Kenya is among the leading destinations in Africa. Explore the Big 5 and a wide range of wildlife in the country’s large savannah parks plus witnessing the Great Migration in the magnificent Masai Mara. Located in East Africa, Kenya promises sensational wilderness experiences, beach holidays, unique cultures, and mountain adventures.
Geographical Facts About Kenya
Kenya is one of the few countries in Africa that is crossed by the Equator. Lake Victoria joins Kenya with other East African states. It is suitably lying along the coast, offering access mainly to the Indian Ocean. Kenya also features the breathtaking Great Rift Valley and overall has an area coverage of more than 580,367 sq. km. A composition of about 52 communities exists in Kenya, and they speak varied languages. The uniting language is English and Kiswahili.
Where to go for a Safari in Kenya
Kenya has the highest number of National Parks for tourists to explore. Top places to visit in Kenya include Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha National Park, Aberdare National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, and Tsavo National Parks.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Located along the Rift Valley region, Kenya is home to the scenic Lake Nakuru National Park, which also contains millions of pink flamingoes. Gazetted in 1961, Lake Nakuru Game Park is a birder’s paradise and also home to a large soda Lake. It is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and is largely bushy grasslands, wooded grassland, and other diverse habitats.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a picturesque Protected Area and lies at an altitude of 1745m and covers an area of 188 sq. km. Diverse wildlife species reside in the lush Lake Nakuru National Park include buffaloes, waterbucks, lions, zebras, giraffes, plus more than 450 species of birds. This park also holds several impalas, hippos, jackals, warthogs, and rhinos. Nature lovers on Kenya safaris in Lake Nakuru can enjoy guided game drives, birding, and nature walks.
Masai Mara Reserve
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s leading Protected Area and sits in the rift valley area of Kenya. The Masai Mara features breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, which include cheetahs, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, the big 5 (rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and lions), elands, gazelles, impalas, topis, plus more than 500 species of birds. The Maasai Mara Reserve offers game drives, hot air balloon tours, nature or bush walks, and many other experiences.
Tsavo National Park
Explore Kenya’s Tsavo National Parks/Protected Areas –Tsavo East and Tsavo West. These make up the larger protected areas in Kenya. The Tsavo West mainly features wildlife such as the red-dusted elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, Kudus, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, and zebras. The park also supports diversity of birds, especially the hornbills, secretary birds, eagles, and vulturine guineafowl.
Visit the Tsavo East to encounter diverse savanna species including hyenas, cheetahs, Kudus, hippos, 500 species of birds, gerenuk, lions, elephants, and more. This park is also blessed with the Galana River and Aruba dam which are the key water sources for the park’s animals. Tsavo East and West offer unmatched game drives, birding, and nature walking experiences.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli isn’t only popular for its breathtaking views of the Kilimanjaro Volcano but also supports over 80 mammal species & 400 bird species. This park holds wildlife such as zebras, cheetahs, leopards, large herds of elephants, lions, and many birds. Game drives offer excellent game viewing opportunities in Amboseli and visitors can have complete immersion into the park’s wilderness in a 4×4 car.
Lake Naivasha National Park Kenya
Explore Lake Naivasha, an excellent spot for birders on a Kenya safari. This protected area mainly supports a diverse animal population, including leopards, impalas, waterbucks, zebras, and over 400 species birds. The birds comprise the water species, pelicans, fish eagles, and sunbirds.
General Facts About Kenya
The people of Kenya
Kenya is one of the African countries with a record of diverse ethnic groups. These make it a vibrant destination for you to experience unique African traditions and cultures. During your tour in Kenya, Kikuyu, and other communities should be a must-do. Beyond cultures, Kenya is dominated by the Christian religion and also has an over 80% literacy rate.
The currency
While on a Kenya safari, expect to have local currency to help you make transactions. Kenya uses mainly the Kenyan shilling, but tourism often focuses on US Dollars plus other bills. Most of the tour operators offer quotes in dollars, but when you reach, it is essential to also have some cash in local currency to enable you do small transactions in the markets or when you visit craft centres.
Coastal Cities of Kenya
Kenya is positioned strategically and according to its geographical location, expect to visit some of its amazing coastal cities. The main coastal cities include Voi, Malindi, Kilifi, Watamu, and Mombasa. During the coastal tour, expect to focus your exploration on Lamu Archipelago, Shimba Hill Reserve, and Wasini Island, etc.
The weather & when to visit Kenya
Kenya’s weather conditions are generally ideal for safaris, considering that it is crossed by the Equator. But wildlife safaris are best experienced during the peak dry season (June-September/December-Mid March), and these are the best months for game drives or mountaineering. If you want to experience the Great Migration then consider visiting Kenya around July to October, and this is also a perfect period for you to observe a range of wildlife, including the Big 5.
Booking Passports or visas
Visas and passports are among the valuable travel documents you should consider when planning a Kenya tour. The tourist visa can be secured via the Kenya High Commission or e-visa portal –visit www.ecitizen.go.ke. The visas can take a week/7 days and can be ready, so ensure that you book one in advance before the date you plan to travel for a safari in Kenya. You can also have an alternative to the East African visa, which lets you visit at least 2 East African states without applying for individual state visas.
Getting around Kenya
Kenya’s transportation network has tremendously improved, with visitors having the option of connecting to their destinations by road, railway, water, and air. Most Kenyan destinations are accessible by road and air. To reach your favorite destination by road, you need a 4×4 tourist car to enable you drive on the rugged terrain routes.