operators.

We also engage with tourism associations in the various regions and tourism circuits of the Tourism Network as we seek to grow tourism in the devolved system of governance.

To ensure a safe and rewarding experience for visitors, KTF hosts the sector’s safety and communication management centre, which provides useful information and responds to inquiries by tourists and operators so they can enjoy their tours safely.

deration Kenya Tourism Fe ng’ata Road K WS Complex, La 509 Na irobi PO Box 15013-00 0 1000 Tel: +254 (0)20 80 ntacts: Safety Centre Co 745 645 / Cell: +254 (0)722 0738 617 499 0 1343 Fax: +254 (0)20 60 @ktf.co.ke Email: operations

The KTF Safety & Communication Centre also works closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that tourists and tourism operators receive timely and appropriate assistance should the need arise.

Sustainable tourism KTF promotes tourism that not only provides rewarding experiences for visitors but also puts environmental conservation and value for local communities at the heart of tourism. In this regard, KTF promotes industry self-regulation geared to responsible tourism through a code of ethics adhered to by all members. In addition, through the Kenya Tourism Awards programme – a platform for peer and public recognition of excellence in sustainable tourism – KTF further advances the aims of sustainable tourism.

We are pleased to welcome one and all to enjoy the unique beauty of Kenya and to join in our efforts to responsibly enjoy our heritage by choosing a responsible travel partner while in Kenya.

Agatha Juma

CEO Kenya Tourism Federation

3

KWS foreword

Protecting our wildlife is priority No 1

K

enya is blessed to be the home of rich and diverse plant and wildlife species. A beautiful and endowed country, it tells a story of contrasting landscape, treasured wildlife, yearround sunshine and hospitable people.

At Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) we are privileged to be the custodian of Kenya’s national parks and reserves and we pledge to be steadfast and focused on the key mandate entrusted to us, not just by the Kenyan people but by the entire world.

Our parks and reserves offer visitors an outdoor learning and recreational experience, with each park offering adrenalin-surging adventure activities. From picnicking in Nairobi National Park, cycling and horse riding in Hell’s Gate, conquering Mount Kenya, snorkelling in Kisite Mpunguti and staying over at our self-catering cottages, we are committed to providing unique visitor experiences across the country. We invite you all to sample the unmatched experience offered by our parks throughout the year.

Conservation I would like to remind all visitors and potential visitors to KWS parks that even as we enjoy what nature bequeathed us, always remember that, were it not for conservation, all this would be lost. In this regard, we would like to voice our appreciation for the enactment of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013. We have no doubt that the new law will augment the fight against perennial poaching that continues to cost us our treasured wildlife.

Kenya Wildlife Se rvice PO Box 40241-0010 0 Na irobi Kenya Tel: +254 (20) 6000 800, 6002345 Fax: + 254 (20) 60 07024 ISDN: +254 (20) 39 9 2000 Wireless: +254 (20) 2379407-9; 2379410-6 Cell: +254 (735) 66 3 421; (726) 610 508/9 Email: marketing@ kws.go.ke w w w.kws.go.ke

We appreciate the support the new law has elicited from the international community and hope the stiff penalties spelt out in the Act will deter would-be poachers from engaging in the destruction of wildlife.

Indeed, recently, while witnessing the destruction of confiscated ivory tusks and carvings in Guangzhou, China, John Scanlon, secretary-general of the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, praised the new Kenyan law, saying it would go a long way in helping conserve wildlife.

We appreciate your support and pledge to remain focused in making our conservation efforts a success. That success is anchored on the partnership between our stakeholders and KWS. Be sure to visit our world-class parks and reserves for a unique and unforgettable experience.

William Kibet Kiprono Ag. Director General Kenya Wildlife Service

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KTB foreword

A very warm Jambo to you all

T

he contribution of the tourism sector as an economic pillar under Kenya’s Vision 2030 cannot be gainsaid. The sector contributes about 11 per cent of our gross domestic product and provides employment to Kenyans in both the formal and informal sectors.

Like any other key economic sector, tourism has been faced with major challenges in a trend that has led to a drop in its growth. Perceived insecurity, uncertainty over the 4 March general election and the eurozone crisis are some of the factors that have contributed to this drop.

Despite these challenges, we are confident that the sector is now on track and is beginning to look up.

We are optimistic on good bookings in accommodation facilities across the country, an indication of good tidings ahead in the sector.

Confidence The renewed confidence in Kenya as a destination following the peaceful general election of March 2013 as well as the improved security remain key ingredients in our expected growth in performance.

Four recent key international events are an indication of a vibrant sector; namely, the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference; the Africa Hotel Investment Forum; the third edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo; and the World Travel Awards – Africa Category, which Kenya was privileged to host.

As a sector, we shall continue to initiate ways and measures of ensuring that the aspirations and expectations of our esteemed clients are met.

One of these measures is to ensure the flow of information about the destination so they can make informed decisions on their next choice of visit.

Kenya Tourism Board PO Box 30630-00100 Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 271 1262 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 9925 Email: info@ktb.go.ke www.magicalkenya.com

This guide is one of the platforms towards achieving this end and Kenya Tourism Board is proud to be associated with it. I therefore invite you for an interesting read on what Kenya has to offer.

Muriithi Ndegwa, OGW Managing Director Kenya Tourism Board

7

Adventure

If you love a challenge, the adventure starts here W

hen it comes to adventure holidays, Kenya has it all, with an exciting range of offerings, all complemented by first-rate professional services.

There is a choice of operators specialising in adventure safaris and offering tailor-made packages catering to individual tastes.

Latest equipment is available from conveniently located clubs and operators, while professional guides are on hand to tell visitors about the country’s unique landscapes and ecosystems.

Hiking and mountain climbing Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa at 5,199 metres, offers challenging yet scenic hiking popular with both expert and amateur climbers from across the world.

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The mountain’s snow-capped highest peak, Batian, and the second-highest, Nelion, sit beyond cliffs, glaciers and rolling slopes and can be reached only by skilled mountaineers; while Point Lenana, at 4,985 metres, can be reached by amateur hikers.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate Nationa l Pa rk spans a wideopen dr y landscape. In contrast with other pa rks in Kenya, visitors are allowed to drive, cycle or wa lk th rough th is area and view the wi ldlife. The geological scener y is do m inated by rock y outcrops such as Fischer’s Tower (a volca nic plug), the Nj orowa Gorge, two ex tinct volca noes , hot springs and obsid ian rocks. Rock cli mbing is a major attraction in th is pa rk .

try’s western region; Chyulu Hills; Homa Hills; and the legendary Kit Mikayi on the outskirts of Kisumu.

Mount Longonot National Park This 2,886 metre mountain features a vast crater covered in dense vegetation, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife. Hiking and rock climbing are popular here.

Mount Longonot

The hiking routes offer fine views of rivers, waterfalls, valleys and eight bands of vegetation, with rainforest at the base and alpine meadows at the peak and campsites.

Adding to the choice of challenging landscapes is the picturesque Great Rift Valley with its sweeping plains, hills and escarpments. Features include the rocky gorges of Hell’s Gate; the Aberdare mountain ranges; Mount Longonot and the lakes; forested Mount Elgon National Park in the coun-

Hell’s Gate

The mountain was created by volcanic eruptions during the formation of the Great Rift Valley some 3,000 years ago. It offers the spectacular sight of geysers and steam seeping through vents in the solidified lava as well as sweeping views of Lake Naivasha and the valley below.

Mount Elgon National Park Located in the still-to-be-discovered tourism circuit in the country’s western region, the 4,200 metre Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano, gives its name to the vast conservation area in which it stands. The park management provides tour guides for mountain hikers. Unique features include the huge caldera at the summit, a flat-topped basalt column called Koitobos and a lava tube cave, 60 metres wide, used by elephants as a salt lick.

Legendary Kit Mikayi This mysterious rock formation, about 40 metres high, is a 30-minute drive from Kisumu. Popular with hikers and sightseers, the location has an air of mystery owing to local legends and the curious arrangement of the rocks.

9

Adventure

One legend has it that a great warrior of the surrounding Luo community lived in the rock caves with his beloved first wife and named the stones in her honour (the name Kit Mikayi means ‘stone of the first wife’). Generations of warriors after him would sharpen their spears on the rocks as they went to war with neighbouring communities.

This is a sacred place for the local people and members of the Legio Maria sect come to the rock to pray and fast for weeks at a time.

Chyulu Hills The Chyulu Hills are a collection of young volcanic rocks bordering the vast wilderness of the Tsavo and offering fine views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park contains the world’s longest lava tube, the Shetani lava flow. Rainfall seeps through the porous rock and forms underground water.

This in turn creates the beautiful Mzima Springs and the Tsavo and Galana rivers.

Other Kenyan locations ideal for hiking are the Chaimu and Ngulia hills in Tsavo West National park and the Homa Hills in the western region.

Extreme sports Bungee jumping, kayaking and white water rafting are popular activities on the River Tana, the country’s longest river at 1,000 km. The spectacu-

lar scenery provides a great backdrop for Kenya’s first bungee jumping site. An experienced team of professionals is on hand to ensure safety.

With safety harness in place, you climb to the top of the 60 metre custom steel tower and the adrenalin high begins. The view from the top is spectacular. On a clear day you can see Mount Kenya and in the evenings and early mornings the bright lights of Nairobi. When you let go, the long freefall is scary at first; but then exhilaration takes over, you forget any worries – and you bob to a stop as the cord is lowered close to the river below, where a crew member is waiting to pull you away.

The Tana River offers Class II and III white water, suitable for inexperienced rafters, and challenging Class IV and V water suitable for skilled rafters. The massive 40 ft waterfall at Sagana makes for great kayaking and provided the course for Africa’s first Olympic qualifier kayaking games in January 2008.

Hiking Mount Kenya

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Kenya coast

For a great holiday notion, head for the ocean F

ronting the Indian Ocean and stretching for 536 km, the Kenya coast is famed for its enchanting beauty. Here, visitors will find wonderful powdery white sandy beaches together with warm waters varying in hue from turquoise to azure.

For water sports enthusiasts, the regular high tides and monsoon winds at certain times of year provide the best conditions for surfing and sailing, with north-east monsoon winds (November-March) and south-east monsoon wind (March-April). From May to August the weather turns cooler.

Marine life The ocean is teeming with fish and other sea creatures and it’s easy to observe the colourful marine life. Divers and snorkellers have their own favourite locations. Malindi Marine National Park is famous for its colourful coral reefs and dolphin watching.

There are four marine national parks and six marine national reserves, managed by Kenya Wildlife Service, where visitors can responsibly enjoy the beautiful and delicate marine ecosystems. They include Malindi and Mombasa Marine National Parks, Watamu and Kiunga Marine National Reserves and Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. These designated conservation areas provide ideal locations for viewing marine life.

The coast is a magnet for international visitors, many of whom return again and again. In contrast with some competing destinations, the coast of

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Kenya is relatively undiscovered, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy new experiences. The centuries-old traditions continue to thrive in the form of Swahili culture, historical monuments and remains such as the Gedi Ruins and Fort Jesus, museums, folklore and cultural celebrations. In addition, there is the warmth and hospitality of the Kenyan people, who really know how to welcome visitors and provide them with pleasant memories.

There is an excellent choice of good-quality accommodation including hotels, villas and apartments. Many of these have beach frontages and ocean views. Other amenities include wellness centres, boutiques and sports facilities such as golf courses, tennis courts and water sports clubs offering top-of-the-range equipment rentals and training. Conveniently located near the beach, • K ikamba la B each, Mombasa the clubs provide begin• Bofa Beach, K ilifi ner and advanced train• Shanzu Beach , Mombasa ing in a variety of water • Bambu ri Bea ch, Mombasa sports, so everyone can • N ya li Beach, Mombasa join in the fun. Water • M om sports at the coast: basa Beach

Popular beaches include:

• • • • • • • •

Windsurfing Kite surfing Diving Snorkelling Jet skiing Deepsea fishing Canoeing Glass bottom boat trips • Dhow trips.

• Dia n i beach • Wasin i Isla nd • Sh imon i Beach • Fu nzi Isla nd • Msa mbwen i B each • Chale Isla nd • K inondo Bea ch • Tiw i Beach • Watamu • Malindi.

Inland Lakeside getaway

Lake views, fishing and wonderful islands Lake Victoria Kenya’s western frontier is dominated by the expanse of Lake Victoria, the world’s secondlargest freshwater lake by surface area. The lake straddles Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, forming a natural boundary between the three countries. It is also the source of the River Nile.

This area is still relatively ‘off the beaten track’ and the array of activities and experiences it offers to visitors has an authentic feel. Lake Victoria is quite special. The region is characterised by rolling hills, which can be seen to best advantage from the islands dotting the lake or on a boat ride. Visitors can also enjoy views over the lake from the islands, from the nearby hills or from their own accommodation, with a choice of places to stay both on the islands and on shore.

Owing to its irregular shape, the shores and islands of Lake Victoria vary in character, such as the tranquil, unspoilt islands of Takawiri and Mfangano, hidden away from the bustle of modern life; and game viewing on Ndere Island, a designated national park, which is home to impala, baboon, hippo, crocodile and many bird species and also offers excellent hiking and campsites.

Rusinga Island is the site of several early hominoid fossil finds and an ideal place for birdwatching.

Sport fishing is one of the main attractions of the lake, which is known for its abundance of fish, with over 200 species. The largest and the most sought-after catch is the Nile perch. Fishing trips can be organised through lodges and tour operators. Well equipped fishing boats and professional crews are available.

Pal Teravagimov / Shutterstock.com

Lake Naivasha Boat trips are a popular way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Visitors can watch the beautiful sunrises and sunsets and explore the islands. The waters of the lake are calm in the early morning and late evening, offering opportunities for water-skiing.

Visitors can combine this destination with Ruma National Park, home to the endangered roan antelope and other game; Kakamega Forest National Reserve, the only remnant in Kenya of the GuineoCongolian rain forest ecosystem, including the country’s highest recorded number of bird species; and a cultural visit to traditional communities, including the village of Kogelo, ancestral home of Barack Obama, first African-American president of the United States, whose paternal step-grandmother still lives there.

Lake Naivasha Located an hour’s drive from Nairobi is Lake Naivasha, a popular destination for fishing, boat trips and sailing. Another attraction is the large flower farms located nearby; while at Sagana, about 100 km from Nairobi, there are rapids for white-water rafting. Visitors can also try bungee jumping.

13

Entertainment

Cultural diversity produces entertainment galore N

airobi and the other major cities and towns of Kenya cater well for a diversity of cultures. Here, the visitor will find local and international cuisine, a vibrant arts scene, schools offering international curriculums, entertainment, recreation parks, nightclubs, casinos, sports clubs and excellent shopping, with international and local brands easily available.

The arts scene is fi lled with local and international music, concerts, plays, arts festivals and an emerging fi lm industry. Local fi lm productions have achieved great success both at home and abroad.

For example, the 1985 fi lm ‘Out of Africa’, set in Nairobi, won 28 awards including seven Academy

Day trips Category

Attraction

NAIROBI DAY TRIPS Heritage walk ing Heritage tours tours Museums Arboret um Ngong Hills Kar ura Forest Animal Sanctua ries

Cult ural centre

Gira ffe centre Dav id Sheldrick Bomas of Kenya

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Shopping Visitors can shop for souvenirs and handicrafts to take home after a long holiday here. Local crafts include beaded jewellery, masai kangas, kikoys, baskets, sandals, sculptures and music. There is

About sites and to some of the most sign ificant robi.

Why not take a guided visit ution of Nai evol and ory hist the g ratin monuments demonst s heritage at various museum Enjoy an exh ibition of Kenya’s eum, the Railway Museum, Mus l iona including Nai robi Nat en Museum.

Nai robi Gal lery and Karen Blix and in the city is great for picn ics with n Th is expa nsive green have bird species.

100 over and ora fl 350 over natu re walks as it boa sts hs and has inspired loca l Maa sai myt Scen ic and tranquil, this area en’s novel ‘Out of Africa’. It boa sts Blix trails. has been feat ured in Karen ng plains, perfect for hiking five peaks overlook ing the Ngo Th s. e clea rly scent of the euca lypt us tree Soa k in the fresh air and the ing tenn is. play even and ing cycl ng, marked trails are great for hiki ffe at the and learn more about the gira Visitors can get up close, feed schi ld gira ffe. shelter for the endangered Roth ts is located n of orphaned baby elephan The centre for the rehabilitatio 11am – 12pm from ors visit to open is and with in Nai robi Nationa l Park ever y day. on of trad itional for homestead, is an exh ibiti The ‘Boma’, which is Swa hili s. ance orm perf ural es cult Kenyan arch itecture and stag

Contact www.museums.or.ke www.museums.or.ke www.nat urekenya.org www.kws.org www.kenyaforestservice.org www.gira ffecenter.org www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org www.bomasof kenya.co.ke

www.museums.or.ke uguese, , and built in 1593 by the Port 2011 e sinc Site e itag Her ld A Wor the history of Mombasa. the Fort is at the epicentre of www.museums.or.ke into sett lement offers a glimpse hili Swa ury cent 13th a of Remains Gede ruins the history of Mombasa. ancient Swa hili cult ure and www.museums.or.ke ving designs are a mark of the thri buildings and extravagant art ient Anc n Tow Old basa Mom ure.

Swa hili arch itecture and cult indi is t for hiking, this area of Mal grea and nd lege l Steeped in loca Hell ’s Kitchen d vere isco relatively und , Palm www.lafa rge.co.ke a Game Sanctua ry, Reptile Park place. quil getaway that comprises the is tran a buri For Bam , form ure plat Nat g Bamburi a gira ffe-viewin Garden, Crocod ile pens and www.museums.or.ke Trai l erous fortified tain ing the remains of num con sites st fore rate sepa 11 e s.

Th Site e a itag kend Her ld Sacred Miji ple are also Wor villages of the Miji kenda peo Kaya Forests

COAST DAY TRIPS s Historical Tou rs Fort Jesu

Nat ure

Awards and influenced the opening of the city’s Karen Blixen Museum. The music industry has popularised local genres such as benga as well as styles and influences from across borders. The evening scene offers a choice that includes nightclubs, gaming, concerts, theme nights and dining.

Event s Event

Description

Kenya Wind Surfi ng Festival

The steady Kaskazi cross-shore winds coupled with Kenya’s pristine South Coast Beaches makes for exceptional surfi ng.

Turtle eggs hatching Maulidi Festival Rhino Charge LewaMarathon Turkana Cultural Festival Wildebeest Migration Hell’s Gate Wheelbarrow Race Maralal International Camel Derby Safari Sevens Series

Month

Contact

December - March

www.magicalkenya.com www.kws.org

Tourists can join Muslims in honouring the birth of prophet Muhammad with many fun activities at the religious festival held in Lamu.

April – June and September - December June (third month of the Muslim calendar)

old.magicalkenya.com

The annual off-road motor race through tough terrain raises support for Kenya’s mountain forest ecosystems.

June

www.rhinoark.org

June

www.tusk.org

Witness the hatching of baby turtles and volunteer for the Sea Turtle Conservation.

In a land renowned for its superior marathon athletes, this course runs through some of Africa’s most breath-ta king scenery.

Described as a ‘living museum’, Turkana festival celebrates the traditiona l cultures of Northern Kenya.

June www.laketurkanacu lturalfestival.com

Th is great migration is often referred to as the eight wonder of the world.

June - October

www.maa saimara.com

Th is challenging and unique race in the picturesque Hell’s Gate National Park makes for a great family day out.

July

www.kws.org

August

www.yarecamelcamp.co.ke

Visitors can experience local and untouched traditiona l cultures in the annual camel race in nomadic Northern Kenya.

Africa’s premier seven-a-side rugby tournament has a vast local and August-September international following.

Kenya Tourism Week Week-long fun celebrations conclude on UNWTO World Tourism Day on 27 September.

Cycle with the Compete in a cycling race in the scenic Lake Nakuru National Rhinos Park while raising funds for rhino conservation.

Concours d’Elegance The classic car and motorcycle showcase keeps the whole family entertained.

The Nairobi In the land of the world’s marathon greats, Nairobi’s marathon Marathon supports eradication of curable blindness in Kenyan children.

Lamu Cultural A celebration of traditiona l Swahili culture.

Festival

www.kenyarfu.com

September

www.tou rism.go.ke

September

www.kws.org

September

www.concourskenya.com

October

www.nairobimarat hon.com

November

Lamu Cultural Promotion Group

East African Classic Safari Rally

Tough terrain, classic cars and limited service crews make for a tough, old-school rally enjoyed by all.

November, every two years

www.eastafricansafarirally.com

Kenya Open

Kenya’s premier golf tournament which has been part of the Europe based Challenge Tour schedule since 1991.

Annual

www.kenya-opengolf.com

Annual

www.kija nikenyatr ust.org

Kijani Music Festival

The music extravaga nza features international and local artists of diverse genres, with all proceeds benefiting various charitable causes.

Attila JANDI / Shutterstock.com

also a choice of modern stores and 24-hour shopping in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, providing shoppers with a flexible and rewarding experience.

Festivals Nairobi’s popular festivals draw local and international tourists to experience the rich Kenyan culture through music, dance, poetry and fi lm. Here we show the most popular festivals held in Nairobi.

Karen Blixen House

15

Athletics

K

enya has won global recognition for the outstanding success of its athletes. Since the 1960s it has produced more record holders and Olympic medallists in long and middle distance track events than any other country.

Kenya’s Wilson Kiprotich won the 2013 Berlin Marathon in world record time, while Florence Kiplagat, another Kenyan, was first in the women’s category. Since 1991 Kenyan athletes have shown outstanding performance in these events.

The first Olympic gold medals for Kenya came at the 1968 Games in Mexico through Naftali Temu (10,000 metres) and Kipchoge Keino (1,500 metres and 5,000 metres). Since then, Kenyan athletes have continued to demonstrate the outstanding talent that has captivated the world and established their dominance in these events.

Development

Remarkable In 2008 the 18-year-old Kenyan middle distance runner Pamela Jelimo became the first sole winner of the Golden League Jackpot. Against fierce competition she achieved remarkable wins in the 800 metres event in a series of six meets, landing her the biggest prize in athletics, a jackpot of one million dollars.

Kenya has enjoyed remarkable success in the Olympic and World Championships marathons as well as in the World Marathon Majors (Chicago, Boston, Berlin, London, New York and, latterly, Tokyo).

Maxisport:Shutterstock.com

Kenya takes pride in its world-class athletes

The Rift Valley region is home to some of the legends of Kenyan athletics, including Kipchoge Keino, one of the country’s first Olympic gold medallists. Dr Kipchoge set up an athletics training centre in Eldoret, now part of the network of High Performance Training Centres run by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Eldoret is a centre of excellence for the training and development of international class athletes and coaches, attracting talented athletes from all over the world.

Athletics is a key element in Kenya’s national pride and the country plays host to many local and international athletics meets. The 1987 All Africa Games were held in Nairobi. In 2007 Kenya hosted the World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa. Many elite marathon events are held in Kenya including the Nairobi Marathon, the Great Lakes Marathon, the Lewa Marathon and the Ndakaini Marathon.

17

Golf

from the foot of Africa’s second-highest peak, Mount Kenya, to sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley and the beautiful shores of the Indian Ocean.

In 2009, IAGTO chose Kenya as its ‘Best Undiscovered Golf Destination’.

The Kenya Open The Kenya Open Golf Championship, the nation’s premier tournament, draws elite professionals from across the world and joined the Europe-based Challenge Tour Schedule 22 years ago.

Great climate, wonderful scenery, perfect golf

First-rate amenities are provided by the clubhouses at Kenya’s championship courses including top-of -the-range equipment for hire and purchase, luxury accommodation, wellness centres, sophisticated dining and sports facilities.

K

Muthaiga Golf Club

Golf can be enjoyed all year round in Kenya thanks to a pleasant tropical climate with no major fluctuations. The courses are set in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes – ranging

Muthaiga Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in Kenya and a leading members’ club in East Africa, with a strict dress code and a blend of cultures. The Kenya Open has been held 15 times at this 18-hole championship course. The surrounding Karura Forest offers a great feeling of calm for the golfers. Muthaiga Golf Club is home to various organisations:

enya is a major destination for golf lovers, with more than 40 golf courses distributed across the country. There is an impressive choice of 18-hole courses (a total of 15) as well as 23 nine-hole courses. Both amateurs and professionals can play in Kenya, which has at least six championship courses.

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The Kenya Open has been won by some of Europe’s biggest Ryder Cup stars, including Seve Ballesteros, Ian Woosnam and the South African Trevor Immelman. The tournament has a big local and international following owing to the quality of play in this high-prestige event.

Windsor Golf • • • •

Kenya Golf Union Kenya Ladies Golf Union Senior Golfers Society of Kenya Junior Golf Foundation.

Limuru Country Club Located at higher altitude just outside Nairobi, this is one of Kenya’s nicest courses and one of its friendliest clubs. The par-5 third is a particularly impressive and tricky hole. The other 17 holes don’t disappoint. The clubhouse terrrace overlooks the 18th green.

Karen Country Club Located 16 km from Nairobi in the suburbs of Karen, next to the Karen Blixen Museum, this 18-hole championship golf course has a beautiful setting with lush fairways, manicured greens, indigenous forest and an abundant birdlife. The rolling Ngong Hills provide a scenic backdrop. The 2014 Barclays Kenya Open was held here.

Amenities at the clubhouse include a pro shop where beginners can book lessons, an ultra-modern gym, a spa, a bowling green, tennis courts, a swimming pool and conference facilities.

Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Club The Great Rift Valley with its majestic hills and valleys has an ideal climate for growing tea and coffee and is also home to Kenya’s outstanding long-distance athletes.

This charming region is home to the Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Club. The 18-hole championship course is a 90-minute drive from Nairobi.

Owing to its location on a slope, it provides majestic views of the Rift Valley landscape, embracing Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita, Mount Longonot and

Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club The Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club is less than half an hour’s drive from Nairobi, situated on a former coffee estate. The 18-hole championship course, designed by Tom Macaulay, is also a sanctuary for bird species including Egyptian geese, black kite and the majestic brown eagle.

The course has lush fairways, attractive water hazards, fast true greens and views of the mountains. Amenities include fi ne dining and accommodation, tennis courts, a spa, a modern gym, a business centre and a heated swimming pool.

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Golf the Aberdares and the Rift Valley escarpment. This challenging course has lush fairways, five water features and an abundance of birdlife.

Amenities include a pro shop, first-rate accommodation, a restaurant, a swimming pool, a playground, two tennis courts and facilities for bowling. In addition, there are various safari options to nearby game and birdwatching locations.

Mount Kenya Safari Club Only a nine-hole course but in a truly remarkable setting, the Mount Kenya Safari Club is a little gem – and one that bisects the equator. Best played as part of a stay at the wonderful Safari Club, life doesn’t get any better than nine holes here followed by lunch on the terrace.

Vipingo Ridge Golf Club Comparatively new and with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, Vipingo is a truly remarkable course.

Set on a ridge high enough to catch welcome Ocean breezes, the course is in superb condition and a joy to play – even on a hot January day.

Nyali Golf & Country Club Situated just north of Mombasa, the par-71 Nyali Golf & Country Club provides a stern test for any golfer. Dating from 1958, Nyali is the coast’s oldest 18-hole course and is particular popular at weekends. The club restaurant offers a tasty selection of meals.

Sigona Golf Club Set just off the Nairobi-Nakuru Road Sigona is a fine and picturesque pre-war golf course with tree-lined fairways; calling for accuracy off the tee on many holes – especially on the front nine. Like Limuru, Sigona’s club house overlooks the 18th green. The 10th tee is probably one of the prettiest ‘half-way houses’ (the Nanak hut) in Kenya and the perfect for a mid-round quencher or quick snack.

The par-72 course is 6,892 yards in length.

Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf Resort Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf Resort is the only golf course on Kenya’s south coast at Diani Beach. This 18-hole championship course was designed

by Thomas Fjastad. The resort offers five-star accommodation with majestic views of the ocean, the endemic fruit trees and Sykes’ monkeys wandering in the greenery.

Each year the golf course hosts elite corporate golf events for brands such as Prime Bank and Kenya Airways and other tournaments of which the Diani Masters is perhaps the best known.

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Flowers

Future smells sweet for flower exporters A

round the world, flowers evoke the human emotions of warmth, affection, sympathy and joy, so that the giving of flowers is a perfect way to mark such special occasions as a birthday, Valentine’s Day, a wedding, the birth of a baby, an anniversary and other celebrations.

Kenya exports a range of flowers such as alstroemeria, carnations (spray and standard), hypericum lilies and statice. Roses, however, are among the most popular and widely grown because they come in such a variety of colours, each with its own special significance.

Most people know that the economy of Kenya relies heavily on the agricultural industry, but perhaps not so many realise that as much as three per cent of Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP) is earned through the horticulture subsector.

Kenya is a leading producer of quality flowers both for the home market and for export to the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and Japan.

Floriculture is one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners, generating something like US$ 1 billion a year.

Growth

Excursion

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excurFor a highly enjoyable one-day it the sion from Na irobi, why not vis of colourful and impressive farms from Na ivasha, just a two-hour drive turesque the capita l, set aga inst the pic ley with backdrop of the Great Rif t Val ges and its lakes, pla ins, mountain ran visitors amazi ng wildli fe. Wh ile here, oy a also have an opportun ity to enj m birdrange of outdoor activities, fro hik ing, watch ing and game viewing to . hill climbing and water sports

Kenya’s floriculture industry has seen a dramatic growth in the volume and value of cut flowers exported each year. Figures show that in 2012 the floriculture trade exported 123,511 tons (worth KES 42.9 billion) compared with 10,946 tons exported in 1988.

Thanks to its geographical position in relation to the equator, Kenya enjoys a year-round climate that is highly favourable to the cultivation of flora, resulting in top quality yields. Thanks to this solid infrastructure, as well as to a productive workforce, the industry continues to attract investors.

Variety The following is a list of popular flowers available in Kenya that have not been mentioned. The list is by no means exhaustive as there are many varieties grown for both the local market and for export:

Beautiful solandra flower The Great Rift Valley, with its rolling hills, mountain ranges, valleys and plains, is not only picturesque but also has a temperate climate that is ideal for the cultivation of flowers and tea. This is the principal home of Kenya’s flower-growing industry.

Other production areas include Lake Naivasha, Mount Kenya, Nairobi, Thika, Kiambu and the Athi River.

In Kenya itself, flowers are available at affordable prices from vendors and there are delivery services for the convenience of buyers. The industry is made up of both large and small-scale producers who have attained high standards of manage-

Fortnightlily

Agapanthus Ammi Majus Anthuriums Asters Atriplex Bamboo Bupleurum Carthamus Delphinium Eryngium Euphorbia Gypsophila Helenium Heliconia Lisianthus

Lilium Molucella Mobidique Orchid Ornithogalum Papyrus Rudbeckia Solidago Solidaster Strelitizia Tuberose Veronica

ment and have invested heavily in technical skills, logistics and marketing.

A combination of vast knowledge and precision farming has allowed the growers to generate the most attractive flora.

It is estimated that more than 500,000 people now depend on the floriculture industry; and with a worldwide annual growth of five per cent anticipated over the next five years, Kenya’s reliance on the flower trade is set to increase still further.

Looking to the future, the nation’s flower industry will continue to benchmark itself against other producer countries.

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Tea

Quality cuppa that tickles the world’s taste buds

K

The evergreen rolling slopes of the tea plantations are a characteristic of the Great Rift Valley, along with escarpments, lakes, mountains and valleys.

The area’s high rainfall is favourable to the cultivation of tea.

Already the world’s third-largest producer of black tea and a leading exporter of that product, Kenya has recently ventured into the production and export of green tea owing to the special health benefits that accrue from this variant.

Special Tea is a leading foreign exchange earner, accounting for some 20 per cent of Kenya’s total export earnings. The tea growing sector also supports millions of livelihoods through informal and formal employment. In particular, it supports the economies of the rural areas where production and manufacture is largely carried out.

Kenya through regular compliance audits at the factories.

Kenya exports bulk processed tea via the Mombasa Tea Auction, the second-largest auction of its kind in the world. Leading export markets for Kenya tea include Egypt, the UK, Pakistan, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and Yemen.

Nathan Holland : Shutterstock.com

enya’s tea is internationally renowned for its rich aroma and taste – a distinctive quality nurtured on the high-altitude volcanic soil farms of the Great Rift Valley.

Tea time

Kenya-branded tea, blended at source, is sold on the home market and also exported, providing consumers with the authentic and distinctive taste that is uniquely Kenyan.

In Kenya, tea is a hot beverage of choice and an integral part of the nation’s culture and lifestyle.

Kenyan tea plantation

To ensure the quality that makes Kenya tea so special, there is strict quality control right from the production stage. No pesticides or chemicals are used on the crop as the strain is disease-resistant. At harvesting, only the young top two leaves and a bud are picked and then skilfully processed at source to ensure maximum quality.

Kenya tea complies with local and international standards of quality and food safety. This is enforced by the Tea Board of

25

Coffee

Kenya has perfect recipe for world-class coffee S

pecialty coffee is produced in Kenya through an intricate process that begins on the farm with the right growing conditions and the right type of coffee for the desired taste.

The best of Kenya coffee is some of the most sought-after in the world because of its fine flavours of berry, citrus, blackcurrant, cocoa and spice. Much depends on the variety and how it is roasted. Kenya coffee is characterised by an acidity that varies between high and medium, a bright taste that lightens up the palate, a full body, a pleasant aroma and a lingering sensation.

Ideal environment Coffee is grown in highland regions such as the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares ranges, where the high altitude and volcanic soils provide the ideal environment for quality yields.

The growing system lends to the quality of the crop. Coffee is grown mainly by small-scale holders under a cooperative system that takes care of production inputs, collection, milling, grading, processing and marketing; while large estates account for a smaller share of production.

The cooperatives produce high-quality and specialty coffees, while the large estates produce coffee in bulk. Coffee is a leading foreign exchange earner for Kenya, which is ranked 17th in the world league table of coffee producers.

The coffee is sold through weekly auctions conducted by the Nairobi Coffee Exchange at Wakulima House.

Samples of the coffee to be sold in lots are sent to buyers at least a week prior to the auction, giving them an opportunity to cup and sample these and make purchase decisions accordingly at the auction. This ensures that the best coffee is rewarded with the highest price.

The highest bidder for any lot gets it. Leading export markets for Kenya coffee include the USA, Japan and Europe.

Unripened coffee beans

27

MICE

Conference sector is catalyst for Kenyan tourism A

key area of growth for Kenyan tourism in recent years has been the so-called MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) sector. Kenya’s MICE sector is currently ranked second in Africa and 58th in the world by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

Kenya is widely regarded as the gateway to East and Central Africa, with three international airports handling scheduled passenger flights and direct connections between the region and Europe, Asia and other parts of Africa.

Domestic travel has been made easier as a result of ongoing improvements to the transport network, which includes railways and waterways as well as roads and air travel.

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The ICCA has many members in Kenya. They include Nairobi’s flagship facility, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), as well as conference venues and facilities across the country.

Diversit y When it comes to accommodation, there is a diverse and ever-growing choice. It ranges from leading local and international hotel brands offering five-star facilities to large capacity budget hotels able to cater for international events. Major events hosted in Nairobi during 2013 included the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, the World Travel Awards Africa Gala and the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference.

Kenya is well able to meet the ICT requirements of conferences and other events thanks to an advanced telecom network offering support services like wireless internet access, networking platforms for delegates and attendee feedback and audiovisual services.

Heritage Kenya is home to 42 ethnic communities and several unique traditional cultures. The influences of modern society in the form of global travel and IT technology have had an impact on traditional culture, particularly in the cities. But it continues to thrive because the local people value their heritage and want to preserve it, even inviting visitors to share the experience. Tourists from all over the world have seen the unique cultures of tribes such as the Maasai, Swahili, Samburu and Turkana as expressed in their own language, architecture, food, attire, song, dance and artefacts such as jewellery and sculpture.

Kenyans celebrate their cultural heritage with local and international events such as the Lamu Cultural Festival, the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival, the Maralal Camel Derby and the East African Arts Festival, which bring together local people and visitors to enjoy music, dance, storytelling and

Among the Samburu, for example, males are grouped in age sets (morans, junior elders, senior elders and retired elders) who live together and are charged with particular responsibilities in the community.

Moran

Papa Bravo : Shutterstock.com

Kenya is renowned as one of the original safari destinations. Here, visitors can seize the opportunity to combine their business trip with a game viewing safari. Alternatively, they can enjoy the pristine beaches on the Kenya coast, or the picturesque landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, or take on the challenge of Africa’s second-highest peak, Mount Kenya. There is also a wide choice of leisure and entertainment options, from widely available international cuisine to a vibrant nightlife to a lively theatre and arts scene to 24-hour shopping for luxury brands and other items.

food and to learn about customs such as the age groups culture of the Maasai and Samburu.

Circumcision marks the transition from child to moran (warrior). A new age set of morans is formed every 15 years. A moran is not allowed to marry until he graduate to junior elder, but may buy beads for a girl who, if she consents, wears these and is recognised as his girlfriend or betrothed.

The Samburu have a remarkable love for adornment. The men wear colourful shukas, belted around the waist, and have their hair coloured red and braided, while the girls wear beads and ornamental headpieces. Their northern neighbours, the Turkana, have long worn their hair in the style generally known as a Mohawk. Similarly, the unique Kikoy shawl is a favourite souvenir bought by visitors and now widely available worldwide, inspired by the colourful shukas worn by the Maasai.

Samburu

Traditional architecture finds expression in many tourist hotels and buildings. They include the KICC, one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings, with its rounded structure and cone-shaped roof. At Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi, traditional cultures are brought to life by songs and dances staged regularly for the entertainment and education of visitors. The word Boma is Swahili for ‘homestead’ and this cultural centre takes its name from the traditional homesteads of Kenyan tribes. These are exhibited here, forming a key attraction.

Visitors can learn more about the nation’s cultural heritage by visiting one of the museums run by National Museums of Kenya.

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Directory of National Parks & Reserves

Park index & route planner Central Region 1 2 3

Page

Aberdare National Park Mount Kenya National Park Mount Longonot National Park

32 33 34

Nairobi Region 4 5 6

Nairobi Animal Orphanage Nairobi National Park Nairobi Safari Walk

36 35 36

Coast Region 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Arabuko-Sokoke Forest National Res. Kisite Mpunguti Marine Nat. Park & Res. Kiunga Marine National Reserve Malindi Marine National Park & Res. Mombasa Marine National Park & Res. Shimba Hills National Reserve Tana Primate National Reserve Watamu Marine National Park & Res.

37 38 38 39 39 40 41 41

Eastern Region 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

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Bisanadi National Reserve Buffalo Springs & Shaba Kora National Reserve Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Meru National Park Mwea National Reserve Mwingi National Reserve Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park Samburu National Reserve

42 43 42 44 45 44 46 46 47

North Rift Region 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Laikipia Marsabit National Park Nasolot National Reserve Ol Pejeta Conservancy Sibiloi National Park South and Central Island National Parks South Turkana National Reserve

Page 48 49 49 50 50 51 51

South Rift Region 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38

Hell’s Gate National Park Lake Nakuru National Park Lemek Conservancy Mara North Conservancy Mara Triangle Masai Mara National Reserve Olare Orok & Motorogi Conservancy Ol Kinyei Conservancy

53 52 53 54 54 55 56 56

Southern Region 39 40 41 42

Amboseli National Park Chyulu Hills National Park Tsavo East National Park Tsavo West National Park

57 58 59 60

Western Region 43 44 45 46 47 48

Kakamega National Reserve Kisumu Impala Sanctuary Mount Elgon National Reserve Ndere Island National Park Ruma National Park Saiwa Swamp National Park

61 62 62 63 63 64

AFRICA Kenya

28 Lake Turkana

Moyale

29

Lodwar 29

Location map

25 30

26

Wajir MOUNT ELGON

45

48

Kitae

24

Eldoret

16

23

43 19

Kisumu

44

15

27 MOUNT KENYA

46

18 2

Lake Victoria

1

32

21

17

Garissa

47 33

31

20

3

34 35

36

38

37

NAIROBI

22

4

6 5

13 9 39

Lamu

41

40

Kipini Ungama Bay

Malindi Watamu

10

7

Kilifi 42

Mombasa

14

11

Tarmac Roads Murram Earth Roads Railway Line

12 8

INDIAN OCEAN Pemba Island

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Central Region

Aberdare National Park Majestic peaks, moorlands and falls Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden/ Tourism Officer

Location: Central highlands, west of Mount Kenya; Nyeri District; Central Province

Distance from Nairobi: 160 km Size: 767 sq km Park fees: For more information

go to www.kws.go.ke

Climate: Mist and heavy rainfall

occur throughout much of the year, with precipitation varying from around 1,000 mm yearly on the north-western slopes to as much as 3,000 mm in the south-east.

Major attractions: Lesatima

Peak, Kinangop Peak, waterfalls, walks in the moorlands, Twin Hills, Elephant Hills and Table Mountains. One of Kenya’s rhino sanctuaries. Queen Elizabeth II learned of her accession to the British throne at Treetops Lodge. The Kimathi Hideout/Mau Mau caves.

Wildlife The park is home to most of the larger mammals, including some black rhino. The park has endangered species including the rare bongo, giant forest hog, packs of the now very rare wild dogs and endemic mole rat and mole shrew.

The Aberdares are an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern wall of the Rift Valley, running roughly 100 km north-south between Nairobi and Thomson’s Falls. Soils are red and of volcanic origin, but rich in organic matter. There are two main peaks, Ol Donyo Lesatima (3,999 metres) and Kinangop (3,906 metres), separated by a long saddle of alpine moorland at over 3,000 metres. The topography is diverse, with deep ravines that cut through the forested eastern and western slopes, and there are many clear streams and waterfalls.

The Aberdares are an important water catchment area for the Tana and Athi rivers and part of the Central Rift and Northern drainage basins.

The national park lies mainly above the tree line, running along the 10,000 ft (3,048 metres) contour, with some forest and scrub at lower altitude in the salient area near Nyeri, with the boundary running down to the 7,000 ft (2,296 metres) contour.

The unusual vegetation, rugged terrain, streams and waterfalls combine to create an area of great scenic beauty in the national park. The park is surrounded by a predominantly indigenous forest, whose management is under a memorandum of understanding between KWS and the Forest Department.

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Other game includes leopard, serval, endemic bird species, reptiles and insects.

Access: Roads: The park is readily accessible on tarmac from Nyeri and Naro Moru on the eastern side (160 km from Nairobi). A road crosses the park to connect with another from Naivasha and North Kinangop in the west. Main towns from which the park can be approached are Nyeri (154 km from Nairobi), Nyahururu (188 km from Nairobi) and Naivasha (87 km from Nairobi).

Airstrips: Mweiga Airstrip is next to the park headquarters while Nyeri Airstrip is 12 km from Mweiga headquarters.

Accommodation: Lodges: The Ark and The Aberdare Country Club managed by Fairmont Hotels; Outspan and Treetops managed

by Aberdare Safari Hotels. Kenya Wildlife Service: Fishing Lodge, Ruhuruini, Tusk Camp, Sapper Hut, KWS Hut at Treetops, KWS HQ bungalow. KWS facilities are self-service.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Mountain climbing,

camping, hiking, walking, game viewing, night viewing of wildlife at The Ark and Treetops lodges. Trout fishing is available along the many ice-cold, clear, flowing streams.

Central Region

Mount Kenya National Park Namesake of a nation Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden/

Tourism Officer.

Location: East of the Rift Valley.

Mount Kenya lies about 140 km north-north-east of Nairobi with its northern flanks across the equator.

Distance from Nairobi: 175 km Size: 2,800 sq km Park fees (residents and non-residents): For more infor-

mation go to www.kws.go.ke

Climate:, flora and fauna on

Mount Kenya vary with altitude.

Major attractions: Pristine wil-

derness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological variety, forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered species of animals, high altitude adapted plains game.

Unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants.

Wildlife: Giant forest hog, tree

hyrax, white-tailed mongoose, elephant, black rhino, suni, blackfronted duiker, mole-rat and over 130 recorded species of birds.

Access Roads: The park can be reached on the Nanyuki-Isiolo road via Sirimon Track or the Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru. The park is also accessible via Chogoria on the Embu-Meru road, about 200 km north of Nairobi. Airstrips: Closest commercial airstrip to the park is at Nanyuki.

Accommodation Lodges: Serena Mountain Lodge.

Various lodges offer accommodation in the region. KWS selfcatering accommodation: Batian Guesthouse and Sirimon Bandas.

There are also various bunkhouses and climbing huts on the climbing route.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Mountain climbing, wildlife viewing, camping, cave exploration.

Mount Kenya is an impressive extinct volcano dominating the landscape of the Kenyan Highlands.

The mountain has two main peaks: Batian (5,200 metres) and Nelion (5,188 metres). Its slopes are cloaked in forest, bamboo, scrub and moorland, giving way on the high central peaks to rock, ice and snow. Mount Kenya is an important water catchment area, supplying the Tana and Northern Ewaso Ngiro systems.

The park contains a variety of habitats including higher forest, bamboo, alpine moorlands, glaciers, tarns and glacial moraines.

The park was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1997 and is also a biosphere reserve. It covers 715 sq km and includes the peaks consisting of all the ground above 3,200 metres, with two small salients extending lower to 2,450 metres along the Sirimon and Naro Moru tracks. Surrounding the park is the 2,095 sq km Mount Kenya National Reserve.

33

Central Region

Mount Longonot National Park Sheer adventure

The name Longonot is derived from the Maasai word Oloonong’ot meaning mountains of many spurs or steep ridges. Longonot park covers 52 sq km, most of it being occupied by Mount Longonot – a young volcano rising to 2,776 metres above sea level. The sides of the mountain have beautiful V-shaped valleys and ridges. The stony soils have little vegetation but the crater has an impenetrable forest.

Contact details: www.kws.go.ke

Due to the nature of the terrain Mount Longonot has no roads and visitors hike to the top and rim of the crater.

Size: 52 sq km

Contact person: Senior Warden Location: Naivasha, Rift Valley Province

Distance from Nairobi: 90 km Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climate: Hot and dry Major attractions: Extinct

volcano and crater forest, scenic landscape, views of Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley.

Access

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Road: The park is accessible via tarmac road from Nairobi. From Naivasha town, take the lower (old) NairobiNaivasha road in the direction of Nairobi until you reach the Longonot railway level crossing. Turn right after the crossing and follow the track for 4 km to the Park Gate and KWS offices.

Vehicles may be left in a car park 1 km after the gate.

Accommodation Although there is no accommodation available in the park, a wide range of accommodation options are available in nearby Naivasha, and there are lodges and hotels around Lake Naivasha. Camping available.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Finest views of Lake

Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley, hiking.

Nairobi Region

Nai r obi National Park The world’s only wildlife national park in a capital cit y Nairobi National Park is unique in being the only protected area in the world with a variety of animals and birds close to a capital city. Not surprisingly, the park is a principal attraction for visitors to Nairobi.

Contact details: www.kws.org Contact person: Senior Warden/ Tourism Officer

Location: Nairobi Province Distance from Nairobi: 10 km Size: 117 sq km

Wildlife: Over 80 recorded spe-

cies including rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, crocodile and hippo (no elephants).

Birds: Over 400 recorded species.

Access

Park fees (residents and non-residents): For more infor-

Roads: The park is only about 10 km from the city centre and is easily accessible on tarmac roads, mainly via Lang’ata Road.

Climate: January to March is hot and dry, April to June is hot and wet, July to October is very warm and wet.

Accommodation

mation go to www.kws.go.ke

Major attractions: Black and

white rhinoceros; diverse birdlife; large predators such as lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah; large herbivores such as eland, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest; Ivory Burning Site Monument; walking trails at hippo pools; Nairobi Safari Walk and Orphanage; spacious picnic sites.

No accommodation in the reserve.

Visitors can stay in Nairobi, which offers a choice of accommodation.

Best time to visit: All year

round.

Activities: Wildlife viewing, picnicking, camping event and wedding sites. Ideal for photo session.

The park also serves many local residents. It has a diversity of environments with characteristic fauna and flora. Open grass plains with scattered acacia bush are predominant. The western side has a highland dry forest and a permanent river with a riverine forest in the south. There are also stretches of broken bush country and deep, rocky valleys and gorges with scrub and long grass. Man-made dams have added a further habitat, suitable for certain species of birds and aquatic life forms. The dams also attract waterdependent herbivores in the dry season.

The park has a diverse birdlife with 400 species recorded. However, all species are not always present and some are seasonal. Northern migrants pass through the park primarily in late March and April.

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

South of the park are the Athi-Kapiti Plains and the Kitengela migration and dispersal area. These are vital areas for dispersal of herbivores during the rains and they concentrate in the park in the dry season.

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Nairobi Region

Nairobi Animal Orphanage

Refuge and rehabilitation centre for orphaned or sick animals

Nairobi Animal Orphanage, the oldest animal orphanage in Kenya, is set amid the lush vegetation of Nairobi National Park.

Established in 1964 as a refuge and rehabilitation centre for wild animals found abandoned or injured in Kenya, this unique facility is visited by over 200,000 people each year.

Animals received at the facility undergo a medical examination, followed by treatment where called for, before entering a feeding and rehabilitation programme.

This important educational and training facility is in the only wildlife protected area in the world to be located in a capital city and often plays host to more than 20 animal and bird species. As part of resource mobilisation initiatives, animal adoption opportunites are available at the Animal Orphanage.

Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden / Tourism Officer

Location: Nairobi Province Distance from Nairobi: 10 km Park fees (residents and non-residents): For more infor-

mation go to www.kws.go.ke

Climate: January to March is hot

and dry, April to June is hot and wet, July to October is very warm and wet.

Access: Roads: Only about 7 km from the city centre, the animal orphanage is easily accessible on tarmac roads, off Lang’ata Road, Kenya Wildlife Service head office.

Accommodation: Visitors to the Animal Orphanage can stay in various lodges and hotels in Nairobi.

Best time to visit: All year round.

Activities: Close-up viewing of wildlife

Major attractions: Bonding

with orphaned animals; close-up views of animals; animal adoption programme.

Wildlife: Lion, cheetah, hyena, jackal, serval, very rare Sokoke cats, warthog, ostrich, leopard, various monkeys, baboon, buffalo.

Birds: Parrot, guinea fowl, crowned crane.

Nairobi Safari Walk

The conservation-based recreation facility, the Nairobi Safari Walk, combines creative landscape design, unique wildlife species and detailed interpretation and gives it a supreme position in tourism and conservation education.

The facility contains simulated forests, wetlands and savannahs, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about these valuable resources and how they can contribute to conservation. On display, too, are plants and animals that are locally extinct or threatened.

The Safari Walk is a showcase for Kenya’s parks and reserves, allowing visitors to discover what they can expect to see across the country. Introductory talks by naturalists can be arranged. Visitors can see a sample of the country’s rich animal life including the rare bongo, white rhino and albino zebra as well as cats, antelopes and primates. It is also home to some 150 species of local trees.

With its unique design, the Safari Walk is a focus of interest for families, students, tourists and others.

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The closest you can get to the wild Contact details: www.kws.go.ke

bongo, oryx, tortoises, turtle and rhino.

Contact person: Senior

Birds: Wide variety of birds and

Location: Nairobi Prov-

Access: Roads: Nairobi Safari Walk

Warden / Tourism Officer ince

Distance from Nairobi:

10 km

Size: 117 sq km Park fees (residents and non-residents): For information

go to www.kws.go.ke

Climate: January to March is hot

and dry, April to June is hot and wet, July to October is very warm and wet.

Major attractions: Three major ecosystems (wetlands, savannah and forest); variety of mammals, reptiles, insects and birds; the boardwalk; Children’s Museum.

Wildlife: Lion, cheetah, leopard, crocodile, pygmy hippo, zebra, buffalo, colobus monkey, ostrich,

insects.

is about 7 km from the city centre and is easily accessible on tarmac roads. Located off Lang’ata Road, Kenya Wildlife Service head office.

Accommodation: Choice of lodges and hotels in Nairobi.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Walking safaris, wild-

life viewing, Children’s Museum, guided walk, talks and lectures, tree identification, nursery techniques.

Arabuko-Sokoke Forest National Reserve

Coast Region

Contact details: PO Box 1, Gede.

Tel: +254 (0)20 233 5801/2 www.kws.go.ke

for endemic and endangered birds, insects, butterflies and mammal species.

Contact person: Senior Warden

Wildlife: Golden-rumped ele-

Location: Coastal Strip, Kilifi District

Distance from Mombasa:

110km from Mombasa, 20 km south of Malindi. Can be reached by air via Malindi or Mombasa airports.

Size: Forest reserve covers 420 sq km Park fees (residents and non-residents): For more infor-

mation go to www.kws.go.ke

Climate: Average annual rainfall ranges from 900 mm in the dry and scrubby north-west to 1,100 mm in the east.

Major attraction: Endemic bird

species, butterflies, remnant coastal forest.

The park is the largest existing fragment of the tropical forests that covered much of the East African coast. It is an important habitat

Last large remnant of lowland coastal tropical forests

Arabuko-Sokoke was declared a Crown forest in 1943. Part of the forest was designated a strict nature reserve in the late 1960s.

The reserve is a few kilometres inland, between Kilifi and Malindi, 122 km north of Mombasa. It is the largest surviving fragment of the tropical forests that once covered much of the East African coast and an important habitat for endemic and endangered birds, insects and mammal species. The forests have easy trails and are ideal for birders.

Some reptile species are found here including boomslang, green mamba, rock python, forest cobra, sand lizard and day gecko. Bird species include Sokoke pipit, Amani sunbird, Fischer’s turaco, Clarke’s weaver (endemic to Kenya) and golden woodpecker.

phant shrew, Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose, Ader’s duiker, waterbuck, bushbuck, civet, blotched genet, caracal, Sykes’ monkey and several bird species.

Access: Roads: Access via Mombasa-Malindi road, 18 km from Malindi and 110 km from Mombasa.

Air: Malindi and Mombasa airports.

Accommodation: No accommodation in the reserve. There is plenty of accommodation along the coast to suit all budget levels.

Best time to visit: All year round

Activities: Birdwatching, butterfly watching, walking trails, game viewing, camping, cycling.

Kiunga Marine National Reserve An enchanted underwater world

Contact details: www.kws.go.ke

Kiunga Marine National Reserve incorporates a chain of about 50 calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago, running for about 60 km off the northern coast of Kenya and next to the Dodori and Boni national reserves on the mainland.

These coral islands lie inshore of the fringing reef.

They vary in size from a few hundred square metres to 100 hectares and more. Their walls rise sheer from the seabed and are usually deeply undercut on the landward side.

The larger islands and the more sheltered inner islands are covered with low, tangled, thorny vegetation including grass, aloes and creepers. The small outer islands provide nesting sites for migratory seabirds. The reserve is home to valuable coral reefs, sea grass meadows and extensive mangrove forests, with their attendant biodiversity, as well as a refuge for sea turtles and dugongs.

Contact person:

Senior Warden / Tourism Officer

Location: Lamu District, Coast Province

Distance from Malindi: 372 km Distance from Nairobi: 976 km Size: 270 sq km Park fees (residents and non-residents): For more information go to www. kws.go.ke

Climate: The coast is

humid with mean annual temperatures ranging from 22 to 34°C. Annual rainfall is about 500 mm.

rve National Rese

Major attractions:

Coral reefs, sand dunes, Kiwayu Island

Marine life: Reptiles/

ridley and leatherback turtles, reef fish.Insects/arthropods: Lobster, sea urchin, sea star, crab, mosquito.

Access: Roads: Kiunga is a remote, unspoilt village on the mainland about 150 km east of Lamu.

Airstrips: One at Dodori National Reserve. By sea: Visitors can go by dhow or speedboat to Kiwayu Island from Lamu.

Accommodation: There is currently no accommodation in the reserve.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Wind surfing, snorkelling, water-skiing, sunbathing, diving.

fish: Sea turtles, olive

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Coast Region

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve Enchanted underwater realm

Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden / Tourism Officer

Location: Kwale District, Coast

Province. The marine park is 6 km from the Kenyan coast (at Shimoni) and 8 km north of the Tanzanian border.

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve is located on the south coast off Shimoni and south of Wasini Island in Kwale District on the south Kenyan coast near the Tanzanian border. The complex embraces a marine area with four small islands surrounded by a coral reef. Kisite island is a small waterless coral island, 8 km offshore in the marine park. Coral platforms around the raised central portion are exposed at low tide. The three other coral islets in the park, Mpunguti ya Juu, Mpunguti ya Chini and Liwe la Jahazi, lie closer to the larger Wasini Island. They are scrub covered and support no significant wildlife or birds. The surrounding waters have well developed coral gardens and a large variety of fish.

Distance from Mombasa: 120 km Distance from Nairobi: 605 km Size: 39 sq km

Park fees (residents and nonresidents): For more information go to www.kws.go.ke

Climate: The coast is humid with

mean annual temperatures from 22 to 34°C. Annual rainfall is about 500 mm.

Major attractions: Coral gardens.

Marine life Over 250 recorded species including fish, dolphin, sea turtle, whale, coral, sea grass and gastropod.

Birds: Many seabirds in large nesting colonies and internationally significant numbers of crab-plover and roseate tern.

Access: Roads: 85 km from Mombasa via Diani and Kwale.

Accommodation: The Shimoni

Bandas

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Swimming, sailing, snorkelling, diving, a picnic site, information centre.

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Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden Location: North Coast, Malindi Distance from Mombasa: 118 km Size: 213 sq km Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climate: The coast is humid with

mean temperatures from 22-34°C. Rainfall is about 500 mm per annum

Major attractions: Glass-

bottomed boat tours, coral gardens, boat rides, diving, snorkelling, diving, ocean sports, under-water adventures, educational tours, picnic and island barbecues.

Wildlife: Turtles: Green, hawksbill, olive ridley, loggerhead. Green and hawksbill turtle breed in the Park; Fishes: Over 300 species of fish including: angelfish, barracuda, butterfly fish, goatfish, fusiliers, emperors, groupers, grunt/sweetlips, jacks, parrotfish, rabbit fish, sharks, snappers, surgeon fish, triggerfish and wrasses; Invertebrates: At least

135 species of gastropods and 12 species of echinoids including: clams, crown of thorns, lobsters, octopus, sea anemone, sea cucumber, sea stars, sea urchins, crabs and shells; Benthic cover: 200 species of algae. A total of 55 genera and 145 species of hard coral have been recorded on the north reef; Corals: Boulder coral, organ pipe coral, sea grass, stag horn coral; Birds: Variety of migrant shore and terrestrial birds; Mammals: dolphins.

Access: Roads: 118 km tarmac road from Mombasa to Malindi. Airstrip: Malindi Airport Accommodation: There

are no lodges in the park.

Visitors can stay in KWS self-catering accommodation or Malindi. Camping is available.

Best time to visit: All

year round

Activities: Wind surfing, snorkelling, water skiing, sunbathing, diving, swimming.

Coast Region Africa’s oldest marine park, magic islands, zebra fish

Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve was the first marine protected area in Kenya, established in 1968 and designated as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man & Biosphere Reserve programme of Unesco in 1979. The park is located south of Malindi town extending to Mida creek. It neighbours the Gede ruins and Arabuko-Sokoke forest. The park is enveloped by a national reserve and a 100 ft strip of coastal land starting from Vasco-da-Gama pillar to Watamu. The reserve extends 3.5 nautical miles to seaward.

The park is endowed with magnificent resources such as fringing reefs, coral, sea grass, mangroves, mudflats, high fish diversity, marine mammals, turtles and shorebirds.

The fringing reef is close to shore and exposed during low tide, but drops gradually to a sea grass bed that descends precipitously to the deep Barracuda Channel. North Reef has developed offshore and is the main focus of tourism activity.

Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden Location: Mombasa, 8 km from city

Distance from Nairobi: 487 km Size: Park is 10 sq km while the reserve is over 200 sq km.

Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke

or contact tour operator.

Climate: The coast is humid with

mean annual temperatures ranging from 22-34°C. Rainfall is about 500 mm per annum. The climatic conditions are hot and humid.

Major attractions: Beach, coral gardens, dive sites

Wildlife: Prolific marine life

includes crabs, corals, sea urchins, jellyfish, sea stars, and sea cucumbers. Different varieties of coral species comprise of acropora, turbinaria and porites.

Highway. Air: 45 minute flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Mombasa

Accommodation: There is currently no accommodation in the reserve. Visitors can stay in Mombasa where there are various accommodation options.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Wind surfing, snorkelling, water skiing, sunbathing, diving.

Both the park and reserve are the most highly utilised among marine protected areas. Their coastline is heavily developed with tourist facilities.

Only marine park within a city and the only marine park to offer wreck diving and also marine wedding facilities.

Various agents offer boats for hire to get into the Marine Park. Many facilities for water sports. Ideal location for diving with gear readily available from water sports desks.

Access: Roads: From Nairobi mainly use the Nairobi-Mombasa

39

Coast Region

Shimba Hill s National Reserve Last of the coastal rainforests, sanctuary of the sable antelope Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden

/ Tourism Officer

Location: The reserve is 33 km south of Mombasa in the Kwale District of Coast Province.

Size: 300 sq km Park fees (residents and nonresidents): Go to www.kws.go.ke Climate: Hot and moist, but

cooler than that at the coast, with strong sea breezes and frequent mist and cloud in the early morning. Annual rainfall is 855 to 1,682 mm. Mean annual temperature is 24.2°C.

Major attractions Scenic landscape comprising hills and valleys extending beyond the reserve boundaries; coastal rainforest; Sheldrick’s Falls; elephants.

Wildlife: Sable, elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, reedbuck, hyena, warthog and bush pig, giraffe, leopard and baboon plus Sykes’ monkey, black-faced vervet, Angola colobus monkey, serval, Harvey’s duiker and suni. Introduced species include Maasai giraffe and ostrich.

Access Road: Main access is via Diani, 56 km from Mombasa. Air: The reserve has one airstrip, 1.5 km long. Regular passenger flights land at nearby Ukunda airstrip at Diani Beach and at Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

Accommodation:

Lodges: Shimba. Kenya Wildlife Service self-catering Accommodation: Sable Bandas.

Best time to visit: All year

round

Activities: Game viewing, potential for bird shooting outside the reserve, walking safaris.

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Shimba Hills was declared a National Forest in 1903. Grassland areas were incorporated in 1924 and subsequent extensions have brought the reserve to its present size. In 1968 most of the reserve was designated the Shimba Hills National Reserve. Two smaller areas to the west adjoining the reserve and almost entirely forested remain as forest reserves; Mkongani North and Mkongani West.

A fenced elephant corridor links the Shimba Hills with Mwaluganje Forest Reserve to the north.

The Shimba Hills is a dissected plateau that ascends steeply from the coastal plains, 30 km south-west of Mombasa and just south of Kwale town. The surrounding escarpment rises from about 120 metres to 300 metres across the bulk of the plateau and as high as 450 metres at Marare and Pengo.

Tana Primate National Reserve Contact details: PO Box 4, Hola Tel: +254 (0)46 2035 Cell: +254 (0)721 686034 www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden Location: Coast Province Distance from Nairobi: 350 km

east of Nairobi and 240 km north of Mombasa

Size: 171 sq km

variety of water birds is not to be missed. Endemic red colobus and mangabey monkeys are found here.

Access: Air: Malindi or Mombasa airports arethe closest. Road: The reserve is accessible via the Malindi-Garissa road. Located 250 km north of Mombasa on the Malindi to Garissa road.

Accommodation: Campsites,

Bandas, Trails

Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Best time to visit: All year round

Climate: The climate is generally

viewing, birdwatching, primates

Activities: Walking, game

hot and dry.

Major attractions: River Tana;

Tana River Primate National Reserve is a mixture of savannah and riverine forest; game viewing with over 57 mammal species; over 260 bird species; 175 woody plant species and the endangered Tana Mangabey and Tana River red colobus among other primates.

Wildlife: Grevy’s zebra, the Maasai and reticulated giraffe, oryx, buffalo and lesser kudu vervet monkeys, yellow baboons and Zanzibar galago. The river hosts plenty of crocodile and hippo, and the

Coast Region

The Tana River National Primate Reserve was gazetted in 1976 to protect the Lower Tana riverine forests and two highly endangered primates, the mangabey and the Tana River red colobus.

The reserve consists mainly of patches of riperian forest extending for 16 km along the meandering course of the Lower Tana River, 350 km east of Nairobi and 240 km north of Mombasa. At the time of establishment, the reserve occupied approximately 171 km of forest, dry woodland and savanna habitat on the east and west of the Lower Tana River. 16 patches of forests ranging from 10 to 625 hectares in size fall within the reserve.

Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve A natural paradise Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden / Tourism Officer

Location: North coast, Watamu

town

Distance from Mombasa: 120 km Size: 10 sq km Park fees (residents and nonresidents): Go to www.kws.go.ke

Climate: The coast is humid with

mean annual temperatures ranging from 22 to 34°C. Annual rainfall is about 500 mm.

Major attractions: Haven of

green turtle; unique coral garden; Mida Creek.

Marine life: Fish, turtles and crabs Access: Roads: Access is via tarmac road from Mombasa or Malindi. Air: Mombasa or Malindi airports.

Accommodation: No accommodation in the reserve. A wide range of options in Malindi and Watamu.

Best time to visit: All year round

Activities: Windsurf-

ing, snorkelling, waterskiing, sunbathing, diving.

Watamu National Park & Reserve is part of a complex of marine and tidal habitats on Kenya’s north coast stretching from Malindi town to beyond the entrance to Mida Creek. It is enclosed by the Malindi Marine National Reserve, which also includes Malindi Marine National Park. Habitats include inter-tidal rock, sand and mud; fringing reefs and coral gardens; beds of sea grass; coral cliffs, platforms and islets; sandy beaches; and Mida Creek mangrove forest. The park was designated a biosphere reserve in 1979.

Mida Creek is a large, almost land-locked expanse of saline water, mangrove and inter-tidal mud. Its extensive forests are designated as forest reserves and the extreme western tip of Mida Creek is part of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve.

41

Eastern Region Bisanadi National Reserve acts as a wildlife dispersal area for Meru National Park. It is part of the Meru, Kora, Mwingi and Bisanadi conservation area, adjacent to the north-east boundary of Meru, Isiolo district, covering an area of 606 sq km. It’s blessed with three permanant rivers namely Bisan Gurach, Bisan Adi and Tana River, that gives the diverse wildlife a better habitat all year round. There is one accommodation facility, Offbeat camp, and many other camping sites offering a real, strategic position to the nearest hunting areas outside the reserve.

The vegetation is mainly thorn bushland and thicket with combretum prevailing in the north and commiphora in the south. To the west the combretum merges into terminalia wooded grasslands. The redflowered parasitic loranthus grows on the branches of acacia reficiens along the rivers. Dense riverine forests of doum palm hyphaena spp. and raffia palm occur along the water courses. Some riverine swamps have sedges cyperus sp. and the grasses echinochloa haplacelada and pennisetim mezianum.

On the plains, sehima nervosa, chloris roxburghiana and other species of pennisetum are the dominant grasses.

Bisanadi National Reserve

A true wilderness area without any accommodation and accessible only by 4x4 vehicles Contact details: PO Box 36, Isiolo Tel: +254 (0)164 20 613 Cell: +254 (0)720 905 963 www.kws.go.ke

Contact person: CEC Tourism / Chief Warden

Location: Adjacent to north-east

elephant, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, hippo and over 400 species of birds.

Access: Roads: The reserve is readily accessible via Meru National Park, Murera Gate.

Accommodation: Visitors can

boundary of Meru, Isiolo district

stay at the Off beat tented camp. A camping site is also available.

Distance from Nairobi: 348 km

Best time to visit: All year round

Size: 606 sq km

Activities: Game viewing, fishing

Park fees (residents and nonresidents): For more informa-

in River Tana, birdwatching

tion go to www.kws.go.ke

Climate: The climate is hot and

dry

Major attractions: Wilderness

habitat, game viewing, fishing and boating on River Tana and Rojewero River. Camping is available.

Wildlife: Many species of mammals including lion,

Kora National Reserve

The wilderness legacy of legendary lion man George Adamson

Contact details: www.kws.go.ke The Kora National Park was gazetted as a reserve in 1973 and as a park in 1990. It covers an area of just over 1,700 sq km. This triangle of dense woodland and scrub is limited along its 65 km northern boundary by the Tana River, which rises in the highlands between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya before commencing its 700 km passage to the Indian Ocean. The western boundary follows a straight line from Tana River, which borders the Mwingi National Reserve, while the eastern boundary is formed by the Mwitamyisi River.

The land surface slopes gently from an altitude of 490 metres in the south-west and about 270 metres in the north-east. Central areas comprise an undulating peneplain through which basement ridges protrude above the surface as rocky inselbergs, the highest of which are Mansumbi (488 metres), Kumbulanwa (450 metres) and Kora Rock (442 metres). The park also has several seasonal rivers.

42

Major attractions: Pristine wil-

District

derness, inselbergs, Tana River with Adamson’s Falls, Grand Falls and Kora rapids, diverse birdlife, George Adamson’s grave.

Distance from Nairobi: 280 km

Wildlife: Hippo, leopard, lion,

Size: 1,787 sq km

Access: Roads: Kora is 280 km to north-east of Nairobi. Access is via Thika to Mwingi, then north-east through Kyuso village. A bridge across the Tana River joins the park with Meru National Park. Airstrips: There is an airstrip used by the reserve’s administration. Another airstrip is about 10 km away on the eastern side.

Contact person: Senior Warden Location: Coast region, Tana to the north-east of Nairobi

Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climate: Hot

and dry with regular rainfall averaging 635-762 mm of rain falling in March-May and NovemberDecember. Average temperature range is 24-31°C in the daytime and 15-18°C at night.

caracal and several antelope species.

Accommodation: There is cur-

rently no accommodation in the reserve. Visitors can stay in the adjacent Meru National Park, which has various accommodation options.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Game viewing, rock climbing, fishing in River Tana.

Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserve

Eastern Region

At the foot of Mount Kenya Contact details: County Council of Isiolo, PO Box 36-60300, Isiolo Tel/Fax: +254 (0)720 905 963 Contact person: Senior warden Location: Northern end of Mount Kenya

Distance from Nairobi: 300 km (to the gate of Buffalo Springs Reserve).

Park fees: Contact tour operator Climate: Temperatures range

is also home to the highly endangered Williamson’s lark. These rare species can only be found in the game reserves.

Referred to as the Hollywood of Africa, Shaba contains such spectacular places as the Sleeping Lion and Tortoise Hill. It has also provided the setting for films such as ‘Walk with Lions’ and ‘Survivor III’.

Access

from 30˚C in the hottest months to 20˚C between July and September.

Average annual rainfall is 100 mm to 300 mm and is usually divided into two seasons: short rains in October and November and long rains between February and May.

Roads: From Nairobi through Nanyuki to Isiolo, then 22 km on tarmac road. Air: Buffalo Springs Airstrip is used by daily scheduled flights from Nairobi, linking the reserve to other tourism destinations.

Wildlife: Besides normal species found elsewhere in Kenya, the area is home to the rare Five Northern Species, consisting of Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk. Shaba

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Game viewing, nature

walks, entertainment by villagers to provide a flavour of the community and its nomadic lifestyle.

The Isiolo district lies at the northern foot of Mount Kenya, rising above the expansive rangelands of northern Kenya. The arid and semi-arid district sits in a divide between the populous agricultural highlands of the Mount Kenya region and the vast lowlands of northern Kenya, inhabited by nomadic pastoralist communities in which wildlife and livestock coexist.

Together with the adjacent Samburu, and divided by the River Ewaso Nyiro, the three reserves are popular with tourists because of their diverse wildlife. Unlike other wildlife areas in Kenya’s northern tourist circuit, the Samburu ecosystem supports free-ranging wildlife species both within the three reserves and far into community lands. The Buffalo Springs National Reserve was established in 1948 and gazetted as a National Reserve in 1985 with an area of 131 sq km. It is home to the main five game animals that are endemic to this ecosystem.

43

Eastern Region Lewa is an endangered species sanctuary in East Africa and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Lewa’s conservation work started in the 1980s and its black rhino sucess has reintroduced the species to multiple areas. Lewa’s Grevy’s zebra population is the largest in the world and the conservancy carries out important research into saving this rare zebra.

Mount Kenya offers a stunning backdrop and it is often possible to spot all of the ‘big five’ in one game drive. Visitors have the choice of five world-class lodges and an array of activities.

Lewa practises community-centric conservation, an approach that has seen its neighbouring communities gain from conservation efforts. The conservancy currently supports 19 schools, 800 women via the micro-edit programme, 10 water projects and four clinics, benefiting over 30,000 people. Lewa is the founding member of the NRT, an umbrella body that supports community conservancies in northern Kenya.

Mwea National Reserve An undiscovered oasis of tranquillit y The reserve was gazetted in 1976 and covers an area north-west of Kamburu Dam at the confluence of the Tana and Thiba rivers. Two islands within Kamburu dam, built in 1976, are in the protected area.

The southern boundary is the Tana River, the eastern boundary is the Thiba River and the northern boundary is an electric fence that stops animals from invading Makima settlements.

The earliest human settlement in Makima dates from 1914, although wildlife conservation intervention was not until 1972. Today, Mwea National Reserve is comanaged by Kenya Wildlife Service and Mbeere County Council.

Mwea National Reserve Trust was founded in 1991 with the aim of soliciting funds to develop the reserve. A number of projects have been funded through donations including a boat and outboard engine, energy-saving jikos and translocation of zebras.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Contact details:

Lewa Downs, Private Bag, Isiolo Tel: +254 (0)64 31 405; +254 (0)722 203 562/3 Email: info@lewa.org www.lewa.org

Contact Person: Donor and communications department Location: Within Laikipia

District, on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya.

Size: 250 sq km Park fees: Go to www.lewa.org Climate: Hot days, cool nights, sometimes windy, no humidity.

Annual rainfall is around 17 inches.

Altitude varies between 1,400 and 2,300 metres above sea level.

Major attractions: Stunning

wildlife, scenic landscapes and the indigenous Ngare Ndare Forest.

Wildlife: Contains 10 per cent of Kenya’s black rhino and 14 per cent of its white

Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden Location: Mbeere District, Eastern Province

Distance from Nairobi: 160 km north-east of Nairobi

Size: 42 sq km Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climate: Semi-arid with an annual

rainfall of 510-760 mm per annum

Major attractions: Game viewing; boat rides at Kamburu dam; hippo point; realm of rare birds; walking circuit

Wildlife: Elephant, lesser kudu, Nile crocodile, hippo, giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, buffalo, leopard, grey duiker, black-backed jackal, bushbuck, waterbuck, olive baboon, Sykes’ monkey, serval cat, spotted hyena, warthog, rock hyrax, bush pig, impala and hartebeest. Rare animals are also found in Mwea, including striped ground squirrel, genet, black-backed jackal and yellow baboons

Birds: Over 200 species of birds. Mwea is renowned

44

rhino population. Lewa holds 370 of the 3000 Grevy’s Zebra left in the world. There are sightings of the equally endangered wild dog. Lewa is home to 70 mammals including the elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, antelope, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and reticulated giraffe. The conservancy is a bird lover’s haven, with over 440 species.

Access: Road: From Nanyuki town head north, reach the Isiolo-Meru junction after 50 km. Turn left, taking the Isiolo road.

Airstrip: Lewa’s airstrip has daily flights departing from Nairobi Wilson and twice daily Safari Link flight departing Nairobi Wilson and private charters from anywhere.

Accommodation: Lodges and tented camps: Lewa Wilderness Trails, Lewa House, Kifaru House, Sirikoi and Lewa Safari Camp.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities : Game drives, bush walks, horse riding, camel safaris, sundowners and trips to Ngare Ndare Forest, an archaeological site, tracker dogs, orphaned rhino calves and the conservancy community development programmes.

for its water birds and waders. The only protected area in which the globally threatened and Kenyaendemic Hinde’s babbler is known to occur, the Reserve also shelters two other rare species; Pel’s fishing owl and the whitebacked night heron.

Access:

Road: From Nairobi via ThikaMatuu-Masinga Dam (160 km). This route is surfaced until Masinga Dam Bridge – a further 10 km of dirt road lies between here and Makima Gate. Access is also possible via Embu-Machanga.

Air: Masinga airstrip near Masinga Lodge. By Air: Masinga Airstrip near Masinga Lodge

Accommodation: There are no lodges, tented camps or selfcatering accommodation options in Mwea Reserve. Masinga Lodge is located at Masinga Dam outside the Reserve.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Game viewing, bird watching.

Eastern Region

Meru National Park Complete wilderness

Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden Location: East-north-east of

Mount Kenya in Meru District of Eastern Province

Distance from Nairobi: 348 km Size: 870 sq km Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climate: Parks are part of semiarid zone and have irregular rainfalls. Wet seasons are April-June and November-December. Rainfall is 635-762 mm in the west and 305356 mm in the east

Major attractions Former home of Joy and George Adamson and Elsa the lioness; views of Mount Kenya, rivers and riverine habitats, Tana River and Adamson’s Falls.

Meru is a savannah National Park, 35 km east of Maua town in the north-eastern lowlands below the Nyambeni hills. Meru is part of a complex of protected areas along the Tana River that includes the adjacent Bisanadi and Mwingi National Reserves, Kora National Park and Rahole National Reserve. The wetter northwestern sector is hilly, with rich volcanic soils. The land flattens towards the east, where grey alluvial volcanic soils appear.

The area is crossed by numerous permanent streams, draining from the Nyambenes and flowing in parallel between tongues of lava south-eastwards towards the Tana River. As well as the many streams that cross it, the park is bounded by three large rivers: the Tana to the south, the Ura to the south-west and the Rojeweru to the east. There are several prominent inselbergs of basement rock, notably Mughwango and Leopard Rock.

A section of the park has been designated a wilderness area in which there are no roads. The park is part of the domain made famous by the writings of Joy Adamson.

Wildlife: Grevy’s zebra, elephant, eland, bush pig, common waterbuck, cheetah, leopard, reticulated giraffe, hippo, bohor reedbuck, hartebeest, python, puff adder, cobra, buffalo, gerenuk and more than 300 recorded species of birds.

Access: Roads: Access from Nairobi (348 km) is via Nyeri-Nanyuki-Meru or via Embu all-weather roads. Access to the park from Maua to Murera Gate (35 km) and 348 km from Nairobi. The other access is via Embu to Ura Gate (120 km), 290 km from Nairobi – inaccessible at the moment. Airstrips: Main airstrip at Kina, Mulika next to Meru Mulika Lodge and Elsa’s Kopje airstrip.

Accommodation: Lodges: Elsa’s Kopje, Leopard Rock Lodge.

Kenya Wildlife Service SelfCatering Accommodation: Murera Bandas, Kinna Bandas.

Special Campsites: Kampi Baridi; Kitanga, Makutano, Rojoweru, Mugung, Ken Mare and Kanjoo.

Public campsite: Bwatherongi Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Wildlife viewing, camping.

45

Mwingi National Reserve

Eastern Region

Contact details: www.kws.go.ke

Mwingi National Reserve is one of four protected and contiguous areas that comprise the 4,400 sq km Meru Conservational Area (MCA). The other three are Meru National Park, Bisanadi National Reserve and Kora National Park.

+254 0720 401641

Contact person: Senior Warden Location: Mwingi District, East-

ern Province

Distance from Nairobi: 350 km

Mwingi borders all three and is the least accessible. Mwingi has been designated a Wilderness Activity Zone by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) which allows for fly camping, camel and horseback safaris as opportunities for traditional game viewing are extremely limited. Formerly known as Kitui National Reserve and located in Kitui District, Mwingi covers 745 sq km and is little visited by tourists. However, efforts are under way to improve the area’s road access.

north-east of Nairobi

Size: 745 sq km Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke

Access: Roads: The reserve can be accessed via Thika to Mwingi then north-east through Kyuso village, or from Meru National Park through Adamson’s Bridge via Kora National Park.

Accommodation: There is cur-

or contact tour operator.

rently no accommodation in the reserve

Climate: The climate is hot and

Best time to visit: All year round

dry.

Major attractions: Wilderness

habitat; game viewing; Adamson’s Falls; fishing and boating on Tana River; Kampi ya Simba – former home of Joy and George Adamson and the grave of Elsa the lioness.

The reserve is administered

by Mwingi County Council.

Wildlife populations are low, but there are hippo, crocodile, buffalo and warthog.

Areas of the reserve have been encroached by settlements and permanent agriculture.

Wildlife: Caracal, elephant, hippo, leopard, lion and several antelope species among others.

Activities: Game viewing, fishing in River Tana, birdwatching, boating.

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.

Ultimate panoramic experience

Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden Location: Machakos District, Eastern Province

Distance from Nairobi: 85 km north-east of Nairobi

Size: 20.7 sq km Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke

or contact tour operator.

Climate: Hot and dry Major attractions: Fourteen

Falls; scenic views of Mount Kenya from the summit; the grave of Sir William Northrup McMillan (1872-1925) and his wife Lady Lucie; camping facilities.

Access: Road: From Thika proceed 22 km along the main Garissa road to Makutano junction. At Makutano follow the KWS sign and turn right, proceeding 3 km on all-weather murram road to Donyo town. At Donyo turn right

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and proceed a further 2 km to the main gate.

Accommodation: Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Catering Accommodation: Sabuk House.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Game viewing, bird

watching, camping and picnicking.

Eastern Region

Samburu National Reserve Teeming with wildlife

It is one of the lesser known parks but nevertheless teeming with wildlife. Situated alongside the Ewaso Nyiro River, there is plenty to attract wildlife from the surrounding savannah plains.

Contact details:

Simon Leirana Chief Warden PO Box 519, Isiolo Tel: +254 (0)720 227 576 Email: simonleirana@yahoo.co.uk

Location: Samburu National

Reserve is situated at the southern corner of Samburu district in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It is bordered to the south by Uaso Nyiro river, which separates it from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

Size: The reserve covers an area of 170 sq km.

Distance from Nairobi: 345 km to Archer’s gate (main entrance to Samburu National Reserve).

Park fees: Contact tour operator.

Climate: Arid and semi-arid with hot days and cool nights. Annual mean temperatures between 18 and 30°C. Annual mean rainfall is 345 mm with peaks in November and April.

Wildlife Rich in game, with many rare species including Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa oryx (also referred to as the Samburu special five), elephants (a minimum of 900), lion, (Kamunyak the miracle lioness that adopted the baby oryx is a resident in the reserve), leopard, cheetah, wild dogs and over 450 species of birds recorded. Birds of the arid northern bush country are augmented by a number of riverine forest species.

The lesser kestrel and the Taita falcon are species of global conser-

vation concern both found in this reserve. Five species categorised as vulnerable have also been recorded here. These are the African darter, great egret, white headed vulture, martial eagle and the yellow billed ox-pecker. The critically endangered pancake tortoise (malacochersus tornieri) is also found here.

Access: Road: The reserve can be accessed by road from Nairobi through Isiolo on all-weather bitumen while Isiolo Archer’s Post is gravelled. The road distance from Isiolo to Archer’s Gate is 34.3 km.

Air: the reserve has an airstrip, the Oryx Samburu air strip.

Accommodation

The reserve lies within ecological zone V, classified as arid and semi-arid with a moisture index of 42 to 57, which indicates that evapo-transpiration is greater than available moisture. The days are extremely hot and the nights are cool. The annual mean temperatures range between 18°C and 30°C while the mean annual rainfall is 345 mm with peaks in November and April. The dry season starts in late May and goes on to early October, when a large concentration of wildlife is found in the reserve due to availability of lush vegetation along Ewaso Nyiro river, the main source of water to the reserve and the nearby communities.

Rare northern specialist species such as Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and beisa oryx.

The reserve houses a number of visitor facilities including: Lodges: Samburu game lodge, Samburu Larsen’s Camp, Samburu Sopa, Samburu Intrepids, Elephant Bedroom, Elephant Watch Safaris, Miiba Mingi Tented Lodge.

Permanent campsites: Game trackers, Lion King Safaris. Special campsites: Doom palm campsite, Von derdecken (Hornbill) campsite, Grevy campsite, Impala campsite.

Public campsites: Vervet monkey, butterfly, kigelia, kingfisher.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: There are various

activities that visitors can engage in while at the reserve. These include: game drives, bird watching, sundowners, bush breakfast, nature walks, river rafting (depending on the water level) and the Samburu cultural experience.

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North Rift Region

Laikipia Wildlife Forum Vast plateau, straddling the equator Contact details:

PO Box 764-10400, Nanyuki Tel/Fax: +254 (0)20 216 6626 Cell: +254 (0)726 500 260 E-mail: info@laikipia.org

Contact person: Tourism Officer Email: tourism@laikipia.org

Location: Laikipia district is a wilderness to the north-west of Mount Kenya, straddling the equator at the heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley Province.

Distance from Nairobi: 190 km to Nanyuki

Air: Nanyuki airfield is the hub for flights linking Laikipia with elsewhere in Kenya. Most local tourism facilities have private airfields.

Accommodation Laikipia has many luxury safari lodges and camps and also contains the highest number of communityowned lodges in Kenya. Laikipia is widely regarded as Kenya’s premier safari destination, with practices at the forefront of conservation tourism.

Size: Laikipia covers 10,000 sq km and forms the core of the wider 56,000 sq km Ewaso ecosystem.

See www.laikipia.org or www. laikipiatourism.com

Park fees: Fees vary between

except May and November (rainy season).

conservancies.

Climate: Mean annual rainfall varies from 400 to 900 mm. The long rains from March to May are followed by less rain between July and September, with cooler temperatures and high winds. Warmest months are December and January.

Wildlife Wildlife population densities in the region are second to the Masai Mara ecosystem, while the diversity of large mammals is the highest in Kenya. The Ewaso ecosystem is home to Kenya’s second-largest population of elephant and the country’s highest populations of endangered species. Laikipia/Ewaso ecosystem supports eight protected rhino sanctuaries with more than half of Kenya’s black rhino population, is a haven for Grevy’s zebra (70 per cent of the world’s population), reticulated giraffe and Kenya’s only viable population of Lelwel hartebeest, as well as Africa’s only expanding population of wild dog and large numbers of other large predators.

Laikipia’s biodiversity is unique; yet, remarkably, it is not a protected area and its wildlife is sustained entirely by private and communal landowners.

Access: Road: From Nairobi and

Nakuru.

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Best time to visit: All months

Laikipia offers visitors the freedom and space to walk, ride, cycle and camp among a diversity of wildlife and wild landscapes against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kenya. The sense of engagement with Maasai guides, hosts and local people is something that visitors take home with them. Other activities include hiking, fishing, mountain climbing, mountain biking, camel and horse safaris, fly camping and helicopter excursions.

Laikipia has a unique combination of dry and cool weather, influenced by the presence of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Highlands. Rainfall varies greatly from year to year.

Laikipia differs from the rest of Kenya in several ways. Perhaps the most significant is that people from different cultures and backgrounds have come together to support and undertake conservation through their own organisation, the Laikipia Wildlife Forum.

Marsabit National Park

North Rift Region

Misted montane paradise Contact details: www.kws.go.ke

Distance from Nairobi: 560 km

Access: Road: 560 km north of Nairobi, 263 km north of Isiolo.

Air: The park is located two and half hours by air from Nairobi and is served by a tarmac airstrip located 1 km from Marsabit town centre.

Size: 360 sq km

sabit Lodge

Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Best time to visit: All year round

Climate: January to March is hot

watching

Contact person: Senior Warden Location: Marsabit District, Eastern Province north of Nairobi

and dry, April to June is hot and wet, July to October is warm and dry, November and December are warm and wet.

Accommodation: Lodges: Mar-

Activities: Game viewing, bird-

Major attractions: Pristine forest, scenic landscape and wilderness, crater lakes, diverse local cultures.

Camping is available.

Nasolot National Reserve A scenic masterpiece Contact person: Senior Warden Location: West Pokot District, Rift Valley Province Distance from Nairobi: 528 km north-west of Nairobi

Size: 102 sq km Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke

or contact tour operator.

Climate: Hot and arid Major attractions: Rocky out

The reserve has three spectacular crater lakes that provide habitat for a variety of birdlife. One of the lakes, Lake Paradise, is most scenic and famous from early fi lms and writings of Martin Johnson and Vivien de Wattville.

Marsabit reserve is also well known because of large elephants like the famous Ahmed, an elephant that was provided with a 24-hour protection by a presidential order. Ahmed, who boasted some of the biggest tusks ever recorded, died aged 55 and his body was preserved and is now on display in Nairobi National Museum.

Wildlife: Elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, greater kudu, hyena, aardwolf, caracal, klipspringer, Grant’s gazelle, oryx, and reticulated giraffe. Diverse birdlife.

Contact details: PO Box 62, Kapenguria. www.kws.go.ke Email: nasalotnr@kws.go.ke

Marsabit National Reserve covers an area of 1,500 sq km and consists of a forested mountain that rises like an oasis in the middle of the desert wilderness and is the only source of permanent surface water in the region.

main road. Air: There are air-strips at Turkwel dam and Kaputirr.

Accommodation: There are no accommodation options in the reserve. However self-catering accommodation and a campsite are available at the Marich Pass Field Studies Centre located 80 km south of the reserve off the A1 KitaleLodwar road.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Game viewing, bird-

Nasolot National Reserve was gazetted in 1979 and comprises 9,200 hectares of beautifully rugged land.

It is located to the north of Mount Melo at over 3,000 metres. There are some spectacular views, although most of the reserve is plains. Because of its remote location there are few visitors.

watching, sport fishing and boating at Turkwel dam, nature walks, camping.

crop at the periphery of the reserve called Nasolot Hill; game viewing.

Wildlife: Elephant, lesser kudu, bushbuck, duiker, leopard, Kirk’s dik-dik, spotted hyena, jackal, impala, Sykes’ monkey, olive baboon, buffalo.

Access: Road: The reserve is 146 km north of Kitale to the west of the A1 Kitale-Lodwar road. The reserve’s gate lies 6.2 km off the A1

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Ol Pejeta Conservancy

North Rift Region Ol Pejeta Conservancy is on the equator, in Kenya’s Laikipia District, between the foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya.

The conservancy is home to an astounding variety of animals. Thanks to the wildlife and the wonderful views across the open plains of Ol Pejeta, an unforgettable safari experience is guaranteed. As a safe and secure private sanctuary, the conservancy offers a hassle-free safari experience with amazing wildlife viewing on good all-weather roads.

Visitors pay a conservation fee for each day spent inside the conservancy including a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary. Gates open at 07.00 and all vehicles must leave the conservancy by 19.00. For those staying at one of the conservancy’s five facilities, conservation fees are usually included in the safari package. Revenues generated by visitors are used in support of conservation and community outreach activities.

Sibiloi National Park

Cradle of mankind, garden of eden Sibiloi National Park covers 1,570 sq km of wilderness scenic landscape on the shores of Lake Turkana. The park was partially established through the initiative of National Museums of Kenya to protect unique prehistoric and archeological sites some of which are linked to the origin of man. The fossils include a crocodile euthecodon brumpti, giant tortoile petusios broadleyi, elephant elephas recki and the petrified forest. The terrain is lake shore, dry semi desert bush and near desert country. The park is waterless apart from the alkaline waters of the lake.

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Contact details: Private Bag 10400, Nanyuki. Tel: +254 (0)20 203 3244/(0)707 187 141 Email: info@olpejetaconservancy.org www.olpejetaconservancy.org

Accommodation: Camps: Sweetwaters Serena Camp; Ol Pejeta House; Ol Pejeta Bush Camp; Rhino Porini Camp; Kicheche Camp and Pelican House.

Contact person: Annick Mitchell

Best time to visit: All year round

Tourism Manager +254 (0)722 518 2303

Location: On the equator, in the

Laikipia district of Kenya, between the foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya.

Size: 360 sq km

Activities: Game drives, guided

bush walks, night game drives, lion tracking, ravine river bird walk, cycling safaris, endangered species enclosure, Hippo Hide, wildlifelivestock integration and community visits.

Park fees: Go to www.olpejetaconservancy.org or contact info@ olpejetaconservancy.org Climate: Dry and arid Major attractions: Sweet-

waters chimpanzee sanctuary, black rhino sanctuary, endangered species boma, Morani information centre and Morani’s restaurant.

Access: The conservancy is a three hour drive from Nairobi and welcomes day visitors. The main gate is 14 km from the equator.

Turn off just before Nanyuki town.

Contact details: www.kws.go.ke

Contact person: Senior Warden

Location: Lake Turkana,

Marsabit District, Eastern Province

Distance from Nairobi:

800 km north of Nairobi

Size: 1,570 sq km Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climate: Hot and arid Major attractions: Origins

of Man: Koobi Fora Museum & Research Base; thousands of fossils including giant tortoises; Behemoth, 45 ft long crocodile; Lake Turkana scenery; shoreline; game viewing.

Wildlife: Birdwatching:

More than 350 recorded species including flamingo, pelican and duck. Hippo, crocodile, zebra, Grant’s gazelle, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, topi, greater kudu, lion, cheetah, leopard among other species. The world’s largest Nile crocodile population

breeds on Lake Turkana’s Central Island.

Access: Road: The lake is a threeday drive from Nairobi via Marsabit and North Horr, or Maralal and South Horr. Alternatively travel by road from Nairobi to Kalokol on the lake’s western shores, via Kitale and Lodwar. From Kalokol boat hire services are available across the lake to Allia Bay. Air: There are two all-weather airstrips.

Accommodation: Lodges and tented camps: Oasis Lodge, Lobolo Tented Camp. KWS selfcatering accommodation: Allia Bay Guesthouse. Campsites: Turkana Campsite, Sunset Strip Camp Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Game viewing, bird watching, camping.

South and Central Island National Parks Contact details: www.kws.go.ke

Contact person: Senior Warden / Tourism Officer

Location: Lake Turkana, Marsabit District, Eastern Province

Distance from Nairobi: 800 km Size: 5 sq km Park fees (residents and nonresidents): Go to www.kws.go.ke Climate: Scorching hot and arid

Birdlife: 84 water bird species and various birds of prey.

Access: Roads: 800 km from Nai-

robi to Lake Turkana, then by boat from Sibiloi National Park or from Lodwar. Access from Nairobi is via the main Nairobi-Moyale road or from Maralal to Loiengalani through Baragoi and South Horr.

Air: Two airstrips at Sibiloi.

Accommodation: Lodges and tented camps: Oasis Lodge, Lobolo Tented Camp.

KWS self-catering accommodation: Allia Bay Guesthouse.

(especially in December to March); coolest months are June and July.

From May to September very strong winds blow both morning and evening. Rainfall is less than 250 mm per annum and in some places it may not rain for several years.

round

Major attractions: Three crater

Activities:

lakes (Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake); active volcano; venomous reptiles and prehistoric fish.

North Rift Region Kingdom of the crocodile These remote and wild parks, along with Sibiloi National Park, are Unesco World Heritage Sites.

The park offers visitors some stunning scenery and excellent bird-watching opportunities with flamingos, pelicans and water birds. It is an important stopover for migrant waterfowl, home to large breeding colonies of hippo and Nile crocodile and also has several species of venomous snakes. South Island is also the home of the El-Molo tribe, of which there are only thought to be 500 individuals.

Central Island National Park is difficult to reach and is in effect a small active volcano with three saline carter lakes known as Flamingo, Crocodile and Tilapia. It is believed to support the world’s largest population of Nile crocodiles. Along the shoreline, there are plains and Grevy’s zebra, topi, oryx, reticulated giraffe, greater kudu and Grant’s gazelle.

Best time to visit: All year Crocodile hatching, viewing, camping.

Marine life: Reptiles: Estimated

12,000 crocodiles, saw-scaled viper, night and puff adder, cobra.

South Turkana National Reserve Contact details: www.kws.go.ke,

0701 432 493

Contact person: Senior Warden Location: This reserve lies on the right side of the Lodwar highway from Kitale Distance from Nairobi: 528 km Size: 1,091 sq km Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climate: Hot and dry

Major attractions: Scenic landscape and mountain vistas. It has a number of permanent rivers with woodland fringes and salty springs, game viewing.

Wildlife: Elephant, giraffe, buf-

falo, eland, oryx, impala, bushbuck, greater kudu, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, lion, leopard, cheetah, striped hyena, spotted hyena and jackal. There are crocodiles in the rivers and abundant birdlife, much of which gathers on the banks of the Kerio River.

South Turkana National Reserve is a rugged and very beautiful expanse of land with very few visitors. Consisting of dense thorn bushes and riverine forests, the landscape has a great variety, especially away from the seasonal riverbeds.

Although it is low on plains game, it is worth a visit for the large expanses of mixed vegetation and the landscape.

Access: By Road: Access is from Kitale or by scheduled flight from Nairobi.

This is a very remote reserve in the north of Kenya.

Accommodation: There are no lodges within the reserve.

Best time to visit: All year round

Activities: Game view-

ing, camping and hiking.

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South Rift Region

Lake Nakuru National Park The birdwatchers’ paradise

Lake Nakuru is a very shallow, strongly alkaline lake set in a picturesque landscape of woods and grassland next to Nakuru town. The landscape includes areas of marsh and grassland alternating with rocky cliffs and outcrops, stretches of acacia woods and rocky hillsides covered with a euphorbia forest on the eastern perimeter.

The lake catchment is bounded by Menengai Crater to the north, the Bahati hills to the north-east, the Lion Hill ranges to the east, Eburu crater to the south and the Mau escarpment to the west. Three major rivers, the Njoro, Makalia and Enderit, drain into the lake, together with treated water from the town’s sewage works and the outflow from several springs along the shore.

Lake Nakuru was declared a bird sanctuary in 1960 and upgraded to national park status in 1968. A northern extension was added to the park in 1974 and the lake was designated a ramsar site in 1990. The foundation of the park’s food chains is the cyanophyte spirulina platensis, which supports huge numbers of lesser flamingo.

The vegetation is mainly woods and bushy grassland with a wide ecological diversity and characteristic habitats that range from the lake waters to the escarpment and ridges.

The normally water-covered surface of the lake occupies about a third of the park. The lake water supports a dense bloom of the blue-green cyanophyte spirulina platensis from which it derives its colour and which is the major food source for the flamingo.

The lake is fringed by alkaline swamps with areas of sedge, cyperus laevigatus and typha marsh along the river inflows and springs. The surrounding areas support a dry transitional savanna with lake margin grasslands of sporobolus spicatus salt grass moving into grasslands of hyparrhenia hirta and Rhodes grass (chloris gayana) in the lower areas.

More elevated areas have dry forest with acacia xanthophloea, olive olea hochstetteri and croton dichogamus; euphorbia candelabrum forest; and bushland dominated by the composites, mulelechwa tarchonanthus camphoratus and psiadia arabica.

Rocky hillsides on the park’s eastern perimeter are covered with Tarchonanthys scrub and a magnificent Euphorbia candelabrum forest.

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Contact details: www.kws.go.ke

Contact person: Senior Warden / Tourism Officer

Location: Nakuru, Rift Valley Province.

Distance from Nairobi: 160 km Size: 188 sq km Park fees (residents and non-residents): For more infor-

mation go to www.kws.go.ke

Climate: Warm and dry

Wildlife Birds: Up to 1.5 million flamingos plus 450 other species of birds.

Fauna: Includes Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelle, the rare leafnosed bat, colobus monkey, rock hyrax, hippo, leopard, lion, rhino, waterbuck, impala, gazelle, striped hyena, bat-eared fox, wildcat, reedbuck and golden cat. Restocked

mammals: Include lion, black and white rhino and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.

Access: By road: The park is 160 km north-west of Nairobi at Nakuru. From Nairobi, take the A104 road (direction Naivasha).

Main gate and park headquarters are 4 km south of Nakuru town (from Kenyatta Avenue). Take the Moi Road then turn left into Stadium Road which leads to Lanet Gate.

Accommodation: Lodges: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge. Kenya Wildlife Service selfcatering accommodation: Naishi Guest House Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Birdwatching, camp-

ing, picnics, finest views of the lake from Baboon Cliff, Lion Hill and Out of Africa Hill.

Hell’s Gate National Park

South Rift Region

Heaven’s volcanic glory Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden Location: Naivasha town, Rift Valley Province

Distance from Nairobi: 90 km Size: 68 sq km Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climate: Warm and dry

Accommodation: While there is no accommodation in the park, a wide range of options exist in nearby Naivasha, or along Moi South Lake Road which leads from Naivasha to the park.

Hell’s Gate National Park covers an area of 68.25 sq 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 characterised by diverse topography and geological scenery. It is an important home of the lammergeyer.

Best time to visit: All year round

Hell’s Gate has two gates that are used by visitors – the main Elsa Gate and the Olkaria Gate. The latter also serves the Olkaria Geothermal Station that is located inside the National Park.

Activities: Hiking, camping, rock

climbing, biking, birdwatching and wildlife. Annual event: Hell’s Gate on a Wheelbarrow (in June).

Attractions: Game viewing,

raptor nesting in cliffs, spectacular gorge walks, hot springs, scenic landscape, the Geothermal Station, Maasai culture.

Wildlife: Includes eland, buffalo, lion, giraffe, zebra, leopard, impala, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, klipspringer, rock hyrax and Chandler’s mountain reedbuck.

Access: Roads: The park is accessible via tarmac road from Nairobi. (90 km) via Naivasha town on the Lake Road South at Junction 5 km south of Naivasha.

Lemek Conservancy A group ranch

Contact details: Tel: +254 (0)736 425 022; (0)728 537 465; (0)736 449 777; (0)721 262153 Contact persons: Dominic Nchoe; Julius Kismei Location: North-west of Koiyaki

and Ol Kinyei and bordering Ol Choro Oirowua to the west.

Size: 445 sq km Park fees: Adult (non-resident)

US$70 per person per day; Child (non-resident)US$40 per person per day; Adult (resident) KSHS 1,000; Vehicles KSHS 1,000.

Climate: Maximum daily temperatures between 26 and 30°C. Rainfall is bimodal with the main dry period from mid June to mid October and a shorter dry season in January and February. Long rains from March to June and short rains from November to December. Rainfall is between 800 and 1,200 mm.

Wildlife: Cheetah, lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe.

Access: Road: Can be reached

via Narok. But roads are in poor

condition, so 4x4 vehicles are recommended, particularly during the rains. Air: Airstrips at David Livingstone Lodge and Ngerende.

Daily flights to and from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport.

Accommodation: Bush Buck

Mara Camp, Mara River Camp, Duma Camp, Kicheche Fly Camp, Kicheche Camp, Wildebeest Camp, Saruni Safari Camp, Nomadic Encounter.

Best time to visit: August to November

Recently there has been an initiative by various companies and organisations to promote responsible tourism and eco-friendly practices in the Greater Mara ecosystem by setting up private conservancies and renting back some of this land from the Maasai. This initiative has been very successful. The conservancies are well managed and a great deal of wildlife has returned to the area. The Maasai are paid more for their land than they would otherwise earn from agriculture.

Lemek Group Ranch is a little further to the north of Masai Mara and Koiyaki, but this does not mean there is less wildlife in the area. All these ranches neighbour each other and there are no fences, so wildlife is free to roam.

Lemek is home to about 1,000 Maasai families who own the land communally under the Kenya government’s Group Ranch Act. There is a move to establish private title to much of this land and large areas have already been divided up into individual plots. This move has an impact on conservation efforts and tourism because land is fenced for agriculture or residential purposes. Wildlife can no longer follow traditional migratory routes.

Members of the community are encouraged to play an active role in managing their valuable resources to benefit their children and future generations. The Koiyaki Guiding School was established a few years ago to promote local indigenous guides in the area and to create other avenues of employment and opportunities for tourism and wildlife management in the area.

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Mara North Conservancy

South Rift Region Mara North Conservancy is teeming with wildlife, hosting both the great migration and local migration of the Loita Hills wildebeest population, whilst also being home to two resident prides of lion – one of which has reached over 26 adults and cubs. Leopard sightings are frequent with the famous Leopard Gorge, the setting for the BBC’s Big Cat Diary series, being in the core of this spectacular wildlife area.

Many camps also offer game walks, bush breakfasts and dinners as well as fi re-light sundowners on the plains.

For the more adventurous, even horse riding among the elephants is not out of the question.

Contact details:

Tel: +254 (0)20 6003 090/1 Email: info@maranorth.org www.maranorth.org

Location: Bordering the north-

eastern perimetre of the Masai Mara National Reserve and extending into the beautiful Lemek Hills.

Access: Air: Scheduled and charter flights can fly into the Mara North airstrip. Road: Via the Narok to Aitong road.

Activities: Camps all offer game

drives in this 32,000 hectare conservancy, open exclusively to guests staying at the 12 member camps.

The conservancy’s game driving etiquette is important. All the Land Cruisers are painted green, viewing around each game sighting is limited to four vehicles at a time, respect is granted to wildlife and damage to the environment is kept to a minimum.

Accommodation: Mara North

Conservancy is home to 12 diverse luxury lodges and camps, including private houses, boutique tented camps and elaborate rooms overlooking the Mara River. To explore extensive photo galleries and more information about all these properties, please visit the website.

Mara Triangle Contact details: Mara Conserv-

ancy. PO Box 63457-00620, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 374 9632 Fax: +254 (0)20 374 9636 Email: maraconservancy@maratriangle.org; mara@triad.co.ke www.maraconservancy.com; www.maratriangle.org

Contact person: Brian Heath, Asuka Takita or Janet Cherop

Location: Narok County

Distance from Nairobi: 300 km Size: 510 sq km Park fees: www.maratriangle.org Climate: Altitude 5,300 ft

(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.

Wildlife: The Mara is one of the

finest wildlife destinations in the world. There is an excellent chance of seeing the Big Five, cheetah, serval, hyena, bat-eared foxes, black-backed and side-striped jackals, hippo, crocodile, baboon, warthog, topi, eland, Thompson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, impala, waterbuck, oribi, reed buck and zebra. During the migration (July to November) huge numbers of wildebeest move in.

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Access: Air: Daily scheduled flights to Serena airstrip and Kichwa Tembo airstrip, both within the conservancy. Road: The C12 passes through Narok, Sekenani then Keekorok and on to the Mara Triangle; the C13 goes from Bomet to Narok road and on to Ngorgori junction, past Lemek, the Oloololo gate and into the Mara Triangle.

Access will be arranged by the camp, lodge or tour operator with whom the booking is made.

Accommodation: Mara Serena

(150 beds) and Little Governors’ Camp (36 beds) are the only two lodges in the Triangle. Kichwa Tembo, Mpata Club, Olonana,

Mara Siria and Kilima Camp are on the periphery but use the Triangle.

There are various public and private campsites, as well as camps and lodges, listed on the website.

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, camp-

ing, night game drives, guided walking safaris (limited), visits to Masai cultural villages, ballooning, bush dinner, lunch and breakfast and horse riding near the boundary of the reserve.

Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya’s Jewel in the crown Contact details:

Fax: +254 (0)50 22 260.

Email: james.sindiyo@narok.go.ke www.narokcountycouncil.org

Contact person: Chief Park

Warden

Location: In the Great Rift Valley in southern Kenya

Distance from Nairobi: 247 km south-west

Size: The reserve covers 1,510 sq

km and stretches over large open grasslands that are ideal for viewing wildlife.

Park fees: Contact tour operator Climate: Maximum daily tem-

peratures between 26 and 30°C. Rainfall is bimodal with the main dry period from mid June to mid October and a shorter dry season in January and February. Long rains

South Rift Region

from March to June and short rains in November and December. Rainfall is between 800 and 1,200 mm.

Wildlife 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles and 400 bird species recorded, including annual migration of wildebeest involving over 1.5 million animals.

Access: Road: Main roads are allweather. Game viewing tracks can be used only by 4x4 vehicles in the rainy season. Air: Three airstrips at Keekorok, Oliombo and Musiara.

Accommodation: Lodges: Keeko-

rok and Sarova Mara. Tented camps: Mara Intrepids, Explorer, Governors Camp, Olmurrani, Ashnil Mara.

Special camping sites: arranged via Chief Park Warden’s Office.

Best time to visit: All year

round.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is widely recognised as the jewel in the crown of Kenya’s tourism industry.

It plays a key role in preserving the world’s greatest migration of large mammals.

The reserve is regarded as the most spectacular wildlife viewing area in Kenya, with over 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles and over 400 bird species. The dominant inhabitant is the wildebeest. In July each year over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with large numbers of zebra and Thompson’s gazelle, migrate from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to fresh pastures in the Masai Mara before going back in October.

The reserve is surrounded by local community group ranches serving as dispersal areas. The communities have allowed their land to be used as wildlife conservancies to earn tourism-related revenue.

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Olare Orok and Motorogi Conservancy

South Rift Region

Contact details:

Cell: +254 (0)711 771 081

Located on the northern boundary of the Masai Mara National Reserve between Itong and Talek, this exclusive resort has a limit of 78 visitors at a time.

Contact person: Rob O’Meara Location: Covers an area directly

adjoining the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Size: 93 sq km Park fees: The conservancy is

An established partnership between individual landowners and tourism has made it possible to preserve this area in its pristine state, grazed by herbivores and prowled by a healthy population of carnivores.

exclusive to only its camp members.

Activities: The camps in this area

offer a variety of game drives (day and night), safari walks, picnics, sundowners, bush dinners, cultural experiences and overnight fly camping.

This is a wonderful, relatively undisturbed part of the Masai Mara ecosystem, with good populations of both predators and herbivores, including many elephants. The area offers pleasant and exclusive viewing of game in a pristine environment, with a rich and diverse wildlife population rarely found anywhere else on the African savannah. Rhino and wild dog have been sighted in the area occasionally, and it could become a viable habitat for these two highly endangered species, given the right protection through sensitive tourism development.

Ol Kinyei Conservancy Contact details:

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 3129 Fax: +254 (0)20 712 0864.

Email: info@porini.com www.porini.com

Contact person:

Jake Grieves-Cook

Access: Air: Daily scheduled flights into Ol Seki airstrip or private charter. Road: Conservancy entrance is on the right just off the main Narok-Sekenani road when coming from Narok (75 km from Narok town).

Accommodation: Mara Porini Camp has six guest tents sited in the shade of yellow-barked acacia trees along the banks of the Laetoli, a permanent spring within Ol Kinyei Conservancy. Each of the spacious tents has an en-suite

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bathroom with flush toilet and safari shower. The camp accommodates a maximum of 12 guests, giving the experience of real camping in an exclusive private wilderness, but with all the comforts required by discerning travellers. Food is excellent, with home-baked bread, fresh salads and highquality meals prepared by the camp chef.

Activities: Day and night

game drives, guided bush walks, sundowners, bush breakfasts and dinners, full-day game drives with picnic lunches, overnight fly camping for guests staying at Porini Mara Camp.

Best time to visit: 1 June to 15

April

Access: Air: The Ol Kiombo airstrip, next to Intrepids, is half an hour’s drive from the conservancy. An alternative, Olare Orok lies within the conservancy.

Road: From the Masai Mara Talek Gate, travel north about 5 km on the main Talek-Itong road. The conservancy entrance is clearly marked.

Accommodation: There are tented camps within the conservancies: Porini Lion Camp, Kicheche Bush Camp, Mahali Mazuri Camp,

Olare Mara Kempinski Camp and Mara Plains Camp. All the camps are sensitively built and operated within eco-friendly guidelines.

Best time to visit: Within the

high migration season from June to October.

Outstanding Feature: As

the Conservancy is restricted to member camps only, game viewing can be controlled to a maximum of four vehicles at any time. This maximises exclusivity and minimises animal harassment.

Amboseli National Park

Southern Region

Kilimanjaro’s royal court Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden Location: On the border with Tanzania, Loitokitok District, South Kenya

Distance from Nairobi:

Namanga (240 km), Emali (228 km)

Size: 392 sq km Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climate: The climate is mainly hot and dry.

Amboseli is in the rain shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. The maximum average temperature of the warmest month is 33°C during the day, while that of the coldest is 27-28°C. An annual rainfall of 300 mm per annum is distributed over two seasons: April/May and November/ December. Recurrent droughts and potential evaporation of 2,200 mm per annum typifies the region.

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.

(Olkelunyiet) Gate.Airstrips: 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.

Wildlife: Amboseli has over 80 different mammals 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.

Tukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena

Access: Roads: The main road into the park is from Nairobi via Namanga (240 km) on the NairobiArusha road, via Meshanani Gate. The road is tarmacked up to Namanga but is murram from Namanga to Meshanani Gate (75 km). The other road is via Emali (228 km) on the Nairobi to Mombasa Road. The road is tarmacked up to Emali and murram from Emali to Remito Gate (64 km) Access from Mombasa is mainly through Tsavo West via Kimana

Accommodation: Lodges: Ol

Safari Lodge, Tortilis Camp Kenya Wildlife Service: Kilimanjaro Guest house, Kibo Guest House, Simba Bandas, Nyati Bandas, Chui Bandas

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Wildlife viewing

Amboseli lies immediately north-west of Mount Kilimanjaro on the border with Tanzania. Amboseli was established as a reserve in 1968 and gazetted as a national park in 1974. The park covers 392 sq km, and forms part of the much larger 3,000 sq 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. Within this basin is a temporary lake, Lake Amboseli, that floods during years of heavy rainfall. Amboseli is famous for its big game and its great scenic beauty and the landscape is dominated by the towering Mount Kilimanjaro.

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Southern Region

Chyulu Hills National Park Contact details: www.kws.go.ke The Chyulu Hills are situated 190 km south-east of Nairobi and 30 km south-west of Kibwezi. They are of relatively recent volcanic origin and the range is composed of ash cones and craters.

The hills hold no permanent surface water but rainfall percolating through the porous rock feeds many permanent fresh water sources in the surrounding plains, notably Mzima springs and the Tsavo and Galana rivers.

The hills are relatively undisturbed and shelter indigenous vegetation and wildlife. The park comprises the eastern ank of the hills including about half of the forest area. The park boundary runs down the centre of the hills along the line of the peaks.

The western half is part of the West Chyulu Game Conservation area, owned by several Maasai group ranches.

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Contact person: Senior Warden Location: Makueni District, Eastern Province and Kajiado District, Rift Valley Province

Distance from Nairobi: 230 km Size: 870 sq km Park fees: Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climate: The climate is hot and dry

Major Attractions Breathtaking views from the Chyulu Hills, cave exploration, one camp site next to park headquarters; game viewing.

Wildlife: Reptiles: Black mamba,

puff adder, rock python, gecko, tortoise, lizard. Insects/arthropods:

Dung beetles, butterflies, tsetse fly.

Common Animals: Buffalo, bushbuck, eland, elephant, leopard; forest bush pig, mountain reedbuck, steinbok, wild dogs.

Access: Roads: Along NairobiMombasa highway, the park signpost is 1 km past the Kibwezi turn-off. Park gate is 10 km off the highway. There is limited road network within the park and a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance is highly recommended. Airstrips: There are two airstrips in the park.

Accommodation: There is currently no accommodation in the park, but campsites consist of Chyulu II, park headquarters, Kiboko campsite.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Wildlife viewing,

camping, cave exploration, nature walks, hiking.

Southern Region

Tsavo East National Park Theatre of the wild Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden / Tourism Officer

Location: South-west Kenya, inland from the coast

Distance from Nairobi: 233

km (Mtito Andei Gate) and 250 km north of Mombasa on the main Nairobi-Mombasa road. Nairobi to Voi Gate is 325 km and Mombasa to Voi Gate is 153 km.

Size: 21,812 sq km

Not a true waterfall but a series of rapids. Visitors can walk down to the river to view the rapids.

Mudanda Rock is a major rock outcrop about 1.6 km long. There is a dam at the base. Animals can be seen drinking. Visitors can walk along the rock and view wildlife at the base while enjoying a cool breeze. Aruba Dam, built in 1952 across the Voi River, attracts many animals and water birds. Confluence of the rivers Tsavo and Athi to form the Galana River.

Park fees (residents and nonresidents): Go to www.kws.go.ke

Wildlife

Climate: Hot and dry

Elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, crocodile, waterbuck, kudu, gerenuk, zebra and Hunter’s hartebeest. Birds: Prolific birdlife featuring 500 recorded bird species.

Major attractions: Large herds of elephants and other wildlife.

Park is a catchment for visitors from coast resorts. Yatta plateau, about 300 km in length, is one of the world’s longest lava flows.

Lugards Falls on the Galana River.

robi- Mombasa road. Air: There are several airstrips in the park.

Accommodation: Lodge: Voi Safari Lodge. Tented Camps: Galdessa Camp, Epiya Chapeyu Camp, Tsavo Safari Camp (Cottar’s), Satao Camp, Sobo, Patterson Safari Camp. Public campsites: Ndololo, Kandri, Main Gate campsites. Visitors must bring their own camping gear.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Game viewing; walking safaris along the Galana; birdwatching.

Access: Roads: Mtito Andei Gate is 233 km south of Nairobi and 250 km north of Mombasa on the main Nai-

Tsavo National Park is the largest park in Kenya, established in April 1948. It was divided into East and West for administrative purposes. The parks are intersected by the Nairobi to Mombasa railway and road.

The park has an interesting and diverse history. The Waliangulu and Kamba tribes previously used the area as a hunting ground. The first European to see Mount Kenya, the Rev Dr L. Krapf, journeyed on foot through this area in 1848. During construction of a railway bridge over the Tsavo River in 1898 the famed man-eating lions of Tsavo terrorised the workers, killing over 130 people before being killed by Col J.H. Patterson. During the First World War, the British built fortresses along the Tsavo River to counter threats from invading German soldiers from Tanganyika (now Tanzania). The European explorer Capt Lugards passed through the area on his way to Uganda.

Tsavo East is an easily accessible and popular park, attracting large numbers of tourists. Its scenic features include its large herds of elephant and other wildlife and its striking natural landscapes and structures.

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Southern Region

Tsavo West National Park Land of lava, springs and man-eaters

Tsavo West National Park represents about 30 per cent of Kenya’s park area and contains a diversity of habitats, wildlife and scenic mountain landscape.

The park is a vast expanse of savannah stretching from Mtito Andei along the Mombasa-Nairobi road and south to the Tanzanian border. The north-eastern boundary along the highway adjoins Tsavo East National Park; but Tsavo West has a more varied topography and a more diverse array of habitats than its neighbour.

Contact person: Senior Warden /

The park’s habitats include open plains alternating with savannah bush and semi-desert scrub and acacia woodlands; rocky ridges and outcrops; more extensive ranges and isolated hills; belts of riverine vegetation; palm thickets; and, on the Chyulu Hills, mountain forest.

Park fees (residents and nonresidents): Go to www.kws.go.ke

There are numerous rocky outcrops and ridges. Part of the park, towards the Chyulu Hills, is of recent volcanic origin, with lava flows and ash cones including the Shetani lava flow, an example of a recent volcano.

In the far south-west corner, on the Kenya Tanzania border, is Lake Jipe, part of which is in the park. This attractive lake is fed by run-off from Mount Kilimanjaro and the North Pare Mountains.

At Mzima Springs, in the north of the park, water that has filtered underground from the Chyulu Hills gushes from below a lava ridge into a series of clear pools.

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Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Tourism Officer

Location: South-east Kenya, inland from Mombasa

Distance from Nairobi: 240 km Size: 9,065 sq km

Climate: Temperature ranges from 20 to 30°C and rainfall between 200 and 700 mm. Two rain seasons: long rains in March and April and short rains in November and December.

Major attractions: Recent

volcanoes, lava flows and caves with potential for geological and cave exploration and hiking; Mzima Springs and underwater hippo and fish watching; Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary; Lake Jipe; Mount Kilimanjaro; elephant; diverse bird and plant species.

Wildlife: Leopard, cheetah, wild

dog, buffalo, rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, plains game, crocodile,

mongoose, hyrax, dik-dik, lesser kudu and porcupine. Prolific birdlife with 600 recorded species.

Access: Roads: Main access routes are through Chyulu Gate from Amboseli and Mtito Andei Gate from Nairobi (240 km) and Mombasa. Visitors from Mombasa also use Tsavo Gate near Manyani. The park can also be reached via the Taveta-Voi road through Maktau, Ziwani and Jipe gates. Air: Airstrips in good condition at Kamboyo, Kilaguni, Tsavo Gate, Jipe, Kasigau, Finch Hattons, Ziwani and Maktau.

Accommodation Lodges: Ngulia Lodge, Kilaguni Serena Lodge. Severin Safari Camp/ Lodge, Finch Hattons. KWS selfcatering accommodation: Kamboyo Guest House.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Boat excursion at Lake

Jipe; birdwatching at Lake Jipe; annual bird ringing at Ngulia lodge; hill and rock climbing at Chaimu and Ngulia Hills.

Kakamega National Reserve

Western Region

Canopy of natural beauty Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Contact person: Senior Warden/

Tourism Officer

Location: Kakamega District, Western Province

Distance from Nairobi: 418 km

(15 km from Kakamega town on the Kakamega-Eldoret highway)

Size: 240 sq km Park fees (residents and non-residents): For more infor-

mation go to www.kws.go.ke

Climate: Annual rainfall is over 2,000 mm. Most of this rain falls between April and November with a short dry season from December to March. Rain falls mostly in the afternoon or early evening and is often accompanied by heavy thunderstorms. Average temperatures of 15 to 28°C. Major attractions: Over 300 bird species, bird and butterfly watching, over 350 varieties of trees, 27 species of snakes, over 400 species of butterflies, game watching. Forest holds mostly indigenous vegetation.

Kakamega Forest was established to protect the only mid-altitude tropical rainforest in Kenya, a remnant and eastern limit of the rainforests of Zaire and West Africa. This forest is unique in Kenya because it contains many species not found elsewhere.

Wildlife: Attractions include the

majestic black and white colobus monkey, flying squirrels, blue monkey and potto, the world’s slowest mammal. Forest buck, duiker and dik-dik are found in this equatorial rain forest, the endangered Turner’s eremomela, Chapin’s flycatcher and the African grey parrot. The forest is also home to the endangered De Brazza’s monkey, found in the isolated Kisere Forest Reserve, part of the larger Kakamega National Reserve.

Access: Road: 15 km from

Kakamega town on the KakamegaEldoret highway. Access is via the Buyangu gate, 600 metres off the main road. With public transport, visitors can alight at Kambiri junction. Local community cyclists, popularly known as boda-boda, offer transport from the junction to the park. If visiting in personal transport, look out for a signpost after 15 km from Kakamega town on the highway.

Accommodation: The forest reserve offers a serene atmosphere for both campers and there is good

banda accommodation for visitors. Kenya Wildlife Service self-service accommodation: Udo Bandas

Best time to visit: April to

July in the rainy seasons

Activities: Game viewing,

bird and butterfly watching, camping, self-guided nature walks, night walks, picnicking.

Mount Elgon National Park Untamed wilderness, secluded splendour Contact details: www.kws.go.ke

Contact person: Senior Warden/ Tourism Officer

Location: On the western border

of Kenya with Uganda, in the TransNzoia District of Rift Valley Province.

Distance from Nairobi: 420 km Size: 196 sq km Park fees (residents and non-residents): For more infor-

mation go to www.kws.go.ke

Climate: The climate is moist to moderate dry. Annual rainfall is over 1,270 mm.

Attractions: Together with the

fauna and flora, the park contains a variety of breathtaking scenery, with cliffs, caves, waterfalls, gorges, mesas, calderas and hot springs as well as the mountain peaks.

Wildlife: Elephant, leopard, giant

forest hog, bushbuck, buffalo, duiker, black and white colobus, blue monkey and golden cat, among

others. Birds: 340 bird species including the African crowned eagle, Ross’s turaco and red-fronted parrot.

Access: Road: Access is via tarmac road to Kitale and then to the Chorlim Gate. There are two routes to the gate: either via Endebess or take the tarmac road 11 km past Kitale and turn left onto a murram road leading to the gate.

Accommodation: Lodges: Mount Elgon Lodge, 0.5 km outside the park gate. Kenya Wildlife Service self-catering accommodation: Kapkuro Bandas.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Vehicle circuits leading to animal viewing areas, the caves and Koitobos peak; self-guided walking trails (ask for Kitum Cave guide book at gate); hiking to Endebess Bluff and Koitobos Peak; primate and birdwatching; cave explorations; camping; photography.

The forest lies in the Lake Victoria catchment, about 50 km north of Kisumu and just west of the Nandi Escarpment, on the edge of the central highlands. It was declared a trust forest in 1933.

Two small nature reserves, Yala and lsecheno, were established within the forest in 1967.

In 1985 nearly 4,400 hectares of the northern portion of the forest, together with the adjacent Kisere Forest, were gazetted as Kakamega Forest National Reserve. The forest is a water catchment area, with the lsiukhu and Yala rivers flowing through it. The terrain is undulating, with often steep-sided river valleys.

Mount Elgon is Kenya’s second highest mountain. It lies 140 km northeast of Lake Victoria and is bisected by the Kenya-Uganda border. It is an ancient eroded volcano with a huge caldera and, on its summit, the spectacular flat-topped basalt column known as Koitobos. Another unique feature of the mountain is the lava tube caves, some over 60 metres wide and frequented by elephants and other animals digging for salt. The mountain soils are red laterite. Mount Elgon is an important water catchment for the Nzoia River, which flows into Lake Victoria, and for the Turkwel River, which flows into Lake Turkana.

Mount Elgon National Park was established in 1968 and covers a narrow transect up the north-eastern slopes of the mountain, from lower montane forest to the caldera edge. The remaining forest and moorland is part of the Mount Elgon Forest Reserve. The Ugandan side of the mountain is protected within Uganda’s Mount Elgon National Park.

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Western Region

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary A lakeshore walk with the impalas

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is the place to be for those who want to walk amid the impalas and zebras.

Contact details: www.kws.go.ke

Climate: Hot and humid

The sanctuary is a holding area for animals that require special protection in this densely populated area. It focuses on a small herd of impalas, while the animal orphanage contains caged lion, leopard, cheetah, baboon, hyena, jackal, bush duiker, bush buck and buffalo. Zebras and monitor lizards also roam freely in the facility.

Tourism Officer

Contact person: Senior Warden/

Major attractions: Lake-shore picnic sites, serene and peaceful environment, the Lunatic Line railway to Dunga, nature trails and the forest environment, offering peace and tranquillity away from the city.

The sanctuary is a shady and peaceful place with an abundance of birdlife and picnic areas beside the lake providing an ideal refuge away from the busy town centre of Kisumu.

Location: Kisumu District, Nyanza Province

Distance from Nairobi: 358 km Size: Less than 1 sq km Park fees (residents and nonresidents): For more information

go to www.kws.go.ke

Wildlife: Animals: Impala, leopard, hyena, jackal, ostrich and vervet monkey.

Birds: Over 115 species recorded

Access: Roads: Kisumu is 355 km north of Nairobi. The sanctuary is 3 km from Kisumu near Hippo Point.

Air: Flight from Nairobi takes about one hour. There are regular flights.

Water: Kisumu is linked by ferry with Kendu Bay, Homa Bay and Mbita.

Accommodation: No accommodation in the reserve. Visitors can find places to stay in Kisumu.

Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Camping, walking, birdwatching

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Ndere Island National Park

Western Region

Island of serenit y and beauty Contact details: www.kws.go.ke

Climate: Hot and humid

Contact person: Senior Warden/

Attractions: Ndere Island; game viewing; African fish eagles; hippopotamus; Nile crocodiles; impalas.

Tourism Officer

Location: Kisumu District of Nyanza Province

Distance from Nairobi: 432 km Size: 4.2 sq km Park fees (residents and non-residents): For information

go to www.kws.go.ke

Access: The park can be accessed by road or by boat from Kisumu.

Air: Kisumu Airport is 60 km away.

Accommodation: Kenya Wild-

life Service: Two campsites

Ndere Island, located just off the northern shore of Lake Victoria, is an established park, opened in November 1986. Ndere means ‘meeting place’ in the language of the local Luo tribe. According to Luo folklore, Kit Mikayi, mother of the tribe, rested up near Ndere after her long journey south down the Nile valley.

She found the lush shorelines so pleasing that she and her people decided to stay.

Best time to visit:

All year round

Activities: Walk-

ing, game viewing, birdwatching, sport fishing and boat trips.

Ruma National Park Dramatic valley of the roan antelope and oribi Contact details: www.kws.go.ke Location: In Lambwe Valley

in South Nyanza, 140 km from Kisumu, 10 km east of Lake Victoria and 425 km west of Nairobi.

Size: 120 sq km Climate: Hot and humid. Mean annual rainfall is 1,200 to 1,600 mm Major attractions: Roan ante-

lope, found nowhere else in Kenya.

Wildlife: Roan antelope, leopard, buffalo, hyena, Rothschild giraffe, oribi, Jackson and lelwel hartebeest, impala, bohor reedbuck, serval cat, topi, baboon, vervet monkey, honey badger, bush pig and many more.

For birdwatchers, the park is an IBA area with over 400 species including a rare intra-African migrant, the blue swallow.

Access: Main access is from Kisumu via Homa Bay. The main Nyatoto Gate is 42 km from Homa

Bay. Take main tarmac road in the direction of Rongo. Branch off to Migori and follow signs to the park. One can also access the park from Kisumu by ferry from Lwanda K’otieno to Mbita and then a 20 km drive to Nyatoto Gate. The park’s three main circuit roads are drivable all year round. Four-wheel drive is necessary in the rainy seasons.

Accommodation: Campsites: Nyati and Fig Tree. Picnic sites: Korlang’o and Twiga. KWS selfcatering accommodation: Oribi self-catering guesthouse

Ruma National Park is the only terrestrial park in Nyanza Province. It was established as the Lambwe Valley Game Reserve in 1966 to protect its indigenous population of rare roan antelopes.

In 1983 it became Ruma National Park.

The park is largely black cotton soil. The surrounding area is settled with a mix of small-scale cultivation and grassy pastureland.

A classic East African landscape of rolling golden savannah dotted with picturesque acacia trees backed by dramatic hills and a magnificent escarpment, plus a mosaic of riverine woodland and balanties trees.

Activities:

Game viewing, birdwatching, picnicking, camping, team building, meditation, sightseeing.

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Western Region

Saiwa Swamp National Park

Saiwa is the smallest park in Kenya, only 3 sq km. It was established to protect the semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope and encloses the swamp fed by the Saiwa river together with its fringing belts of rain forest. The park is enclosed by subsistence farming settlements.

Vegetation is a mixture of forest and swamp vegetation. The swamp is dominated by tall bulrushes and sedges. The swamp is bordered by a mixture of grassland, riverine forests and acacia.

Sanctuary of the Sitatunga antelope Enchanted underwater realm

Contact details:

ratel (or honey badger). Birds: Over 372 species including such rarities as Ross’s turaco and blue-headed coucal.

Contact person: Senior Warden

Access: Road: The park lies 27 km north of Kitale on the KitaleLodwar tarmac road. Approaching Kitale from the direction of Eldoret or Bungoma, turn right at Kitale Museum and follow the road into a left-hand bend. After 0.5 km turn right and follow signs for Kapenguria and Lodwar. After 1.5 km turn left onto the A1 Lodwar Road and proceed for 18 km to Kipsaina where there is a sign to Saiwa Swamp NP. Turn right at the sign and follow the murram road for 6.5 km to the Saiwa Gate.

PO Box 4506, Kitale Email: kwsssnp@africaonline.co.ke www.kws.go.ke

Location: Trans Nzoia District, Rift Valley Province

Distance from Nairobi: 385 km Size: 2.9 sq km Park fees: Go to www. kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climate: The Park has a typical African wetland climate, ranging from warm to cool humid to semi-arid.

Major attractions:

Sitatunga aquatic antelope; game viewing; bird watching; trail walking

Wildlife: Sitatunga,

monkeys, otter, genet, serval, mongoose, bushbuck and

View Online

Accommodation: Sirikwa Guesthouse and Campsite. Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Catering Accommodation: Tree Top House Best time to visit: All year round Activities: Game viewing, bird watching, camping, picnicking, nature walks

KENYA TRAVEL GUIDE & MANUAL I ON SMARTPHONE, TABLET AND DESKTOP

www.landmarine.org/kenya-travel-guide

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