Highlights & Attractions

For sheer weight of numbers and species of animals and birdlife, the East African wildlife reserves of Kenya and Tanzania are arguably the world's best and most rewarding. The open grasslands offer excellent game-spotting opportunities and the phenomena of the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra through both countries and across the Mara River is one of the world's most remarkable sights.

Highlights

Masai Mara Game Reserve

Undoubtedly the most famous game park in Kenya, the Masai Mara is home to the "Big Five". Around July each year the Great Migration occurs when millions of wildebeest travel north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture. Followed by predators, the migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide.

Amboseli National Park

Situated below the most famous symbol of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, lies Amboseli National Park, covered by savannah and acacia scrub where the animals stand in silhouette against the majestic mountain. Towards the centre of the park are a series of swamps, fed by underground rivers running off the mountain and it is here where the Main Concentration Of Wildlife Occurs.

Samburu Game Reserve

Rugged and remote, this wildlife reserve lies within the fascinating semi-desert area of Kenya's Northern Frontier District. The Samburu Game Reserve is physically dramatic with the Ewaso Nyiro river as a winding centre piece. On either side of the river, a gallery of forest acacia acts as host to a multitude of birdlife with some of Kenya's rarer species.

Attractions

Nairobi

Nairobi, originally little more than a watering hole for Masai tribes, became a substantial town by 1900 due to the building of the Mombasa to Uganda railway. In 1905 it succeeded Mombasa as the capital of the British protectorate. Today it is the largest city between Cairo and Johannesburg. Nairobi is a cosmopolitan, lively and interesting city, however, security can be a concern especially at night - please take all sensible precautions.

Nairobi has crowded market and trading areas. For sightseeing, the National Museum, Snake Museum and National Archives are all interesting. Just outside the metropolis is the country's most accessible natural wonder, Nairobi National Park.

Migration

The biggest annual event in Kenya is the migration, where huge herds of wildebeest head from Tanzania's Serengeti National park into Kenya's Masai Mara in search of greener pastures. Entering Kenya in late July/August each year, more than 2 million of these animals migrate across the Mara River into Kenya accompanied by zebras, antelopes, gazelles and lions. In October/November the animals return to the short grass plains. The highlight of the migration is watching the animals crossing the Mara River in Kenya.

Masai Mara National Reserve

When it comes to game-viewing, there is nowhere in Africa richer in wildlife or more eventful in encounters than the Mara. A pristine wilderness of haunting beauty, it promises its visitors a profusion of wildlife, prolific bird life and the unprecedented opportunity of catching up with all the members of the 'Big Five' in one morning. As to scenery, the 1,800 sq kilometres of this veteran reserve offer the classic mix of African imagery; golden grasslands, lilac-misted hills, meandering river, acres of thorn-bush and undulating wilderness.

The Masai People

As its name would suggest the Masai Mara is the home of the fabled Masai people. Often strikingly tall and slender, swathed in brilliant red cloth 'Shukas', strung with beads and metal jewellery, the young men (Moran) favour long, plaited, ochre-daubed hairstyles and have a formidable reputation for glamour, prowess and ferocity. Traditionally the Masai live off the milk and blood of their beloved cattle and believe that all the world's cattle are theirs by God-given right. Their nomadic and pastoral lifestyle, though historically based on the pursuit of the migratory wildlife, is slowly changing.

Amboseli National Park

The Park lies below the most famous symbol of Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro 5,895m (19,340 ft) the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free standing mountain in the world. The surrounding area is flat, covered by savannah and acacia scrub and the animals stand in silhouette against this towering majestic giant, its snow-clad peak floating in the stark blue African sky. This park is especially well known for its large herds of elephants and its birdlife. Other game frequently seen include buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, Masai giraffe, lion and cheetah.

Tsavo East/West National Parks

The vast plains of Tsavo are crossed by the main Nairobi-Mombasa railroad. This historic railway was, in 1899, the scene of one of Africa's greatest Adventure stories. Two large lions actively preyed on the railway workers as they built a bridge over the Tsavo River, claiming over 120 victims. They evaded hunters for well over a year, and the legend of the "Man-eaters of Tsavo" was born.

Also not to be missed is the volcanic Mzima springs. These natural springs produce 50 million gallons of fresh sparkling water daily. These waters are alive with shoals of barbell and Hippopotamus and waterfowl. A unique underwater observatory has been built that gives you an incredible view of this crystal clear underwater world, where massive hippos glide silently through swirling shoals of barbell.

Both Tsavo East and West are ideal for those who enjoy solitude and a chance to explore wilderness without encountering other people. Lodges and camps tend to be remote and accessible by long drives or air transfer. Of the two Parks, Tsavo East is the more remote and less visited. The relative proximity of Tsavo East to the coast makes it an ideal safari destination for those staying on the coast, or wishing to combine a safari and beach holiday. Many coast based visitors combine a safari to Tsavo with visits to the Shimba Hills and Taita game sanctuaries, Amboseli National Park, or Chyulu Hills.

Samburu National Park

Rugged and remote, these wildlife reserves lie within the fascinating semi-desert area of Kenya's Northern Frontier District. The Samburu National Reserve - a lava plain with steep-sided gullies and rounded hills - is physically dramatic with the great Ololokwe table mountain in the background. The central feature of the reserve is the winding and looping Ewaso Nyiro River. On either side of the river, a green ribbon presents a gallery of forest acacia, doum palm and Tamarind, which act as host to a multitude of birdlife. Some of Kenya's rarer species like the long-necked gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa Oryx and blue-shanked Somali ostrich can be seen here.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Situated between Lakes Naivasha and Baringo, beneath the high cliffs of the Eastern Rift, lies Lake Nakuru. This is a shallow soda lake surrounded by yellow-barked acacia woodland and grasslands, rocky cliffs and hillsides covered with the unusual giant Euphorbia trees. Lake Nakuru is world famous as the home of myriad flocks of greater and lesser flamingos which frequently form a stunning pink ribbon along the edges of the lake. Over 400 species of birdlife have been recorded at the lake, making this yet another of Kenya's major ornithological sites. In addition to the birdlife, the park is home to herds of buffalo, waterbuck, impala, Rothschild giraffe, and leopard. A defined area of the park has now been designated a rhino sanctuary making this the best park in Kenya for seeing Rhino.

Mombasa

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

The true heart of Mombasa is found in the exotic old town, among the narrow winding streets and Arab architecture. The air here is always heavy with the scent of spices. Women wearing the traditional bui bui fill the narrow streets and busy markets. At the dhow docks fresh fish and goods from all along the coast arrive daily. The streets are alive with the bright colours of the traditional coastal khanga and kikoy, the all-purpose wrap around cloth worn by both men and women.

At the waters edge is Fort Jesus, an imposing fort that stands watch over the harbour. The high gun turrets, battlements and underground passages of this 16th Century Fort were the centre of a historic struggle for control of the Kenya coast between the Portuguese army and the Shirazi Arabs. This war was waged around Mombasa over hundreds of years and countless battles, and the Fort stands as a testament to this tumultuous past. Modern Mombasa is a city of great diversity and life. This is a town were all are welcomed and quickly absorbed into this great coastal melting pot.

Mosques, Hindu Temples and Christian churches surround streets that thrive with a world of cultures. Mombasa is a place where both history and progress are greatly valued, where a busy harbour existence is lived at its own unique, tropical pace.

Recommended Reading

• The Africans-  David Lamb
• The White Nile-  Alan Moorehead
• The Remarkable Expedition-  Olivia Manning
• The White Tribe of Africa-  David Harrison
• Out of Africa-  Karen Blixen
• The Flame Trees of Thika-  Elspeth Huxley