Thursday 30 August 2012

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is located 140km north – West of Nairobi, It covers an area of 188 km2. Lake Nakuru is a very shallow strongly alkaline lake 62 km2 in extent. It is set in a picturesque landscape of surrounding woodland and grassland. This world famous Park was created to protect its stunning flocks of lesser flamingo, which literally turn the lakeshore pink in colour.
The park spans an attractive range of wooded and bush grassland around the lake, offering a wide range of eco-diversity. Notable game within the lake area is hippo and the diverse bird life. Both black and white rhino are now resident in the sanctuary and Rothschild giraffe, buffalo, impala, eland, warthog, Mountain Reedbuck, klipspringers and Black and White Colobus Monkeys are all plentiful. The ecosystem comprises of the lake, surrounded by mainly wooded and bushy grasslands.
Lesser Flamingos ,Lake Nakuru
The park supports a wide ecological diversity with Flamingos (Greater and Lesser) and other water birds being the major attractions of the area. The ecosystem provides for about 56 different species of mammals including the white rhino and buffaloes and a variety of terrestrial birds numbering nearly 450 species.Other wildlife at the park includes several prides of lions, leopards, zebra, gazelles, eland, giraffe and the hyrax. It is always rewarding to explore the forests, cliffs and waterfalls that align the Spectacular Park.Activities: Game viewing, bird watching.The best months to visit the Lake Nakuru National Park are June to September and January to March.

HSK- Kenya Safari

Monday 27 August 2012

Safari Rwanda


Gorilla,Rwanda

Rwanda ''The land of a Thousand Hills", Rwanda is a green undulating landscape of hills, gardens and tea plantations. It offers tourists a one of a kind journey - home to one third of the world remaining Mountain Gorillas, one third of Africa's bird’s species, several species of primates, volcanoes, game reserve, resorts and islands on the expansive lake Kivu, graceful dancers, artistic crafts and friendly people. Located in the heart of Central and East Africa with easy access to bordering countries of Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo as well as to Kenya, Rwanda is an ideal location for travel within the region for conference tourism.

A visit here can easily expand to include many of the great African destinations.Rwanda has one of the highest bird counts on the continent despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa, its size 26 338sqkms. Include the high number of birding 'specials' to be seen, and the primate experiences as a bonus, and it's no wonder that most pundits rank it within the top five destinations for those seeking a rewarding birding experience.
Landlocked and lying just south of the Equator, Rwanda has a diverse topography that has been shaped by the dynamics of one of Africa's primary geological features, the Great Rift Valley. Tumultuous subterranean forces have over the last 50 million years contorted, ruptured and seared the crust, giving rise to a hugely impressive array of volcanoes, lakes, mountain ranges and forests that define the landscapes of today. Collectively, they make up the narrower and shorter Western Branch of the rift valley, or, because Lake Albert is its first discernible feature, The Albertine Rift or Albertine Eco-region.
Monkey Rwanda Safari

Nyungwe offers 13 hiking trails, some with tongue-twisting names. Try pronouncing "Igishigishigi" quickly, which is the name of an easy 1.7 km trail that begins near the Uwinka Reception Centre. By the way, Igishigishigi means tree fern. The trails range from easy to difficult and from 1.7 kms to 10.6 kms in length. Nyungwe is home to at least 278 bird species, 26 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. It is one of the best bird watching destinations in Africa. Some of the birds that can be seen here include the Great Blu Turaco, the Crowned Hornbill and the Blue-Headed Sunbird.Thirteen species of primates are known to inhabit Nyungwe Forest, including chimpanzees, owl-faced guenons and Angolan black and white colobus monkeys. Nyungwe is home to 154 species of orchids, eight of which are endemic to Rwanda. The Park hosts 68% of the orchid flora of Rwanda. It is one of the world's greatest concentrations of orchids.

Saturday 25 August 2012

Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration


… The wildebeest are here once again!Although these is just the start of the most dramatic wildlife pilgrim on earth, the early start means there is a lot to be anticipated with more dramatic episodes expected to unfold as the migration continues. Trailing the noisy gnus from the expansive plains of Serengeti as they cross Talek, Mara and Sand River has never been this exciting. Sightings of the first plunge have been witnessed at the Sand River by those in the ongoing Kenya safari

Cheetah in Masai mara
In the recent years, we have witnessed the most historical, dramatic, exciting and sometimes interestingly frustrating episodes due to the effects of adversely changed weather patterns both in Mara and Serengeti. For instance; apart from the early stop of the rains in Serengeti, the un-seasonal weather of the last month has caused the wildebeest to continue moving in a rather abnormal patterns.Zebras as usual mark the genesis of this gyratory exodus, in fact, the moment their hooves touch the waters of the Mara river, it marks the official instigate of undoubted endless annual pilgrim.

Tradition documents that the migratory herds usually separate into two divergent groups - one in north-east Serengeti and northern Loliondo region and the other one in the Western Corridor/Grumeti area. The western heard has always had their first plunge into the Mara – but it’s not a guarantee.Whilst some wildebeest are, as we would normally expect at this time of year, in the Western Corridor area, other herds can be found as far north as Bologonja up near the Mara River.

In just a few days after crossing the Sand River, the wildebeest together with Zebras and other ungulates are expected to move on to spread over the Keekorok region towards the Mara Bridge – surprisingly covering an estimated 25 kilometers.Due to the rains in Mara, the herds are unlikely to speed up their march towards Mara River and Ol Keju Ronkai River in search of waterholes as it has been the case in the last few years when most of the waterholes in the Mara are dry. This also means the real thrilling river crossings might not start sooner than earlier anticipated.

Lions are still being sighted in good numbers and even the prides are beginning to split into smaller groups. The arrival of the migration means food will be easy to find and therefore, staying as a large pride may make it difficult to hunt as it is easy to be spotted by the prey.

JBA- Kenya Safari

Thursday 23 August 2012

Uganda Safari


Filled with fantastic natural sceneries and interesting wildlife, Uganda is one of the best safari destination to visit in Africa. An African safari to this stunning and friendly African country is indeed a memorable experience one can get from Africa.As an upcoming top safari destination in Africa, Uganda presents uniquely diverse landscapes and natural attractions such as waterfalls, lakes and the beautiful, snow capped Ruwenzori Mountains a in the backdrop. Besides the many attractions, Uganda boasts of being the only safari destination with half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.

Gorilla Safari
The magical gorilla safaris are a must-do activity during an African safari to Uganda. There are diverse choice of gorilla tracking options all designed to cover comprehensive gorilla tracking activities as well as sampling Uganda’s interesting wildlife, varied fauna and its all year round pristine climate.Your sightseeing tour begins right from the capital Kampala. These includes visit to The Kasubi Tombs, the National Museum, the sparkling white Kibuli Mosque, the huge Rubago Cathedral and the enormous Bahai Temple in the heart of the city. 

In Entebbe, the city that hosts Uganda’s only international airport are the botanical gardens which are worth visiting if you have half a day available. Established in 1901, the gardens are perfectly perched along Lake Victoria between the sailing club and the centre of Entebbe.  Outside Kampala, you will be spoilt with choice of destinations. However, there are dependable tour operators in Kampala, Nairobi and Entebe that organize trips to Kibale Forest, the spectacular Semliki Valley and the dramatic Murchison Falls National Park and the entire Uganda and East Africa. 

While on safari, consider to sample the beautiful Uganda lakes and discover their unique attributes. Look for Lake Bujuku in the Queen Elizabeth national park. The lake is about 13,000 feet and is the eastern gateway to the icy peaks of Rwenzori Mountains. 

JBA- Kenya Safari

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Kenya Baboon Safari



Scientific Name: Olive baboon (Papiocynocephalus anubis); yellow baboon (Papio ynocephalus cynocephalus) .An omnivorous savannah and woodland primate dweller with ways about  50 kilogram’s , with a gestation of 6 months and a lifespan of about 20-30 years .The baboon, of all the primates in East Africa, most frequently interacts with people. Apart from humans, baboons are the most adaptable of the ground-dwelling primates and live in a wide variety of habitats. 

Kenya safari
Intelligent and crafty, The two most common baboons occur in East Africa, the olive baboon and the yellow baboon. The larger and darker olive baboon is found in Uganda, west and central Kenya and northern Tanzania. Smaller, more slender and lighter in color, the yellow baboon inhabits southern and coastal Kenya and Tanzania. Both types are "dogfaced," but the yellow's nose turns up more than the olive's. Baboons are found in surprisingly varied habitats and are extremely adaptable. The major requirements for any habitat seem to be water sources and safe sleeping places in either tall trees or on cliff faces. Baboons usually leave their sleeping places around 7 or 8 a.m. 

After coming down from the cliffs or trees, adults sit in small groups grooming each other while the juveniles play. They then form a cohesive unit that moves off in a column of two or three, walking until they begin feeding. Fanning out, they feed as they move along, often traveling five or six miles a day. They forage for about three hours in the morning, rest during the heat of the day and then forage again in the afternoon before returning to their sleeping places by about 6 p.m. Baboons sleep, travel, feed and socialize together in groups of about 50 individuals, consisting of seven to eight males and approximately twice as many females plus their young. These family units of females, juveniles and infants form the stable core of a troop, with a ranking system that elevates certain females as leaders. 

A troop's home range is well-defined but does not appear to have territorial borders. When they begin to mature, males leave their natal troops and move in and out of other troops. Frequent fights break out to determine dominance over access to females or meat. The ranking of these males constantly changes during this period. Males are accepted into new troops slowly, usually by developing "friendships" with different females around the edge of a troop. Baboons are opportunistic omnivores and selective feeders. Grass makes up a large part of their diet, along with berries, seeds, pods, blossoms, leaves, roots, bark and sap from a variety of plants. 

Baboons also eat insects and small quantities of meat, such as fish, shellfish, hares, birds, vervet monkeys, and small antelopes. Nearly one-half the size of adult males, females lack the male's ruff (long hairs around the neck), but otherwise they are similar in appearance. Baboons use over 30 vocalizations ranging from grunts to barks to screams. Nonvocal gestures include yawns, lip smacking and shoulder shrugging. 

HSK- Kenya Safari 

Tuesday 21 August 2012

The Beauty of Kenya


Africa is a mid-blowing treasure chest of vast stretches of protected wilderness areas, with incomparable bird life, and countless animals roaming free- including the famed ‘big five’. Visitors on an African safari escape completely from their world , into this unimaginable one , where day is an adventure. You may experience anything like the overwhelming emotional experience of an African safari. If you have been before, you know it is as the thrill of a new romance. If you come for the first time, you will feel its intoxicating effect- all your yesterday fad away and all that matters is now.

Kenya Safari
It’s so much more than a mere wildlife adventure; it’s a journey of self discovery .in your luxurious accommodation or in rustic simplicity, in the untamed heart of Africa, no two moments are the same: a thrilling encounter with wild dogs, the indescribable excitement of watching lions or cheetah cubs at play, the inner serenity of the vast landscape, the mesmerizing heart of a roaring log fire.Africa has countless protected wilderness areas; here the big five and the multitude of smaller creatures roam free. For bird watchers, welcome to a paradise! where each new day , each new era, promises something unexpected and previously unknown  in the cycle of seasons, with huge wildlife migrations ,with ever changing scenery and infinity varied ecosystems. In south of Africa alone, the safari destinations are plentiful and diverse almost beyond your dreams.

Kenya safaris holiday offers a wide range of destinations, with a choice of accommodation and experience to meet every request. Imagine an intimate single reserve with world class accommodation, private plunge pools and cordon bleu dining. Imagine the more rustic, value-for –money tented or self drive adventure. Imagine everything in between. Whichever you choose, each new day starts with expectations of a thrilling game drive, and in most cases ends in a dramatic night drive to increase the chances of seeing a cat family a work.
What is Kenya safaris holiday? It can be anything you choose to make. Combine different elements if you choose, from Sweetwater’s or Lake Bogoria - to vast plains masai mara –anything is possible.

Saturday 18 August 2012

Kenya Safari


Unlike any other destination on earth, Kenya is the essence of diversity. It is here that can you find the ‘safari capital of the world’, and some of the finest beaches on the Indian ocean; where you can enjoy the entire spectrum of luxury hotels, tented safari camps, Indian ocean resorts and Eco lodges. Here too, where you can be surely you will encounter a firmly established tourism infrastructure and one of the most welcoming people in the world. Unlike anywhere in the planet, in Kenya you will find savagely beautiful wilderness and ethereally snow-capped peaks: crater studded valleys and wildlife –teeming plains; flamingo frosted lake and tropical rainforests. 

Maasi mara
The last true Eden Kenya is home to the longest rift in the earths crust and its youngest volcanoes; riotous blooms and parched bush; superb birds and awesome unique butterfly. Kenya is the only land in which you can visit the ‘cradle of mankind’, sail a Swahili dhow past a 16th century Portuguese fort, and meet Masai warrior, his lifestyle unchanged since the dawn of time. The only destination that allows you to encounter over forty ethnic groups, speaking 80 different dialects .each wit its own distinctive heritage ,music, dance, art and costumes. 
The ultimate action venue only in Kenya can you find some of the finest championship golf courses in the world, and the most highly rated dive destinations. Only here can you climb Africa’s second highest mountain, fly balloon and trek on a camel in your Kenya Walking Safari. Only here too, can you find one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world, and some of its finest sea and fresh water fishing. And if all of that is not enough, you should know that Kenya excels in the delivery of quality time for the family and un-bashed romance; unrivaled conference facilities and un- matched incentives.

Within the sanctuaries of her 56 national parks and reserves, Kenya shelters some of the most ancient, fragile and diverse wildlife on earth. The Eden of the planet, her plains and forests offer refuge to the last of the big cats, the world largest herds of elephants, the endangered white and black rhino, and a number of endemic species that occur nowhere else on earth. The custodian of over 80 species of mammal, across her golden savannah gallop the largest herds of migrating plains game ever  seen ;while in the cool depths of her forest live giant hogs that are rarely seen. High in the snows of mount Kenya hunts the elusive golden cat; out in the plains is enacted the endless pageant of life and the death that represents wildlife’s survival of the fittest ;and across the parched painted deserts of the northern frontier lumber leopard tortoises whose ancestry stretches back 245 million years.