9 DAYS SAMBURU / NAKURU / BARINGO-BOGORIA / MAASAI MARA & AMBOSELI

These Kenyan destinations offer a diverse range of wildlife encounters and landscapes, each with its unique charm:

Samburu National Reserve: Located north of the equator, Samburu is a more arid and rugged landscape characterized by the Ewaso Ng’iro River. It’s famous for its unique “Samburu Special Five”: the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx, which are not commonly found in other Kenyan parks. The reserve also boasts a healthy population of elephants, lions, leopards, and diverse birdlife. The Samburu people, with their vibrant culture, also call this region home.

Lake Nakuru National Park: Situated in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is renowned for its alkaline lake that once attracted vast flocks of pink flamingos, often numbering in the millions. While flamingo numbers fluctuate with water conditions, the park remains a significant birding destination with over 450 species. It’s also a vital sanctuary for both black and white rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes. The surrounding landscape includes acacia woodlands and grassy plains, home to lions, leopards, waterbucks, and baboons.

Baringo-Bogoria: This area showcases two distinct alkaline lakes in the Rift Valley. Lake Baringo is freshwater and supports diverse birdlife, including fish eagles and various waterbirds, as well as hippos and crocodiles. The surrounding land is home to the Njemps people and offers cultural experiences. South of Baringo lies Lake Bogoria, famous for its numerous hot springs and geysers along its shores, creating a dramatic landscape. It also attracts large numbers of lesser flamingos. The area is inhabited by the Tugen and Jemps pastoralists.

Maasai Mara National Reserve: Perhaps Kenya’s most famous wildlife destination, the Maasai Mara is an extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti. It’s renowned for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores traverse the plains in search of grazing. The Mara is also home to a high concentration of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and numerous other predators and plains game. The Maasai people, with their traditional way of life, are an integral part of the region. The vast, open savannah dotted with acacia trees is iconic African scenery.

Amboseli National Park: Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountain as a backdrop to its wildlife. The park is particularly famous for its large herds of elephants, often seen against the majestic Kilimanjaro. Amboseli’s landscape features open plains, acacia woodlands, swamps, and marshlands, attracting a variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and diverse birdlife. The Maasai community also has a strong presence in this area, and cultural encounters are common. The “salty dust” plains give the park its name and a unique atmosphere.