Landscape, Birds & Wildlife

The startling contrasts of landscape and the outstanding natural beauty of Kenya must be seen to be believed. From the savannah in the south, the deserts of the north, to Lake Victoria - the 2nd largest fresh water lake in the world - in the west, the tropical beaches in the east, and the snow capped peaks of Mount Kenya, Kenya has a great variety to offer even the most demanding visitor. The country boasts more than 80 major species of animals and over 1000 species of birds.

Kenya has abundance of lakes and shares a portion of the largest lake in africa which is also the largest tropical lake in the world;- lake Victoria. Besides Turkana and Victoria there are 8 other lakes in Kenya. These are - lake Baringo, Bogoria, Elementaita, Kamnarok, Logipi, Magadi, Naivasha, and Nakuru.

In Masai Mara, southwest of Nairobi you can find the most of the animals found in Kenya, including the "Big Five" - the Elephant, the Rhino, the Buffalo, the leopard and the lion, as well as the Hippo and Crocodile, Giraffes and numerous species of antelopes and birds among others. Lake Nakuru National Park, northwest of Nairobi is home to thousands of flamingos, the White Rhino, the lion, and the Waterbuck as well as other antelopes. It is one of the best chances to see the leopard as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe.

Samburu National Reserve is situated north of Nairobi above the Equator. It is home to species unique to this park, the Gerenuk- also known as "giraffe necked antelope" due to its long neck adapted for browsing the high bushes. Also the Grevy's Zebra, which differs from the common Zebra by having wide stripes that do not go all the way under its belly. Most felines can be found as well as 365 species of birds.

Nairobi National Park just outside the city centre, most animals can be found including the Black Rhino, with over 400 species of birds. One major animal not found here is the Elephant due to the close proximity of inhabitants of the city of Nairobi.

Tsavo National Park is divided into two, the east and the west and is located southeast of Nairobi. Here, Rhinos, Elephants, Warthogs, Baboons and Hyenas roam freely.

Apart from these, there are numerous other national reserves where game-viewing is premium; lake Baringo, with Hippos, Crocodiles, Fish Eagles as well as Pelicans. Aberdares and Mount Kenya has dense forests and a great variety of Monkeys, Amboseli is famous for its big game and its great scenic beauty - the landscape is dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro.

For more information on the Kenyan wildlife, game reserves and national parks you can log on to the Kenya Wildlife services on www.kws.org

The flora of Kenya is influenced by the wide range of altitudes and the variations in climate. Acacias predominate in the Maasai Mara; the low lying areas are home to the baobab, an expansive branching tree which stands out in the grasslands. As elevations increase over 300 mts, forests of hardwood and evergreens thrive. As you climb into the mountains over 2000 mts, some areas are covered with dense groves of bamboo, cedar and junipers. Bright orchids and flowering creepers co-exist among the trees. Along the coast mangrove predominate growing in the salty water and sandy soil of the swamps.

The avifauna of Kenya includes a total of 1133 species, of which seven are endemic, six have been introduced by humans, and three are rare or accidental. One species listed is extirpated in Kenya and is not included in the species count. Twenty-three species are globally threatened.