A KENYAN TOURIST ITINERARY

“The gladdest moment in human life is a departure into unknown lands.” ~ Sir Richard Burton.

I do not have the exact statistics but I know a lot of tourists from all over the world come to Kenya every year expecting to see various things. Kenya is such a diverse country… wildlife, water falls, beaches or mountains it is all there. In January, I had a chance to be a part of a simple yet comprehensive Kenyan safari over a period of 5 days.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Located about 180 km from Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve marked the first stop. It is perhaps the most popular reserve in Kenya and some would argue it is synonymous with Kenya itself. Since we had limited time, we only managed to do a one-day full game drive which gave us more than we expected. It was a rainy day but we managed to spot hundreds of animal and bird species including three of the big five.

Since we had limited time, we only managed to do a one-day full game drive which gave us more than we expected. It was a rainy day but we managed to spots hundreds of animal and bird species including three of the big five. My travel companions who were visiting Kenya for the first time were quite impressed considering they all come from small countries in Europe that don’t have much to offer in the wildlife department.

PS:

The wildebeest migration takes place every year from July to end of August so if this interests you, plan your safari around that time Park entrance fee is Ksh. 1,000 for a Kenyan citizen, Ksh. 1,200 for East Africans, 70 USD for a non-resident staying in a lodge inside the reserve and 80 USD for a non-resident staying in a lodge outside the reserve. Maasai Mara has a variety of accommodation options from budget tented camps to luxury lodges. Our team split between Goshen camp Mara and Jambo Mara hotel.

The topi

A lioness and her cub-cats will be cats

The elephant march

Lake Nakuru National park, Nakuru county.

After experiencing Maasai Mara, we headed down to Lake Nakuru National park, about 122 KM from the Mara. Here, we wanted to spot some rhinos and flamingos the most popular residents of this park. We were lucky not only to see those two species but also a lion pride in the middle of a hunt! At this point our lion cup was truly overflowing.

Lake Nakuru National park is one of the premium parks in Kenya, a short drive from Nakuru city. I was amazed to learn that the lake has an inlet but no outlet hence there are no hippos or crocodiles here. I hope to catch the sunset by the lake in the near future.

If you have more time in Nakuru, you can also go for a hike at the Menengai crater or visit the Lord Egerton castle.

PS:

Park entrance fee for Lake Nakuru National park is Ksh. 860 for a Kenyan citizen and 60 USD for non-citizens Avoid the Lanet gate since the road there is impassable due to rising water levels in the lake.

A rhino and her calf on a stroll by the lake

Lake Nakuru

African buffaloes

Naivasha (Hell’s gate national park and lake Naivasha), Nakuru county

On day 4 we all traveled to Naivasha, one of the most popular tourist towns in Kenya. The first activity was of course bicycle rides through Hell’s gate national park followed by a walk down the Ol jorowa gorge, rock climbing at Fischer’s tower and later a boat ride at Lake Naivasha.

For a small town Naivasha sure has a lot to offer. If you have more time you can explore the flower farms, hike up Mt. Longonot or swim at the Ol karia geothermal spa.

During our boat ride, I witnessed something that didn’t quite sit well with me. One of the hotels by the shores of the lake (didn’t get the name) has an area where they feed hippos so that their guests can see them. I found this unnatural and unethical to say but the least. We saw lots of hippos in their natural habitat from our boat and I believe that is how it should be.

PS:

Park entrance fee for Hell’s gate national park is Ksh. 300 for a Kenyan citizen and 26 USD for non-resident. The guiding fee for the gorge and rock climbing at Fischer’s tower is charged separately. This applies to the bicycles as well depending on where you hire them

Bike rides through hell’s gate national park

Egyptian goose

Nyahururu, Laikipia county

Did you know that Nyahururu is the highest town in Kenya? Sitting at 2,303M ASL, it offers great training grounds for athletes. The only tourist attraction here is Thompson’s falls, a 74 meter water fall on the Ewaso Ng’iro. As someone who has been there countless times, the view never gets old. You can hike down to the base of the fall for a better view.

PS:

This fall is a protected area under the Laikipia county Government Entrance fees are Ksh. 70 for a Kenyan and Ksh. 300 for foreigner

T-falls from the bottom

T-falls from the top

Nyahururu marked the end of this safari for me but the guys proceeded to the Aberdares for a 1 night camping trip. This safari opened my eyes to parts of Kenya I haven’t explored before, took me back to familiar places and gave me an opportunity to meet amazing people.

If you want a similar experience or a customized itinerary reach out to Proudly Laikipian Travels

Love and light,
Kuhi.