A guide to Kenya

All of the Big Five are present, as well as hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, bat-eared foxes and distinctive Masai giraffes. Hippos and crocodiles are present in large groups in the Mara and Talek rivers and a wide range of antelopes abound, including Thomson’s gazelles, topi and elands.

 

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is known for the characteristic image of elephants crossing the vast open plains in front of the spectacular snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. The park’s main attractions are the lions, elephants and cheetahs, although it is full of plains wildlife and birdlife, especially near the swamps where you can see a large variety of water birds.

 

Rift Valley Lakes

In Kenya, the Rift Valley runs from Lake Turkana in the north to Lake Natron in the south. Lake Naivasha is a wonderful place to watch and photograph birds and spot hippos. Colourful kingfishers, fish eagles and goliath herons can all be viewed at close quarters on a boat trip. Nearby is Lake Nakuru, where millions of flamingoes fringe the lake in shades of pink. A reserve has been created around the lake where black rhinos are protected and may be viewed alongside a variety of antelopes, giraffes, lions and hyenas.

 

Samburu National Reserve & Shaba National Reserve

Samburu and Shaba are neighbouring reserves situated north of Mount Kenya in the tribal lands of the Samburu people. The region’s bush is composed of wild acacia scrub and open savanna, with the huge Ewaso Nyiro river flowing through, filled with hippos and Nile crocodiles. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and buffaloes may be found in the reserve, as well as several species considered unique to the area such as Grevy’s zebras, Beisa oryx, longnecked gerenuks and Somali ostriches.

 

Meru National Park

Meru National Park is a beautifully remote park with good wildlife viewing. Less visited than Samburu or the Masai Mara, the safari experience is quieter and more peaceful. Although the wildlife can be more difficult to spot when high rainfall results in tall grasses, searching for animals is just as exciting.

 

Laikipia Plateau

Laikipia is a beautiful region that stretches from the foothills of Mount Kenya to the shoreline of Lake Baringo. The area covers a wide range of landscapes, and has become a sanctuary for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and a wealth of plains wildlife. The safari lodges in Laikipia are among the most opulent in Kenya, and the involvement of local Samburu and Masai communities in tourism allows visitors a rare opportunity to meet local people during their holiday.