We arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport late in the evening after nine hours of long flight. Most nationalities get visa on arrival for a payment of US$ 25 and the process was fairly efficient. Paul from Visit Africa Ltd. (Tour Agency in Kenya) met us at the airport and transferred to Nairobi Safari Club for briefing, dinner and overnight stay. Visit Africa had organised a comfortable 4x4 safari jeep with an open roof equipped with radio communication system.
We custom designed a private safari with Visit Africa Ltd to our desire. Our medium paced trip of two weeks wildlife viewing, with two game drives most days. Kenya has more than 25 parks and reserves but we focused on only six to spend out time with the wildlife rather than driving between parks. At the end of the safari however we had driven almost 7,000 kms on Kenyan roads. Our choice of parks in Kenya started from Amboseli, Aberdare, Samburu, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nakuru and ended in the best national park in the region; Masai Mara. It was nominated for the wonders of the word because of the spectacular Great Migration. The name "Safari" is synonymous with adventure, game tracking and rough rides in an African jungle. Kenya is a tourist’s paradise and is endowed with numerous parks, reserves and culture that together form the base for exploration while on a Safari. The most famous Kenya animals are know as the "Big Five" - Lion, Leopard, elephants, Buffaloes and Rhinos. We thought that it is unfair to have only big five; looking at the adventurous life of Cheetah - So at the end of our safari, we unofficially promoted Cheetah to be the "Big Six" ! Congratulations Cheetah family :-). we were fortunate to meet all Big Five members during our safari.
We custom designed a private safari with Visit Africa Ltd to our desire. Our medium paced trip of two weeks wildlife viewing, with two game drives most days. Kenya has more than 25 parks and reserves but we focused on only six to spend out time with the wildlife rather than driving between parks. At the end of the safari however we had driven almost 7,000 kms on Kenyan roads. Our choice of parks in Kenya started from Amboseli, Aberdare, Samburu, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nakuru and ended in the best national park in the region; Masai Mara. It was nominated for the wonders of the word because of the spectacular Great Migration. The name "Safari" is synonymous with adventure, game tracking and rough rides in an African jungle. Kenya is a tourist’s paradise and is endowed with numerous parks, reserves and culture that together form the base for exploration while on a Safari. The most famous Kenya animals are know as the "Big Five" - Lion, Leopard, elephants, Buffaloes and Rhinos. We thought that it is unfair to have only big five; looking at the adventurous life of Cheetah - So at the end of our safari, we unofficially promoted Cheetah to be the "Big Six" ! Congratulations Cheetah family :-). we were fortunate to meet all Big Five members during our safari.
Kenya has two rainy seasons that everyone advise you should probably avoid safari. The long rains starting at the end of March and go through to the end of May and the short rains in November to early December. , We travelled in April, much to our surprise no rain through out the safari except the last day in Nairobi. We were blessed with changed weather pattern in Kenya! I believe even safari in rainy months is not really a big deal and you can manage to carry on with rain. Muddy roads in a 4x4 wheel drive can actually be a lot of fun. End July, August and October are just about the best times but to see the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The Great Migration in Africa
Every year, thousands of wildlife embarks on their long trek from Serengeti National Park into Masai Mara which is its extension to the South. Hundred and thousands of wildebeests, zebras cross over to the green pastures on the Kenyan side. This is a very spectacular and unique event that one must see. The crocodiles lie in water wait for wildebeest in Mara River, thousands succumb to death by drowning in their attempt to cross the river. This is also a period for mating before the animals embark on their return journey back to Serengeti. We were not fortunate to witness the Great Migration as we went to Kenya in April and this happen only in July - October.
What we got on our Safari and how the days went by....The Great Migration in Africa
Every year, thousands of wildlife embarks on their long trek from Serengeti National Park into Masai Mara which is its extension to the South. Hundred and thousands of wildebeests, zebras cross over to the green pastures on the Kenyan side. This is a very spectacular and unique event that one must see. The crocodiles lie in water wait for wildebeest in Mara River, thousands succumb to death by drowning in their attempt to cross the river. This is also a period for mating before the animals embark on their return journey back to Serengeti. We were not fortunate to witness the Great Migration as we went to Kenya in April and this happen only in July - October.
- A warm and friendly " Jumbo" welcome by the local people and "Hakuna Matata", a beautiful pharase from Swahili (Kenyan language) to mean "no worries for the rest of life" or as we say "Chill Out".
- No humidity, comfortable temperatures
- A variety of delicious food and
- Exhausting but Exhilarating days.
In our tight safari schedule, an average day began at dawn with early breakfast and a sunrise game watch - driving out of the park heading to next destination. During the heat of the day when the wildlife is at rest, we traveled on long roads to reach the next park and check into the hotel in time for lunch and relax before the next adventure of the day, evening game drive. We choose all our accommodation in hotels, lodges those were located inside parks that gave us a chance to watch animal on our way in. Generally evening game drive starts after cup of refreshing tea around half past three, when the wildlife again comes alive.
It says that picture is worth a thousand words, in this journey we saw how beautiful the African sunsets is. Watching the bright of the day slowly transforms into vibrant yellow and oranges and then fade into reds with shimmering distortion of the colours reflecting off the landscape is magnificent.Common sight in the evening at hotels is everyone gathers to exchange stories of the bush while enjoying beverages. Retire to bed early is the best choice of most travellers, but for us look at the photographs, videos taken on the game drive, play with our travel teddy buddies, reading "Lonely Planet Guide" on the next day exciting adventure as tomorrow will brings - kept us up till mid night.
A good camera will make the difference between having photos of spectacular wildlife and having vague little dots of animals to show family and friends. The more common "point-and-shoot" cameras are too small. On safari, you won't always be able to get close to wildlife. A SLR camera with a 200-300mm lens is reasonably good for wildlife photography. More serious photographers may choose telephoto lenses of 400 or 500mm. Larger lenses often require a tripod, which cannot be used on a moving vehicle. A good bag for your equipment including a dust cover is must as the parks are very dusty. All photographs on this blog are captured from a Panasonic Lumix FZ35, one of the best super zoom (18X Power Optical - 12MP) - compact yet advance digital camera.
A good camera will make the difference between having photos of spectacular wildlife and having vague little dots of animals to show family and friends. The more common "point-and-shoot" cameras are too small. On safari, you won't always be able to get close to wildlife. A SLR camera with a 200-300mm lens is reasonably good for wildlife photography. More serious photographers may choose telephoto lenses of 400 or 500mm. Larger lenses often require a tripod, which cannot be used on a moving vehicle. A good bag for your equipment including a dust cover is must as the parks are very dusty. All photographs on this blog are captured from a Panasonic Lumix FZ35, one of the best super zoom (18X Power Optical - 12MP) - compact yet advance digital camera.
Not all African cultures are familiar with cameras. Rural folk will often shy away from having their picture taken. Better be sensitive, some locals expect a fee for having their photograph taken. Our guide Paul, told us to avoid photographing anything relating to government and military installations, including personnel - soldiers ,policemen and government buildings, bridges.
Read through my blog; all national parks that we visited has a dedicated page with a photorama to share this life time magnificent experience in Kenyan jungles.
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