| Of the national parks we visited in Kenya Samburu was one of our favorites. The park is located in a more arid region and is bisected by a river that attracts and sustains a wide variety of animals. This park is particularly well known for the mammals that are associated with the more arid northeast of Kenya: Grevy Zebra's, Reticulated Giraffes, Gerenuks, Beisa Oryx, and Dik-Diks. In addition, these animals attract also a lot of carnivores like leopards, lions and cheetahs. The park is also well known for its large herds of elephants. Birdlife is very prolific as well with beautiful golden-breasted starlings and Somali ostriches as fine examples. So taken together: don't miss this park! |
| This 'Island' of tropical rainforest in Western Kenya is the last remaining patch of forest that once belonged to the central african forest 'belt' that also covered Southern Uganda and part of Kenya. It's the last and most eastern stronghold of many forest associated animals that are now only found in central african rainforests. For instance, Red-tailed monkey, De Brazza Monkeys and Pottos can be found only here in Kenya. Also typical rainforest bird species can be found in this forest, like the blue-headed bee-eater. Park rangers provide tours along tracks that run through the primary rain forest and can explain a lot about the plants and animals thriving in this park. Unfortunately, since this the area is also one of the most densily populated regions of Kenya, there's a lot of human pressure on this park, and no one knows how long it will last. |
| Kisumu is the third largest town of Kenya and lies of the shores of Lake Victoria. We passed through this very lively toen with many markets and lots of street life. The bicycle taxi's are with soft seats at the backare a local specialty. |
| As the capital of Kenya, Nairobi is the biggest city of the country. We actually only passed it on the way from the north to the airport. Unfortunately, Nairobi is mainly known for its crime, hence it's nickname 'Nairobbery'.To what extent that is really true I don't know, but if you don't have to just don;t try your luck, since there is not much to see anyway. |
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© Bart Everts
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| Physical activities: eg Walking / Rafting / swimming Nature: eg National Park / Reserve City / Cultural site |
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| Lake Bogoria is one of the chain of rift valley lakes that run right through the middle of Kenya. This lake is particularly known for its pink inhabitants: the lesser flamngo that gather here in their thousands. With the rift valley escarpment as a backdrop the pink-colored lake is a magnificant sight. In addition, there are several geisers and hot spring along the lake that are worth a visit. There are good chances to encounter the Bright's Gazelle, a pale subspieces of the Grant's Gazelle as well as Lesser Kudu. |
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| This town in the arid north of Kenya is not particularly interesting to visit, if it were not for the Samburu tribes that live in surrounding hills. Just like the more famous Masai their prime occupation is herding cattle, although they are less nomadic. We visited one of their villages where the younger people acually spoke some english. This made our visit mor interactive and felt less intrusive and touristy than expected. Of course they performed a couple of nice dances as well in beautiful traditional cloths. Furthermore we visited a school for disabled kids (blind and or deaf), which a rarity in Kenya. These kind of initiatives are very welcome, because disabled children are generally regarded as punishments of god and and as such are often neglected. |
| Just north of Lake Bogoria lies Lake Baringo. This Lake and its surroundings are a birders paradise: it holds the world record of identification of most bird species in 24 hours which is more than 400! The lake and its shores are home to many weavers, jacana's and herons, while the more rocky surroundings support several species of barbets, coursers, nightjars and starlings as well as many others. Pitching your tent on the shores of the Lake are an exciting experience given that Hippo's come to to graze amidst your tents during the night. A boattrip on the Lake during sunset should not be missed. |
