Wildlife Parks in Kenya
This is where i viewed the animals and did my photography
26.07.2011
Lake Bogoria Game Reserve
General Information:
Size: 127 sq Kms
Gazetted as a National park:
Province: Rift Valley, Baringo District
Geographical Location: Adjacent to Lake Bogoria, North of Nairobi
Altitude: 1,000 - 1,600 meters above sea level
Distance from Nairobi: 130 Kms
Details
Most of the reserve is occupied by Lake Bogoria which is a spectacular sight, reflecting searing blue skies and the rose pink of flamingo. It has significant ornithological interest with 135 species of birds recorded.
[u]How to get there:
There are three gates to the reserve, all of them accessible from by-roads off the B4 main road leading to Baringo. The main gate is Loboi Gate, at the lake's north end. The detour eastward from the B4 is 4 km south of Marigat. A paved road, the E461, heads for Loboi and the gate after a 21 km stretch.
The two remaining gates are southward, taking the east turn off B4 at Mogotio, 59 km south of Marigat. This road covers some 20 km up to Mugurin. One kilometer ahead, the road splits into two. The left track heads on for some 20 km until a right turn-off which leads you to Maji Moto Gate, close to the hot springs. On the other hand, the track at the right, badly damaged and quite steep at some stretches, covers 14 km before reaching Emsos Gate, the southernmost gate, at the reserve's forest area
Vegetation:
Mainly thorny bushland and thicket merging into wooded grasslands. Dense riverine forests of doum and raffia palm occur along watercourses, with various sedges in riverine swamps.
Fauna:
It has significant ornithological interest with 135 species of birds recorded. Like Bogoria, the alkaline lake waters grow blue-green algae which seasonally attract thousands of flamingos.
Where to stay/Accommodation:
There is one lodge –Lake Bogoria Spa Resort, three public campsites near Emos Gate: Acacia Campsite, River Campsite & Fig Tree Campsite, one professional campsite and one picnic site: Loburu Picnic Site at the ge
Saiwa Swamp National Park
The park is located at 385km from Nairobi and 27 km from Kitale town in Trans-Nzoia District of Rift Valley Province. The park ecosystem comprises of forest and swamp vegetation. The swamp is dominated by tall bull-rushes and sedges and is bordered by open grasslands and riverine forests.
The park was established to protect the endangered Sitatunga, a semi-aquatic antelope. Other wildlife species commonly found in the swamp include the Otter, Genet cat, Serval cat, mongoose, bushbuck and monkeys. The ecosystem is also rich in birdlife, harbouring about 372 species.
ACCESS
• By Road: 22km from Kitale on the Kitale-Kapenguria tarmac road. At Kipsaina junction, a 5 km murram road leads to the only park entrance, Sinyerere gate.
• By Air: Served by Kitale airstrip, 22km away from the park.
PARK GATES
• Sinyerere gate
SIZE / LOCATION
• 2.9 Km2.
• Trans Nzoia District, Rift Valley Province
CLIMATE
• Typical of African wetland habitats, the wet and dry climate
• ranges from warm to cool and humid.
• Rainfall peaks around April, August and November to
• deliver an annual average of 1,250mm.
SMARTCARD REQUIRED?
Entry is by Cash only. Cash Receipts can be bought Saiwa Swamp Main Gate or from the KWS Hqs Cash Office. Proof of identification will be required
• Citizens – Valid Passport or National ID
• Residents – Valid Passport & re entry pass
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
• The endangered Sitatunga Antelope
• Bird watching
• Nature board walk & tree top house
WILDLIFE
• Includes Sitatunga, monkey, otter, genet cat, serval cat,
• Mongoose, bushbuck and ratel.
WHERE TO STAY
• In Park Accommodation
• KWS Self – Catering Accommodation:
• Tree Top House: Accommodates 2 people
• Camping Facilities
o One serviced campsite available at the main gate.
o Other campsites and accommodation are available at the nearby Sirikwa Tented Camp.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
• Game viewing
• Camping
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
• Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks
Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve is the largest stretch of coastal dry forest remaining in Eastern Africa.It is second in africa in birdlife conservation from Congo . The ecosystem comprises of three forest types, Mixed forest, Brachystegia Woodland and Cynometra, each containing different rare species of Birds, Mammals, Butterflies, and Plants. There are 270 birds, 261 butterflies, 79 amphibians , 52 mammals and 600 plants species . The Clarke's Weaver is completely endemic to the forest, while the Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, east coast akalat, Amani Sunbird and Spotted Ground Thrush are only found in the park and a few in Tanzania. 3 mammals which are endemic species :- Aders duiker, Sokoke Bush Tailed Mongoose, and Golden rumped elephant shrew.
ACCESS:
It is located 110km north of Mombasa 45km from Kilifi and 20 km south of malindii, you can get there by road, from Mombasa town or by plane through Malindi. Access through Mombasa tarmac road.
• Access through Malindi.
• By Air: Malindi and Mombasa Airports.
SIZE / LOCATION:
• it covers 420sq km
• It lies a few kilometers inland, between the towns of Kilifi and Malindi, you can get there by road, which is 110 Kms from mombasa town or by plane through Malindi or Mombasa airports.
CLIMATE:
• Average annual rainfall ranges from 900mm in the dry and scrubby northwest to 1100mm in the east.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS:
• Endemic Bird species, Butterflies, Remnant coastal forest.
• It is the largest existing fragment of the tropical forests along the East African coast and it shelters endemic/endangered birds, insects, butterflies and mammal species.
• It is also an important monument as remnants of the coastal tropical forests.
• A couple of reptile species (in addition to other species living here e.g. butterflies, Beetles) are found here among them Boomslang, Green Mamba, Rock Python, Forest Cobra, Sand Lizard and Day Geullo.
• It is a great reserve for birdwatching and among the bird species includes Sokoke Pipit, Amani Sunbird,Fischers Turaco, Clarkes weaver, Golden Woodpecker and many others
• Seasonal pools, Tree plat form, Nyari view point and Nature trails.
• Three distinct forest habitat
WILDLIFE:
• Golden-rumped Elephant-shrew, Sokoke bushy-tailed Mongoose, Ader’s Duiker, waterbuck, Bushbuck, African Civet, Blotched Genet, Caracal, syke’s monkeys, several bird species.
• Prolific birdlife features 230 species.
WHERE TO STAY:
• There is Currently no accommodation in the reserve. There are lots of accommodation facilities along this coast to suit all budget levels
• Jamii Villas, Kitsapu Cottage boardering the forest along mombasa malindi high way.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS:
• Bird Watching
• Butterfly watching
• General walk
• Game drives
• Camping
• Cycling
• Running
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU:
• Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscream, sunglasses, Note book, guidebooks and local tour guide.
Chyulu Hills National Park
Hemingway’s ‘Green Hills of Africa’
A magical land of black frozen lava studded with blazing red-hot poker trees: of shoals of extinct volcanoes wreathed in dense forest abs hung with Spanish moss, the Chyulu hills coil a sleeping dragon on the lion-gold plains of his treasure. The pink haloed peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rises to the west and all around stretch the mirage miles of Maasai land, dusty, dry and stalked by scarlet cloaked herders and dust plumed cattle.
The Park comprises the eastern flanks of Chyulu Hills including about half the forest area. The park boundary runs down the centre of the hills along the lines of the peaks. The remaining western portion of the hills is part of the west Chyulu Game Conservation Area and owned by several Maasai Group ranches
ACCESS
• Roads: By road from Kibwezi: turn right off the Mombasa Road (coming from Nairobi) at Kibwezi, onto a sign posted road that leads after 9 Kms to Kithasyo Gate and Park HQ. By road from Tsavo West: It is possible to enter the park from Tsavo West
• By Air: The Park has two airstrips
PARK GATES:
• Main Gate
• Mukururo
• Kiboko
SIZE
• Approximately 741 sq.km
LOCATION
• The park is in Kibwezi District, Eastern Province
CLIMATE
• Temperature ranges from 20-30 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm
• Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December
• The altitude 1500 - 2160 meters above sea level
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
• Breathtaking views from the chyllu Hills,cave exploration,one camp site next to park headquaters
• Reptiles:Black Mamba, Puff Adder, Rock Python, Gecko, Tortoise, Lizard
• Insects/arthropods:Dung Beetles, Butterflies, Tsetse fly
• Common Animals:Buffalo; Bushbuck; Eland; Elephant, Leopard; giant forest hog ,bush Pig; reedbuck, mountain; Steinbok
WHERE TO STAY:
• While there is no accommodation within the park numerous accommodation options exist in nearby Tsavo West National Park and in ungazetted portion of the Chyulu Hills
• Camping: The park has three public campsites. The campsite at Kithasyo Park offers basic amenities. There is also a KWS campsite outside the park boundaries near the guest house at Kiboko
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
• Game viewing
• Camping
• Mountain Hiking
• Horse Riding
• Bird Watching
BEST TIME TO VISIT
• All year round
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
• Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks
Open: Daily 6.00 am -7.00 pm including public holidays. No entry is allowed on foot and visitors will not be allowed entry after 6.15pm
Kakamega Forest National Reserve
"
Canopy of Natural Beauty"
The Kakamega Forest National Reserve is situated in the Lake Victoria basin, about 50km north of Kisumu city. Being the only remnant in Kenya of the unique Guineo-Congolian forest ecosystem, the park offers unique wildlife and scenic beauty. For bird and butterfly watchers, this is the place to visit. The forest is home to over 400 species of butterflies, about 300 bird species and 27 species of snakes. The park also supports more than 350 species of trees and 7 primate species including the endangered DeBrazza monkey, black and white colobus monkey and vervet monkey. The Potto (the world's slowest mammal on earth), duikers and Dik diks are also found in Kakamega Forest National Reserve.
ACCESS
• By Road: The reserve is 415km away from Nairobi via Nakuru and Kapsabet towns.
• By Air: There are no scheduled flights to Kakamega and visitors have to fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and connect to Kakamega by road.
SIZE / LOCATION
• 44 Km2.
• Western Province
CLIMATE
• Temperature ranges from 20-30 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm
• Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December
SMARTCARD REQUIRED?
Entry is by Cash only. Cash Receipts can be bought at the Kakamega Forest National Reserve main gate or KWS Hqs Nairobi Cash office. Proof of identification will be required.
• Citizens – Valid Passport or National ID
• Residents – Valid Passport & re entry pass
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
• Birdwatching: Over 300 bird species,
• Butterfly watching: over 400 species of butterflies
• Massive Trees, Scenic Spots and Waterfalls: Over 350 species of trees, the forest holds mostly indigenous vegetation.
• Snakes: 27 species of snakes, ,
• Primates Watching: Home to Debrazza monkey and other primates.
WILDLIFE
• Wildlife: Bush Pig, Duikers, Bushbuck, Clawless Otter, Mongoose, Giant Water Shrew, Squirrels, Tree Pangolin, Porcupine, Bats and Primates.
• Birds: 330 species of which some are found nowhere else in the country. The common one being the Blue turaco.
WHERE TO STAY
• KWS Self – Catering Accommodation:
o Udo Bandas can accommodate upto 14 pax
o Isukuti Guest House
• Camping Facilities
o Various Campsites located in the Park
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
• Forest Walking
• Camping
• Hiking
• Primate Watching
• Bird and Butterfly Watching
• Game watching
• Self-Guided nature walks
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
• Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks
Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
The Sanctuary, grassland and woodlands ecosystem is located about 3km from Kisumu city. The ecosystem hosts leopards, hyena, olive baboons and vervet monkeys. It also provides grazing lands for Hippos, habitat for numerous small mammals including the threatened Sitatunga, and supports a variety of reptiles and birds species.
ACCESS
• Roads: Kisumu is located 355 Km North of Nairobi, the sanctuary is 3 km from Kisumu near Hippo Point.
• Air: The Flight from Nairobi takes around one hour to kisumu and there are regular scheduled flights.
• Water: Kisumu is linked by ferry with Kendu Bay, homa Bay and Mbita
Ndere Island
• Ndere Island: 355 km from Nairobi. You connect by boat to the Island.
• Ndere Island: the papyrus swamps around Lake Victoria contain a unique selection of water birds.
SIZE / LOCATION
• Kisumu Impala: Less than 1 sq. km
• Ndere Island: 4.2 sqkm.
CLIMATE
• Hot and humid
SMARTCARD REQUIRED?
• Entry is by Cash only. Proof of identification will be required.
o Citizens – Valid Passport or National ID
o Residents – Valid Passport & re entry pass
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
WILDLIFE
• over 115 species have been recorded
• impala, leopard, hyena, jackal, ostrich and vervet monkey
NDERE ISLAND
• Wildlife includes; impala, hippo, baboon, vervet monkey, sitatunga antelope, crocodile, monitor lizard and a variety of snakes
WHERE TO STAY
• Kisumu Impala: No inpark accommodation. Visitors can stay in Kisumu town which offers plenty of accommodation options
• Ndere Island: There is no accommodation on Ndere Island but there are many places to stay on the mainland in Kisumu
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
• Game viewing
• Picnicking
• Lake Victoria Viewing
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
• Drinking water and picnic items. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks
MALINDI MARINE PARK
Malindi Marine Park and Reserve lie between Lat. 3o and 4o south, about 118 km from Mombasa town. It is located to the south of Malindi town. The marine park is endowed with magnificent resources such as fringing reefs, coral gardens in the lagoons, sea grass beds, mangroves, mudflats, and high fish diversity, marine mammals (e.g. dolphins), turtles and various species of shorebirds.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
• Snorkeling at coral gardens
• Sunbathing
• Recreational activities that are enviromentally friendly
• Conferencing: A resource centre with audio visual equipment with a capacity of 50 and a library
• Glass bottom boat rides
• Picnicking and barbeque in the magical islands
• Boat Excursion rides • Sea Bird watching
• An education/informational centre with audio visual equipment
• Diving
• Nature walk along the beach
• Trips to Manyugu, a tidal Island, where you can have fresh food
• Visits to the coral gardens to see tropical fish in their habitats
• Swimming in the warm ocean water
...................................................................................................................
Facts about Malindi Marine Park
Malindi Marine Park and Reserve lie between Lat. 3o and 4o south, about 118 km from Mombasa town. It is located to the south of Malindi town. The marine park is endowed with magnificent resources such as fringing reefs, coral gardens in the lagoons, sea grass beds, mangroves, mudflats, and high fish diversity, marine mammals (e.g. dolphins), turtles and various species of shorebirds.
ACCESS
• By Road: Malindi Marine National Park is situated on Kenya’s magnificent Indian Ocean coastline, Malindi town, some 110 km North of Mombasa
• By Air: Malindi Airport is your arrival point
LOCATION
• South Eastern Kenya
CLIMATE
• Tempepature ranges from 20-300 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm
• Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December
SAFARI CARD REQUIRED?
• Smart card required: at present the park does not operate on smart card system. Entry is by cash only (KSH or US$).
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
• Footwear, e.g. sandals or flip flops (to protect your feet from the reef)
• T-shirts (to protect your body from sunburn)
• Snorkel, mask, fins, all of which are available for hire
• Camera, hat, sunscreen, insect repellant
• Guide books
• Plenty of drinking of water
• A friend(s)
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
• Fishes
• Magical Island
• Clean oceanic beach & warm water
• Sea turtles
• Inverterbrates
• Benthic cover
• Corals
• Dolphins
MARINE LIFE
• Prolific marine life includes crabs, corals, sea urchins, jellyfish, sea stars, and sea cucumbers. Different varieties of coral species comprise of Acropora), Turbinaria and Porites
WHERE TO STAY
• There is currently no accommodation in the reserve. Visitors can stay in Malindi town which offers various accommodation options. There are lots of luxurious, comfortable and culturally rich hotels and lodges to choose from in close proximity to the Park.
• Camping Facilities
o Campsite has cool shade of indigenous trees which provides scenic and serene environment with a marked nature trail. Your stay here will bring back memories of unspoiled splendor because nature is precisely as it was intended to be. Equipped with 2 erected barbeque and cooking area, working security lights, 2 flush toilets, 2 pit latrines, 5 showers.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
• Swimming in the warm ocean water
• Boat Excursion rides
• Visits to the coral gardens to see tropical fish in their habitats
• Picnicking and barbeque in the magical islands
• Trips to Manyugu, a tidal Island, where you can have fresh food
• Glass bottom boat rides
• Conferencing: A resource centre with audio visual equipment with a capacity of 50 and a library
• An education/informational centre with audio visual equipment
• Sea bird watching
• Nature walk along the beach
• Sun bathing
• Snorkeling at coral gardens
• Diving
Nairobi National Pak
"The World’s only wildlife capital"
Nairobi National Park is a unique ecosystem by being the only protected area in the world close to a capital city. The park is located only 7 km from Nairobi city centre. The savannah ecosystem comprise of different vegetation types. Open grass plains with scattered acacia bush are predominant. The western side has a highland dry forest and a permanent river with a riverine forest. To the south are the Athi-Kapiti Plains and Kitengela migration corridor which are important wildlife dispersal areas during the rain season. Man-made dams within the park have added a further habitat, favourable to certain species of birds and other aquatic biome.Major wildlife attractions are the Black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, buffaloes, Giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, elands and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. Other attractions include the Ivory burning site Monument, Nairobi Safari Walk, the Orphanage and the walking trails at hippo pools.
ACCESS
• By Road: Distance: 10km South of Nairobi City Center
• By Air: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airports
PARK GATES
The park has 7 gates. 2 gates being for KWS service use only. The gates are:-
• Main gate: KWS headquarters Langata road
• Cheetah Gate
• Langata Gate
• Maasai Gate
• Mbagathi Gate(service gate)
• Banda Gate(service gate)
SIZE / LOCATION
• 117 Km2
• Nairobi Province
CLIMATE
• January-March is hot and dry, April-June is hot and wet, and July-October is very warm and wet.
SAFARICARD REQUIRED?
Entry is by Safari Card only. Safaricards may be obtained and loaded at main gate, Nairobi National Park. Proof of identification will be required.
• Citizens – Valid Passport or National ID
• Residents – Valid Passport & re entry pass
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
• The only Wildlife park in the world that is so close to the city
• Black rhinoceros :which is an endangered species
• The first park to be gazetted in Kenya on December 16, 1946
• Major rhino sanctuary for breeding and restocking other parks
Picnic Facilities
For corporate events, bush dinners, weddings, picnics, team building sessions, video and film production
• Mokoyiet,
• King Fisher
• historic ivory burning site
• Impala
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
• Game viewing
• Corporate Events such as Bush Dinners, Team Building, Video and Film Production.
• Special Events such as Weddings.
• Three-star Rangers Restaurant where patrons relax for meals while overlooking the park.
• Perfect outing place for families, couples, friends, bonding, game viewing, family get-togethers
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
• Drinking water, picnic items. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a guidebook
• Diverse birdlife:Has over 400 bird species. At least 20 of which are seasonal European migrants.
• Home to over 100 mammal species, four of the Big Five (lion, Buffalo, leopard and rhino)
• Has a spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration
Attractions
• Large predators- lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah.
• Aggregations of large herbivores- eland, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest
• Ivory Burning Site Monument
• Walking trails at hippo pools
• Nairobi Safari Walk & the Orphanage.
• Spacious accommodating picnic sites
WILDLIFE
• Animals include buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, baboon, zebra, wildebeest and cheetah---100 mammal species.
• 400 migratory and endemic bird species.
WHERE TO STAY
In - Park Accommodation
• No in-park accommodation. Plenty of accommodation to choose from in the city of Nairobi.
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