What to Prepare When Travelling to Kenya

Kenya travel highlights

Kenya, a country located in East Africa, is known for its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant culture. Here are some of the top highlights of traveling to Kenya:

Kenya’s incredible wildlife, including the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), is well-known. Visitors can go on safari drives through national parks such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo.
Beaches: Kenya has some beautiful beaches along its coast, including Diani Beach and Watamu Beach. Visitors can enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
The Maasai people, who are an indigenous tribe in Kenya, actively maintain their distinctive dress, traditional music, and dance as part of their culture. Visitors can visit Maasai villages to learn more about their way of life.
Mount Kenya: Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest peak in Africa. Visitors can go on guided hikes to explore the mountain’s scenic trails and take in breathtaking views.
Lake Victoria: Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. Visitors can take boat tours to explore its islands and fishing villages.
Nairobi: Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant culture and history. Visitors can explore its museums, markets, and restaurants.
Giraffe Centre: The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is a conservation center for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Visitors can interact with the giraffes and learn about conservation efforts.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Visitors can experience the Maasai Mara from a different perspective by taking a hot air balloon ride over the savannah.
The unique Swahili architecture and culture of Lamu Island have earned it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore its narrow streets, mosques, and markets.
Bird Watching: Kenya is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 1,100 species of birds. Visitors can go on bird watching safaris in national parks and reserves such as Lake Nakuru and Samburu.

Kenya Travel Tips

Visa and Passport: You will need a valid passport and a visa to enter Kenya. You can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport or apply for one beforehand online. Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
Health: Make sure to check with your doctor about any vaccinations you may need before traveling to Kenya. Malaria is also prevalent in many areas, so consider taking prophylaxis medication and using mosquito repellent.
Safety: Kenya is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions like avoiding unlit and deserted areas at night, and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
Transportation: Matatus (minibuses) are the most common mode of public transportation in Kenya, but they can be overcrowded and unsafe. Taxis are widely available in major cities, and you can also hire a driver or take a private car. Domestic flights are also a popular option for getting around Kenya.
Accommodation: Kenya has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to budget hostels. When booking accommodation, make sure to research the area and read reviews before booking.
Food and Drink: Kenyan cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with influences from Indian, Middle Eastern, and African cuisine. Some popular dishes include ugali (a cornmeal porridge), samosas, and nyama choma (grilled meat). Make sure to drink bottled water and avoid street food that may not be properly cooked or stored.
Wildlife: Kenya is known for its wildlife, and going on a safari is a popular activity for tourists. When viewing wildlife, always listen to your guide and keep a safe distance from animals.
Cultural Etiquette: Kenyan culture is diverse and rich, with many different tribes and languages. When visiting local communities, it’s important to respect their customs and traditions. Dress modestly, ask permission before taking photos, and learn a few words in Swahili to show your respect.

Kora National Park- Kenya

August 30, 2022 March 30, 2023
Sabina Kamene
Birds List, Mammals List, National Parks, Nature & Bush Walks, What to Pack, When to Visit, Wildlife Safaris
Kenya, Kora National Park, Tours and Safaris, Wildlife

About Kora National Park

Kora National Park is the previous domestic of famed wildlife conservationist, George Adamson, or ‘baba ya Simba’ (Father of Lions). It turned into right here that the lion Elsa, of Born Free fame, lived.

The former reserve had several issues with poachers withinside the 1880s and 1990s . George Adamson turned into murdered via way of means of poachers right here in 1989.

There are plans for growing a lion sanctuary at Kora. Until then, the principle enchantment is its pristine, untouched wilderness, which may be explored via way of means of any self-enough adventurer.

Animals

There is a huge style of animal species withinside the park, such as the caracal, Tanzanian cheetah. African bush elephant, genet, hippopotamus, noticed and striped hyenas. African leopard, lion, serval, wildcat and numerous sorts of antelope. The plants withinside the park is basically acacia.

Best Time to Visit

Kora may be visited at some stage in the year, however the roads can come to be very tough to navigate withinside the Wet season. The grass could be very lengthy withinside the Wet season too, making animals greater tough to spot. The first-class time for traveling is withinside the Dry season from June to September.

Nairobi National Park Travel Guide.

August 22, 2022 March 30, 2023
Sabina Kamene
Getting There, Hiring Safari Vehicle in Kenya, National Parks, Security & Safety in Kenya, When to Visit
Kenya, KWS, Nairobi National Park, Orphanage, Wildlife

About Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is a national park located in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. It was established in 1946 and covers an area of about 117 square kilometers. The park is also unique in that it is the only national park located within a city’s boundaries, hence making it a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.

The Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and many species of birds. Visitors to the park can enjoy game drives, guided nature walks, and picnic sites. There are also several well-maintained walking trails throughout the park, which allow visitors to explore the park on foot.

Attractions

Animal Orphanage

The Nairobi Animal Orphanage is a facility dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of orphaned and injured animals. It was established in 1964 by the Kenyan government and is now managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

The orphanage provides a home for a variety of wildlife species.These include lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, monkeys, baboons, ostriches, and several bird species. These animals are often victims of human-wildlife conflicts, poaching, or other forms of human interference.

Birds

The Park is a haven birding safari destination in Kenya, where the park has over 500 bird species recorded, of which 20 are seasonal European migrants. Many bird species includes Abyssinian thrush, Corncrakes, Fischer’s lovebirds, Grey crowned crane, White-bellied bustard, White-headed vulture and many others.

Nairobi National park Wildlife

Nairobi National Park is home to 100 species of mammals including 39 lions and 90 rhinos, 40 different amphibians and reptiles. It has spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration, major predators in the park include lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah.

Hippo Polls Walking Trails

Hiking trails in Nairobi National Park start at a picnic area and follow the banks of the Athi River. The route is patrolled by rangers from the Kenya Wildlife Service . Concentrations of large herbivorous antelope, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest can be found in the Park. Ivory Burning Site Monument Hippo Walking Trails Nairobi Safari Walk and Orphanage.

Black Rhinos

The park is home to 50 endangered black rhinos, the densest population in the world. The park is also convenient and virtually guaranteed opportunity to spot eastern black rhinos, because only 700 remain after being decimated by poaching.

Kifaru Ark

Kifaru means Rhino in Swahili, it is one of the most successful rhino reserves in Kenya. The Ark purpose is to combat poaching in the park, and it is one of the few parks.

Nairobi National Park Entry Fees

Best time to visit

The best times to the Park are the dry months of July to October and January and February.

July has the lowest rainfall of any month of the year. Along with July, August is the driest month in Nairobi.

Leopard relaxing on a tree

How to get there

Nairobi National Park is 9 km south of Nairobi and usually visited as a half or full day trip from a hotel in the city.

International flights land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15 km southeast of Nairobi.

Accommodations

The Park is located just a few kilometers outside of Nairobi’s central business district, plenty of accommodation options available in the city. Some of the nearby areas you might consider include Langata, Karen, and Mbagathi, which all have a range of lodges, hotels, and guesthouses available.

Some of the accommodation options close to the park include:

Nairobi Tented Camp –

Located just a few minutes’ drive from the park’s main gate and offers luxury tented accommodation with en suite bathrooms, hot showers, and flush toilets.

Ololo Safari Lodge –

Located in a private game reserve adjacent to the park and offers luxurious accommodation in thatched-roof cottages, each with its own private veranda and outdoor shower.

Emakoko –

Located on the banks of the Mbagathi River, just a short distance from the park’s main gate, and offers stylish and comfortable rooms with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

The Boma Hotel –

This hotel is located in the Langata area, just a short drive from the park’s main gate. The Hotel offers comfortable spacious rooms, and well a range of amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurant, and fitness center.