Bordering the capital city of Nairobi, in beautiful Kenya, the Nairobi National Park is one of Africa's smallest parks and one of the only parks on earth to be in such close proximity to a city centre. It boasts a large and varied wildlife population, amid wide open grass plains against a backdrop of city scrapers. The park is home to one of Kenya's most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries with the world's highest concentration of black rhinoceros. Its wetland areas are abundant with birdlife boasting over 400 bird species. Visitors can enjoy the many facilities the park has to offer such as scenic picnic sites, well-positioned campsites, and hiking trails. Commonly spotted species include lion, hyena, warthog, zebra, giraffe, ostrich, gazelle, buffalo, and sometimes if you're lucky, leopard and cheetah.
Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy, an exclusive and collectively-owned 95,000 hectare-large wildlife Conservancy, borders the Samburu National Reserve in Northern Kenya. It also borders Ngutuk Ongiron Group Ranch to the west, Namunyak Community Conservation Trust to the north, and Sera Community Wildlife Conservation to the northeast. Kalama is part of the Northern Rangelands Trust. The Samburu ecosystem is a well-known area in central Kenya comprising of Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, and Kalama Conservancy. The natural environment is arid and semi-arid; open scrub and grasslands with significant environmental variation based on altitude. The area is home to the ‘Samburu Special Five’ – indigenous species only found in this area namely the Beisa oryx, the gerenuk, the Somali ostrich, the Grevy’s zebra, and reticulated giraffe.
The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises Africa for many, then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, herds of elephants, as well as giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve. Aside from horse riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential.
Palm-fringed white-sand beaches, tropical weather, and teeming coral reefs welcome visitors at the captivating Kenyan Coast. The offshore reefs are remarkable, offering excellent snorkelling and diving in an underwater wonderland inhabited by brilliantly coloured fish, turtles, dolphins and dazzling coral gardens. Deep-sea fishing is also a popular activity here, with ample opportunities to enjoy the sport. The Marine National Park of Watamu and gorgeous Diani Beach are must-sees, along with a visit to the paradisiacal wonderland of the Lamu Archipelago, and the idyllic and vibrant port city of Mombasa. A rich Mijikenda and Swahili culture is still celebrated along the coast, and if you enquire about events you will probably be invited. History and architecture enthusiasts will enjoy seeing the impressive and well-preserved Fort Jesus and the glorious Lord Shiva Temple.
