Most Affordable Vacation Destination

About this book

Welcome to Kenya. The home of some of the fastest runners in the world. The home of UNEP headquarters. The home the Big Five animals. The home of giraffes that hug visitors and eat from their hands. The home of ostrich, tortoise and hot air ballon rides.  The home of hundreds of national parks, game reserves, and animal sanctuaries.

This book, Most Affordable Vacation Destination is a must have for wild animal lovers who are looking for warm weathered vacations among very friendly citizens on a very pocket friendly budget. This book is a package of natural wonders, cultural heritage and tourism infrastructure that include but not limited to parks, ocean beaches, lakes, hot geysers, savannah, forests, snowcapped mountains, wildebeest annual migration and water sports.

This book is a menu of more than 50 of Kenya’s national parks (one of it in the city), game reserves and animal sanctuaries. It gives you a preview of the tourism activities, landscape and climate.

Are you a conservationist? This book is awash with conservation efforts in place thus giving ideas on where you could plug in.  

Accessibility to a destination in a foreign land gives visitors goose bumps. This book lets you into the national park, game reserve, and animal sanctuary of your choice by giving you direction and distance from your landing airport in Nairobi. 

How about accommodation? This book lists lodges and hotels conveniently located within or nearest to the national park, game reserve, and animal sanctuary of your choice.

A gem for holidaymakers! Get your copy now!

Rose Muraguri

About the author

Dr. Rose Muraguri is a social scientist with doctoral qualifications in psychological counselling. She has close to 30 years combined experience as a high school teacher, university lecturer, a humanitarian worker and a counsellor. She does road trips for self-care.  She loves animals and giraffe is her favourite. She is a diversity safe space counsellor and a mental health campaigner. Rose is registered and licensed by Ministry of Health (Counsellors and Psychologists Board). She is also a member of Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA) and Kenyan Guidance, Counselling and Psychological Association (KGCPA).

©2024

Dr. RoseM

Dedication

To you lover of nature and animals.

To you holiday-maker.

Contents

About this book

About the author

Dedication

Introduction to a world-renowned tourist destination

Kenyan national parks

Kenyan game reserves

Animal sanctuaries in Kenya

Introduction to a world-renowned tourist destination

Prelude

Kenya is situated in East Africa, bordered by Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, and South Sudan to the northwest. Kenya’s capital city is Nairobi. The country enjoys political stability and a peaceful welcoming ambiance for visitors.  Kenya has a vibrant and diverse destination renowned for its stunning landscapes, which range from the sweeping savannas of the Masai Mara to the lush highlands of Mount Kenya and the pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean. Kenya boasts an unparalleled array of wildlife, including iconic species like big five (lions, elephants, leopard, rhino, and buffalo), world famous wildebeest and pink flamingos, thriving in its numerous national parks, lakes and reserves. Kenya’s rich cultural tapestry from over 40 ethnic groups and blended with Arab and Swahili influences that adds depth to its appeal, making it a top destination for both adventure and cultural exploration.

The country’s diverse geography includes the Great Rift Valley, which runs from the north to the south, the fertile highlands around Mount Kenya, and arid lowlands in the northeast. Its coastline along the Indian Ocean features beautiful beaches and coral reefs, contributing to its varied climate and ecological zones. This strategic location places Kenya at a crossroads of African ecosystems, with savanna and tropical influences with a tincture of desert in Chalbi to the north shaping its landscape.

Geography and natural wonders

Kenya's geography is marked by its rich diversity, which contributes to its appeal as a tourist destination. The country features dramatic landscapes that include the Great Rift Valley, fertile highlands, waterfalls and arid lowlands, as well as a beautiful coastline along the Indian Ocean.

Great rift valley: This geological marvel stretches from the Red Sea to Mozambique, creating a stunning visual divide in the landscape. The valley is home to numerous lakes and wildlife reserves, such as Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria, which are famous for their flocks of flamingos and other bird species.

Mount Kenya: The country’s highest peak and the second-highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro which is also accessible from Kenya, is a major attraction for trekkers and climbers. The mountain’s glaciers and diverse ecosystems offer a range of outdoor activities, from hiking to wildlife viewing.

Coastal region: Kenya’s coastline, with its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, is perfect for relaxation and water sports. Popular beach destinations include Mombasa, Diani, and Malindi, which offer world-class resorts and opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fishing.

Cultural heritage

Kenya's cultural landscape is as diverse as its natural environment. The country is home to over 40 warm hearted ethnic groups, each with its own traditions, languages, and customs. This cultural richness is reflected in the vibrant local festivals, crafts, music, and cuisine. The Maasai people, with their distinctive red dress, spears, clubs, red hair and high jump dancing, are one of Kenya's most well-known ethnic groups. Visitors often have the chance to experience Maasai culture through cultural tours, traditional dances, and visits to Maasai villages. Along the coast, the Swahili culture blends African, Arab, and Indian influences dating back to the Portuguese occupation which is evident in the region’s architecture, cuisine, and festivals. Historic sites such as Lamu Island and Fort Jesus in Mombasa showcase this cultural fusion. The national museum located right in the city offers a melting pot of culture and the country’s history for visitors to devour.

Tourism infrastructure and activities

Kenya boasts of near infinitive well-developed tourism infrastructure with a range of accommodations from luxury lodges and resorts to budget-friendly options. The country offers diverse activities, including guided safari tours provide opportunities for game viewing, birdwatching, water gliding and photography in some of the world’s most iconic wildlife areas. Tourists enjoy mountain climbing, trekking, and hot-air balloon safaris cater to adventure seekers looking for unique experiences. Along the beaches, costal resorts and water sports opportunities offer relaxation and recreation.

Wildlife: national parks, game reserves and animal sanctuaries

The gist of this book is Kenya’s renowned rich wildlife and numerous national parks and reserves that provide some of the best safari experiences in the world. This book explores 28 leading national parks, 14 of the biggest games reserves and 12 animal sanctuaries that are teaming with a huge variety of game some in the wild others in the confinements that make it easy see and take amazing pictures. Each of these wild animals abodes are discussed at length on location, Landscape and climate, wildlife, tourism activities, conversation efforts as well as Accessibility and accommodation opportunities. The book thus presents the reader with a wide selection of tourist destinations to choose from.

National parks covered

Aberdare National Park

Amboseli National Park

Arabuko Sokoke National Park

Central Island National Park

Chyulu Hills National Park

Hells Gate National Park

Kakamega Forest National Park

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park

Kora National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Bogoria National Reserve

Lake Elementaita National Park

Malindi Marine National Park

Marsabit National Park

Meru National Park

Mombasa Marine National Park

Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Longonot National Park

Nairobi National Park

Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park

Ruma National Park

Saiwa Swamp National Park

Sibiloi National Park

South Island National Park

Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo West National Park

Watamu Marine National Park

Game reserves covered

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Shaba National Reserve

Boni National Reserve

Arawale National Reserve

Bisanadi National Reserve

Kora National Reserve

Mwingi National Reserve

Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Rahole National Reserve

Manda National Reserve

Dodori National Reserve

Ndere Island National Park

Animal sanctuaries covered

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage)

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary (within Ol Pejeta)

Giraffe Centre (A. F. E. W. Kenya)

Colobus Conservation (Diani)

Nairobi Animal Orphanage

Haller Park

Solio Game Reserve

Rolf’s Place Animal Sanctuary

Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary (in Tsavo West)

Soysambu Conservancy

These national parks, game reserves, and sanctuaries represent a wide array of Kenya's diverse ecosystems, from savannahs and forests to marine environments, offering rich opportunities for wildlife viewing, conservation experiences animal adoption for the wildlife enthusiasts.

Kenyan national parks

Aberdare National Park

Introduction

Aberdare National Park, located in central Kenya, is a hidden gem among Kenya's diverse array of national parks. Established in 1950, the park covers an area of approximately 766 square kilometers (296 square miles) and is part of the Aberdare Mountain Range. Known for its lush, high-altitude forests, stunning waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, Aberdare National Park offers a unique experience distinct from the more open savannah landscapes commonly associated with Kenyan parks.

Landscape and climate

The Aberdare National Park is characterized by its rich, verdant landscapes, including deep valleys, dense bamboo forests, moorlands, and towering peaks. The park’s altitude ranges from 2,100 meters (6,900 feet) to 4,001 meters (13,130 feet) at the summit of Ol Donyo Lesatima, the highest peak in the Aberdare Range. The park is also famous for its spectacular waterfalls, with the Karuru Falls plunging 273 meters (896 feet) in three steps, making it the tallest in Kenya. The cool, misty climate of the Aberdares creates a mystical atmosphere, with clouds often enveloping the mountains and forested valleys.

Wildlife

Aberdare National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, some of which are unique to this montane environment. The park is inhabited by large populations of elephants, buffaloes, and black rhinos, which are often seen moving through the forest and open glades. The park also hosts predators such as lions, leopards, and the elusive African golden cat, as well as a significant population of giant forest hogs, one of the largest and rarest pig species in Africa.

One of the park’s most notable features is its population of the rare bongo antelope, a critically endangered species that thrives in the dense