KENYA'S NATIONAL PARKS

THE ABERDARES
This Park consists of high alpine moorland and primeval forest. Most visitors stay at one of the two tree hotels, Treetops or the Ark. Both are situated in forest glades overlooking waterholes. Salt deposits lure the animals out from the forest and at dusk, floodlights allow guests to view in comfort through the night. Many species pass through with some sightings of the elusive leopard and the rare Bongo antelope. Each forest lodge is served by its base hotel, the Outspan and Aberdare Country Club.

SAMBURU, BUFFALO SPRINGS AND SHABA
These are three adjoining reserves situated in arid country north of Mt. Kenya, but watered by the Uaso Ngiro River and natural springs. Very scenic with craggy hills and everywhere the Doum palm trees following the water courses. Some unusual animal species can be found here: the reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, grevy zebra and long-necked gerenuk. Leopard and crocodile can be seen most nights at the lodges. Accommodation is available in 3 lodges and 3 tented lodges/camps.

MASAI MARA RESERVE
This Reserve is one of East Africa's best known game-viewing areas and adjoins the Serengeti Park of Tanzania. A land of undulating hills and rolling grasslands supporting a huge animal population. Even a casual visitor is treated to the sight of lions in prides, sometimes numbering as many as thirty, with a handsome black-maned male in dominance. A cheetah roaming the plains to run down its prey or a leopard with its kill in the lower branches of the Sausage Tree. In the River Mara, there are hundreds of hippos and the odd 'sly' crocodile sunning themselves on the banks. Elephant, Cape Buffalo, giraffe, gazelles, topi antelope and during the months from July to September, the wildebeest and zebra migrations overflow from the Serengeti. Accommodation varies from simple lodges to luxury camps and ranch homesteads. Most lodges offer hot air ballooning in the early mornings, practically every day of the year.

LAKE NAKURU
A soda lake frequented by hundreds of thousands of Greater and Lesser Flamingos lining the shore in a pink mass. It is also a sanctuary for the Black and White Rhinos and a small herd of rare Rothschild's Giraffe. There are two lodges inside the Park.

LAKE BARINGO
About 100km north of Nakuru, is this beautiful tranquil freshwater lake, host to some rare bird species seen nowhere else in Africa. Boats trips on the lake are popular to view the hippo, crocodile and birdlife. One can also visit a local Njemps tribal village or watch them fishing from their frail papyrus boats. Accommodation is in a lodge and tented camp.

LAKE BOGORIA
Lying between Baringo and Nakuru, is this soda lake, a favorite nesting site for the flamingos and where hot sulphur springs abound. There is also a small herd of Greater Kudu.

NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Just 10kms from the City Center covering 70 sq. km. of grassland and forest. The casual visitor in one afternoon may see many animal species including lion, cheetah, giraffe, Cape Buffalo and gazelles with Nairobi's skyline in the background.

TSAVO NATIONAL PARK EAST & WEST
This huge Park is split in two by the main Nairobi/Mombasa highway and covers a total area of 2000 sq. kms. Once famous for its large herds of over 60,000 'red' elephant, so called due to the red murrum earth that they sprayed themselves with like talcum powder. Although these herds have recently been depleted due to poaching and drought, a strong drive by the Wildlife Services has brought peace to their lives and the populations are on the increase again. In Tsavo West are the Mzima Springs where hippo and crocodile can be viewed from the underwater hide. Further south, adjoining the Park is the Taita Hills Sanctuary with its unique lodge at Salt Lick perched high on stilts of concrete overlooking waterholes. Nearby is the luxury of Taita Hills Lodge.

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
A real gem of a Park situated right at the foot of Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, 5895m. Elephant abound in the forest and swamps feeding on the lush grasses. Cheetah can be found on the salt flats. Giraffe wander through the forest whilst zebra and wildebeest feed on the open plains. The snow-capped dome of the peak of Kibo forms a magnificent backdrop, making it a photographer's paradise. Accommodation is in various camps and lodges.

LAKE NAIVASHA
A very picturesque freshwater lake and a favorite weekend haunt for Nairobi residents. There is good fishing, yachting, boat trips or a visit to Crescent Island. Nearby is the dramatic Hell's Gate Gorge Reserve, over-shadowed by the mysterious Mt. Longonot. Accommodation is in two lodges and private houses.

LAKE ELEMENTAITA
Most of this shallow soda lake is on private land - part of the Delamere Estate's Soysambu property. There is game in the bush around the lake, and flamingos and pelicans congregate along the shores. There are escorted nature walks from the splendid lodge and an ostrich farm.

MERU NATIONAL PARK
Meru, in the Northern Frontier district of Kenya, is untamed Africa at its most alluring. The animals are shy, unused to their human counterparts and the landscape is wild. Accommodation is now available in Elsa's Kopje named after Elsa, the orphaned lioness reared by Joy and George Adamson, who eventually returned her to the wild in Meru. This park is singled out as the driest in the country with little rainfall, although it is, in fact, criss-crossed with numerous rivers and streams running off nearby mountains. The landscape is blessed with dense ribbons of vegetation with magnificent stands of Baobab trees, and doum and raphia palms running through dry valleys.