ErmoTaks arrived in Nairobi on the 18th of March for his dream holiday; courtesy of Journey Kenya Ltd. He was the lucky winner of Journey Kenya’s ‘JourneyofaLifetime’ promotion that ran between July and September 2010 on WAYN.com. (Where are You Now)

His 140 character long description of his dream holiday in Kenya on WAYN was voted best by WAYN’s 18.7 million strong community, winning him and his wife an all-expenses paid 12 day trip to sample some of the most exhilarating experiences Kenya has to offer.

Ermo will be accompanied by his wife Viire. They come from Estonia and will be treated to a unique holiday experience, sampling Kenya’s finest tourist destinations. They will experience five unforgettable adventures including a warm stylish welcome by Nairobi’s most chic hotel, spectacular star gazing in the Great Rift Valley, a romantic balloon ride over the Maasai Mara at dawn as well as sun, sand, golf and scuba diving in Diani.

Journey Kenya partnered five of the best Kenyan hotels for this exclusive holiday package. TribeHotel with its Afro-fusion chic architecture and design, representative of Nairobi’s vibrance, HeritageHotel‘s Star gazing Great Rift Valley tour, Governor‘sCamp, famous for their spectacular dawn balloon tour over the Maasai Mara, DivingtheCrab, offering holidaymakers the underwater delights of the Indian Ocean and the and LeisureLodge with it luscious greens for a round of golf and white sandy beaches in Diani.

The promotion established tremendous interest in Kenya as a destination with over 2 million views from over 150 countries. It achieved Journey Kenya’s objectives to market Kenya as a tourist destination offering diverse experiences, promote their partner’s unique holiday offerings and position Kenya as a leader in innovation in tourism. The promotion was also featured at the E-Tourism conference in Nairobi, which brought together e-tourism leaders such as WAYN’s CEO, Jerome Touze in September 2010.

Asked about his expectations, Ermo hopes not to behave like a typical tourist, and is interested in meeting ordinary Kenyans to learn about Kenya’s unique culture, heritage and traditions. He is looking forward to seeing the Mara’s big game and his wife can’t wait to go diving in the Indian Ocean. Apart from the wildlife, he would also like to unwind by having a romantic dinner with his wife and running into an all-night beach party!

Ermo has worked in past for 3 years in theatre and 8 years as lecturer at the Tallin Technical University in Estonia. He uses WAYN to document his journeys: he has travelled to Indonesia and to several European countries so far. This will be his first time in Africa south of the Sahara. He speaks English and Russian fluently.

Calving in preparation

Early in the year as the gnus prepare for the migration northwards into Kenya through the Mara River and into Masai Mara, calving takes place and with little time to adapt into the natural world the little ones have a few minutes to get on their feet and start preparing for the great trek north. And with an array of predators laying in wait they have to be fast.

Migration from Serengeti into Mara and back

Meanwhile wildebeest will cross the Mara River from Serengeti in Tanzania into Masai Mara in Kenya, a perfect destination for Kenya wildlife safaris elevated to spectacular heights by campsites such as the Mara Explorer, and back in the search of pasture mysteriously following the weather patterns. This migration involving endless herds of ungulates flanked by zebras and gazelles defies all odds as the beasts cross the crocodile infested river causing ripples that leave the river looking like it is boiling. The sight of some drowning and succumbing to the teeth of crocodiles, does not deter the will of those coming from behind, some as young as a few days old. And as they press on hooves thundering with low grunts Governors’ Camp situated along the river bank offers perfect scenery to this spectacle. Alternatively you could choose to be at the Mara Intrepids Camp an extension of Serengeti into the Mara, away from the crowds for a peaceful experience of the migration

The spectacular scenario

The migration being a natural phenomenon dependent on nature’s weather patterns cannot guarantee you the best time to be by the banks of the Mara River but the period between July and September has been predicted to be the best for Kenya Camping Safaris. At this point, in addition to the visitors enjoying the spectacles in Kenya Tourism, there lie predators in the form of lions and crocodiles as they wait to make the best out of the cross-over.   

The strength in numbers

With the security provided in numbers, the wildebeests defy these challenges that lie in the river and jump in to move onto the other side geared for the numerous other challenges that may lie in wait. At this point the thought of Kenya camping safari is a sure way of having the full experience as the animals go back and forth, calves looking for their lost mothers, a thrill to the crocodiles that lie in wait trunk long, ready to pounce at any of the herbivores that proves too weak to beat the tangles of the rocks in the river, and the ripples that accompany the river as it runs down from the Mau Escarpment sometimes characterized with a heavy downpour.

Threats after danger

With the danger in the river seemingly left behind, the threats that lie ahead of the great herd in the grassy Mara in the form of preying cats remains a thrill to tourists on wildlife Kenya safaris and the wonderful range of Kenya safari packages is sure to give you the much sought of satisfaction as you follow the last parts of the migration cycle. The wonderful hotels including the Mara Serena Safari Lodge and camping facilities right at the heart of the Mara will offer convenient safari options whether you chose to do the last bit on a hot air balloon, game drives or game walks with experienced game rangers.

Satisfaction and the cycle of adventure

As the cycle comes to an end in November and the gnus make a turn headed back to Serengeti you are sure to have experienced the Kenyan wild at its best and just like they say a wildebeests life has no start nor end, the great experience in the Mara too lasts forever imprinting a permanent sensory experience and the urge to come back and do it all again with the wildebeests braving the challenges of the route in a bid to survive the harshness of a dry area.

Windsurfing in Kenya is a high-adrenaline sport. Apart from her many interesting cultures and animals, Kenya as well offers spectacular water sports such as windsurfing.

Coastal Windsurfing Sites

The coastal region has numerous windsurf centres.

• Prosurf Extreme’s Kite surfing and Windsurfing Centre
• Diani Beach
• H2O Extreme Kenya Watersports Centre
• Kenyaways Windsurf School
• KiLeo Watersports
• Che Shale

Prosurf Extreme’s Kite surfing and Windsurfing Centre

Located in Nyali along the Kenyan coast, Prosurf Extreme’s Kite surfing and Windsurfing Centre is among the world’s finest kite surfing and water sports destinations. Nyali ranks as one of the most isolated and beautiful beaches on the Kenyan North Coast.

Stunning Environs

The facility boasts of a turquoise lagoon and white sandy beaches, consistent and cross-shore winds, calm seas, and beautiful reefs. The cordial staff, coupled with beach couches and fine music makes guests be truly relaxed. Extreme’s Kite surfing and Windsurfing Centre is located sufficiently close to enable visitors listen to the waves and view the windsurf form the comfort of their rooms.

Deluxe Accommodation

The facility has luxury elegant rooms, fine restaurants, swimming pools, and expansive tropical spacious gardens. Adequate security is offered to families and individuals alike.

Windsurfing Lessons

Prosurf Extreme offers windsurfing tuition for beginners (level 1) and intermediate level (level 2). Visitors learn surfing in calm, warm water at their pace as they savour their holidays. The sight of surfers pushing the extremes of excellence with spectacular stunts and moves in huge waves is very inspiring. Only two hours are required for one to learn windsurfing. They can then spend the rest of the time relaxing around a pool or under palm trees.

Diani Beach

Windsurf rentals and lessons are offered at Diani Beach, featuring twenty kilometres of whitish sand bordering Indian Ocean’s warm waters. The Kenyan coast site has a lagoon ideal for blasting and starters, an external reef break for jumping and wave-riding, and side-shore winds. It is an ideal windsurf site. All apparatus, including Vectors, Titans, Kailua, Wave Boards, Boxer and Evolution sails fixed on carbon masts and Naish booms, are new. All levels of surfers are accommodated here.

H2O Extreme Kenya Watersports Centre

Situated at Nomad Beach Hotel’s sandy beaches 40 kilometres from Mombasa, H2O Extreme Kenya Watersports Centre provides word-class kite surfing and windsurfing. These activities take place at Diani Beach where ideal surfing conditions, such as, flat waves and water, are present. The flat waves and water allows for freestyle, or blasting surfing. The water temperature, at 27C, is just perfect; air temperature is at 30C. Close by are a bar and restaurant and the PADI diving centre, making this site a very social one.

Chic Facilities

All teaching and rental equipment are from Naish in Hawaii, a famous windsurfing merchant. Regular maintenance is done on the equipment to guarantee highest quality rental and teaching standards. H2OExtreme Kenya Waterspouts as well has surfing centres at palces such as:

• Leisure Lodge
• Leopard Beach Hotel
• Galu Beach
• Baobab Resort

KiLeo Watersports

KiLeo Watersports at the Almanara Diani Beach Resort offers state of the art equipment for wind surfing, kite surfing and scuba diving.

Kite Village Windsurf Rental and School

The Kite Village Windsurf Rental and School, located in Diani, is a seven-bedroom comfortable facility surrounded by extensive sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and coconut palms. It offers flat waves, water, and instruction. Guests are accommodated in hotel apartments.

Che Shale

Located in Malindi on the expansive kenyan coast, Che Shale enjoys 300 windy days, expansive beaches, shielded reef, year-round warm water, cross-shore wind, and wave riding during summer time.

Kenyaways Windsurf School

The Kenyaways Windsurf School, located on Diani beach, offers a distinctive sea-front accommodation to surfers. All guest rooms are fitted with showers, with all bedrooms having cooling fans and mosquito nets. Meals and drinks are normally excluded from guest rates.

Water lovers dare not miss this spectacular sport when in Kenya – windsurfing.

The Kenyan Coast has 3 stunning Marine Parks with clear waters that are ideal for scuba diving. Kenya has an amazing underwater marine life with a wide variety of corals and fish which offer a fantastic opportunity for underwater photography among marine enthusiasts. Make the most out of your diving adventures.

Diving Sites

Dive locations dot the entire Kenyan Coastline from the southern Tiwi end to Shimoni. Among these are:

• The Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve
• Nyuli Reef
• Kisite Point
• MV Unfunguo

Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve

The Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve is the most excellent within East Africa. This locality features huge Manta Rays that are frequently encountered by divers as they undertake dive voyages.

Nyuli Reef

Nyuli Reef, an excellent diving center having strong wave currents, is among the most excellent diving locations. Stunning corals and dipping drop offs feature outstanding sea life including: Barracuda

• Snapper
• Huge Napoleon Wrasse
• The uncommon Zebra Sharks

Kisite Point

Kisite Point offers a much easier diving experience. Here, numerous huge tame shoals are found at depths of approximately twelve meters. Divers as well usually encounter Bottlenose Dolphins and Hawksbill Turtles.

MV Unfunguo

To the north of Kisite, the MV Unfunguo, a trawler turned into a flourishing manmade reef, offers spectacular Wreck Diving. Since splitting several years back, the wreck’s inside hull has turned into a huge refuge for sea life, thus providing a really spectacular diving venue.

Ideal Diving Times

Diving is normally excellent throughout the year. However, dry seasons, from June-October and January-March, offer the best visibility. The period from July to August offers the worst visibility because of silting. Only trained divers can dive, and hence documented proof in form of certificates is usually required by diving schools. Would-be divers may as well be subjected to some diving test. Every year from February to March, divers are almost assured of seeing Whale Sharks when undertaking outer-reef dives on the Kenyan coastline.

Diving Facilities

Majority of hotels have diving apparatus for lease and provide reef diving voyages in glass-bottomed vessels. Numerous dive operators who are either attached to local resorts or are private can be found in this region. Boats, equipment, dive guides, and refills are offered. International NAUI, SSI, and PADI quality and safety standards are adhered to. Complete courses having international certification and competent instructors are offered. Operators provide expert Nitrox Diving and Night Dives.

Diving Excursions

Guests can best choose a day voyage on a dive cataraman, dhow, or boat with a local company. A daytime dhow voyage to Wasini Island, within Kisite Marine Reserve, can be organised from Shimoni or Diani. This typically includes diving as well as a seafood lunch on Wasini. Dhows are usually accompanied by dolphins through Kisite Park.

Major Diving Organisers

You can access diving facilities at the Kenyan coast by contacting a number of local establishments. Key ones include:

• Diving the Crab
• Voyager Hotel
• M.V. Dania

Diving the Crab

Diving the Crab, Diani Beach Kenya was the first dive operator in East Africa to have created the first artificial reef consisting of a 470 ton fishing trawler that sunk in 2001. The trawler has proven very successful in creating a new home to the marine life. Diving the crab is a PADI 5 star, SSI Platinum and BSAC Resorts Center offering all courses from the simple Fun Dive up to the professional Dive Instructor. The courses can be conducted at any time and in most languages such as German, Italian, French, English Swedish and Swahili. With a total of 29 dive sites all with in a 40 minute boat ride, there is a possibility of seeing dolphins on the way and even the gentle giant of the ocean the Whale Shark.

Voyager Hotel

Voyager Hotel provides a Buccaneer PADI 5-star diving facility within Mombasa where experienced diving and PADI classes are conducted. This remains the sole 5-star PADI IDC instruction centre in Kenya. Voyager Hotel organises daytime trips from the Hotel itself to Shimoni where guests dive at Kisite Marine Park amid dolphins. The Hotel organises regular free diving activities

M.V. Dania

The custom-made M.V. Dania wreck, situated on the reef and ranking as the most fascinating wreck dive in Kenya, is very extraordinary.

Other unique diving centers include:

• Vuma caves
• Shark point
• Birthday Reef

Birthday Reef is located at the entry of Mombasa Port. It caters for very skilled scuba divers.

On a tiny Indian Ocean island called Lamu is a town going by the same name – Lamu. The town serves as the administrative centre of Lamu district.  As Kenya’s oldest living town of original Swahili settlements along the coast of East Africa, the historic Lamu town is one of the hidden gems Kenya has.

An Enchanting Island

Lamu’s natural beauty, its historic simple culture, its mediaeval romance and much more, all culminate into what can be described as a place of “tranquil perfection!”
Lamu is celebrated on the World Heritage List as “the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa”.  With Arab and Portuguese influence, to name a few, the population of this little town is ethnically diverse, with Muslims being a larger part of the population.

Savour the exotic islands’ delights as you wake up to a scenery of the sun lightly touching the cool tranquil waters of ocean, the smooth sailing of historic dhows and motor boats and a cool fresh breeze blowing against your face.

A Haven of Treats

This magical Island, Lamu, is a natural paradise, with a lot to excite your senses. The archipelago has stunning attractions, such as:

• White sandy beaches
• Coral reefs teeming with marine life
• Lush vegetation
• Rainforests
• Numerous crystal clear fresh running waterfalls

Ancient Narrow Streets

One of the more attractive features of Lamu is that automobiles are not allowed due to the narrowness of the streets.  This kicks out all the hustle and bustle of typical city life, presenting to you, bliss! This peaceful town is explored best by foot, bicycle, or donkey!

Interesting Places

Lamu presents you with several places to visit such as:

• The Lamu Museum
• The Riyadha Mosque
• The Sultan of Pate’s Lamu Fort
• The Mnarani Mosque

The Lamu Museum

Come out of this heritage-rich facility with ceremonial artifacts such as the siwa.

The Sultan of Pate’s Lamu Fort

Within the early 1500s, the Sultan of Pate’s constructed the Fort. The Sultan aimed to protect Lamu which wash then a key trading waterfront town. At the Fort, you will encounter environmental and historical artefacts. The Fort also houses Lamu’s library.

The Mnarani Mosque

Take your time to view the artistic ancient inscriptions that embellish the mosque.

The Riyadha Mosque

The Riyadha Mosque is the centre for the pilgrim Maulidi Festival, and the donkey sanctuary.
Friendly Eateries Tour the Riyadha Mosque which is among the longest constantly operational and most influential Islamic teaching centres within the Islamic world.

Friendly Eateries

Lamu Island is packed with several intimate restaurants and coffee shops along the narrow roads and streets. These establishments will serve you delicious exotic treats as you take in the exquisite, unique view and scenery.  As you stroll along the streets you are enveloped with a fusion of aromas from different shops with mixtures of cuisine.  Due to the strong cultural background of the town, clubs and pubs may not be a regular feature on street corners.

Nocturnal Activities

However, Lamu town has several nightlife activities to take part in.  While on the exotic islands, simply enquire from your hotel reception or one of the locals to give you the details of events taking place.

Demography and Geography

Meru is around 350 Km from Nairobi. Meru is rich in volcanic soils and the climate suits the people’s way of life. Toward the undulating North-west, the soils are rich and wet. The Ameru people are agriculturalists. Meru is connected to Nairobi by a network of well- maintained roads via Embu or Nanyuki. The town is also accessible by air from the Isiolo Airstrip that is 45 minutes away.

Key Attractions

The Meru area hosts various exciting tourist features, including:

• Meru National park
• Mt Kenya National park
• Bisanadi national reserve
• Rahole National reserve
• Bisanadi national reserve
• Buffalo Springs National Reserve
• Meru town
• Mt. Kenya and Laikipia
• Meru National park
• Khat Farms

Meru National Park

In the north-eastern lowlands at the base of the Nyambene hills lies Meru National park. It was made famous by the conservationist Joy Adamson who wrote ‘Born Free - a true story about Elsa, the lioness, and her return to the wild. East of Meru, the park is an 87,004 hectare forest reserve. With 305-762 mm of rain, the park is teaming with flora and fauna supporting its magnificent wildlife.

Mt Kenya National Park

The Meru National park neighbours a number of national reserves along the river Tana. These include:

Bisanadi National Reserve

To the east is Bisanadi national reserve accessible by air from Korbessa.

Kora National Park

Opposite the Meru national park on the Tana is the jagged Kora national park. Rocky with numerous inselbergs on its plains the park is home to elephant, stripped and spotted hyena, lesser kudu and wild dog, leopard and cheetah species of mammal.

Rahole National Reserve

Rahole National reserve has good plains game and bird watching. The Ura and Rojeweru are two large perennial rivers that sustain this extensive natural environment.

Besides these parks and reserves there are private ranches like:

• The Lewa Conservancy
• Ol Pejeta
• Sweet Waters

Lewa Conservancy

Besides hosting the annual Lewa Safaricom Marathon, Lewa Conservancy is the best rhino sanctuary in Kenya.

Mt. Kenya and Laikipia

Meru town is an excellent base to tour the slopes of Mt. Kenya and Laikipia.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Visit wild havens at the Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve

At the Samburu National Reserve, you will see wild ravens.

Shaba National Reserve

The Shaba National Reserve is in the Meru region.

Good Climate

At 2000 ft, the climate is hot and dry. Summer begins in December and ends in March; game is best viewed in this dry period. Winter comes between July and September.

Meru Town

Meru town has a number of attractions for the cultured voyager.  These include:

• Meru National Museum
• Meru Cultural Festival
• Njuri Ncheke headquarters

Meru National Museum

Meru National Museum, formerly a District Commissioner’s Office was built in 1916. The Museum is ethnographically exhibits the Meru Culture. On display are various artifacts, tools, local geology, stuffed birds and mammals. Inside the museum, there is a Meru homestead, a crocodile and snake pit and various herbs.

Meru Cultural Festival

Guests may go to the Meru Cultural Festival and perhaps uncover the biblical roots of these people.

Njuri Ncheke Headquarters

Visit the Njuri Ncheke (Council of elders) headquarters to learn how justice was bestowed in the old days among the Meru.

Fresh Produce and Fruit Outlets

Within the CBD are fresh produce and fruit outlets that operate daily. Here you will find hand-picked ripe fruits and vegetables. Most vendors here pick supplies from their kitchen gardens on the way to the market places. Traditional farming methods are widely used in Meru, with the exception of fertilizers and agro chemicals that supplement manure and control blight. All produce is organic without additives, sweeteners, hormones or additives.

Elsa’s Kopje Lodge

Stay at Elsa’s Kopje Lodge at Adamson’s camp and enjoy bush walks and breakfasts after an open air bath. This is comfort in the wild in one of nine cottages at the camp. Or perhaps a cottage opposite Bisanadi National park, along Murera River at the Meru leopard rock eco-lodge.

Khat Farms

The region is known worldwide for the large scale production of miraa (khat) that is grown in the bluffs of the Nyambene hills. Toward the undulating North-west the soils are rich and wet.

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is among the international airports in Kenya. It is managed by the kenya airport authority.

Outstanding Lounges

Kenya Airways (KQ) has two world-class lounges, arguably the finest in Africa, at Nairobi’s JKIA. The lounges ensure seamless arrivals and departures. The JKIA is Kenya’s biggest aviation facility and the busiest in East and Central Africa.

JKIA Lounges include:

• JV Lounge
• Simba Lounge

JV Lounge

The JV Lounge caters for KQ’s Platinum Elite and Gold Elite Flying Blue members.

Simba Lounge

The Simba Lounge handles Business Class travellers.

The Decor

Simba Lounge has strong native African furnishings that tastefully blend with contemporary architecture. Its facilities are comparable to lounges at international airports in the Americas and Europe.

Excellent Amenities

The kitchen, bar counter, and the showers have marble finishing. Teleconferencing, wireless internet and email services, and fax and telephone facilitate the uninterrupted continuation of the work of executives. The wireless connectivity, or ‘hotspot’ in technological terms, allows travellers to have unlimited access to the web provided that their PDAs or computers have wireless capabilities.

Accessibility

Passengers flying Kenya Airways or her partner airlines, such as Rwanda Air, KLM, Air Zimbabwe, Precision Air, and LAM Mozambique Airlines may access the lounge.

Internet Facilities

A ‘hotspot’ is comprised of a public network founded on wifi technology. The two hotspots are found at KQ’s transit lounge, which she shares with KLM, and also at the Simba Lounge. The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is located in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, and has three terminals, two for which are for international use.

Supporting Facilities

Other facilities at the JKIA include:

• A bank
• Fax and telephones
• Left luggage desk
• Medical aid desk
• Bars and restaurants
• A post office
• An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) appropriate for international bank cards
• Duty-free shops
• Hotel reservations desk and
• Tourist information counters
• Facilities for disabled passengers
• A bureau de change

This scenic 169km2 park is situated 470 kilometres from Nairobi on Kenya’s western border with Uganda. It is among Kenya’s most stunning, untamed parks, having a variety of Kenyan animals, and with huge chunks of unspoiled forest. It derives its name from Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano on the Kenya-Uganda border and is distinctively divided into two by the Kenya-Uganda border. The park covers a tapered transect up Mount Elgon’s north eastern slopes. Four rivers, flowing into Lake Turkana, crisscross the park including: Suam, Nzoia, Turkwell, and Kerio. Buffalo and elephants (estimated at 400) inhabit the lower slopes. Various forest monkeys, such as the Blue Monkey and Bla

Mount Elgon National Park – A Haven of Untamed, Wild Beauty

This scenic 169km2 park is situated 470 kilometres from Nairobi on Kenya’s western border with Uganda. It is among Kenya’s most stunning, untamed parks, having a variety of Kenyan animals, and with huge chunks of unspoiled forest.

Mount Elgon

The park derives its name from Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano on the Kenya-Uganda border. The mountain is distinctively divided into two by the Kenya-Uganda border. The park covers a tapered transect up Mount Elgon’s north eastern slopes.

Bubbling Waterways

Four rivers, flowing into Lake Turkana, crisscross the park. These rivers include:

• Suam
• Nzoia
• Turkwell
• Kerio.

Abundant Wildlife

Large Mammals

In the park, you will encounter buffalo and elephants (estimated at 400) which inhabit the lower slopes.

Small Game

You will also meet various forest monkeys, such as the Blue Monkey and Black-and-white Colobus within Mount Elgon National Park. Other animals you see include:

• Antelope
• Leopard
• Giant forest hog
• Waterbuck

Bird Profusion

On the luscious trees and in the skies, you admire the park’s more than 300 bird species. Key bird types include:

• The African Goshawk
• Baglafecht Weaver
• The lammergeyer

Allures

As a visitor, you will be enthused by various attractions within Mount Elgon National Park. Major ones include:

• Exuberant flora and fauna
• Breath-taking panorama of caves
• Cliffs
• Gorges
• Waterfalls
• Calderas
• Mesas
• Mountain summits
• Hot springs with temperatures of up to 48⁰C

Mesmerising Caves

You are likely to meet buffaloes and elephants that frequently come to enjoy the caves’ natural salt at night. You cannot miss the park’s most admired spots. These are the 4 huge explorable caves, namely:

• Kitum
• Ngwarisha
• Makingeni
• Chepnyalil

The Cavernous Kitum

You need to know that Kitum, having overhanging crystalline partitions, delves 200 meters inside Mount Elgon. Dare go to its depths?

Other Interesting Features

Additional attractions that you may find interesting include prehistoric cave paintings close to the Budariri trailhead.

Strategic Observation Point

You can best appreciate the park’s awe-inspiring natural splendour from Endebess Bluff. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a panoramic sight of the escarpments, mesas, rivers, and gorges found within the Mount Elgon area.

Accommodation

You can relax at various accommodation spots. The facilities found within Mount Elgon National Park include:

• Bandas
• Campsites
• Lodges
• Picnic sites
• Nature Trails

Bandas

You can seek accommodation at various bandas, for instance, the Kapkuro Banda.

Campsites

Public campsites include:

• Rongai
• Nyati
• Chormlin
• Salt Lick

Lodges

Mount Elgon lodge, with a 28 bed capacity, is located 500 metres outside the park entrance.

Picnic Sites

A single picnic site is found at the Elephant Platform. Try them out when in the park.

Nature Trails

The park boasts of 3 short Nature Trails. Following these trails leads you to various exciting sites, for example:

• Makingeny cave
• Chepnyali cave
• Elephant Bluff
• Kiptum cave

Mount Elgon’s highest peak on the Kenyan side, Koitoboss, measuring 13,852 feet is easily accessible by climbers in approximately 2 hours from where the road ends.

Activities

Inside the park, you can engage in a number of interesting activities including:

• Taking car circuits into game viewing spots
• Self-directed walking trails
• Hiking to Koitoboss peak and Endebess bluff
• Camping
• Photography
• Cave explorations
• Sport fishing

Fishing

If you love water sports, you may do sport fishing on Suam River.

Accessibility

The park is accessible through the Nairobi-Kitale tarmac road and then on to the Chromlin Gate. From Kitale, visitors may either go through Endebess or follow the tarmac highway eleven kilometres past Kitale town and turn left onto a murram path leading to the entrance. The park headquarters also has an airstrip through which visitors may get in and out.

Summary

Indeed Mount Elgon National Park is a must-see package teeming with untamed beauty. With its luscious forests, exuberant wildlife, stunning natural geographical features, and thrilling panorama, the park will surely excite your senses to the core. Be sure to tour this magnificent jewel when you get the chance.

In the lap of the Great Rift Valley, 1880 meters above sea level rests the Lake Naivasha. Whose name comes from the Maasai word Nai’posha meaning rough water, thanks to her tempestuous nature during afternoon winds.

A Key Rift Valley Water Body

Naivasha is one of 8 lakes in the rift valley and with L. Baringo, the only freshwater lakes, the remainder being alkaline. The largest among them is L. Turkana with an area of 6405 sq Km. Lake Naivasha is second, measuring between 199 and 991 sq km depending on the season.

Sizzling Panorama

Naivasha is 90 minutes away from the capital by road. Stop at the escarpment and enjoy an amazing view of the rift valley. There is an airstrip and charter flights are available. Naivasha town is adjacent to park and reserve areas, as a result of this you can see game on the roads just outside the town; Zebra, antelope and monkey species are in plenty.

Breath-taking Fauna and Flora

The lake waters support numerous species of birdlife and game. Forests of acacia surround the lake where by day, Hippo bathe by its banks while Colobus monkeys troop the treetops of tall acacia. Powerful fish eagle swoop while the kingfisher dives to catch prey. The lake is a bird watching haven with a variety of bird species.

Bird Haven

Expect to see various birds, including:

• Grey-capped Warbler
• Grey-backed fiscal
• Spectacled Weaver
• Black-lored Babbler
• Brimstone Canary
• Red-billed Firefinch

Exciting Lake Tours

Take a boat trip any time of day, but return to camp by dusk to avoid any sticky encounters. Explore the Naivasha region.

Accessorized Treats

Oloidien and Sonachi are two smaller lakes nearby.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Not far from Naivasha town, lying in the wake of a dormant Mount Longonot, Hell’s gate national park is a geographical spectacle in the rift valley. The park got its name from the red cliffs that guard entry to the park; the first visitors likened it to entering the gates of hell.

Astounding Wildlife

The park is home to plains wildlife and a fusion of birds. The park is home to the Lammergeyer and raptors that nest high on cliffs.

Thrilling Activities

Hiking, camping and rock climbing are some of the activities the park has to offer. Walk through the stunning gorges and see the hot springs in this scenic place. Be sure to sample Maasai culture when you visit Hell’s gate!

An Array of Striking Features

Naivasha town is a hive of activity, boda bodas (motorbikes) are the primary means of transport here. The fertility of the land in this part of the rift has made it an agricultural hub; several greenhouses are growing produce all around the lake environs.

Welcoming Accommodation

Accommodation is plentiful in Naivasha. In Naivasha, stay at lake side properties like the Lake Naivasha Sopa resort or Lake Naivasha country club. Tucked away in the reeds is Loldia house, a beautiful family owed establishment. The old day décor at Loldia has made it one of the top exclusive hotels in the area. For the adventure seekers Crater Lake tented camp is an excellent choice, in a virgin crater not far from Naivasha town, where meals are served on a floating restaurant.

The entire rift is home to amazing game in some of Kenya’s most scenic and untouched bush. Go on Journey Kenya!

Amboseli National Park is found within the Rift Valley Province of Kenya in a district called Kajiado. The local community that is settled in the region is the Masaai. The park is one of the smaller game parks in Kenya, and the third most visited park after the world famous Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru, and it offers you the best opportunity of seeing the critically endangered black rhino.

Scenic Environs

From Namatior Vantage Point
One of the best panoramic views one may see of Kenya’s beauty is the view from Observation Hill – Namatior. From this point, one can see most of the majestic Amboseli National Park.

The Breath-taking, Colourful Maasai

Other beautiful attractions of the park include opportunities to meet members of the Maasai community. Venture out and encounter these warm-hearted, tall persons.

The Majestic Mount Kilimanjaro

While at Amboseli, catch spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Be awed by the mountain’s snow- capped peaks.

Mount Kilimanjaro’s Interesting History

Kilimanjaro could easily have ended up in Kenya had not Queen Victoria presented it to Kaiser Wilhelm II as a birthday gift when the boundaries between British East Africa (Kenya) and German East Africa Tanganyika/Tanzania) were being drawn.

The Interesting Lake Amboseli

During the rainy season, tour the water-filled Lake Amboseli. In the dry weather, wander the dusty bed of the alkaline lake. With luck, you may collect attractive stones such as the gaylussite.

Effervescent Swamps

Tour the many grassy swamps that do the Amboseli landscape. You will marvel at the beauty of the water reservoirs within the vast largely dry landscape. Have your camera ready to snap photos of various game animals which come to the swamps to graze the lush vegetation.

A Wildlife Haven

Amboseli is known as being one of Africa’s best known game spotting locations. The park has various wild game such as:

• Buffaloes
• Lions
• Gazelles
• elephants
• Cheetahs
• Wildebeests
• Hyenas
• black rhino
• Jackals
• Warthogs
• Zebras
• Birds
• Maasai giraffes
• Baboons

Amboseli National Park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to about 800 free-ranging elephants.

Interesting Natural Habitats

The Amboseli is also home to several bird species. The bird population is attracted to this area due to the variety of habitats therein.  Key habitats within Amboseli include:

• The wetland marshes
• The savannah scrub
• The acacia woodland

Plentiful, Chic Accommodation

Amboseli is home to luxury lodges and hotels that will give you blissful rest and relaxation after a long day of game viewing, namely:

• The Amboseli Sopa Lodge
• The Amboseli Serena Lodge

Amboseli Serena Lodge

Framed against the glorious backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, the magnificently beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro, surrounded by miles of rolling grasslands, patrolled by vast herds of elephant, shaded by the lush, feathered-green of an acacia grove and hugging the banks of a gently flowing river, the Amboseli Serena Lodge is a very traditional yet supremely luxurious lodge is the safari destination of a lifetime.