Resting at the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountain Range, in central Kenya's Laikipia County, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. It is also home to some of the last remaining northern white rhino in the world. Originally a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya and now a pioneering wildlife conservancy, Ol Pejeta works to protect wildlife and provide a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. The Conservancy is a popular safari destination and is home to the renowned ‘Big Five’ as well as a wide selection of other African animals including zebra, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, jackal, serval, hyena, vervet monkey, and many more. Visitors can look forward to an assortment of outdoor activities such as horse rides, game walks, and nocturnal game drives.
Situated in northern Kenya, Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a protected area in the Isiolo County. Buffalo Springs, along with Samburu and Shaba make up a trio of adjoining reserves. Buffalo Springs National Reserve features wildlife viewing, and is renowned for its magnificent leopard sightings. This is a remote, hot and arid landscape boasting rugged hills and undulating plains. Forming the boundary with Samburu National Park, the Ewaso Ngiro River runs through the terrain flanked by riverine forests. Visitors can look forward to spotting reticulated giraffe, the long necked gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Grevy's Zebra.
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.
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 Mara-Serengeti Eco-system hosts the wildebeest migration, a wonder that takes place from late June through September in the Mara. During this time, millions of gnus and zebra flock into the Mara in search of tender pasture. Their coming is a huge blessing for the predators in the Mara, from the crocodiles of the Mara River to the lions in the plains. Large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve.
The Maasai Mara is an amazing place to be. It is the subject of countless documentaries which, in all their beauty, do not bring out all there is in the Mara. One really has to be there and immerse oneself in it. Outside the migration season, the Mara still holds its position as one of the best places to view wildlife and experience nature. Majestic lions rule the plains, leopards dominate the woodlands as cheetahs patch on termite hills looking for their next meal. Elephants are widespread, as are giraffes, zebra, topi and many other antelopes. Rhinos also reside here. You might just find the big five in a day!
Aside from horse riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential.
Mahe is the largest of the Seychelles islands and encompasses the country’s international airport as well as its capital, the surprisingly quiet and peaceful town of Victoria, home to roughly a third of the national population, as well as many good restaurants and entertainment venues. Mahe has a mountainous interior characterised by dense tropical forests and stony outcrops, while its coast is blessed with some 75-odd beautiful beaches. The best known of these is the idyllic, white-sand Beau Vallon, fringed by deep bays that offer excellent swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.
