Tsavo East National ParkHaving opened in 1948, Tsavo East National Park is one of Kenya's oldest national parks. Tsavo East National Park contains some wonderful terrain, including rivers, lakes, glaciers and peaks with a wide variety of vegetation, including grasslands, Acacia vegetation, open plains and savannah. The highlight of Tsavo, are the Camel safaris.
Wildlife to be viewed include: Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Crocodile, Waterbuck, Kudu, Gerenuk and Zebra. Some of the famous attractions are: Mudanda Rock and the Yatta Plateau, which is the world's largest lava flow. Luggard's Falls on the Galana River include shapely water-worn rocks. Tsavo West National ParkTsavo West National Park has given the wildlife in the area an environment of extreme bio-diversity. There are rivers, forests, lakes, wooded grasslands and mountains, each harbouring a distinct set of animals.
Tsavo National Park is infamous for its history and there is a lovely variety of wildlife and birdlife in the park. Wildlife include: Leopard, Cheetah, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Lion and Crocodile.
Mzima Springs is a major attraction for visitors. There is a pool of natural spring water with underwater viewing hides where one can observe the Hippos. A highlight is the views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli National ParkAmboseli National Park was opened in April 1948 and today its one of the most famous national parks. This park went through rather tragic times when the Masaai people were put out of the area. Today everything has been sorted out and the Masaai live in harmony with nature and the people in Amboseli, sharing their amazing knowledge.
Amboseli National Park is very striking. The park has a dry look due to the volcanic ash from Mount Kilimanjaro when it last erupted. Mount Kilimanjaro is just 40 kilometres (25 miles) away. Water from Mount Kilimanjaro's melted snow creates streams forming some green areas and 2 clear water springs.
The herds of Elephant are abundant. Animals include: Zebra, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Impala, Caracal and Serval cat, Lion, Leopard and Hippo. For the avid bird watcher there are over 400 bird species at Amboseli. Lake Nakuru National ParkOpen to guests since 1968, Lake Nakuru National Park was originally meant to protect the flocks of flamingo. Over one million flamingos live at Lake Nakuru. Therefore, Lake Nakuru is perfect for bird watchers, scientists, and wildlife filmmakers.
Lake Nakuru National Park is an ecological wonder; from the lake waters, woodland and the rocky ridges. Hippos and otters can be seen in the lake itself. Wildlife like the Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Zebra, Black Rhino and White Rhino can also be found.
During game activities you can see the Big Five, Giraffe, black and white Colobus monkey, Eland, Steinbok, Reedbuck and Dikdik. Rock Hyrax and Klipspringer can be observed on cliffs and the escarpment. Regions of KenyaThe Coral Coast is famous for its various marine life species; thrilling fisherman, snorkellers and scuba divers. During August to March the seas are calm and the water is clear. During April, May and June, a lot of the hotels close, but travellers can still find the odd hotel open.
Southern Kenya stays warm throughout the year. The prime wet season is usually from March to May, and again in October and November which is cloudy during the day. In northern and eastern Kenya the rain comes in March and November; however rain can be experienced any time of the year. The rain will not hinder driving. Western Kenya which is the location for the Masai Mara is perfect throughout the year. However, the heavy rains from March to May, and again in November to early December can make travel a problem. Rain can come any day of the year at Lake Victoria, normally late in the afternoon.
The Great Rift Valley is great for almost any time of the year. During the rain season the roads can be very difficult to get through. Central Kenya is best from December to mid-March when the days are hot, sunny and dry; the nights are usually cool. The rain usually comes from mid-March to May, with some rain in November. ClimateKenya has a varying climate. Since Kenya is located on the equator, temperatures within regions vary little during the year but differences between the regions are enormous due to the variations in altitude and other climatic factors.
Temperatures are generally higher from January to March. There are lighter rains in November and heavier rains in April and May. In highland regions, the rain can come at any time. Along the low inland regions, weather is hotter and drier than the coast, becoming dry and almost like a desert near the northern frontier. The highland regions can be cloudy and cool during the rainy season.
There are 2 rainy seasons that one must try avoid. The short rains are in October and November; the long rains go from the end of March to the end of May. August and October are just about the best times but to see the Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara you will want to come around the end of July through September. |