Lake Kamnarok game reserve

wildlife photo

Lake Kamnarok game reserve

Lake Kamnarok game reserve is a seasonal lake in Kenya, at the bottom of the Kerio Valley. The call originated from the Kalenjin phrase Narok, that’s used to consult a species of water plant that changed into broadly observed withinside the lake.

The lake occupies a place of about 1 km2 but being a seasonal lake, the scale can also additionally at instances be an awful lot smaller. It changed into in life earlier than 1961 however the flood rains of that 12 months brought about its enlargement. The flooding catastrophe noticed humans residing withinside the place being evacuated with a view to keep lives.

Lake Kamnarok national reserve

Animals

Animals that reside here include; Dik Dik, Bush Pigs, Waterbuck, Elephant, Buffalo, Warthog, and Rothschild’s Giraffe. There are also varieties of birds are also found in Lake Kamnarok National Reserve mainly the Grebe and Pelicans.

wildlife photo

Accommodation

Those touring the Lake Kamnarok National Reserve need to be conscious that there may be no accommodation. The reserve is located 262 Kms from Nairobi. Access to the Lake Kamnarok National Reserve is via way of means of street aleven though now no longer all that smooth. The reserve has savannah panorama and stunning mountains.

 

 

Karura Forest Travel Guide

Nature Walk in Karura forest

Karura Forest is a protected forest reserve located in the northern part of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. The forest covers an area of approximately 1,000 hectares and is one of the largest urban forests in the world and it is home to a wide variety of wildlife, as well as several attractions. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Nairobi, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s busy streets

Wildlife

Karura Forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife, both large and small. Here are some of the species of wildlife that visitors may encounter when exploring the forest:

  • Monkeys
  • Birds
  • Bushbucks
  • Butterflies
  • Snakes
  • Small mammals

Karura Forest Attractions and facts

Here are some of Attractions and key facts about Karura Forest:

  • Biodiversity: The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including over 200 bird species, butterflies, monkeys, bushbucks, and other small mammals.
  • Trails and Hiking: The forest has several hiking trails and nature walks that visitors can explore. Some of the popular trails include the Family Trail, the Waterfall Trail, and the Podo Trail. Visitors can also go on guided walks or rent bikes to explore the forest.
  • Waterfalls: The forest has several waterfalls, the largest being the Karura Waterfall, which is located on the Waterfall Trail.
  • History: The forest played an important role in Kenya’s political history, and parts of the forest were used as detention and torture camps during the colonial era. In recent years, the forest has been a symbol of environmental conservation and community activism.
  • Picnic Areas: The forest has several designated picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
  • Environmental Education: The forest has an environmental education center where visitors can learn about the ecology and conservation of the forest.

How to get there

The park is located in Nairobi, Kenya, and there are several ways to get there. Here are some options:

  1. By car/taxi: Visitors can take a taxi or drive to the forest. The forest is located about 10 km from the city center, and the drive takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  2. By public transport: Visitors can take a matatu (shared minibus taxi) to the forest. The closest matatu stage to Karura Forest is at the junction of Limuru Road and Peponi Road. From there, visitors can take a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) to the forest entrance.
  3. Walking/cycling: Visitors who are staying in the nearby neighborhoods can walk or cycle to the forest. The forest has several pedestrian and bike-friendly entrances, including one near the United Nations complex.

Haller Park- Mombasa Travel Guide.

Haller Park

Haller Park is a nature park located in Bamburi, Mombasa, Kenya. It was formerly a limestone quarry which was rehabilitated and transformed into a nature park by Dr. René Haller in 1971. The park covers an area of approximately 140 hectares and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including a large number of bird species, reptiles, mammals, and insects.

Haller Park
Haller Park

Haller Park Activities

Haller Park offers a range of activities for visitors which incudes;

In addition to its conservation efforts, the Park also engages in sustainable development initiatives which include as mangrove planting, and beekeeping. The park is an excellent example of how degraded ecosystems can be rehabilitated and transformed into thriving nature reserves. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature, wildlife, and sustainable development.

Wild Life

The park is known for its diverse wildlife. Some of the wildlife species you can find in the Park include:

Giraffes – The Park is home to several Rothschild’s giraffes, which are a subspecies of the giraffe found in East Africa.

Hippos – The park has several hippos living in its man-made lake.

Crocodiles – The Park is home to a large number of crocodiles, including Nile crocodiles and American crocodiles.

Haller Park crocodiles

Monkeys – Several species of monkeys. These include Sykes monkeys and vervet monkeys, can be found in the park.

Antelopes – There are several species of antelopes, including impalas, in the park.

Reptiles – The Park is also home to several other reptile species, including snakes and lizards.

Birds – The park is a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 160 species of birds living in the area.

Location

The Park is 2km from the center of Bamburi and the closest airport 13.3km (Mombasa Moi International Airport).

Best Time to visit

The Park in Mombasa-Kenya may be visited all year round. It opens from 8:00am to 5:00pm each day consisting of public holidays.

Educational tours

The Park offers educational tours and talks for both students and adults, designed to provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the park’s conservation efforts and the importance of environmental sustainability. The education tours and talks are conducted by knowledgeable park guides, and can be tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of the group.

The tours and talks covers topics, such as

  • Park history
  • The park’s rehabilitation process,
  • The flora and fauna found in the park,
  • Conservation efforts being undertaken to protect the natural resources.

Visitors can also learn about the sustainable development initiatives that the park is engaged in, and the mangrove planting and beekeeping projects.

Haller Park Entry Charges

As at September 2021, the entry charges were as follows:

  • Adult Kenyan Citizens: KES 500
  • Child Kenyan Citizens (3 to 12 years): KES 300
  • Adult Resident: KES 1,000
  • Child Resident (3 to 12 years): KES 600
  • Adult Non-Resident: USD 20
  • Child Non-Resident (3 to 12 years): USD 12

It’s worth noting that these prices are subject to change and it’s always a good idea to confirm the current prices before your visit.

  • Cuba Libre.
  • Splendid View Restaurant.
  • Steers Kenya Engen.
  • Palm City Restaurant.
  • Nyali Misono Japanese Restaurant.

Contacts

Carnivore Restaurant – Nairobi

Carnivore entrance

Carnivore Restaurant its located on the outskirts of Nairobi, on Langata Road, the world famous Carnivore. Known as the ultimate ‘Beast of a Feast’. Is a meat lover’s den serving a wide range of succulent meats charcoal grilled and cooked to your specifications wishes will cut table.

Carnivore’s main restaurant is ‘Simba Saloon‘. A lively casual à la carte restaurant with a children’s playground.

Carnivore Restaurant History

In 1999, the restaurant had a capacity of 350 people and the restaurant’s 330 employees served more than 1,000 people per day. The game, which includes giraffe, wildebeest, ostrich and crocodile, was raised at Hop craft Ranch, 40 kilometers (25 miles) outside of Nairobi.

With sale of bush meat being banned in Kenya in 2004. The restaurant is currently serving meat from domestic animals such as beef, pork, lamb and chicken, as well as farmed ostrich and crocodile meat.  

The meat is skewered on Maasai swords and cooked in Embers and served on cast iron plates. There is a vegetarian option. In 2003, it was ranked 47th in Restaurant Magazine’s list of the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

What to Know before you book

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
  • Infants should sit on an adult’s lap.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
  • Minimum drinking age is 18 years.
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Not recommended for child aged 3 and under.
  • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

Activities

Activity itinerary : A motive force will select out you up at about 6:00pm out of your Nairobi inn and tour simply three miles to the Carnivore Restaurant.

Upon your arrival, you can actually take your seat at the Zebra striped chair so the movable ceremonial dinner can begin. First comes the soup of the day, earlier than a scorching solid iron plate is located in the front of you, in conjunction with a plate of domestic baked brown bread and butter.

An navy of carvers carrying zebra striped aprons and straw hats then flow from desk to desk, wearing the Maasai swords encumbered with specific top meats intentionally carving limitless quantities onto the scorching, solid iron plates in the front you.

Meats consist of leg of pork, ostrich, leg of lamb, beef spare ribs, crocodile, hen wings, beef sausages, pork sausages, and more.

Accompanying the beef ceremonial dinner is a big choice of salads and vegetable facet dishes, and additionally a number of sauces stacked directly to a 2-tiered revolving tray withinside the Centre of the desk.

Stop the circulate of meats for your desk via way of means of reducing the white paper flag this is on pinnacle of the crucial tray. Next, experience dessert and espresso to pinnacle off your meal. The motive force will go back you for your Hotel on the cease of your meal.

Inclusions

  • Buffet dinner
  • Light refreshments
  • Bottled water
  • Driver/guide
  • Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Tour Guide to a Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara

Masai Mara national reserve, also known as the Maasai Mara or simply the Mara, is a wildlife reserve located in southwestern Kenya. It is named after the Maasai people who inhabit the area and the Mara River that runs through it.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is famous for its abundance of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (African elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, and black rhinoceros), as well as other species such as cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and many types of antelopes.

How to access Masai Mara

Mara National Reserve has five entry gates that visitors can use to access the reserve. The number of gates can vary depending on the source.

  • Sekenani Gate: This is the main entry gate to the Masai Mara National Reserve and is located on the eastern side of the reserve, about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the town of Sekenani.
  • Talek Gate: This gate is located on the eastern side of the reserve, about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the town of Talek.
  • Oloololo Gate: This gate is located on the western side of the reserve and is used mainly by visitors staying in the conservancies on that side of the reserve.
  • Musiara Gate: This gate is located on the northern side of the reserve and is used mainly by visitors staying in the conservancies on that side of the reserve.
  • Sand River Gate: This gate is located on the southern side of the Masai Mara National Reserve and is used mainly by visitors staying in the camps and lodges in that area.

Conservancies within Masai mara

There are also several conservancies in the area that offer visitors a different safari experience. Some of the popular conservancies in the Masai Mara area include:

Mara Naboisho Conservancy

This conservancy is known for its high concentration of wildlife and offers visitors a more exclusive and intimate safari experience. Visitors can go on guided walks, night drives, and cultural tours.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy

This conservancy is home to a large population of lions and offers visitors a chance to see these majestic animals up close. Aditionally Visitors can also go on guided walks, night drives, and cultural tours.

Ol Kinyei Conservancy

This conservancy is known for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Visitors can go on game drives, guided walks, and cultural tours.

Mara North Conservancy

This conservancy is located on the northern edge of the Masai Mara and offers visitors a chance to see rare and endangered species such as the African wild dog. For instance visitors can also go on game drives, guided walks, and cultural tours.

Tourists attractions

There are many tourist attractions in Masai Mara that visitors can enjoy. Some of the popular attractions include:

Game drives

The reserve is famous for its abundant wildlife, therefore visitors can go on game drives to see animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, and many more.

Hot air balloon safaris

Similary this is a popular activity where visitors can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Masai Mara while floating in a hot air balloon. This is often followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.

Great Migration

Witnessing the Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti in Tanzania in search of fresh grazing lands.

Maasai villages

Visitors can visit Maasai villages to learn more about the Maasai people and their way of life. This is often followed by cultural performances and demonstrations.

Mara River

The Mara River runs through the Masai Mara and is an important water source for many animals. Visitors can go on boat rides and fishing trips along the river.

Bird watching

It is home to over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers.

Photography

The Masai Mara is a photographer’s dream, with stunning landscapes and wildlife. Visitors can go on photography safaris to capture the beauty of the reserve.

Park entry fees

The entry fees vary depending on the nationality of the visitor and the duration of their stay. The fees were as follows:

  • Citizens of East African Community (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi) – KES 1,200 per person per day
  • Residents of Kenya – KES 1,200 per person per day
  • Non-residents – USD 80 per person per day

There are also additional fees for vehicles, cameras, and other equipment.

  • Motor vehicle fee is KES 3,000 per day for non-residents
  • and KES 1,000 per day for residents and citizens of the East African Community.
  • Professional camera fee is USD 50 per day for non-residents
  • and USD 20 per day for residents and citizens of the East African Community.

Best time to visit Masai Mara

High season from mid-June to October.In addition there are millions of wildebeest in the Mara, it also attracts many tourists.

How to get to Masai Mara

By road

One of the most common way to get there is by road, either by private car or shuttle. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, depending on the route and the mode of transport.

By air

There are several airstrips in and around the reserve , making it possible to fly into the reserve from Nairobi or other locations in Kenya. Some of the airlines that operate flights to Masai Mara include Safarilink, Air Kenya, and Fly540. The flight time is usually about 1 hour, depending on the departure point.