KENYA & MASAI MARA TRAVEL
GENERAL-Kenya is a country in Eastern Africa. Its Indian Ocean coast lies between Somalia to the northeast and Tanzania to the south. Its capital and largest city is Nairobi. Kenya's territory lies on the equator. It lies between latitudes 5°N and 5°S, and longitudes 34° and 42°E. Nairobi, and especially closer to Mount Kenya, which has snow permanently on its peaks. Kenya’s western provinces marked by lakes and rivers, while a small portion of the north is desert and semi desert. The country’s diverse wildlife and panoramic geography draw large numbers of European and North American visitors, and tourism is an important contributor to Kenya’s economy.
Kenya has some of the world's best game reserves. Kenya has considerable land area devoted to wildlife habitats, including the Masai Mara. The parks are famous for lions, giraffes, elephants and huge herds of zebras, wildebeests and buffaloes. Watch a wildlife migration. More than 1 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras participate in the migration across the Mara River. Go for a game drive in many parks and reserves found in the country. The "Big Five" game animals of Africa that is the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, and elephant. Kenya also is a great destination for beach holidays, with several located along the coastal regions and the city of Mombasa. Its Indian Ocean coast provided historically important ports by which goods from Arabian and Asian traders have entered the continent for many centuries. The Northern parts of Kenya are home to some spectacular tribes living very traditional lifestyles.
THE KENYA FLOWER INDUSTRY- The country is the third largest exporter of cut flowers in the world. Kenya's economy largely relies on the agriculture sector. Horticulture sub-sector is one of the top foreign exchange earners for the country. Kenya is the lead exporter of rose cut flowers to the European Union (EU) with a market share of 38%. It is estimated that in Kenya, over 500,000 people, including over 100,000 flower farm employees depend on the floriculture industry. The main production areas are around Lake Naivasha, Mt. Kenya, Nairobi, Thika, Kiambu, Athi River, Kitale, Nakuru, Kericho, Nyandarua, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu and Eastern Kenya. Roughly half of the country's 127 flower farms concentrated around Lake Naivasha, around 90 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. Naivasha Lake's location 1,884 meters above sea level is particularly fertile ground for medium-sized roses which are often found in the floral sections of EU supermarkets. Nearly two thirds of exports are destined for Holland, where they are resold to florists through auctions.
Kenya has some of the world's best game reserves. Kenya has considerable land area devoted to wildlife habitats, including the Masai Mara. The parks are famous for lions, giraffes, elephants and huge herds of zebras, wildebeests and buffaloes. Watch a wildlife migration. More than 1 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras participate in the migration across the Mara River. Go for a game drive in many parks and reserves found in the country. The "Big Five" game animals of Africa that is the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, and elephant. Kenya also is a great destination for beach holidays, with several located along the coastal regions and the city of Mombasa. Its Indian Ocean coast provided historically important ports by which goods from Arabian and Asian traders have entered the continent for many centuries. The Northern parts of Kenya are home to some spectacular tribes living very traditional lifestyles.
THE KENYA FLOWER INDUSTRY- The country is the third largest exporter of cut flowers in the world. Kenya's economy largely relies on the agriculture sector. Horticulture sub-sector is one of the top foreign exchange earners for the country. Kenya is the lead exporter of rose cut flowers to the European Union (EU) with a market share of 38%. It is estimated that in Kenya, over 500,000 people, including over 100,000 flower farm employees depend on the floriculture industry. The main production areas are around Lake Naivasha, Mt. Kenya, Nairobi, Thika, Kiambu, Athi River, Kitale, Nakuru, Kericho, Nyandarua, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu and Eastern Kenya. Roughly half of the country's 127 flower farms concentrated around Lake Naivasha, around 90 kilometers northwest of Nairobi. Naivasha Lake's location 1,884 meters above sea level is particularly fertile ground for medium-sized roses which are often found in the floral sections of EU supermarkets. Nearly two thirds of exports are destined for Holland, where they are resold to florists through auctions.
EQUATOR AT KENYA-
As the equator passes through Kenya, one has the chance to visit both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere on the same safari and even on the same day when driving on Nyaharuru-Nyeri Road, Kenya. Kenya is among only 13 countries in the world that the equator passes through. The equator runs across Kenya almost in the middle, passing 6 km north of central Kisumu. Here you are able to stand with one foot in the Southern Hemisphere and one foot in the Northern Hemisphere as you face the mystery of the line that separates them. The water swirls clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the southern hemisphere. The effect comes about due to the rotation of the Earth and can be seen on the large scale in weather systems; hurricanes spin clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the south.
About Equator- The Equator is an imaginary line on the Earth's surface approximately equidistant from the North Pole and South Pole and it divides the Earth into two Hemisphere - Northern and a Southern Hemisphere. Although major portion of the Equator lies on ocean however it crosses the land mass mainly in Indonesia, Sumatra, Central Africa and South America.
Malaria & Vaccinations- Several vaccinations are needed before coming to Kenya in general, and to a lesser extent the Masai Mara. Malaria is the biggest health concern for visitors to Kenya, and antimalarials should be taken. Using mosquito repellent with a minimum of 30% DEET and covering up at dusk is also highly recommended to minimize the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. Most safari parks are high-risk zones. The highest risk of transition is during the rainy season from September to April.
As the equator passes through Kenya, one has the chance to visit both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere on the same safari and even on the same day when driving on Nyaharuru-Nyeri Road, Kenya. Kenya is among only 13 countries in the world that the equator passes through. The equator runs across Kenya almost in the middle, passing 6 km north of central Kisumu. Here you are able to stand with one foot in the Southern Hemisphere and one foot in the Northern Hemisphere as you face the mystery of the line that separates them. The water swirls clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the southern hemisphere. The effect comes about due to the rotation of the Earth and can be seen on the large scale in weather systems; hurricanes spin clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the south.
About Equator- The Equator is an imaginary line on the Earth's surface approximately equidistant from the North Pole and South Pole and it divides the Earth into two Hemisphere - Northern and a Southern Hemisphere. Although major portion of the Equator lies on ocean however it crosses the land mass mainly in Indonesia, Sumatra, Central Africa and South America.
Malaria & Vaccinations- Several vaccinations are needed before coming to Kenya in general, and to a lesser extent the Masai Mara. Malaria is the biggest health concern for visitors to Kenya, and antimalarials should be taken. Using mosquito repellent with a minimum of 30% DEET and covering up at dusk is also highly recommended to minimize the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. Most safari parks are high-risk zones. The highest risk of transition is during the rainy season from September to April.
NAIROBI, TRAVEL
GENERAL-Modern Nairobi is still the safari capital of the Africa also the Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and the largest city in the country. Situated on the Nairobi River, the city is not only the largest and fastest growing city in Kenya, but one of the largest in Africa. The city became Kenya’s capital, which was Mombasa initially, and it also became the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate in 1905. The British, who were one of Kenya’s colonizers, set up shop in Nairobi, leading to the creation of big hotels primarily for the British hunters. Also, Nairobi has an East Indian community from those who are the descendants of original colonial railway labours and merchants.
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK-Nairobi National Park is the oldest of all Kenya's national parks. Nairobi National Park was established in 1946. It gives visitors a chance to indulge in pure African safari at the footsteps of a major urban centre. Nairobi National Park covers just 117km² (44 square miles), and consists of typical, original Kenyan landscape such as plains, forests, steep gorges and lush vegetation along the banks of the Embakasi River. It has a high-altitude, savannah landscape with acacia trees dotting across the open plains. There are no elephants in this national park, but four of the "Big Five" can be seen here (lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos). It is known for its Black Rhino Sanctuary and, despite bordering the city, it is home to lions, leopards and hyenas as well as many other Kenyan animals. Its closeness to Nairobi also means it is very accessible to Kenyans and tourists alike who want to experience a safari without having to travel and stay overnight elsewhere. Nairobi National Park has herds of buffalo and a concentrated population of ostriches. It is also a good place to experience the wildebeest migration in the summer months and to see four of the "Big Five" African animals. The best season for visitors to Nairobi Park is from July through March when the climate is mainly dry and sunny. The annual wildebeest and zebra migration takes place from July to October when 1.5 million animals migrate in search of water and grazing. The best time to see this incredible movement is in late July and early August. The endangered black rhinoceros is protected here and the park supplies black rhinos to other national parks.
Ivory Burning Monument-The park's main Langata Rd Gate, the Ivory Burning Monument marks the spot where, in 1989, Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi burnt 11 tonnes of ivory. This dramatic event improved Kenya’s conservation image at a time when East African wildlife was being decimated by relentless poaching.
http://www.kenya-information-guide.com/nairobi-national-park.html
Ivory Burning Monument-The park's main Langata Rd Gate, the Ivory Burning Monument marks the spot where, in 1989, Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi burnt 11 tonnes of ivory. This dramatic event improved Kenya’s conservation image at a time when East African wildlife was being decimated by relentless poaching.
http://www.kenya-information-guide.com/nairobi-national-park.html
GIRAFFE CENTRE(Rothschild giraffe)- The Giraffe Center was first opened in response to the endangered status of the Rothschild giraffe, the population of which had declined, reaching a low of 130 animals in the wild as a result of agricultural practices in their native habitat that is found only in the grasslands of East Africa. The Giraffe Centre is located in Lang'ata, approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the centre of Nairobi, Kenya. The most exciting part of your tour visit to the Giraffe Center is the experience of seeing these animals up close and even feeding them. Hand feeding giraffes is an education in itself. You will see, close at hand, how they use their long, prehensile tongues to remove leaves from prickly acacia branches. The Giraffe Center is open daily and the majority of your entrance fee goes toward supporting the important efforts of the organization. The AFEW centre is also home to Giraffe Manor, a beautifully maintained colonial home, now an exclusive guesthouse, also a 2 Km nature trail to walk through.
MASAI MARA
MASAI MARA
GENERAL-Situated in the southwest of Kenya, covering an area of 1 510 square km (583 square miles), and raises 1,500-2,170 meters above sea level, in Narok County, Kenya. It is named in honour of the Maasai people. The Masai Mara National Reserve is a land of breath-taking vistas, abundant wildlife and endless plains. The reserve is located in the Great Rift Valley in primarily open grassland. Wildlife tends to be most concentrated on the reserve’s western escarpment. More than two million wildebeest, zebras and other antelopes that make up the famous Great Migration. The migrators of Masai Mara National Reserve are present from approximately late July – early August until end of October – early November. But the Mara offers year-round game viewing. The reserve is abundant with elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion and cheetah alongside the migratory wildebeest and zebra. Leopards are frequently encountered. The park is also home to over 450 bird species. For guests who are interested in observing the nocturnal animals, it is recommend night game drive in one of the private conservancies. Most conservancies offer bush walks to give you an intimate look at the micro-ecosystems of the area. Entry fees are currently US$80 for adult.
Mara Serena Airport, Musiara Airport and Keekorok Airport are located in the Reserve area of the Maasai Mara. Mara Shikar Airport, Kichwa Tembo Airport and Ngerende Airport are located in the Conservation area of the Maasai Mara.
ACCOMODATIONS-
There are over 100 camps and lodges just in Masai Mara. The accommodations in Masai Mara are further divided into five zones - northern, eastern, southern, western and central. They are the private conservancies and the primary public reserve. The Northern expanse of Masai Mara only has private conservancies while the Eastern, Southern and Western Masai Mara comprises of the main reserve and a private conservancy. The heart of Masai Mara - Central consists of only the main reserve. Staying at a bush camp or rustic lodge within a conservancy offers many advantages to you. Each, conservancy limits the maximum number of guests, vehicles and rooms, so you feel connected to nature. The conservancies are located within close proximity to the reserve, offering you easy and convenient access. The Safari Tier System that provides a professional, independent and objective rating of each accommodation in the Mara.The rating is based on a comprehensive set of criteria, such as strategic location correlated to maximal wildlife access, guiding standards, service, cuisine, room quality, accommodation size, amenities, facilities, easy of logistical travel and much more. Tier 1 is the highest rating, Tier 2 deluxe accommodations; Tier 3 value lodging options are perfect for the budget-conscious travelers who prefer general wildlife availability and access to modest larger camps and lodges with high number of guests rather than indulging aesthetics, super-rated guides and secluded locations.
Map- http://www.shoortravel.com/masaimaramap.html
https://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/travel-guide/kenya/parks-reserves/masai-mara/map
What is a Wildlife Conservancy-A conservancy is Land set aside by an individual landowner, body corporate, group of owners or a community for purposes of wildlife conservation.
http://www.go2africa.com/location/6494/accommodation/masai-mara
BEST TIME TO VISIT MASAI MARA FOR A SOUTH-WESTERN KENYA SAFARI-
http://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/travel-guide/kenya/parks-reserves/masai-mara/when-best-time-to-visit
Masai Mara Reserve experiences two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. The presence or absence of rainfall affects vegetation and water sources thus affecting the movement and concentration of animals. When these resources are scarce, wildlife traverse from the deep interiors to more open areas in search of food and converge to permanent or last-remaining water sources especially the Mara and Talek Rivers. Safari game viewing in the Mara is optimal at this time as there is the greater wildlife visibility with less tracking time needed. Additionally, road and trail conditions are adverse to wet weather with the black cotton soil being a welcoming host to vehicles during the rains. The long cool-dry season from July to October is considered by most to be the best time of year to visit Masai Mara but also costliest season too. The absence of rain means that the flora is less dense, so animals are easier to observe. Additionally, insect levels, including mosquitoes, are lower during the dry season. The long dry season also corresponds to the Great Migration that arrives in Masai Mara from the Serengeti National Park.
Approximately 1.5 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras, elands and gazelles cross the crocodile infested Mara River in the reserve in search of food and water. As in the Serengeti, the wildebeest are the dominant inhabitants of the Maasai Mara, and their numbers are estimated in the millions. Around July of each year, these animals migrate north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October through early November. Although their arrival varies from year-to-year. November and December mark the short rainy season. These migrants are followed along their annual, circular route by predators, most notably lions and hyena.
The average daytime temperatures remain quite comfortable while the nights are much cooler. The average daytime temperature is around 77 F (25 C) from June to August while the nighttime lows are around 50 F (10 C). The average daytime temperatures range from 79 F (26 C) to 82 F (28 C) in September through May, and the temperatures drop at night to lows of 55 F (13 C).
MASAI MARA MIGRATION-
Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is the ultimate ballooning destination. The landscape is stunning and free, and the abundant wildlife can make for spectacular viewings from above. As this is a wilderness area contiguous with the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania.The good thing about the Mara weather is that it is conducive for balloon rides to be operated daily, throughout the year. The Great Wildebeest Migration in the plains of East Africa is one of the world’s most thrilling. Masai Mara is the most noted location of the wildebeest migration due to its famed Mara River crossings. The migration is an ongoing movement of animals that takes place throughout the year. The animals arriving in July and departing in October through early November. The migration occurs within an area that is known as the “Serengeti ecosystem.” The 40,000-square mile area is defined by Masai Mara National Reserve in Tanzania. As with other wildlife, the purpose of the movement is the search for pasture and water. When supplies of these vital resources are depleted in one area, the animals move to another area where water, grasses and other food sources are plentiful. One of the most requested events in the migration is the arrival crossing of the Mara River that occurs around late July to early August with parts of September and again on their return south, around the last two weeks of October through early November. These are the best times to track and see the annual wildebeest migration in Masai Mara (August-Sept-Oct ) . The rains return to other areas of the ecosystem, and the gnus, zebras, gazelles and elands continue their transitory journey to the prime grazing grounds in the northern and eastern Serengeti around the middle of October through early November.
MASAI MARA SAFARI-
Mara Serena Airport, Musiara Airport and Keekorok Airport are located in the Reserve area of the Maasai Mara. Mara Shikar Airport, Kichwa Tembo Airport and Ngerende Airport are located in the Conservation area of the Maasai Mara.
ACCOMODATIONS-
There are over 100 camps and lodges just in Masai Mara. The accommodations in Masai Mara are further divided into five zones - northern, eastern, southern, western and central. They are the private conservancies and the primary public reserve. The Northern expanse of Masai Mara only has private conservancies while the Eastern, Southern and Western Masai Mara comprises of the main reserve and a private conservancy. The heart of Masai Mara - Central consists of only the main reserve. Staying at a bush camp or rustic lodge within a conservancy offers many advantages to you. Each, conservancy limits the maximum number of guests, vehicles and rooms, so you feel connected to nature. The conservancies are located within close proximity to the reserve, offering you easy and convenient access. The Safari Tier System that provides a professional, independent and objective rating of each accommodation in the Mara.The rating is based on a comprehensive set of criteria, such as strategic location correlated to maximal wildlife access, guiding standards, service, cuisine, room quality, accommodation size, amenities, facilities, easy of logistical travel and much more. Tier 1 is the highest rating, Tier 2 deluxe accommodations; Tier 3 value lodging options are perfect for the budget-conscious travelers who prefer general wildlife availability and access to modest larger camps and lodges with high number of guests rather than indulging aesthetics, super-rated guides and secluded locations.
Map- http://www.shoortravel.com/masaimaramap.html
https://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/travel-guide/kenya/parks-reserves/masai-mara/map
What is a Wildlife Conservancy-A conservancy is Land set aside by an individual landowner, body corporate, group of owners or a community for purposes of wildlife conservation.
http://www.go2africa.com/location/6494/accommodation/masai-mara
BEST TIME TO VISIT MASAI MARA FOR A SOUTH-WESTERN KENYA SAFARI-
http://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/travel-guide/kenya/parks-reserves/masai-mara/when-best-time-to-visit
Masai Mara Reserve experiences two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. The presence or absence of rainfall affects vegetation and water sources thus affecting the movement and concentration of animals. When these resources are scarce, wildlife traverse from the deep interiors to more open areas in search of food and converge to permanent or last-remaining water sources especially the Mara and Talek Rivers. Safari game viewing in the Mara is optimal at this time as there is the greater wildlife visibility with less tracking time needed. Additionally, road and trail conditions are adverse to wet weather with the black cotton soil being a welcoming host to vehicles during the rains. The long cool-dry season from July to October is considered by most to be the best time of year to visit Masai Mara but also costliest season too. The absence of rain means that the flora is less dense, so animals are easier to observe. Additionally, insect levels, including mosquitoes, are lower during the dry season. The long dry season also corresponds to the Great Migration that arrives in Masai Mara from the Serengeti National Park.
Approximately 1.5 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras, elands and gazelles cross the crocodile infested Mara River in the reserve in search of food and water. As in the Serengeti, the wildebeest are the dominant inhabitants of the Maasai Mara, and their numbers are estimated in the millions. Around July of each year, these animals migrate north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October through early November. Although their arrival varies from year-to-year. November and December mark the short rainy season. These migrants are followed along their annual, circular route by predators, most notably lions and hyena.
The average daytime temperatures remain quite comfortable while the nights are much cooler. The average daytime temperature is around 77 F (25 C) from June to August while the nighttime lows are around 50 F (10 C). The average daytime temperatures range from 79 F (26 C) to 82 F (28 C) in September through May, and the temperatures drop at night to lows of 55 F (13 C).
MASAI MARA MIGRATION-
Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is the ultimate ballooning destination. The landscape is stunning and free, and the abundant wildlife can make for spectacular viewings from above. As this is a wilderness area contiguous with the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania.The good thing about the Mara weather is that it is conducive for balloon rides to be operated daily, throughout the year. The Great Wildebeest Migration in the plains of East Africa is one of the world’s most thrilling. Masai Mara is the most noted location of the wildebeest migration due to its famed Mara River crossings. The migration is an ongoing movement of animals that takes place throughout the year. The animals arriving in July and departing in October through early November. The migration occurs within an area that is known as the “Serengeti ecosystem.” The 40,000-square mile area is defined by Masai Mara National Reserve in Tanzania. As with other wildlife, the purpose of the movement is the search for pasture and water. When supplies of these vital resources are depleted in one area, the animals move to another area where water, grasses and other food sources are plentiful. One of the most requested events in the migration is the arrival crossing of the Mara River that occurs around late July to early August with parts of September and again on their return south, around the last two weeks of October through early November. These are the best times to track and see the annual wildebeest migration in Masai Mara (August-Sept-Oct ) . The rains return to other areas of the ecosystem, and the gnus, zebras, gazelles and elands continue their transitory journey to the prime grazing grounds in the northern and eastern Serengeti around the middle of October through early November.
MASAI MARA SAFARI-
A Masai Mara Safari is an enjoyable tour adventure.Safari Masai Mara will take you for a vacation of a lifetime. You will see the Big 5 and plenty of wildlife in Masai Mara Game Reserve with game drives in the park. The big five wild animals are Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant. Other common wildlife include Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hyena, Gazelle, Antelopes, Topi, Hartebeest, Baboon, Monkey, Waterbuck, Warthog, Jackal and hippopotamus. There are over 500 bird species found in Masai Mara.
You can get to Masai Mara Game Reserve by road which takes about 5 hours or you can opt to fly to the Masai Mara which takes only 45 minutes. Some uses Safari Vans for road transport and game drives but you can request for an off-road vehicle like Toyota Land-cruiser. The cost of transport by road can vary because it depends on the number of tourists in a group. If you are planning to go to Masai Mara by road then you can arrange to arrive at the airport in the morning hours.
Types of Safari-
Private Safari- a private safari you don't share the vehicle with other tourists.
Joining Safari-A joining safari is that you share the vehicle with other tourists.
Masai Mara Flying Safari- Flying to Masai Mara enables you to save time spent on the road by doing game drives in the park in search of wild animals. You can fly to Masai Mara early in the morning or late in the evening. The cost of a return flight to the Mara is $380 per person. It only takes 45 minutes to fly to Masai Mara Game Reserve. Going by road takes about 5 hours with 80 kilometers of rough and dusty road. There are several air strips in Masai Mara so depending on the accommodation you choose you will be landed at the closest air strip.
Cost of a Safari Pacakage-
I-The cost of safari packages are inclusive of park entry fees .The Masai Mara park entry fees cost $80 USD per person per day.
II-Safari van with pop-up roof for easy photography/game viewing.
III-Services of an experienced English speaking tour guide.
IV-bottled water during game drives.
V- Accommodation-The choice of accommodation can make the cost of the Masai Mara Safari to be low or high.The cost of accommodation varies a lot because there are many options. The types of accommodation available are budget tented camps, luxury lodges and luxury tented camps. The choice of accommodation depends on your budget, taste and preference.
VI-Meals at the camp/lodge.
VII-Pick up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
VIII-All government taxes.
Game Drives-The Main activity in Masai Mara Game Reserve are Game Drives where you are driven by the tour guide in the park in search of wildlife. The number of games drives you will have depends on the number of days you want to spend on the park.
There are morning and afternoon game drives, including night game drives, as well as guided walking safaris, fishing in some river camps.While game drives in Masai Mara gives you a large-scale perspective of the flora and fauna, walking safaris take you into the smallest habitats and life unnoticed from a vehicle. Walking safaris are only allowed in the private conservancies bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Visit of Masai Village-Another activity is visiting the Maasai Villages where you can interact and dance with the Maasai. You will get to learn a lot about the Maasai culture and their way of life. The cost of visiting the Maasai Village is $20 USD per person. This goes a long way of helping the Maasai Community with their daily needs. A visit to the Maasai Village is an optional activity.
Hot Air Balloon-Another popular activity is the hot air balloon ride which is a one hour ride over the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The hot air balloon ride takes place early in the morning at around 6:30 am daily if the weather permits. You will be able to view wildlife from the air and this experience is truly amazing. The cost of a hot air balloon ride is $420 USD per person. Hot air balloon ride is an optional activity.
Masai Mara Budget Safari Cost-A budget safari provides you with the best value for money. You will get to see all the wildlife and you will have a modest but comfortable accommodation. The food provided is tasty and adequate. The accommodation provided in a budget safari are tented camps which are complete with bedding, Mosquito nets, flushing toilets and hot shower. A budget safari can either be private or joining safari. If you are 1 or 2 people then you can opt for a joining safari.
The price of 3 Days Masai Mara joining safari is $390 USD per person and a private safari with 2 pax minimum is $550 USD per person. The price is inclusive of:
*All park entry fees
*Accommodation at a budget tented camp with 3 meals a day
*Services of an English speaking driver/guide
*Game drives using a safari van with a pop-up roof for photography and game viewing
*Bottled drinking water during game drives
*All government taxes
Masai Mara Flying Safari - You can fly to Masai Mara early in the morning or late in the evening. Flying to Masai Mara enables you to save time spent on the road by doing game drives in the park in search of wild animals. The cost of a return flight to the Mara is $380 per person.
This Masai Masai Flying safari is available with 2 days, 3 days and 4 days Masai Mara Safari Package. It only takes 45 minutes to fly to Masai Mara Game Reserve. Going by road takes about 5 hours with 80 kilometers of rough and dusty road from Narok town to Masai Mara. There are several air strips in Masai Mara Game Reserve. When you land at the air strip you will be met by tour guides who will take you for game drives.The Masai Mara Flying safari can start at any day that you choose.
MASAI MARA SAFARI 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS TOUR-
The 3 days 2 nights Masai Mara safari is by far the most popular tour package in Kenya. This safari is available as a road package or as a flying package where you fly and meet your drive/guide at a Masai Mara airstrip.
Day 1: Nairobi - Masai Mara-
Masai Mara safari road trip is about 240 Kilometers from Nairobi. This safari starts when we pick your group from your Nairobi residence/hotel early in the morning and drive to the Rift Valley Escarpment where we make the first stop to enjoy a scenery of the great escarpment.
We then have about 2 hour 30 minutes drive to Narok Town(Nairobi to Narok Town is 140 Kilometers) where we make a second stop over for lunch and also you get a chance do you shopping at a supermarket before we continue the road trip to Maasai Mara national reserve(Maasai Mara which around 100 Kilometers from Narok town).
We reach our tented camp or lodge between 1600 hrs and 1630 hrs. After checking at the tented camp/lodge we have our first game drive before we head back to tented camp/lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Full day game drive in Masai Mara-
The second day starts with an early morning game drives inside Masai Mara National reserve so that you can enjoy the flora and the fauna. Masai Mara is full of wildlife and birdlife.
A game drive in Masai Mara will enable you to see for yourself the big 5 wild animals namely: lion, rhino, African elephant, African bufallo and leopard. The leopard normally rests on the trees or hides in the bushes so you will need a pair of binoculars to easily spot it.
Also the rhino is also harder to spot because its a reclusive animal and they are few in population. Antelopes, bufallos, giraffes, cheetahs, elephants, gazelles, lions, wildebeests and zebras are easy to spot.
The Mara river and Talek river are teemed with crocodiles and hippopotamus. Every year an amazing natural phenomenon occurs in Masai Mara national reserve where millions of wildebeest and thousands of zebras migrate from Serengeti National Park. The main action of the wildebeest migration develops at the Mara River where thousands of Wildebeest cross.
The Wildebeest migration is a great spectacle because the Mara river is infested with crocodiles and other preys like lions are lurking on the site for an easy meal. The wildebeest is faced with great danger not only from the crocodiles but also from fellow wildebeest due to stampede and broken limbs when jumping into the Mara river. The main reason for the wildebeest and zebra migration is because there is plenty of food for them in Masai Mara during this period. The wildebeest migration occurs during the months of July and August.
You will have a picnic lunch at a site near Mara river. Other wildlife that you will spot during your game drives include baboons, duikers, hyenas, hartebeests, impalas, jackals, monkeys and wild dogs.
There is plenty of birdlife for bird watchers to enjoy with over 470 species of birds recorded. The birds include: African pygmy-falcons, Crowned cranes, hornbills, long-crested eagles, Marabou storks, Masked weavers, Lilac-breasted roller, Masai ostrich, Secretary bird, Superb starling and Ruppell's vultures.We spend our second night at Masai Mara at a tented camp/lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Masai Mara - Nairobi-On the third day early in the morning we have our last game drive then we drive back to the tented camp/lodge for breakfast. We depart Masai mara and have a stop over at Narok, a rich Masai town and have a chance to buy souvenirs from the locals. We arrive at Nairobi late in the afternoon between 1600 hrs and 1700 hrs depending on traffic conditions. We the drop you off at your Nairobi residence/hotel. End of Kenya safari.
https://www.safarimasaimara.com/
HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI IN MASAI MARA-
You can get to Masai Mara Game Reserve by road which takes about 5 hours or you can opt to fly to the Masai Mara which takes only 45 minutes. Some uses Safari Vans for road transport and game drives but you can request for an off-road vehicle like Toyota Land-cruiser. The cost of transport by road can vary because it depends on the number of tourists in a group. If you are planning to go to Masai Mara by road then you can arrange to arrive at the airport in the morning hours.
Types of Safari-
Private Safari- a private safari you don't share the vehicle with other tourists.
Joining Safari-A joining safari is that you share the vehicle with other tourists.
Masai Mara Flying Safari- Flying to Masai Mara enables you to save time spent on the road by doing game drives in the park in search of wild animals. You can fly to Masai Mara early in the morning or late in the evening. The cost of a return flight to the Mara is $380 per person. It only takes 45 minutes to fly to Masai Mara Game Reserve. Going by road takes about 5 hours with 80 kilometers of rough and dusty road. There are several air strips in Masai Mara so depending on the accommodation you choose you will be landed at the closest air strip.
Cost of a Safari Pacakage-
I-The cost of safari packages are inclusive of park entry fees .The Masai Mara park entry fees cost $80 USD per person per day.
II-Safari van with pop-up roof for easy photography/game viewing.
III-Services of an experienced English speaking tour guide.
IV-bottled water during game drives.
V- Accommodation-The choice of accommodation can make the cost of the Masai Mara Safari to be low or high.The cost of accommodation varies a lot because there are many options. The types of accommodation available are budget tented camps, luxury lodges and luxury tented camps. The choice of accommodation depends on your budget, taste and preference.
VI-Meals at the camp/lodge.
VII-Pick up from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
VIII-All government taxes.
Game Drives-The Main activity in Masai Mara Game Reserve are Game Drives where you are driven by the tour guide in the park in search of wildlife. The number of games drives you will have depends on the number of days you want to spend on the park.
There are morning and afternoon game drives, including night game drives, as well as guided walking safaris, fishing in some river camps.While game drives in Masai Mara gives you a large-scale perspective of the flora and fauna, walking safaris take you into the smallest habitats and life unnoticed from a vehicle. Walking safaris are only allowed in the private conservancies bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Visit of Masai Village-Another activity is visiting the Maasai Villages where you can interact and dance with the Maasai. You will get to learn a lot about the Maasai culture and their way of life. The cost of visiting the Maasai Village is $20 USD per person. This goes a long way of helping the Maasai Community with their daily needs. A visit to the Maasai Village is an optional activity.
Hot Air Balloon-Another popular activity is the hot air balloon ride which is a one hour ride over the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The hot air balloon ride takes place early in the morning at around 6:30 am daily if the weather permits. You will be able to view wildlife from the air and this experience is truly amazing. The cost of a hot air balloon ride is $420 USD per person. Hot air balloon ride is an optional activity.
Masai Mara Budget Safari Cost-A budget safari provides you with the best value for money. You will get to see all the wildlife and you will have a modest but comfortable accommodation. The food provided is tasty and adequate. The accommodation provided in a budget safari are tented camps which are complete with bedding, Mosquito nets, flushing toilets and hot shower. A budget safari can either be private or joining safari. If you are 1 or 2 people then you can opt for a joining safari.
The price of 3 Days Masai Mara joining safari is $390 USD per person and a private safari with 2 pax minimum is $550 USD per person. The price is inclusive of:
*All park entry fees
*Accommodation at a budget tented camp with 3 meals a day
*Services of an English speaking driver/guide
*Game drives using a safari van with a pop-up roof for photography and game viewing
*Bottled drinking water during game drives
*All government taxes
Masai Mara Flying Safari - You can fly to Masai Mara early in the morning or late in the evening. Flying to Masai Mara enables you to save time spent on the road by doing game drives in the park in search of wild animals. The cost of a return flight to the Mara is $380 per person.
This Masai Masai Flying safari is available with 2 days, 3 days and 4 days Masai Mara Safari Package. It only takes 45 minutes to fly to Masai Mara Game Reserve. Going by road takes about 5 hours with 80 kilometers of rough and dusty road from Narok town to Masai Mara. There are several air strips in Masai Mara Game Reserve. When you land at the air strip you will be met by tour guides who will take you for game drives.The Masai Mara Flying safari can start at any day that you choose.
MASAI MARA SAFARI 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS TOUR-
The 3 days 2 nights Masai Mara safari is by far the most popular tour package in Kenya. This safari is available as a road package or as a flying package where you fly and meet your drive/guide at a Masai Mara airstrip.
Day 1: Nairobi - Masai Mara-
Masai Mara safari road trip is about 240 Kilometers from Nairobi. This safari starts when we pick your group from your Nairobi residence/hotel early in the morning and drive to the Rift Valley Escarpment where we make the first stop to enjoy a scenery of the great escarpment.
We then have about 2 hour 30 minutes drive to Narok Town(Nairobi to Narok Town is 140 Kilometers) where we make a second stop over for lunch and also you get a chance do you shopping at a supermarket before we continue the road trip to Maasai Mara national reserve(Maasai Mara which around 100 Kilometers from Narok town).
We reach our tented camp or lodge between 1600 hrs and 1630 hrs. After checking at the tented camp/lodge we have our first game drive before we head back to tented camp/lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Full day game drive in Masai Mara-
The second day starts with an early morning game drives inside Masai Mara National reserve so that you can enjoy the flora and the fauna. Masai Mara is full of wildlife and birdlife.
A game drive in Masai Mara will enable you to see for yourself the big 5 wild animals namely: lion, rhino, African elephant, African bufallo and leopard. The leopard normally rests on the trees or hides in the bushes so you will need a pair of binoculars to easily spot it.
Also the rhino is also harder to spot because its a reclusive animal and they are few in population. Antelopes, bufallos, giraffes, cheetahs, elephants, gazelles, lions, wildebeests and zebras are easy to spot.
The Mara river and Talek river are teemed with crocodiles and hippopotamus. Every year an amazing natural phenomenon occurs in Masai Mara national reserve where millions of wildebeest and thousands of zebras migrate from Serengeti National Park. The main action of the wildebeest migration develops at the Mara River where thousands of Wildebeest cross.
The Wildebeest migration is a great spectacle because the Mara river is infested with crocodiles and other preys like lions are lurking on the site for an easy meal. The wildebeest is faced with great danger not only from the crocodiles but also from fellow wildebeest due to stampede and broken limbs when jumping into the Mara river. The main reason for the wildebeest and zebra migration is because there is plenty of food for them in Masai Mara during this period. The wildebeest migration occurs during the months of July and August.
You will have a picnic lunch at a site near Mara river. Other wildlife that you will spot during your game drives include baboons, duikers, hyenas, hartebeests, impalas, jackals, monkeys and wild dogs.
There is plenty of birdlife for bird watchers to enjoy with over 470 species of birds recorded. The birds include: African pygmy-falcons, Crowned cranes, hornbills, long-crested eagles, Marabou storks, Masked weavers, Lilac-breasted roller, Masai ostrich, Secretary bird, Superb starling and Ruppell's vultures.We spend our second night at Masai Mara at a tented camp/lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Masai Mara - Nairobi-On the third day early in the morning we have our last game drive then we drive back to the tented camp/lodge for breakfast. We depart Masai mara and have a stop over at Narok, a rich Masai town and have a chance to buy souvenirs from the locals. We arrive at Nairobi late in the afternoon between 1600 hrs and 1700 hrs depending on traffic conditions. We the drop you off at your Nairobi residence/hotel. End of Kenya safari.
https://www.safarimasaimara.com/
HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI IN MASAI MARA-
The popular activity is the hot air balloon ride which is a one hour ride over the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The hot air balloon ride takes place early in the morning at around 6:30 am daily if the weather permits. You will be able to view wildlife from the air and this experience is truly amazing. As you ascend aerially, beautiful features unfold before your eyes – gentle rolling hills, meandering rivers and lush grasslands. From this vantage point, you realize that you can locate wildlife with little guidance – giraffes, elephants, gazelles, hippos and many other grazers and foragers. If you are lucky, you may even spot the lordly predators like lions, hyenas, cheetahs and other hunters. You watch herds move toward the water to drink and bathe.The good thing about the Mara weather is that it is conducive for balloon rides to be operated daily, throughout the year.Dressing in layers; warm Jacket/fleece is best for the transition from the cool, dark early morning to the relatively late morning sunrays. It is normally cool in the early mornings and as you watch and wait for the balloons to be inflated, the chilly morning breeze can be uncomfortable. Once on board, the heat from burners above makes all around you warm. Trousers, long sleeved shirts/tops and closed shoes come in handy in case we need to walk through some grass after landing.It is recommend that adventurous guests plan to stay at the reserve for at least three days to allow time for this activity along with your other safari activities such game drives, bush walks, village visits and more.
001-Africa Eco Adventures Ltd-It offers balloon flights in Kenya’s famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is the northernmost part of the spectacular Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, home to the “Great Migration” and scores of other wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles. The company has a fleet of 6 balloons consist of three Cameron 415’s balloons with a capacity of 16 passengers each, one 12- Seater, one 8-Seater and a small 4-Seater balloon (ideal for couples, photography, honeymooners or special occasions, subject to availability.
The 4X4 safari vehicles will pick you from your camp or lodge between 0400-0530AM and drive you to the launch site, to arrive by 0600AM. Depending on the weather conditions, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you watch the balloons being prepared for take-off. Your pilot will give a safety briefing as well as explain what you can expect during the flight. There are basic toilet facilities available at the launch site. The balloon crew will assist as you clamber into your balloon basket for take-off just before sunrise, at about 6:30AM. As you rise the Maasai Mara plains opens up before your eyes to feast on the golden sunrise, enchanting sceneries, plains-game below. Upon landing between 7:15 and 7:30 AM, observe the complete deflation of the balloon envelope as our vehicles wait for you for a short drive to your morning hearty meal. The company’s operations base and launch site is close to Talek River bordering Masai Mara Game Reserve, but during windy times we use a launch site INSIDE the park, approximately 7 Minutes-drive (4km) from Talek Gate, just off the main Talek-Keekorok road.
Africa Eco Adventures Limited
Spring Valley - Hill View, Crossroads 01.
P.O. Box 64196 - 00620, Nairobi, Kenya
+254 702 999278 | +254 733 300304
[email protected]
https://www.maraballooning.com/
002-AfricanMecca-The hot air balloons fly over areas of the reserve that are restricted to safari vehicles! During your flight, even the altitude of your balloon flight is different – sometimes, you rise high above the plains so you can see for miles while at other times, you remain closer to earth, giving you close-up views of the animals. AfricanMecca Safaris can arrange hot air ballooning in Masai Mara for all guests staying either in the reserve or in private conservancies; though, pickup times do vary depending on the distance from the launch site.
Price-$510.00USD
https://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/
003-Gamewatchers Safaris-The hot air balloon safari tours in Kenya lift off at dawn (06:15) after coffee and a flight briefing. The one hour flight will give you a bird’s eye view of the best East Africa has to offer in the magnificent setting of the Great Rift Valley. Porini Lion Camp or Porini Mara Camp in the Masai Mara are ideal bases from which to take a Balloon Safari as well as day and night safari drives and safari walks.
Price-Serves all camps and lodges in Masai Mara including Porini Mara Camp & Porini Lion Camp=455 USD
https://www.porini.com/kenya/safari-tours-kenya/specialist-safaris/balloon-safari/
004-Mara Gates Safaris Ltd-The balloon rides at the Masai Mara cost about $410 for an adult. For children under the age of 12 years its $300 per person (this price is not inclusive of the transportation and accommodation to the Masai Mara, something that a tour operator like us can advise you on).
https://maragates.com/africatravel/hot-air-balloon-ride-prices-cost.html
SWEETWATERS, OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, KENYA
001-Africa Eco Adventures Ltd-It offers balloon flights in Kenya’s famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is the northernmost part of the spectacular Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, home to the “Great Migration” and scores of other wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles. The company has a fleet of 6 balloons consist of three Cameron 415’s balloons with a capacity of 16 passengers each, one 12- Seater, one 8-Seater and a small 4-Seater balloon (ideal for couples, photography, honeymooners or special occasions, subject to availability.
The 4X4 safari vehicles will pick you from your camp or lodge between 0400-0530AM and drive you to the launch site, to arrive by 0600AM. Depending on the weather conditions, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you watch the balloons being prepared for take-off. Your pilot will give a safety briefing as well as explain what you can expect during the flight. There are basic toilet facilities available at the launch site. The balloon crew will assist as you clamber into your balloon basket for take-off just before sunrise, at about 6:30AM. As you rise the Maasai Mara plains opens up before your eyes to feast on the golden sunrise, enchanting sceneries, plains-game below. Upon landing between 7:15 and 7:30 AM, observe the complete deflation of the balloon envelope as our vehicles wait for you for a short drive to your morning hearty meal. The company’s operations base and launch site is close to Talek River bordering Masai Mara Game Reserve, but during windy times we use a launch site INSIDE the park, approximately 7 Minutes-drive (4km) from Talek Gate, just off the main Talek-Keekorok road.
Africa Eco Adventures Limited
Spring Valley - Hill View, Crossroads 01.
P.O. Box 64196 - 00620, Nairobi, Kenya
+254 702 999278 | +254 733 300304
[email protected]
https://www.maraballooning.com/
002-AfricanMecca-The hot air balloons fly over areas of the reserve that are restricted to safari vehicles! During your flight, even the altitude of your balloon flight is different – sometimes, you rise high above the plains so you can see for miles while at other times, you remain closer to earth, giving you close-up views of the animals. AfricanMecca Safaris can arrange hot air ballooning in Masai Mara for all guests staying either in the reserve or in private conservancies; though, pickup times do vary depending on the distance from the launch site.
Price-$510.00USD
https://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/
003-Gamewatchers Safaris-The hot air balloon safari tours in Kenya lift off at dawn (06:15) after coffee and a flight briefing. The one hour flight will give you a bird’s eye view of the best East Africa has to offer in the magnificent setting of the Great Rift Valley. Porini Lion Camp or Porini Mara Camp in the Masai Mara are ideal bases from which to take a Balloon Safari as well as day and night safari drives and safari walks.
Price-Serves all camps and lodges in Masai Mara including Porini Mara Camp & Porini Lion Camp=455 USD
https://www.porini.com/kenya/safari-tours-kenya/specialist-safaris/balloon-safari/
004-Mara Gates Safaris Ltd-The balloon rides at the Masai Mara cost about $410 for an adult. For children under the age of 12 years its $300 per person (this price is not inclusive of the transportation and accommodation to the Masai Mara, something that a tour operator like us can advise you on).
https://maragates.com/africatravel/hot-air-balloon-ride-prices-cost.html
SWEETWATERS, OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY, KENYA
The 24,000 Acres Sweet Waters Game Sanctuary is currently part of the Ol Pejeta conservancy. Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary has been providing lifelong care and refuge to orphaned and abused chimpanzees since 1993. The sanctuary takes in chimpanzees from West and Central Africa rescuing them from the pet trade, conflict zones and poaching or smuggling seizures and offers them safety and security in natural enclosures. At the Sweetwaters Sanctuary, chimpanzees are nursed back to health and enjoy the rest of their days in the safety of a vast natural enclosure. Sweetwaters is a chartered member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), an alliance of 18 sanctuaries in 12 African countries, currently caring for over 800 orphaned and/or confiscated chimpanzees. Visitors to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy have free access to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which is open daily from 10am and 4:30pm.
The Ol pejeta conservancy occupies the plains between the foothills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kenya. The Conservancy comprises extensive savannah grasslands and the riverine forests that border the Ewaso Nyiro River. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 90,000-acre (360 km2) not-for-profit wildlife conservancy in Central Kenya's Laikipia County. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy works to conserve wildlife, provide a sanctuary for great apes and to generate income through wildlife tourism. The Conservancy boasts the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and in 2013 reached a population milestone of 100 black rhino. The Conservancy is host to the "Big five game" among a large selection of other African animals, which makes it a popular safari destination. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s fully electrified perimeter fence, not only demarcates the Conservancy’s boundary but also prevents human-wildlife conflict. The conservancy is home to 40 lion, 20 cheetah, 30 leopard and 60 spotted hyena as well as numerous smaller predators such as; jackal, caracal and bat-eared fox. A number of the conservancy's lions are equipped with GPS radio collars, which are linked to GSM (Global System for Mobile communication technology) tracking devices. There some 300 African elephant (Loxodonta africana) on the conservancy. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy Centre is a research station dedicated to the preservation of this unique environment, which is one of only four such reserves in Kenya. The Centre offers a colourful educational facility where visitors may look, touch, feel and learn more about the wildlife, the birds and the flora. The Conservancy holds the largest single herd of pure Boran cattle in the world (2,000 top quality Boran breeding cows). The Conservancy is also a pioneer in proving that livestock ranching and wildlife conservation need not be mutually exclusive.
Entry Fees-$95.00
ACCOMODATION-
The Conservancy has 7 accommodation options: Sweetwaters Tented Camp, Ol Pejeta House, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Porini Rhino Camp, Pelican House, Kicheche Laikipia Camp and private campsites.
Sweetwaters Tented Camp- Sweetwaters Tented Camp is located at the middle of Ol pageta conservancy below the plains of Mt Kenya. The camp is located facing the water hole where many animals are seen coming to drink water during the day and night. The camp lies at the centre of the 110,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which lies on the Laikipia plains 17 kilometers from Nanyuki and 217 kilometres from Nairobi. Sweetwaters tented Camp has thirty-nine luxury tents all with a private verandah facing the water hole.
https://www.porini.com/kenya/parks-and-reserves/ol-pejeta-sweetwaters/
LAKE NAIVASHA, KENYA
The Ol pejeta conservancy occupies the plains between the foothills of the Aberdares and the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kenya. The Conservancy comprises extensive savannah grasslands and the riverine forests that border the Ewaso Nyiro River. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 90,000-acre (360 km2) not-for-profit wildlife conservancy in Central Kenya's Laikipia County. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy works to conserve wildlife, provide a sanctuary for great apes and to generate income through wildlife tourism. The Conservancy boasts the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and in 2013 reached a population milestone of 100 black rhino. The Conservancy is host to the "Big five game" among a large selection of other African animals, which makes it a popular safari destination. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s fully electrified perimeter fence, not only demarcates the Conservancy’s boundary but also prevents human-wildlife conflict. The conservancy is home to 40 lion, 20 cheetah, 30 leopard and 60 spotted hyena as well as numerous smaller predators such as; jackal, caracal and bat-eared fox. A number of the conservancy's lions are equipped with GPS radio collars, which are linked to GSM (Global System for Mobile communication technology) tracking devices. There some 300 African elephant (Loxodonta africana) on the conservancy. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy Centre is a research station dedicated to the preservation of this unique environment, which is one of only four such reserves in Kenya. The Centre offers a colourful educational facility where visitors may look, touch, feel and learn more about the wildlife, the birds and the flora. The Conservancy holds the largest single herd of pure Boran cattle in the world (2,000 top quality Boran breeding cows). The Conservancy is also a pioneer in proving that livestock ranching and wildlife conservation need not be mutually exclusive.
Entry Fees-$95.00
ACCOMODATION-
The Conservancy has 7 accommodation options: Sweetwaters Tented Camp, Ol Pejeta House, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Porini Rhino Camp, Pelican House, Kicheche Laikipia Camp and private campsites.
Sweetwaters Tented Camp- Sweetwaters Tented Camp is located at the middle of Ol pageta conservancy below the plains of Mt Kenya. The camp is located facing the water hole where many animals are seen coming to drink water during the day and night. The camp lies at the centre of the 110,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which lies on the Laikipia plains 17 kilometers from Nanyuki and 217 kilometres from Nairobi. Sweetwaters tented Camp has thirty-nine luxury tents all with a private verandah facing the water hole.
https://www.porini.com/kenya/parks-and-reserves/ol-pejeta-sweetwaters/
LAKE NAIVASHA, KENYA
Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake, fringed by thick papyrus, lying at about 1890 meters (6200 ft.) above sea level. It is a favourite feeding spot for fish-eating birds like fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers and cormorants, hippo and other wildlife. The lake is almost 13kms across, but its waters are shallow with an average depth of five metres. Lake area varies greatly according to rainfall, with an average range between 114 and 991 sq. kms. Naivasha is 102 kms from Nairobi. There is an airstrip in Naivasha, with charter flights available. Some lodges and guesthouses here have private airstrips. At the beginning of the 20th Century, Naivasha completely dried up and effectively disappeared. The resulting open land was farmed, until heavy rains a few years later caused the lake to return to existence. Apart from transient streams, the lake is fed by the perennial Malewa and Gilgil rivers. Much of the lake is surrounded by forests of the yellow barked Acacia Xanthophlea, known as the yellow fever tree. These forests abound with bird life, and Naivasha is known as a world class birding destination. There are two more smaller lakes nearby, Oloidien, and Sonachi, a bright green cater lake. Hell’s Gate National Park lies beside the lake. This Park was named for its pair of massive red tinged cliffs framing a geothermic ally active interior of steam vents and bubbling springs. The park is home to a profusion of plains game and birdlife. The town of Naivasha (formerly East Nakuru) lies on the north-east edge of the lake. Boat trips on the lake are widely available, and is a great way to spend an afternoon or morning.Lake Naivasha is one of the primary drinking holes for buffalos, zebras, elands, impalas, waterbucks and other grazers, as well as a favorite place for hippos to cool themselves during the day.The lake is home to a variety of types of wildlife including over 400 different species of bird and a sizable population of hippos.
Visit the Olkaria Geothermal Power Station built in 1982 on the periphery of the National Park where about fourteen wells have been drilled in the volcanically active Olkaria Ridges to tap gaseous steam from underground. The steam drives turbines to produce electricity.Naivasha located in central Kenya is only 15 minutes flight or a two-hour drive from Nairobi.
MIGRATING FLAMINGOS GATHER IN KENYAN LAKE- Every year Flamingos in Kenya migrate between lake Nakuru, lake Naivasha and lake Bogoria to find abundant cyanobacteria to feed on.
LAKE NAKURU
Visit the Olkaria Geothermal Power Station built in 1982 on the periphery of the National Park where about fourteen wells have been drilled in the volcanically active Olkaria Ridges to tap gaseous steam from underground. The steam drives turbines to produce electricity.Naivasha located in central Kenya is only 15 minutes flight or a two-hour drive from Nairobi.
MIGRATING FLAMINGOS GATHER IN KENYAN LAKE- Every year Flamingos in Kenya migrate between lake Nakuru, lake Naivasha and lake Bogoria to find abundant cyanobacteria to feed on.
LAKE NAKURU
Kenya’s Lake Nakuru has been ranked among the world’s most colorful destinations by the National Geographic. (Other places among the top ten ‘Colourful Scenes’ include Mallory Square, Key West, Florida; The Lubéron, France; Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada; Erg Chebbi Dunes, Morocco; Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming; Caño Cristales, Colombia; Hitsujiyama Park, Japan; Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland). Located at a distance of 164 km north west of Nairobi on the main A104 road.
Established in 1961, the park has gained global recognition as an ecologically significant region having been named a RAMSAR Site and Important Bird Area. Lake Nakuru is also part of the Great Rift Valley Lake System that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park covers 73 square miles (188 square kilometres) that not only includes the lake, but also savannah, forests and swamps, and the southern end of the park also encompasses the Makalia Falls. The park is gorgeous year-round and is home to both black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, hippos and endangered Rothschild giraffes. One of the few fenced national parks, to protect giraffes and is a safe haven for black and white rhino as the rangers are better able to protect them from poachers. The white rhino are grazers and are found on the grassy floodplains around the lake. At the highest point of the hills around the lake is a place known as "Baboon Cliff." This incredible lookout point gives you the best views of the vast expanse of the lake and park. The entry fee is $90 for adult.
Lake Nakuru is one of the three inter-linked lakes in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. These lakes are home to 13 globally threatened bird species and some of the highest bird diversities in the world. An incredible feature of Lake Nakuru is the large gatherings of long-legged, long-necked greater and lesser flamingos. The lake's abundance of algae attracts the birds that famously line the shore. In fact, Lake Nakuru is the single most important foraging site for the lesser flamingo anywhere, and a major nesting and breeding ground for great white pelicans. Ornithologists have described it as the greatest bird spectacle in the world.
Here see one to two million lesser and greater flamingos dip their curved bills into the warm, alkaline water of the lake to extract their favourite food – special algae that are found in abundance in this unique water outback. Lake Nakuru, a small shallow alkaline lake on the southern edge of the town of Nakuru. The flamingo feed on the abundant algae, which thrives in the warm waters. The flamingos feed on algae, created from their droppings mixing in the warm alkaline waters, and plankton. Scientists reckon that the flamingo population at Nakuru consumes about 250,000 kg of algae per hectare of surface area per year. The flamingos’ pink color comes from the pigments in the organisms they eat, such as pink shrimp and algae. Effectively, the flamingo’s diet determines its color.
There are two types of flamingo species: the lesser flamingo can be distinguished by its deep red carmine bill and pink plumage unlike the greater, which has a bill with a black tip. The lesser flamingos are ones that are commonly pictured in documentaries mainly because they are large in number. The number of flamingos has been decreasing recently, perhaps due to too much tourism, pollution resulting from industries waterworks nearby who dump waste into the waters or simply because of changes in water quality which makes the lake temporarily inhospitable. Usually, the lake recedes during the dry season and floods during the wet season. Pollution and drought destroy the flamingos' food, Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, and causing them to migrate to the nearby Lakes, more recently lakes Elmenteita, Simbi Nyaima and Bogoria.
But flamingo are not the only avian attraction, also present are two large fish eating birds, pelicans and cormorants. Despite the tepid and alkaline waters, a diminutive fish, Alcolapia grahami has flourished after being introduced in the early 1960s. The lake is rich in other bird life. There are over 400 resident species on the lake and in the surrounding park.
http://www.amusingplanet.com/2012/11/thousands-of-pink-flamingos-at-lake.html
BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE NAKURU- The masses of pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru draws guests from around the world, but the population at the lake varies based on the alkalinity of the lake. Higher levels of precipitation decrease the alkalinity, and there is less algae for the birds. As a result, the largest number of flamingos may migrate to other neighbouring soda lakes in Kenya such as Bogoria and Natron for a period of time. Plan your flamingo-watching tour of Lake Nakuru during the dry-hot season in January and February.
Lake Bogoria - Lake Bogoria, located about 60km from Nakuru town, is a saline lake which boasts not only the yearly flamingo migration, but also steam geysers and hot springs. It’s a popular destination for those seeking to soak in the healing mineral water while enjoying the spectacular Kenya wildlife.
ABERDARE, KENYA
Established in 1961, the park has gained global recognition as an ecologically significant region having been named a RAMSAR Site and Important Bird Area. Lake Nakuru is also part of the Great Rift Valley Lake System that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park covers 73 square miles (188 square kilometres) that not only includes the lake, but also savannah, forests and swamps, and the southern end of the park also encompasses the Makalia Falls. The park is gorgeous year-round and is home to both black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, hippos and endangered Rothschild giraffes. One of the few fenced national parks, to protect giraffes and is a safe haven for black and white rhino as the rangers are better able to protect them from poachers. The white rhino are grazers and are found on the grassy floodplains around the lake. At the highest point of the hills around the lake is a place known as "Baboon Cliff." This incredible lookout point gives you the best views of the vast expanse of the lake and park. The entry fee is $90 for adult.
Lake Nakuru is one of the three inter-linked lakes in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. These lakes are home to 13 globally threatened bird species and some of the highest bird diversities in the world. An incredible feature of Lake Nakuru is the large gatherings of long-legged, long-necked greater and lesser flamingos. The lake's abundance of algae attracts the birds that famously line the shore. In fact, Lake Nakuru is the single most important foraging site for the lesser flamingo anywhere, and a major nesting and breeding ground for great white pelicans. Ornithologists have described it as the greatest bird spectacle in the world.
Here see one to two million lesser and greater flamingos dip their curved bills into the warm, alkaline water of the lake to extract their favourite food – special algae that are found in abundance in this unique water outback. Lake Nakuru, a small shallow alkaline lake on the southern edge of the town of Nakuru. The flamingo feed on the abundant algae, which thrives in the warm waters. The flamingos feed on algae, created from their droppings mixing in the warm alkaline waters, and plankton. Scientists reckon that the flamingo population at Nakuru consumes about 250,000 kg of algae per hectare of surface area per year. The flamingos’ pink color comes from the pigments in the organisms they eat, such as pink shrimp and algae. Effectively, the flamingo’s diet determines its color.
There are two types of flamingo species: the lesser flamingo can be distinguished by its deep red carmine bill and pink plumage unlike the greater, which has a bill with a black tip. The lesser flamingos are ones that are commonly pictured in documentaries mainly because they are large in number. The number of flamingos has been decreasing recently, perhaps due to too much tourism, pollution resulting from industries waterworks nearby who dump waste into the waters or simply because of changes in water quality which makes the lake temporarily inhospitable. Usually, the lake recedes during the dry season and floods during the wet season. Pollution and drought destroy the flamingos' food, Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, and causing them to migrate to the nearby Lakes, more recently lakes Elmenteita, Simbi Nyaima and Bogoria.
But flamingo are not the only avian attraction, also present are two large fish eating birds, pelicans and cormorants. Despite the tepid and alkaline waters, a diminutive fish, Alcolapia grahami has flourished after being introduced in the early 1960s. The lake is rich in other bird life. There are over 400 resident species on the lake and in the surrounding park.
http://www.amusingplanet.com/2012/11/thousands-of-pink-flamingos-at-lake.html
BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE NAKURU- The masses of pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru draws guests from around the world, but the population at the lake varies based on the alkalinity of the lake. Higher levels of precipitation decrease the alkalinity, and there is less algae for the birds. As a result, the largest number of flamingos may migrate to other neighbouring soda lakes in Kenya such as Bogoria and Natron for a period of time. Plan your flamingo-watching tour of Lake Nakuru during the dry-hot season in January and February.
Lake Bogoria - Lake Bogoria, located about 60km from Nakuru town, is a saline lake which boasts not only the yearly flamingo migration, but also steam geysers and hot springs. It’s a popular destination for those seeking to soak in the healing mineral water while enjoying the spectacular Kenya wildlife.
ABERDARE, KENYA
The Aberdares are the third highest range of mountains in Kenya, reaching a summit of just over 4000m. Due to its high altitude, the park is very rainy and misty, with roads that become impassable during the wet season. This massive range is well known for its thick forests. This beautifully scenic region is much cooler than the savannahs and offers a completely different perspective on the country. The forest is a hidden world of wildlife. The thick vegetation provides perfect cover for countless species. Very large herds of Elephant and Buffalo move almost silently through the undergrowth, while overhead noisome birds and colobus monkeys dominate the canopy. At night the forest comes alive, the cries of hyrax and the distinctive rasping growl of leopard echoing among the trees. A night in the Aberdares is unforgettable. Elephant herds surround the waterholes, drink and then fade way into the forest. There are a series of spectacular falls along the range, and at Nyahururu, Thompson’s Falls have became a popular rest stop for travelers. The Kenya Wildlife Service and Rhino Ark, a charity dedicated to the protection of the area and its wildlife, run Aberdare National Park. Aberdare is home to the second largest herd of endangered black rhinos. Other animals that may be observed in the park include African lions, leopards, baboons, and black and white Colobus monkeys and Sykes monkeys. The thick rainforest gives way to bamboo forest and interesting alpine vegetation the higher you travel up the mountain peaks within the park.
Aberdare National Park is a high altitude national park created to protect the slopes and moorland of the Aberdare Mountains. Aberdare National Park covers just 766km², which is small compared to other national parks, and has more difficult terrain due to its location in Kenya's central highlands, to the west of Mount Kenya. It is situated 160km (100 miles) north of Nairobi, at the very center of Kenya. The Park is 87 km (54 miles) from Naivasha. There are two airstrips located near the Aberdare Headquarters at Nyeri and Mweiga. The best times to visit the Park are in January and February, as well as June and September.
Park Gates:
i-Ark Gate ii-Treetops Gate iii-Ruhuruini Gate iv-Kiandagoro Gate v-Mutubio, Wandare, Shamata and Rhino.
Two of Kenya's best safari lodges are located in Aberdare National Park - Treetops and The Ark. Both provide excellent game viewing at night over the watering hole. Treetops lodge is actually a tree-house lodge, accessed via a gangway rising to treetop level. There is a bell in each room that is rung if any unusual animal arrives at the watering hole. Nocturnal animal viewing is taken very seriously
The Ark Tree Lodge - The Ark Tree Lodge overlooks one of the largest salt licks and waterholes in the Aberdare Mountains where you can see a variety of forest game unlike anywhere else in Africa. The lodge is built in the shape of an Ark and offers accommodation in en-suite rooms. The waterhole is floodlit so you can view wildlife at night.
Aberdare Country Club is nestled on a slope of Mweiga Hill in the Aberdare Highlands, part of the Great Rift Valley. Considered a heritage property in Kenya, The Aberdare Country Club has retained the charm of a private home with the simple comforts of a country inn. Activities include horseback riding safaris, golf, nature walks, game drives and more.
AMBOSELI, KENYA
Aberdare National Park is a high altitude national park created to protect the slopes and moorland of the Aberdare Mountains. Aberdare National Park covers just 766km², which is small compared to other national parks, and has more difficult terrain due to its location in Kenya's central highlands, to the west of Mount Kenya. It is situated 160km (100 miles) north of Nairobi, at the very center of Kenya. The Park is 87 km (54 miles) from Naivasha. There are two airstrips located near the Aberdare Headquarters at Nyeri and Mweiga. The best times to visit the Park are in January and February, as well as June and September.
Park Gates:
i-Ark Gate ii-Treetops Gate iii-Ruhuruini Gate iv-Kiandagoro Gate v-Mutubio, Wandare, Shamata and Rhino.
Two of Kenya's best safari lodges are located in Aberdare National Park - Treetops and The Ark. Both provide excellent game viewing at night over the watering hole. Treetops lodge is actually a tree-house lodge, accessed via a gangway rising to treetop level. There is a bell in each room that is rung if any unusual animal arrives at the watering hole. Nocturnal animal viewing is taken very seriously
The Ark Tree Lodge - The Ark Tree Lodge overlooks one of the largest salt licks and waterholes in the Aberdare Mountains where you can see a variety of forest game unlike anywhere else in Africa. The lodge is built in the shape of an Ark and offers accommodation in en-suite rooms. The waterhole is floodlit so you can view wildlife at night.
Aberdare Country Club is nestled on a slope of Mweiga Hill in the Aberdare Highlands, part of the Great Rift Valley. Considered a heritage property in Kenya, The Aberdare Country Club has retained the charm of a private home with the simple comforts of a country inn. Activities include horseback riding safaris, golf, nature walks, game drives and more.
AMBOSELI, KENYA
Amboseli National Park, the second most popular animal park after Maasai Mara, is 260km (160 miles) from Nairobi. The southern boundary of the park lies less than 5 km from the Tanzanian border at the base of Africa's highest mountain, snow-capped Kilimanjaro. Amboseli has a postcard-perfect view of its snow-capped peaks, rising almost six vertical kilometres above the savannah. Its magnificent situation at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, combined with its excellent opportunities to view Kenya's animals, make it one of the most-visited safari parks in Kenya. Amboseli is renowned for its large herds of free-ranging African elephants. There are over 900 African elephants in Amboseli, as well as huge herds of wildebeests and many other animals including giraffes, African lions, monkeys, zebras, hyenas and antelope. January and February are good months to visit Amboseli, as well as June through September.
Amboseli National Park covers 392km² (151miles²) and has a mixed topography of plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush, swamps and marshes. The area is classified as semi-arid savanna receiving between 200-400 mm of rainfall each year. This diversity, along with a long dry season, ensures excellent viewing of the large concentrations of African animals living in this natural habitat.
The roads in Amboseli have a loose surface of volcanic soil that is dusty in the dry season and impassable in the wet season. The climate in the Amboseli region is hot and dry. The national park is in the rain shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, as it lies on the northwest side. It can be a long, hot day on a Kenya wildlife safari. There is a small airport in Amboseli, the Amboseli Airport (HKAM).
Safari lodges include Oltukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kimana Lodge and Tortilis Camp a luxurious and award winning eco-tourism lodge.
http://www.amboseli.com/accommodation
PRESENTED BY - V.P.GUPTA
Amboseli National Park covers 392km² (151miles²) and has a mixed topography of plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush, swamps and marshes. The area is classified as semi-arid savanna receiving between 200-400 mm of rainfall each year. This diversity, along with a long dry season, ensures excellent viewing of the large concentrations of African animals living in this natural habitat.
The roads in Amboseli have a loose surface of volcanic soil that is dusty in the dry season and impassable in the wet season. The climate in the Amboseli region is hot and dry. The national park is in the rain shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, as it lies on the northwest side. It can be a long, hot day on a Kenya wildlife safari. There is a small airport in Amboseli, the Amboseli Airport (HKAM).
Safari lodges include Oltukai Lodge, Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli Sopa Lodge, Kimana Lodge and Tortilis Camp a luxurious and award winning eco-tourism lodge.
http://www.amboseli.com/accommodation
PRESENTED BY - V.P.GUPTA