Kenya

Travel Guide & Manual

 

Contents
2 KATO Foreword
5 A unique and unforgettable experience
7 Welcome to magical Kenya – where the sun never sets on adventure
8 Kenya: Cradle of mankind
 Cultural variety is the spice of Kenyan life
3 A land of sports lovers with plenty of challenges for visitors
5 A year-round climate made for golf
7 Go on – treat yourself to a spot of perfect wellness
8 There's no better place for taking the plunge
20 Kenyan capital's 'secret' treasure-house of tourist attractions
22 There's only one way to rove the land in style
28 Park index & route planner
29 Central Kenya Region: High hill country is paradise for daredevils
30 Coastline Region: An ocean of opportunities for sport and leisure
3 Eastern Region: A 'must' for wildlife and wilderness lovers
32 North Rift Region: A rugged landscape full of natural wonders
33 South Rift Region: Ideal destination for your first safari experience
34 Southern Region: Kenya's largest game park offers top quality
camps and lodges
35 Western Kenya Region: Going off-trail in search of undiscovered secrets
36 A-Z of parks and reserves

Kenya Travel Guide & Manual

This Kenya Travel Guide & Manual Supported by:
is published by:

land&MARINE
Land & Marine Publications Ltd
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KATO – Kenya Association of Kenya Wildlife Service Kenya Tourist Board
E-mail: [email protected]
www.landmarine.com Tour Operators
PO Box 40241-00100 PO Box 30630-00100
East & Southern Africa office: Longonot Road Nairobi, Kenya Nairobi, Kenya
Muthaiga Road, Nairobi (Off Kilimanjaro Ave) Tel: +254 (0)20 600 800 Tel: +254 (0)20 271 1262
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E-mail: [email protected] PO Box 48461-00100 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
Nairobi, Kenya www.kws.go.ke www.magicalkenya.com
The opinions expressed in this pub-
lication are not necessarily those of Tel: +254 (0)20 271 3348/
the editor nor of any other organisa- 271 3386/272 2401/
tion associated with this publication. 271 2401
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© 2008 Land & Marine Publications Ltd www.katokenya.org
2

KATO Foreword
It gives me great pleasure to introduce the • To give clients and individual clients alike
updated edition of the ‘Kenya Travel Guide the confidence of knowing that Kenya has a
and Manual’. This publication is designed not mechanism designed to consider the
only to complement existing publications on possible redress of any wrongs which a
Kenya, but also to serve as a technical docu- client may have suffered
ment to help both local and overseas agents
to find information quickly on the various • To uphold and improve the business
products that Kenya has to offer. standards and ethics of members by
recommending certain standards which the
As you will come to discover, Kenya is a unique Ministry of Tourism and Information might
safari destination offering an unrivalled mix of consider in determining whether to grant or
products, all within relatively close proximity renew the licence of an operator.
of each other. Where else in the world can one
land at an international airport and be inside Our members offer a wide range of services
a National Park viewing wildlife within 30 including, but not limited to, special interest
minutes? Where else can one fly from grassy safaris, incentive travel group safaris, camping
savannahs to a snow-capped mountain to safaris, safaris by air, individual safaris and
sandy beaches, all under two hours away from Indian Ocean Coast (beaches and fishing) and
each other? sporting safaris (golf, mountaineering, athlet-
ics, etc).
VISITOR EXPERIENCE
KATO works closely with other industry
To help maximise the visitor experience, we stakeholders and the local communities
have a well developed network of highly ex- to consolidate and improve the quality
perienced tour operators under the umbrella of the existing tourist product. Other
of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators efforts are geared to diversifying the
(KATO). Formed in 1978, KATO is a non-politi- tourist product and source markets,
cal private sector organisation consisting of promoting the destination and forging a
the leading and most experienced tour opera- partnership with neighbouring countries
tors in Kenya. Its main objectives are: through the spirit of East African Co-
operation.
• To provide a forum for Government-licensed
tour operators in Kenya through which to All KATO members are bound by the
address and deal with issues of relevance to rigid rules of the Code of Conduct and
their business interests we advise all intending visitors to Kenya
to arrange their holidays through a KATO
• To provide a voice for tour operators in member.
dealing with the Government in all areas
Duncan Muriuki
• To uphold the good reputation of Kenya as Chairman
a tourist destination by ensuring that its tour Kenya Association of Tour Operators
operators maintain the highest standards of
service and value
 5

A unique and
unforgettable
experience
Kenya Wildlife Service is a state corpora-
tion that conserves and manages wildlife and
habitats throughout the country. It oversees
the management of 27 terrestrial and marine
parks, 34 terrestrial and marine reserves
together with four sanctuaries.

Wildlife tourism is a key feature of the KWS

parks and reserves. Some of the activities
include spectacular game drives, photography
and filming. We also offer visitors memora-
ble eco-tourism experiences through diverse
activities like hiking, mountaineering, walking
safaris, and fishing, cycling in selected parks
alongside camping and picnicking.

KWS also offers self-catering accommodation

facilities in selected parks as well as exclusive
and pristine campsites.

At the coast, our marine parks and reserves

offer diverse experiences like snorkelling, dol-
phin watching, and water sports together with
glass-bottomed boat rides that allow visitors to
view amazing corals.

KWS is developing diverse tourism activities

including horseback safaris, exclusive tree
house lodges, night game-drives and boating.
World-class lodges and other facilities are
being developed in wilderness parks.

SUSTAINABLE
We offer a quality and secure experience, sus-
tainable wildlife populations, and professional
service in an ecologically sustainable and
friendly environment.

Be sure to visit our world-class parks and

reserves for a unique and unforgettable experi-
ence. We strive to make you happy.

Julius Kipng’etich
Director
Kenya Wildlife Service
 7

Welcome to magical Kenya

- where the sun never sets
on adventure
JAMBO NA KARIBU! These are the first words north from the Serengeti in search of the lush
visitors hear everywhere they go. They mean grass and water they need to survive. There
‘hello and welcome’ and are never more they graze until about October, at which point
warmly meant than in the country that is the the entire herbivore circus turns around and
original home of the safari and the ultimate heads south again. The world’s most spectacu-
destination for a world-class holiday. lar wildlife is to be found in Kenya.

Sitting astride the equator, halfway down Africa’s After the wonders of a wildlife safari,
eastern coast, Kenya is the most accessible Kenya’s beaches offer the ultimate in re-
country in the region. With 91 international laxation. With 480 kilometres of beach-
flights arriving in and departing from Nairobi es – 50 per cent of them sheltered by
every week, visitors can be enjoying dinner and unspoilt coral reef – Kenya is the ideal
observing elephants and other wildlife within a destination for adventure and sports
few hours of leaving the office. tourism. Professional diving companies
are at hand to show the visitor a verita-
Kenya offers a world of attractions and oppor- ble paradise beneath the waves.
tunities for the discerning visitor – more than
any other destination in the world. Visitors can Kenya’s wild assets are accompanied
expect to find stunning landscapes, a diversity by the warmest of human welcomes.
of culture and myths, sandy beaches, a range Visitors can experience the vibrancy of
of adventure sport activities, opportunities for Kenya’s 42 cultures and become part
bird watching and, above all, the chance to of an extended national family, sharing
observe rare wildlife. ancient musical traditions and tasting
the kind of hospitality that only Kenya can
Kenya’s cosmopolitan capital, Nairobi, is the offer. Home stays can also be arranged.
only city in the world with a national park
attached to it. The city’s famous hotels and res- In the Northern Laikipia area, ranches covering
taurants offer the perfect start to a memorable hundreds of thousands of acres offer private
vacation. Visitors can try their skill on some of game viewing with eco-friendly private com-
the world’s finest golf courses or experience the munity lodges catering for only a couple of
thrill of a racecourse where the horses may be customers – a ‘must’ experience for any visitor.
joined by ostriches, camels or even rally cars.
Wherever you go in Kenya, you are delivered
But it is on the plains, beneath the majestic right to the heart of action. Welcome to magical
snow-capped mountains, that you will find Kenya, where the sun never sets on excitement!
Kenya’s most memorable entertainment: the
great annual migration of the wildebeest. Dr Ongong’a Achieng
From July to October each year about 2 million Managing Director,
wildebeest, accompanied by half a million ze- Kenya Tourist Board
bras and thousands of gazelles, move steadily
8

Kenya: cradle
of mankind
In his seminal work, ‘On the Origin of Spe- From 1961-64 the Leakeys and their
cies’, published in 1859, Charles Darwin son Jonathan unearthed fossils of
expressed his belief that man and the higher Homo Habilis, ‘handy man’, the oldest
apes were in some way related and possibly known primate with human charac-
had a common ancestor. teristics. And in 1967 they discovered
Kenyapithecus Africanus. The Leakeys
Unfortunately, Darwin was unable to prove this claimed that Homo Habilis had walked
theory during his lifetime. Nevertheless, the upright.
general thrust of his research was in this direc-
tion and, after his death, others tried to prove In the late 1970s Mary Leakey found a
his theory. In the 150 or so years since Darwin trail of ancient hominid footprints of
published his findings, it is the discoveries and two adults and a child, about 3.5 mil-
research in Kenya’s Rift Valley that have finally lion years old, impressed and preserved
allowed his theory to be proved beyond reason- in volcanic ash from a site in Tanzania
able doubt. For this reason, Kenya can rightly called Laetoli. They belonged to a new
claim to be the ‘Cradle of Mankind’. hominid species, best represented by
the 3.2 million-year-old Lucy skeleton
Of course, discoveries of early man’s pres- found at Hadar, Ethiopia, by Donald Johanson.
ence are not confined to Kenya. Examples of
archaeological finds have also been located In 1969 son Richard, director of the National
elsewhere in East Africa. These finds are Museum of Kenya, reported the discovery of a
in some way related. But it is through the 1.8 million-year-old modern human skull from
painstaking research work undertaken around Koobi Fora. Three years later he discovered the
Lake Turkana, in the far north of Kenya, that skull of 1.6 million-year-old Homo Erectus and
some of the best examples of mankind’s early in 1984 he and others discovered an almost
existence – some dating back 2.5 million years complete Homo Erectus skeleton. While much
– have been found and examined. remains undiscovered, it is the pioneering work
of the Leakeys that has established the link
But early man’s links with Kenya go further between early and contemporary man.
back into ancient history. Recent finds around
Lake Turkana indicate that hominids such as STONE AGE
Australopithecus Anamensis lived in the area
as early as 4.1 million years ago. More recent Evidence suggests that Homo Sapiens finally
discoveries in the Tugen Hills indicate evidence mastered stone-making techniques and the
of hominids dating back 6 million years. use of fire around 10,000 BC. Early humans
developed a basic language and began to or-
Research suggests that, while mankind has ganise communities around hunting and gath-
only one ancestor, there may have been as ering. These hunter-gatherers dug for roots
many as three species of hominid living in Ken- and ate berries, harvested nuts, shoots, eggs,
ya. But just one of the three actually evolved insects and fruits and hunted live animals.
into Homo Sapiens, in the Rift Valley, and it
was here that man first walked on two legs. As civilisation evolved, Kenya became a prime
migratory route for groups in search of fertile
DISCOVERIES land for food production and grazing. As far
back as 2000 BC, evidence indicates that early
At the centre of these discoveries were the Brit- tribal groups began experimenting with agri-
ish and Kenyan husband-and-wife team Mary culture and rearing cattle. Kenya’s highlands
and Louis Leakey, who began their meticulous and Rift Valley regions are especially rich in
work in the Rift Valley in the 1930s. Mary and this early history of human evolution.
Louis, their son Richard and, in turn, his daugh-
ter Louise have spent three generations study- The first migrants to arrive were pastoral
ing man’s earliest existence. nomads from Ethiopia who moved south to
Kenya in search of fertile land to graze their
Their first major find was the jaw of a pre-hu- flocks. In fact, by 100 AD there may have been
man creature called Proconsul. It was not until 1,400 pastoral communities living in Kenya’s
the 1950s that their work really started to make Rift Valley. As people migrated throughout the
headway when they discovered the fossils of the valley during this period, they exchanged and
early primates Australopithecus Boisei. Carbon developed cultures that can still be identified
dating has since shown that this particular in Kenya’s tribes today.
humanoid was 1.75 million years old.
 

Cultural variety is the

spice of Kenyan life
Kenya is a diverse nation made up of 42 eth- Kenya is not only a nation of communities but
nic communities. also one with a variety of religious affiliations.
The predominant religion is Christianity, whose
The largest of these is the Kikuyu, who come adherents make up about two-thirds of the
from the central highlands and account for population. In addition, between 20 and 30 per
more than 20 per cent of the total population. cent are Muslim. This figure is much higher at
the coast. Kenya also has significant numbers
Other main tribes are the Luo (from close to of Hindus and Sikhs among its Asian
Lake Victoria), the Kamba (from Eastern Prov- community. In addition, many Kenyans
ince), the Kalenjin (pastoralists from the Rift – especially those in rural areas – still
Valley) and the Luhya (from Western Province). hold traditional African beliefs.

Amid this complex patchwork of peoples,

© Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps

Traditionally, each community has its own
culture and language or dialect but in modern it is sometimes hard to define Kenyan
times many of these outward differences have culture, although there are similarities
disappeared as more and more people have that bind everyone together. Kenyans are
become urbanised or have migrated to Nairobi passionate in their support of national
or Mombasa. teams – at football, rugby, volleyball and
even cricket – and are justly proud of the
STRONG AFFINITY nation’s achievements on the athletics
track over the past 40 years.
Nevertheless, each Kenyan – nominally at least
– retains a strong affinity with his or her tribe; In any case, Kenya’s ethnic make-up only
although this is less apparent among the more adds to its richness and makes any visit to the
sophisticated and well educated. country all the more fascinating. It also ensures
a wide variety of arts and handicrafts that are
Some tribes, notably the Maasai and Samburu, peculiar to certain geographical areas or which
have been less willing to become urbanised have a defined tribal root. Today, however, most
and to leave their homelands and traditional arts and crafts are geared to the tourist market.
way of life and have remained pastoralists or
even nomads. Popular items include sisal baskets, bracelets
made of imitation elephant hair, Maasai and
Each community has interacted with others Samburu beads, musical instruments such as
through East Africa’s lingua franca, Swahili, drums, gold and silver jewellery, soapstone
and over the past 100 years or so English has sculptures, wood carvings and tribal masks as
also been spoken. Today, it is not uncommon well as paintings, prints and sculptures. Popu-
for Kenyans to speak three languages fluently lar items of clothing include kangas – wrapa-
– not only Swahili and English but also their round skirts for women – and highly coloured
tribal language. Many others can speak a kikoys – a type of sarong that is ostensibly for
fourth or even fifth local language. men but seems to be worn by both sexes.
 3

A land of sports lovers with

plenty of challenges for visitors
Kenyans love sport – hence the familiar sight Most visitors are probably
of football being played in the evenings on the unaware of the fluctuating
edge of every village in the land. fortunes of Kenya’s national
teams, but are certainly im-
Yet, in terms of international sporting prow- pressed by its success on the
ess, it is in athletics that Kenya excels – espe- athletics track.
cially running events at distances between 800
metres and the marathon. For tourists, however, the
real point of interest is those
In both men’s and women’s events, Kenya sports and activities in which
probably leads the world at these distances. In they can actually be involved.
particular, Kenya has a grip on the 3,000 metre
steeplechase, in which the nation has repeatedly Climbing/trekking and golf are
made a clean sweep of medals at the Olympic probably the two most popular
Games and IAAF World Championships. sports for visitors. For climb-
ers, Mount Kenya – at 5,199
By contrast, the nation’s rugby, football, vol- metres the second-highest peak
leyball and cricket teams have enjoyed mixed in Africa – is the big challenge
fortunes in recent years. and main attraction. Mount
Kenya is 200 km from Nairobi,
PASSIONATE so it is easy to reach. A number
of specialist companies can
Kenyans are especially passionate – and highly arrange climbing trips as well as trekking in the
knowledgeable – about football, not only about foothills of Mount Kenya and the high moorland
the latest events and scores in the domestic of nearby Aberdare National Park.
league but only in regard to what’s happening
in the UK’s Premiership or similar top-level For golf enthusiasts, Kenya has more than 40
leagues in Spain or Italy. courses, most of them dating from colonial
times. In and around Nairobi, which is blessed
The national cricket team, meanwhile, has with several fine courses, the climate is just
performed well in one-day internationals – even about perfect for the sport, with low humid-
reaching the semi-final of a recent World Cup. ity and temperatures that rarely exceed 27°C
Kenya is a solid performer in terms of African even in summer. There are two 18-hole courses
rugby. Its rugby ‘sevens’ team has done par- at the coast and two nine-hole courses. Two
ticularly well and the game is now established. new 18-hole courses are under construction
Rugby is growing in popularity and is now at Vipingo Ridge. The coast, of course, is also
played outside its home base of Nairobi. perfect for sailing.
 5

A year-round climate
made for golf
Kenya has more golf courses than any other in travelling to play the nation’s many fine
African country except South Africa. In fact, courses.
Kenya has more than 40 courses, although not
all of them are 18 holes. Golfing tourists are attracted by:

Apart from two 18-hole and two nine-hole • Uncrowded and mostly well maintained
courses at the coast, Kenya golf courses enjoy courses
a year-round climate that could have been
made especially for the game. • Comparatively inexpensive green fees and
associated playing costs
Golf in Kenya goes back a long way. The Royal
Nairobi, for example, has already celebrated in • A perfect climate during Europe’s winter
centenary and more are set to follow shortly in months
the next few years.
• Many excellent courses in and around Nairobi
HERITAGE at and over 1,600 metres above sea level.

Well-heeled British settlers introduced the Probably the best known course is
Royal & Ancient game to East Africa and built Muthaiga Golf Club, home of the Ken-
many parkland courses in the image of those ya Open. Founded in 1913, this course
that they had left behind at home. Golf is still is popular with locals at weekends but
a game for the affluent. Nevertheless, a new is comparatively quiet on weekdays.
generation of Kenyans are playing golf and Muthaiga has undergone a major re-
competing internationally. furbishment that has seen some holes
lengthened. Other good courses in
Yet, it is only in recent times that Kenyans the Nairobi area are the Windsor Golf
have realised what a magnificent golfing herit- Hotel & Country Club and the Royal
age that they possess and that visitors from Nairobi.
beyond Africa’s shores would be interested
6

The Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club boasts About 40 minutes out of Nairobi, on the Na-
some of Kenya’s toughest holes and is best kuru road, is the Sigona Golf Club. This course
played by those with a recognised handicap. is greatly favoured by local players and, thanks
The course also has plenty of water hazards, to its altitude, enjoys a pleasant climate and a
not to mention some blind greens, a card- rather splendid clubhouse that overlooks the
wrecking 14th and an island green on the 18th. 18th green. Its par-71, 6,015 metre course is
suitable for players of all levels and, due to
At 6,600 metres off good rainfall, its fairways are among the best
the back tees, the kept in Kenya.
Royal Nairobi is also
a testing course. Both Located a similar distance from Nairobi, the
the clubhouse and par-71, 6,020 metre Limuru Country Club is
the course have been 2,330 metres above sea level and, like Sigona,
refurbished recently. receives more rainfall than most other courses.
Its greens and fairways are particularly lush,
A short drive from even during dry periods. This course is a delight
Nairobi, but certainly to play, but at this altitude players may need a
no less interesting, sweater for early morning and evening rounds.
are courses such as
Karen, Limuru, Thika The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort over-
and Sigona. looking Lake Naivasha is about 2,150 metres
above sea level and consists of a par-72, 6,073
The 6,630 metre Karen Golf Club, in the Ngong metre course with probably the best views in
Hills, is an admirably well-maintained course Kenya. This is not the toughest course in the
with a classy connected membership, strong country, but what it lacks in difficulty it more
traditions and a pretty strict dress code. than makes up for by its sheer charm and
beauty.

COURSES
Apart from those already mentioned, there
are nine-hole and 18-hole courses dotted all
around the highland areas above Nairobi.
Some are in excellent condition, while others
probably need some improvement before it
would be worth travelling long distances to
play.

On the coast, meanwhile, visitors can expect

a tropical atmosphere in terms of climate
and playing conditions. There is a choice of
two fine courses, Leisure Golf Club and the
Nyali Golf Club, with a new course to come at
Vipingo.

Nyali Golf Club offers a traditional set-up. This

course is a fair test for any golfer, while the
clubhouse has a well earned reputation for
excellent food.

The unforgiving Leisure Golf Club at Ukunda,

on Mombasa’s south coast, has tight fair-
ways and quality greens and is in good order
thanks to new grass-cutting equipment. The
6,084 metre course is open to visitors, who
can expect a warm welcome at the convivial
clubhouse.

But whatever course or courses visitors decide to

play in Kenya, they are bound to be pleasantly
surprised by the quality of what’s on offer.
 17

Go on - treat yourself to
a spot of perfect wellness
As the frenetic pace of today’s The Maisha Spa offers a wide range of treat-
whirligig lifestyle takes its toll on ments, each of which can be specifically
body and mind, many Kenyan hotels tailored to the needs of guests. Some use the
have found the perfect antidote for Elemis range of scientific skin therapy treat-
their seemingly stressed-out clien- ments; others are handmade by Serena’s
tele – the wellness centre. therapy team using local fruits, flowers and
oils. Treatments can also be made up specially
This concept is becoming ever more for guests to take away.
exotic and self-indulgent. With de-
mand growing all the time for New Meanwhile, the Sarova Whitesands has its new
Age therapies and wholly natural Tulia Spa, offering a haven of relaxation and
treatments, many of Kenya’s health rejuvenation. The Spa offers Mombasa resi-
clubs have evolved into fully fledged dents and tourists alike the chance to wind
wellness centres. down in luxurious and peaceful surroundings.

In fact, this trend has expanded so Kalili Baharini Resort & Spa, further up the
rapidly that, nowadays, there are few coast in Malindi, has an equally impressive ar-
major coast hotels that cannot boast ray of facilities for pampering its guests – even
a newly constructed, internationally branded including its own range of Kilili cosmetics.
and dedicated spa area where guests can
retreat into a special world of tranquillity and GOODNESS
general well-being. Perhaps it is the warmth of
the sun and the open-air lifestyle of the coast On the south coast, the Leopard Beach Resort
that makes these centres so appealing. has added the words ‘& Spa’ to its title since
it opened its Uzuri Spa. Meaning ‘goodness’ in
In 2007, for example, the coast properties of Swahili, this new facility is set in no less than
two of Kenya’s biggest hotel groups, the Serena six acres of forest, creating what the hotel
and Sarova, launched new spas at Serena Hotel describes as “a sanctuary for those seeking
& Spa and Sarova Whitesands. This is not to tranquillity and the rejuvenation of mind, body
say that wellness centres have not opened and soul”.
elsewhere – in Nairobi, for instance, or among
the camps and lodges – but development has Next door, the Diani Reef Resort & Spa offers
certainly been most intense at the coast. the Maya spa, with its uncompromising ap-
proach to health, well-being and beauty.
The Serena now has its Maisha Mind, Body
& Spirit Spa, which is said to offer guests “a Further down the coast, Pinewood Village has
sanctuary of calm that draws on the beauty of its Amani Day Spa, while The Sands at Nomad
nature and the elation of evocative surround- offers its Forest Breeze centre with profes-
ings to create the perfect island of holistic sional massages and facials, pedicures and
nurturing”. manicures, exotic body scrubs and personal-
ised natural treatments along with a range of
beauty treatments.

Away from the coast, there is less emphasis

on ‘wellness’. Some Nairobi hotels have more
traditional health and fitness clubs, but many
camps and lodges are just too intimate to
warrant such facilities. In any case, with guests
busy each morning and late afternoon on
game drives, this leaves little time for out-and-
out relaxation and many wait until they reach
the coast before pampering themselves and
getting the dust out of their hair.

There are exceptions, of course. The Loisaba

Wilderness Spa at Loisaba Lodge, for example,
combines wildlife with well-being by offering its
guests sheer indulgence combined with views
of the Laikipia Plateau.
18

There's no better place

for taking the plunge
The joys of clear, unpolluted blue water and Not surprisingly, many coast properties now
a tropical climate all year round combine offer a dedicated diving school or other related
to make Kenya one of the world’s top diving facilities, mostly for those looking to dive as
destinations. part of a more general holiday. At the top end
of the market a diving school is almost obliga-
The best diving conditions are from October to tory, but even quite modest establishments
April, when the water is particularly warm and have good facilities or can arrange for guests
clear, but Kenya is pretty much a year-round to use a nearby PADI centre.
destination in this regard.
SPECIALISE
Nevertheless, sea states are not especially con-
ducive to diving from May to July, the coast’s But there are one or two hotels which could
‘winter’ period. be said to specialise in diving – perhaps when
coupled with big-game fishing – and which look
Kenya has no fewer than five marine national to diving and water sports as their main source
parks – Watamu, Mombasa, Malindi, Kisite and of clientele. This is particular true of Watamu,
Kiunga – covering a total area of 332 sq km. for example, with its easy access to the nearby
In addition to the parks, there are large-scale marine park.
marine reserves off the coast of Kenya.
In addition to residential diving, Kenya pro-
vides opportunities for visitors to experience
the pleasures of a ‘live-aboard’. This type of
diving holiday is for aficionados who want 100
per cent diving and nothing else. Where they
exist, live-aboard holidays tend to be concen-
trated in the far south of Kenya, where there
is easy access to the Pemba Channel and the
Spice Islands beyond. In contrast to the some-
times mass-market live-aboards elsewhere,
these yachts cater only for small groups.
20

Kenyan capital's 'secret' treasure-

house of tourist attractions
For many, Nairobi is either somewhere to For a start, there is Nairobi National Park,
arrive and quickly transfer to another destina- headquarters of the Kenya Wildlife Service
tion, or for a place for a brief – often reluctant (KWS) and the only game park of its kind to
– overnight stop before going home or head- be located near a capital city. Covering 117 sq
ing for the game parks. km, it is also East Africa’s oldest game park.
So you don’t even need to go far to see wildlife.
In fact, most visitors arriving at Nairobi’s Jomo And there cannot be many airports in Africa
Kenyatta International Airport then transfer im- where it’s common to see giraffe or herds of
mediately to nearby Wilson Airport for their short antelope on your drive into the city.
flight to the bush, or pick up their safari van for
the overland trip to their OPPORTUNITY
lodge or camp. And they do
exactly the same in reverse Right alongside the entrance to Nairobi Game
on their way home. Reserve is the Nairobi Education Centre - Ani-
mal Orphanage, which is not only a refuge for
This is a real pity, because young animals but also provides an opportu-
Nairobi has so much to nity for visitors, especially local schoolchildren,
offer – even though it’s to interact with some of Kenya’s best-known
fair to say that many of its wildlife.
attractions are not always
immediately apparent to Not far from Nairobi Game Reserve and on the
the fleeting visitor. same road heading out of town in the direc-
tion of the delightfully elegant suburb of Karen
Not only does Nairobi – named after Danish author Karen Blixen – are
possess some real hidden gems, but there the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant
is a host of attractions within easy striking sanctuary and The Giraffe Manor, which is also
distance of the city to delight even the most a rather splendid small hotel, surrounded by
hard-bitten and world-weary traveller. 140 acres of indigenous forest.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife club – located in the Tigoni High-
Trust is a sanctuary for orphaned lands about 20 km from the city
elephants and visitors can actu- centre. It is also possible to stay
ally watch them being fed by their overnight at the club.
keepers.
As for Nairobi itself, this is a city
These two attractions make an of wonderful restaurants serving
ideal combined visit and can be fine, locally grown food in convivial
linked to a lunch or dinner at the surroundings at affordable prices.
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden or It’s also a city with a varied and
the Karen Country Club. It’s also exciting nightlife that doesn’t just
possible to visit the Karen Blixen come awake on a Friday or Satur-
museum, located in the original day. Visitors are sure to receive a
farmhouse where the author lived warm welcome from whatever es-
from 1914 to 1931. The house tablishment they frequent – even
was presented to the Kenyan gov- those that don’t, on first inspec-
ernment at the time of independ- tion, look especially promising.
ence by the Danish government.
For shopaholics, there can be
SUBURBS no finer experience than a visit
to Village Market. This not only
On the far side of the city from contains an excellent assortment
Karen is another upmarket sub- of small shops and some larger
urb, Muthaiga, which is also home stores but is also THE place to
to Nairobi’s diplomatic corps. be seen at weekends. Visitors can
The Muthaiga Country Club, an enjoy a large cup of Kenyan cof-
integral part of Kenya’s colonial fee and a light meal in the plaza.
history, is the setting for the book Village Market is probably the
‘White Mischief’, which tells the best place to buy locally made
true-life story of the murder of handicrafts and curios and is the
Lord Errol. location for the weekly Maasai
market on Tuesdays at the Globe
Muthaiga Golf Club, dating from Cinema, Saturdays at the city’s
the early 1900s, is the home High Court Parking and on Sunday
of the Kenya Open. Nairobi has at Yaya Centre. The market is also
several other excellent golf clubs held elsewhere in Nairobi on other
as well as enjoying the perfect days of the week.
climate in which to play the game.
In short, Nairobi is a lively, excit-
For those interested in Kenya’s ing and, above all, fascinating
colonial past, there is probably no place to visit. Once you have expe-
finer example than the Kentmere rienced its hidden treasures, you
Club – the quintessential settlers’ will want to come back.
22

There's only one way to

rove the land in style

Let’s face it: there’s nothing quite like a Land hit the Kenyan market in mid 2007, replacing
Rover when it comes to that traditional safari the five-cylinder 2.5Td5 turbocharged unit. The
experience. Now there’s a new and more pow- new and more refined engine produces a beefy
erful Land Rover on its way to Kenya 360 Nm of torque – 20 per cent more than the
venerable Td5.
Land Rovers have been in Kenya since 1948.
This remarkable fact shows the longevity of Although the new engine is designed to reduce
the marque as well as the sheer suitability of carbon emissions and to comply fully with
the vehicle in a country where roads – although tough European EU4 emissions legislation,
greatly improved in recent times – still leave Kenyan buyers will be pleased to learn that
something to be desired. it has been developed to tolerate variable
quality high-sulphur fuels. Even before the
So whether it’s for wildlife conservation, game introduction of the new high-output unit, Land
park management or just trying to sell an au- Rover diesel engines were already the most
thentic safari, the classic Land Rover Defender, cost-effective in terms of fuel consumption.
with its bags of tradition and go-anywhere ca-
pability, is everyone’s idea of what an off-road SPREAD OF RATIOS
vehicle in Africa should be.
The new six-speed manual transmission fea-
Clearly, it is more expensive than a standard tures a wide spread of ratios. The lower first
safari van, but then again there is no compari- gear offers a reduction in crawl speed and
son as a Land Rover’s permanent 4x4 trans- improved pull-away to make off-road driving
mission makes it suitable for off-road driving in even easier. While the additional sixth gear
the game parks all year round. Quite simply, it may not get used every day in the game park,
is the vehicle that discerning visitors to Kenya it does provide smoother cruising performance
expect to see and ride in as part of their safari for airport pick-ups and long-distance guest
experience. transport.

What’s more, the Land Rover keeps getting bet- For safari operators, local distributor CMC
ter, even if its basic and ageless design seems Land Rover has a highly attractive zero deposit
to stay more or less the same. A new 2.4TDi finance package with payments advantageously
common-rail engine with a six-speed gearbox scheduled across 60 months.
Thanks to its long presence in the Kenyan
market, Land Rover can offer countrywide
service and certainly the best coverage in the
National Parks in terms of after-sales support.

In terms of adapting vehicles for local operation,

it is worth noting that all conversion work is
undertaken locally and Land Rovers are generally
custom-built for each operator. Refinements
can include roof hatches, cool boxes and
special seat configurations. The vehicles arrive
in Kenya from Land Rover’s UK plant at Solihull
in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) form to be
assembled at CMC’s Thika plant.

Land Rover offers safari operators two basic

variations – short and long wheelbase options
(the 110 or 130 versions) plus any number of
body configurations with open and enclosed
variants. Open vehicles are generally limited to
in-park operation, while the enclosed version
is perfect for transfers but also doubles as a
game watching platform.

TRAINING CENTRE
In Nairobi, Land Rover provides a highly valued
training centre for drivers and guides with an
emphasis on safety, respect for the environment
and responsible driving in the national parks.

Locally, and as part of the company’s commit-

ment to the preservation of Kenyan wildlife,
Land Rover is involved in two key projects:

• The Born Free Foundation (BFF), where Land

Rover has supplied two Defenders to form part
of the BFF’s anti-poaching activities as well as
those of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). A
new Land Rover Defender also helps Youth for
Conservation’s eager team of volunteers to visit
villages and inform local people about wildlife.

• Rhino Ark: Land Rover sponsors the annual off-

road Rhino Charge, a gruelling 10-hour event in-
volving more than 50 vehicles that raises money
for the Rhino Ark sanctuary in the Aberdares.
Entrants tackle seemingly impossible terrain
to complete the shortest distance between a
series of checkpoints. It’s all great fun, but with
the added feature that everyone is doing their
bit to safeguard an endangered species.

In addition to traditional safari-related products,

Land Rover sells a full range of vehicles into
the Kenya market including the Range Rover,
Range Rover Sport, Discovery 3 and Freelander
2 (which was launched in mid 2007).
 27

Directory of circuits,
national parks
and reserves

CENTRAL KENYA REGION PAGE 29

High hill country is
paradise for daredevils
COASTLINE REGION PAGE 30
An ocean of opportunities
for sport and leisure
EASTERN REGION PAGE 31
A 'must' for wildlife
and wilderness lovers
NORTH RIFT REGION PAGE 32
A rugged landscape
full of natural wonders
SOUTH RIFT REGION PAGE 33
Ideal destination for your
first safari experience
SOUTHERN REGION PAGE 34
Kenya's largest game park offers
top quality camps and lodges
WESTERN KENYA REGION PAGE 35
Going off-trail in search
of undiscovered secrets
PAGE 36

A-Z of parks and reserves

28

PARK INDEX & ROUTE PLANNER

CENTRAL KENYA REGION
1 Aberdare National Park
2 Mount Kenya National Park
3 Mount Longonot National Park

NAIROBI REGION 26

Lake Turkana
Moyale
4 Nairobi Animal Orphanage 27

5 Nairobi National Park

Lodwar
6 Nairobi Safari Walk
27
COASTLINE REGION
24

7 Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

8 Kisite Mpunguti National Park & Reserve 25 28
Wajir
9 Kiunga Marine National Reserve
10 Malindi Marine Park & Reserve MOUNT
ELGON

39
11 Mombasa Marine National Park Kitae
42

12 Shimba Hills National Reserve Eldoret 22

16

13 Tana River Primate Reserve 37 23

14 Watamu Marine Park & Reserve 15

Kisumu MOUNT
18
38 KENYA
2
EASTERN REGION 40
30
1
17

Lake Victoria 20
Garissa
15 Bisanadi National Reserve 41

29 3 19
16 Buffalo Springs & Shaba 21
17 Kora National Reserve NAIROBI 6 4
31 5
18 Meru National Park 32

19 Mwea National Reserve 13

9
20 Mwingi National Reserve
Lamu
21 Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
34 Kipini
22 Samburu National Reserve 33

Ungama Bay
35
NORTH RIFT REGION Malindi
Watamu
10
7
23 Laikipia Kilifi Tarmac Roads
14
24 Marsabit National Park Murram Earth
Roads
36
Railway Line
25 Nasolot National Reserve Mombasa 11

26 Sibiloi National Park 12

INDIAN OCEAN
27 South and Central Island National Parks 8

28 South Turkana National Reserve Pemba

Island
SOUTH RIFT REGION
29 Hell’s Gate National Park
30 Lake Nakuru National Park
31 Mara Triangle
AFRICA
32 Masai Mara National Reserve

SOUTHERN REGION Kenya

33 Amboseli National Park
34 Chyulu Hills National Park
35 Tsavo East National Park
36 Tsavo West National Park

WESTERN KENYA REGION

37 Kakamega National Forest Reserve
38 Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
39 Mount Elgon National Reserve
40 Ndere Island National Park
41 Ruma National Park
42 Saiwa Swamp National Park
 29

CENTRAL KENYA REGION

High hill country is

Lake Turkana
Moyale

paradise for daredevils

Lodwar

This
Wajir is the high hill country above Nairobi – a
land of mountain peaks, spectacular water-
falls and remote alpine moors that provide a
unique and breathtaking African landscape.
Kitae It is also an area of coffee plantations and
Eldoret small farms that make up the region’s thriving
agricultural sector.

Kisumu MOUNT
KENYA
2
There is, of course, wildlife to view. But, for the
1 visitor, this is an area in which to enjoy adrena-
lin-fuelled sports such as white-water rafting,
Garissa
mountaineering and bungee jumping and a
3 chance to participate in less strenuous activi-
ties not usually associated with Kenya, such as
NAIROBI 6 4
5 hill walking and trout fishing.

MOUNT KENYA
The jewel in Lamu the crown of the Central Kenya
CENTRAL KENYA CIRCUIT circuit Kipini
is Mount Kenya which, at 5,200 metres,
is Africa’s
Ungama Bay
second highest mountain. It is cer-
1 Aberdare National Park - Page 36 tainly a much more challenging and interesting
Malindi
2 Mount Kenya National Park - Page 51 Watamu climb than the ‘walk-up’ that is used to reach
3 Mount Longonot National Park - Page 52 the summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mount
Kilifi Tarmac Roads
Kilimanjaro. Murram Earth
Roads
NAIROBI CIRCUIT Mombasa Railway Line
Nearby is Aberdare National Park, which com-
plements Mount Kenya. The National Park is
4 Nairobi Animal Orphanage - Page 53 INDIAN OCEAN
an area of moorland offering the perfect loca-
5 Nairobi National Park - Page 54
tion for hill walking.
6 Nairobi Safari Walk - Page 55 Pemba
Island
 Lodwar
30

COASTLINE REGION

An ocean of opportunities
Wajir

MOUNT
ELGON

for sport and leisure

Kitae

Eldoret

Kisumu MOUNT
KENYA

1
The dazzling Kenyan coastline is one of
Lake Victoria
Garissa
sun-drenched beaches with soft sand, warm
turquoise waters and refreshing sea breezes.
The coast is also dotted with attractive
creeks, sleepy rivers and shady inlets.NAIROBI
This
is an ideal place for big game fishing, diving,
water sports – or just lying on the beach.
7 3

No region in Kenya is better served in terms of Lamu

hotel accommodation. From Lamu in the north
Kipini
to Chale Island in the far south, visitors will
find just about every type of hotel with a range Ungama Bay

of prices to suit all budgets. Malindi

Watamu
4
1
Lying just offshore is a series of highly pro- Kilifi
8
tected marine parks – Mombasa, Malindi,
Diani/Chale Island, Kiunga, Kisite Mpunguti Mombasa 5
and Watamu – that together stretch almost the 6
entire length of the Kenyan coastline, offering INDIAN OCEAN
a true paradise for divers. 2

Pemba
SPECIALISED Island

Inland, the Coastline Region contains a

number of small and mostly specialised parks COASTLINE REGION CIRCUIT
and reserves:
1 Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve - Page 38
• Arabuko Sokoke Forest National Park, located 2 Kisite Mpunguti National Park & Reserve - Page 42
between Malindi and Watamu, is the last major 3 Kiunga Marine National Reserve - Page 43
remnant of tropical rain forest at the coast 4 Malindi Marine Park & Reserve - Page 44
and features some rare species of birds. 5 Mombasa Marine National Park- Page 50
6 Shimba Hills National Reserve - Page 60
• Tana River Primate National Reserve, covering 7 Tana River Primate Reserve - Page 64
171 square kilometres, is home too a wide range 8 Watamu Marine Park & Reserve - Page 64
of species including the rare and endangered
mangebey and red colobus monkeys.

• Shimba Hills National Reserve, located

conveniently close to the Diani resort on the
south coast, is the only place in Kenya to view
the sable antelope. This is the only park in the
circuit where accommodation is available.
 31

EASTERN REGION

A 'must' for wildlife Lake Turkana

Moyale

and wilderness lovers Lodwar

Just a short hop from Nairobi, yet a world away

in every other respect, is the Eastern Region
circuit, which includes the Samburu National Wajir
Reserve as well as the eco friendly parks – less
visited, but now gaining in popularity.
MOUNT
ELGON

Samburu is strong on upmarket Kitae accommodation

in delightful surroundings. Along with EldoretShaba and 8
2

Buffalo Springs, it forms a more or less contigu-

ous park separated only by the Ewaso Nyiro River.
1
Together, Samburu, Shaba and Kisumu
Buffalo Springs MOUNT
4
KENYA

provide an opportunity to view five species or 6

3

sub-species that are found almost nowhere else

Lake Victoria
Garissa
in Kenya: the beisa oryx, gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra,
reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich. 5
7

NAIROBI
'BORN FREE'
Free’ fame, is set to make a comeback as one
The 870 sq km Meru National Park, once the of Kenya’s great wildlife viewing parks and is
home of Joy and George Adamson, of ‘Born being restocked by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Meru consists largely of open savannah and Lamu
EASTERN REGION CIRCUIT
forms a complex of protected areas that also Kipini

1 Bisanadi National Reserve - Page 38

include the adjacent Bisanadi and Mwingi Na-
Ungama Bay
tional Reserves, Kora National Park and Rahole
2 Buffalo Springs & Shaba - Page 39 Malindi
National Reserve. Watamu
3 Kora International Reserve - Page 43
4 Meru National Park - Page 49
Another interesting destinationKilifi
Tarmac Roads
– within easy Murram Earth
5 Mwea National Reserve - Page 52 reach of Nairobi – is Ol Donyo Sabuk, a moun- Roads
Railway Line
6 Mwingi National Reserve - Page 53 Mombasa
tain area offering magnificent views in all direc-
7 Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park - Page 57 tions. It is possible to drive to the summit. The
8 Samburu National Reserve - Page 59 Mau Mau caves are also worth a visit. INDIAN OCEAN

Pemba
Island
 32

NORTH RIFT REGION

A rugged landscape
full of natural wonders

The mostly remote and sometimes hard-to- • Close by, Kamnarok National Reserve, is
reach attractions of the North Rift circuit are perfect for bird watching and game viewing
for the adventurous and for those seeking to
explore Kenya at its most rugged. But they • South Turkana National Reserve and Nasalot
also appeal to visitors who are drawn by the are on either side of the main highway. Nasalot
area’s lakes, hot springs and bird sanctuaries. overlooks one of Kenya’s unique features, the
immensely deep crevice of Turkwell Gorge.
Parks, lakes and attractions such as Lake
Bogoria, Lake Baringo, Kamnarok, Turkana’s • The Lake Turkana National Parks – Sibiloi,
South and Central Islands, Nasolot, Sibiloi and Central Island and South Island – form a
Marsabit see only occasional visitors. But these Unesco World Heritage Site. Lake Turkana is
parks hold a particular fascination for experi- the most northerly of the Great Rift Valley lakes.
enced travellers who like to go off the beaten
track and for visitors with time on their hands. CAMEL DERBY
The appeal of each can be summed up as follows: One of the main events in this region is the an-
nual Maralal Camel Derby, the only one of its
• Lake Bogoria National Reserve is famed for its kind in Kenya. Accommodation is scarce this
natural hot springs and geysers. It is also good region. Where it does exist, it is geared to the
for bird watching and has its fair share of game independent traveller.

• The shores 4of Lake Baringo are inhabited by Laikipia, the hot new destination for wilderness
Kenya’s smallest tribe numerically, the Njemps
Lake Turkana
lovers, is fast developing into a major, but
Moyale exclusive, high density game viewing area.
5
Laikipia is also strong on bio diversity and
Lodwar
home to many threatened or endangered
species. At the same time, it is an area
5
where game viewing can be combined with
2 non-wildlife activities such as ballooning,
camel riding, fishing, hiking, horse riding and
3 6
mountain
Wajir biking.
NORTH RIFT CIRCUIT
MOUNT
ELGON

Kitae 1 Laikipia - Page 44

Eldoret 2 Marsabit National Park - Page 48
1 3 Nasolot National Reserve - Page 56
Kisumu MOUNT
4 Sibiloi National Park - Page 60
KENYA

5 South and Central Island National Parks - Page 61

ctoria
Garissa6 South Turkana National Reserve - Page 61

NAIROBI
 33

SOUTH RIFT REGION

Ideal destination for your

first safari experience
THE South Rift circuit comprises the most To the north, meanwhile, lies breathtaking Lake
varied as well as some of the best known Naivasha, the most southerly of a series of Rift
attractions in Kenya, including the famed Masai Valley lakes within Kenya and once the location
Mara National Reserve and Lake Naivasha. of a flying boat service to London. The elegance
of the lake’s flamingos
Lake Turkana is matched by the qual-
Moyale
The popular and easily accessible Lake Nakuru ity of some of the surrounding accommodation.
National Park is justly famed for its large fla-
Lodwar to Naivasha is Hell’s Gate
Located very close
mingo population and its rhino sanctuary.
National Park, a perfect place for hiking, camp-
The Masai Mara National Reserve is without ing, rock climbing and bird watching – not
doubt Kenya’s most highly regarded wildlife to mention the chance to see some unusual
experience. It is the northernmost point of the animals found only in this area.
famous migration of wildebeest across the
Wajir
Serengeti Plains that occurs each year be-
tween July and September. The Masai Mara is
the ideal first-time safari destination because MOUNT
ELGON

it has a little bit of everything, including big Kitae

cats in abundance, plenty of accommodation
Eldoret
options – both inside and outside the Reserve
– and a ‘must do’ activity in the form of sun-
rise balloon flights. Kisumu MOUNT
KENYA

SOUTH RIFT CIRCUIT Lake Victoria 2

Garissa

1 Hell’s Gate National Park - Page 41 1

2 Lake Nakuru National Park - Page 45

3 Mara Triangle - Page 47 3 NAIROBI
4
4 Masai Mara National Reserve - Page 46

Lamu
Kipini

Ungama Bay

Malindi
Watamu

Kilifi Tarmac Ro

Murram Ea
Roads
Railway Lin
Mombasa

INDIAN OCEAN

Pemba
Island
34
Lake Turkana
Moyale

SOUTHERN REGION
Lodwar

Kenya's largest game

park offers top quality Wajir

camps and lodges

MOUNT
ELGON

Kitae

Eldoret

The Southern Region circuit is dominated by

the Tsavo East and West game parks whichKisumu MOUNT
KENYA

together form Kenya’s largest game park.

Lake Victoria
Garissa
Amboseli National Park offers a well man-
aged game watching experience against the
stunning backdrop of Kilimanjaro, the high-
est mountain in Africa. Amboseli is arguably NAIROBI
one of Kenya’s best places in which to view
elephant.

Tsavo, which straddles the Mombasa to Nai- Lamu

robi road and railway, covers an area of more 1
2 Kipini
than 30,000 square metres. Much of this is a
Ungama Bay
wilderness that rarely sees visitors. 3
Malindi
Watamu
Tsavo West alone accounts for some 30 per cent
of Kenya’s total park area. It offers excellent Kilifi Tarmac Roads

Murram Earth
upmarket accommodation, both camps and 4
Roads
Railway Line
lodges, as well as some of the nation’s largest
elephant herds. There is a less plentiful supply
of accommodation in the smaller Tsavo East. INDIAN OCEAN

Much of the region is savannah, but rocky Pemba

EXCURSIONS Island
outcrops and ridges punctuate the landscape.
Being close to the Indian Ocean, Tsavo is an Palms and even mountain vegetation can be
ideal one-day or two-day excursion that is found at Chyulu Hills. With its commanding
popular with people on holiday at the coast views over the open savannah, Chyulu is a
who can fly in and out with ease. An added in- great vantage point that also provides an
centive is the good choice of accommodation. opportunity to see lava flows and ash cones.

SOUTHERN REGION CIRCUIT Within the park, close to the Tanzanian bor-
der, is beautiful Lake Jipe, fed by the run-off
1 Amboseli National Park - Page 37 from Mount Kilimanjaro. In the north of the
2 Chyulu Hills National Park - Page 40 park lie the Mzima Springs, where water
3 Tsavo East National Park - Page 62 gushes from the Chyulu Hills into a series of
4 Tsavo West National Park - Page 63 crystal-clear pools.
 35

WESTERN KENYA REGION

Going off-trail in search Lake Turkana

Moyale

of undiscovered secrets
Lodwar

This is one of the nation’s least visited regions

in terms of tourism numbers. Yet Western Wajir
Kenya is an area with hidden gems for those
who enjoy life off the regular tourist trail. MOUNT
ELGON

3 6
As one might expect, accommodation here is Kitae

limited and perhaps less luxurious than else- Eldoret

where in Kenya. However, there are lodges and 1
camps up to three-star standard as well as a
selection of other accommodation such as the Kisumu MOUNT
2 KENYA

bandas available at Kakamega. 4

Lake Victoria
Garissa
The easiest way to reach this region is by regu- 5

lar scheduled flights into Kisumu Airport or by

the generally good road from Nairobi.
NAIROBI

RARE SPECIES
This area of rich forests, swamp and strange
rock formations is home to some of Kenya’s
rarest animal species. In particular, it features Kipini
the rain forest of Kakamega, covering 240 Ungama Bay
square kilometres, which provides a habitat for Malindi
over 300 species of birds and experiences an Watamu
Brazza’s monkey, which is found in the nearby
annual rainfall of more than 2,000 mm. The
Kisere Forest Reserve. Kilifi
Kakamega Forest also contains a variety of
animal species including the endangered De-
Visitors should also consider a trip to Ndere Mombasa

WESTERN KENYA CIRCUIT

Island in Lake Victoria, the Kisumu Impala
Sanctuary or Ruma National Park – the last INDIAN OCEAN
1 Kakamega Forest National Reserve - Page 41 refuge in Kenya of the roan antelope.
2 Kisumu Impala Sanctuary - Page 42 Pemba
This is also the only place in Kenya where it is Island
3 Mount Elgon National Reserve - Page 50
possible to view traditional bullfighting – not
4 Ndere Island National Park - Page 56
quite the spectacle seen in Spain, because,
5 Ruma National Park - Page 57
in this case, the fighting takes place between
6 Saiwa Swamp National Park - Page 58 two bulls.
36

ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK

Majestic Peaks, Moorlands and Falls
CENTRAL KENYA REGION Contact details Major Attractions in the west. The main towns
PO Box 22, Nyeri. Lesatima Peak, Kinangop Peak, from which the park can be
Tel: +254 61 (0)550 24121, waterfalls, walks in the moor- approached are Nyeri (154 km
24124 lands, Twin Hills, Elephant Hills from Nairobi), Nyahururu (188
Email: [email protected] and Table Mountains. Second km from Nairobi) and Naivasha
www.kws.go.ke largest population of black rhinos (87 km from Nairobi).
in Salient and northern Aberdare.
Contact person Queen Elizabeth II learned of her Airstrips: Mweiga Airstrip is
Aberdare Senior Warden accession to the British throne next to the park headquarters
National Park
at Treetops lodge. The Kimathi or Nyeri Airstrip is 12 km from
Location Hideout/Mau Mau caves. Mweiga headquarters.
Central highlands, west of
Mount Kenya; Nyeri District; Wildlife Accommodation
Central Province The park is home to most of the Lodges: The Ark – managed by
larger mammals, having a large Fairmont Hotels, The Aberdare
Distance from Nairobi population of black rhino. The Country Club, Treetops – man-
160 km park has endangered species aged by Aberdare Safari Hotels
including the rare bongo, giant
Size forest hog, packs of the now Kenya Wildlife Service: Fishing
767 square km very rare wild dogs and endemic Lodge, Ruhuruini, Tusk Camp,
mole-rate and mole shrew. Sapper Hut, KWS Hut at Tree-
Park fees tops, KWS HQ bungalow
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Other game includes leopard,
tour operator. serval, endemic bird species, Best time to visit
reptiles and insects. All year round
Climatic conditions
Mist and heavy rainfall occur Access Activities
throughout much of the year, Roads: The park is readily ac- Mountain climbing, camping,
with precipitation varying from cessible on tarmac from Nyeri hiking, walking, game viewing,
around 1,000 mm yearly on and Naro Moru on the eastern night viewing of wildlife at The
The Aberdares is an isolated the north-western slopes to side (160 km from Nairobi). Ark and Treetops Lodges. Trout
volcanic range that forms the as much as 3,000 mm in the A road crosses the park to fishing is also available along
eastern wall of the rift val- south-east. connect with another from the numerous ice-cold clear
ley, running roughly 100 km Naivasha and North Kinangop flowing streams.
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 east-
ern and western slopes and
there are many clear streams
and waterfalls. The Aberdares
are an important water catch-
ment area providing water
to the Tana and Athi rivers
and part of 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 pre-
dominantly indigenous forest,
whose management is under
a MoU between KWS and the
Forest Department.
 37

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Kilimanjaro's Royal Court
SOUTHERN REGION Contact details
PO Box 18 Namanga
Tel: +254 (0)456 22251
Fax: +254 (0)456 22250
www.kws.go.ke

Contact person
Senior Warden

Location

On the border with Tanzania,

Amboseli Loitokitok District, South Kenya
National Park

Distance from Nairobi

Namanga (240 km), Emali (228 swamps and elephants; Swamp Emali (228 km) on the Nairobi
km) below observation hill hosts - Mombasa Road. The road is
many elephants, buffaloes, hip- tarmaced up to Emali and mur-
Size pos and a variety of water fowl ram from Emali to Remito Gate
Amboseli lies immediately 392 square km like pelican; Egyptian goose; (64 km) Access from Mombasa
north-west of Mount Kili- contemporary Maasai culture is mainly through Tsavo West
manjaro, on the border with Park fees and indigenous lifestyle; herds via Kimana (Olkelunyiet) Gate.
Tanzania. Amboseli was es- Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact of elephants
tablished as a reserve in 1968 tour operator. Airstrips: The Park has an air-
and gazetted as a National Wildlife strip at Empusel gate. There is
Park in 1974. The Park covers Climatic conditions Amboseli has over 80 different also an airstrip for light aircraft
392 square km, and forms The climate is mainly hot and mammals to be found ranging at the Park Headquarters (Ole-
part of the much larger 3,000 dry. Amboseli is in the rain from the tiny (and rarely seen) kelunyiet). Other airstrips exist
square km Amboseli ecosys- shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. spectacled elephant shrew to at Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge
tem. Large concentrations of The maximum average tem- the huge bulk of the African and Namanga town.
wildlife occur here in the dry perature of the warmest month elephant. Few visitors will go
season, making Amboseli a is 33°C during the day, while home without superb elephant Accommodation
popular tourist destination. It that of the coldest is 27-28°C. pictures with Kilimanjaro as a Lodges: Ol Tukai Lodge, Am-
is surrounded by six commu- An annual rainfall of 300 mm backdrop. There are over 400 boseli Serena Safari Lodge,
nally owned group ranches. per annum is distributed over bird species. Tortilis Camp
two seasons: April/May and
The National Park embodies November/December. Recur- Access Kenya Wildlife Service: Kiliman-
five main wildlife habitats rent droughts and potential Roads: The main road into the jaro Guest house, Kibo Guest
(open plains, acacia wood- evaporation of 2,200 mm per park is from Nairobi via Naman- House, Simba Bandas, Nyati
land, rocky thorn bush coun- annum typifies the region. ga (240 km) on the Nairobi-Aru- Bandas, Chui Bandas
try, swamps and marshland) sha Road, via Meshanani Gate.
and covers part of a Pleis- Major Attractions The road is tarmaced up to Best time to visit
tocene lake basin, now dry. Mount Kilimanjaro; Observation Namanga but is murram from All year round
Within this basin is a tempo- Hill which allows an overall view Namanga to Meshanani Gate
rary lake, Lake Amboseli, that of the whole park especially the (75km). The other road is via
floods during years of heavy
rainfall. Amboseli is famous
for its big game and its great
scenic beauty – and the land-
scape is dominated by the
towering Mount Kilimanjaro.
38

ARABUKO SOKOKE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Last large remnant of lowland coastal tropical forests
COASTLINE REGION plane through Malindi or Mom- Access Arabuko Sokoke was pro-
basa airports. Roads: Access through Mom- claimed a Crown Forest and
basa, tarmac road - 75 km. gazetted in 1943. Part of the
Size forest was gazetted as a strict
The reserve covers 6 square km Access through Malindi. nature reserve in the late
1960s. The reserve is a few
Park fees Air: Malindi and Mombasa kilometres inland, between
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Airports. the towns of Kilifi and Ma-
tour operator. lindi, 110 km north of Mom-
Accommodation basa. It is the largest existing
Climatic conditions There is currently no accommo- fragment of the tropical for-
Average annual rainfall ranges dation in the reserve. There is ests that once covered much
from 900 mm in the dry and plenty of accommodation along of the East African coast and
Arabuko Sokoke scrubby north-west to 1,100 the coast to suit all budget is an important habitat for
Forest Reserve mm in the east. levels. endemic/endangered birds,
insects and mammal spe-
Major Attraction Best time to visit cies. It is also an important
Endemic bird species, butter- All year round monument as a remnant of
flies, remnant coastal forest. the coastal tropical forests.
Contact details The park is the largest exist- Activities There are easy trails in the
PO Box 109 Malindi ing fragment of the tropical Bird Watching, butterfly watch- forests that are also great for
Tel: +254 (0)42 3246 forests that covered much of ing, walking trails, game viewing. birders. A couple of rep-
Email: the East African coast and is an tile species are found here
[email protected] important Kenya safari habitat including boomslang, green
www.kws.go.ke for endemic and endangered mamba, rock python, forest
birds, insects, butterflies and cobra, sand lizard and day
Contact person mammal species. geullo. It is a great reserve
Senior Warden for birdwatching with species
Wildlife including Sokoke pipit, Amani
Location Golden-rumped elephant-shrew, sunbird, Fischer’s turaco,
Coastal Strip, Kilifi District. Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose, Clarke’s weaver (endemic to
Ader’s duiker, waterbuck, bush- Kenya), golden woodpecker.
Distance from Mombasa buck, civet, blotched genet,
75 km from Mombasa or by caracal, Sykes’ monkey, birds.

BISANADI NATIONAL RESERVE

EASTERN REGION Contact details Bisanadi National Reserve
PO Box 11, Maua acts as a wildlife dispersal
Tel: +254 (0)164 20613 area for Meru National Park.
Cell: +254 (0)733 662439 It is a part of the Meru, Kora,
www.kws.go.ke Mwingi and Bisanadi conser-
vation area, adjacent to north-
Contact person east boundary of Meru, Isiolo
Bisanadi Senior Warden/ Tourism Officer district, covering an area of
National Reserve
606 square km.
Location
Adjacent to north-east bound- The vegetation is mainly
ary of Meru, Isiolo district. cluding lion, elephant, cheetah, thorn bushland and thicket
rhino, buffalo, hippos and over with combretum prevailing in
Distance from Nairobi 400 species of birds. the north and commiphora
348 km in the south. To the west
Access the combretum merges into
Size Roads: The reserve is readily ac- terminalia wooded grass-
606 square km cessible via Meru National Park, lands. The red-flowered
Murera Gate. parasitic loranthus grows on
Park fees the branches of acacia refi-
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Accommodation ciens along the rivers. Dense
tour operator. There is currently no accom- riverine forests of doum palm
modation in the reserve. Visitors hyphaene spp. and raffia palm
Climatic conditions can stay in the adjacent Meru raphia spp. occur along the
The climate is hot and dry National Park where there are water courses. Some riverine
various accommodation options. swamps have sedges cyperus
Major Attraction sp., and grasses echinochloa
Wilderness habitat, game view- Best time to visit haplacelada and pennisetum
ing, Adamson’s Falls, fishing All year round mezianum. On the plains
and boating on River Tana and sehima nervosa, chloris
Rojewero River. Activities roxburghiana and other spe-
Game viewing, fishing in River cies of pennisetum are the
Wildlife Tana, bird watching. dominant grasses.
Many species of mammals in-
 39

BUFFALO SPRINGS AND SHABA NATIONAL RESERVE

Isiolo national game reserve
EASTERN REGION

Buffalo Springs
& Shaba

The Isiolo District lies at the

northern foot of Mt Kenya
rising above the expansive
range lands of northern
Kenya. The arid and semi-arid
zones district sits as a divide
between the populous agri-
cultural highlands of the Mt.
Kenya region and acts as a
gateway into the vast lowlands
of North Kenya inhabited by
various nomadic pastoralist
communities where wildlife
and livestock freely co-exist.

Together with the adjacent

Samburu, and divided by the
river Ewaso Nyiro, the three Contact Details Williamson’s lark. All these Best time to visit
reserves form a very popular County Council of Isiolo, rare species can only be found All the year round
tourist destination because of PO Box 36, inside this game reserve.
the diverse wildlife popula- Isiolo, 60300 Activities
tions they support. Unlike Tel/Fax: +254 (0)64 52519 Access Game viewing safari, nature
other wildlife areas in Kenya’s Roads: From Nairobi through walks, entertainment by pasto-
northern tourist circuit, the Contact person Nanyuki on a tarmac road to ralist cultural dancers, and vis-
reserves, which are popularly Senior Warden Isiolo, then a 22km murram its to cultural villages to get the
known as the Samburu Eco- road. experience of nomadic lifestyle
system, sustain free ranging Location in the community.
wildlife species both within Northern end of Mt. Kenya Air: Buffalo Springs Airstrip
the three reserves as well as is used by scheduled flights
far into community lands. Distance from Nairobi from Nairobi each day linking
300km to the gate of Buffalo the reserves to other tourism
Springs Reserves destinations.

Park Fees
Contact tour operator.

Climatic Conditions
Temperatures range from 30ºC
during hottest months to 20ºC
between July and September.
Annual rainfalls range between
100mm to 300mm on aver-
age usually divided into two
seasons, short rains in Octo-
ber/November and long rains
between February and May.

Wildlife
Besides normal species found
elsewhere in Kenya, the area is
a natural home to the five rare
species known as the five north-
ern species which are endemic
to this area. They are Grevy’s
zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa
oryx, Somali ostrich and the
gerenuk. Shaba is also the
home for the highly endangered
40

CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK

SOUTHERN REGION

Chyulu
National Park

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 per-
colating through the porous
rock feeds many permanent
fresh water sources in the
surrounding plains, notably
Mzima springs and the Tsavo Contact details Access
and Galana rivers. PO Box 458 Roads: Along Nairobi-Mombasa
Kibwezi highway, the park signpost is
The hills are relatively undis- www.kws.go.ke 1 km past the Kibwezi turn
turbed and shelter indigenous off. Park gate is 10 km off the
vegetation and wildlife. The Contact person highway. There is limited road
park comprises the eastern Senior Warden network within the park and a
flank of the hills including 4x4 vehicle with high clearance
about half of the forest area. Location is highly recommended
The park boundary runs down Makueni District, Eastern Prov-
the centre of the hills along ince and Kajiado District, Rift Airstrips: There are two airstrips
the line of the peaks. The Valley Province in the park
western half is part of the
West Chyulu Game Conserva- Distance from Nairobi Accommodation
tion area, owned by several 230 km There is currently no accommo-
Maasai group ranches. dation in the park, but camp-
Size sites Chyulu II, park headquar-
870 square km ters, Kiboko campsite

Park fees Best time to visit

Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact All year round
tour operator.
Activities
Climatic conditions Wildlife viewing, camping, cave
The climate is hot and dry exploration, nature walks, hiking

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, geko, tor-
toise, lizard.

Insects/arthropods: dung Bee-

tles, butterflies, tsetsefly.

Common Animals: buffalo, bush-

buck, eland, elephant, leopard;
forest bush pig, mountain reed-
buck, steinbok, wild dogs
 41

HELL'S GATE NATIONAL PARK

Heaven's Volcanic Glory
SOUTH RIFT REGION cliffs, spectacular gorge walks, Hell’s Gate National Park cov-
hot springs, scenic landscape, ers an area of 68.25 square
the Geothermal Station, Maasai km and is situated in the envi-
culture. rons of Lake Naivasha about
90 km from Nairobi. The park
Wildlife is 14 km after the turnoff
Includes eland, buffalo, lion, from the old Nairobi-Naivasha
giraffe, zebra, leopard, impala, highway. It is characterised
Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle, by diverse topography and
Hell’s Gate klipspringer, rock hyrax and geological scenery. It is an
National Park
Chanler’s mountain reedbuck important home of the lam-
mergeyer.
Access
Roads: The Park is accessible Hell’s Gate has two gates
via tarmac road from Nairobi. that are used by visitors
(90 km) via Naivasha town on – the main Elsa Gate and the
the Lake Road South at Junc- Olkaria Gate. The latter also
tion 5 km south of Naivasha. serves the Olkaria Geothermal
Station that is located inside
Contact details Distance from Nairobi Accommodation the National Park.
PO Box 234-20117 90 km While there is no accommoda-
Naivasha tion in the park, a wide range
Tel: +254 (0)050 50407/50290 Size of options exist in nearby
Fax: +254 (0)311 20577 68 square km Naivasha, or along Moi South
Email: [email protected] Lake Road which leads from
www.kws.go.ke Park fees Naivasha to the park.
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact
Contact person tour operator. Best time to visit
Senior Warden All year round
Climatic conditions
Location Warm and dry Activities
Naivasha town, Rift Valley Hiking, camping, rock climb-
Province Attractions ing, biking, bird watching and
Game viewing, raptor nesting in wildlife viewing.

KAKAMEGA FOREST NATIONAL RESERVE

Canopy of natural beauty
WESTERN KENYA REGION Size are the endangered Turner’s er-
240 square km emomela, Charpin’s flycatcher
and the voice mimicking African
Park fees grey parrot. The forest is home
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact to the endangered DeBrazza’s
tour operator. monkey found at the isolated
Kisere Forest Reserve.
Climatic conditions
Kakamega Forest Annual rainfall is over 2,000 mm. Access
National Reserve
Most of it falls between April By Road: Access is through the
and November with a short Buyangu gate, 600 metres from Kakamega Forest was estab-
dry season from December main road. On public transport, lished to protect Kenya’s only
to March. Rain falls mostly in visitors alight at Kambiri junc- mid-altitude tropical rainfor-
the afternoon or early evening tion. Local ‘boda boda’ cyclists est – as the forest contains
and is often accompanied by operate from the junction to many species found nowhere
heavy thunderstorms. Average park. Watch for signpost after else in the country. The forest
temperatures remain similar 15 km from Kakamega. lies in the Lake Victoria catch-
throughout – between 15-28°C. ment, north of Kisumu and
Accommodation west of the Nandi Escarpment.
Contact details Major Attractions The forest reserve offers a serene It was first gazetted as a trust
PO Box 879, Kakamega Over 300 bird species, over 350 atmosphere for both campers forest in 1933 and two small
Tel: +254 (0)56 20425 varieties of trees, 27 species of and banda accommodation. reserves, Yala and lsecheno
www.kws.go.ke snakes, over 400 species of but- were established within the for-
terflies. Game watching. The forest KWS self-service accommodation: est in 1967.
Contact person is mostly indigenous vegetation. Udo Bandas
Senior Warden In 1985, nearly 4,400 hec-
Wildlife Best time to visit tares of the forest together
Location The majestic black and white All year round with the adjacent Kisere
Kakamega District, Western colobus monkey alongside Forest were gazetted as
Province flying squirrels, blue monkey Activities Kakamega Forest National
and potto (world’s slowest Game viewing, bird and but- Reserve. The forest is an
Distance from Nairobi mammal) are among the at- terfly watching, camping, self important water catchment
402 km (15 km from Kakamega tractions. Forest buck, duikers guided nature walks, night area with two rivers flowing
along Kakamega-Eldoret road). and dik-diks are also found as walks, picnicking. through it.
42

KISITE MPUNGUTI MARINE NATIONAL PARK

Enchanted underwater realm
COASTLINE REGION off the Ken- Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
yan Coast (at is located on the south coast
Shimoni) and 8 off Shimoni and south of Was-
km north of the ini Island in Kwale District on
Tanzania. the south Kenyan coast near
the Tanzanian border. The
Distance from complex covers a marine area
Mombasa with four small islands sur-
120 km rounded by coral reef. Kisite
island is a small waterless
Distance from coral island, 8 km offshore
Nairobi in the Marine Park. Coral
550 km platforms around the raised
grass, and gastropods. central portion are exposed at
Size low tide. The three other coral
Kisite Mpunguti 39 square km Birds: many seabirds in large islets in the park (Mpunguti
National Park & Reserve
nesting colonies and interna- ya Juu, Mpunguti ya Chini and
Park fees tionally significant numbers of Liwe la Jahazi) lie closer to
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact crab-plover and roseate tern. the larger Wasini Island, are
Contact details tour operator. scrub covered and support no
PO Box 55, Ukunda Access significant wildlife or birds.
Kwale District Climatic conditions Roads: 40 km from Mombasa The surrounding waters have
Tel: +254 (0)40 52027 The coast is humid with mean via Diani and Kwale well developed coral gardens
Email: annual temperatures ranging and a large variety of fish.
[email protected] from 22-34°C rainfall is about Accommodation
www.kws.go.ke 500 mm per annum The Shimoni Bandas, a picnic
site, information centre
Contact person Major Attractions
Senior Warden Coral Gardens Best time to visit
All year round
Location Marine life: Comprises more
than 250 recorded species, Activities
Kwale District, Coast Province. including fish, dolphins, sea Swimming, sailing, snorkelling,
The Marine Park lies 6 km turtles, whales, corals, sea diving

KISUMU IMPALA SANCTUARY

WESTERN KENYA REGION Size When the East African Railway
Less than 1 reached Kisumu early in the
square km last century, the area must
have been teeming with plains
Park fees game. Over the passage of
Go to www.kws. time hunting for food, eco-
go.ke or contact system loss through human
Kisumu tour operator. settlement and agriculture all
Impala Sanctuary reduced numbers vastly. By
Climatic condi- the early 1980s, what could
tions be seen was a pitifully small
Hot and humid herd of Impala that roamed
the town and neighbouring
Major Attraction areas.
Impala, caged
leopards, baboon The Sanctuary, a 0.4 square
km of marsh, grassland and
Wildlife Water: Kisumu is linked by ferry forest was created to pro-
Wildlife: impala, leopard, hyena, with Kendu Bay, Homa Bay and vide a home for this herd of
Contact details jackal, ostrich and vervet monkey Mbita Impala. It then developed into
PO Box 1193, Kisumu a holding point for captured
Tel: +254 (0)57 21105, 44824 Birds: over 115 species have Accommodation problem animals. Today, it
Email: [email protected] been recorded There is currently no accommo- provides grazing for hippos
dation in the reserve. Visitors can and habitat for numerous
Contact person Access stay in Kisumu where there are small mammals, and a variety
Senior Warden Roads: Kisumu is located 355 various accommodation options. of reptiles and birds. It also
km north of Nairobi, the sanc- hosts two leopards, one spot-
Location tuary is 3 km from Kisumu near Best time to visit ted hyena, two olive baboons
Kisumu District, Nyanza Province Hippo Point. All year round and several vervet monkeys
held in captivity. Sightings
Distance from Nairobi Air: The flight from Nairobi Activities of the reclusive and acutely
355 km takes around one hour and Camping, walking, bird watching threatened sitatunga have
there are regular flights also been made.
 43

KIUNGA MARINE NATIONAL RESERVE

An enchanted underwater world
COASTLINE REGION Distance from The reserve incorporates a
Nairobi chain of about 50 calcareous
976 km offshore islands and coral reefs
in the Lamu Archipelago, run-
Size ning for some 60 km parallel
250 square km to the coast in northern Kenya
and adjacent to Dodori and
Park fees Boni National Reserves.
Go to www.kws.
go.ke or contact tour Composed of old, eroded cor-
operator. al, the islands lie around 2 km
offshore and inshore of the
Climatic conditions fringing reef. They vary in size
Kiunga Marine The coast is humid from a few hundred square
National Reserve
with mean annual metres to 100 hectares or
temperatures rang- more. Their walls rise sheer
ing from 22-34°C. Rainfall is about 150 km east of Lamu from the surrounding seabed
about 500 mm per annum and are usually deeply under-
Airstrips: One at Dodori N. Reserve cut on the landward side.
Contact details Major Attraction
PO Box 82, Lamu Coral reefs, sand dune, Kiwayu By Sea: from Lamu access can The larger islands and the
Tel: +254 (0)42 633080, Island be had to Kiwayu Island by more sheltered inner islands
633194 dhow or speedboat are covered with low, tangled
www.kws.go.ke Wildlife thorny vegetation including
Reptiles/fish: sea turtles, olive Accommodation grass, aloes and creepers.
Contact person ridley and leatherback turtles, There is currently no accommo- The outer islands provide
Senior Warden reef fish dation in the reserve nest sites for migratory sea-
birds. The reserve conserves
Location Insects/arthropods: lobsters, sea Best time to visit valuable coral reefs, sea grass
Lamu District, Coast province urchins, sea star, crabs, mosquito All year round meadows and mangrove for-
ests, with their attendant bio-
Distance from Malindi Access Activities diversity and is also a refuge
372 km Roads: Kiunga is a remote, Wind surfing, snorkelling, water for sea turtles and dugongs.
unspoilt village on the mainland skiing, sunbathing, diving

KORA NATIONAL RESERVE

The wilderness legacy of legendary lion man George Adamson
EASTERN REGION Size Airstrips: There is an airstrip The Kora National Park was
1,787 square km that is used for by Reserve’s gazetted in 1973 as a reserve
administration. Another airstrip and gazetted as a park in
Park fees is about 10km away on the 1990. It comprises of an area
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact eastern side. of a little over 1,700 square
tour operator. km. This triangle of dense
Accommodation woodland and scrub is lim-
Climatic conditions There is currently no accommo- ited along its 65 km northern
Hot and dry with regular rainfall dation in the reserve. Visitors boundary by the Tana River,
Kora National averaging 635-762mm of can stay in the adjacent Meru which rises in the highlands
Reserve
rain falling in March-May and National Park that has various between the Aberdares and
November-December. Average accommodation options. Mount Kenya, before commenc-
temperature range between ing its 700 km passage to the
24-31°C during the day and 15- Best time to visit Indian Ocean. The western
18°C at night. All year round boundary follows a straight line
from Tana River which a joint
Major Attraction Activities boundary with the adjacent
Pristine wilderness, inselbergs, Game viewing, rock climbing, Mwingi National Reserve, while
Tana River with Adamson’s fishing in River Tana. the eastern boundary runs
Contact details Falls, Grand Falls and Kora along Mwitamyisi River.
PO Box 11, Maua rapids, diverse birdlife, George
Tel: +254 (0)64 20613 Adamson’s grave. The land surface slopes gently
Cell: +254 (0)733 662439 from an altitude of 490 metres
www.kws.go.ke Wildlife in the south-west and about
Hippo, leopard, lion, caracal 270 metres in the north-east.
Contact person and several antelope species. Central areas comprise an
Senior Warden undulating peneplain through
Access which basement ridges protrude
Location Roads: Kora is 280 km to the above the surface as rocky
Coast region, Tana District north-east of Nairobi. Access is inselbergs the highest of which
via Thika to Mwingi then north- are Mansumbi 488 metres,
Distance from Nairobi east through Kyuso village. A Kumbulanwa 450 metres and
280 km to the north-east of bridge across the Tana River joins Kora Rock 442 metres. The park
Nairobi the park with Meru National Park. also has several seasonal rivers.
44

LAIKIPIA
NORTH RIFT REGION straddling the equator at the Wildlife Increasingly acknowledged
heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley The diversity of large mam- as one of the most important
Province. The Laikipia plains mals is higher than any other areas for biodiversity in Kenya,
stretch from the Great Rift Val- area with elephant, rhino, Grevy’s wildlife population densities in
ley to magnificent escarpments zebra, reticulated giraffe, Lelwel the Laikipia region and Ewaso
that descend into the Northern hartebeest, wild dog and large eco-system now rank second
Frontier District. numbers of other large predators. to the internationally renowned
Masai Mara ecosystem, whilst
Distance from Nairobi Access the diversity of large mammals
Laikipia
190km to Nanyuki (Laikipia Road: access by road from is higher than in any other part
boundary) Nairobi, Samburu, Nakuru. of Kenya.

Size Air: Nanyuki airfield is the hub The Ewaso eco-system is home
Spans an area of over 9,500 for scheduled and charter to the second largest popu-
square km, and forms part of flights linking Laikipia with des- lation of elephant in Kenya
the 40,000 square km Ewaso tinations such as Samburu and (5,400) and the area hosts the
ecosystem. the Masai Mara. Most tourism highest populations of endan-
facilities in the region have pri- gered species in the country.
Park fees vate airfields for charter flights.
Contact details Varies between conservancies Laikipia supports seven heavily
Laikipia Wildlife Forum Accommodation protected rhino sanctuaries,
PO Box 764 Climatic conditions See www.laikipia.org/laikipia- which together hold over half
Nanyuki, 10400 Mean annual rainfall varies from safari.htm of Kenya’s black rhino popula-
Tel/Fax: +254 (0)62 31600 400mm in the north-east to tion.
Email: [email protected] 900mm in the south-west. On Best time to visit
average over 80 per cent of days All months except April, May and Laikipia has a unique combi-
Contact person are rain-free. The long rains from November, during the rainy season nation of dry and cool weather,
Tourism Officer: March to May are followed less climatic gradients being
[email protected] rain between July and Septem- Activities influenced by the presence of
ber, with cooler temperatures Wildlife related activities (day Mount Kenya (5,199 metres)
Location and high winds. The warmest and night), walking, hiking, and the Aberdare highlands
Laikipia District is a vast months are December and Janu- fishing, mountain climbing, (3,999 metres). There is great
plateau to the north west of ary, which also have the least mountain biking, camel and variation in rainfall from year
snow-capped Mount Kenya, rainfall. horse riding and fly camping. to year.

MALINDI MARINE NATIONAL PARK & RESERVE

Africa's Oldest Marine Park, Magic Islands, Zebra fish
COASTLINE REGION Size pods and 12 species of echi- Malindi Marine Park and
213 square km noids including: clams, crown Reserve was the first marine
of thorns, lobsters, octopus, protected area in Kenya,
Park fees sea anemone, sea cucumber, established in 1968 and
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact sea stars, sea urchins, crabs designated as a Biosphere
tour operator. and shells; Benthic cover: 200 Reserve under the Man & Bio-
species of algae. A total of 55 sphere Reserve programme
Climatic conditions genera and 145 species of hard of UNESCO in 1979. The park
The coast is humid with mean coral have been recorded on the is located south of Malindi
temperatures from 22-34°C. north reef; Corals: Boulder cor- town extending to Mida creek.
Rainfall is about 500 mm per al, organ pipe coral, sea grass, It neighbours the Gede ruins
annum stag horn coral; Birds: Variety and Arabuko Sokoke forest.
of migrant shore and terrestrial The park is enveloped by a
Malindi Marine Major attractions birds; Mammals: dolphins. national reserve and a 100 ft
Park & Reserve
Glass-bottomed boat tours, strip of coastal land starting
coral gardens, boat rides, div- Access from Vasco-da-Gama pillar to
ing, snorkelling, diving, ocean Roads: 118 km tarmac road Watamu. The reserve extends
sports, under-water adventures, from Mombasa to Malindi 3.5 nautical miles to seaward.
educational tours, picnic and Airstrip: Malindi Airport
Contact details island barbeques. The park is endowed with
PO Box 109, Malindi Accommodation magnificent resources such
Tel: +254 (0)42 31554, 20845 Wildlife There are no lodges in the as fringing reefs, coral, sea
Email: Turtles: Green, hawksbill, olive park. Visitors can stay in KWS grass, mangroves, mudflats,
[email protected] ridley, loggerhead. Green and self-catering accommodation or high fish diversity, marine
www.kws.go.ke hawksbill turtle breed in the Malindi. mammals, turtles and shore-
Park; Fishes: Over 300 species birds. The fringing reef is
Contact person of fish including: angelfish, bar- Best time to visit close to shore and exposed
Senior Warden racuda, butterfly fish, goatfish, All year round during low tide, but drops
fusiliers, emperors, groupers, gradually to a sea grass bed
Location grunt/sweetlips, jacks, parrot- Activities that descends precipitously to
North Coast, Malindi fish, rabbit fish, sharks, snap- Wind surfing, snorkelling, water the deep Barracuda Channel.
pers, surgeon fish, triggerfish skiing, sunbathing, diving, North Reef has developed
Distance from Mombasa and wrasses; Invertebrates: At swimming. offshore and is the main focus
118 km least 135 species of gastro- of tourism activity.
 45

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

The Bird Watcher's Paradise
SOUTH RIFT REGION

Lake Nakuru
National Park

Lake Nakuru is a shallow

strongly alkaline lake set in
a picturesque landscape of
surrounding woodland and
grassland. The landscape
includes areas of marsh and
grasslands alternating with
rocky cliffs and outcrops,
stretches of acacia woodland
and rocky hillsides covered
with a Euphorbia forest.

The lake’s catchment is

bounded by Menengai crater
to the north, the Bahati hills
to the north east, the lion hill
ranges to the east, eburu cra-
ter to the south and the mau
escarpment to the west. Three
rivers, the Njoro, Makalia and Contact details Restocked mammals include: Accommodation
Enderit drain into the lake. PO Box 539, Nakuru lion, black and white rhino and Lodges: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge,
Tel: +254 (0)51 221 7151, the endangered Rothschild’s Lake Nakuru Lodge
Lake Nakuru was first gazet- 221 7371 giraffe.
ted as a bird sanctuary Email: [email protected] KWS self-catering accommo-
in 1960 and upgraded to www.kws.go.ke Access dation: Naishi Guest House,
National Park status in 1968. By Road: The park is 160 km Flamingo Guesthouse
A northern extension was Contact person north-west of Nairobi at Nakuru.
added to the park in 1974 Senior Warden From Nairobi take the A104 Best time to visit
and the lake was designated road (direction Naivasha). The All year round
as a Ramsar site in 1990. The Location main gate and the park head-
foundation of the park’s food Nakuru, Rift Valley Province quarters is 4 km south of Naku- Activities
chains is the cyanophyte spir- ru town (from Kenyatta Avenue), Bird watching, camping, picnic,
ulina platensis which can sup- Distance from Nairobi take the Moi Road then turn left finest views of the lake from
port huge numbers of lesser 160 km into Stadium Road which leads Baboon Cliff, Lion Hill and Out
flamingo. During peak season to the gate), Lanet Gate of Africa Hill
over one million flamingos Size
congregate on the lake plus 188 square km
half a million pelicans. The
Park also contains Kenya’s Park fees
largest population of rhinos. Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact
tour operator.
The surface of the lake
occupies about a third of the Climatic conditions
park. The lake supports a dense Warm and dry
bloom of the blue-green Cyano-
phyte Spirulina platensis from Wildlife
which it derives its colour. It is Birds: Up to 1.5 million flamin-
a food source for flamingos. gos plus 450 other species of
birds
The lake is fringed by alkaline
swamps with areas of sedge, Fauna: Includes Thompson’s
cyprus laevigatus and typha and Grant’s gazelle, the rare
marsh along the river inflows long-eared leaf-nosed bat, colo-
and springs. The surround- bus monkey, rock hyrax, hippo,
ing areas support a dry leopard, lion, rhino, waterbuck,
transitional savanna with lake impala, gazelle, striped hyena,
margin grasslands. bat-eared fox, wild cat, reed-
buck and golden cat.
46

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

The Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is the world's greatest large mammal migration: the Trans
Mara will make a critical contribution to maintaining this spectacle and ecosystem forever
SOUTH RIFT REGION

Masai Mara
National Reserve

Covering an area of over

1,500 square km, the Masai
Mara National Reserve is one Contact details Park fees Access
of the most popular tourism PO Box 60, Narok Contact tour operator. Road: Main roads are all
destinations in Kenya. The Tel: +254 (0)50 22068/22337 weather. Game viewing trucks
reserve is located in the Great Fax: +254 (0)50 22412/22260 Climatic conditions can only be used by four wheel
Rift Valley in primarily open Email: [email protected] Rainfall is bimodal with the drives during the rainy season.
grassland. Wildlife tends to be main dry period from mid June The main road from Mai mahiu
most concentrated on the re- Contact person to mid October and a shorter to Narok is currently under
serve’s western escarpment. Chief Park Warden – Michael dry season during January construction.
The swampy land provides more Koikai and February. Long rains from
access to water and less access March to June and the short Air: Three airstrips serve the
to tourists. The eastern end is Location rains from November to De- Mara:- Keekorok, Olkiombo, and
closest to Nairobi and hence Situated in south-western Ken- cember. Rainfall is between 800 Musiara all of them murramed.
easier to access by tourists. ya, it lies between latitude 1°00 – 1200 mm. Maximum daily
south and longitude 34°45 and temperatures lies between 26°C Accommodation
The Masai Mara is regarded 36°00 east. It straddles both and 30°C. Two lodges, Keekorok and
as the jewel of Kenya’s Narok and Transmara districts Sarova Mara, and four tented
wildlife viewing areas. The and lies about 105 miles south Wildlife camps, Mara Intrepids,
annual wildebeests migration of the equator. 95 species of mammals, Explorer, Governors’ Camp, Ol-
alone involves over 1.5 million amphibians and reptiles and murrani, a number of seasonal
animals arriving in July and Distance from Nairobi over 400 birds species have camps/luxury mobile camps,
departing in November. 247 km south-west of Nairobi been recorded including annual Rekero, Naibor, 4x4, Campfire.
wildebeests migration involving
There have been some 95 spe- Size over 1.5 million animals. Best time to visit
cies of mammals, amphib- 1,510 square km August to November
ians and reptiles and over 400
birds species recorded on the
reserve. Nowhere in Africa is
wildlife more abundant, and
it is for this reason a visitor
hardly misses to see the big
five (buffalo, elephant, leop-
ard, lion, and rhino).

Other game include hip-

popotami, cheetah, Grant’s
gazelle, impala, topi, Coke’s
hartebeest, giraffe, Roan
antelope and the nocturnal
bat-eared fox.

However wildebeest are by

far the dominant inhabitants
of the Masai Mara. Their
numbers are estimated in the
millions. The Great Migra-
tion starts in July each year
when well over one million
wildebeest along with large
numbers of Thompson’s
Gazelle, zebra and other
herbivores migrate from the
Serengeti plains in Tanzania
to fresh pastures in the north
and then back south again in
October.
 47

Mara Triangle

MARA TRIANGLE
Contact details
Mara Conservancy
PO Box 63457 – 00620, Nairobi
Tel: +254 (0)2 3749632
Fax: +254 (0)2 3749636
Email: [email protected]
www.maraconservancy.com

Contact person Park fees evening. Max temperatures up zelle, Grant’s gazelle, impala,
Brian Heath Contact tour operator. to 30°C and min temperatures waterbuck, oribi, reed-buck, ze-
around 20°C. bra. During the migration (July
Location Climatic conditions to November) huge numbers of
Trans Mara District - Western Altitude 5,300 feet (1,600 Wildlife wildebeest move in.
sector, Masai Mara. metres). Rainy season from No- The Mara is known as one
vember through May, with peak of the finest wildlife destina- Access
Distance from Nairobi rainfall in December-January tions in the World. There is an The Mara Triangle is serviced
300 km and April-May. Dry season from excellent chance of seeing the by two all-weather airstrips
June-November. Often sunny Big 5, cheetah, serval, hyena, – Mara Serena and Kichwa
Size mornings with cloud build-up bat-eared foxes, black-backed Tembo. The main road access
510 sq km in the afternoons – during the and side-striped jackals, hippo, into the Triangle is through
rains this develops into thun- crocodile, baboons, warthog, Narok and Sekenani Gate.
derstorms in the afternoon and topi, eland, Thompson’s ga-
Accommodation
Mara Serena (150 beds) and
Little Governors’ Camp (36
beds) are the only two lodges
situated in the Triangle. Kichwa
Tembo, Mpata Club, Olonana,
Mara Siria and Kilima Camp are
situated on the periphery but
use the Triangle.

Best time to visit

Peak season is between July
and October, during the migra-
tion. Early November and Feb-
ruary can also offer excellent
game viewing.

Activities
Game viewing, camping, night
game drives, visits to Masai cul-
tural villages, ballooning, bush
dinner, lunch and breakfast.
48

MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK

Misted montane paradise
NORTH RIFT REGION Major Attractions Marsabit National Reserve
Pristine forest, scenic covers an area of 1,500
landscape and wilder- square km and consists of a
ness, crater lakes, forested mountain that rises
Marsabit diverse local cultures like an oasis in the middle of
National Park
the desert wilderness and is
Wildlife the only source of permanent
Elephant, lion, leop- surface water in the region.
ard, cheetah, greater
kudu, hyena, aardwolf, The reserve has three
caracal, klipspringer, spectacular crater lakes that
Grant’s gazelle, oryx, provide habitat for a variety of
and reticulated giraffe. birdlife. One of the lakes, Lake
Diverse birdlife. Paradise, is most scenic and
famous from early films and
Access writings of Martin Johnson
By Road: 560 km and Vivien de Wattville.
north of Nairobi, 263
km north of Isiolo. Marsabit reserve is also
Contact details Size well known because of large
PO Box 42, Marsabit 360 square km By Air: The park is located two elephants like the famous
Tel: +254 (0)69 2028,2279 and half hours by air from Ahmed, an elephant that was
www.kws.go.ke Park fees Nairobi and is served by a provided with a 24 hour pro-
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tarmac airstrip located 1 km tection by a presidential order.
Contact person tour operator. from Marsabit town centre. Ahmed, who boasted some
Senior Warden of the biggest tusks ever
Climatic conditions Accommodation recorded, died at age 55, and
Location January to March is hot and Lodges: Marsabit Lodge his body was preserved and
Marsabit District, Eastern dry, April to June is hot and is now on display in Nairobi
Province wet, July to October is warm Best time to visit National Museum.
and dry, November and Decem- All year round
Distance from Nairobi ber are warm and wet.
560 km north of Nairobi Activities
Game viewing, bird watching
 49

MERU NATIONAL PARK

Complete Wilderness
EASTERN REGION Contact details
PO Box 11, Maua
Tel: +254 (0)164 20613
Cell: 0733 662439
www.kws.go.ke

Contact person
Senior Warden
Meru National Park
Location
East-north-east of Mount Kenya
in Meru District of Eastern
Province

Distance from Nairobi

348 km

Size
870 square km
Meru is a savanna National
Park, 35 km east of Maua town Park fees gerenuk, more than 300 re- Special Campsites: Kampi
in the north eastern lowlands Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact corded species of birds Baridi; Kitanga, Makutano,
below the Nyambeni hills. tour operator. Rojoweru, Mugung, Ken Mare
Meru is part of a complex of Access and Kanjoo.
protected areas along the Tana Climatic conditions Roads: Access from Nairobi
river that includes the adjacent Parks are part of Semi-arid (348 km) is via Nyeri-Nanyuki- Public campsite: Bwatherongi
Bisanadi and Mwingi National zone and have irregular rainfalls. Meru or via Embu all weather
Reserves, Kora National Park Wet seasons are April-June and roads. Access into the park Best time to visit
and Rahole National Reserve. November-December. Rainfall from Maua to Murera Gate (35 All year round
The wetter North Western sec- is 635-762 mm in the west and km) and 348 km from Nairobi.
tor is hilly, with rich volcanic 305-356 mm in the east The other access is via Embu Activities
soils. The land flattens towards to Ura Gate (120 km), 290 km Wildlife viewing, camping
the east, where grey alluvial Major Attractions from Nairobi – inaccessible at
volcanic soils appear. Former home of Joy and George the moment
Adamson and Elsa the lioness,
The area is crossed by numer- views of Mount Kenya, rivers Airstrips: Main airstrip at Kina,
ous permanent streams, and riverine habitats, Tana River Mulika next to Meru Mulika
draining from the Nyam- and Adamson’s Falls. Lodge and Elsa’s Kopje airstrip
benes and flowing in parallel
between tongues of lava, south Wildlife Accommodation
eastwards towards the Tana Grevy’s zebra, elephant, eland, Lodges: Elsa’s Kopje, Leopard
River. As well as the many bush pig, common waterbuck, Rock Lodge
streams that cross it, the park cheetah, leopard, reticulated
is bounded by three large riv- giraffe, hippopotamus, bohor Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Cater-
ers: the Tana to the South, the reedbuck, hartebeest, python, ing Accommodation: Murera
Ura to the South West and the puff adder, cobra, buffalo, Bandas, Kinna Bandas
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 as a wilder-
ness area in which there are
no roads. The park is part of
the domain made famous by
the writings of Joy Adamson.
50

MOMBASA MARINE NATIONAL PARK & RESERVE

COASTLINE REGION Size
Park is 10 square km while the
reserve is over 200 square km

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

Climatic conditions
The coast is humid with mean
annual temperatures rang-
ing from 22-34°C. Rainfall is
about 500 mm per annum. The
climatic conditions are hot and
Mombasa Marine humid
National Park
Major Attractions
Beach, coral gardens, dive sites
Accommodation Both the park and reserve are
Contact details Wildlife There is currently no accommo- the most highly utilised among
Tel: +254 (0)41 2312744/5 Prolific marine life includes dation in the reserve. Visitors marine protected areas. Their
Email: info.kws@kwscoast. crabs, corals, sea urchins, jelly- can stay in Mombasa where coastline is heavily developed
org or fish, sea stars, and sea cucum- there are various accommoda- with tourist facilities.
[email protected] bers. Different varieties of coral tion options.
www.kws.go.ke species comprise of acropora, There are various agents who
turbinaria and porites Best time to visit offer boats for hire to get
Contact person All year round into the Marine Park. There
Senior Warden Access are quite a good number of
Roads: From Nairobi mainly use Activities companies offering water
Location the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway Wind surfing, snorkelling, water sports facilities. These firms
Lamu District, Coast province skiing, sunbathing, diving. are spread along the beach.
Air: 45 minute flight from Jomo The place is ideal for diving.
Distance from Nairobi Kenyatta International Airport Diving gear is readily available
487 km to Mombasa from water sports desks.

MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK

Untamed wilderness, secluded splendour
WESTERN KENYA REGION Distance from Nairobi Access Mount Elgon is Kenya’s second
420 km Road: Access is via tarmac road highest mountain. It lies 140 km
to Kitale, branch to murram north-east of Lake Victoria and
Size road and then to the Chor- is bisected by the Kenya-Uganda
169 square km lim Gate. Two routes to the border. An ancient eroded
gate can be used, either via volcano with a huge caldera,
Park fees Endebess or take the tarmac its summit has the spectacu-
Mount Elgon
National Park Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact road 15 km past Kitale and lar flat-topped basalt column
tour operator. turn left onto a murrum road known as Koitobos. Another
leading to the gate. unique feature of the mountain
Climatic conditions is the lava tube caves, some
The climate is moist to moder- Accommodation over 60 metres wide and only
ate dry. Annual rainfall is over Lodges: Mount Elgon Lodge, 0.5 caves in the world frequented by
1,270 mm km outside the park gate elephants (and other animals)
digging for salts.
Attractions KWS Self-Catering Accom-
Together with the fauna and modation: Kapkuro Bandas, Mount Elgon National Park
flora, the park is endowed with Koitoboss Guesthouse, Kitum was gazetted in 1968 and
variety and breathtaking scenery Guesthouse covers a narrow transect on
Contact details of cliffs, caves, waterfalls, gorg- its north-eastern slopes. The
PO Box 753, Kitale es, mesas, calderas, hot springs, Best time to visit remaining forest and moor-
Tel: +254 (0)54 310456/7 and the mountain peaks All year round land is part of the Mount
Email: [email protected] Elgon Forest Reserve.
www.kws.go.ke Wildlife Activities
Elephant, leopard, giant forest Vehicle circuits leading to
Contact person hog, bushback, buffalo, duiker, animal viewing areas, the caves
Senior Warden black and white colobus, blue and Koitoboss peak; self-guided
monkeys, and golden cat, walking trails (ask for the Kitum
Location among others. Cave guide book at the gate);
On the western border of Kenya hiking to Endebess Bluff and
with Uganda, in Trans-Nzoia Birds: More than 240 bird spe- Koitoboss Peak; primate and
District of Rift Valley Province. cies in the area, including the bird watching; cave explora-
African crowned eagle, Ross’ tions; camping; horse-riding;
turaco and red-fronted parrot. photography.
 51

MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK

Namesake of a Nation
CENTRAL KENYA REGION

Mount Kenya
National Park

Mount Kenya is an imposing

extinct volcano dominating
the landscape of the Kenyan
Highlands. The mountain
has two main peaks – Batian
(5,200 metres) and Nelion
(5,188 metres). The moun-
tains 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 catch-
ment area, supplying the Tana
and Northern Ewaso Ngiro
systems.
Contact details Wildlife Accommodation
The park includes a variety of PO Box 753 Nyeri Giant forest hog, tree hyrax, Lodges: There is currently
habitats ranging from higher Tel: +254 (0)61 55645, 55201 white-tailed mongoose, ele- no lodge in the park. Various
forest, bamboo, alpine moor- www.kws.go.ke phant, black rhino, suni, black- lodges offer accommodation in
lands, glaciers, tarns and fronted duiker, mole- rat and the region.
glacial morains. Contact person over 130 species of bird
Senior Warden KWS self-catering accommo-
The Park, which was inscribed Access dation: Batian Guesthouse,
by UNESCO as a World Herit- Location Access Roads: 175 km from Nai- Sirimon Bandas
age Site in 1997 and is also East of the Rift Valley. Mount robi, the park can be reached
a Biosphere Reserve, covers Kenya lies about 140 km north- on Nanyuki-Isiolo road via In addition there are various
715 square km, and includes north-east of Nairobi with its Sirimon Track or Nyeri-Nanyuki bunkhouses and climbing huts
the peaks consisting of all the northern flanks across the road near Naro Moru. The park are on the climbing route.
ground above 3,200 metres Equator. is also reachable via Chogoria
with two small salients ex- on the Embu-Meru road, about Best time to visit
tending lower down to 2,450 Distance from Nairobi 150 km north of Nairobi. All year round
metres along the Sirimon and 140 km
Naro Moru tracks. Surround- Airstrips: The closest commer- Activities:
ing the park is Mount Kenya Size cial airstrip to the park is at Mountain climbing, wildlife view-
National Reserve with an 715 square km Nanyuki ing, camping, cave exploration.
area of approximately 2,095
square km. Park fees
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact
tour operator.

Climatic conditions
Climate, flora and fauna on
Mount Kenya varies with alti-
tude

Major attractions
Pristine wilderness, 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.
52

MOUNT LONGONOT NATIONAL PARK

Sheer Adventure
CENTRAL KENYA REGION The name Longonot is de-
rived from the Maasai word
Oloonong’ot meaning moun-
tains of many spurs or steep
ridges. Longonot park covers
52 square km most of it being
occupied by Mt. Longonot – a
young volcano rising to 2,776
metres above sea level. The
Mount Longonot sides of the mountain have
National Park beautiful V-shaped valleys and
ridges. The stony soils have
little vegetation but the crater
has an impenetrable forest.

Due to the nature of the ter-

rain Mount Longonot has no
roads and visitors hike to the
top and rim of the crater.
Contact details Size Access
PO Box 234-20117, Naivasha 52 square km Road: The park is accessible via
Tel: +254 (0)50 50255 tarmac road from Nairobi. From modation available in the park,
Email: [email protected] Park fees Naivasha town, take the lower a wide range of accommoda-
www.kws.go.ke Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact (old) Nairobi-Naivasha road in tion options are available in
tour operator. the direction of Nairobi until you nearby Naivasha, and there are
Contact person reach the Longonot railway level lodges and hotels around Lake
Senior Warden Climatic conditions crossing. Turn right after the Naivasha.
Hot and dry crossing and follow the track for
Location 4km to the Park Gate and KWS Best time to visit
Naivasha, Rift Valley Province Major attractions offices. Vehicles may be left in a All year round
Extinct volcano and crater for- car park 1km after the gate.
Distance from Nairobi est, scenic landscape, views of Activities
90 km Lake Naivasha and the Great Accommodation Finest views of Lake Naivasha
Rift Valley. Although there is no accom- and the Great Rift Valley, hiking.

MWEA NATIONAL RESERVE

An undiscovered oasis of tranquility
EAStERN REGION Size only protected area in which The reserve was gazetted
42 square km the globally threatened and in 1976 covering an area
Kenya-endemic Hinde’s babbler north-west of Kamburu Dam
Park fees is known to occur, the Reserve at the confluence of Tana and
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact also shelters two other rare spe- Thiba rivers. Two islands within
tour operator. cies; Pel’s fishing owl and the Kamburu dam (constructed in
white-backed night heron. 1976) are in the protected area.
Climatic conditions
Semi-arid with an annual rain- Access On the southern boundary is
fall of 510-760 mm per annum Road: From Nairobi via Thika-Ma- the Tana River, the eastern is
Mwea tuu-Masinga Dam (160 km). This the Thiba River and the north-
National Reserve Major attractions route is surfaced until Masinga ern boundary is an electric
Game viewing; boat rides at Kam- Dam Bridge – a further 10 km of fence that stops animals from
buru dam; hippo point; realm of dirt road lies between here and invading Makima settlements.
rare birds; walking circuit Makima Gate. Access is also pos-
sible via Embu-Machanga. The earliest human settlement
Wildlife in Makima dates from 1914,
Elephant, lesser kudu, Nile Air: Masinga airstrip near though wildlife conservation
crocodile, hippo, giraffe, Masinga Lodge. By Air: Masinga intervention was not until
Contact details Burchell’s zebra, buffalo, leop- Airstrip near Masinga Lodge 1972. Mwea National Reserve
PO Box 8-60113, Kiritiri, Embu ard, grey duiker, black-backed is today co-managed between
Tel: +254 (0)68 20301 jackal, bushbuck, waterbuck, Accommodation Kenya Wildlife Service and
www.kws.go.ke olive baboon, Sykes’ monkey, There are no lodges, tented Mbeere County Council.
serval cat, spotted hyena, camps or self-catering accommo-
Contact person warthog, rock hyrax, bush pig, dation options in Mwea Reserve. Mwea National Reserve Trust
Senior Warden impala and hartebeest. Rare Masinga Lodge is located at Mas- was founded in 1991 with
animals including stripped inga Dam outside the Reserve. the aim of soliciting funds to
Location ground squirrel, genet, black- develop the reserve. Quite a
Mbeere District, Eastern backed jackal, yellow baboons, Best time to visit number of projects have been
Province are also found in Mwea All year round funded through donations
including a boat and outboard
Distance from Nairobi Birds: over 200 species of Activities engine, energy saving jikos
160 km north-east of Nairobi birds. Mwea is renowned for its Game viewing, bird watching. and translocating zebras.
water birds and waders. The
 53

MWINGI NATIONAL RESERVE

EASTERN REGION Mwingi National Reserve is one
of four protected and con-
tiguous areas that comprise
the 4,400 square km Meru
Conservational Area (MCA). The
other three are Meru National
Park, Bisanadi National Reserve
and Kora National Park.

Mwingi Mwingi borders all three and is

National Reserve the least accessible. Mwingi has
been designated a Wilderness
Activity Zone by Kenya Wildlife
Service (KWS) which allows for
fly camping, camel and horse-
Park fees Access back safaris as opportunities for
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Roads: The reserve can be traditional game viewing are ex-
tour operator. accessed via Thika to Mwingi tremely limited. Formerly known
then north-east through Kyuso as Kitui National Reserve and
Contact details Climatic conditions village, or from Meru National located in Kitui District, Mwingi
www.kws.go.ke The climate is hot and dry Park through Adamson’s Bridge covers 745 sq km and is little
via Kora National Park. visited by tourists. However,
Contact person Major Attraction efforts are underway to improve
Senior Warden Wilderness habitat; game view- Accommodation the area’s road access.
ing; Adamson’s Falls; fishing and There is currently no accommo-
Location boating on Tana River; Kampi dation in the reserve The reserve is administered by
Mwingi District, Eastern Prov- ya Simba – former home of Joy Mwingi County Council. Wildlife
ince and George Adamson and the Best time to visit populations are low, but there
grave of Elsa the lioness. All year round are hippo, crocodile, buf-
Distance from Nairobi falo and warthog. Areas of the
350 km north-east of Nairobi Wildlife Activities reserve have been encroached
Caracal, elephant, hippo, leop- Game viewing, fishing in River by settlements and permanent
Size ard, lion and several antelope Tana, bird watching, boating. agriculture.
745 square km species among others.

NAIROBI ANIMAL ORPHANAGE

Home to orphaned and sick animals
NAIROBI REGION Park fees the animal orphanage is easily Established in 1964 as a
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact accessible on tarmac roads, off refuge and rehabilitation
tour operator. Lang’ata Road, Kenya Wildlife centre for wild animals
Service headquarters. found abandoned or injured
Climatic conditions throughout Kenya, the unique
January-March is hot and dry, Accommodation facility records over 200,000
April-June is hot and wet, July- Visitors to the Animal Orphan- thousand visitors every year.
October is very warm and wet. age can stay in various lodges
and hotels located in Nairobi Animals received at the
Nairobi Animal
Major Attraction City Centre. facility, undergo a thorough
Orphanage Bonding with orphaned medical examination, followed
animals; up-close animal view; Best time to visit by treatment where that is
play with the cheetah All year round called for, before entering into
an appropriate feeding and
Wildlife Activities rehabilitation program.
Wildlife: Lion, cheetah, hyena, Up-close viewing of wildlife
jackal, serval, Nairobi Animal Orphanage is
very rare the oldest animal orphanage
sokoke cats, in Kenya and set in Nairobi
Contact details warthog, os- National Park with lush veg-
PO Box 42076 trich, leopard, etation contrasting against
Tel: +254 (0)20 602121, 603769 various mon- the red dust and clay of the
Fax: +254 (0)20 600324 keys, baboon, soil.
Email: [email protected] buffalo
www.kws.go.ke This important educational
Birds: Parrot, and training facility, which is
Contact person guinea fowl, housed, in the only wildlife
Senior Warden crown crane protected area in a capital
city in the world is often home
Location Access to more than 20 different
Nairobi Province Roads: Located animals and bird species.
only about 7
Distance from Nairobi km from the
7 km city centre,
54

NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK

The world's only wildlife capital
NAIROBI REGION Contact details
PO Box 42076
Tel: +254 (0)20 602121, 603769
Fax: +254 (0)20 600324
Email: [email protected]
www.kws.go.ke

Contact person
Senior Warden

Nairobi Safari Walk

Location
Nairobi Province

Distance from Nairobi

7 km

Size
117 square km

Nairobi National Park is Park fees

unique by being the only pro- Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact
tected area in the world with tour operator.
a variety of animals and birds Walk and the Orphanage; spa- roads, mainly through Lang’ata
close to a capital city. The Climatic conditions cious picnic sites Road.
park is a principal attraction January-March is hot and dry,
for visitors to Nairobi. April-June is hot and wet; July- Wildlife Accommodation
October is very warm and wet. Over 80 recorded species to There is currently no accommo-
The park also serves many include rhino, buffalo, lion, dation in the reserve. Visitors
residents and citizens living Major Attraction leopard, crocodile and hippo can stay in Nairobi city which
in the city. It has a diver- Black rhinoceros; diverse (no elephants) offers various accommodation
sity of environments with birdlife; large predators – lion, options.
characteristic fauna and leopard, hyena and cheetah; Birds: more than 400 species
flora. Open grass plains with aggregations of large herbiv- Best time to visit
scattered acacia bush are ores – eland, buffalo, zebra Access All year round
predominant. The western and wildebeest; Ivory Burning Roads: Located only about 7 km
side has a highland dry forest Site Monument; walking trails from the city centre, the Park Activities
and a permanent river with a at hippo pools; Nairobi Safari is easily accessible on tarmac Wildlife viewing, picnic activities.
riverine forest in the south. In
addition, there are stretches
of broken bush country and
deep, rocky valleys and gorges
with scrub and long grass.
Man-made dams also attract
water dependent herbivores
during the dry season.

The park has a rich/diverse

birdlife with 400 species
recorded. However all species
are not always present and
some are seasonal. Northern
migrants pass through the
park primarily during late
March through April.

Nairobi National Park is one

of the most successful of
Kenya’s rhino sanctuaries that
is already generating a stock
for reintroduction in the spe-
cies former range and other
upcoming sanctuaries. Due 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.

To the south of the park is the

Athi-Kapiti Plains and Kitenge-
la Migration and dispersal
area. These are vital areas for
herbivores dispersal during
the rains and concentrate in
the park in the dry season.
 55

NAIROBI SAFARI WALK

A refuge for the wild
NAIROBI REGION

Nairobi Safari Walk

Only 7 km south of Nairobi

lies the Nairobi Safari Walk,
Kenya’s conservation based
recreation facility. The combi-
nation of skilled and creative
landscape design, unique
wildlife species and detailed
interpretation, renders the
facility supremacy in tourism
and conservation education.

With a combination of three Contact details Climatic conditions Access

simulated, forests, wetlands PO Box 42076 January-March is hot and dry, Roads: located only about 7 km
and savannahs, visitors have Tel: +254 (0)20 602121, 603769 April-June is hot and wet, July- from the city centre, the Nairobi
an opportunity to learn about Fax: +254 (0)20 00324 October is very warm and wet. Safari Walk is easily accessible
these valuable resources and Email: [email protected] on tarmac roads, off Lang’ata
how they can contribute to its www.kws.go.ke Major Attraction Road, Kenya Wildlife Service
conservation. Some unique Three major ecosystems headquarters.
plants and animals that are Contact person namely wetlands, savannah and
locally extinct or threatened Senior Warden forest ecosystems; variety of Accommodation
are also displayed. This is the mammals, reptiles, insects and Visitors can stay in various
place to learn how to take part Location birds; The boardwalk; Children lodges and hotels located in
in wildlife conservation quest. Nairobi Province Museum Nairobi City Centre.

The Nairobi Safari Walk is an Distance from Nairobi Wildlife Best time to visit
eye opener to Kenya’s Parks 7 km Lion, cheetah, leopard, croco- All year round
and Reserves. It offers an op- dile, pygmy hippo, zebra and
portunity to learn what to ex- Size albino zebra, buffalo, colobus Activities
pect to see across the country. 117 square km monkey, ostrich, bongo, oryx, Walking Safari, wildlife viewing,
Introductory talks on Kenya’s tortoises, turtle, rhino Children’s Museum, guided
parks and reserves, can be Park fees walk, talks and lectures, tree
arranged by naturalists. Expe- Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Birds: wide variety of birds and identification, nursery tech-
rience a taste of Kenya’s rich tour operator. insects niques
animal collection including the
rare bongo, white rhino, albino
zebra, a collection of cats,
antelopes and primates. NSW
is also home to a collection
of about 150 species of local
trees. Get to learn their varied
traditional uses too.

The unique design of the

Safari Walk includes the inter-
est of all visitors, families,
students, tourists, and all
others are catered for.
56

NASOLOT NATIONAL RESERVE

A scenic masterpiece
NORTH RIFT REGION Contact details beisa and fringe-eared oryx,
PO Box 62, Kapenguria waterbuck, olive baboon, buf-
www.kws.go.ke falo, gazelle and hippo.

Nasolot Contact person Access

National Reserve Senior Warden Road: The reserve is 146 km
north of Kitale to the west of
Location the A1 Kitale-Lodwar road. The
West Pokot District, Rift Valley reserve’s gate lies 6.2 km off
Province the A1 main road.

Distance from Nairobi Air: There are air strips at Turk-

528 km north-west of Nairobi well dam and Kaputirr

Size Accommodation
92 square km There are no accommodation
options in the reserve. However
Park fees self-catering accommodation
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact and a campsite is available at
tour operator. the Marich Pass Field Studies
Centre located 80 km south of
Climatic conditions the reserve off the A1 Kitale-
Hot and arid Lodwar road. Nasolot National Reserve was
gazetted in 1979 and consists
Major Attractions Best time to visit 9,200 hectares of beautifully
Rocky out crop at the periphery All year round rugged land. It is located to
of the reserve called Nasolot the north of Mount Melo at
Hill; game viewing. Activities over 3,000 metres. There are
Game viewing, bird watching, some spectacular views to
Wildlife sport fishing and boating at be had, although most of the
Elephant, lesser kudu, bush- Turkwell dam, nature walks, reserve is plains. Because of
buck, duiker, lion, leopard, camping. its remote location there are
Kirk’s dik-dik, spotted hyena, few visitors.
jackal, impala, Sykes’ monkey,

NDERE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

WESTERN KENYA REGION Contact details Park fees Ndere Island, a newly gazet-
PO Box 1193 Kisumu Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact ted park, is an island just off
Tel: +254 (0)57 21105 tour operator. the northern shore of Lake
www.kws.go.ke Victoria and was opened
Climatic conditions in November 1986. Ndere
Contact person Hot and humid means ‘meeting place’ in the
Senior Warden language of the local Luo
Attractions and wildlife tribe. According to the Luo
Ndere Island Location Ndere Island; game viewing; folklore, Kit Mikayi, mother
National Park
Kisumu District of Nyanza African fish eagles; hippopota- of the tribe, rested up near
Province mus; Nile crocodiles; impalas Ndere after her long journey
south down the Nile valley.
Distance from Nairobi Access She found the lush shorelines
432 km Road: Access to the park can be so pleasing that she and her
by road or boat from Kisumu people stayed.
Size
4.2 square km Air: Kisumu Airport is 60 km
away

Accommodation
Kenya Wildlife Service: two
campsites

Best time to visit

All year round

Activities
Stockphoto
Walking, game viewing
 57

OL DONYO SABUK NATIONAL PARK

Ultimate Panoramic Experience
EASTERN REGION Northrup McMillan (1872- A rugged, hump-backed out-
1925) and his wife Lady Lucie); crop of ancient rock jutting
camping facilities high above the Athi Plains and
hazily visible from Nairobi, Ol
Access Donyo Sabuk is a densely for-
Road: From Thika proceed 22 ested mountain known to the
km along the main Garissa local Kikuyu as ‘The Mountain
road to Makutano junction. At of the Buffalo’, and to the
Makutano follow the KWS sign Maasai as ‘The Big Mountain’.
and turn right, proceeding 3 km Just one road leads to its
Ol Donyo Sabuk
National Park on all-weather murram road to summit, which offers magnifi-
Donyo town. At Donyo turn right cent 360’ panoramas over the
and proceed a further 2 km to Athi River, the pineapple fields
the main gate. of Thika and the snow-capped
peaks of both Mount Kiliman-
Accommodation jaro and Mount Kenya. Within
Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Ca- easy reach of Nairobi, the
tering Accommodation: Sabuk lush vegetation and cool air of
House this compact and scenic Na-
Contact details Size tional Park make for an ideal
PO Box 1514, Thika 20.7 square km Best time to visit day trip or camping weekend.
Tel: +254 (0)67 435 5257 All year round
www.kws.go.ke Park fees
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Activities
Contact person tour operator. Game viewing, bird watching,
Senior Warden camping and picnicking.
Climatic conditions
Location Hot and dry
Machakos District, Eastern
Province Major attractions
Fourteen Falls; scenic views of
Distance from Nairobi Mount Kenya from the summit;
85 km north-east of Nairobi McMillan grave (of Sir William

RUMA NATIONAL PARK

Last retreat of the roan antelope
WESTERN KENYA REGION Size Then turn left and head for Ruma was first gazetted in
120 square km Migori, a distance of 20 km. At 1966 as Lambwe valley game
Migori follow signs to the park, reserve and acquired national
Park fees entering at Kamato main gate park status in 1983.
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact
tour operator. Accommodation The park was established
Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Catering mainly to protect the roan
Climatic conditions Accommodation: Oribi Guesthouse antelope which does not occur
Hot and humid anywhere else in the country.
Ruma National Park Campsites: Kamato and Nyati
Major Attractions Campsites The soils are largely black cot-
Game Viewing ton clay. The surrounding area
Best time to visit is settled, with a mix of small
Wildlife All year round scale cultivation and grassy
Roan antelope which is not pasture land.
found anywhere else in Kenya, Activities
oribi, mountain reedbuck, Game viewing, bird watching,
leopard, buffalo, Jackson’s hart- camping
beest, Rothschild’s giraffe, ser-
Contact details val, hyena, impala and vervet
PO Box 420, Homa Bay monkey, savannah grassland
Tel: +254 (0)59 22544 and woodland with extensive
www.kws.go.ke acacia thickets and more than
400 recorded species of birds.
Contact person
Senior Warden Access
Road: From Nairobi the most
Location direct route to Ruma NP is via
Ruma National park is situated in Nakuru, Kericho and Kisii. From
Suba District, Nyanza Province Kisii proceed in a southerly
direction on the main A1 road
Distance from Nairobi to Rongo, a distance of 34 km.
425 km At Rongo turn to the right and
proceed 27 km to Rodi Kopany.
58

SAIWA SWAMP NATIONAL PARK

Sanctuary of the Sitatunga antelope
WESTERN KENYA REGION Size at Kitale Museum and follow Saiwa is the smallest park in
2.9 square km the road into a left hand bend. Kenya, only 3 square km. It
After 0.5 km turn right and was established to protect the
Park fees follow signs for Kapenguria and semi-aquatic sitatunga ante-
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Lodwar. After 1.5 km turn left lope and encloses the swamp
tour operator. onto the A1 Lodwar Road and fed by the Saiwa river together
Saiwa Swamp proceed for 18 km to Kipsaina with its fringing belts of rain
National Park Climatic conditions where there is a sign to Saiwa forest. The park is enclosed by
The Park has a typical African Swamp NP. Turn right at the subsistence farming settle-
wetland climate, ranging from sign and follow the murram ments.
warm to cool humid to semi- road for 6.5 km to the park’s
arid. only gate-Saiwa Gate. Vegetation is a mixture of
forest and swamp vegetation.
Major Attractions Accommodation The swamp is dominated by
Sitatunga aquatic antelope; Sirikwa Guesthouse and Camp- tall bullrushes and sedges.
game viewing; bird watching; site The swamp is bordered by a
trail walking mixture of grassland, riverine
Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Cater- forests and acacia.
Wildlife ing Accommodation: Tree Top
Contact details Sitatunga, monkeys, otter, House.
PO Box 4506 Kitale genet, serval, mongoose,
Email: bushback and ratel (or honey Best time to visit
[email protected] badger). All year round
www.kws.go.ke
Birds: over 372 species includ- Activities
Contact person ing such rarities as Ross’ turaco Game viewing, bird watching,
Senior Warden and blue-headed coucal. camping, picnicking, nature
walks
Location Access
Trans Nzoia District, Rift Valley Road: The park lies 27 km
Province north of Kitale on the Kitale-
Lodwar tarmac road. Approach-
Distance from Nairobi ing Kitale from the direction of
385 km Eldoret or Bungoma, turn right
 59

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

EASTERN REGION Size Accommodation Samburu National Reserve
The reserve covers an area of The reserve houses a number is one of the lesser-known
165 square km of visitor facilities including: national parks, but is nev-
ertheless teeming with life.
Distance from Nairobi Lodges: Samburu Game Lodge, Situated alongside the Ewaso
345 km to Archer’s Gate (main Samburu Larsen’s Camp, Sam- Nyiro River, there is plenty to
entrance to Samburu National buru Sopa, Samburu Intrepids, attract wildlife from the sur-
Samburu Reserve) Elephant Bedroom, Elephant rounding savannah plains.
National Reserve Watch Safaris, Miiba Mingi
Park fees Tented Lodge The reserve lies within
Contact tour operator. ecological zone V – which is
Permanent campsites: Game- classified as arid and semi-
Climatic Conditions trackers, Lion King Safaris arid with a moisture index of
Arid and semi-arid with hot 42 to 57, which indicates that
days and cool nights. Annual Special campsites: Doom Palm evapo-transpiration is greater
mean temperature between Campsite, Von derdecken than available moisture.
18º C and 30ºC. Annual mean (Hornbill) Campsite, Grevy The days are extremely hot
rainfall is 345 mm with peaks Campsite, Impala Campsite while the nights are cool. The
in November and April. annual mean temperatures
Contact details Public Campsites: Vervet Mon- range between 18º C and
Samburu National Reserve, Wildlife key, Butterfly, Kigelia, King- 30ºC, while the mean annual
PO Box 519 Rich in game with many rare fisher rainfall is 345 mm with peaks
Isiolo species. Game includes Grevy’s in November and April. The
Tel/Fax: +254 (0)64 30249 zebra, Somali ostrich, reticu- Best time to visit dry season starts in late May,
Email: [email protected] lated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa All year round. and goes up to early October
www.samburucouncil.com oryx, elephants, lion, leopard, when a large concentration of
cheetah, wild dogs and over Activities wildlife is found in the reserve
Contact person 450 species of birds. There are various activities that due to availability of lush
Chief Park Warden: visitors can engage in while vegetation along the Ewaso
Email: [email protected] Access residing at the reserve. These Nyiro River, the main source
Road: The reserve can be activities include: game drives, of water to the Reserve and
Location accessed to by road from Nairo- bird watching, sundowners, the nearby communities.
Samburu National Reserve is bi through Isiolo on all weather bush breakfast, nature walks,
situated at the southern corner bitumen while Isiolo Archers river rafting (depending on the The reserve is rich in wildlife
of Samburu District in the Rift Post is gravelled. The road river water level) and the Sam- with an abundance of rare
Valley Province of Kenya. It is section distance from Isiolo to buru cultural experience. northern specialist species
bordered to the south by Uaso Archer’s gate is 34.3 km. such as the Grevy’s zebra,
Nyiro River, which separates Somali ostrich, reticulated
it from the Buffalo Springs Air: The reserve has an airstrip giraffe, gerenuk and the
National Reserve. that is the Oryx Samburu Airstrip. beisa oryx (also referred to as
Samburu Special Five). The
reserve is also popular with a
minimum of 900 elephants.
Large predators such as the
lion, leopard and cheetah are
an important attraction (Ka-
munyak the miracle lioness
that adopted the baby oryx is
a resident in the reserve).

Wild dog sightings are also

a common attraction to this
unique protected area. Birdlife
is abundant with over 450
species 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
conservation concern and
they both utilise the reserve.
Five species categorized as
vulnerable have also been
recorded in the reserve. 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 in the reserve.
60

SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL RESERVE

Last of the Coastal Rainforests, Sanctuary of the Sable Antelope
COASTLINE REGION Wildlife Shimba Hills were gazetted
Sable, elephant, buffalo, water- as a National Forest in 1903,
buck, reedbuck, hyena, warthog grassland areas were incor-
and bush pig, giraffe, leopard, porated in 1924 and several
baboon plus Sykes’, black-faced subsequent extensions took
vervet monkey and Angola place to bring the reserve to
colobus monkey, serval, Harvey’s its present size. In 1968 most
duiker and suni. Introduced species of the reserve was double
include Maasai giraffe and ostrich. gazetted as the Shimba Hills
National Reserve. Two smaller
Access areas to the west adjoin-
Road: The Reserve’s main ac- ing the reserve and almost
cess is via Diani - 56 km from entirely forested remain as
Size Mombasa. Forest Reserves; Mkongani
Shimba Hills 250 square km North and Mkongani West For-
National Reserve Air: 1.5 km airstrip. Regular est Reserve.
Park fees flights also at Ukunda airstrip
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact at Diani Beach and at Moi Inter- A fenced elephant corridor
tour operator. national Airport in Mombasa. connects the Shimba Hills
Contact details with Mwaluganje Forest Re-
PO Box 30, Kwale Climatic conditions Accommodation serve to the North.
Tel: +254 (0)40 4159, 4166 The climate is hot and moist Lodges: Shimba
Email: [email protected] but cooler than that the coast The Shimba Hills are a dis-
www.kws.go.ke with strong sea breezes and Kenya Wildlife Service sected plateau that ascends
frequent mist and cloud in Self-Catering Accommodation: steeply from the coastal
Contact person early morning. Annual rainfall Sable Bandas plains, 30 km south west of
Senior Warden is 855-1,682 mm. Mean annual Mombasa and just south of
temperatures is 24.2°C. Best time to visit Kwale town. The surrounding
Location All year round escarpment rises from around
The reserve is approximately Major attractions 120 metres to 300 metres
33 km south of Mombasa, in Scenic landscape comprising Activities across the bulk of the plateau
Kwale district of Coast Province hills and valleys extending beyond Game viewing, potential for and as high as 450 metres at
the Reserve boundaries; coastal bird-shooting outside the re- Marare and Pengo hills.
rainforest; Sheldrick’s Falls. serve, walking safaris

SIBILOI NATIONAL PARK

Cradle of Mankind, Garden of Eden
NORTH RIFT REGION Size Access Sibiloi National Park covers
1,570 square km Road: The lake is a three day 1,570 square km of wilder-
drive from Nairobi via Marsabit ness scenic landscape on the
Sibiloi National Park Park fees and North Horr, or Maralal and shores of Lake Turkana. The
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact South Horr. Alternatively travel park was partially established
tour operator. by road from Nairobi to Kalokol through the initiative of
on the lake’s western shores, via National Museums of Kenya
Climatic conditions Kitale and Lodwar. From Kalokol to protect unique prehistoric
Hot and arid boat hire services are available and archeological sites some
across the lake to Allia Bay. of which are linked to the
Major attractions origin of man. The fossils
Origins of Man: Koobi Fora Air: There are two all- weather include a crocodile eutheco-
Museum & Research Base; thou- airstrips. don brumpti, giant tortoile
sands of fossils including giant petusios broadleyi, elephant
tortoises; Behemoth, 45ft long Accommodation elephas recki and the petri-
Crocodile; Lake Turkana Scen- Lodges and tented camps: Oasis fied forest. The terrain is lake
ery; shoreline; game viewing. Lodge, Lobolo Tented Camp shore, dry semi desert bush
and near desert country. The
Wildlife KWS self-catering accommoda- park is waterless apart from
Contact details Birdwatching: More than 350 tion: Allia Bay Guesthouse the alkaline waters of the lake.
PO Box 219, Lodwar recorded species including
Tel: +254 (0)54 21223 flamingo, pelican and duck. Campsites: Turkana Campsite,
www.kws.go.ke Sunset Strip Camp
Hippo, crocodile, zebra, Grant’s
Contact person gazelle, reticulated giraffe, Best time to visit
Senior Warden beisa oryx, topi, greater kudu, All year round
lion, cheetah, leopard among
Location other species. Activities
Lake Turkana, Marsabit District, Game viewing, bird watching,
Eastern Province The world’s largest Nile croco- camping.
dile population breeds on Lake
Distance from Nairobi Turkana’s Central Island.
800 km north of Nairobi
 61

SOUTH AND CENTRAL ISLAND NATIONAL PARKS

Kingdom of the crocodile
NORTH RIFT REGION Size Lodwar. Access from Nairobi is These remote and wild parks,
44 square km by the main Nairobi-Moyale road along with Sibiloi National
or from Maralal to Loiengalani Park, are UNESCO World
Park fees through Baragoi and South Horr. Heritage Sites.
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact
South & Central Island
National Parks tour operator. Airstrips: Two airstrips at Sibiloi. The park offers visitors some
stunning scenery and excel-
Climatic conditions Accommodation lent bird-watching opportuni-
Hot and arid (especially Decem- Lodges and Tented Camps: Oasis ties with flamingos, pelicans
ber-March) June and July are the Lodge, Lobolo Tented Camp and water birds. It is an
coolest months. May-September important stopover for mi-
very strong winds in morning and KWS Self-Catering accommoda- grant waterfowl, home to large
evening. Rainfall less than 250 tion: Allia Bay Guesthouse breeding colonies of hippo
mm per annum. In some places it and Nile crocodile and also
may not rain for several years Best time to visit has several species of venom-
All year round ous snakes. South Island is
Major attraction also the home of the El-Molo
Three crater lakes - Crocodile Activities tribe, of which there are only
Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Crocodile hatching, viewing, thought to be 500 individuals.
Contact details Lake; Active volcano; venomous camping.
PO Box 219 Lodwar reptiles and pre-historic fish Central Island National Park
Tel: +254 (0)54 21223 is difficult to reach and is in
www.kws.go.ke Wildlife effect a small active volcano
Reptiles/fish: estimated 12,000 with three saline carter lakes
Contact person crocodiles, saw-scaled viper, known as Flamingo, Crocodile
Senior Warden night and puff adder, cobra and Tilapia. It is believed to
support the world’s largest
Location Birdlife: Over 84 water-bird spe- population of Nile crocodiles
Lake Turkana, Marsabit District, cies and various birds of prey Along the shoreline, there
Eastern Province. Most northerly are plains and grevy’s zebra,
of the Great Rift Valley lakes Access topi, oryx, reticulated giraffe,
Roads: 800 km from Nairobi to greater kudu and Grant’s
Distance from Nairobi Lake Turkana, then take a boat gazelle.
800 km from Sibiloi National Park or from

SOUTH TURKANA NATIONAL RESERVE

NORTH RIFT REGION Size
1,091 square km

Park fees
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact
South Turkana tour operator.
National Reserve

Climatic conditions
Hot and dry

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

Wildlife
Elephant, giraffe, buffalo, eland,
Contact details oryx, impala, bushbuck, greater
www.kws.go.ke kudu, Grant’s and Thompson’s
gazelle, lion, leopard, cheetah, Accommodation South Turkana National
Contact person spotted hyena and jackal. There There are no lodges within the Reserve is a rugged and very
Senior Warden are crocodiles in the rivers and reserve beautiful expanse of land with
abundant birdlife, much of very few visitors. Consisting of
Location which gathers on the banks of Best time to visit dense thorn bushes and river-
This reserve lies on either side the Kerio River All year round ine forests, the landscape has
of the main highway about half- a great variety, especially away
way between Kitale and Lodwar Access Activities from the seasonal riverbeds.
By Road: Access is from Isiolo Game viewing Although it is low on plains
Distance from Nairobi or by scheduled flight from game, it is worth a visit for the
348 km Nairobi. This is a very remote large expanses of mixed veg-
reserve in the north of Kenya. etation and the landscape.
62

TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK

Theatre of the Wild
SOUTHERN REGION

Tsavo East
National Park

Contact details longest lava flows. located 232 km South of Tsavo National Park is the
PO Box 14, Voi Nairobi and 250 Km north of largest park in Kenya and was
Tel: +254 (0)43 30049 Lugards Falls on the Galana Mombasa on the main Nairobi- established on 1st April, 1948.
Email: [email protected] river – this is not a true falls Mombasa Road. Tsavo National Park was split
but a series of rapids. Visitors into East and West for adminis-
Contact person can walk down to river to view Air: There are several airstrips trative purposes. The two Parks
Senior Warden rapids. in the park are divided by Nairobi–Mom-
basa railway and road.
Location Mudanda rock is a long rock Accommodation
South-west Kenya, 2.5 hours outcrop that is about 1.6 km Lodge: Voi Safari Lodge The park has an interesting
from beach hotels to park long. There is a dam at the and diverse history including:
base. Animals can be seen Tented Camps: Galdessa camp, the Waliangulu and Kamba
Distance from Nairobi drinking. Visitors can walk Epiya Chapeyu Camp, Tsavo tribes used the park as a hunt-
232 km (Mtito Andei Gate), along the rock and enjoy a cool Safari Camp (Cottar’s), Satao ing ground prior to gazette-
and 250 km north of Mombasa breeze as well as view wildlife Camp, Sobo, Patterson Safari ment; the first European to see
on the main Nairobi-Mombasa at the base. Camp, Aruba, Tarhi, Ndololo Mount Kenya, Rev. Dr. L. Krapf,
road. Note: Nairobi-Voi Gate 325 journeyed on foot through
km. Mombasa-Voi Gate 157 km. Aruba Dam was built in 1952 Public Campsites: Kanderi, this area in 1848; during the
across the Voi River. The dam Visitors bring their own camp- construction of the railway
Size attracts many animals and ing gear. bridge over the Tsavo River in
21,812 square km water birds can be seen at this 1898, lions (the famed man-
dam. Special Campsites (northern eaters of Tsavo) terrorised
Park fees area): Wamata, Makalia, Ithuri; the workers, killing over 130
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Tsavo/Athi rivers confluence (southern area): Kanderi, Duru- people before being killed by
tour operator. – when the two rivers join they sirikale, Mbuyu Col. J.H.Patterson. During
form the Galana river. World War I, British forces
Climatic conditions KWS accommodation: Education built fortresses along Tsavo
Hot and dry Wildlife: Elephant, rhino, buf- centre hostels river to counter threats from
falo, lion, leopard, crocodile, invading German soldiers from
Major attractions waterbuck, kudu, gerenuk, Best time to visit Tanganyika (now Tanzania);
The park is a ‘catchment’ for zebra and Hunter’s hartebeest All year round the European explorer Captain
visitors from coast resorts with Lugards a European explorer
large herds of elephants and Birds: The prolific bird life fea- Activities passed through the area on his
other wildlife. tures 500 recorded bird species Game viewing; walking Safaris way to Uganda.
along the Galana; bird watching.
Yatta plateau is about 290 km Access Tsavo East is an easily acces-
long and is one of the world’s Roads: Mtito Andei Gate is sible and very popular Park
as is indicated by the high
number of tourists. Some of
the attractive scenic features
include large herds of el-
ephant and other wildlife and
striking natural landscapes
and structures.
 63

TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK

Land of lava, springs and Man-eaters
SOUTHERN REGION

Tsavo West
National Park

Contact details Major attractions reached via the Taveta-Voi road

Tsavo West National Park covers
PO Box 71, Mtito Andei Recent volcanoes, lava flows through Maktau, Ziwani and
approximately 30 per cent of
Tel: +254 (0)56 22120, 22483 and caves with potential for Jipe gates.
Kenya’s park area, and contains
www.kws.go.ke geological and cave explora-
a diversity of habitats, wildlife
tion, and hiking. Mzima Springs Air: Kamboyo, Kilaguni, Tsavo
and a mountainous scenic
Contact person and underwater hippo and fish Gate, Jipe, Kasigau, Finch Hat-
landscape.
Senior Warden watching, Ngulia Rhino Sanctu- tons, Ziwani and Maktau air-
ary, Lake Jipe, Mount Kiliman- strips are in good condition. The park is a vast expanse of
Location jaro, elephant, diverse bird and savanna stretching from Mtito
South Eastern Kenya, inland plant species. Accommodation Andei, along the Mombasa-Nai-
from Mombasa Lodges: Ngulia Lodge, Kilaguni robi road and south to the Tan-
Wildlife Serena Lodge, Severin Safari zanian border. The north-east-
Distance from Nairobi Leopard, cheetah, wild dogs, Camp/Lodge, Finch Hattons ern boundary along the highway
232 km buffalo, rhino, elephant, giraffe, adjoins Tsavo East National
zebra, lion, plains game, croco- KWS self-catering accommoda- Park, but Tsavo West has a more
Size dile, mongoose, hyrax, dik-dik, tion: Kamboyo Guest House varied topography and a more
9065 square km lesser kudu and porcupine. diverse array of habitats than
Prolific birdlife features 600 Best time to visit its neighbour.
Park fees recorded species All year round
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact The park’s habitats include
tour operator. Access Activities open plains alternating with
Roads: The main access routes Boat excursion at Lake Jipe; savannah bush and semi desert
Climatic conditions are through Chyulu Gate from bird watching at Lake Jipe; scrub, acacia woodlands; rocky
Temperature ranges from 20-30°C Amboseli and Mtito Andei Gate annual bird ringing at Ngulia ridges and outcrops and more
and rainfall between 200 and from Nairobi (240 km) and lodge; hill and rock climbing at extensive ranges and isolated
700mm. Two rain seasons: long Mombasa. Visitors from Mom- Chaimu and Ngulia Hills; caving hills; belts of riverine vegeta-
rains in March and April and short basa also use Tsavo Gate near at Shetani Caves. tion; palm thickets and on the
rains – November and December. Manyani. The park can also be Chyulu hills, mountain forest.

There are numerous rocky out-

crops and ridges and 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-western corner

on the Kenya Tanzania border
is Lake Jipe, part of which is
in the park. This very attractive
lake is fed by runoff 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.

Visitors have an opportunity to

view animals under water through
a glass house, man eaters – caves
where 2 lions were shot in Tsavo
West by Col. Patterson, railway
bridge forms boundary.
64

TANA RIVER PRIMATE NATIONAL RESERVE

COASTLINE REGION Size Accommodation The Tana River National
171 square km Campsites, Bandas, Trails Primate Reserve was gazetted
in 1976 to protect the Lower
Park fees Best time to visit Tana riverine forests and two
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact All year round highly endangered primates,
tour operator. the mangabey and the Tana
Activities River red colobus. The reserve
Climatic conditions Walking, game viewing, bird consists mainly of patches of
The climate is generally hot watching, primates watching. riperian forest extending for
and dry 16 km along the meander-
Tana River ing course of the Lower Tana
Primate Reserve Major attractions River, 350 km east of Nairobi
River Tana; Tana River Primate and 240 km north of Mom-
National Reserve is a mixture basa. At the time of establish-
of savannah and riverine forest; ment, the reserve occupied
game viewing; bird watching; approximately 171 km of
endangered primate watching forest, dry woodland and sa-
vanna habitat on the east and
Wildlife west of the Lower Tana River.
Contact details Grevy’s zebra, the Maasai and 16 patches of forests ranging
PO Box 4, Hola reticulated giraffe, oryx, buffalo from 10 to 625 hectares in
Tel: +254 (0)46 2035 and lesser kudu. The river hosts size fall within the reserve.
www.kws.go.ke plenty of crocodile and hippo,
and the variety of water birds
Contact person is not to be missed. Endemic
Senior Warden red colobus and mangabey
monkeys are found here.
Location
Coast Province Access
Road: The reserve is accessible
Distance from Nairobi via the Malindi-Garissa road.
350 km east of Nairobi and Located 250 km north of Mom-
240 km north of Mombasa basa on the Malindi to Garissa
road.

WATAMU MARINE NATIONAL PARK & RESERVE

A Natural Paradise
COASTLINE REGION Contact details Watamu National Park is
PO Box 109, Malindi part of a complex of marine
Tel: +254 (0)42 31554, 20845 and tidal habitats on Kenya’s
www.kws.go.ke north coast stretching from
Malindi town to beyond the
Contact person entrance to Mida creek. It is
Senior Warden enclosed by the Malindi Ma-
rine National Reserve which
Location also encloses Malindi Marine
North Coast, Malindi National Park. Habitats
include inter-tidal rock, sand
Distance from Mombasa and mud; fringing reefs and
118 km coral gardens; beds of sea
Watamu Marine grass; coral cliffs, platforms
Park & Reserve Size Access and islets; sandy beaches and
10 square km Roads: Access is via tarmac Mida Creek mangrove forest.
road from Mombasa or Malindi. The park was designated as a
Park fees Biosphere reserve in 1979.
Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Air: Mombasa or Malindi Air-
tour operator. ports. Mida creek is a large, almost
land-locked expanse of
Climatic conditions Accommodation saline water, mangrove and
Humid with mean annual temp- There is currently no accom- inter-tidal mud. Its extensive
eratures ranging from 22-34°C. modation in the Reserve, a wide forests are gazetted as forest
Rainfall about 500 mm per annum range of options exist in nearby reserves and the extreme
Malindi town. western tip of Mida Creek is
Major Attraction part of the Arabuko Sokoke
Haven of green turtle; unique Best time to visit Forest Reserve.
coral garden; Mida creek All year round

Wildlife Activities:
Reptiles/fish: fish, turtles Wind surfing, snorkelling, water
skiing, sunbathing, diving.
Insects/arthropods: crabs
Kenya Association of Tour Operators
www.katokenya.org

Kenya Wildlife Service

www.kws.go.ke

Kenya Tourist Board

www.magicalkenya.com