The Nairobi National Park : The World's Only Wildlife Capital

It's a chilly Tuesday afternoon standing at the fourth floor balcony of the Ole Sereni Hotel's new Eagles fine dining Restaurant that overlooks a water hole. The sun gleams through the cloudy skies striking me softly with its warm rays. Before me lies a vast savannah grassland with scattered acacia trees and not-so-green grass- The Nairobi National Park . In the scope of view, we could barely see any wildlife visible to the naked eye say for the chirping covey of small birds flying above us. Through set binoculars, we could see a few gazelles grazing on some tufts of grass far away. It's all a sight for sore eyes. 

The park is the only wildlife park situated t a city being only 7km from the capital's city center. The park lies on 117 square kilometers of open grass plains with scattered acacia
bush - the predominant vegetation. The western side has a highland dry forest and a
permanent river with a riverine
forest. To the south are the Athi-
Kapiti Plains and Kitengela migration corridor which are important wildlife dispersal areas for wildebeest and zebra during the rain season.

The park accommodates a wide variety of wildlife and bird life.  Four of the big five (lion, Buffalo, leopard & Rhino) are found here among others- cheetah, hyena, Giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, elands and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded. 20 of these bird species are said to be European migrant species.  Other attractions include the Ivory burning site Monument, Nairobi Safari Walk, the Orphanage and the walking trails at hippo
pools.

The park has 7 gates, 2 of which are KWS service gates.
Main gate: KWS headquarters
Langata road
Cheetah Gate
Langata Gate
Maasai Gate
Mbagathi Gate (service gate)
Banda Gate (service gate)
Entrance to the park is by a safari card, which can be acquired and loaded at the gate.

Activities
Safari walk
Game drives
Bird watching
Picnics
Corporate events and team events,etc

There is no in-park accommodation although there are numerous hotels around the park and within the city. However, one can have bush dinner within the park. How cool is that? I would think of it as being one with nature. One word -exhilarating. It's definitely one worth a try.

Kenya : Cradle of Mankind http://msafirikenya.blogspot.com/2013/07/kenya-cradle-of-mankind.html

Kenya : Cradle of Mankind

I am particularly very proud to be Kenyan today ; I think every Kenyan should be. Have you noticed that in many international movies and television series you will find a mention of Kenya come up? It gets better when it's for good reasons unlike many other African countries; mostly it's about safaris. It's a fantastic feeling knowing we are among the best when it comes to
wildlife
and safaris.
Irregardless, I believe I have another reason to be proud of Kenya here. Do you believe in the theories of evolution?  Well, if you do, you have to know that
Kenya is said to be the
cradle of mankind. Nonetheless, Ethiopia and South Africa claim the same 'title'.
In respect to that, The National Museum of Kenya has a list of factual support to the 'claim' as the cradle of mankind and it is as follows ;

Kenya has the largest number of
fossil human remains appr. 1000
individuals than any other country
in Africa.

Kenya has the oldest human remains
going back to 7 million year old from
Turgen Hills, Baringo (oldest in
Ethiopia = 4.5 million years ;
S.Africa ca 3 million years, Tanzania
= 2 million years.

Kenya has some of the most
complete skeletons e.g Turkana Boy
(1.6 Million years), which provided a
great wealth of information
regarding early human physiology
than anywhere in the world.

Kenya is endowed with many
prehistory sites scattered all along
the Rift Valley (north to south) and
western Kenya.

Kenya has many earliest ape sites
particularly in western Kenya. These apes are ancestors for earliest
humans. Ethiopia has just a handful
of these earliest sites thus making
Kenya the probable place where
transition from ape-like to human-
like beings occurred.

Kenya has the longest and most
complete record of human evolution
(and possibly the link between
humans and apes).

There is a huge collection in regards
to prehistory finds. Kenya actually
has the largest collection of human
related fossils anywhere in the
world. This collection is well
documented and can be found in
one central place- National Museum of Kenya Headquarters

Not only are all species of hominids
represented but also some other
faunal and plant species that relate
to the evolutionary theory (e.g.
elephants, giraffes, crocodiles and
even the dinosaurs).

In addition to the fossil record,
there is a long record of
technological evolution (with tools as
old as 2.3 million years).
There is a wide environmental
representation (open and closed
sites) in regards to evidence of
fossils and tools. Each region in
Kenya has a story to tell in regards
to the story of human origin. Varied
environments that may have been
instrumental in the evolution of both
humans and other species.

There is a wide genetic
representation among some of its
people (Turkana) pointing to the fact
that humans have been here for a
very long time.

There is a connection with the Far
East through the Red Sea where
humans are believed to have
dispersed from to other regions of
the world.
There is evidence of other factors
that relate to the evolution of
humans (e.g. humanity made fire as
far back as 1.8 Million yrs, footprints at
1.55 million yrs).

The study of human evolution began
in the early 20th century and
continues to present.
Kenya has about 20 Miocene (23.03
million years ago -ma to 5.3 Ma)
sites while Ethiopia has only two at
the moment.

I think the evidence is pretty credible. The Rift Valley especially has most sites and in consideration to the area's local climate, I second that evidence.
Some of the prehistoric sites that have been sources of fossil evidence are ;

Enkapune Ya Muto
Enkorika
Hyrax Hill
Ileret
Kapthurin
Koobi Fora
Ngenyn
Olorgesailie

Numerous fossils and tools collected from these sites are well preserved at the prestigious National Museums of Kenya which are distributed all over Kenya. Headquarters are located within the busy capital -Nairobi.

Aside from the prehistoric sites, Kenya boasts a rich archaeological history that has caught interest of many archaeology tourist especially with a particular interest to study that history. Some of the sites are:

Jumba la Mtwana
Kiongwe
Lamu
Mambrui
Manda Island
Namoratunga
Pate Island
Ruins of Gedi
Takwa

Each of these sites plus many more have a uniquely tasteful history that all together make the country that is Kenya is today. These sites are priceless riches that we should continue guarding for our benefit and generations to come.
Facts source : National Museum of Kenya
© Msafiri Kenya Blog

Wasini Island : The Kenyan Dolphin Waters

Ever had a place in your life or a destination that you would consider 'heavenly' or
simply put 'paradise on earth'? I guess I finally found one that does the magic for me ; Wasini Island.
A beautiful coral island located in the south east Indian Ocean
coast of Kenya near Shimoni and 10 km away from Kisite- Mpunguti Marine park, this island has a lot to offer a tourist.
A tour in this area would encompass a great variety of wild adventures in a wild coral
island.
With the scarce local population,wild mangrove forests and practice of eco- tourism, the island is almost intact and perfect for adventure.
Wasini Island is well famed as an excellent place for spotting for dolphins. For the adventure- seeking msafiri, you wouldn't want to miss a chance at snorkeling while having a swim with the dolphins- probably the most intelligent sea creatures. I'd bet this experience is one worth the history books.
If you'd ever want an experience fishing here, there are a lot of sports fishing
vessels that go straight through the
Pemba Channel, and it is a fishing
ground that’s well-known in Kenya,
World IGFA, and All Africa fishing
records with bountiful fish varieties.

Take an adventure walk of its own kind in the coral gardens on
the Western end of the island,
women groups have set up a nature
walk in it. Here you get to view plenty of colourful fishes in the sapphire oceanic waters. The proceeds go toward
Wasini benefactors, including Wasini
students. Here tours are usually packaged prior to the visit to the island hence making
it easier to include all activities in your package. This tour won't take much of your time
so you could make a detour visit in your planned tour. What's more? Clean Sun- kissed empty beaches around it,
definitely an escape from crowded beaches, would
certainly do for a peaceful afternoon.
Finally,
what's a tour to Wasini Island without a visit to the exquisite Charlie Claw's Restaurant?
Get served with finger-licking seafood delicacies at a
fair price here to complete the tour of this paradise.
This is the one island that would beg the question,
'what better place could you ever visit? ' Given a chance,
I would sacrifice all savings just to seize this exhilarating, once in a lifetime experience- seriously , it's worth the praise.

Repost : Events tourism - Events Kenya

Events Kenya : Events tourism http://msafirikenya.blogspot.com/2013/07/events-kenya-events-tourism.html

Events Kenya : Events tourism

Events - we get invitations to them daily, we attend them daily, we hear about hundreds of them monthly. From glamorous affairs - fashion events, eat outs, barbeques, book signings ,wedding affairs to adrenaline-filled events - kids festivals, safari rallies, sport events, from music festivals and concerts and house parties and traditional theme nights to art galleries and exhibitions, name it all.  They've coloured Nairobi's bustling party scene and nightlife, attracted people from all walks of life and perhaps earned Nairobi the name 'the city that never sleeps'.

At least I can attest that every one of my friends has attended an event or so, if not, that's probably a black sheep in this city. Personally, been to
quite a number, maybe sampled almost every category, say for a few although I would really love to attend a barbeque and a cake tasting, or possibly hold one- not bragging, I have been told my chef skills ain't bad at all.
Anyway, let's consider the few that have really created quite a buzz to the Nairobi party scene. Here, social events have starred strongly with Muthoni 'the drummer queen's Blankets & Wine leading in my opinion , followed by 'The Mingle ' and 'The Circle'. I would particularly applaud Muthoni's idea of Blankets & wine- it's very authentic, well thought and executed especially for the reknown artistes who perform music with an impeccable touch of Africa in their swing and beats -always breathtaking. The crowds that turn up tell it all: it leaves out no race, meaning it certainly has international capability. I understand that it has already touched base in neighboring Uganda. Another close second are the themed 'traditional ' nights like mugithi & mulembe nights. Despite the simplicity in their execution, they've managed to attract all communities ,
even the 'mzungu' in song and dance over finger-licking traditional delicacies.

Make a point attending several and you will get a taste of the Kenya's idea of 'celebration'. A typical Kenyan youth will celebrate to pretty much anything - be it completion of exams at school, end of a stressful week at work or school, a job promotion or even a mere day off work.
Thus, event organizers have made a pretty good effort at commercializing this industry, but are they aware it's a recognized form of tourism? Yes,it is
and it's known as events tourism.
Apparently, it has been more commercialized in other countries especially Europe
with a  country like Singapore holding beer festivals that
attracts a multitude of tourists from all over Europe for a single event, maybe one week long. We are no strangers to sports tournaments, premier leagues, marathons and world cups all over the world. These
simply are perhaps the biggest events ever as millions of fanatics flock into stadiums to
watch their teams play, but that's a discussion for another day.

All in all, Kenya is an indisputably rich country in talent and resources. Visit an art gallery or two, you
will see it firsthand or consider it a one in a few chances if you witness the artists working on hand. Back last
year, I happened to visit a gallery in Lonrho building right within the busy city center . A particular portrait of a peacock drew my eye and since then I could only imagine it standing as a magnificent centre piece in my living room one day.
The idea of original works of arts being executed into huge international events is appetizing. Currently, the existing ones are small scale projects, facing financial hurdles and in need of sponsors.
The ministry of tourism and the ministry of Sports,the arts and cultures have a responsibility to boost the industry and it should start with what's at hand. Event organizers also come to play where they should start focusing on events with a positive touch, to show that it's not about partying every time but we also need to appreciate what's worth and also sell our idea of 'sherehe' - Swahili connotation for 'Celebration'- and sell it internationally. Private sectors and local investors need to be called in to fund and nurture local talent and transform it to business. In the end, it's all win-win.
Finally, to my talented fellow youth, why not grab this opportunity? We are definitely supercharged and define talent way better than our older generations. Ideas are limitless, possibilities endless. All we need is a leap of faith,to take a first step on that journey of a thousand miles.
I say power to Kenya!!

Msafiri Kenya: Poaching :Who will blow the whistle?

Msafiri Kenya: Poaching :Who will blow the whistle?: One evening, as I routinely watched news at 9, among the headlines was "Poaching". Yet other four jumbos had been killed by poache...

Poaching :Who will blow the whistle?

One evening, as I routinely watched news at 9, among the headlines was "Poaching". Yet other four jumbos had been killed by poachers it the Tsavo Conservancy Area. The poachers had used poisoned arrows instead of riffles to avoid detection by the Conservancy rangers who were on heavy surveillance. TCA Assistant Director Robert Obrein disclosed that poachers were now hiring professional hunters to kill wildlife along the Voi River. I was taken aback by the news. The particular news piece stirred deep interest in me, having an understanding and interest in the tourism industry.

Meibae, Kenya - "The shooter had laid
up atop a flat , house-sized boulder -
no more than 10 metres from the
elephant - and blasted a bullet
down through the animal' s head.
The poachers set to work , hacking off
the tusks under a setting sun before
scurrying up a rocky ridge , trekking
off into the night . The slain
elephant was around 25 years old ,
its tusks weighing five kilograms
apiece .
Nearby , a herder grazing livestock
heard the shot echo and began
running for his manyatta settlement .
Within three hours, 14 armed
rangers converged at the nearest
road access - an eight kilometre hike
from where the elephant 's carcass
lay .
The rangers were each of them
Samburu tribesmen . Tracking is in
their blood. But you can 't track
without light. They waited until
dawn . By the time they reached the
carcass , the poachers had 10 hours
on them .
" They were very clever, " said Chris
Lentaam , a ranger, pointing at the
rocky ridge beside the stinking
carcass as he clutched his
antiquated rifle. "They jumped
between boulders so we couldn 't
follow their footprints easily."
This is a recent news article from Aljazeera that is yet another evidence of the act.

" Right now the demand for ivory is
very high. When that happens , the
price rises and suppliers go into
over- drive ," says Paul Mbugua ,
spokesman for the state- run Kenya Wildlife Services. "While there is
demand for ivory, nothing will stop these poachers . "

That demand is seen as coming from China - projecting influence across the continent and with a growing
middle class - and other Asian end-
markets, prompting World Wildlife
Fund International Director Jim
Leape to recently issue an appeal , as a team of 17 poachers were spotted
headed towards a herd of 200
elephants in CAR .

Recently, there have been sprawling cases and concerns of poaching in the East African game Parks, especially of elephant tusks and rhino horn. Never had the poaching be so severe than in the 1980's that saw the elephant population dwindle fast from 165,000 to 16,000 with tens of thousands of elephants being slain every year. In the neighbouring country, The Republic of Congo where the trade isn't banned yet, poachers hunt from helicopters packing a heavy load of gun fire.

Looking at it in context, the whole act looks more malicious as it would superficially seem. Imagine felling a massive elephant or rhinoceros
weighing tonnes,heartlessly passing heavy saws through their horns for just about a maximum of 10kg tusk or horn. Sad,
isn't it? In my perspective, it's not any different from the case of
several inhumane and malicious individuals hunting down our albino brothers and sisters for their skin, or is it?  

Questions need to be asked and honestly, the trigger should be from within. Light should be shed upon this outrageous scandal before it gets out of hand.
It's well known that wildlife is a natural resource,isn't it?

The long term implications of the trade are way far serious. If the trade continues, it means millions of shillings in revenue are lost every year in the
tourism business; both private and public sectors. It means that in future we have no wildlife
that we currently boast and showcase to the tourist. In the long run, the currently second richest source of Kenya's revenue will die. Is this the Kenya we want?

I understand that measures have been taken to counter this ugly act. Sanctuaries have been
set up to protect these endangered species , bans were set on poaching in Kenya back in 1989, rangers among communities have been
deployed. We've witnessed former Kenyan presidents Mr. Daniel Moi and Mr Mwai Kibaki burn truckloads of illegal hoards as to impose the ban, among other measures but is it all?

Well, apparently, at the moment a kilogram of elephant tusk
costs a mind blowing $64000 in the current illegal 'market'. That explains the thirst it is creating. A price like that gets money-thirsty suppliers on their toes for the illegal trade simply because they are too lazy to work as hard as any other hardworking citizen.

" The criminal justice systems
throughout the region are not at the
level they could be . They are dealing
with transnational organisations, so
there needs to be greater cross -
border cooperation between relevant
agencies ," said Gerhard von Rooyen ,
of the UNODC's Nairobi office . " If
not , it makes it extremely difficult to
stop them ."
Says an excerpt from
Aljazeera.
The government should swing fast and create public awareness, regions joining and working
in cooperation to stop the legal act. Harsher sentences on anyone facilitating the trade should be imposed, otherwise, in a decade the population of elephants will grow extinct. Otherwise, the East and China could cooperate and curb the problem from their side.

Who are the individual masterminds of this illegal trade? Why do we continuously catch the hoarders when we simply know they are agents? Who will blow the whistle? Will we ever get to know?

Photo credits and news exerpts by :Aljazeera & Standard media group.

The Wildebeest Migration : The World's Eighth Wonder

As it is known,annually the Masai Mara Game Reserve is the most sought safari destination in Africa and perhaps worldwide. Some have coined it as the '8th wonder of the world'. Annually, the wildebeest migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania across the crocodile infested Mara River into the Masai Mara Game reserve. Similarly, tourist from all over the world traffic into Masai Mara Game Reserve for the chance to experience of a lifetime.

Why the migration?
Many are ignorant as to the reason for the herds migration.
The wildebeest migration is a natural phenomena just like the American bison migration which happens every year. In the Mara, annually a population of approximately 1.5 million wildebeest and about 200,000 zebras and some gazelles set for a migration across the Mara River in search of surface drinking water and greener pastures in the months of April to July. It is said that this migration is triggered by the animals' instinct although weather patterns such as the wind direction guide them.

As the huge populous herds migrate to and fro, they are are constantly faced by a challenge of predator attacks which reduces their population. Numerous documentaries feature wildebeest being eaten by crocodiles , land predators or drowning in the river. An adult wildebeest is pretty strong and fast - running at a maximum of 80km/h (50mph). Their horns could easily tear and injure a predator, even a strong lion. A recent research has shown that a herd of wildebeest possess what is known as " swarm intelligence" whereby animals systematically explore and overcome obstacle as one. Typically, predators attempt to segregate or cut out the weak, sick and young animals of the herd. Swarm intelligence enables the older and larger animals to protect the younger and weaker ones while the herd runs as a group.

Migration patterns
The wildebeest live in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania for 8 months and live in the Masai Mara Game Reserve for two months. The rest of the time is spent in the migration.  They migrate to The Mara for surface drinking water and bountiful greener grass rich in phosphorus . The rich grasses are particularly important for the lactating 'mothers' of the herd. This migration happens around the rainy seasons of April until around July and it is during their duration in the reserve that they give birth to thousand of new healthy calves before they migrate back to the Serengeti.

What about the wildebeest? 

Here are some brief facts animal
facts about the wildebeest

There are two species of
wildebeest:
The Blue Wildebeest or the
brindled gnu (species Connochaetes taurinus )
The Black Wildebeest or the white
tailed gnu (species Connochaetes gnou)
Size: Male - 58" Female - 53"
Height: 3 ft 9 inch to 4 ft 7 inch
(1.1 m to 1.4 m)
Weight:330 to 550 lbs (150 to 250
kg)
Habitat: The plains and open woodlands of Africa, especially the Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania, Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, and Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia.

Lifespan:20 years
Predators:Leopards, Lions, hyenas, African wild hunting dogs and cheetahs
Food: tree leaves, grass, ferns, fruit and fungi

When and where is it best to view the migration?

Masai Mara is a year round safari destination. However, the migration is it's biggest attraction. A great majority of tourist prefer viewing the migration from the Mara side as opposed to the Serengeti. The Mara provides a stunning spectacle of the whole migration. For eco-friendly and conservative tourist, a view in a a hot air balloon or a chattered aircraft is breathtaking.
The best visit times are between April and July and in November. It's advised that one makes an early visit to avoid the tourist traffic to the park. Although the timing changes from time to time, it doesn't differ much. Also, the spot of migration changes from one year to the other.

Have you, the msafiri, had your chance at this often "once in a lifetime " opportunity? Do you plan to take that step? Personally, I can't wait.

WELCOME MSAFIRI!!

GOLFING IN KENYA : The ultimate 'golf safari' haven.

A week back we had a lecture on a tourism unit in school. We had PowerPoint presentations on different tourism types. Although, according to the lecturer, the extent of research done was poor, there was one particular extra tasking topic - Golfing. It's almost had no clue. I wouldn't blame us, golfing in Kenya is considered to be for the few elite and it's unheard of in majority of rural areas. But here is the fact about golfing in Kenya.

There are over 40 golf courses in Kenya, 13 are 18-hole, 10 used for championships and 6 are within a 20mile radius of Nairobi -Kenya's bustling capital. The oldest 18-hole course is Royal Nairobi golf club founded in 1906 and the latest being the David Jones design Vipingo Baobab club on the East Africa coast opened in July 2009. A number are being upgraded from 9-hole to 18-hole. Kenya's Muthaiga golf club is the host of Kenya Open, part of the European PGA challenge cup.
Kenya can as well boast being awarded the prestigious IAGTO award for the best undiscovered destination of the world for the year 2009.
So, what's unique about golf in Kenya?

Climate
Kenya's climate is all year round perfect for golf settings . In highland areas,, temperatures are in the lows of 20's and at the coast in the highs of 20's and lows of 30's. There are 12 hours daylight all year through.  In rainy seasons (April and November)  rain will mostly fall before 10am and after 5pm which is almost never when you are playing golf.  Golf courses situated in arid areas have systems to water the fields for luscious green fields all year.

Variety
Kenya has a variety to offer in golf courses, from the beach clubs set among palms with breathtaking views of the sapphire Indian ocean,  to those dominated by the perennial snow capped Mt. Kenya. Most of the highland golf courses are situated above 5000 meters above sea. This gives you an additional 10% yardage to your stroke. One is even built at the slopes of an extinct volcano.

Price
Golf fees in Kenya are easier on the pocket compared to the European and American counterparts. Fees vary between courses and days of the week but usually come under US$50 for an 18-hole round and for that you get first class facilities , welcoming clubhouses,often all to yourself. The only extre cost will be a caddy. The courses also welcome non-members and do not on insist on members taking 'temporary membership '.

Attractions
There's no other country in Kenya, perhaps the world that will have an offering of golf and wildlife paired as Kenya does. We offer a wholesome 'golf safari'. Golfing in the ambience of wildlife; offering first class facilities, cafés, restaurants, swimming pools and others in pure, wild, unstrained nature with few or no civil structures around. From swimming with the whale and sharks at the coast to elemental elephant encounters at Amboseli, from the fearsome big cats to.the superlative - defying spectacle of the Masai Mara wilderbeast migration,  no other country does wildlife like Kenya.

Availability
Most of Kenya's golf courses offer golfing competitions on weekends but all other days are free for golfers to show up and play although prior bookings are advised.

Caddies
Although Kenya has no golf carts available, there are caddies available. They are competent golfers who speak excellent English and are willing to collect stay balls and give advise when required to. Generally, a caddy will charge a fee of $6-$8, which is paid directly to your caddy. This cost is worth every penny considering the local altitude and climate.

Petma Restaurants

To the healthy Msafiri , the city has so much to offer when it comes to healthy delicacies.
Offering specialties which have attracted accolades in the hospitality industry.

From freshly brewed Kenyan coffee to delicately flavoured samosas ; warmed pastries and hot soups to start ; shallow fried tilapia ;chicken stew ; salads and ice-cream to continue ; and fresh juice , milkshake and yoghurt , smoothies to finish.Guaranteed satisfaction to the Msafiri.

The staff are there to ensure elegant and personalized service to detail.I have been there on several occasions and the level of friendliness there is like stepping into your own home for a healthy meal with family and friends
Petma Restaurants are more than homes for healthy meals , they offer African Cuisines , lunch boxes , outside catering and even private parties

Location:
Kanda Street - Travel House,Ground Floor.

Koinange Street - Rattansi Educational Trust Building,Ground Floor.

Kimathi Street - Kenwood House,2nd Floor.

THE KENYAN MSAFIRI: KAMA SI SISI, NANI??

It's an early Sunday morning here in Kenya and I get a text from a friend inviting me for an excursion trip to Naivasha Crayfish place. Got me thinking, almost every person in Nairobi thinking for an out of town place the automatic go-to place is Naivasha if not Safari rallies. I have nothing against these places but that's not all about Kenya's destinations.

I could bet on a million bucks or more that a staggering 80% of my friends have hardly made an effort to visit any local destination if not for the Kenyan school trips they've had or maybe the coast, especially Mombasa, right? I am not safe in this number either though, Shame on me too. But why is it the case?
First, kudos for the Kenyan system of education for that effort, otherwise, a good majority of Kenyans don't even move away from their home counties. Since their birth,all about their lives is within that particular county; from school, work, marriage life till death, say majority of our older generations.

Second, we have to act on this issue. Reminds me... it's the tourism peak season and the season for the wilderbeast migration too. Kenya has got 40 national parks and game reserves that draw tourists worldwide who are curious about safari species; the BIG FIVE, the wilderbeast migration, zebras, cheetahs, name it all, and would gather all their savings to get here to have such a spectacular experience. Is it that we don't value what we are abundantly endowed with? I mean, it's PRICELESS!!

So, peak season runs from June through September although March is a fair month for travelers to see a good variety of species, avoid heavy rains,enjoy pleasant weather and beat the crowds. One can also visit April through May but be prepared for rain and tented safari closures. This could be an adventure for the kind who are thrilled by adventure and challenging excursion experiences.

I therefore pose a challenge to Kenyans, let's have a start. The wilderbeast migration at Masai Mara will be till around November. We are good at arranging group tours, you will be amazed at how cheap a rate one can get especially as domestic tourists or maybe students. I want to be at the root of such an initiative. People of Kenya, friends, parents, family, it starts with us. KAMA SI SISI, NANI ATABADILISHA KENYA?

LAIKIPIA NATIONAL PARK: The Mammal Sanctuary

Staring in the northern tourism circuit of Kenya is the Laikipia
National Park.
Increasingly acknowledged as one of
the most important areas for biodiversity in Kenya, wildlife
population densities in the Laikipia
region and Ewaso eco-system now
rank second to the internationally
renowned Maasai Mara ecosystem ,whilst the diversity of large
mammals is higher than in any
other part of Kenya.
The Ewaso eco-system is home to the
second largest population of
elephant in Kenya (5,400) and the
area hosts the highest populations
of endangered species in the country.
Laikipia supports seven heavily protected rhino sanctuaries, which together hold over half of Kenya’s
black rhino population. Laikipia has a unique combination of dry and
cool weather, climatic gradients
being influenced by the presence of
Mount Kenya (5,199 metres) and the
Aberdare highlands (3,999 metres).
There is great variation in rainfall
from year to year.

Location - Laikipia

Laikipia District is a vast plateau to
the north west of snow-capped Mount Kenya, straddling the equator
at the heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley
Province. The Laikipia plains stretch from the Great Rift Valley to magnificent escarpments that
descend into the Northern Frontier
District.

Distance from Nairobi - 190km to
Nanyuki (Laikipia boundary)

Size

Covers total area of over 9,500
square km, and forms part of the
40,000 square km Ewaso ecosystem.

Climatic conditions:

Mean annual rainfall varies from
400mm in the north-east to 900mm
in the south-west. On average over
80 per cent of days are rain-free. The
long rains from March to May are
followed less rain between July and
September, with cooler temperatures
and high winds. The warmest
months are December and January,
which also have the least rainfall.

Wildlife:

The diversity of large mammals is
higher than any other area with
elephant, rhino, Grevy’s zebra,
reticulated giraffe, Lelwelhartebeest,
wild dog and large numbers of other
large predators.

Access

Road: access by road from Nairobi,
Samburu, Nakuru.

Air: Nanyuki
airfield is the hub for scheduled and
charter flights linking Laikipia with
destinations such as Samburu and
the Masai Mara. Most tourism
facilities in the region have private
airfields for charter flights.

Best time:

All months except April, May and
November, during the rainy season

Activities:

Wildlife related activities (day and
night), walking, hiking,fishing,
mountain climbing, mountain biking,
camel and horse riding and fly camping.

Rolf's Place

Rolf's place is definately the place to visit.The beauty is as breath taking as it sounds
 Such A beautiful Rolf's scenery at Place magnificent and captivating Leopard Cliff Mansion. Designed like a medieval imposing fortress on the edge of a cliff overlooking the deep gorge, once you set your eyes on it,you instantly feel adventurous. Access over the gorge is provided by a suspension bridge which you cannot help but imagine how it was set up.Once you cross over and stop shaking from the fright, you are welcome to a large terrace which extends outdoors from the Mansion floor.It is an open paved area with dinning chairs and tables plus a great view of the bridge and gorge. It can seat up to 50 diners.The food is of international standard;the selection and taste is great and amazing  Combine this with the ambiance of the dining facilities, and you will feel very accommodated. A private dining room which can hold 20 people and also act as a conference hall is available. The Leopard Cliff Mansion has boutique-styled 7double bedrooms all individually furnished and all en suite.The lounge area features interesting regalia and artifacts that add that homely feel to the imposing Mansion.There is also a bar in the lounge that has the capacity to serve a list of soft drinks, cocktails, spirits and exotic wines. A large glass and wooden door leads visitors to the swimming pool area which is a nice place to cool off in the hot afternoon and enjoy the amazing panoramic views.And this is not all...........

Sun-kissed Diani Beach

Kenya's beauty is young, like an innocent young one, unexplored and untampered with.
The beaches are a wonder; from the warm weather, to the very clean sandy beaches and beach hotels that offer excellent service to the msafiri.
Diani and Watamu beaches are must -go destination to anyone visiting Kenya, especially the coastal strip ; being ranked second and third best beaches in Africa, it's without doubt that they are SUN-KISSED.

A view of Mt. Kilimanjaro peak from Tsavo West National Park

 

Msafiri Kenya Premier

Msafiri Kenya has been born today, July 8th 2013. It is aimed at exposing beautiful Kenya to the whole wide world. Kenya is BEAUTIFUL and we are going to show it.