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Lesson 1
Kenya's Must-Do Experiences :Nature and Wildlife

Nature and Wildlife

Explore nature and wildlife on iconic safaris

Kenya is a beguiling mix of iconic African landscapes and a wide range of wildlife.

A holiday to Kenya will provide your clients with the opportunity to enjoy what is arguably the 'top' Africa experience - to see the infamous Big Five: Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino.

Kenya means the safari as it used to be, with unusually quiet trails and the thrill of stumbling upon wildlife when you least expect it. Enjoy the magic of observing animals in their natural habitat, in the middle of film-like landscapes.

Where can you see what?

     
  • Amboseli National Park (Southern Kenya): Perhaps the best place in the world to watch elephants.
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  • Tsavo (East and West) National Parks (Southern Kenya): Great places to see lions and big cats.
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  • Masai Mara (Western Kenya): Offers the great possibility of seeing the Big Five at the same time.
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  • Lake Nakuru National Park (Rift Valley): With its Flamingo-lined lake and forest-clad escarpments, it is another incredible place for Big Five safaris. Great place to see black rhinos.
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  • Meru National Park (Central Highlands): An excellent location to see lions and cheetahs.

The greatest spectacle on Earth: wildebeest migration

Perhaps, the wildebeest migration is the greatest nature spectacle on the planet. The experience of seeing this natural phenomenon justifies the journey to Kenya. Millions of animals, in endless herds, cross rivers and plains in search of fresh grass, giving rise to one of the events that fascinate naturalists and tourists from all over the planet.

To see the moment in which the great herds cross the Mara River is to experience firsthand the documentaries about wildlife with which many travelers have been dreaming since childhood.

Where: Maasai Mara (South West Kenya)

Best time to see: July – September

Ideal for: Couples / Groups of friends / Families / Seniors

Lakes of Kenya: bird sightings that you have to see to believe

Kenya is a prime destination for a bird-watching holiday at any time of year with over 1,100 species spotted in the country. Tremendous geographical range gives Kenya a variety of climates and landscapes, hence the second highest number of species in Africa. Kenya holds the 'bird watch' world-record with 342 species seen in 24 hours!

Kenya's Great Rift Valley is renowned for its biodiversity and with over 400 species of bird known to frequent its skies, this is one of the best places in the country to enjoy a successful birdwatching holiday. There are also several excellent birding areas around Lake Victoria.

Kenya offers the fantastic possibility of combining bird watching with exceptional game viewing.

Where:

     
  • Lake Nakuru National Park (Rift Valley): Not only birds: the traveler can see lions, leopards, and rhinos.
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  • Lake Baringo (Rift Valley): Over one-third of Kenya’s species have been recorded here.
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  • Lake Bogoria National Park (Rift Valley): Bird watching in a unique natural environment: geysers and hot springs.
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  • Lake Naivasha (Rift Valley): A great place for bird watching.
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  • Kakamega Forest (Western Kenya)
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  • Lake Victoria & respective islands e.g. Ndere Island (Western Kenya): Birding, Fishing, and lake expeditions.

Ideal for: Couples / Groups of friends / Families / Seniors

The desert experience: lost in the far north

Northern Kenya is a barely known region that offers the traveler truly unforgettable experiences. In the north of Kenya, beautiful and dusty, the desert coexists with volcanic lagoons and ancestral tribes. This area is full of history, is less traveled than Southern Kenya, and offers landscapes, places, and wonderful experiences. Lake Turkana, the world's largest permanent desert lake and biggest alkaline lake, is a must-see for the adventurous soul. In Northern Kenya, it is possible to meet the El Molo, Turkana, and other unique tribes found in Northern Kenya. The best place for cultural immersion is the Tobong'u Lore - Turkana Tourism & Cultural Festival held annually. Turkana is also the Cradle of Humankind. Traveling along Northern Kenya in an off-road car is a journey that any adventurous soul should make at least once in their lifetime.

Where:

     
  • Lake Turkana (Northern Kenya)
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  • Lake Turkana Cultural Festival (Northern Kenya)
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  • Turkana, Samburu, and El Molo people (Northern Kenya)

Ideal for: Groups and Families

The Laikipia Plateau

All Kenya travel guides confirm this: traveling to Laikipia Plateau is one of the best experiences that can be enjoyed in Kenya. Located under the watchful eye of Mount Kenya, this area, full of conservancies and private wildlife reserves, is one of the best places to enjoy abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery, and extraordinary cultural diversity. It is possible to explore the vast and stunning landscapes by horse riding, biking, doing camel safaris, or engaging in activities such as fishing, game viewing, or sleeping under the starry sky. In addition, in Laikipia, travelers have the wonderful opportunity to get up close, interact with communities, and have privileged access to the fascinating people and cultures found in Kenya.

Where: Laikipia Plateau, Central Circuit

Ideal for: Couples / Groups of friends / Families / Seniors

Doing safaris differently… enjoy the adventure and the culture of Kenya

"I have holidays, and I want to enjoy nature, discover fascinating communities and cultures, escape from the typical traditional trips, and add adventure and excitement to my trip ... What is my best option?"

Camel safaris, biking safaris, and motorbike tours are wonderful ways of mixing wildlife, culture, landscapes, and adventure. These kinds of safaris offer the possibility of going to zones less crowded by tourists, and breathing and meeting the real Kenya. It is ideal for free and adventurous spirits, hungry for new experiences.

Few experiences in life are as peaceful as they are exciting, and a hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara is certainly one of them. Few experiences are comparable to that of rising with the peace and silence of a quiet morning, with the sun illuminating the steppe, and the incredible sensation of freedom that a balloon gives you floating like a soap bubble, almost touching the clouds. Contemplating the incomparable landscapes of the Maasai Mara from the air makes this experience a dream come true.

Where:

     
  • Samburu / Lake Turkana (Northern Kenya): In Northern Kenya, there are not as many animals as in the south of the country, but it offers the possibility of interacting with the tribes of these zones (cultural encounters), and the area is less crowded than the southern.
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  • Laikipia Plateau (Central Highlands): With stunning views of Mount Kenya, Laikipia Plateau is a fantastic place for camel safaris and biking safaris. Cultural encounters are secure.

Ideal for: Couples / Groups of friends