Kenya is not only home to some of the most amazing National Parks in the world, but also to some of the most breathtaking mountainous and lake-rich landscapes. It is the wonderful mixture of beautiful scenery and vibrant wildlife that attracts over a hundred thousand tourists who flock to Kenya annually.

Many people choose to visit the more expensive parks as they believe they will not be able to spot much wildlife at the cheaper parks. This may be true in terms of spotting large predators in numbers, but the cheaper parks are also inhabited by some wildlife that may not be spotted in the more expensive parks. To compare, here is a list of National Parks with their entrance fees (high to low) and some of the wildlife that can be seen in them.

*FYI: The ‘Big Five’ consists of black rhino, Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard and Masai lion.

Amboseli National Park

Adults: $60

Children (Age 3-17): $30

Students: $20

Wildlife: ‘Big Five’, crocodile, cheetah, Masai ostrich, plains zebra, Masai and reticulated giraffe.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Adults: $60

Children (Age 3-17): $30

Students: $20

Wildlife: black and white rhino, Cape buffalo, leopard, Masai lion, cheetah, black and white Colobus monkey, hippo, jackal.

Aberdare National Park

Adults: $50

Children (Age 3-17): $25

Students: $15

Wildlife: ‘Big Five’, black leopard, bongo, giant forest hog, olive baboon, warthog, serval cat.

Tsavo East National Park

Adults: $50

Children (Age 3-17): $25

Students: $15

Wildlife: ‘Big Five’, African hunting dog, cheetah, crocodile, Grevy’s zebra, hippo, Somali ostrich.

Tsavo West National Park

Adults: $50

Children (Age 3-17): $25

Students: $15

Wildlife: ‘Big Five’, gerenuk, hippo, cheetah, Masai giraffe, plains zebra, wildebeest.

Meru National Park

Adults: $50

Children (Age 3-17): $25

Students: $15

Wildlife: ‘Big Five’, beisa oryx, eland, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, lesser kudu, gerenuk.

Chyulu National Park

Adults: $50

Children (Age 3-17): $25

Students: $15

Wildlife: leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, cheetah, gerenuk, Masai giraffe.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Adults: $25

Children (Age 3-17): $10

Students: $10

Wildlife: Cape buffalo, impala, eland, reedbuck, steenbok, plains zebra.

Shimba Hills National Park

Adults: $20

Children (Age 3-17): $10

Students: $10

Wildlife: Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, Masai giraffe, sable, duiker, Syke’s monkey, hyena, bushbuck.

Adding Lake Naivasha to your itinerary can make a huge difference to its cost. Due to it not being a listed National Park, it is completely free to enter. As well as the beautiful scenery on display and the magnificent lake that offers boating tours, there is also a great range of wildlife that can be spotted, including; Cape buffalo, hippo, Masai and Rothschild’s giraffe, hyena, jackal and impala. Lake Naivasha is a bird watchers haven with various species of heron, pelican, flamingo and stork being present amongst the soaring birds of prey such as fish eagle, Verreauxs eagle and Rueppell’s vulture.

Although it may sound strange, not all safaris need to be focused on the immediate gratification of spotting wildlife. There are also cultural experiences to be had, beautiful landscapes to see and hiking trips with local guides to participate in. The beauty of going on a private safari is that you can choose what you want to do.

So now you should have a better prospective of which animal inhabitants demand the higher park entrance fees. This should give you some ideas to add your own customised safari itinerary. If you are interested in more information about safaris in Kenya then contact Ziara Safaris. Ziara are specialists in private and custom safaris around East Africa’s greatest National Parks and Game Reserves, and can work flexibly with you to put together a suitable safari itinerary depending on your preferences.

Enjoy!

Michael

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Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the highest freestanding mountains in the world (ranked 4th) and the highest peak in Africa. It rises at 5895 m (19 340 feet) above sea level (Uhuru peak).

What are some of the Major Characteristics about the Victoria Falls?

While the waterfall is neither the highest nor the widest in the world, it is considered to be the largest.

Victoria Falls Facts and Figures:

- Height: 108 m (360 feet).

- Length: 1708 m (5604 feet).

- Mean annual flow rate: 1088 cubic meters per second.

- Origin of the word? Indigenous name is Mosi-oa-Tunya, or the “Smoke that Thunders”.

- Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” since 1989.

What is the largest national park in Africa?

- Largest National Park: Kafue National Park, Zambia (22 400 square kilometers).

View Kafue Map

- Largest Game Reserve: Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania (54 600 square kilometers).

View Selous Map

- Largest Transfrontier National Park: Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (35 000 square kilometers). It consists of the Kruger National Park (South Africa), Limpopo National Park (Mozambique) and Gonarezhou National Park (Zimbabwe).

How many animals participate in the annual Great Migration between the plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara?

Over 2000 000 herbivores migrate between the two countries, including over 200 000 zebra, 500 000 Thomson’s gazelle, and…over 1.5 million wildebeest. This makes it one of the greatest spectacles in the natural world!

How big is Lake Kariba?

Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake and reservoir in the world, and was filled between 1958 and 1963 (after the completion of the Kariba Dam). With a total area of 5580 square km, it is home to a variety of different animal species: fish (kapenta, Tigerfish…), birds (fish eagle, cormorant…), hippos, crocodiles, and occasional elephant herds. The latter can especially be observed from the embankments of Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe and Chete Island.

What is the longest river in Africa?

The Nile river is the longest river in Africa, and actually also the longest river in the world. Only the Amazon exceeds it in volume and area of drainage basin. It has a total length of roughly 6650 km, and gets its source from the Great Lakes region (Lake Victoria).

Mount Kenya!

Most people enter Kenya through Nairobi, the bustling capital city which is a popular stop-off spot for its shopping and variety of restaurants. Only 150 Kilometres North-East of Nairobi is the stunning mountain that gave its name to the country we know today, Mount Kenya. As well as being a beauty to look at, Mount Kenya is also a world famous location for hiking, trekking and climbing. Those who challenge the Mountain are in for a treat as they make for the volcanically formed peaks; Batian, Nelion and Lenana to discover waterfalls, giant lobelias and giant groundsels.

Lake Nakuru Flamingos!

Travelling West of Mount Kenya will bring you to Lake Nakuru. This lake is famous for its aptly named ‘sea of pink’ which is made up of over 1,000,000 flamingos of the greater and lesser varieties that feed on the algae that lines the shore. Nakuru is definitely a haven for bird watchers, as well as the fabulous display of the flamingos lining the lake, there are also more than 400 other species of birds living in and around its famous National Park.

Kenya's Great Rift Valley!

If you continue South from Nakuru, you will eventually come to Kenya’s view of the Great Rift valley. This gigantic valley stretches from Mozambique to the Middle East and is populated by lakes and volcanoes. Looking out over the valley gives an overwhelming view that takes the eyes a while to adjust to, the sheer beauty of it makes this location a definite stop-spot for anyone whom passes en-route.

Lake Victoria Splendour!

Resuming the journey travelling even further West, you will arrive at Lake Victoria. This lake is bordered by three different countries; Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. As well as the lake being one of the greatest locations for fish in the whole of Africa, it is also host to other types of amazing wildlife such as the fish eagle, which can be heard by its high pitched screeching as it swoops down like an aeroplane landing to catch fish from just under the lake’s surface. Boats and canoes can be hired from local businesses, which will give you the freedom to take an unforgettable trip through the lake.

Masai Mara Lion!

Taking the Southern route along Lake Victoria will soon enough bring you to the Masai Mara. As well as the presence of the ‘big five’; black rhino, masai lion, leopard, elephant and cape buffalo, there are also more than 50 species of birds of prey that inhabit this marvellous National Reserve. One of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth passes through the Masai Mara each year; ‘the great migration’. This is the migrating of over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle which make their journey from the Serengeti to the Mara and then back again in search of fresh pastures to graze upon.

Amboseli National Park and Mt Kilimanjaro!

South East of the Mara lies Amboseli National Park. This park has a much smaller wildlife density than the Masai Mara, but still has its own advantages including huge herds of elephants, and most notably its view of the towering Mount Kilimanjaro which you can catch a glimpse of on a clear day. Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, measuring over five thousand metres high. The mountain is incredible to look at from a distance, but to see it up close will take the challenge of climbing it, which will lead you through five climatic changing stages, and result in the most spectacular views imaginable.

If you are interested in more information on Kenya safaris or any of the reserves listed then get in touch with Kenya experts Ziara Safaris. We can advise and help you to create a custom itinerary depending on what you would like to see and do.

Sightseeing in Marrakech

When someone mentions Africa, Marrakech probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Due to its Arab and French influences, it’s not usually associated with the typical African stereotype. That said, it has a lot to offer in terms of travel experience and is definitely a city worth visiting.

Some of the best things to do in Marrakech include:

- Experiencing the Djemaa el Fna square come alive at dusk, with its snake charmers, henna artists, and, of course, hagglers.

- Shopping at the souks (markets) in the Medina (Old City).

- Visiting the Jardins Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent’s oasis in the middle of the city.

- Going on an excursion to the nearby Atlas Mountains.

Safari

Unlike the mystical notion of Marrakech, the word ‘safari’ is likely one of the first things that pops into your head at the thought of Africa. This is a once in a lifetime adventure that everyone should be lucky enough to experience. A common misconception is that African safaris are rugged and not for the faint-of-heart. Actually, they can be quite luxurious and range from budget basic safaris to private deluxe safaris that can be tailor-made to suit your travel needs. Whichever way you choose to safari – simply or extravagantly – you will have an authentic African experience. Keep an eye out for the big 5: elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, buffalo, and lion!

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

If you are a true adventurer, set out to conquer Africa’s highest mountain, located at the northern border of Tanzania. Standing at 5895m above sea level, Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world and climbing it is no walk in the park. Altitude, weather, and exhaustion, are all challenges that must be overcome by any trekker brave enough to take on Kili, but the spectacular scenery that accompanies you on the way up ‘lightens the load’, so to speak. As always, the best is saved for last. The trek culminates in a testing night walk to the summit. But reaching the top and looking over the surrounding landscape, from the ‘roof of Africa’, makes it all worthwhile.

Hot Air Ballooning Over the Serengeti

If you’re more of a relaxed traveler who relishes a beautiful view, but doesn’t necessarily want to climb a mountain to get it, hop in a hot air balloon and you’ll be admiring the Serengeti from the sky without any effort at all. Hopefully you’re a morning person, though, because the hot air balloons usually rise with the sun, at around 6am. While floating in the African sky, you’ll be able to spot some amazing wildlife, so if you missed any of the big 5 on your safari, this is your chance to tick them off.

Snorkeling around Zanzibar Island

Beach lovers get ready to eavesdrop on what has been called the best kept secret in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar Island is home to a historic Stone Town, beautiful beaches, and some of the best snorkeling in the world. There are over 350 fish species living in the waters surrounding Zanzibar, including clown fish, lion fish, angel fish, stingrays, trumpet fish, moray eels, puffer fish, and surgeon fish. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a lobster, turtle, or dolphin!

The Latin name for mountain gorillas is Gorilla beringei beringei.

Habitat

The mountain gorilla inhabits the tropical rainforests of Central and Eastern Africa; in Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park), and Uganda (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest).

Species

The mountain gorilla is one of the two subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla, that also comprises the Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri). The latter subspecies is most common, with an estimated population standing at approximately 5000 individuals.

DNA

The DNA of gorillas is 98%–99% identical to that of a human, and they are the next closest living relatives to humans after the bonobo and common chimpanzee species.

Diet

Mainly vegetarian: feed on fruits, leaves and shoots. May also eat larvae, snails and ants (their favourite delicacy ).

Population

The total population of mountain gorillas worldwide is estimated at 720, half of which belongs to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Bwindi also happens to be a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site.

Threats

• Incursions by militia (war).
• Habitat destruction for firewood, farmland and gold-mining. This causes habitat fragmentation.
• Transmission of diseases from surrounding human populations (human-wildlife disease transmission).
• Illegal cattle grazing.
• Illegal bushmeat hunting and poaching (illegal pet trade).

Other Key “Did you KNOW” Facts

• The name gorilla is derived from the Greek word “Gorillai” meaning hairy women.
• Only 10 countries worldwide host naturally occurring gorilla populations.
• Mountain gorillas live in stable family groups that vary from 5 to as many as 30+ individuals.
• They have a “patriarchal” social unit: each unit is dominated by a mature silverback male.
• Adult males can weigh up to 120 kg, and eat as much as 25 kg of food per day.
• Females are relatively smaller in size, and their average weight is +/- 90 kg.
• Just like humans, the mountain gorilla has individual and unique finger prints.
• Unlike humans, sex is only used for reproductive purposes, not for leisure (nor pleasure… ).
• Females usually conceive when they are 8-9 years old, and pregnancy lasts 8 and-a-half months.
• Every evening, mountain gorillas go to sleep in a brand new bed made out of fresh leaves and twigs.

Conservation

Conservation Status: Critically endangered species. Mountain gorillas are not known to survive outside their natural habitat. In other words, don’t expect to see them at zoos.

Support the Mountain Gorillas:

- Friend a Gorilla.

Become a Fan on Facebook.

- International Gorilla Conservation Programme.

- The Gorilla Organization.

Thank you!

On a different level however, another kind of battle is taking place: the battle against canned hunting! The term has been evoked before, so I won’t drag out on the matter. However, notice that this horrendous practice is still very popular, and is responsible for the deaths of over 1000 lions per annum (among other animals).

If you have a minute or two, do me a favour and do two things:

1. Watch this video and comment on it (viewer discretion is advised).
2. Visit the “Four Paws International” website and Sign the Petition against Canned Hunting.

Thanks for your time!

Packing for your safari should be a truly exciting experience. You’ll start to feel butterflies in the stomach and that familiar twinge of anticipation as you pick your clothes and pack your outdoor essentials, and of course your trusty camera for snapping an ungainly hyena or a soaring fish eagle. It’s certainly easy to get carried away, but stick to our carefully considered safari selection and you won’t go wrong!

1. Clothing

OK, so you know you need clothes. Nobody wants to get that close to nature out in the African wilderness. But what kind of clothes? Most people find shorts or trousers the most comfortable on safari, depending on the time of year and your exact safari location. You should also take some loose-fitting, comfortable shirts or t-shirts – maybe not your absolute favourites though, since they’re likely to get a little creased and more than a little sweaty! One long-sleeved shirt – possibly with inbuilt insect or sun protection – is also very useful. Moreover, you’ll need a wide-brimmed hat which covers both your face and the back of your neck.

It’s also worth taking a warm fleece with you – yes, Africa is a hot country, but early morning game drives can be quite chilly, and you’ll feel the bracing breeze once you’ve got the windows and roof open! You’ll also appreciate it on the cooler evenings, especially if you want to take an al fresco drink or sit at the camp fire if you’re staying at a tented camp. Take some sturdy walking boots with you, and some thick, comfortable socks to wear underneath. These will be particularly useful if you want to go on a nature walk, a walking safari or a mountain hike.

Ladies may also wish to take a sarong or khanga with them – these multi-purpose garments can be used as a headscarf to keep hair out the way if it’s particularly windy, a scarf if it gets chilly, or a lightweight shawl to protect shoulders from the sun. It can also be folded nice and small to fit in your day bag (we recommend a small backpack) when you’re not using it!

2. Healthcare Essentials

First on the list is some very high SPF sun cream. Even if you consider yourself used to the sun, the sun is extremely strong in Africa and it’s simply not worth getting burnt – you don’t want any distraction from your game-viewing! Factor 50 is recommended. It’s also useful to bring an extreme/sports sunblock. These are very small – usually the size and shape of a lip balm – and can be taken in a day bag or pocket for reapplication to sensitive areas whenever you feel it’s necessary.

You’ll also need some good quality sunglasses. The reason sunglasses come under healthcare essentials and not clothing is that you will need sunglasses to protect you, not just as a fashion accessory! Physicists recommend you choose sunglasses with at least 99% UVB protection and 95% UVA protection. Instead of offering proper protection, cheap sunglasses will simply darken you vision, meaning your pupils will dilate to allow extra light in. Without proper UV protection, your dilated pupils will also take in more harmful UV rays and could cause extensive damage to your eyes.

Take some mosquito repellent with you. If you don’t want to carry a large bottle when you’re out on game drives, just bring some wipes in your day bag. They come in tiny sachets and are very handy – especially if you’re out on an evening game drive when the sun has started to set and the mosquitoes are at their most active.

3. Interactive

First on the list has to be a camera, and all the stuff that comes with it! Depending on how much of an amateur or professional you are this could be anything from spare batteries or a charger, to extra memory cards, a zoom lens and a dust-proof camera case! Whatever your level, a little beanbag is always useful for resting your camera on and steadying hands. It’s the safari-friendly alternative to an unwieldy tripod!

Even if you have fantastic eyesight and the world’s most observant safari guide, a pair of binoculars will enhance your safari experience immeasurably. Using binoculars is often the only way to take in those tiny details – examining the differences between a plains zebra and a Grevy’s zebra, marvelling at the sheer size of a black rhino’s horn, even staring into the golden eyes of a hungry lioness.

Of course, you’ll want to know exactly what it is you’re looking at through your fantastic binoculars. Was that a ground hornbill or a Kori bustard? A masai giraffe or a Rothschild’s? Doing a bit of research in some bird and wildlife books is worth every minute. It’s no use your guide telling you that today you might spot a rare beisa Oryx if you’ve got no idea what these beautiful creatures look like!

The enthusiastic botanists amongst you might even want to take a guide to the plants, trees and vegetation you might encounter. The landscape of Africa is hugely diverse, from the riverine forest to the open savannah to the reed-spotted marshlands. And you wouldn’t want to confuse a doum palm with an oil palm, would you?

4. Safety, Security and Practicality

A torch is always useful to take on a safari holiday. If you’re staying in a campsite, a large torch and a head torch will of course be a blessing. Even many luxury tented camps and permanent lodges turn off the power, usually from around midnight to five in the morning, either for practical or environmental reasons. In this case, a wind-up torch is useful for any late night trips to the toilet! NB – you can usually arrange to have the power turned on before the scheduled time in cases of early departure etc.

A Swiss army knife is a marvellous miscellaneous tool for any occasion. The bottle opener is there for opening cold drinks bought at road-side cafés on long journeys. The scissors are handy for snipping off loose threads. And of course if you’re camping, the various knives and tin-openers will be invaluable.

Although they may not be entirely practical for wear during your actual game drives, a money belt is undoubtedly the most secure way to keep your money, passport and other important documents to hand when you’re in transit. They are particularly useful if you are flying through large and busy airports such as Nairobi or Johannesburg, or if you have to take coach or train transfers anywhere.

So, that’s our fairly comprehensive list of necessary safari items. This article focuses mainly on items you’ll need whilst actually on safari, so don’t forget the things you’ll need to actually get to your safari destination – like visa, passport and local currency! We hope you’ve found the article helpful, and remember the most important thing – safari njema!

There’s just something about night drives that you can only understand once you’ve experienced it for yourself. Something about the darkness, the atmosphere, the slight breeze and chill effect, the various noises and sounds of the wild…an amazing feeling!

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes feel like the roles have somewhat been reversed. In other words, while during the day it is “we” who are observing the animals, at night it seems like it is rather “them” that are staring at us. A sort of “hide and seek” game where they have the upper edge…

2. Weird-Looking Animals

Night time in the African bush is also a time for unusual and unique animals to come out. These animals have weird-looking “faces”, and their names can be somewhat unusual too. I’m referring to the “Earth pig”, or Aardvark, the bushbaby with its cute glowing eyes when you shine the spotlight, or even Mr. porcupine! Not to mention larger beasts, like the whimsical spotted hyena, or the mysterious leopard.

Are you a bird lover? Even bird enthusiasts will have their reasons to be thrilled. For instance, various species of nightjars can be spotted now and then; they usually enjoy the warmth of dirt roads. NB: Take extra caution not to drive over them as they are well camouflaged…

Typical nocturnal bird species to be on the lookout for include:

• Marsh Owl

• African Grass-Owl

• Barn Owl

• Spotted Eagle-Owl

• Freckled Nightjar

• African Scops-Owl

• Rufous-cheeked Nightjar

• African Wood-Owl

• Cape Eagle-Owl

3. Stargazing

If you ever want to enjoy a starlit sky then you MUST go on a night drive safari! African skies are usually clear after dusk, and it is a unique spectacle to be able to observe them from your open vehicle. As Timon puts it in the “Lion King” movie, stars are like “fire flies that got stuck on that big bluish black thing”!

Can you see Scorpius? What about “Orion”, or the “Southern Cross”?

4. Night Sounds

This is perhaps the most special feeling about night drives. All you can hear is the chirping sound of crickets, bizarre noises coming from the thickets, or howling animals calling from afar! Freaky stuff!

Ever slept in a tent surrounded by wild creatures? Trust me; it’s something you’d want to try…although when it’s a lone elephant bull bashing trees right outside your window, it’s not the most reassuring of feelings…

5. The Spotlight

Night drives cannot be conceivable if you don’t have one essential item: a spotlight! Typically speaking, a tracker will flash the light left and right from the front of the 4×4, but on some occasions, you’ll be the one looking for the animals with the lamp; and that’s really exciting times!

One piece of advice though: remember not to shine directly into the eyes of the animals (especially non-nocturnal ones), as this may blind them.

Spotted Genet in the fork of a tree - Moremi

Assuming that wildlife is high on the priority list, then the Kruger National Park in South Africa is the place to go. With its abundance of wildlife, including the big five, you won’t be disappointed. Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is also a great place to see plenty of animals like giraffes, elephants and lions. Rounding out the list of parks known for their wildlife is Masai Mara National Preserve in Kenya, Etosha National Park in Namibia, and Chobe National park in Botswana.

For a safari destination a little off the beaten path, you should consider the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to a large number of chimpanzees as well as being the home of nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

For bird watchers, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia offers over 400 different species of birds as well as many other forms of wildlife. There are prides of lions often exceeding 30 heads among other exciting photographic opportunities.

Tanzania is home to the Ngorongoro Conservation area. This preserve is part of the world’s largest unbroken ancient caldera. Ngorongoro crater has become a sort of “natural enclosure” and almost every East African species has made this crater home.

To finish this list you should also consider Loango National Park in Gabon. This is likely one of the least known parks but it offers wildlife like gorillas, elephants, and even humpback whales. That’s an incredible lot of wildlife wrapped up in one park!

Lastly, for those who are looking for something more traditional in a safari destination, no one will be disappointed with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This is perhaps the most well known safari location in the world and is much larger than most other destinations.

As you can see, there are many different safari destinations to choose from, and you can pick a location that best suits your desires. Whatever you decide, you are bound to enjoy a trip that will make memories for a lifetime. Enjoy!