Resting in the Kenyan Rift Valley, Lake Baringo National Park features a large freshwater lake. Considered Kenya’s most popular bird watching site, it is home to at least 470 of the country’s 1200 known avian species. Pelican, cormorants, fish eagles, and flamingos are among the most common birds sighted on and around the lake, which also provides a habitat for crocodiles and hippos. Boat trips are the best way to explore this aquatic park and its three islands. Don’t miss a visit to Baringo Community Museum and Reptile Park, which displays several species of snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and tortoises.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve forms part of Kenya’s last surviving tract of tropical rainforest - a 45-square kilometre area of virgin stinkwood and teak trees, ferns and flowering plants. These ancient woodlands shelter a rich diversity of fauna, including tree pangolin, duiker, porcupine, seven primate species and a profusion of butterfly species. It is also a superb bird-watching destination, with over 300 avian species recorded - at least nine of them found nowhere else on earth. The forest’s many hiking trails allow visitors to catch glimpses of its resident wildlife and explore the diverse attractions across the reserve, including the Isiukhu Waterfall and Buyangu Hill, which offers 360-degree views over the forest - most spectacular in the light of dawn. You can either explore these trails on your own or enlist one of the knowledgeable guides from the Kenya Wildlife Service to lead the adventure.
Nakuru is a fascinating city on the shores of western Kenya’s Lake Nakuru. The capital of Nakuru County located in the Great Rift Valley, about ten kilometres from the massive Menengai Crater. A hiking trail leads up to the rim of this ancient caldera, offering bird’s eye views over the lake and surrounds, and then plunges 400 metres down to the floor below, where visitors can walk among ancient forests. Lake Nakuru National Park, surrounding Nakuru, is home to exceptional birdlife, as well as over 50 varieties of mammals including lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, rhino, antelope and various primates. History and culture enthusiasts should make sure to visit the incredible Hyrax Hill prehistoric site.
Located in the beautiful Kenya Rift Valley basin, Naivasha is a compact market town northwest of Nairobi, best known as a stopping point for spellbinding Lake Naivasha. Aspiring wildlife photographers and nature lovers will marvel at Lake Naivasha and its abundance of wondrous wildlife. Here visitors can spot wallowing hippo pods, clouds of vibrant birdlife, zebra and various other game. The nearby Lake Oloiden and Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary are great spots for those passionate about wild wonders. Shopping in the bustling town ensures unique souvenirs for mementoes as well as restaurants offering delicious local dishes with every taste in mind. Accommodations ranging from lodges to bed and breakfasts provide great conveniences for travellers looking to explore the area.
