It is great hosting at OTM 2024. At Private Safaris East Africa, our aim is to ensure your clients have the best experiences while on Safari in East Africa. We have various itineraries below that your clients can enjoy. You can reach us using the using the following addresses
Private Safaris (E.A) Ltd
Head Quarters: Ola Plaza, Muthaiga
P.O. Box 16913, 00620
Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: +254 (0) 20 3607000
General Enquiries:
info.ke@privatesafaris.co.ke
Sales Enquiries:
india.ke@Privatesafaris.com
Majestic Peaks, Moorlands and Intriguing Falls
Alluring and dreamy. The rise and fall of the misty valleys, hills and mountains of the spectacular Aberdare ranges that sit across Nyeri, Muranga and Nyandurua counties are a sight to behold. Open Moorlands and dense forests characterize the vast park coupled with a deep lush of clean crisp air perfect for a break away from life in search of relaxarion, scenery is one of the highlights of a visit to this wonderland.
The Park is renowned for its torrential waterfalls plunging from cloud-shrouded heights to spray-filled ravines. The mafnificent Karuru waterfall, whose icecold crystal-clear waters drop an impressive 300meters, the outstanding Gura waterfall which torrents from the opposite side of the same gorge, the sheer drop of the Chania waterfall, and the enchanting Magura waterfalls, which cascades across the yawning mouth of the Queen’s Cave.
Aberdares offers some of the best trout fishing streams. Both the brown and rainbow trout fish abound in Amboni, Chania and Gura Rivers.
Other picturesque and unique attractions include the dragon teeth, which is a volcanic rock formation assuming the rugged look of a set of teeth sitting on a jaw. They are located in the northern moorlands part of the park, south of the equator.
The twin Peaks are also a magical sight in the foggy but beautiful spectacular landscapes of the moorlands. The pair of rocks located near each other are outcrops formed from volcanic activities.
Rare animals include: black rhino, black serval, black leopard (seldom seen)and the mountain bongo (a huge forest antelope.) Other animals include elephants, buffalos, white and black colobus monkey, leopard, warthog, giant forest hog, bushbuck, red duiker, sumi, reedbuck and eland.
Lying above the tree line, the scenery is spectacular with its mountainous terrain covered in thick tropical forests swathed in mist. A belt of bamboo vegetation is a favorite hidout for the rare and elusive forest bongo antelope. At 10’000feet, the bamboo vegetation seamlessly merges with the moorlands, which are reminiscent of the European highlands.
The park is a critical ecosystem in Kenya, as it serves as a water tower distribution to Seven Forks Dams where it generates power and supply water to Nairobi county.
The Treetops Lodge makes the Aberdares predominantly famous in that it is where Princess Elizabeth found out that she was going to be a queen upon the death of her father. Since then, the game lodge has been popular with tourists on safari to Kenya.
Clearly visible in the park is an old mugumo (fig) tree with a deft in its hole. It was used as a Mau Mau mailbox, where urgent messages as to the movements of the British troops were left in the deft for other guerilla forest units to collect. The tree is known as Kinathi Post Office.
The peaks of Aberdare ranges are both striking, relatively accessible and all can be scaled on foot. Following the orientation of the ranges from the North to South, the major Peaks are Chebuswa (3,364m), Ol Donyo Lesatima (4,001m), Table Mountain (3,817m), Maratini (3,698m) and much further down Rurimieria (3,860m), Kinangop (3,906m) and Elephant Hill (3,625m). The two highest Peaks, Ol Donyo Lesatima and Kinangop, are almost at opposite ends of the ranges with rolling moorlands stretching like a blanket between them.
Game viewing, hiking, bird watching, camping, sport fishing, and picknicking are some of the activities that visitors can enjoy while in the park.
The Park is served by eight gates:
From Nyeri
Treetops Gate is 17 km
Ruhuruini Gate is 20 km
Ark Gate is 28 km
Kiandongoro Gate is 30 km
Wandare Gate is 47 km
From Nyahururu
Shamata Gate is 45 km
Rhino Gate is 48 km
From Naivasha
Mutubio Gate is 50 km
The Park headquarters is 15 km from Nyeri town along the Nyeri-Nyahururu road.
Altitude: 7,000-14,000 FT.
Area: 767 sq. km
Location: Nyeri, Muranga and Nyandarua Counties
Gazettement: 1950
Distance from Nairobi: 180 km
Home of the African Elephant
All picturesque, Amboseli is perfect for a classic wildlife safari that boasts of one of the best destinations in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Traversing the diverse Amboseli topography in Kajiado country; grass plains, acacia woodlands, rocky thornbushes, swamps and marshes, the vast ecosystem is designed in such a way it is capable of containing and sustaining the wildlife therein.
Despite the parks dry and dusty appearance, it receives a consistent water supply filtered through thousands of feet of volcanic rock from Kilimanjaro’s ice cap. These underground streams converge into clear water springs in the heart of the Park. The signature dust is volcanic ash that emitted from Mt Kilimanjaro years ago.
During the dry seasons a curious feature is the shimmering dry lake bed where mirages of populated horizons, punctuated by real herds of zebras and gnus hower around.
Wildlife found here include hippo, buffalo, giraffe, lion and leopard. The authentic and rich Maasai culture is also a great attraction of visitors on safari to the park. The unrivaled views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in Africa rising at 5,896m above sea level and its snowcapped summit dominates the landscape and on clear days, it is undoubtedly visible during early mornings and afternoons making it a superb backdrop for wildlife photography.
Amboseli is an important rangeland in the Maasai culture. The ranch areas outside the Park offer a wealth of game viewing and walking safaris.
Lake Amboseli, a temporary lake,, floods during heavy rainy seasons, thus attracting flamingoes. Amboseli is also one of the 60 important Bird Areas (IBA’s) in Kenya and thus it is recognized as globally significant for bird conversations. The birdlife is rich with over 400 species recorded birds of prey, pelicans, Egyptian gooses, bee-eaters, kingfishers, African fish eagle, martial eagle, pygmy falcon and much more.
Visitors can enjoy game viewing, night game drives, bird watching, picknicking, photography, camping, cultural tourism and balloon safaris.
By road, the Park is accessible through Iremito, Kimana, and Meshanani Gates.
Via Emali to Iremito gate on the main Nairobi to Mombasa road. (204km). At Emali turn to the Emali-Loitokitok Road. Follow signs to the right leading to Amboseli via Iremito Gate.
Alternatively continue on Loitokitok road to Kimana shopping center and follow the signs to the park through Kimana Gate.
Nairobi – Namanga via Meshanani Gate (220km) the road is tarmacked up to Namanga and murramed from Namanga to Meshanani Gate.
Thereis a road linking Amboseli National Park and Tsavo West National Park. The road will lead you to the Park through Kimana gate (240km)
By Air; The park has a single tarmacked airstrip – Kimana airstrip – Kimana airstrip (1.2km long) for light aircraft. Other airstrip exit at Kilimanjaro Buffalo Lodge and Namanga town.
Altitude: 3,900-4,500 ft
Area: 392 sq. km
Location: Kajiado County
Gazettement: 1974
Distance from Nairobi: 265 km
The Gem of Lake Turkana
Centrally located nearly in the middle of Lake Turkana, The Jade Sea, this designated world heritage site covers an of about 5sqkms. Emerging starkly from the blue-green waters of the largest permanent desert lake in the world, Lake Turkana, the Central Island consists of three active volcanoes that belch sulphurous smoke and steam. Out of this, several craters have merged to form three crater lakes namely; Crocodile, Flamingo and Tilapia Lakes.
The lakes provide conclusive breeding grounds for the world’s largets concentration of Nile crocodiles and a home to thousands of endemic fish. The park is a bird’s paradise and an Important Bird Are (IBA) that acts as a stopover for migratory birds from Europe who feed and rest here as they return home spectacularly viewed between the months of March and May. Resident birds like the Egyptian goose also breed here. The park is a spectacular home for over 23 migrant bird species.
Lake Turkana is home to some of the world’s venomous reptiles that include the saw-scaled viper, puff adder and cobras. Species of fish include the huge Nile perch, large tilapia and puffer fish, a group normally found in seawaters which shows Turkana prehistoric connection to the Red Sea.
Visitors can enjoy game viewing, camping, boating, nature trail hiking, sport fishing and sightseeing. Boats for hire are available and negotiable with the local community, on the eastern and western shores of Lake Turkana.
The Park is a two-day travel by road from Nairobi to Kalolol on the lake’s western shores, via Kitale and Lodwar. From Kalolol, boat hire services are available to Central Island.
Alternatively, the park is a three day drive from Nairobi via Marsabit and North Horr, or Maralal and South Horr.
By Air the park is accessible to western side of Lake Turkana is ordinarly by air and there are all-weather airstrips in Lodwar and Kalolol.
Altitude: 1,000-2,000 FT.
Area: 5 sq. km
Location: Turkana County
Gazettement: 1983
Distance from Nairobi: 800 km
Green Hills of Africa
Chasing spectacular views, verdant rolling hills of endless green bush, great blue skies and breathtaking landscapes, this park stands out with lush scenery for the nature lovers. The comprises of the Eastern flanks of Chyullu Hills including half the forest area.
A magical land of black frozen lava studded with blaing, red-hot poker trees. The hills hold no permanent surface water, but rainfall percolating through porous rock, feeds many permanent fresh water sources in the surrounding plains notably Mzima springs, Umanyi, Kibwezi, Makindu and Tsavo River, which feeds the Galana River. It is an important water catchment area, that feeds the coastal towns of Mombasa and it is the source Tsavo West’s Mzima springs.
The park boasts of spectacular cave systems and spots the longest lava tubes in Africa but the third longest in the world (the Leviathan cave 11.5km long). The porous nature of lava rocks has helped keep the surrounding areas abundant with fresh water thus providing the perfect sanctuary for the region’s ample wildlife. The park has three public campsites and their vantage locations offer spectacular views of the hills and mountains for nature lovers.
The flora and fauna menu is rich as it is a breathtaking. Rough grassland and thickets give way to an arena of montane forest along the spine of the hills. A variety of large mammals include; elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, eland, leopard, bushbuck, reedbuck, steenbok, bush pig and the black rhino.
The topography dotted with grasslands interspersed with dense areas of primeval forest and breathtaking views makes this park great for hiking safaris, picknicking, camping and game viewing. Archeological safaris are also ideal with cave exploration.
By road, from Nairobi, turn right at Kibwezi (Manyanga town) off Mombasa Road and drive for 9km onto a sign posted road that leads to Kithasio Gate Park headquarters.
The Park is also accessible from Tsavo West National Park.
By Rail, The Standard Gauge Railway from both Nairobi and Mombasa terminus to Kibwezy for visitors looking for the rail experience.
By Air, The Park has two airstrips (Mukururo and Kithasyo)
Area: 870 sq. km
Location: Makueni County
Gazettement: 1983
Distance from Nairobi: 186 km
A Walk on the Wild Side
Hidden and tucked deep into the floor of the Great Rift Valley, Naivasha, this park provides the ideal fun in the wild experience for wander lusters. Its convenient proximity from Nairobi coupled with an excellent road network makes it a good out of town adventure. Sprawling just about 68 sq.km the park offers more than its size.
From panoramic picnic sites, spectacular scenic views, abundant flora and fauna, towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, rock towers geothermal steams from Olkaria Geothermal 1 power station located inside the park south-west of Naivasha, the park is a bundle of fun waiting to be explored. Nature trails, picnic sites and two circuits loop around the park offering a variety of scenic sites and wildlife viewing opportunities.
There are two walking nature trails at Hobley’s Volcano and the Ol Basta Rock Tower and some scenic picnic sites at Lake View Point, Moibeni, the obsidian caves, Hell’s kitchen and Kapartania view point. The park teems with hundreds of wild flora and fauna that makes it ideal for game drives. Wildlife includes; Zebra, eland, giraffe, buffalo, serval cat, hartebeest, Thomson’s Gazelle, klipspringer, antelope, leopard and so much more. With an incredible record of over 103 bird species, the destination is ideal for bird lovers.
Standing a dizzying 25 meters, the Fisher’s Tower is a rugged mass of rock that is a remnant of the ancient volcano named after a German explorer Gustav Fischer who was in the park in 1883, Local Maasai community allege that the rock is a figure of a chief’s daughter who turned around against dictates of the Maa tradition to take one last look at her home before leaving to be married. The rock offers a great climbing experience.
Visitors can enjoy game viewing, camping, picknicking, bird watching, nature trail walking, rock climbing and cycling.
By road, take the A104 Uplands Road from Nairobi to Naivasha and then take the Moi South Lake Road which leads to Lake Naivasha. Elsa Gate is 25km from the Moi South Lake Road Junction and public transport services are in operation.
Altitude: 5,000-7,000 FT.
Area: 68.2 sq. km
Location: Nakuru County
Gazettement: 1984
Distance from Nairobi: 90 km
Canopy of Natural Beauty
Knitted with a variety of tree species that ascend to form an expansive bush canopy, Kakamega Forest is the only remnant forest in Kenya of the once great tropical rainforest that stretched across Central Africa. It is home to several hundreds of bird species making it an Important Bird Area (IBA). Snakes, primates, butterflies and countless tree species and natural glades as well as the rare De Brazza monkey are a spectacle.
The sheer size and grandeur of the immense trees found here, some over centuryyears old, is quite impressive. The trees create a complete environment for wildlife herein.
Types of wood found here include; Elgon teak, red and white stink woods and several varieties of croton. Splendid orchids sit amongst the branches of the larger trees.
A network of nature trails penetrates the forest. A walk beneath the lush forest canopy, the deep shade is pierced by flashes of colour, exotic birdcalls, and chatter of monkey troops, occasional gurgle from a nearby stream and scents of wood, flower and moss. During the rainy season, April to July, the flowers are at their most beautiful. The cool crisp serene forest environment makes it a perfect space to retreat from the daily hustle and bustle of life.
There are 7km of trails that can be explores in the company of a ranger. The walk to Buyangu Hill, the highest point in the forest is a must do. The indigenous trees lining the trails are identified on signs with their local and Latin names.
A variety of plant species are spread in the swamps, riverine and hardwood forest areas, glades and the shallow forest around the edge of the reserve.
Unique snake species find a conducive home environment in the forest. True to the forest’s continental origins, the snakes of Kakamega are also found in West Africa. They include the Forest Cobra, The Gold’s Cobra, the Forest Night Adder, and the Black-Lipped Cobra, Jameson’s Mamba, the Bush Viper, the Rhinoceros Horned Viper and the Gabon Viper.
The bird and butterfly menu is rich and includes the rare snake-eating birds. Forest mammals include; bush pig, grey duiker, civet, suni, clawless otters, and some fascinating nocturnal game, ground pangolin, porcupine and occasional leopard.
Visitors can enjoy picknicking, camping, bird/butterfly/primate watching, hiking, scenic viewing, cycling and cultural tourism of the rich western Kenya’s food, dance and culture around the park.
The shortest route from Nairobi (418km) is via Nakuru and Kapsabet. Take the A104 road as far as Timboroa and continue for another 4 km. Turn left on the C36 road to Kapsabet. From there, take C39 road until it joins the Kisumu – Kakamega road.
From Eldoret, the shortest route is via C39 road to Kapsabet.
From Kakamega town, park is 18 km towards Webuye/Eldoret route.
By Air, there are scheduled flights to Kakamega and visitors can also fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and travel by road to Kakamega.
Game viewing, hiking, bird watching, camping, sport fishing, and picknicking are some of the activities that visitors can enjoy while in the park.
Altitude: 4,000-7,000 FT.
Area: 240 sq. km
Location: Kakamega County
Gazettement: 1985
Distance from Nairobi: 418 km
Home of the Dolphins & Coconut Crabs
Kissed by the lethargic strikes of the hot sunrays, Kisite oozes breathtaking beauty. Located in the south coast, Shimoni, Kwale County, this marine park was established to protect the scenic islands and special habitats of the wide range of endemic marine animals and breeding migratory birds. It lies in the coral gardens south of Wasini Island and encompases threesmall coral rag forest islands, each with considerable areas of fringing reef.
Essentially unspoiled, this peaceful island invites exploration and features a picturesquely sculptured rocky coastline, low rag coral forest cover and numerous baobab trees. An enchanted realm of dolpins, living coral gardens, sculpted islands, coconut crabs, green and hawksbill turtles, wheeling seabirds, eye catching coral fish, butterfly, parrot, rock cod, angel fish and rays coupled with sparkling clear waters. This world famous marine park promises an underwater world of unbelievable color and vibrancy.
The coral reefs are estimated to be 3-4kms long, running along the near and outer edges of the reefs from Mpunguti islands to the tiny coral island of Kisite itself. The reefs at Kisite are scientifically important habitats – one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet.
Apart from the signature dolphins, nearby is Shimoni, home to many families of porpoises that cruise in and out of the marine park frequently sighted in the channel between the mainland and Shimoni. “Shimo” means hole or cave in Swahili. Historically, smugglers and slavers used these caves. Some caves have freshwater springs flowing into the sea reputed to come from Kilimanjaro, 160jm inland.
The reef provides food and shelter for an entire marine community. Kisite is one of the most rewarding snorkeling locations at the coast and additionally, visitors can enjoy bird watching, diving, boat safaris, coral viewing, picknicking and events in the low tide island, sunbathing and swimming.
Located in Kwale County, a distance of 574km from Nairobi and 90km from Mombasa, the park lies 11km of the Kenyan Coast (at Shimoni) and 8km north of the Tanzanian border.
By air: from JKIA o Wilson Airport to Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Ukunda Airstrip. The park is about 100km from Mombasa by road.
By road: use the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Syokimau (Nairobi Terminus) to Miritini (Mombasa Terminus) train stations then connect by road.
Altitude: Sea Level
Area: 39 sq. km
Location: Kwale
Gazettement: 1978
Distance from Mombasa: 82 km
An Enchanted Underwater World with Paradise islands and pristine Mangrove Forests
Dugong, the most threatened marine mammal lives here together with the sea turtles (olive, Ridley and leatherback).
Located off the far northern coastline, it has reefs interspersed with 50 limestone islands, which provide vital nesting areas for migratory seabirds. The park provides a refuge for the rare sea turtles and dugongs. The unique dugong has a semi human physiognomy and is said to be the origin of the mermaid legend. Giant clams also lie within the reefs.
Birdlife includes a host of seabirds in large nesting colonies and international significant numbers of crab plover and roseate tern. Kiunga in Lamu County contains a diversity of landscapes, seascapes, mudflats, lagoon, sand dunes, beaches, sand islands, raised reef islands, sea-grass beds, and coral reefs. It has the biggest mangrove stand in Kenya with the tallest mangrove trees reaching 30 meters high. Other vegetation includes microscope marine plants and dugong grass, coastal scrubland and mangrove swamps.
Visitors can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, sun bathing, skiing and mangrove tours. The most rewarding time for snorkeling over the coral reef is two hours either side of low tide. This is the time when the greatest amount of marine life is revealed including the endangered sea dugongs and turtles that live here.
From Mombasa, drive to to Mokowe jetty, get a dhowor speedboat to Lamu and connect to Mkokoni via speedboat.
Airstrips: From Mombasa, Malindi or Nairobi, fly to Manda airstrip and connect by sea at Mokowe jetty.
By Sea: From Lamu you can get to Kiwayu Island by dhow or speedboat.
By Rail: Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Syokimau (Nairobi Terminus) to Miritini (Mombasa Terminus) train stations, then connect by road/sea.
Altitude: Sea Level
Area: 270 sq. km
Location: Lamu County
Gazettement: 1979
Distance from Nairobi: 694 km
The Last Wilderness
Kampi ya Simba former home of George and Joy Adamson is synonymous with Kora National Park. The couple were wildlife conservationists and authors. They were depicted in the film Born Free and best-selling book with the same title, which is based on the true story of Elsa the Lioness, an orphaned lioness cub they had raised and later released into the wild.
The park offers a pristine wilderness dotted with tall Inselbergs and graced by the Tana River in which the Adamson’s falls, Grand falls and Kora rapids are found. Located in the Tana River County, the park’s topography consists of rocky formations that create a surreal landscape, acacia woodlands and doum palms. The park is crisscrossed by seasonal rivers. Tana River forms the northern boundary of this park and Meru National Park..
Wildlife found in the park include; elephants, lesser Kudus, wild dogs, striped and spotted hyenas, leopards, lions and cheetahs. There are about 500 species of insects and 40 species reptiles in the park. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, hiking, river rafting, fishing, rock climbing, camping and visits to the George Adamson’s grave..
By road: Kora is located 280 km north-east of Nairobi. Access is via Thika to Mwingi then north-east through Kyuso village, alternative routes include
Adamson’s bridge that cuts across Tana River links Kora and Meru National Parks. The road network requires a 4WD throughout the year.
By air: The park can be accessed through three airstrips namely; Kyethoni, and Kampi ya Simba airstrips in Kora and Masanduku airstrip in Meru National Park.
Area: 270 sq. km
Location: Tana River County
Gazettement: 1989
Distance from Nairobi: 280 km
Haven of Pelicans
Lake Elementaita basin has one of the oldest archeological sites belonging to the Oldowan period, with stone tools dating t0 700’000 years ago found at Kariandusi. The Obsidian mines at the Eburru Mountains are evidence of Obsidian trade dating over 3000 years ago. Subsequently the region was occupied by pastoral Neolithic, later Maasai pastoral community who called it “Elementaita”.
During the colonial occupation, the whole area between Elementaita and Naivasha was taken over and used for livestock and wildlife ranching by Lord Delamere.
The are around Lake Elementaita was designed as an Important Bird Area (IBA), a site of global significance for bird and biodiversity conservation, 1999. The Lake was designated a Ramsar Site (wetland of international importance) in 2005.
The sanctuary was gazetted as a National Wildlife Sanctuary in 2010 and listed together with Lake Nakuru and Bogoria as the Kenya Lakes System in the Great Rift Valley Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011.
Lake Elementaita is an important natural habitat for in-situ conservation of biological diversity including globally and regionally threatened species of outstanding universal value. It consistently holds internationally important populations of greater and lesser flamingo, great white Pelican, African Spoonbill, pied Avocet as well as other water bird species that occur in smaller populations.
The terrestrial habitats support the conservation of herbivores such as the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe as well as eland, buffalo, common zebra, impala, reedbuck, buchbock and Colobus monkeys.
Carnivores present include lions, leopards, hyenas and jackals. The endemic Kenyan horned viper (Bitis worthingtonii ) is found in the neighbouring Soysambu Conservancy.
Birding: Lake Elementaita supports one of the major breeding colonies of the great white Pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) in the world and is the only place in Kenya where Pelicans breed. Up to 8,000 pairs of great white Pelican have bred there when the water levels are high and the rocky outcrops in the eastern sector are flooded to form islets on which the birds can safely nest.
Hot springs: The park has permanent hot water that act as the breeding area for tilapia which are preyed on by the pelicans.
Hiking on several hills within the sanctuary and shoreline walks are a breeze.
By road, Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 120 km north of Nairobi, 40km north of Naivasha and 45km south of Nakuru. It is accessed by the Trans-African Highway (A104)
By air: the nearest airstrips are Nakuru (Lanet) and Soysambu.
Area: 25.3 sq. km
Location: Nakuru County
Gazettement: 2010
Distance from Nairobi: 130 km
A beautiful Wildlife Haven
Capturing the hearts of many, the lake rests squarely on the floor of the Great Rift Valley and surrounded by the characteristic woody and bushy grassland. The sky mirrored lake waters of this haven extend to an expansive mass of semi-alkaline water. Initially, the world famous park was established to protect its stunning flocks of the lesser flamingo, which literally washed the shores of the lake pink.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a ball of beautiful sights and waiting to be explored. A wide ecological diversity, varied wildlife habitats, plant and animal species await the wild outdoor lovers. The park is a uniquely rewarding game-viewing destination and a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos. Being an ornithological paradise, the park’s birdlife is world-renowned and is a beacon for leading ornithologists, scientist and wildlife film makers. The park spans an attractive range of wooded and bush grassland around the lake, offering wide ecological diversity, from lake water, woodland to rocky escarpment and ridges. The Park hosts about 450 species of birds including water, fish-eating, terrestrial and migratory birds.
Catch the best views of the lake from the park’s vantage points that include Baboon Cliff, Lion Hill and Out of Africa Hill. Discover some great picnic spaces at Baboon Cliff, Out of Africa Hill and Makalia waterfalls. Established as Kenya’s first rhino sanctuary, the park hosts one of the largest black rhino concentrations in the country while substantial numbers of white rhino have also been introduced.
Present carnivores include Lions and leopards. Other wildlife species include the spotted and striped hyena, serval cat as well as the silver-backed and side-striped jackal, civet, genet and mongoose. Giraffes, zebras, hippo, buffalo are also present. The most visible primates are the somber olive baboons and the mysterious black-faced vervet and colobus monkeys. The rock hyrax and klipspringer occupy the cliffs, crevices, and escarpments.
Visitors can enjoy game viewing, picnicking, camping, bird watching, lake boating and scenic views of the park vantage points.
By road, the park is located 156km west of Nairobi on the main A104 road. The park is readily accessible from the main Nairobi – Nakuru highway at Lanet Gate, Nderit Gate and the Main Gate 4 km from Nakuru City.
By air: Naishi Airstrip located just next to Naishi Guest House is serviceable.
Visitors accessing the park from Nairobi are encouraged to use Lanet Gate so as to avoid traffic in Nakuru City.
Altitude: 5,770FT
Area: 188 sq. km
Location: Nakuru County
Gazettement: 1986
Distance from Nairobi: 157 km
The Coral Garden
Marinated with a variety of unique natural resources such as fringing reefs, coral gardens in the lagoons, seagrass beds, mangroves, mudflats, and a high diversity of fish and marine mammals, Malindi promises great times for water lovers. Located about 100km north of Mombasa, present marine life includes humpback dolphins, sea turtles and shore birds. Fish species found in this marine park include; reef fish, sweetlips, surgeon fich, butterflyfish, damsels and parrotfish. Invertebrates include; sponges, marine worms, crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters, crayfish and shrimps.
Famous for its vast stretch of casuarina fringed white sandy beaches, the coast resorts of Malindi and also Watamu are world leaders in accessibility, beaty and diversity of marine life which lives just offshore on Barracuda and North Reef coral reefs, turtle and whale islands.
Visitors can enjoy and undertake recreation activities in this veritable paradise that include glass bottom boat rides, bird-watching, camping, scenic viewing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sun bathing, beach walking, reef walks, picnicking, island barbeques, weddings and filming in and around the garden, sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, kayaking and jet skiing. This beautiful slice of Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline provides the perfect getaway for relaxation.
This park is situated about 5km from Malindi town via Casuarina Road.
By air the park is accessible via Malindi airport.
By rail, use Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Syokimau (Nairobi Terminal) to Miritini (Mombasa Terminal) train stations, then connect by road.
Altitude: Sea level
Area: 213 sq. km
Location: Kilifi County
Gazettement: 1968
Distance from Mombasa: 118 km
A Unique Water Catchment
Characterized by undulating scenes of semi-arid bush and scrubby grasslands with dots of riparian woodlands and palms along the Daua River, Malka Mari National Park was gazetted in 1989 due to its reportedly high concentration of wildlife. The area is considered a site for plant endemism (NBU, 1992) and a potential Important Bird Area.
The park covers an area of 876 km2 and lies along the Daua River on the Kenya-Ethiopia border to the extreme North East of Kenya on the Mandera Plateau, Mandera County. Coupled with spectacular scenery, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, birds, aquatic species, important ecosystems and a water catchment that provides refuge for wildlife during the dry seasons.
The park has Old colonial military graves, Old colonial building, Hill seps valleys, Mountains. Ruins e.g. Goro Ade and Colonial airstrip.
It has also riverine, riparian vegetation, small steps and valleys.
Habitat for Wildlife, birds and aquatic species.
Reticulated giraffes, Oryx, lesser Kudu, grater Kudu, Impalas, Thompson Gazelles, waterbuck.
Some key wildlife species of carnivores – Lion, Cheetah, Spotted Hyena, Jackals, Leopard and Wild Dogs are also found here.
Crocodile, Hippos and fish are found in river Daua inside the park.
Home to unique Plant Species and Important ecosystem, water catchment and dry refuge for wildlife during dry spell. The area has been identified as unique plant endidimism. Various trees, scrubs, herbs, Forbes and grass species which include Delonix elata, Terminalia sp Europhorbia sp; Acacia sp; Mellia vulcansii, Aristida sp; Chloris sp; (foxtail grass); Commiphora sp; Combretum sp; Aloe sp; Sensiveria sp; among other species.
Some medicinal plants are also found in the park
Area: 876 sq. km
Location: Mandera County
Gazettement: 1989
Distance from Mombasa: 1009 km
A remote Paradise for Nature Lovers
Mountainous, misty yet effortlessly breathtaking, this park features a dense montane forest and three crater lakes that provide a haven for a variety of birdlife, mammals and reptiles. The forested mountain rises spectacularly from the middle of a desert wilderness and provides the only source of permanent surface water in the region.
The beautiful Park is a rfuge for the huge rusked bull elephants and was home to most famous elephant named Ahmed until his death at an estimated age of 63 years. The patriarch, Ahmed was accorded round the clock protection from poachers through the presidential decree in early 1970. A model of elephant Ahmed now stands tall at the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi.
The extinct volcanic craters locally known as gofs around the park make Marsabit such a paradise. Located on the eastern side of the park, Gof Bongole is the largest and stagiest of the craters with dizzying 10 kilometers round rim. The natural amphitheater of Gof Sokorte Guda has a 150 meters high Caldera that shelters the fresh waters of Lake Paradise. Most of these Craters are home to a diverse number of bird species.
The park is an overflowing adventure destination depicting an array of endless activity options awaiting the nature enthusiasts. Sometimes the only therapy the human mind, body and soul craves and thirsts for is the simple yet magically refreshing moments in the quietude of space and time just sitting in pin drop silence, well, save for the in-between chirping bird sounds, trumpeting away elephants. Watching the sunrise and sunset, a flower bud determined to pop open, chatty bird drinking from the fountain of some wild nectar, a static colorful butterfly perched on lush flower buds, daydreaming and a ton of little thrilling moments.
Interesting to see is the Marsabit Cultural Museum and Information Centre. The facility acts as an education disseminating information about the park and culture of locals. The museum preserves bits and pieces of a rich culture, traditions of the people of the larger northern Kenya, their tools of trade and traditional regalia. The space also hosts a gallery of several mounted images of wildlife in the park and the local people. These images are captured and donated by individuals and organizations in support of conservation efforts in Kenya, to display a beautiful blend of culture, wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Marsabit county is home to over 10 different communities, each with a unique and pristine culture. These include; the larger pastoralists communities such as Borana, Gabbra, Rendile, Turkana, Somali, Samburu,and the lesser known agro-patoralists, skilled black smiths, hunters and gatherers such as, but not limited to the Burji, Saakuye, Konso, Waata, Garti, Sidama and Dasanach.
A visit to the park is not complete without a short trip to the singing wells. The wells feature a shared animal watering point for the domestic and wild animals. Herdsmen bring their animals to the well where they go down to fetch water filling the water trough, and the animals quench, the men break into songs and choruses that infiltrate into the air, thus singing wells.
Visitors can enjoy hikes in the dense forest with a closed a closed high canopy wreathed in mist, camel rides, and bird watching, bush trekking, camping and visit to the singing wells – Lake Paradise and Elephant Pool.
By roads, from Nairobi via Nanyuki and Isiolo, a distinace of 570 km. The A2 highways is tarmacked all the way to Moyale town. The Park is served by 3 gates; Ahmend, Ajmarko and Karare Gate.
Area: 876 sq. km
Location: Mandera County
Gazettement: 1989
Distance from Mombasa: 1009 km
