Kenya’s National Reserves
Compiled and Written by Mrs Njuguna
Game Searchers Tours and Safaris
Kenya’s national parks and reserves rate among the best in Africa. Obviously the tremendous number and variety of birds and mammals is the main attraction, and the more popular parks such as Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park see huge numbers of visitors.
The highlight of the Masai Mara is without doubt the annual wildebeest migration, when literally millions of these ungainly beasts move north from the Serengeti in July and August in search of the lusher grass, before turning south again about October. It is truly a staggering experience to be in the reserve at these times - and one that is likely to have a profound effect on your own feeling of insignificance.
On a wildlife drive in the peak season (from January to February), you can observe at close quarters the daily habits of the wanderer of the plains. There is such a dazzling array of animals that viewing them in the national parks is one of the main attractions of a visit to Kenya. All of the Big Five (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard and Rhino) can be seen in at least two of the major parks, plus huge variety of other less famous but equally impressive animals.
The birdlife is equally varied and includes ostrich, vulture and eagle, a wide variety of water birds such as flamingo stork and pelican, and others such as the yellow weaver bird, sunbird and turaco. Even starlings are beautiful and you’ll see them everywhere.
Another place of interest is the Lake Bogoria National reserve it is a shallow water lake covering an area of 3osq km with a maximum depth of 9 m. As with the other soda lakes in Kenya, Bogoria has no outlet and so the intense evaporation has led to high levels of salts and minerals. The result is that the lake is ideal for blue - algae, which is the staple food of the flamingo. Bogoria is a wonderful, well run park and some access on bicycle or foot is possible. The HOT SPRINGS and GEYSERS are a big tourist drawcard and while they are not comparable with those at Rotorua in New Zealand, if you have never seen geysers this is the place. The springs are hot enough to boil an egg, so do not get too close. You can walk or cycle unaccompanied as far as the hot springs.
ACCOMMODATION. Camping out in the wild is, of course, the most authentic way to experience an African safari. There’s nothing quite like having just a sheet of canvas between you and what you would normally see in a zoo. Full on contact with the bush, along with its potential dangers and rewards, is surely what many of you are looking for.
Game Searchers Tours and Safaris
P.O Box 14771, Nairobi, Kenya.
Email: info@gamesearchers-safaris.com
