Amazing Africa: Kenya 2013
#Kenya #nature #sky #mountains #roads #landscape #jungle #safari #animals
Day 01 - Nairobi;
Arrived in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, I flew by emirates over Dubai to Nairobi. The International airport in Nairobi is comparatively small and many tourists can get their visas on arrival which is only $75. I arrived in the evening around 19:30, the weather was a little bit cold which took me by surprise. We were picked up by "Simon" our local driver and agent "Jenifer". We then checked-in to the hotel "Fairview Hotel Nairobi".
Next day morning we began our journey to explore the Eden of Africa!! Our journey began with a small city tour in Nairobi, the city was crowded and we were also stuck in traffic for a while. Many men in the city wear suits. Then we head towards Maasai-Mara.
Day 02 & 03 - Maasai-Mara;
We took the highway and then entered into a rough heavy damaged road, drive through nice landscapes, passed the "Rift Valley" continue drive through villages and little by little we had this feeling of "entering into the wilderness". We arrived in Maasai-Mara after long drive from Nairobi and straight away checked-in at "Maasai-Mara SOPA Lodge". In the afternoon, we drive in surrounding area of Masia-Mara and saw a lot of zebras and giraffes and we spend the night in the Hotel.
The next day morning we started our safari in Maasai-Mara National Park, We saw a lot of wild African elephants, rhinos, leopards and once again zebras and giraffes.
We also saw some cubs and lionesses but we were not able to see a male Lion in Mara. We were also lucky to see Cheetahs hunting for their pray. The other animals found in this national park were Impalas, African-buffalos, hyenas, jackals, ostriches and many other birds. It is said that in Maasai-Mara you could find the "big five". The big five animals are; lion, leopard, African elephant, African buffalo, and black rhino. In Mara I was able to see all the members of the "big five" family except the lion (a male lion). The picture below represents the "big five". After a long day of seeing a lot of wild animals we returned to the hotel and the night was spent.
Day 04 & 05 - Nakuru;
We drove early morning from Maasai-Mara in direction to Nakuru. At first we stopped in the Nakuru Lake, we also had a small excursion in the Naruku lake which is famous for "Hippos" and tropical birds. We go in the small boats which were very low to the waters. After about 2-3 hours of excursion we came back after seeing a lot of Hippos and birds. Since we drive a very long way we decided to take a day off and spend the night in the hotel. I recommend "Lion Hill Game Lodge" if you are staying overnight in Nakuru.
The next morning, we started safari in the Nakuru National Park. Altough we did not see many animals like in Maasai I realized the habitat of this park was different, there were a lot of monkeys, baboons, and chimps. During this safari the only thing I wished for was to see a male Lion. It was not quite long when suddenly the driver asked us to stay silent, and he was the king of the jungle, with his fierce looking golden fur. This was the most fascinating scenery of our tour, and I have now seen all the 5 of "big five".
Day 06 - Amboseli;
Day 07 - Samburu;
The day 06 and 07 we spent also in 2 different National Parks, There wasn't anything new in these two National parks except some different kinds of small species like different deer, impalas, wild bores and there were a lot of wild African elephants in large groups. As usual there were a lot of zebras (at this point I was fed up seeing zebras and they were not fascinating anymore.
Day 08 - Aberdares;
This was our last location of my trip. We were in Aberdares, located in the hills of Kenya. The climate was much cooler and the plants were green as everywhere. In this area we stayed in a special place called "Tree Tops" one of the must visit places in Kenya. Many famous people who visit Kenya usually drop by here for a overnight or so. A very private lodge in the middle of the National Park. In the night you can see animals that come to drink water from this lake which is found just in front of the lodge. This place is sure too good to enjoy a nice cold "Tusker Beer" and spend your evening waiting for the animals to come.
Tips:
Key Words:
Jambo: Hello
Asanthi Sana: Thank you
Karibu: Thank you
Hakunama Tata: Don't Worry Be happy
