Destination Guide Kenya:
When people think of a safari, they often think of Kenya. Famous for decades as the place to see big game, Kenya has hosted the likes of Theodore Roosevelt, Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen), The Prince of Wales, the Queen of England, Ernest Hemingway, Lord Delamere, Beryl Markham, and the Leakey family, just to name a few.
In Kenya, safaris are an easy undertaking. Most of its parks and game reserves are small (with a few exceptions like Tsavo East and West), and offer first class facilities and accommodations. Most trips start from Nairobi and include visits to the south, central and east of the country.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is most famous for two things-views of Kilimanjaro and elephants. Here, you'll get plenty of both. Additionally, this park is dry and dusty yet has year-round water that attracts a wide range of wildlife. Nearby, there's plenty of Masai culture.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is famous the world over for its lesser flamingos-sometimes there are so many that the lake looks pink, not blue or green. Nakuru is a great place to see Cape buffalo, waterbuck and other herbivores. In recent years, both black and white rhinoceros have been introduced to the park.
Masai Mara Game Reserve
Probably the most famous reserve in Kenya, the Masai Mara is home to a wide range of wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetah, buffalo, giraffes, black rhinos, elephants and many more. During the annual migration, add nearly 1.5 million wildebeest and you've got quite a spectacle. Surrounded by and administered by the local Masai communities, the reserve has something for everyone.
Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba National Reserves
These three reserves, nestled together amongst rolling hills and the Ngare Ndare River, are the gems of north-central Kenya. Shaba is home to a monument to Joy Adamson of "Born Free" fame and the other reserves are rich with game such as Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, oryx, Somali Ostrich, gerenuk, lions, crocodiles, and much more.
Tsavo East and West
Actually two different parks, Tsavo is famous for spectacular views, wide open spaces and notorious "man eating lions" made famous during the building of the Uganda Railway in 1900. Today, it's a place to lose yourself in nature. Read more on Kenya.
|
|
An Exclusive Offer in Kenya!
We're pleased to announce an exclusive offer from Great Plains Conservation that is available to Africa Adventure Consultants' travelers - Stay 6 nights and pay for 5 at Ol Donyo Wuas and Mara Plains Camp in Kenya. This offer is valid for travel in 2010 - confirm by March 31, 2010 to qualify, not valid Dec. 13 - Jan 3. Call us at 1-866-778-1089 or email for details and availability.
Ol Donyo Wuas - Chyulu Hills
Ol Donyo Wuas, totally remodeled in July 2008, is a standout in the Kenya safari circuit. No other camps boast the sheer diversity of activities - horseback riding, mountain biking, game tracking, walks, star beds, woodpile/waterhole hide, spa, traditional game drive & night drive, authentic village and school visits - all in the setting of the magnificent Chyulu Hills and the shadow of Kilimanjaro. A site of National Geographic's launch of its 'Big Cat  Initiative', conservation is a top priority as well, and guests are privy to much of the field work. Designed to accommodate multi-generation families, couples and individuals, no two suites or villas are the same. Days here are full, and topped off with fine cuisine and wines.
Not only are the "Big Five" found here, but also cheetah, oryx, gerenuk, and giraffe among many others. The real exclusivity of Ol Donyo Wuas is apparent when out exploring the land. The entire area is reserved exclusively for Ol Donyo Wuas guests - no other tourists, no fleets of mini-buses - it's private, pure and wild.
"Ol Donyo Wuas was easily our favorite lodge. The property is stunningly beautiful - brand new construction. One of our real highlights [was seeing] three cheetah at close distance while we were on horseback. With easy access to Amboseli NP for day trips, do not miss Ol Donyo Wuas during your visit to southern Kenya."
- The Joanie & Ben Bentzin Family
Africa Adventure Consultants' Travelers, July 2009
Mara Plains Camp - Masai Mara Area
 Mara Plains Camp is located a mere 2 km from the Masai Mara Game Reserve border in a private conservancy with access to the Masai Mara, in addition to the Olare Orok and Mara North Conservancies. Guests are able to partake in night game drives, walks and traditional game drives. The specially designed vehicles have tiered bucket seats and are totally open - an exclusive offering by Mara Plains. The intimate camp caters to only 12 guests in six uniquely designed octagonal en suite canvas rooms. Each is raised on decks, and is open-air on three sides with floor to ceiling net walls and marquis ceiling. The rooms have a dressing area and a private verandah with exquisite views.
Great Plains Conservation
Great Plains Conservation is a group initiative to develop conservation-based tourism with the mission to find the right formula between conservation, communities and commerce. Great Plains Conservation's model takes stressed and threatened environments, surrounds them with compassionate protection and intelligent management. The projects are funded by blend of sensitive, low volume, low impact tourism, frequently coupled with the sale of carbon credits and in some cases with the sale of a small number of villas or bush-homes for tourism. Together, these private sector initiatives create the capital needed to help fund the overall conservation initiatives. The Maasailand Preservation Trust - supported by the tourism efforts of Ol Donyo Wuas - recognizes that for the Maasai residents of Mbirikani Group Ranch and the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem as a whole, the cost of living with wildlife exceeds the benefits. MPT therefore seeks to better balance the economics of everyday life for the local community and resolve human-wildlife conflict whenever possible. By contributing to the success of the Maasai people and their pastoral way of life - through economics, education, and ecology - the Trust, working in close collaboration with local stakeholders, seeks to stabilize and sustain the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem and its irreplaceable biodiversity.Great Plains photos by Dana Allen. |
|
