Travel Guide & Manual

 Contents 2 KATO Foreword 5 A unique and unforgettable experience 7 Welcome to magical Kenya – where the sun never sets on adventure 8 Kenya: Cradle of mankind  Cultural variety is the spice of Kenyan life 3 A land of sports lovers with plenty of challenges for visitors 5 A year-round climate made for golf 7 Go on – treat yourself to a spot of perfect wellness 8 There's no better place for taking the plunge 20 Kenyan capital's 'secret' treasure-house of tourist attractions 22 There's only one way to rove the land in style 28 Park index & route planner 29 Central Kenya Region: High hill country is paradise for daredevils 30 Coastline Region: An ocean of opportunities for sport and leisure 3 Eastern Region: A 'must' for wildlife and wilderness lovers 32 North Rift Region: A rugged landscape full of natural wonders 33 South Rift Region: Ideal destination for your first safari experience 34 Southern Region: Kenya's largest game park offers top quality camps and lodges 35 Western Kenya Region: Going off-trail in search of undiscovered secrets 36 A-Z of parks and reserves

Kenya Travel Guide & Manual

This Kenya Travel Guide & Manual Supported by: is published by:

land &MARINE Land & Marine Publications Ltd 1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way, Severalls Business Park, Colchester Essex, CO4 9RA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Fax: +44 (0)1206 842958 KATO – Kenya Association of Kenya Tourist Board E-mail: [email protected] Tour Operators www.landmarine.com PO Box 40241-00100 PO Box 30630-00100 East & Southern office: Longonot Road , Kenya Nairobi, Kenya Muthaiga Road, Nairobi (Off Kilimanjaro Ave) Tel: +254 (0)20 600 800 Tel: +254 (0)20 271 1262 Cell: +254 (0)722 721730 Upper Hill Fax: +254 (0)20 603 792 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 9925 E-mail: [email protected] PO Box 48461-00100 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Nairobi, Kenya www.kws.go.ke www.magicalkenya.com The opinions expressed in this pub- lication are not necessarily those of Tel: +254 (0)20 271 3348/ the editor nor of any other organisa- 271 3386/272 2401/ tion associated with this publication. 271 2401 Fax: +254 (0)20 271 9226 No liability can be accepted for any Cell: +254 722 434 845/ inaccuracies or omissions. 733 226 932 ISSN 1756-1817 E-mail: [email protected] © 2008 Land & Marine Publications Ltd www.katokenya.org 2

KATO Foreword It gives me great pleasure to introduce the • To give clients and individual clients alike updated edition of the ‘Kenya Travel Guide the confidence of knowing that Kenya has a and Manual’. This publication is designed not mechanism designed to consider the only to complement existing publications on possible redress of any wrongs which a Kenya, but also to serve as a technical docu- client may have suffered ment to help both local and overseas agents to find information quickly on the various • To uphold and improve the business products that Kenya has to offer. standards and ethics of members by recommending certain standards which the As you will come to discover, Kenya is a unique Ministry of Tourism and Information might safari destination offering an unrivalled mix of consider in determining whether to grant or products, all within relatively close proximity renew the licence of an operator. of each other. Where else in the world can one land at an international and be inside Our members offer a wide range of services a National Park viewing wildlife within 30 including, but not limited to, special interest minutes? Where else can one fly from grassy safaris, incentive travel group safaris, camping savannahs to a snow-capped mountain to safaris, safaris by air, individual safaris and sandy beaches, all under two hours away from Indian Ocean Coast (beaches and fishing) and each other? sporting safaris (golf, mountaineering, athlet- ics, etc). VISITOR EXPERIENCE KATO works closely with other industry To help maximise the visitor experience, we stakeholders and the local communities have a well developed network of highly ex- to consolidate and improve the quality perienced tour operators under the umbrella of the existing tourist product. Other of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators efforts are geared to diversifying the (KATO). Formed in 1978, KATO is a non-politi- tourist product and source markets, cal private sector organisation consisting of promoting the destination and forging a the leading and most experienced tour opera- partnership with neighbouring countries tors in Kenya. Its main objectives are: through the spirit of East African Co- operation. • To provide a forum for Government-licensed tour operators in Kenya through which to All KATO members are bound by the address and deal with issues of relevance to rigid rules of the Code of Conduct and their business interests we advise all intending visitors to Kenya to arrange their holidays through a KATO • To provide a voice for tour operators in member. dealing with the Government in all areas Duncan Muriuki • To uphold the good reputation of Kenya as Chairman a tourist destination by ensuring that its tour Kenya Association of Tour Operators operators maintain the highest standards of service and value

5 A unique and unforgettable experience

Kenya Wildlife Service is a state corpora- tion that conserves and manages wildlife and habitats throughout the country. It oversees the management of 27 terrestrial and marine parks, 34 terrestrial and marine reserves together with four sanctuaries.

Wildlife tourism is a key feature of the KWS parks and reserves. Some of the activities include spectacular game drives, photography and filming. We also offer visitors memora- ble eco-tourism experiences through diverse activities like hiking, mountaineering, walking safaris, and fishing, cycling in selected parks alongside camping and picnicking.

KWS also offers self-catering accommodation facilities in selected parks as well as exclusive and pristine campsites.

At the coast, our marine parks and reserves offer diverse experiences like snorkelling, dol- phin watching, and water sports together with glass-bottomed boat rides that allow visitors to view amazing corals.

KWS is developing diverse tourism activities including horseback safaris, exclusive tree house lodges, night game-drives and boating. World-class lodges and other facilities are being developed in wilderness parks.

SUSTAINABLE

We offer a quality and secure experience, sus- tainable wildlife populations, and professional service in an ecologically sustainable and friendly environment.

Be sure to visit our world-class parks and reserves for a unique and unforgettable experi- ence. We strive to make you happy.

Julius Kipng’etich Director Kenya Wildlife Service

7

Welcome to magical Kenya - where the sun never sets on adventure

JAMBO NA KARIBU! These are the first words north from the Serengeti in search of the lush visitors hear everywhere they go. They mean grass and water they need to survive. There ‘hello and welcome’ and are never more they graze until about October, at which point warmly meant than in the country that is the the entire herbivore circus turns around and original home of the safari and the ultimate heads south again. The world’s most spectacu- destination for a world-class holiday. lar wildlife is to be found in Kenya.

Sitting astride the equator, halfway down Africa’s After the wonders of a wildlife safari, eastern coast, Kenya is the most accessible Kenya’s beaches offer the ultimate in re- country in the region. With 91 international laxation. With 480 kilometres of beach- flights arriving in and departing from Nairobi es – 50 per cent of them sheltered by every week, visitors can be enjoying dinner and unspoilt coral reef – Kenya is the ideal observing elephants and other wildlife within a destination for adventure and sports few hours of leaving the office. tourism. Professional diving companies are at hand to show the visitor a verita- Kenya offers a world of attractions and oppor- ble paradise beneath the waves. tunities for the discerning visitor – more than any other destination in the world. Visitors can Kenya’s wild assets are accompanied expect to find stunning landscapes, a diversity by the warmest of human welcomes. of culture and myths, sandy beaches, a range Visitors can experience the vibrancy of of adventure sport activities, opportunities for Kenya’s 42 cultures and become part bird watching and, above all, the chance to of an extended national family, sharing observe rare wildlife. ancient musical traditions and tasting the kind of hospitality that only Kenya can Kenya’s cosmopolitan capital, Nairobi, is the offer. Home stays can also be arranged. only city in the world with a national park attached to it. The city’s famous hotels and res- In the Northern Laikipia area, ranches covering taurants offer the perfect start to a memorable hundreds of thousands of acres offer private vacation. Visitors can try their skill on some of game viewing with eco-friendly private com- the world’s finest golf courses or experience the munity lodges catering for only a couple of thrill of a racecourse where the horses may be customers – a ‘must’ experience for any visitor. joined by ostriches, camels or even rally cars. Wherever you go in Kenya, you are delivered But it is on the plains, beneath the majestic right to the heart of action. Welcome to magical snow-capped mountains, that you will find Kenya, where the sun never sets on excitement! Kenya’s most memorable entertainment: the great annual migration of the wildebeest. Dr Ongong’a Achieng From July to October each year about 2 million Managing Director, wildebeest, accompanied by half a million ze- Kenya Tourist Board bras and thousands of gazelles, move steadily 8 Kenya: cradle of mankind

In his seminal work, ‘On the Origin of Spe- From 1961-64 the Leakeys and their cies’, published in 1859, Charles Darwin son Jonathan unearthed fossils of expressed his belief that man and the higher Homo Habilis, ‘handy man’, the oldest were in some way related and possibly known with human charac- had a common ancestor. teristics. And in 1967 they discovered Kenyapithecus Africanus. The Leakeys Unfortunately, Darwin was unable to prove this claimed that Homo Habilis had walked theory during his lifetime. Nevertheless, the upright. general thrust of his research was in this direc- tion and, after his death, others tried to prove In the late 1970s Mary Leakey found a his theory. In the 150 or so years since Darwin trail of ancient hominid footprints of published his findings, it is the discoveries and two adults and a child, about 3.5 mil- research in Kenya’s Rift Valley that have finally years old, impressed and preserved allowed his theory to be proved beyond reason- in volcanic ash from a site in Tanzania able doubt. For this reason, Kenya can rightly called Laetoli. They belonged to a new claim to be the ‘Cradle of Mankind’. hominid species, best represented by the 3.2 million-year-old Lucy skeleton Of course, discoveries of early man’s pres- found at Hadar, Ethiopia, by Donald Johanson. ence are not confined to Kenya. Examples of archaeological finds have also been located In 1969 son Richard, director of the National elsewhere in East Africa. These finds are Museum of Kenya, reported the discovery of a in some way related. But it is through the 1.8 million-year-old modern human skull from painstaking research work undertaken around Koobi Fora. Three years later he discovered the Lake Turkana, in the far north of Kenya, that skull of 1.6 million-year-old Homo Erectus and some of the best examples of mankind’s early in 1984 he and others discovered an almost existence – some dating back 2.5 million years complete Homo Erectus skeleton. While much – have been found and examined. remains undiscovered, it is the pioneering work of the Leakeys that has established the link But early man’s links with Kenya go further between early and contemporary man. back into ancient history. Recent finds around Lake Turkana indicate that hominids such as STONE AGE Australopithecus Anamensis lived in the area as early as 4.1 million years ago. More recent Evidence suggests that Homo Sapiens finally discoveries in the Tugen Hills indicate evidence mastered stone-making techniques and the of hominids dating back 6 million years. use of fire around 10,000 BC. Early humans developed a basic language and began to or- Research suggests that, while mankind has ganise communities around hunting and gath- only one ancestor, there may have been as ering. These hunter-gatherers dug for roots many as three species of hominid living in Ken- and ate berries, harvested nuts, shoots, eggs, ya. But just one of the three actually evolved insects and fruits and hunted live . into Homo Sapiens, in the Rift Valley, and it was here that man first walked on two legs. As civilisation evolved, Kenya became a prime migratory route for groups in search of fertile DISCOVERIES land for food production and grazing. As far back as 2000 BC, evidence indicates that early At the centre of these discoveries were the Brit- tribal groups began experimenting with agri- ish and Kenyan husband-and-wife team Mary culture and rearing cattle. Kenya’s highlands and , who began their meticulous and Rift Valley regions are especially rich in work in the Rift Valley in the 1930s. Mary and this early history of . Louis, their son Richard and, in turn, his daugh- ter Louise have spent three generations study- The first migrants to arrive were pastoral ing man’s earliest existence. nomads from Ethiopia who moved south to Kenya in search of fertile land to graze their Their first major find was the jaw of a pre-hu- flocks. In fact, by 100 AD there may have been man creature called . It was not until 1,400 pastoral communities living in Kenya’s the 1950s that their work really started to make Rift Valley. As people migrated throughout the headway when they discovered the fossils of the valley during this period, they exchanged and early Australopithecus Boisei. Carbon developed cultures that can still be identified dating has since shown that this particular in Kenya’s tribes today. humanoid was 1.75 million years old.



Cultural variety is the spice of Kenyan life

Kenya is a diverse nation made up of 42 eth- Kenya is not only a nation of communities but nic communities. also one with a variety of religious affiliations. The predominant religion is Christianity, whose The largest of these is the Kikuyu, who come adherents make up about two-thirds of the from the central highlands and account for population. In addition, between 20 and 30 per more than 20 per cent of the total population. cent are Muslim. This figure is much higher at the coast. Kenya also has significant numbers Other main tribes are the Luo (from close to of Hindus and Sikhs among its Asian ), the Kamba (from Eastern Prov- community. In addition, many Kenyans ince), the Kalenjin (pastoralists from the Rift – especially those in rural areas – still Valley) and the Luhya (from Western Province). hold traditional African beliefs.

Traditionally, each community has its own Amid this complex patchwork of peoples, culture and language or dialect but in modern it is sometimes hard to define Kenyan times many of these outward differences have culture, although there are similarities disappeared as more and more people have that bind everyone together. Kenyans are become urbanised or have migrated to Nairobi passionate in their support of national or . teams – at football, rugby, volleyball and even cricket – and are justly proud of the STRONG AFFINITY nation’s achievements on the athletics

track over the past 40 years. Camps & Porini Safaris © Gamewatchers Nevertheless, each Kenyan – nominally at least – retains a strong affinity with his or her tribe; In any case, Kenya’s ethnic make-up only although this is less apparent among the more adds to its richness and makes any visit to the sophisticated and well educated. country all the more fascinating. It also ensures a wide variety of arts and handicrafts that are Some tribes, notably the Maasai and Samburu, peculiar to certain geographical areas or which have been less willing to become urbanised have a defined tribal root. Today, however, most and to leave their homelands and traditional arts and crafts are geared to the tourist market. way of life and have remained pastoralists or even nomads. Popular items include sisal baskets, bracelets made of imitation elephant hair, Maasai and Each community has interacted with others Samburu beads, musical instruments such as through East Africa’s lingua franca, Swahili, drums, gold and silver jewellery, soapstone and over the past 100 years or so English has sculptures, wood carvings and tribal masks as also been spoken. Today, it is not uncommon well as paintings, prints and sculptures. Popu- for Kenyans to speak three languages fluently lar items of clothing include kangas – wrapa- – not only Swahili and English but also their round skirts for women – and highly coloured tribal language. Many others can speak a kikoys – a type of sarong that is ostensibly for fourth or even fifth local language. men but seems to be worn by both sexes.

3 A land of sports lovers with plenty of challenges for visitors

Kenyans love sport – hence the familiar sight Most visitors are probably of football being played in the evenings on the unaware of the fluctuating edge of every village in the land. fortunes of Kenya’s national teams, but are certainly im- Yet, in terms of international sporting prow- pressed by its success on the ess, it is in athletics that Kenya excels – espe- athletics track. cially running events at distances between 800 metres and the marathon. For tourists, however, the real point of interest is those In both men’s and women’s events, Kenya sports and activities in which probably leads the world at these distances. In they can actually be involved. particular, Kenya has a grip on the 3,000 metre steeplechase, in which the nation has repeatedly Climbing/trekking and golf are made a clean sweep of medals at the Olympic probably the two most popular Games and IAAF World Championships. sports for visitors. For climb- ers, – at 5,199 By contrast, the nation’s rugby, football, vol- metres the second-highest peak leyball and cricket teams have enjoyed mixed in Africa – is the big challenge fortunes in recent years. and main attraction. Mount Kenya is 200 km from Nairobi, PASSIONATE so it is easy to reach. A number of specialist companies can Kenyans are especially passionate – and highly arrange climbing trips as well as trekking in the knowledgeable – about football, not only about foothills of Mount Kenya and the high moorland the latest events and scores in the domestic of nearby . league but only in regard to what’s happening in the UK’s Premiership or similar top-level For golf enthusiasts, Kenya has more than 40 leagues in Spain or Italy. courses, most of them dating from colonial times. In and around Nairobi, which is blessed The national cricket team, meanwhile, has with several fine courses, the climate is just performed well in one-day internationals – even about perfect for the sport, with low humid- reaching the semi-final of a recent World Cup. ity and temperatures that rarely exceed 27°C Kenya is a solid performer in terms of African even in summer. There are two 18-hole courses rugby. Its rugby ‘sevens’ team has done par- at the coast and two nine-hole courses. Two ticularly well and the game is now established. new 18-hole courses are under construction Rugby is growing in popularity and is now at Vipingo Ridge. The coast, of course, is also played outside its home base of Nairobi. perfect for sailing.

5 A year-round climate made for golf

Kenya has more golf courses than any other in travelling to play the nation’s many fine African country except South Africa. In fact, courses. Kenya has more than 40 courses, although not all of them are 18 holes. Golfing tourists are attracted by:

Apart from two 18-hole and two nine-hole • Uncrowded and mostly well maintained courses at the coast, Kenya golf courses enjoy courses a year-round climate that could have been made especially for the game. • Comparatively inexpensive green fees and associated playing costs Golf in Kenya goes back a long way. The Royal Nairobi, for example, has already celebrated in • A perfect climate during Europe’s winter centenary and more are set to follow shortly in months the next few years. • Many excellent courses in and around Nairobi HERITAGE at and over 1,600 metres above sea level.

Well-heeled British settlers introduced the Probably the best known course is Royal & Ancient game to East Africa and built Muthaiga Golf Club, home of the Ken- many parkland courses in the image of those ya Open. Founded in 1913, this course that they had left behind at home. Golf is still is popular with locals at weekends but a game for the affluent. Nevertheless, a new is comparatively quiet on weekdays. generation of Kenyans are playing golf and Muthaiga has undergone a major re- competing internationally. furbishment that has seen some holes lengthened. Other good courses in Yet, it is only in recent times that Kenyans the Nairobi area are the Windsor Golf have realised what a magnificent golfing herit- Hotel & Country Club and the Royal age that they possess and that visitors from Nairobi. beyond Africa’s shores would be interested 6

The Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club boasts About 40 minutes out of Nairobi, on the Na- some of Kenya’s toughest holes and is best kuru road, is the Sigona Golf Club. This course played by those with a recognised handicap. is greatly favoured by local players and, thanks The course also has plenty of water hazards, to its altitude, enjoys a pleasant climate and a not to mention some blind greens, a card- rather splendid clubhouse that overlooks the wrecking 14th and an island green on the 18th. 18th green. Its par-71, 6,015 metre course is suitable for players of all levels and, due to At 6,600 metres off good rainfall, its fairways are among the best the back tees, the kept in Kenya. Royal Nairobi is also a testing course. Both Located a similar distance from Nairobi, the the clubhouse and par-71, 6,020 metre Limuru Country Club is the course have been 2,330 metres above sea level and, like Sigona, refurbished recently. receives more rainfall than most other courses. Its greens and fairways are particularly lush, A short drive from even during dry periods. This course is a delight Nairobi, but certainly to play, but at this altitude players may need a no less interesting, sweater for early morning and evening rounds. are courses such as Karen, Limuru, Thika The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort over- and Sigona. looking Lake Naivasha is about 2,150 metres above sea level and consists of a par-72, 6,073 The 6,630 metre Karen Golf Club, in the Ngong metre course with probably the best views in Hills, is an admirably well-maintained course Kenya. This is not the toughest course in the with a classy connected membership, strong country, but what it lacks in difficulty it more traditions and a pretty strict dress code. than makes up for by its sheer charm and beauty.

COURSES

Apart from those already mentioned, there are nine-hole and 18-hole courses dotted all around the highland areas above Nairobi. Some are in excellent condition, while others probably need some improvement before it would be worth travelling long distances to play.

On the coast, meanwhile, visitors can expect a tropical atmosphere in terms of climate and playing conditions. There is a choice of two fine courses, Leisure Golf Club and the Nyali Golf Club, with a new course to come at Vipingo.

Nyali Golf Club offers a traditional set-up. This course is a fair test for any golfer, while the clubhouse has a well earned reputation for excellent food.

The unforgiving Leisure Golf Club at Ukunda, on Mombasa’s south coast, has tight fair- ways and quality greens and is in good order thanks to new grass-cutting equipment. The 6,084 metre course is open to visitors, who can expect a warm welcome at the convivial clubhouse.

But whatever course or courses visitors decide to play in Kenya, they are bound to be pleasantly surprised by the quality of what’s on offer. 17 Go on - treat yourself to a spot of perfect wellness

As the frenetic pace of today’s The Maisha Spa offers a wide range of treat- whirligig lifestyle takes its toll on ments, each of which can be specifically body and mind, many Kenyan hotels tailored to the needs of guests. Some use the have found the perfect antidote for Elemis range of scientific skin therapy treat- their seemingly stressed-out clien- ments; others are handmade by Serena’s tele – the wellness centre. therapy team using local fruits, flowers and oils. Treatments can also be made up specially This concept is becoming ever more for guests to take away. exotic and self-indulgent. With de- mand growing all the time for New Meanwhile, the Sarova Whitesands has its new Age therapies and wholly natural Tulia Spa, offering a haven of relaxation and treatments, many of Kenya’s health rejuvenation. The Spa offers Mombasa resi- clubs have evolved into fully fledged dents and tourists alike the chance to wind wellness centres. down in luxurious and peaceful surroundings.

In fact, this trend has expanded so Kalili Baharini Resort & Spa, further up the rapidly that, nowadays, there are few coast in Malindi, has an equally impressive ar- major coast hotels that cannot boast ray of facilities for pampering its guests – even a newly constructed, internationally branded including its own range of Kilili cosmetics. and dedicated spa area where guests can retreat into a special world of tranquillity and GOODNESS general well-being. Perhaps it is the warmth of the sun and the open-air lifestyle of the coast On the south coast, the Leopard Beach Resort that makes these centres so appealing. has added the words ‘& Spa’ to its title since it opened its Uzuri Spa. Meaning ‘goodness’ in In 2007, for example, the coast properties of Swahili, this new facility is set in no less than two of Kenya’s biggest hotel groups, the Serena six acres of forest, creating what the hotel and Sarova, launched new spas at Serena Hotel describes as “a sanctuary for those seeking & Spa and Sarova Whitesands. This is not to tranquillity and the rejuvenation of mind, body say that wellness centres have not opened and soul”. elsewhere – in Nairobi, for instance, or among the camps and lodges – but development has Next door, the Diani Reef Resort & Spa offers certainly been most intense at the coast. the Maya spa, with its uncompromising ap- proach to health, well-being and beauty. The Serena now has its Maisha Mind, Body & Spirit Spa, which is said to offer guests “a Further down the coast, Pinewood Village has sanctuary of calm that draws on the beauty of its Amani Day Spa, while The Sands at Nomad nature and the elation of evocative surround- offers its Forest Breeze centre with profes- ings to create the perfect island of holistic sional massages and facials, pedicures and nurturing”. manicures, exotic body scrubs and personal- ised natural treatments along with a range of beauty treatments.

Away from the coast, there is less emphasis on ‘wellness’. Some Nairobi hotels have more traditional health and fitness clubs, but many camps and lodges are just too intimate to warrant such facilities. In any case, with guests busy each morning and late afternoon on game drives, this leaves little time for out-and- out relaxation and many wait until they reach the coast before pampering themselves and getting the dust out of their hair.

There are exceptions, of course. The Loisaba Wilderness Spa at Loisaba Lodge, for example, combines wildlife with well-being by offering its guests sheer indulgence combined with views of the Laikipia Plateau. 18 There's no better place for taking the plunge

The joys of clear, unpolluted blue water and Not surprisingly, many coast properties now a tropical climate all year round combine offer a dedicated diving school or other related to make Kenya one of the world’s top diving facilities, mostly for those looking to dive as destinations. part of a more general holiday. At the top end of the market a diving school is almost obliga- The best diving conditions are from October to tory, but even quite modest establishments April, when the water is particularly warm and have good facilities or can arrange for guests clear, but Kenya is pretty much a year-round to use a nearby PADI centre. destination in this regard. SPECIALISE Nevertheless, sea states are not especially con- ducive to diving from May to July, the coast’s But there are one or two hotels which could ‘winter’ period. be said to specialise in diving – perhaps when coupled with big-game fishing – and which look Kenya has no fewer than five marine national to diving and water sports as their main source parks – Watamu, Mombasa, Malindi, Kisite and of clientele. This is particular true of Watamu, Kiunga – covering a total area of 332 sq km. for example, with its easy access to the nearby In addition to the parks, there are large-scale marine park. marine reserves off the coast of Kenya. In addition to residential diving, Kenya pro- vides opportunities for visitors to experience the pleasures of a ‘live-aboard’. This type of diving holiday is for aficionados who want 100 per cent diving and nothing else. Where they exist, live-aboard holidays tend to be concen- trated in the far south of Kenya, where there is easy access to the Pemba Channel and the Spice Islands beyond. In contrast to the some- times mass-market live-aboards elsewhere, these yachts cater only for small groups. 20

Kenyan capital's 'secret' treasure- house of tourist attractions

For many, Nairobi is either somewhere to For a start, there is , arrive and quickly transfer to another destina- headquarters of the Kenya Wildlife Service tion, or for a place for a brief – often reluctant (KWS) and the only game park of its kind to – overnight stop before going home or head- be located near a capital city. Covering 117 sq ing for the game parks. km, it is also East Africa’s oldest game park. So you don’t even need to go far to see wildlife. In fact, most visitors arriving at Nairobi’s Jomo And there cannot be many in Africa Kenyatta International Airport then transfer im- where it’s common to see giraffe or herds of mediately to nearby Wilson Airport for their short antelope on your drive into the city. flight to the bush, or pick up their safari van for the overland trip to their OPPORTUNITY lodge or camp. And they do exactly the same in reverse Right alongside the entrance to Nairobi Game on their way home. Reserve is the Nairobi Education Centre - Ani- mal Orphanage, which is not only a refuge for This is a real pity, because young animals but also provides an opportu- Nairobi has so much to nity for visitors, especially local schoolchildren, offer – even though it’s to interact with some of Kenya’s best-known fair to say that many of its wildlife. attractions are not always immediately apparent to Not far from Nairobi Game Reserve and on the the fleeting visitor. same road heading out of town in the direc- tion of the delightfully elegant suburb of Karen Not only does Nairobi – named after Danish author Karen Blixen – are possess some real hidden gems, but there the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant is a host of attractions within easy striking sanctuary and The Giraffe Manor, which is also distance of the city to delight even the most a rather splendid small hotel, surrounded by hard-bitten and world-weary traveller. 140 acres of indigenous forest. The David Sheldrick Wildlife club – located in the Tigoni High- Trust is a sanctuary for orphaned lands about 20 km from the city elephants and visitors can actu- centre. It is also possible to stay ally watch them being fed by their overnight at the club. keepers. As for Nairobi itself, this is a city These two attractions make an of wonderful restaurants serving ideal combined visit and can be fine, locally grown food in convivial linked to a lunch or dinner at the surroundings at affordable prices. Karen Blixen Coffee Garden or It’s also a city with a varied and the Karen Country Club. It’s also exciting nightlife that doesn’t just possible to visit the Karen Blixen come awake on a Friday or Satur- museum, located in the original day. Visitors are sure to receive a farmhouse where the author lived warm welcome from whatever es- from 1914 to 1931. The house tablishment they frequent – even was presented to the Kenyan gov- those that don’t, on first inspec- ernment at the time of independ- tion, look especially promising. ence by the Danish government. For shopaholics, there can be SUBURBS no finer experience than a visit to Village Market. This not only On the far side of the city from contains an excellent assortment Karen is another upmarket sub- of small shops and some larger urb, Muthaiga, which is also home stores but is also THE place to to Nairobi’s diplomatic corps. be seen at weekends. Visitors can The Muthaiga Country Club, an enjoy a large cup of Kenyan cof- integral part of Kenya’s colonial fee and a light meal in the plaza. history, is the setting for the book Village Market is probably the ‘White Mischief’, which tells the best place to buy locally made true-life story of the murder of handicrafts and curios and is the Lord Errol. location for the weekly Maasai market on Tuesdays at the Globe Muthaiga Golf Club, dating from Cinema, Saturdays at the city’s the early 1900s, is the home High Court Parking and on Sunday of the Kenya Open. Nairobi has at Yaya Centre. The market is also several other excellent golf clubs held elsewhere in Nairobi on other as well as enjoying the perfect days of the week. climate in which to play the game. In short, Nairobi is a lively, excit- For those interested in Kenya’s ing and, above all, fascinating colonial past, there is probably no place to visit. Once you have expe- finer example than the Kentmere rienced its hidden treasures, you Club – the quintessential settlers’ will want to come back. 22 There's only one way to rove the land in style

Let’s face it: there’s nothing quite like a Land hit the Kenyan market in mid 2007, replacing Rover when it comes to that traditional safari the five-cylinder 2.5Td5 turbocharged unit. The experience. Now there’s a new and more pow- new and more refined engine produces a beefy erful Land Rover on its way to Kenya 360 Nm of torque – 20 per cent more than the venerable Td5. Land Rovers have been in Kenya since 1948. This remarkable fact shows the longevity of Although the new engine is designed to reduce the marque as well as the sheer suitability of carbon emissions and to comply fully with the vehicle in a country where roads – although tough European EU4 emissions legislation, greatly improved in recent times – still leave Kenyan buyers will be pleased to learn that something to be desired. it has been developed to tolerate variable quality high-sulphur fuels. Even before the So whether it’s for wildlife conservation, game introduction of the new high-output unit, Land park management or just trying to sell an au- Rover diesel engines were already the most thentic safari, the classic Land Rover Defender, cost-effective in terms of fuel consumption. with its bags of tradition and go-anywhere ca- pability, is everyone’s idea of what an off-road SPREAD OF RATIOS vehicle in Africa should be. The new six-speed manual transmission fea- Clearly, it is more expensive than a standard tures a wide spread of ratios. The lower first safari van, but then again there is no compari- gear offers a reduction in crawl speed and son as a Land Rover’s permanent 4x4 trans- improved pull-away to make off-road driving mission makes it suitable for off-road driving in even easier. While the additional sixth gear the game parks all year round. Quite simply, it may not get used every day in the game park, is the vehicle that discerning visitors to Kenya it does provide smoother cruising performance expect to see and ride in as part of their safari for airport pick-ups and long-distance guest experience. transport.

What’s more, the Land Rover keeps getting bet- For safari operators, local distributor CMC ter, even if its basic and ageless design seems Land Rover has a highly attractive zero deposit to stay more or less the same. A new 2.4TDi finance package with payments advantageously common-rail engine with a six-speed gearbox scheduled across 60 months. Thanks to its long presence in the Kenyan market, Land Rover can offer countrywide service and certainly the best coverage in the National Parks in terms of after-sales support.

In terms of adapting vehicles for local operation, it is worth noting that all conversion work is undertaken locally and Land Rovers are generally custom-built for each operator. Refinements can include roof hatches, cool boxes and special seat configurations. The vehicles arrive in Kenya from Land Rover’s UK plant at Solihull in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) form to be assembled at CMC’s Thika plant.

Land Rover offers safari operators two basic variations – short and long wheelbase options (the 110 or 130 versions) plus any number of body configurations with open and enclosed variants. Open vehicles are generally limited to in-park operation, while the enclosed version is perfect for transfers but also doubles as a game watching platform.

TRAINING CENTRE

In Nairobi, Land Rover provides a highly valued training centre for drivers and guides with an emphasis on safety, respect for the environment and responsible driving in the national parks.

Locally, and as part of the company’s commit- ment to the preservation of Kenyan wildlife, Land Rover is involved in two key projects:

• The Foundation (BFF), where Land Rover has supplied two Defenders to form part of the BFF’s anti-poaching activities as well as those of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). A new Land Rover Defender also helps Youth for Conservation’s eager team of volunteers to visit villages and inform local people about wildlife.

• Rhino Ark: Land Rover sponsors the annual off- road Rhino Charge, a gruelling 10-hour event in- volving more than 50 vehicles that raises money for the Rhino Ark sanctuary in the Aberdares. Entrants tackle seemingly impossible terrain to complete the shortest distance between a series of checkpoints. It’s all great fun, but with the added feature that everyone is doing their bit to safeguard an endangered species.

In addition to traditional safari-related products, Land Rover sells a full range of vehicles into the Kenya market including the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Discovery 3 and Freelander 2 (which was launched in mid 2007).

27

Directory of circuits, national parks and reserves

CENTRAL KENYA REGION PAGE 29 High hill country is paradise for daredevils

COASTLINE REGION PAGE 30 An ocean of opportunities for sport and leisure

EASTERN REGION PAGE 31 A 'must' for wildlife and wilderness lovers

NORTH RIFT REGION PAGE 32 A rugged landscape full of natural wonders

SOUTH RIFT REGION PAGE 33 Ideal destination for your first safari experience

SOUTHERN REGION PAGE 34 Kenya's largest game park offers top quality camps and lodges

WESTERN KENYA REGION PAGE 35 Going off-trail in search of undiscovered secrets

PAGE 36 A-Z of parks and reserves 28

PARK INDEX & ROUTE PLANNER

CENTRAL KENYA REGION 1 Aberdare National Park 2 Mount Kenya National Park 3 National Park

NAIROBI REGION 26 Lake Turkana Moyale 4 Nairobi Orphanage 27 5 Nairobi National Park Lodwar 6 Nairobi Safari Walk

27 COASTLINE REGION 24 7 Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

8 Kisite Mpunguti National Park & Reserve 25 28 Wajir 9 Kiunga Marine National Reserve

MOUNT 10 Malindi Marine Park & Reserve ELGON 11 Mombasa Marine National Park 39 42 Kitae 12 Shimba Hills National Reserve 16 Eldoret 22 13 Primate Reserve 37 23

14 Watamu Marine Park & Reserve 15 18 38 MOUNT KENYA 2 40 17 EASTERN REGION 1 Lake Victoria 30 20 15 Bisanadi National Reserve 41 29 16 Buffalo Springs & Shaba 3 19 21

17 Kora National Reserve 6 4 31 NAIROBI 5 18 32

19 13 9 20 Mwingi National Reserve 21 National Park Lamu 34 Kipini 22 33 Ungama Bay 35 NORTH RIFT REGION Malindi Watamu 10 7 23 Laikipia Tarmac Roads Kilifi 14 Murram Earth 24 Roads 36 25 Nasolot National Reserve Mombasa 11 Railway Line 26 12 INDIAN OCEAN 27 South and National Parks 8 28 South Turkana National Reserve Pemba Island SOUTH RIFT REGION

29 Hell’s Gate National Park 30 National Park 31 Mara Triangle AFRICA 32 Masai Mara National Reserve

SOUTHERN REGION Kenya 33 34 National Park 35 36 WESTERN KENYA REGION 37 Kakamega National Forest Reserve 38 Kisumu Sanctuary 39 Mount Elgon National Reserve 40 Ndere Island National Park 41 42 Saiwa Swamp National Park 29

CENTRAL KENYA REGION

Lake Turkana Moyale

HighLodwar hill country is paradise for daredevils

ThisWajir is the high hill country above Nairobi – a land of mountain peaks, spectacular water-

MOUNT falls and remote alpine moors that provide a ELGON unique and breathtaking African landscape. Kitae It is also an area of coffee plantations and Eldoret small farms that make up the region’s thriving agricultural sector.

Kisumu MOUNT KENYA 2 There is, of course, wildlife to view. But, for the 1 visitor, this is an area in which to enjoy adrena- Lake Victoria Garissalin-fuelled sports such as white-water rafting, mountaineering and bungee jumping and a 3 chance to participate in less strenuous activi- ties not usually associated with Kenya, such as 6 4 NAIROBI 5 hill walking and trout fishing.

MOUNT KENYA

The jewel in Lamuthe crown of the Central Kenya CENTRAL KENYA CIRCUIT circuit Kipiniis Mount Kenya which, at 5,200 metres, is Africa’s second highest mountain. It is cer- Ungama Bay 1 Aberdare National Park - Page 36 tainly a much more challenging and interesting 2 Mount Kenya National Park - Page 51 Malindi Watamu climb than the ‘walk-up’ that is used to reach 3 Mount Longonot National Park - Page 52 the summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilifi Kilimanjaro. Tarmac Roads Murram Earth Roads NAIROBI CIRCUIT Railway Line Mombasa Nearby is Aberdare National Park, which com- plements Mount Kenya. The National Park is 4 Nairobi Animal Orphanage - Page 53 INDIANan area OCEAN of moorland offering the perfect loca- 5 Nairobi National Park - Page 54 tion for hill walking. 6 Nairobi Safari Walk - Page 55 Pemba Island Lake Turkana Moyale

30 Lodwar

COASTLINE REGION

Wajir

MOUNT ELGON

An Kitaeocean of opportunities for sportEldoret and leisure

Kisumu MOUNT KENYA The dazzling Kenyan coastline is one of1 Lake Victoria sun-drenched beaches with soft sand, warm Garissa turquoise waters and refreshing sea breezes. The coast is also dotted with attractive creeks, sleepy rivers and shady inlets. This NAIROBI is an ideal place for big game fishing, diving, water sports – or just lying on the beach. 7 3 No region in Kenya is better served in terms of Lamu hotel accommodation. From Lamu in the north to Chale Island in the far south, visitors will Kipini find just about every type of hotel with a range Ungama Bay of prices to suit all budgets. Malindi Watamu 4 Lying just offshore is a series of highly pro- 1 Kilifi tected marine parks – Mombasa, Malindi, 8 Diani/Chale Island, Kiunga, Kisite Mpunguti Mombasa 5 and Watamu – that together stretch almost the 6 entire length of the Kenyan coastline, offering INDIAN OCEAN a true paradise for divers. 2

Pemba SPECIALISED Island

Inland, the Coastline Region contains a number of small and mostly specialised parks COASTLINE REGION CIRCUIT and reserves: 1 Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve - Page 38 • Arabuko Sokoke Forest National Park, located 2 Kisite Mpunguti National Park & Reserve - Page 42 between Malindi and Watamu, is the last major 3 Kiunga Marine National Reserve - Page 43 remnant of tropical rain forest at the coast 4 Malindi Marine Park & Reserve - Page 44 and features some rare species of birds. 5 Mombasa Marine National Park- Page 50 6 Shimba Hills National Reserve - Page 60 • Tana River Primate National Reserve, covering 7 Tana River Primate Reserve - Page 64 171 square kilometres, is home too a wide range 8 Watamu Marine Park & Reserve - Page 64 of species including the rare and endangered mangebey and red colobus monkeys.

• Shimba Hills National Reserve, located conveniently close to the Diani resort on the south coast, is the only place in Kenya to view the sable antelope. This is the only park in the circuit where accommodation is available. 31

EASTERN REGION

Lake Turkana A 'must' for wildlifeMoyale and wildernessLodwar lovers Just a short hop from Nairobi, yet a world away in every other respect, is the Eastern Region circuit, which includes the Samburu National Wajir Reserve as well as the eco friendly parks – less visited, but now gaining in popularity. MOUNT ELGON

Samburu is strong on upmarketKitae accommodation 2 in delightful surroundings. Along withEldoret Shaba and 8 Buffalo Springs, it forms a more or less contigu- ous park separated only by the Ewaso Nyiro River. 1 4 Together, Samburu, Shaba andKisumu Buffalo Springs MOUNT KENYA provide an opportunity to view five species or 3 6 Lake Victoria sub-species that are found almost nowhere else Garissa in Kenya: the beisa oryx, gerenuk, Grevy’s , and Somali ostrich. 5 7 'BORN FREE' NAIROBI Free’ fame, is set to make a comeback as one The 870 sq km Meru National Park, once the of Kenya’s great wildlife viewing parks and is home of Joy and George Adamson, of ‘Born being restocked by the Kenya Wildlife Service. Meru consists largely of open savannah and Lamu EASTERN REGION CIRCUIT forms a complex of protected areas that alsoKipini include the adjacent Bisanadi and Mwingi Na- 1 Bisanadi National Reserve - Page 38 Ungama Bay tional Reserves, and Rahole 2 Buffalo Springs & Shaba - Page 39 National Reserve. Malindi 3 Kora International Reserve - Page 43 Watamu 4 Meru National Park - Page 49 Another interesting destinationKilifi – within easy Tarmac Roads 5 Mwea National Reserve - Page 52 Murram Earth reach of Nairobi – is Ol Donyo Sabuk, a moun- Roads 6 Mwingi National Reserve - Page 53 tain area offering magnificentMombasa views in all direc- Railway Line 7 Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park - Page 57 tions. It is possible to drive to the summit. The 8 Samburu National Reserve - Page 59 Mau Mau caves are also worth a visit.INDIAN OCEAN

Pemba Island 32

NORTH RIFT REGION A rugged landscape full of natural wonders

The mostly remote and sometimes hard-to- • Close by, Kamnarok National Reserve, is reach attractions of the North Rift circuit are perfect for bird watching and game viewing for the adventurous and for those seeking to explore Kenya at its most rugged. But they • South Turkana National Reserve and Nasalot also appeal to visitors who are drawn by the are on either side of the main highway. Nasalot area’s lakes, hot springs and bird sanctuaries. overlooks one of Kenya’s unique features, the immensely deep crevice of Turkwell Gorge. Parks, lakes and attractions such as Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo, Kamnarok, Turkana’s • The Lake Turkana National Parks – Sibiloi, South and Central Islands, Nasolot, Sibiloi and Central Island and South Island – form a Marsabit see only occasional visitors. But these Unesco World Heritage Site. Lake Turkana is parks hold a particular fascination for experi- the most northerly of the Great Rift Valley lakes. enced travellers who like to go off the beaten track and for visitors with time on their hands. CAMEL DERBY

The appeal of each can be summed up as follows: One of the main events in this region is the an- nual Maralal Camel Derby, the only one of its • Lake Bogoria National Reserve is famed for its kind in Kenya. Accommodation is scarce this natural hot springs and geysers. It is also good region. Where it does exist, it is geared to the for bird watching and has its fair share of game independent traveller.

• The shores of Lake Baringo are inhabited by Laikipia, the hot new destination for wilderness 4

Kenya’sLake Turkana smallest tribe numerically, the Njemps lovers, is fast developing into a major, but Moyale exclusive, high density game viewing area. 5 Laikipia is also strong on bio diversity and Lodwar home to many threatened or endangered species. At the same time, it is an area 5 where game viewing can be combined with 2 non-wildlife activities such as ballooning, camel riding, fishing, hiking, horse riding and 3 6 mountain biking. Wajir NORTH RIFT CIRCUIT MOUNT ELGON

Kitae 1 Laikipia - Page 44 Eldoret 2 Marsabit National Park - Page 48

1 3 Nasolot National Reserve - Page 56 4 Sibiloi National Park - Page 60 Kisumu MOUNT KENYA 5 South and Central Island National Parks - Page 61

Lake Victoria Garissa6 South Turkana National Reserve - Page 61

NAIROBI

Lamu Kipini

Ungama Bay

Malindi Watamu

Kilifi Tarmac Roads Murram Earth Roads Mombasa Railway Line

INDIAN OCEAN 10

Pemba Island 33

SOUTH RIFT REGION Ideal destination for your first safari experience THE South Rift circuit comprises the most To the north, meanwhile, lies breathtaking Lake varied as well as some of the best known Naivasha, the most southerly of a series of Rift attractions in Kenya, including the famed Masai Valley lakes within Kenya and once the location Mara National Reserve and Lake Naivasha. of a flying boat service to London. The elegance

of the lake’s flamingosLake Turkana is matched by the qual- The popular and easily accessible Lake Nakuru ity of some of the surrounding accommodation. Moyale National Park is justly famed for its large fla- mingo population and its rhino sanctuary. Located very closeLodwar to Naivasha is Hell’s Gate National Park, a perfect place for hiking, camp- The Masai Mara National Reserve is without ing, rock climbing and bird watching – not doubt Kenya’s most highly regarded wildlife to mention the chance to see some unusual experience. It is the northernmost point of the animals found only in this area. famous migration of wildebeest across the Serengeti Plains that occurs each year be- Wajir tween July and September. The Masai Mara is MOUNT the ideal first-time safari destination because ELGON it has a little bit of everything, including big Kitae cats in abundance, plenty of accommodation options – both inside and outside the Reserve Eldoret – and a ‘must do’ activity in the form of sun- rise balloon flights. Kisumu MOUNT KENYA

SOUTH RIFT CIRCUIT Lake Victoria 2 Garissa

1 Hell’s Gate National Park - Page 41 1 2 Lake Nakuru National Park - Page 45 3 Mara Triangle - Page 47 3 NAIROBI 4 Masai Mara National Reserve - Page 46 4

Lamu Kipini

Ungama Bay

Malindi Watamu

Kilifi Tarmac Roads Murram Earth Roads Mombasa Railway Line

INDIAN OCEAN

Pemba Island 34

Lake Turkana Moyale SOUTHERN REGION Lodwar Kenya's largest game park offers top qualityWajir MOUNT ELGON camps andKitae lodges Eldoret

The Southern Region circuit is dominated by

the Tsavo East and West game parks whichKisumu MOUNT KENYA together form Kenya’s largest game park.

Lake Victoria Garissa Amboseli National Park offers a well man- aged game watching experience against the stunning backdrop of Kilimanjaro, the high- est mountain in Africa. Amboseli is arguably NAIROBI one of Kenya’s best places in which to view elephant.

Tsavo, which straddles the Mombasa to Nai- Lamu

robi road and railway, covers an area of more 2 1 Kipini than 30,000 square metres. Much of this is a Ungama Bay wilderness that rarely sees visitors. 3 Malindi Watamu Tsavo West alone accounts for some 30 per cent of Kenya’s total park area. It offers excellent Kilifi Tarmac Roads Murram Earth upmarket accommodation, both camps and Roads 4 lodges, as well as some of the nation’s largest Railway Line elephant herds. There is a less plentiful supply of accommodation in the smaller Tsavo East. INDIAN OCEAN

EXCURSIONS Much of the region is savannah, but rocky Pemba outcrops and ridges punctuate the landscape. Island Being close to the Indian Ocean, Tsavo is an Palms and even mountain vegetation can be ideal one-day or two-day excursion that is found at Chyulu Hills. With its commanding popular with people on holiday at the coast views over the open savannah, Chyulu is a who can fly in and out with ease. An added in- great vantage point that also provides an centive is the good choice of accommodation. opportunity to see lava flows and ash cones.

SOUTHERN REGION CIRCUIT Within the park, close to the Tanzanian bor- der, is beautiful Lake Jipe, fed by the run-off 1 Amboseli National Park - Page 37 from Mount Kilimanjaro. In the north of the 2 Chyulu Hills National Park - Page 40 park lie the Mzima Springs, where water 3 Tsavo East National Park - Page 62 gushes from the Chyulu Hills into a series of 4 Tsavo West National Park - Page 63 crystal-clear pools. 35

WESTERN KENYA REGION

Lake Turkana Moyale

Going off-trailLodwar in search of undiscovered secrets This is one of the nation’s least visited regions in terms of tourism numbers. Yet Western Wajir Kenya is an area with hidden gems for those who enjoy life off the regular tourist trail. MOUNT ELGON

3 6 As one might expect, accommodation here is Kitae limited and perhaps less luxurious than else- Eldoret where in Kenya. However, there are lodges and 1 camps up to three-star standard as well as a selection of other accommodation such as the Kisumu MOUNT 2 KENYA bandas available at Kakamega. 4 Lake Victoria Garissa The easiest way to reach this region is by regu- 5 lar scheduled flights into Kisumu Airport or by the generally good road from Nairobi. NAIROBI RARE SPECIES

This area of rich forests, swamp and strange rock formations is home to some of Kenya’s Lamu rarest animal species. In particular, it features Kipini the rain forest of Kakamega, covering 240 Ungama Bay square kilometres, which provides a habitat for over 300 species of birds and experiences an Malindi Brazza’s monkey, which is found in the nearby Watamu annual rainfall of more than 2,000 mm. The Kisere Forest Reserve. Tarmac Roads also contains a variety of Kilifi Murram Earth animal species including the endangered De- Roads Visitors should also consider a trip to Ndere Mombasa Railway Line Island in Lake Victoria, the Kisumu Impala WESTERN KENYA CIRCUIT Sanctuary or Ruma National Park – the last INDIAN OCEAN 1 Kakamega Forest National Reserve - Page 41 refuge in Kenya of the roan antelope. 2 - Page 42 Pemba This is also the only place in Kenya where it is Island 3 Mount Elgon National Reserve - Page 50 possible to view traditional bullfighting – not 4 Ndere Island National Park - Page 56 quite the spectacle seen in Spain, because, 5 Ruma National Park - Page 57 in this case, the fighting takes place between 6 Saiwa Swamp National Park - Page 58 two bulls. 36 ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK Majestic Peaks, Moorlands and Falls

CENTRAL KENYA REGION Contact details Major Attractions in the west. The main towns PO Box 22, Nyeri. Lesatima Peak, Kinangop Peak, from which the park can be Tel: +254 61 (0)550 24121, waterfalls, walks in the moor- approached are Nyeri (154 km 24124 lands, Twin Hills, Elephant Hills from Nairobi), Nyahururu (188 Email: [email protected] and Table Mountains. Second km from Nairobi) and Naivasha www.kws.go.ke largest population of black rhinos (87 km from Nairobi). in Salient and northern Aberdare. Contact person Queen Elizabeth II learned of her Airstrips: Mweiga Airstrip is Aberdare Senior Warden accession to the British throne next to the park headquarters National Park at Treetops lodge. The Kimathi or Nyeri Airstrip is 12 km from Location Hideout/Mau Mau caves. Mweiga headquarters. Central highlands, west of Mount Kenya; Nyeri District; Wildlife Accommodation Central Province The park is home to most of the Lodges: The Ark – managed by larger , having a large Fairmont Hotels, The Aberdare Distance from Nairobi population of black rhino. The Country Club, Treetops – man- 160 km park has endangered species aged by Aberdare Safari Hotels including the rare bongo, giant Size forest hog, packs of the now Kenya Wildlife Service: Fishing 767 square km very rare wild dogs and endemic Lodge, Ruhuruini, Tusk Camp, mole-rate and mole shrew. Sapper Hut, KWS Hut at Tree- Park fees tops, KWS HQ bungalow Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Other game includes leopard, tour operator. , endemic bird species, Best time to visit reptiles and insects. All year round Climatic conditions Mist and heavy rainfall occur Access Activities throughout much of the year, Roads: The park is readily ac- Mountain climbing, camping, with precipitation varying from cessible on tarmac from Nyeri hiking, walking, game viewing, around 1,000 mm yearly on and Naro Moru on the eastern night viewing of wildlife at The The Aberdares is an isolated the north-western slopes to side (160 km from Nairobi). Ark and Treetops Lodges. Trout volcanic range that forms the as much as 3,000 mm in the A road crosses the park to fishing is also available along eastern wall of the rift val- south-east. connect with another from the numerous ice-cold clear ley, running roughly 100 km Naivasha and North Kinangop flowing streams. north-south between Nairobi and Thomson’s Falls. Soils are red and of volcanic origin, but rich in organic matter. There are two main peaks, Ol Donyo Lesatima (3,999 metres) and Kinangop (3,906 metres) separated by a long saddle of Alpine moorland at over 3,000 metres. The topography is diverse with deep ravines that cut through the forested east- ern and western slopes and there are many clear streams and waterfalls. The Aberdares are an important water catch- ment area providing water to the Tana and Athi rivers and part of Central Rift and Northern drainage basins.

The National Park lies mainly above the tree line running along the 10,000 ft (3,048 metres) contour with some forest and scrub at lower altitude in the ‘salient’ area near Nyeri with the boundary running down to the 7,000 ft (2,296 metres) contour.

The unusual vegetation, rugged terrain, streams and waterfalls combine to create an area of great scenic beauty in the National Park. The park is surrounded by a pre- dominantly indigenous forest, whose management is under a MoU between KWS and the Forest Department. 37 AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK Kilimanjaro's Royal Court

SOUTHERN REGION Contact details PO Box 18 Namanga Tel: +254 (0)456 22251 Fax: +254 (0)456 22250 www.kws.go.ke

Contact person Senior Warden

Location

On the border with Tanzania, Amboseli National Park Loitokitok District, South Kenya Distance from Nairobi Namanga (240 km), Emali (228 swamps and elephants; Swamp Emali (228 km) on the Nairobi km) below observation hill hosts - Mombasa Road. The road is many elephants, buffaloes, hip- tarmaced up to Emali and mur- Size pos and a variety of water fowl ram from Emali to Remito Gate Amboseli lies immediately 392 square km like pelican; Egyptian goose; (64 km) Access from Mombasa north-west of Mount Kili- contemporary Maasai culture is mainly through Tsavo West manjaro, on the border with Park fees and indigenous lifestyle; herds via Kimana (Olkelunyiet) Gate. Tanzania. Amboseli was es- Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact of elephants tablished as a reserve in 1968 tour operator. Airstrips: The Park has an air- and gazetted as a National Wildlife strip at Empusel gate. There is Park in 1974. The Park covers Climatic conditions Amboseli has over 80 different also an airstrip for light aircraft 392 square km, and forms The climate is mainly hot and mammals to be found ranging at the Park Headquarters (Ole- part of the much larger 3,000 dry. Amboseli is in the rain from the tiny (and rarely seen) kelunyiet). Other airstrips exist square km Amboseli ecosys- shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. spectacled elephant shrew to at Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge tem. Large concentrations of The maximum average tem- the huge bulk of the African and Namanga town. wildlife occur here in the dry perature of the warmest month elephant. Few visitors will go season, making Amboseli a is 33°C during the day, while home without superb elephant Accommodation popular tourist destination. It that of the coldest is 27-28°C. pictures with Kilimanjaro as a Lodges: Ol Tukai Lodge, Am- is surrounded by six commu- An annual rainfall of 300 mm backdrop. There are over 400 boseli Serena Safari Lodge, nally owned group ranches. per annum is distributed over bird species. Tortilis Camp two seasons: April/May and The National Park embodies November/December. Recur- Access Kenya Wildlife Service: Kiliman- five main wildlife habitats rent droughts and potential Roads: The main road into the jaro Guest house, Kibo Guest (open plains, acacia wood- evaporation of 2,200 mm per park is from Nairobi via Naman- House, Simba Bandas, Nyati land, rocky thorn bush coun- annum typifies the region. ga (240 km) on the Nairobi-Aru- Bandas, Chui Bandas try, swamps and marshland) sha Road, via Meshanani Gate. and covers part of a Pleis- Major Attractions The road is tarmaced up to Best time to visit tocene lake basin, now dry. Mount Kilimanjaro; Observation Namanga but is murram from All year round Within this basin is a tempo- Hill which allows an overall view Namanga to Meshanani Gate rary lake, Lake Amboseli, that of the whole park especially the (75km). The other road is via floods during years of heavy rainfall. Amboseli is famous for its big game and its great scenic beauty – and the land- scape is dominated by the towering Mount Kilimanjaro. 38 ARABUKO SOKOKE FOREST NATIONAL PARK Last large remnant of lowland coastal tropical forests

COASTLINE REGION plane through Malindi or Mom- Access Arabuko Sokoke was pro- basa airports. Roads: Access through Mom- claimed a Crown Forest and basa, tarmac road - 75 km. gazetted in 1943. Part of the Size forest was gazetted as a strict The reserve covers 6 square km Access through Malindi. nature reserve in the late 1960s. The reserve is a few Park fees Air: Malindi and Mombasa kilometres inland, between Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Airports. the towns of Kilifi and Ma- tour operator. lindi, 110 km north of Mom- Accommodation basa. It is the largest existing Climatic conditions There is currently no accommo- fragment of the tropical for- Average annual rainfall ranges dation in the reserve. There is ests that once covered much from 900 mm in the dry and plenty of accommodation along of the East African coast and Arabuko Sokoke scrubby north-west to 1,100 the coast to suit all budget is an important habitat for Forest Reserve mm in the east. levels. endemic/endangered birds, insects and spe- Major Attraction Best time to visit cies. It is also an important Endemic bird species, butter- All year round monument as a remnant of flies, remnant coastal forest. the coastal tropical forests. Contact details The park is the largest exist- Activities There are easy trails in the PO Box 109 Malindi ing fragment of the tropical Bird Watching, butterfly watch- forests that are also great for Tel: +254 (0)42 3246 forests that covered much of ing, walking trails, game viewing. birders. A couple of rep- Email: the East African coast and is an tile species are found here [email protected] important Kenya safari habitat including boomslang, green www.kws.go.ke for endemic and endangered mamba, rock python, forest birds, insects, butterflies and cobra, sand lizard and day Contact person mammal species. geullo. It is a great reserve Senior Warden for birdwatching with species Wildlife including Sokoke pipit, Amani Location Golden-rumped elephant-shrew, sunbird, Fischer’s turaco, Coastal Strip, Kilifi District. Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose, Clarke’s weaver (endemic to Ader’s duiker, waterbuck, bush- Kenya), golden woodpecker. Distance from Mombasa buck, civet, blotched genet, 75 km from Mombasa or by caracal, Sykes’ monkey, birds.

BISANADI NATIONAL RESERVE

EASTERN REGION Contact details Bisanadi National Reserve PO Box 11, Maua acts as a wildlife dispersal Tel: +254 (0)164 20613 area for Meru National Park. Cell: +254 (0)733 662439 It is a part of the Meru, Kora, www.kws.go.ke Mwingi and Bisanadi conser- vation area, adjacent to north- Contact person east boundary of Meru, Bisanadi Senior Warden/ Tourism Officer district, covering an area of National Reserve 606 square km. Location Adjacent to north-east bound- The vegetation is mainly ary of Meru, Isiolo district. cluding lion, elephant, cheetah, thorn bushland and thicket rhino, buffalo, hippos and over with combretum prevailing in Distance from Nairobi 400 species of birds. the north and commiphora 348 km in the south. To the west Access the combretum merges into Size Roads: The reserve is readily ac- terminalia wooded grass- 606 square km cessible via Meru National Park, lands. The red-flowered Murera Gate. parasitic loranthus grows on Park fees the branches of acacia refi- Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Accommodation ciens along the rivers. Dense tour operator. There is currently no accom- riverine forests of doum palm modation in the reserve. Visitors hyphaene spp. and raffia palm Climatic conditions can stay in the adjacent Meru raphia spp. occur along the The climate is hot and dry National Park where there are water courses. Some riverine various accommodation options. swamps have sedges cyperus Major Attraction sp., and grasses echinochloa Wilderness habitat, game view- Best time to visit haplacelada and pennisetum ing, Adamson’s Falls, fishing All year round mezianum. On the plains and boating on River Tana and sehima nervosa, chloris Rojewero River. Activities roxburghiana and other spe- Game viewing, fishing in River cies of pennisetum are the Wildlife Tana, bird watching. dominant grasses. Many species of mammals in- 39

BUFFALO SPRINGS AND Isiolo national game reserve

EASTERN REGION

Buffalo Springs & Shaba

The Isiolo District lies at the northern foot of Mt Kenya rising above the expansive range lands of northern Kenya. The arid and semi-arid zones district sits as a divide between the populous agri- cultural highlands of the Mt. Kenya region and acts as a gateway into the vast lowlands of North Kenya inhabited by various nomadic pastoralist communities where wildlife and livestock freely co-exist.

Together with the adjacent Samburu, and divided by the river Ewaso Nyiro, the three Contact Details Williamson’s lark. All these Best time to visit reserves form a very popular County Council of Isiolo, rare species can only be found All the year round tourist destination because of PO Box 36, inside this game reserve. the diverse wildlife popula- Isiolo, 60300 Activities tions they support. Unlike Tel/Fax: +254 (0)64 52519 Access Game viewing safari, nature other wildlife areas in Kenya’s Roads: From Nairobi through walks, entertainment by pasto- northern tourist circuit, the Contact person on a tarmac road to ralist cultural dancers, and vis- reserves, which are popularly Senior Warden Isiolo, then a 22km murram its to cultural villages to get the known as the Samburu Eco- road. experience of nomadic lifestyle system, sustain free ranging Location in the community. wildlife species both within Northern end of Mt. Kenya Air: Buffalo Springs Airstrip the three reserves as well as is used by scheduled flights far into community lands. Distance from Nairobi from Nairobi each day linking 300km to the gate of Buffalo the reserves to other tourism Springs Reserves destinations.

Park Fees Contact tour operator.

Climatic Conditions Temperatures range from 30ºC during hottest months to 20ºC between July and September. Annual rainfalls range between 100mm to 300mm on aver- age usually divided into two seasons, short rains in Octo- ber/November and long rains between February and May.

Wildlife Besides normal species found elsewhere in Kenya, the area is a natural home to the five rare species known as the five north- ern species which are endemic to this area. They are Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and the gerenuk. Shaba is also the home for the highly endangered 40 CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK

SOUTHERN REGION

Chyulu National Park

The Chyulu Hills are situated 190 km south-east of Nairobi and 30 km south-west of Kibwezi. They are of relatively recent volcanic origin and the range is composed of ash cones and craters.

The hills hold no permanent surface water but rainfall per- colating through the porous rock feeds many permanent fresh water sources in the surrounding plains, notably Mzima springs and the Tsavo Contact details Access and Galana rivers. PO Box 458 Roads: Along Nairobi-Mombasa Kibwezi highway, the park signpost is The hills are relatively undis- www.kws.go.ke 1 km past the Kibwezi turn turbed and shelter indigenous off. Park gate is 10 km off the vegetation and wildlife. The Contact person highway. There is limited road park comprises the eastern Senior Warden network within the park and a flank of the hills including 4x4 vehicle with high clearance about half of the forest area. Location is highly recommended The park boundary runs down Makueni District, Eastern Prov- the centre of the hills along ince and Kajiado District, Rift Airstrips: There are two airstrips the line of the peaks. The Valley Province in the park western half is part of the West Chyulu Game Conserva- Distance from Nairobi Accommodation tion area, owned by several 230 km There is currently no accommo- Maasai group ranches. dation in the park, but camp- Size sites Chyulu II, park headquar- 870 square km ters, Kiboko campsite

Park fees Best time to visit Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact All year round tour operator. Activities Climatic conditions Wildlife viewing, camping, cave The climate is hot and dry exploration, nature walks, hiking

Major Attractions Breathtaking views from the Chyulu Hills, cave exploration, one camp site next to park headquarters; game viewing

Wildlife Reptiles: black mamba, puff adder, rock python, geko, tor- toise, lizard.

Insects/arthropods: dung Bee- tles, butterflies, tsetsefly.

Common Animals: buffalo, bush- buck, eland, elephant, leopard; forest bush pig, mountain reed- buck, steinbok, wild dogs 41 HELL'S GATE NATIONAL PARK Heaven's Volcanic Glory

SOUTH RIFT REGION cliffs, spectacular gorge walks, Hell’s Gate National Park cov- hot springs, scenic landscape, ers an area of 68.25 square the Geothermal Station, Maasai km and is situated in the envi- culture. rons of Lake Naivasha about 90 km from Nairobi. The park Wildlife is 14 km after the turnoff Includes eland, buffalo, lion, from the old Nairobi-Naivasha giraffe, zebra, leopard, impala, highway. It is characterised Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle, by diverse topography and Hell’s Gate , rock hyrax and geological scenery. It is an National Park Chanler’s mountain reedbuck important home of the lam- mergeyer. Access Roads: The Park is accessible Hell’s Gate has two gates via tarmac road from Nairobi. that are used by visitors (90 km) via Naivasha town on – the main Elsa Gate and the the Lake Road South at Junc- Olkaria Gate. The latter also tion 5 km south of Naivasha. serves the Olkaria Geothermal Station that is located inside Contact details Distance from Nairobi Accommodation the National Park. PO Box 234-20117 90 km While there is no accommoda- Naivasha tion in the park, a wide range Tel: +254 (0)050 50407/50290 Size of options exist in nearby Fax: +254 (0)311 20577 68 square km Naivasha, or along Moi South Email: [email protected] Lake Road which leads from www.kws.go.ke Park fees Naivasha to the park. Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Contact person tour operator. Best time to visit Senior Warden All year round Climatic conditions Location Warm and dry Activities Naivasha town, Rift Valley Hiking, camping, rock climb- Province Attractions ing, biking, bird watching and Game viewing, raptor nesting in wildlife viewing.

KAKAMEGA FOREST NATIONAL RESERVE Canopy of natural beauty

WESTERN KENYA REGION Size are the endangered Turner’s er- 240 square km emomela, Charpin’s flycatcher and the voice mimicking African Park fees grey parrot. The forest is home Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact to the endangered DeBrazza’s tour operator. monkey found at the isolated Kisere Forest Reserve. Climatic conditions Kakamega Forest Annual rainfall is over 2,000 mm. Access National Reserve Most of it falls between April By Road: Access is through the and November with a short Buyangu gate, 600 metres from Kakamega Forest was estab- dry season from December main road. On public transport, lished to protect Kenya’s only to March. Rain falls mostly in visitors alight at Kambiri junc- mid-altitude tropical rainfor- the afternoon or early evening tion. Local ‘boda boda’ cyclists est – as the forest contains and is often accompanied by operate from the junction to many species found nowhere heavy thunderstorms. Average park. Watch for signpost after else in the country. The forest temperatures remain similar 15 km from Kakamega. lies in the Lake Victoria catch- throughout – between 15-28°C. ment, north of Kisumu and Accommodation west of the Nandi Escarpment. Contact details Major Attractions The forest reserve offers a serene It was first gazetted as a trust PO Box 879, Kakamega Over 300 bird species, over 350 atmosphere for both campers forest in 1933 and two small Tel: +254 (0)56 20425 varieties of trees, 27 species of and banda accommodation. reserves, Yala and lsecheno www.kws.go.ke snakes, over 400 species of but- were established within the for- terflies. Game watching. The forest KWS self-service accommodation: est in 1967. Contact person is mostly indigenous vegetation. Udo Bandas Senior Warden In 1985, nearly 4,400 hec- Wildlife Best time to visit tares of the forest together Location The majestic black and white All year round with the adjacent Kisere Kakamega District, Western colobus monkey alongside Forest were gazetted as Province flying squirrels, blue monkey Activities Kakamega Forest National and potto (world’s slowest Game viewing, bird and but- Reserve. The forest is an Distance from Nairobi mammal) are among the at- terfly watching, camping, self important water catchment 402 km (15 km from Kakamega tractions. Forest buck, duikers guided nature walks, night area with two rivers flowing along Kakamega-Eldoret road). and dik-diks are also found as walks, picnicking. through it. 42 KISITE MPUNGUTI MARINE NATIONAL PARK Enchanted underwater realm

COASTLINE REGION off the Ken- Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park yan Coast (at is located on the south coast Shimoni) and 8 off Shimoni and south of Was- km north of the ini Island in Kwale District on Tanzania. the south Kenyan coast near the Tanzanian border. The Distance from complex covers a marine area Mombasa with four small islands sur- 120 km rounded by coral reef. Kisite island is a small waterless Distance from coral island, 8 km offshore Nairobi in the Marine Park. Coral 550 km platforms around the raised grass, and gastropods. central portion are exposed at Size low tide. The three other coral Kisite Mpunguti 39 square km Birds: many seabirds in large islets in the park (Mpunguti National Park & Reserve nesting colonies and interna- ya Juu, Mpunguti ya Chini and Park fees tionally significant numbers of Liwe la Jahazi) lie closer to Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact crab-plover and roseate tern. the larger Wasini Island, are Contact details tour operator. scrub covered and support no PO Box 55, Ukunda Access significant wildlife or birds. Kwale District Climatic conditions Roads: 40 km from Mombasa The surrounding waters have Tel: +254 (0)40 52027 The coast is humid with mean via Diani and Kwale well developed coral gardens Email: annual temperatures ranging and a large variety of fish. [email protected] from 22-34°C rainfall is about Accommodation www.kws.go.ke 500 mm per annum The Shimoni Bandas, a picnic site, information centre Contact person Major Attractions Senior Warden Coral Gardens Best time to visit All year round Location Marine life: Comprises more than 250 recorded species, Activities Kwale District, Coast Province. including fish, dolphins, sea Swimming, sailing, snorkelling, The Marine Park lies 6 km turtles, whales, corals, sea diving

KISUMU IMPALA SANCTUARY

WESTERN KENYA REGION Size When the East African Railway Less than 1 reached Kisumu early in the square km last century, the area must have been teeming with plains Park fees game. Over the passage of Go to www.kws. time hunting for food, eco- go.ke or contact system loss through human Kisumu tour operator. settlement and agriculture all Impala Sanctuary reduced numbers vastly. By Climatic condi- the early 1980s, what could tions be seen was a pitifully small Hot and humid herd of Impala that roamed the town and neighbouring Major Attraction areas. Impala, caged leopards, baboon The Sanctuary, a 0.4 square km of marsh, grassland and Wildlife Water: Kisumu is linked by ferry forest was created to pro- Wildlife: impala, leopard, hyena, with Kendu Bay, Homa Bay and vide a home for this herd of Contact details jackal, ostrich and vervet monkey Mbita Impala. It then developed into PO Box 1193, Kisumu a holding point for captured Tel: +254 (0)57 21105, 44824 Birds: over 115 species have Accommodation problem animals. Today, it Email: [email protected] been recorded There is currently no accommo- provides grazing for hippos dation in the reserve. Visitors can and habitat for numerous Contact person Access stay in Kisumu where there are small mammals, and a variety Senior Warden Roads: Kisumu is located 355 various accommodation options. of reptiles and birds. It also km north of Nairobi, the sanc- hosts two leopards, one spot- Location tuary is 3 km from Kisumu near Best time to visit ted hyena, two olive baboons Kisumu District, Nyanza Province Hippo Point. All year round and several vervet monkeys held in captivity. Sightings Distance from Nairobi Air: The flight from Nairobi Activities of the reclusive and acutely 355 km takes around one hour and Camping, walking, bird watching threatened have there are regular flights also been made. 43 KIUNGA MARINE NATIONAL RESERVE An enchanted underwater world

COASTLINE REGION Distance from The reserve incorporates a Nairobi chain of about 50 calcareous 976 km offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago, run- Size ning for some 60 km parallel 250 square km to the coast in northern Kenya and adjacent to Dodori and Park fees Boni National Reserves. Go to www.kws. go.ke or contact tour Composed of old, eroded cor- operator. al, the islands lie around 2 km offshore and inshore of the Climatic conditions fringing reef. They vary in size Kiunga Marine National Reserve The coast is humid from a few hundred square with mean annual metres to 100 hectares or temperatures rang- more. Their walls rise sheer ing from 22-34°C. Rainfall is about 150 km east of Lamu from the surrounding seabed about 500 mm per annum and are usually deeply under- Airstrips: One at Dodori N. Reserve cut on the landward side. Contact details Major Attraction PO Box 82, Lamu Coral reefs, sand dune, Kiwayu By Sea: from Lamu access can The larger islands and the Tel: +254 (0)42 633080, Island be had to Kiwayu Island by more sheltered inner islands 633194 dhow or speedboat are covered with low, tangled www.kws.go.ke Wildlife thorny vegetation including Reptiles/fish: sea turtles, olive Accommodation grass, aloes and creepers. Contact person ridley and leatherback turtles, There is currently no accommo- The outer islands provide Senior Warden reef fish dation in the reserve nest sites for migratory sea- birds. The reserve conserves Location Insects/arthropods: lobsters, sea Best time to visit valuable coral reefs, sea grass Lamu District, Coast province urchins, sea star, crabs, mosquito All year round meadows and mangrove for- ests, with their attendant bio- Distance from Malindi Access Activities diversity and is also a refuge 372 km Roads: Kiunga is a remote, Wind surfing, snorkelling, water for sea turtles and dugongs. unspoilt village on the mainland skiing, sunbathing, diving

KORA NATIONAL RESERVE The wilderness legacy of legendary lion man George Adamson

EASTERN REGION Size Airstrips: There is an airstrip The Kora National Park was 1,787 square km that is used for by Reserve’s gazetted in 1973 as a reserve administration. Another airstrip and gazetted as a park in Park fees is about 10km away on the 1990. It comprises of an area Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact eastern side. of a little over 1,700 square tour operator. km. This triangle of dense Accommodation woodland and scrub is lim- Climatic conditions There is currently no accommo- ited along its 65 km northern Hot and dry with regular rainfall dation in the reserve. Visitors boundary by the Tana River, Kora National averaging 635-762mm of can stay in the adjacent Meru which rises in the highlands Reserve rain falling in March-May and National Park that has various between the Aberdares and November-December. Average accommodation options. Mount Kenya, before commenc- temperature range between ing its 700 km passage to the 24-31°C during the day and 15- Best time to visit Indian Ocean. The western 18°C at night. All year round boundary follows a straight line from Tana River which a joint Major Attraction Activities boundary with the adjacent Pristine wilderness, inselbergs, Game viewing, rock climbing, Mwingi National Reserve, while Tana River with Adamson’s fishing in River Tana. the eastern boundary runs Contact details Falls, Grand Falls and Kora along Mwitamyisi River. PO Box 11, Maua rapids, diverse birdlife, George Tel: +254 (0)64 20613 Adamson’s grave. The land surface slopes gently Cell: +254 (0)733 662439 from an altitude of 490 metres www.kws.go.ke Wildlife in the south-west and about Hippo, leopard, lion, caracal 270 metres in the north-east. Contact person and several antelope species. Central areas comprise an Senior Warden undulating peneplain through Access which basement ridges protrude Location Roads: Kora is 280 km to the above the surface as rocky Coast region, Tana District north-east of Nairobi. Access is inselbergs the highest of which via Thika to Mwingi then north- are Mansumbi 488 metres, Distance from Nairobi east through Kyuso village. A Kumbulanwa 450 metres and 280 km to the north-east of bridge across the Tana River joins Kora Rock 442 metres. The park Nairobi the park with Meru National Park. also has several seasonal rivers. 44 LAIKIPIA

NORTH RIFT REGION straddling the equator at the Wildlife Increasingly acknowledged heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley The diversity of large mam- as one of the most important Province. The Laikipia plains mals is higher than any other areas for biodiversity in Kenya, stretch from the Great Rift Val- area with elephant, rhino, Grevy’s wildlife population densities in ley to magnificent escarpments zebra, reticulated giraffe, Lelwel the Laikipia region and Ewaso that descend into the Northern hartebeest, wild dog and large eco-system now rank second Frontier District. numbers of other large predators. to the internationally renowned Masai Mara ecosystem, whilst Distance from Nairobi Access the diversity of large mammals 190km to Nanyuki (Laikipia Road: access by road from is higher than in any other part Laikipia boundary) Nairobi, Samburu, Nakuru. of Kenya.

Size Air: Nanyuki airfield is the hub The Ewaso eco-system is home Spans an area of over 9,500 for scheduled and charter to the second largest popu- square km, and forms part of flights linking Laikipia with des- lation of elephant in Kenya the 40,000 square km Ewaso tinations such as Samburu and (5,400) and the area hosts the ecosystem. the Masai Mara. Most tourism highest populations of endan- facilities in the region have pri- gered species in the country. Park fees vate airfields for charter flights. Contact details Varies between conservancies Laikipia supports seven heavily Laikipia Wildlife Forum Accommodation protected rhino sanctuaries, PO Box 764 Climatic conditions See www.laikipia.org/laikipia- which together hold over half Nanyuki, 10400 Mean annual rainfall varies from safari.htm of Kenya’s black rhino popula- Tel/Fax: +254 (0)62 31600 400mm in the north-east to tion. Email: [email protected] 900mm in the south-west. On Best time to visit average over 80 per cent of days All months except April, May and Laikipia has a unique combi- Contact person are rain-free. The long rains from November, during the rainy season nation of dry and cool weather, Tourism Officer: March to May are followed less climatic gradients being [email protected] rain between July and Septem- Activities influenced by the presence of ber, with cooler temperatures Wildlife related activities (day Mount Kenya (5,199 metres) Location and high winds. The warmest and night), walking, hiking, and the Aberdare highlands Laikipia District is a vast months are December and Janu- fishing, mountain climbing, (3,999 metres). There is great plateau to the north west of ary, which also have the least mountain biking, camel and variation in rainfall from year snow-capped Mount Kenya, rainfall. horse riding and fly camping. to year.

MALINDI MARINE NATIONAL PARK & RESERVE Africa's Oldest Marine Park, Magic Islands, Zebra fish

COASTLINE REGION Size pods and 12 species of echi- Malindi Marine Park and 213 square km noids including: clams, crown Reserve was the first marine of thorns, lobsters, octopus, protected area in Kenya, Park fees sea anemone, sea cucumber, established in 1968 and Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact sea stars, sea urchins, crabs designated as a Biosphere tour operator. and shells; Benthic cover: 200 Reserve under the Man & Bio- species of algae. A total of 55 sphere Reserve programme Climatic conditions genera and 145 species of hard of UNESCO in 1979. The park The coast is humid with mean coral have been recorded on the is located south of Malindi temperatures from 22-34°C. north reef; Corals: Boulder cor- town extending to Mida creek. Rainfall is about 500 mm per al, organ pipe coral, sea grass, It neighbours the Gede ruins annum stag horn coral; Birds: Variety and Arabuko Sokoke forest. of migrant shore and terrestrial The park is enveloped by a Malindi Marine Major attractions birds; Mammals: dolphins. national reserve and a 100 ft Park & Reserve Glass-bottomed boat tours, strip of coastal land starting coral gardens, boat rides, div- Access from Vasco-da-Gama pillar to ing, snorkelling, diving, ocean Roads: 118 km tarmac road Watamu. The reserve extends sports, under-water adventures, from Mombasa to Malindi 3.5 nautical miles to seaward. educational tours, picnic and Airstrip: Contact details island barbeques. The park is endowed with PO Box 109, Malindi Accommodation magnificent resources such Tel: +254 (0)42 31554, 20845 Wildlife There are no lodges in the as fringing reefs, coral, sea Email: Turtles: Green, hawksbill, olive park. Visitors can stay in KWS grass, mangroves, mudflats, [email protected] ridley, loggerhead. Green and self-catering accommodation or high fish diversity, marine www.kws.go.ke hawksbill turtle breed in the Malindi. mammals, turtles and shore- Park; Fishes: Over 300 species birds. The fringing reef is Contact person of fish including: angelfish, bar- Best time to visit close to shore and exposed Senior Warden racuda, butterfly fish, goatfish, All year round during low tide, but drops fusiliers, emperors, groupers, gradually to a sea grass bed Location grunt/sweetlips, jacks, parrot- Activities that descends precipitously to North Coast, Malindi fish, rabbit fish, sharks, snap- Wind surfing, snorkelling, water the deep Barracuda Channel. pers, surgeon fish, triggerfish skiing, sunbathing, diving, North Reef has developed Distance from Mombasa and wrasses; Invertebrates: At swimming. offshore and is the main focus 118 km least 135 species of gastro- of tourism activity. 45 LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK The Bird Watcher's Paradise

SOUTH RIFT REGION

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru is a shallow strongly alkaline lake set in a picturesque landscape of surrounding woodland and grassland. The landscape includes areas of marsh and grasslands alternating with rocky cliffs and outcrops, stretches of acacia woodland and rocky hillsides covered with a Euphorbia forest.

The lake’s catchment is bounded by Menengai crater to the north, the Bahati hills to the north east, the lion hill ranges to the east, eburu cra- ter to the south and the mau escarpment to the west. Three rivers, the Njoro, Makalia and Contact details Restocked mammals include: Accommodation Enderit drain into the lake. PO Box 539, Nakuru lion, black and white rhino and Lodges: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Tel: +254 (0)51 221 7151, the endangered Rothschild’s Lake Nakuru Lodge Lake Nakuru was first gazet- 221 7371 giraffe. ted as a bird sanctuary Email: [email protected] KWS self-catering accommo- in 1960 and upgraded to www.kws.go.ke Access dation: Naishi Guest House, National Park status in 1968. By Road: The park is 160 km Flamingo Guesthouse A northern extension was Contact person north-west of Nairobi at Nakuru. added to the park in 1974 Senior Warden From Nairobi take the A104 Best time to visit and the lake was designated road (direction Naivasha). The All year round as a Ramsar site in 1990. The Location main gate and the park head- foundation of the park’s food Nakuru, Rift Valley Province quarters is 4 km south of Naku- Activities chains is the cyanophyte spir- ru town (from Kenyatta Avenue), Bird watching, camping, picnic, ulina platensis which can sup- Distance from Nairobi take the Moi Road then turn left finest views of the lake from port huge numbers of lesser 160 km into Stadium Road which leads Baboon Cliff, Lion Hill and Out flamingo. During peak season to the gate), Lanet Gate of Africa Hill over one million flamingos Size congregate on the lake plus 188 square km half a million pelicans. The Park also contains Kenya’s Park fees largest population of rhinos. Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator. The surface of the lake occupies about a third of the Climatic conditions park. The lake supports a dense Warm and dry bloom of the blue-green Cyano- phyte Spirulina platensis from Wildlife which it derives its colour. It is Birds: Up to 1.5 million flamin- a food source for flamingos. gos plus 450 other species of birds The lake is fringed by alkaline swamps with areas of sedge, Fauna: Includes Thompson’s cyprus laevigatus and typha and Grant’s gazelle, the rare marsh along the river inflows long-eared leaf-nosed bat, colo- and springs. The surround- bus monkey, rock hyrax, hippo, ing areas support a dry leopard, lion, rhino, waterbuck, transitional savanna with lake impala, gazelle, , margin grasslands. bat-eared fox, wild cat, reed- buck and golden cat. 46 MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE The Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is the world's greatest large mammal migration: the Trans Mara will make a critical contribution to maintaining this spectacle and ecosystem forever

SOUTH RIFT REGION

Masai Mara National Reserve

Covering an area of over 1,500 square km, the Masai Mara National Reserve is one Contact details Park fees Access of the most popular tourism PO Box 60, Narok Contact tour operator. Road: Main roads are all destinations in Kenya. The Tel: +254 (0)50 22068/22337 weather. Game viewing trucks reserve is located in the Great Fax: +254 (0)50 22412/22260 Climatic conditions can only be used by four wheel Rift Valley in primarily open Email: [email protected] Rainfall is bimodal with the drives during the rainy season. grassland. Wildlife tends to be main dry period from mid June The main road from Mai mahiu most concentrated on the re- Contact person to mid October and a shorter to Narok is currently under serve’s western escarpment. Chief Park Warden – Michael dry season during January construction. The swampy land provides more Koikai and February. Long rains from access to water and less access March to June and the short Air: Three airstrips serve the to tourists. The eastern end is Location rains from November to De- Mara:- Keekorok, Olkiombo, and closest to Nairobi and hence Situated in south-western Ken- cember. Rainfall is between 800 Musiara all of them murramed. easier to access by tourists. ya, it lies between latitude 1°00 – 1200 mm. Maximum daily south and longitude 34°45 and temperatures lies between 26°C Accommodation The Masai Mara is regarded 36°00 east. It straddles both and 30°C. Two lodges, Keekorok and as the jewel of Kenya’s Narok and Transmara districts Sarova Mara, and four tented wildlife viewing areas. The and lies about 105 miles south Wildlife camps, Mara Intrepids, annual wildebeests migration of the equator. 95 species of mammals, Explorer, Governors’ Camp, Ol- alone involves over 1.5 million amphibians and reptiles and murrani, a number of seasonal animals arriving in July and Distance from Nairobi over 400 birds species have camps/luxury mobile camps, departing in November. 247 km south-west of Nairobi been recorded including annual Rekero, Naibor, 4x4, Campfire. wildebeests migration involving There have been some 95 spe- Size over 1.5 million animals. Best time to visit cies of mammals, amphib- 1,510 square km August to November ians and reptiles and over 400 birds species recorded on the reserve. Nowhere in Africa is wildlife more abundant, and it is for this reason a visitor hardly misses to see the big five (buffalo, elephant, leop- ard, lion, and rhino).

Other game include hip- popotami, cheetah, Grant’s gazelle, impala, topi, Coke’s hartebeest, giraffe, Roan antelope and the nocturnal bat-eared fox.

However wildebeest are by far the dominant inhabitants of the Masai Mara. Their numbers are estimated in the millions. The Great Migra- tion starts in July each year when well over one million wildebeest along with large numbers of Thompson’s Gazelle, zebra and other herbivores migrate from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to fresh pastures in the north and then back south again in October. 47

The Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is the world's greatest large mammal migration: the Trans Mara will make a critical contribution to maintaining this spectacle and ecosystem forever

Mara Triangle

MARA TRIANGLE Contact details PO Box 63457 – 00620, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)2 3749632 Fax: +254 (0)2 3749636 Email: [email protected] www.maraconservancy.com

Contact person Park fees evening. Max temperatures up zelle, Grant’s gazelle, impala, Brian Heath Contact tour operator. to 30°C and min temperatures waterbuck, oribi, reed-buck, ze- around 20°C. bra. During the migration (July Location Climatic conditions to November) huge numbers of Trans Mara District - Western Altitude 5,300 feet (1,600 Wildlife wildebeest move in. sector, Masai Mara. metres). Rainy season from No- The Mara is known as one vember through May, with peak of the finest wildlife destina- Access Distance from Nairobi rainfall in December-January tions in the World. There is an The Mara Triangle is serviced 300 km and April-May. Dry season from excellent chance of seeing the by two all-weather airstrips June-November. Often sunny Big 5, cheetah, serval, hyena, – Mara Serena and Kichwa Size mornings with cloud build-up bat-eared foxes, black-backed Tembo. The main road access 510 sq km in the afternoons – during the and side-striped jackals, hippo, into the Triangle is through rains this develops into thun- crocodile, baboons, warthog, Narok and Sekenani Gate. derstorms in the afternoon and topi, eland, Thompson’s ga- Accommodation Mara Serena (150 beds) and Little Governors’ Camp (36 beds) are the only two lodges situated in the Triangle. Kichwa Tembo, Mpata Club, Olonana, Mara Siria and Kilima Camp are situated on the periphery but use the Triangle.

Best time to visit Peak season is between July and October, during the migra- tion. Early November and Feb- ruary can also offer excellent game viewing.

Activities Game viewing, camping, night game drives, visits to Masai cul- tural villages, ballooning, bush dinner, lunch and breakfast. 48 MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK Misted montane paradise

NORTH RIFT REGION Major Attractions Marsabit National Reserve Pristine forest, scenic covers an area of 1,500 landscape and wilder- square km and consists of a ness, crater lakes, forested mountain that rises Marsabit National Park diverse local cultures like an oasis in the middle of the desert wilderness and is Wildlife the only source of permanent Elephant, lion, leop- surface water in the region. ard, cheetah, , hyena, aardwolf, The reserve has three caracal, klipspringer, spectacular crater lakes that Grant’s gazelle, oryx, provide habitat for a variety of and reticulated giraffe. birdlife. One of the lakes, Lake Diverse birdlife. Paradise, is most scenic and famous from early films and Access writings of Martin Johnson By Road: 560 km and Vivien de Wattville. north of Nairobi, 263 km north of Isiolo. Marsabit reserve is also Contact details Size well known because of large PO Box 42, Marsabit 360 square km By Air: The park is located two elephants like the famous Tel: +254 (0)69 2028,2279 and half hours by air from Ahmed, an elephant that was www.kws.go.ke Park fees Nairobi and is served by a provided with a 24 hour pro- Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tarmac airstrip located 1 km tection by a presidential order. Contact person tour operator. from Marsabit town centre. Ahmed, who boasted some Senior Warden of the biggest tusks ever Climatic conditions Accommodation recorded, died at age 55, and Location January to March is hot and Lodges: Marsabit Lodge his body was preserved and Marsabit District, Eastern dry, April to June is hot and is now on display in Nairobi Province wet, July to October is warm Best time to visit National Museum. and dry, November and Decem- All year round Distance from Nairobi ber are warm and wet. 560 km north of Nairobi Activities Game viewing, bird watching 49 MERU NATIONAL PARK Complete Wilderness

EASTERN REGION Contact details PO Box 11, Maua Tel: +254 (0)164 20613 Cell: 0733 662439 www.kws.go.ke

Contact person Senior Warden Meru National Park Location East-north-east of Mount Kenya in Meru District of Eastern Province

Distance from Nairobi 348 km

Size 870 square km Meru is a savanna National Park, 35 km east of Maua town Park fees gerenuk, more than 300 re- Special Campsites: Kampi in the north eastern lowlands Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact corded species of birds Baridi; Kitanga, Makutano, below the Nyambeni hills. tour operator. Rojoweru, Mugung, Ken Mare Meru is part of a complex of Access and Kanjoo. protected areas along the Tana Climatic conditions Roads: Access from Nairobi river that includes the adjacent Parks are part of Semi-arid (348 km) is via Nyeri-Nanyuki- Public campsite: Bwatherongi Bisanadi and Mwingi National zone and have irregular rainfalls. Meru or via Embu all weather Reserves, Kora National Park Wet seasons are April-June and roads. Access into the park Best time to visit and Rahole National Reserve. November-December. Rainfall from Maua to Murera Gate (35 All year round The wetter North Western sec- is 635-762 mm in the west and km) and 348 km from Nairobi. tor is hilly, with rich volcanic 305-356 mm in the east The other access is via Embu Activities soils. The land flattens towards to Ura Gate (120 km), 290 km Wildlife viewing, camping the east, where grey alluvial Major Attractions from Nairobi – inaccessible at volcanic soils appear. Former home of Joy and George the moment Adamson and , The area is crossed by numer- views of Mount Kenya, rivers Airstrips: Main airstrip at Kina, ous permanent streams, and riverine habitats, Tana River Mulika next to Meru Mulika draining from the Nyam- and Adamson’s Falls. Lodge and Elsa’s Kopje airstrip benes and flowing in parallel between tongues of lava, south Wildlife Accommodation eastwards towards the Tana Grevy’s zebra, elephant, eland, Lodges: Elsa’s Kopje, Leopard River. As well as the many bush pig, common waterbuck, Rock Lodge streams that cross it, the park cheetah, leopard, reticulated is bounded by three large riv- giraffe, hippopotamus, bohor Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Cater- ers: the Tana to the South, the reedbuck, hartebeest, python, ing Accommodation: Murera Ura to the South West and the puff adder, cobra, buffalo, Bandas, Kinna Bandas Rojeweru to the East. There are several prominent inselbergs of basement rock, notably Mughwango and Leopard Rock.

A section of the park has been designated as a wilder- ness area in which there are no roads. The park is part of the domain made famous by the writings of . 50 MOMBASA MARINE NATIONAL PARK & RESERVE

COASTLINE REGION Size Park is 10 square km while the reserve is over 200 square km

Park fees Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climatic conditions The coast is humid with mean annual temperatures rang- ing from 22-34°C. Rainfall is about 500 mm per annum. The climatic conditions are hot and Mombasa Marine humid National Park Major Attractions Beach, coral gardens, dive sites Accommodation Both the park and reserve are Contact details Wildlife There is currently no accommo- the most highly utilised among Tel: +254 (0)41 2312744/5 Prolific marine life includes dation in the reserve. Visitors marine protected areas. Their Email: info.kws@kwscoast. crabs, corals, sea urchins, jelly- can stay in Mombasa where coastline is heavily developed org or fish, sea stars, and sea cucum- there are various accommoda- with tourist facilities. [email protected] bers. Different varieties of coral tion options. www.kws.go.ke species comprise of acropora, There are various agents who turbinaria and porites Best time to visit offer boats for hire to get Contact person All year round into the Marine Park. There Senior Warden Access are quite a good number of Roads: From Nairobi mainly use Activities companies offering water Location the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway Wind surfing, snorkelling, water sports facilities. These firms Lamu District, Coast province skiing, sunbathing, diving. are spread along the beach. Air: 45 minute flight from Jomo The place is ideal for diving. Distance from Nairobi Kenyatta International Airport Diving gear is readily available 487 km to Mombasa from water sports desks.

MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK Untamed wilderness, secluded splendour

WESTERN KENYA REGION Distance from Nairobi Access Mount Elgon is Kenya’s second 420 km Road: Access is via tarmac road highest mountain. It lies 140 km to Kitale, branch to murram north-east of Lake Victoria and Size road and then to the Chor- is bisected by the Kenya-Uganda 169 square km lim Gate. Two routes to the border. An ancient eroded gate can be used, either via volcano with a huge caldera, Park fees Endebess or take the tarmac its summit has the spectacu- Mount Elgon National Park Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact road 15 km past Kitale and lar flat-topped basalt column tour operator. turn left onto a murrum road known as Koitobos. Another leading to the gate. unique feature of the mountain Climatic conditions is the lava tube caves, some The climate is moist to moder- Accommodation over 60 metres wide and only ate dry. Annual rainfall is over Lodges: Mount Elgon Lodge, 0.5 caves in the world frequented by 1,270 mm km outside the park gate elephants (and other animals) digging for salts. Attractions KWS Self-Catering Accom- Together with the fauna and modation: Kapkuro Bandas, Mount Elgon National Park flora, the park is endowed with Koitoboss Guesthouse, Kitum was gazetted in 1968 and variety and breathtaking scenery Guesthouse covers a narrow transect on Contact details of cliffs, caves, waterfalls, gorg- its north-eastern slopes. The PO Box 753, Kitale es, mesas, calderas, hot springs, Best time to visit remaining forest and moor- Tel: +254 (0)54 310456/7 and the mountain peaks All year round land is part of the Mount Email: [email protected] Elgon Forest Reserve. www.kws.go.ke Wildlife Activities Elephant, leopard, giant forest Vehicle circuits leading to Contact person hog, bushback, buffalo, duiker, animal viewing areas, the caves Senior Warden black and white colobus, blue and Koitoboss peak; self-guided monkeys, and golden cat, walking trails (ask for the Kitum Location among others. Cave guide book at the gate); On the western border of Kenya hiking to Endebess Bluff and with Uganda, in Trans-Nzoia Birds: More than 240 bird spe- Koitoboss Peak; primate and District of Rift Valley Province. cies in the area, including the bird watching; cave explora- African crowned eagle, Ross’ tions; camping; horse-riding; turaco and red-fronted parrot. photography. 51 MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK Namesake of a Nation

CENTRAL KENYA REGION

Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya is an imposing extinct volcano dominating the landscape of the Kenyan Highlands. The mountain has two main peaks – Batian (5,200 metres) and Nelion (5,188 metres). The moun- tains slopes are cloaked in forest, bamboo, scrub and moorland giving way on the high central peaks to rock, ice and snow. Mount Kenya is an important water catch- ment area, supplying the Tana and Northern Ewaso Ngiro systems. Contact details Wildlife Accommodation The park includes a variety of PO Box 753 Nyeri Giant forest hog, tree hyrax, Lodges: There is currently habitats ranging from higher Tel: +254 (0)61 55645, 55201 white-tailed mongoose, ele- no lodge in the park. Various forest, bamboo, alpine moor- www.kws.go.ke phant, black rhino, suni, black- lodges offer accommodation in lands, glaciers, tarns and fronted duiker, mole- rat and the region. glacial morains. Contact person over 130 species of bird Senior Warden KWS self-catering accommo- The Park, which was inscribed Access dation: Batian Guesthouse, by UNESCO as a World Herit- Location Access Roads: 175 km from Nai- Sirimon Bandas age Site in 1997 and is also East of the Rift Valley. Mount robi, the park can be reached a Biosphere Reserve, covers Kenya lies about 140 km north- on Nanyuki-Isiolo road via In addition there are various 715 square km, and includes north-east of Nairobi with its Sirimon Track or Nyeri-Nanyuki bunkhouses and climbing huts the peaks consisting of all the northern flanks across the road near Naro Moru. The park are on the climbing route. ground above 3,200 metres Equator. is also reachable via Chogoria with two small salients ex- on the Embu-Meru road, about Best time to visit tending lower down to 2,450 Distance from Nairobi 150 km north of Nairobi. All year round metres along the Sirimon and 140 km Naro Moru tracks. Surround- Airstrips: The closest commer- Activities: ing the park is Mount Kenya Size cial airstrip to the park is at Mountain climbing, wildlife view- National Reserve with an 715 square km Nanyuki ing, camping, cave exploration. area of approximately 2,095 square km. Park fees Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator.

Climatic conditions Climate, flora and fauna on Mount Kenya varies with alti- tude

Major attractions Pristine wilderness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological variety, forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered species of animals, high altitude adapted plains game. Unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants. 52 MOUNT LONGONOT NATIONAL PARK Sheer Adventure

CENTRAL KENYA REGION The name Longonot is de- rived from the Maasai word Oloonong’ot meaning moun- tains of many spurs or steep ridges. Longonot park covers 52 square km most of it being occupied by Mt. Longonot – a young volcano rising to 2,776 metres above sea level. The Mount Longonot sides of the mountain have National Park beautiful V-shaped valleys and ridges. The stony soils have little vegetation but the crater has an impenetrable forest.

Due to the nature of the ter- rain Mount Longonot has no roads and visitors hike to the top and rim of the crater. Contact details Size Access PO Box 234-20117, Naivasha 52 square km Road: The park is accessible via Tel: +254 (0)50 50255 tarmac road from Nairobi. From modation available in the park, Email: [email protected] Park fees Naivasha town, take the lower a wide range of accommoda- www.kws.go.ke Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact (old) Nairobi-Naivasha road in tion options are available in tour operator. the direction of Nairobi until you nearby Naivasha, and there are Contact person reach the Longonot railway level lodges and hotels around Lake Senior Warden Climatic conditions crossing. Turn right after the Naivasha. Hot and dry crossing and follow the track for Location 4km to the Park Gate and KWS Best time to visit Naivasha, Rift Valley Province Major attractions offices. Vehicles may be left in a All year round Extinct volcano and crater for- car park 1km after the gate. Distance from Nairobi est, scenic landscape, views of Activities 90 km Lake Naivasha and the Great Accommodation Finest views of Lake Naivasha Rift Valley. Although there is no accom- and the Great Rift Valley, hiking.

MWEA NATIONAL RESERVE An undiscovered oasis of tranquility

EAStERN REGION Size only protected area in which The reserve was gazetted 42 square km the globally threatened and in 1976 covering an area Kenya-endemic Hinde’s babbler north-west of Kamburu Dam Park fees is known to occur, the Reserve at the confluence of Tana and Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact also shelters two other rare spe- Thiba rivers. Two islands within tour operator. cies; Pel’s fishing owl and the Kamburu dam (constructed in white-backed night heron. 1976) are in the protected area. Climatic conditions Semi-arid with an annual rain- Access On the southern boundary is fall of 510-760 mm per annum Road: From Nairobi via Thika-Ma- the Tana River, the eastern is Mwea tuu-Masinga Dam (160 km). This the Thiba River and the north- National Reserve Major attractions route is surfaced until Masinga ern boundary is an electric Game viewing; boat rides at Kam- Dam Bridge – a further 10 km of fence that stops animals from buru dam; hippo point; realm of dirt road lies between here and invading Makima settlements. rare birds; walking circuit Makima Gate. Access is also pos- sible via Embu-Machanga. The earliest human settlement Wildlife in Makima dates from 1914, Elephant, , Nile Air: Masinga airstrip near though wildlife conservation crocodile, hippo, giraffe, Masinga Lodge. By Air: Masinga intervention was not until Contact details Burchell’s zebra, buffalo, leop- Airstrip near Masinga Lodge 1972. Mwea National Reserve PO Box 8-60113, Kiritiri, Embu ard, grey duiker, black-backed is today co-managed between Tel: +254 (0)68 20301 jackal, bushbuck, waterbuck, Accommodation Kenya Wildlife Service and www.kws.go.ke olive baboon, Sykes’ monkey, There are no lodges, tented Mbeere County Council. serval cat, , camps or self-catering accommo- Contact person warthog, rock hyrax, bush pig, dation options in Mwea Reserve. Mwea National Reserve Trust Senior Warden impala and hartebeest. Rare Masinga Lodge is located at Mas- was founded in 1991 with animals including stripped inga Dam outside the Reserve. the aim of soliciting funds to Location ground squirrel, genet, black- develop the reserve. Quite a Mbeere District, Eastern backed jackal, yellow baboons, Best time to visit number of projects have been Province are also found in Mwea All year round funded through donations including a boat and outboard Distance from Nairobi Birds: over 200 species of Activities engine, energy saving jikos 160 km north-east of Nairobi birds. Mwea is renowned for its Game viewing, bird watching. and translocating . water birds and waders. The 53 MWINGI NATIONAL RESERVE

EASTERN REGION Mwingi National Reserve is one of four protected and con- tiguous areas that comprise the 4,400 square km Meru Conservational Area (MCA). The other three are Meru National Park, Bisanadi National Reserve and Kora National Park.

Mwingi Mwingi borders all three and is National Reserve the least accessible. Mwingi has been designated a Wilderness Activity Zone by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) which allows for fly camping, camel and horse- Park fees Access back safaris as opportunities for Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Roads: The reserve can be traditional game viewing are ex- tour operator. accessed via Thika to Mwingi tremely limited. Formerly known then north-east through Kyuso as Kitui National Reserve and Contact details Climatic conditions village, or from Meru National located in Kitui District, Mwingi www.kws.go.ke The climate is hot and dry Park through Adamson’s Bridge covers 745 sq km and is little via Kora National Park. visited by tourists. However, Contact person Major Attraction efforts are underway to improve Senior Warden Wilderness habitat; game view- Accommodation the area’s road access. ing; Adamson’s Falls; fishing and There is currently no accommo- Location boating on Tana River; Kampi dation in the reserve The reserve is administered by Mwingi District, Eastern Prov- ya Simba – former home of Joy Mwingi County Council. Wildlife ince and George Adamson and the Best time to visit populations are low, but there grave of Elsa the lioness. All year round are hippo, crocodile, buf- Distance from Nairobi falo and warthog. Areas of the 350 km north-east of Nairobi Wildlife Activities reserve have been encroached Caracal, elephant, hippo, leop- Game viewing, fishing in River by settlements and permanent Size ard, lion and several antelope Tana, bird watching, boating. agriculture. 745 square km species among others.

NAIROBI ANIMAL ORPHANAGE Home to orphaned and sick animals

NAIROBI REGION Park fees the animal orphanage is easily Established in 1964 as a Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact accessible on tarmac roads, off refuge and rehabilitation tour operator. Lang’ata Road, Kenya Wildlife centre for wild animals Service headquarters. found abandoned or injured Climatic conditions throughout Kenya, the unique January-March is hot and dry, Accommodation facility records over 200,000 April-June is hot and wet, July- Visitors to the Animal Orphan- thousand visitors every year. October is very warm and wet. age can stay in various lodges and hotels located in Nairobi Animals received at the Major Attraction City Centre. facility, undergo a thorough Nairobi Animal Orphanage Bonding with orphaned medical examination, followed animals; up-close animal view; Best time to visit by treatment where that is play with the cheetah All year round called for, before entering into an appropriate feeding and Wildlife Activities rehabilitation program. Wildlife: Lion, cheetah, hyena, Up-close viewing of wildlife jackal, serval, Nairobi Animal Orphanage is very rare the oldest animal orphanage sokoke cats, in Kenya and set in Nairobi Contact details warthog, os- National Park with lush veg- PO Box 42076 trich, leopard, etation contrasting against Tel: +254 (0)20 602121, 603769 various mon- the red dust and clay of the Fax: +254 (0)20 600324 keys, baboon, soil. Email: [email protected] buffalo www.kws.go.ke This important educational Birds: Parrot, and training facility, which is Contact person guinea fowl, housed, in the only wildlife Senior Warden crown crane protected area in a capital city in the world is often home Location Access to more than 20 different Nairobi Province Roads: Located animals and bird species. only about 7 Distance from Nairobi km from the 7 km city centre, 54 NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK The world's only wildlife capital

NAIROBI REGION Contact details PO Box 42076 Tel: +254 (0)20 602121, 603769 Fax: +254 (0)20 600324 Email: [email protected] www.kws.go.ke

Contact person Senior Warden

Location Nairobi Safari Walk Nairobi Province

Distance from Nairobi 7 km

Size 117 square km

Nairobi National Park is Park fees unique by being the only pro- Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tected area in the world with tour operator. a variety of animals and birds Walk and the Orphanage; spa- roads, mainly through Lang’ata close to a capital city. The Climatic conditions cious picnic sites Road. park is a principal attraction January-March is hot and dry, for visitors to Nairobi. April-June is hot and wet; July- Wildlife Accommodation October is very warm and wet. Over 80 recorded species to There is currently no accommo- The park also serves many include rhino, buffalo, lion, dation in the reserve. Visitors residents and citizens living Major Attraction leopard, crocodile and hippo can stay in Nairobi city which in the city. It has a diver- Black rhinoceros; diverse (no elephants) offers various accommodation sity of environments with birdlife; large predators – lion, options. characteristic fauna and leopard, hyena and cheetah; Birds: more than 400 species flora. Open grass plains with aggregations of large herbiv- Best time to visit scattered acacia bush are ores – eland, buffalo, zebra Access All year round predominant. The western and wildebeest; Ivory Burning Roads: Located only about 7 km side has a highland dry forest Site Monument; walking trails from the city centre, the Park Activities and a permanent river with a at hippo pools; Nairobi Safari is easily accessible on tarmac Wildlife viewing, picnic activities. riverine forest in the south. In addition, there are stretches of broken bush country and deep, rocky valleys and gorges with scrub and long grass. Man-made dams also attract water dependent herbivores during the dry season.

The park has a rich/diverse birdlife with 400 species recorded. However all species are not always present and some are seasonal. Northern migrants pass through the park primarily during late March through April.

Nairobi National Park is one of the most successful of Kenya’s rhino sanctuaries that is already generating a stock for reintroduction in the spe- cies former range and other upcoming sanctuaries. Due to this success, it is one of the few parks where a visitor can be certain of seeing a black rhino in its natural habitat.

To the south of the park is the Athi-Kapiti Plains and Kitenge- la Migration and dispersal area. These are vital areas for herbivores dispersal during the rains and concentrate in the park in the dry season. 55 NAIROBI SAFARI WALK A refuge for the wild

NAIROBI REGION

Nairobi Safari Walk

Only 7 km south of Nairobi lies the Nairobi Safari Walk, Kenya’s conservation based recreation facility. The combi- nation of skilled and creative landscape design, unique wildlife species and detailed interpretation, renders the facility supremacy in tourism and conservation education.

With a combination of three Contact details Climatic conditions Access simulated, forests, wetlands PO Box 42076 January-March is hot and dry, Roads: located only about 7 km and savannahs, visitors have Tel: +254 (0)20 602121, 603769 April-June is hot and wet, July- from the city centre, the Nairobi an opportunity to learn about Fax: +254 (0)20 00324 October is very warm and wet. Safari Walk is easily accessible these valuable resources and Email: [email protected] on tarmac roads, off Lang’ata how they can contribute to its www.kws.go.ke Major Attraction Road, Kenya Wildlife Service conservation. Some unique Three major ecosystems headquarters. plants and animals that are Contact person namely wetlands, savannah and locally extinct or threatened Senior Warden forest ecosystems; variety of Accommodation are also displayed. This is the mammals, reptiles, insects and Visitors can stay in various place to learn how to take part Location birds; The boardwalk; Children lodges and hotels located in in wildlife conservation quest. Nairobi Province Museum Nairobi City Centre.

The Nairobi Safari Walk is an Distance from Nairobi Wildlife Best time to visit eye opener to Kenya’s Parks 7 km Lion, cheetah, leopard, croco- All year round and Reserves. It offers an op- dile, pygmy hippo, zebra and portunity to learn what to ex- Size albino zebra, buffalo, colobus Activities pect to see across the country. 117 square km monkey, ostrich, bongo, oryx, Walking Safari, wildlife viewing, Introductory talks on Kenya’s tortoises, turtle, rhino Children’s Museum, guided parks and reserves, can be Park fees walk, talks and lectures, tree arranged by naturalists. Expe- Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Birds: wide variety of birds and identification, nursery tech- rience a taste of Kenya’s rich tour operator. insects niques animal collection including the rare bongo, white rhino, albino zebra, a collection of cats, antelopes and primates. NSW is also home to a collection of about 150 species of local trees. Get to learn their varied traditional uses too.

The unique design of the Safari Walk includes the inter- est of all visitors, families, students, tourists, and all others are catered for. 56 NASOLOT NATIONAL RESERVE A scenic masterpiece

NORTH RIFT REGION Contact details beisa and fringe-eared oryx, PO Box 62, Kapenguria waterbuck, olive baboon, buf- www.kws.go.ke falo, gazelle and hippo.

Nasolot Contact person Access National Reserve Senior Warden Road: The reserve is 146 km north of Kitale to the west of Location the A1 Kitale-Lodwar road. The West Pokot District, Rift Valley reserve’s gate lies 6.2 km off Province the A1 main road.

Distance from Nairobi Air: There are air strips at Turk- 528 km north-west of Nairobi well dam and Kaputirr

Size Accommodation 92 square km There are no accommodation options in the reserve. However Park fees self-catering accommodation Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact and a campsite is available at tour operator. the Marich Pass Field Studies Centre located 80 km south of Climatic conditions the reserve off the A1 Kitale- Hot and arid Lodwar road. Nasolot National Reserve was gazetted in 1979 and consists Major Attractions Best time to visit 9,200 hectares of beautifully Rocky out crop at the periphery All year round rugged land. It is located to of the reserve called Nasolot the north of Mount Melo at Hill; game viewing. Activities over 3,000 metres. There are Game viewing, bird watching, some spectacular views to Wildlife sport fishing and boating at be had, although most of the Elephant, lesser kudu, bush- Turkwell dam, nature walks, reserve is plains. Because of buck, duiker, lion, leopard, camping. its remote location there are Kirk’s dik-dik, spotted hyena, few visitors. jackal, impala, Sykes’ monkey,

NDERE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

WESTERN KENYA REGION Contact details Park fees Ndere Island, a newly gazet- PO Box 1193 Kisumu Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact ted park, is an island just off Tel: +254 (0)57 21105 tour operator. the northern shore of Lake www.kws.go.ke Victoria and was opened Climatic conditions in November 1986. Ndere Contact person Hot and humid means ‘meeting place’ in the Senior Warden language of the local Luo Attractions and wildlife tribe. According to the Luo Ndere Island Location Ndere Island; game viewing; folklore, Kit Mikayi, mother National Park Kisumu District of Nyanza African fish eagles; hippopota- of the tribe, rested up near Province mus; Nile crocodiles; Ndere after her long journey south down the Nile valley. Distance from Nairobi Access She found the lush shorelines 432 km Road: Access to the park can be so pleasing that she and her by road or boat from Kisumu people stayed. Size 4.2 square km Air: Kisumu Airport is 60 km away

Accommodation Kenya Wildlife Service: two campsites

Best time to visit All year round

Activities Walking,Stockphoto game viewing 57 OL DONYO SABUK NATIONAL PARK Ultimate Panoramic Experience

EASTERN REGION Northrup McMillan (1872- A rugged, hump-backed out- 1925) and his wife Lady Lucie); crop of ancient rock jutting camping facilities high above the Athi Plains and hazily visible from Nairobi, Ol Access Donyo Sabuk is a densely for- Road: From Thika proceed 22 ested mountain known to the km along the main Garissa local Kikuyu as ‘The Mountain road to Makutano junction. At of the Buffalo’, and to the Makutano follow the KWS sign Maasai as ‘The Big Mountain’. and turn right, proceeding 3 km Just one road leads to its Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park on all-weather murram road to summit, which offers magnifi- Donyo town. At Donyo turn right cent 360’ panoramas over the and proceed a further 2 km to Athi River, the pineapple fields the main gate. of Thika and the snow-capped peaks of both Mount Kiliman- Accommodation jaro and Mount Kenya. Within Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Ca- easy reach of Nairobi, the tering Accommodation: Sabuk lush vegetation and cool air of House this compact and scenic Na- Contact details Size tional Park make for an ideal PO Box 1514, Thika 20.7 square km Best time to visit day trip or camping weekend. Tel: +254 (0)67 435 5257 All year round www.kws.go.ke Park fees Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Activities Contact person tour operator. Game viewing, bird watching, Senior Warden camping and picnicking. Climatic conditions Location Hot and dry Machakos District, Eastern Province Major attractions Fourteen Falls; scenic views of Distance from Nairobi Mount Kenya from the summit; 85 km north-east of Nairobi McMillan grave (of Sir William

RUMA NATIONAL PARK Last retreat of the roan antelope

WESTERN KENYA REGION Size Then turn left and head for Ruma was first gazetted in 120 square km Migori, a distance of 20 km. At 1966 as Lambwe valley game Migori follow signs to the park, reserve and acquired national Park fees entering at Kamato main gate park status in 1983. Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact tour operator. Accommodation The park was established Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Catering mainly to protect the roan Climatic conditions Accommodation: Oribi Guesthouse antelope which does not occur Hot and humid anywhere else in the country. Ruma National Park Campsites: Kamato and Nyati Major Attractions Campsites The soils are largely black cot- Game Viewing ton clay. The surrounding area Best time to visit is settled, with a mix of small Wildlife All year round scale cultivation and grassy Roan antelope which is not pasture land. found anywhere else in Kenya, Activities oribi, mountain reedbuck, Game viewing, bird watching, leopard, buffalo, Jackson’s hart- camping beest, Rothschild’s giraffe, ser- Contact details val, hyena, impala and vervet PO Box 420, Homa Bay monkey, savannah grassland Tel: +254 (0)59 22544 and woodland with extensive www.kws.go.ke acacia thickets and more than 400 recorded species of birds. Contact person Senior Warden Access Road: From Nairobi the most Location direct route to Ruma NP is via Ruma National park is situated in Nakuru, Kericho and Kisii. From Suba District, Nyanza Province Kisii proceed in a southerly direction on the main A1 road Distance from Nairobi to Rongo, a distance of 34 km. 425 km At Rongo turn to the right and proceed 27 km to Rodi Kopany. 58 SAIWA SWAMP NATIONAL PARK Sanctuary of the Sitatunga antelope

WESTERN KENYA REGION Size at Kitale Museum and follow Saiwa is the smallest park in 2.9 square km the road into a left hand bend. Kenya, only 3 square km. It After 0.5 km turn right and was established to protect the Park fees follow signs for Kapenguria and semi-aquatic sitatunga ante- Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Lodwar. After 1.5 km turn left lope and encloses the swamp tour operator. onto the A1 Lodwar Road and fed by the Saiwa river together Saiwa Swamp proceed for 18 km to Kipsaina with its fringing belts of rain National Park Climatic conditions where there is a sign to Saiwa forest. The park is enclosed by The Park has a typical African Swamp NP. Turn right at the subsistence farming settle- wetland climate, ranging from sign and follow the murram ments. warm to cool humid to semi- road for 6.5 km to the park’s arid. only gate-Saiwa Gate. Vegetation is a mixture of forest and swamp vegetation. Major Attractions Accommodation The swamp is dominated by Sitatunga aquatic antelope; Sirikwa Guesthouse and Camp- tall bullrushes and sedges. game viewing; bird watching; site The swamp is bordered by a trail walking mixture of grassland, riverine Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Cater- forests and acacia. Wildlife ing Accommodation: Tree Top Contact details Sitatunga, monkeys, otter, House. PO Box 4506 Kitale genet, serval, mongoose, Email: bushback and ratel (or honey Best time to visit [email protected] badger). All year round www.kws.go.ke Birds: over 372 species includ- Activities Contact person ing such rarities as Ross’ turaco Game viewing, bird watching, Senior Warden and blue-headed coucal. camping, picnicking, nature walks Location Access Trans Nzoia District, Rift Valley Road: The park lies 27 km Province north of Kitale on the Kitale- Lodwar tarmac road. Approach- Distance from Nairobi ing Kitale from the direction of 385 km Eldoret or Bungoma, turn right 59 SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

EASTERN REGION Size Accommodation Samburu National Reserve The reserve covers an area of The reserve houses a number is one of the lesser-known 165 square km of visitor facilities including: national parks, but is nev- ertheless teeming with life. Distance from Nairobi Lodges: Samburu Game Lodge, Situated alongside the Ewaso 345 km to Archer’s Gate (main Samburu Larsen’s Camp, Sam- Nyiro River, there is plenty to entrance to Samburu National buru Sopa, Samburu Intrepids, attract wildlife from the sur- Samburu Reserve) Elephant Bedroom, Elephant rounding savannah plains. National Reserve Watch Safaris, Miiba Mingi Park fees Tented Lodge The reserve lies within Contact tour operator. ecological zone V – which is Permanent campsites: Game- classified as arid and semi- Climatic Conditions trackers, Lion King Safaris arid with a moisture index of Arid and semi-arid with hot 42 to 57, which indicates that days and cool nights. Annual Special campsites: Doom Palm evapo-transpiration is greater mean temperature between Campsite, Von derdecken than available moisture. 18º C and 30ºC. Annual mean (Hornbill) Campsite, Grevy The days are extremely hot rainfall is 345 mm with peaks Campsite, Impala Campsite while the nights are cool. The in November and April. annual mean temperatures Contact details Public Campsites: Vervet Mon- range between 18º C and Samburu National Reserve, Wildlife key, Butterfly, Kigelia, King- 30ºC, while the mean annual PO Box 519 Rich in game with many rare fisher rainfall is 345 mm with peaks Isiolo species. Game includes Grevy’s in November and April. The Tel/Fax: +254 (0)64 30249 zebra, Somali ostrich, reticu- Best time to visit dry season starts in late May, Email: [email protected] lated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa All year round. and goes up to early October www.samburucouncil.com oryx, elephants, lion, leopard, when a large concentration of cheetah, wild dogs and over Activities wildlife is found in the reserve Contact person 450 species of birds. There are various activities that due to availability of lush Chief Park Warden: visitors can engage in while vegetation along the Ewaso Email: [email protected] Access residing at the reserve. These Nyiro River, the main source Road: The reserve can be activities include: game drives, of water to the Reserve and Location accessed to by road from Nairo- bird watching, sundowners, the nearby communities. Samburu National Reserve is bi through Isiolo on all weather bush breakfast, nature walks, situated at the southern corner bitumen while Isiolo Archers river rafting (depending on the The reserve is rich in wildlife of Samburu District in the Rift Post is gravelled. The road river water level) and the Sam- with an abundance of rare Valley Province of Kenya. It is section distance from Isiolo to buru cultural experience. northern specialist species bordered to the south by Uaso Archer’s gate is 34.3 km. such as the Grevy’s zebra, Nyiro River, which separates Somali ostrich, reticulated it from the Buffalo Springs Air: The reserve has an airstrip giraffe, gerenuk and the National Reserve. that is the Oryx Samburu Airstrip. beisa oryx (also referred to as Samburu Special Five). The reserve is also popular with a minimum of 900 elephants. Large predators such as the lion, leopard and cheetah are an important attraction (Ka- munyak the miracle lioness that adopted the baby oryx is a resident in the reserve).

Wild dog sightings are also a common attraction to this unique protected area. Birdlife is abundant with over 450 species recorded. Birds of the arid northern bush country are augmented by a number of riverine forest species. The Lesser Kestrel and the Taita Falcon are species of global conservation concern and they both utilise the reserve. Five species categorized as vulnerable have also been recorded in the reserve. These are the African darter, great egret, white-headed vulture, and the yellow- billed ox-pecker. The critically endangered pancake tortoise (malacochersus tornieri) is also found in the reserve. 60 SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL RESERVE Last of the Coastal Rainforests, Sanctuary of the Sable Antelope

COASTLINE REGION Wildlife Shimba Hills were gazetted Sable, elephant, buffalo, water- as a National Forest in 1903, buck, reedbuck, hyena, warthog grassland areas were incor- and bush pig, giraffe, leopard, porated in 1924 and several baboon plus Sykes’, black-faced subsequent extensions took vervet monkey and Angola place to bring the reserve to colobus monkey, serval, Harvey’s its present size. In 1968 most duiker and suni. Introduced species of the reserve was double include Maasai giraffe and ostrich. gazetted as the Shimba Hills National Reserve. Two smaller Access areas to the west adjoin- Road: The Reserve’s main ac- ing the reserve and almost cess is via Diani - 56 km from entirely forested remain as Size Mombasa. Forest Reserves; Mkongani Shimba Hills 250 square km North and Mkongani West For- National Reserve Air: 1.5 km airstrip. Regular est Reserve. Park fees flights also at Ukunda airstrip Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact at Diani Beach and at Moi Inter- A fenced elephant corridor tour operator. national Airport in Mombasa. connects the Shimba Hills Contact details with Mwaluganje Forest Re- PO Box 30, Kwale Climatic conditions Accommodation serve to the North. Tel: +254 (0)40 4159, 4166 The climate is hot and moist Lodges: Shimba Email: [email protected] but cooler than that the coast The Shimba Hills are a dis- www.kws.go.ke with strong sea breezes and Kenya Wildlife Service sected plateau that ascends frequent mist and cloud in Self-Catering Accommodation: steeply from the coastal Contact person early morning. Annual rainfall Sable Bandas plains, 30 km south west of Senior Warden is 855-1,682 mm. Mean annual Mombasa and just south of temperatures is 24.2°C. Best time to visit Kwale town. The surrounding Location All year round escarpment rises from around The reserve is approximately Major attractions 120 metres to 300 metres 33 km south of Mombasa, in Scenic landscape comprising Activities across the bulk of the plateau Kwale district of Coast Province hills and valleys extending beyond Game viewing, potential for and as high as 450 metres at the Reserve boundaries; coastal bird-shooting outside the re- Marare and Pengo hills. rainforest; Sheldrick’s Falls. serve, walking safaris

SIBILOI NATIONAL PARK Cradle of Mankind, Garden of Eden

NORTH RIFT REGION Size Access Sibiloi National Park covers 1,570 square km Road: The lake is a three day 1,570 square km of wilder- drive from Nairobi via Marsabit ness scenic landscape on the Sibiloi National Park Park fees and North Horr, or Maralal and shores of Lake Turkana. The Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact South Horr. Alternatively travel park was partially established tour operator. by road from Nairobi to Kalokol through the initiative of on the lake’s western shores, via National Museums of Kenya Climatic conditions Kitale and Lodwar. From Kalokol to protect unique prehistoric Hot and arid boat hire services are available and archeological sites some across the lake to Allia Bay. of which are linked to the Major attractions origin of man. The fossils Origins of Man: Koobi Fora Air: There are two all- weather include a crocodile eutheco- Museum & Research Base; thou- airstrips. don brumpti, giant tortoile sands of fossils including giant petusios broadleyi, elephant tortoises; Behemoth, 45ft long Accommodation elephas recki and the petri- Crocodile; Lake Turkana Scen- Lodges and tented camps: Oasis fied forest. The terrain is lake ery; shoreline; game viewing. Lodge, Lobolo Tented Camp shore, dry semi desert bush and near desert country. The Wildlife KWS self-catering accommoda- park is waterless apart from Contact details Birdwatching: More than 350 tion: Allia Bay Guesthouse the alkaline waters of the lake. PO Box 219, Lodwar recorded species including Tel: +254 (0)54 21223 flamingo, pelican and duck. Campsites: Turkana Campsite, www.kws.go.ke Sunset Strip Camp Hippo, crocodile, zebra, Grant’s Contact person gazelle, reticulated giraffe, Best time to visit Senior Warden beisa oryx, topi, greater kudu, All year round lion, cheetah, leopard among Location other species. Activities Lake Turkana, Marsabit District, Game viewing, bird watching, Eastern Province The world’s largest Nile croco- camping. dile population breeds on Lake Distance from Nairobi Turkana’s Central Island. 800 km north of Nairobi 61 SOUTH AND CENTRAL ISLAND NATIONAL PARKS Kingdom of the crocodile

NORTH RIFT REGION Size Lodwar. Access from Nairobi is These remote and wild parks, 44 square km by the main Nairobi-Moyale road along with Sibiloi National or from Maralal to Loiengalani Park, are UNESCO World Park fees through Baragoi and South Horr. Heritage Sites. Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact South & Central Island National Parks tour operator. Airstrips: Two airstrips at Sibiloi. The park offers visitors some stunning scenery and excel- Climatic conditions Accommodation lent bird-watching opportuni- Hot and arid (especially Decem- Lodges and Tented Camps: Oasis ties with flamingos, pelicans ber-March) June and July are the Lodge, Lobolo Tented Camp and water birds. It is an coolest months. May-September important stopover for mi- very strong winds in morning and KWS Self-Catering accommoda- grant waterfowl, home to large evening. Rainfall less than 250 tion: Allia Bay Guesthouse breeding colonies of hippo mm per annum. In some places it and Nile crocodile and also may not rain for several years Best time to visit has several species of venom- All year round ous snakes. South Island is Major attraction also the home of the El-Molo Three crater lakes - Crocodile Activities tribe, of which there are only Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Crocodile hatching, viewing, thought to be 500 individuals. Contact details Lake; Active volcano; venomous camping. PO Box 219 Lodwar reptiles and pre-historic fish Central Island National Park Tel: +254 (0)54 21223 is difficult to reach and is in www.kws.go.ke Wildlife effect a small active volcano Reptiles/fish: estimated 12,000 with three saline carter lakes Contact person crocodiles, saw-scaled viper, known as Flamingo, Crocodile Senior Warden night and puff adder, cobra and Tilapia. It is believed to support the world’s largest Location Birdlife: Over 84 water-bird spe- population of Nile crocodiles Lake Turkana, Marsabit District, cies and various birds of prey Along the shoreline, there Eastern Province. Most northerly are plains and grevy’s zebra, of the Great Rift Valley lakes Access topi, oryx, reticulated giraffe, Roads: 800 km from Nairobi to greater kudu and Grant’s Distance from Nairobi Lake Turkana, then take a boat gazelle. 800 km from Sibiloi National Park or from

SOUTH TURKANA NATIONAL RESERVE

NORTH RIFT REGION Size 1,091 square km

Park fees Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact South Turkana tour operator. National Reserve Climatic conditions Hot and dry

Major attractions Scenic landscape and moun- tain vistas. It has a number of permanent rivers with woodland fringes and salty springs, game viewing.

Wildlife Elephant, giraffe, buffalo, eland, Contact details oryx, impala, bushbuck, greater www.kws.go.ke kudu, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, lion, leopard, cheetah, Accommodation South Turkana National Contact person spotted hyena and jackal. There There are no lodges within the Reserve is a rugged and very Senior Warden are crocodiles in the rivers and reserve beautiful expanse of land with abundant birdlife, much of very few visitors. Consisting of Location which gathers on the banks of Best time to visit dense thorn bushes and river- This reserve lies on either side the Kerio River All year round ine forests, the landscape has of the main highway about half- a great variety, especially away way between Kitale and Lodwar Access Activities from the seasonal riverbeds. By Road: Access is from Isiolo Game viewing Although it is low on plains Distance from Nairobi or by scheduled flight from game, it is worth a visit for the 348 km Nairobi. This is a very remote large expanses of mixed veg- reserve in the north of Kenya. etation and the landscape. 62 TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK Theatre of the Wild

SOUTHERN REGION

Tsavo East National Park

Contact details longest lava flows. located 232 km South of Tsavo National Park is the PO Box 14, Voi Nairobi and 250 Km north of largest park in Kenya and was Tel: +254 (0)43 30049 Lugards Falls on the Galana Mombasa on the main Nairobi- established on 1st April, 1948. Email: [email protected] river – this is not a true falls Mombasa Road. Tsavo National Park was split but a series of rapids. Visitors into East and West for adminis- Contact person can walk down to river to view Air: There are several airstrips trative purposes. The two Parks Senior Warden rapids. in the park are divided by Nairobi–Mom- basa railway and road. Location Mudanda rock is a long rock Accommodation South-west Kenya, 2.5 hours outcrop that is about 1.6 km Lodge: Voi Safari Lodge The park has an interesting from beach hotels to park long. There is a dam at the and diverse history including: base. Animals can be seen Tented Camps: Galdessa camp, the Waliangulu and Kamba Distance from Nairobi drinking. Visitors can walk Epiya Chapeyu Camp, Tsavo tribes used the park as a hunt- 232 km (Mtito Andei Gate), along the rock and enjoy a cool Safari Camp (Cottar’s), Satao ing ground prior to gazette- and 250 km north of Mombasa breeze as well as view wildlife Camp, Sobo, Patterson Safari ment; the first European to see on the main Nairobi-Mombasa at the base. Camp, Aruba, Tarhi, Ndololo Mount Kenya, Rev. Dr. L. Krapf, road. Note: Nairobi-Voi Gate 325 journeyed on foot through km. Mombasa-Voi Gate 157 km. Aruba Dam was built in 1952 Public Campsites: Kanderi, this area in 1848; during the across the Voi River. The dam Visitors bring their own camp- construction of the railway Size attracts many animals and ing gear. bridge over the Tsavo River in 21,812 square km water birds can be seen at this 1898, (the famed man- dam. Special Campsites (northern eaters of Tsavo) terrorised Park fees area): Wamata, Makalia, Ithuri; the workers, killing over 130 Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Tsavo/Athi rivers confluence (southern area): Kanderi, Duru- people before being killed by tour operator. – when the two rivers join they sirikale, Mbuyu Col. J.H.Patterson. During form the Galana river. World War I, British forces Climatic conditions KWS accommodation: Education built fortresses along Tsavo Hot and dry Wildlife: Elephant, rhino, buf- centre hostels river to counter threats from falo, lion, leopard, crocodile, invading German soldiers from Major attractions waterbuck, kudu, gerenuk, Best time to visit Tanganyika (now Tanzania); The park is a ‘catchment’ for zebra and Hunter’s hartebeest All year round the European explorer Captain visitors from coast resorts with Lugards a European explorer large herds of elephants and Birds: The prolific bird life fea- Activities passed through the area on his other wildlife. tures 500 recorded bird species Game viewing; walking Safaris way to Uganda. along the Galana; bird watching. Yatta plateau is about 290 km Access Tsavo East is an easily acces- long and is one of the world’s Roads: Mtito Andei Gate is sible and very popular Park as is indicated by the high number of tourists. Some of the attractive scenic features include large herds of el- ephant and other wildlife and striking natural landscapes and structures. 63 TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK Land of lava, springs and Man-eaters

SOUTHERN REGION

Tsavo West National Park

Contact details Major attractions reached via the Taveta-Voi road Tsavo West National Park covers PO Box 71, Mtito Andei Recent volcanoes, lava flows through Maktau, Ziwani and approximately 30 per cent of Tel: +254 (0)56 22120, 22483 and caves with potential for Jipe gates. Kenya’s park area, and contains www.kws.go.ke geological and cave explora- a diversity of habitats, wildlife tion, and hiking. Mzima Springs Air: Kamboyo, Kilaguni, Tsavo and a mountainous scenic Contact person and underwater hippo and fish Gate, Jipe, Kasigau, Finch Hat- landscape. Senior Warden watching, Ngulia Rhino Sanctu- tons, Ziwani and Maktau air- ary, Lake Jipe, Mount Kiliman- strips are in good condition. The park is a vast expanse of Location jaro, elephant, diverse bird and savanna stretching from Mtito South Eastern Kenya, inland plant species. Accommodation Andei, along the Mombasa-Nai- from Mombasa Lodges: Ngulia Lodge, Kilaguni robi road and south to the Tan- Wildlife Serena Lodge, Severin Safari zanian border. The north-east- Distance from Nairobi Leopard, cheetah, wild dogs, Camp/Lodge, Finch Hattons ern boundary along the highway 232 km buffalo, rhino, elephant, giraffe, adjoins Tsavo East National zebra, lion, plains game, croco- KWS self-catering accommoda- Park, but Tsavo West has a more Size dile, mongoose, hyrax, dik-dik, tion: Kamboyo Guest House varied topography and a more 9065 square km lesser kudu and porcupine. diverse array of habitats than Prolific birdlife features 600 Best time to visit its neighbour. Park fees recorded species All year round Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact The park’s habitats include tour operator. Access Activities open plains alternating with Roads: The main access routes Boat excursion at Lake Jipe; savannah bush and semi desert Climatic conditions are through Chyulu Gate from bird watching at Lake Jipe; scrub, acacia woodlands; rocky Temperature ranges from 20-30°C Amboseli and Mtito Andei Gate annual bird ringing at Ngulia ridges and outcrops and more and rainfall between 200 and from Nairobi (240 km) and lodge; hill and rock climbing at extensive ranges and isolated 700mm. Two rain seasons: long Mombasa. Visitors from Mom- Chaimu and Ngulia Hills; caving hills; belts of riverine vegeta- rains in March and April and short basa also use Tsavo Gate near at Shetani Caves. tion; palm thickets and on the rains – November and December. Manyani. The park can also be Chyulu hills, mountain forest.

There are numerous rocky out- crops and ridges and part of the park, towards the Chyulu Hills, is of recent volcanic origin with lava flows and ash cones including the Shetani lava flow, an example of a recent volcano.

In the far south-western corner on the Kenya Tanzania border is Lake Jipe, part of which is in the park. This very attractive lake is fed by runoff from Mount Kilimanjaro and the North Pare mountains.

At Mzima Springs, in the North of the park, water that has filtered underground from the Chyulu Hills gushes from below a lava ridge into a series of clear pools.

Visitors have an opportunity to view animals under water through a glass house, man eaters – caves where 2 lions were shot in Tsavo West by Col. Patterson, railway bridge forms boundary. 64 TANA RIVER PRIMATE NATIONAL RESERVE

COASTLINE REGION Size Accommodation The Tana River National 171 square km Campsites, Bandas, Trails Primate Reserve was gazetted in 1976 to protect the Lower Park fees Best time to visit Tana riverine forests and two Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact All year round highly endangered primates, tour operator. the mangabey and the Tana Activities River red colobus. The reserve Climatic conditions Walking, game viewing, bird consists mainly of patches of The climate is generally hot watching, primates watching. riperian forest extending for and dry 16 km along the meander- Tana River ing course of the Lower Tana Primate Reserve Major attractions River, 350 km east of Nairobi River Tana; Tana River Primate and 240 km north of Mom- National Reserve is a mixture basa. At the time of establish- of savannah and riverine forest; ment, the reserve occupied game viewing; bird watching; approximately 171 km of endangered primate watching forest, dry woodland and sa- vanna habitat on the east and Wildlife west of the Lower Tana River. Contact details Grevy’s zebra, the Maasai and 16 patches of forests ranging PO Box 4, Hola reticulated giraffe, oryx, buffalo from 10 to 625 hectares in Tel: +254 (0)46 2035 and lesser kudu. The river hosts size fall within the reserve. www.kws.go.ke plenty of crocodile and hippo, and the variety of water birds Contact person is not to be missed. Endemic Senior Warden red colobus and mangabey monkeys are found here. Location Coast Province Access Road: The reserve is accessible Distance from Nairobi via the Malindi-Garissa road. 350 km east of Nairobi and Located 250 km north of Mom- 240 km north of Mombasa basa on the Malindi to Garissa road.

WATAMU MARINE NATIONAL PARK & RESERVE A Natural Paradise

COASTLINE REGION Contact details Watamu National Park is PO Box 109, Malindi part of a complex of marine Tel: +254 (0)42 31554, 20845 and tidal habitats on Kenya’s www.kws.go.ke north coast stretching from Malindi town to beyond the Contact person entrance to Mida creek. It is Senior Warden enclosed by the Malindi Ma- rine National Reserve which Location also encloses Malindi Marine North Coast, Malindi National Park. Habitats include inter-tidal rock, sand Distance from Mombasa and mud; fringing reefs and 118 km coral gardens; beds of sea Watamu Marine grass; coral cliffs, platforms Park & Reserve Size Access and islets; sandy beaches and 10 square km Roads: Access is via tarmac Mida Creek mangrove forest. road from Mombasa or Malindi. The park was designated as a Park fees Biosphere reserve in 1979. Go to www.kws.go.ke or contact Air: Mombasa or Malindi Air- tour operator. ports. Mida creek is a large, almost land-locked expanse of Climatic conditions Accommodation saline water, mangrove and Humid with mean annual temp- There is currently no accom- inter-tidal mud. Its extensive eratures ranging from 22-34°C. modation in the Reserve, a wide forests are gazetted as forest Rainfall about 500 mm per annum range of options exist in nearby reserves and the extreme Malindi town. western tip of Mida Creek is Major Attraction part of the Arabuko Sokoke Haven of green turtle; unique Best time to visit Forest Reserve. coral garden; Mida creek All year round

Wildlife Activities: Reptiles/fish: fish, turtles Wind surfing, snorkelling, water skiing, sunbathing, diving. Insects/arthropods: crabs

Kenya Association of Tour Operators www.katokenya.org

Kenya Wildlife Service www.kws.go.ke

Kenya Tourist Board www.magicalkenya.com