MERU NATIONAL PARK

As you skirt your way through Mount Kenya to the East via Embu and Meru, you will come across a hidden gem, tucked away in Meru and known to the adventurers few.  It is a lovely place to visit in these mountains.  Meru National Park is one of Africa’s most beautiful parks though little visited due to a history of insecurity.  Spirited rehabilitation by the Kenya Wildlife Service and partners over the last couple of years has seen the park become more accessible.

The environment is secure, several wildlife species have been restocked, and it is a favorite safari destination for discerning travelers and wildlife for professionals.  Meru Park vegetation is magnificent.  It is typical Savannah, hot and dry but with plenty of water in the form of fourteen permanent rivers flowing through the park.  This combination breeds a unique vegetation formation that makes the park a haven for photographic safaris. <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-9770610857642756"

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The park also boasts the Big Five.  It also hosts other northern range wildlife like the Grevy zebra, Beisa oryx, the reticulated giraffe and the lesser kudu.  Hippos and Nile crocodiles  also inhibit the rivers.  Meru’s landscape is made even more spectacular by the numerous rocky outcrops that form habitats for pythons, baboons and leopards.  It is here where Joy and George Adamson released their most famous lioness, Elsa, back into the wild.  The tales are told in the book and film Born Free.  Accommodation ranges form the posh Elsa Kopje tented camp; KWS managed Bandas to several campsites.

ELSA KOPJE COTTAGE

TIMBALI SWAZILAND

Timbali Lodge was founded by the late Pat Forsyth Thompson and his wife, Joy in 1968. Having spent many years as a prisoner of war in World War II, Pat’s indomitable spirit held fast to the mindset of always finding the good in a difficult situation. After the,war,Pat dedicated his life to serving the Swazi nation which he deeply loved and respected.Inaddition to undertaking a number of assignments for the late, great King Sobhusa II,hewas also instrumental in the creation of Malolotja Nature Reserve and the establishment of the Swaziland National Trust.  In the early 1970’s Timbali was a humble caravan park, but over time it has grown to a sunny haven for tourists, visiting business people and local alike.

Timbali lodge is set in a lush garden of indigenous trees and shrubs and the accommodation options range form luxury rooms with showers to executive suites with showers and spa baths.  All the rooms are furnished with fridges and modernities like telephones, internet links and DSTV.  A new multi functional thatched boma, which can take up to 200 people, is open adding an exciting dimension to the lodge. The boma hosts a variety of functions cabaret, theatre, dance, weddings and lavish feasts.  The chef at Timbali specializes in Afro/middle Eastern fusion and traditional dishes and meals for special needs may be ordered. The creation of the Boma restaurant is dedicated to this remarkable man and the inspiration he brought to those fotunate enough to cross his path. For those keen on discovering Swaziland, the chef can prepare a picnic basket or stock up on treats from the on-side coffee shop and delicatessen make a point of visiting the tantalizing Timbali.

MT. KILIMANJARO

 

Tanzania has some of the most spectacular wildlife in the world.  From the great migration to buffalo grazing at the base of the Ngorongoro crater, no one who has been on safari in Tanzania will ever forget it. Tanzania is also the land of pristine rainforest, spectacular mountains and unspoilt coral reefs.  There is more to discover in the heartbeat of Africa than large carnivores.

 

Like large mountains, for instance, Kilimanjaro rises 5,896m above sea level and is Africa ’s highest peak.  In 2 AD Ptolemy, the Greek astronomer wrote of a mysterious lands to the south of Somalia that contained ‘man eating barbarians’ and ‘ a great snow capped mountain’  The man eating barbarians were unaccounted for, but the local Chagga people called the cloud shrouded mountain ‘ Kilema Kyaro’ meaning ‘that which cannot be conquered’ or ‘that which makes a journey impossible’.

 

Well  should you decide to ascend the mountain you will keep having flashbacks of the Lord of the Rings where Frodo and Sam were climbing Mount Doom .  You will imagine, look and smell like those struggling hobbits, equally small and with feet as equally large and cumbersome.  Adding to a growing sense of surrealism is the rapid change of scenery.  Kilimanjaro has five ecosystems from foothill to summit.  After farmland you enter into rainforest.  The rich damp smell gives way to a drier, earthier fragrance as you pass into heath.  Low lying shrub is interspersed with towering plants like the yellow Senecio flower which grows to five meters!

LAKE NAKURU

Lake Nakuru

requires less introduction as it yields you with one of Kenya’s best known images.  It is perhaps Kenya’s most popular lake internationally and has variously been described as the most fabulous ornithological spectacle in the world.  The lake is within the most nationally visited park; the Lake Nakuru National Park.  So popular is the park that perhaps we forget it owes its existence to the lake and not the other way round.

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Lake Nakuru is a shallow, strongly alkaline lake and was gazetted as a bird sanctuary in 1960.  It is reputed to have the highest densities and diversity of bird species in the world, the foremost being the flamingo.  The lake can support up to 1.5 million flamingos during the prime season.

The average flamingo population has been between 500,000 to 900,000 birds, which is a breathtaking sight for visitors.  They move back and forth feeding and occasionally take to flight, filling the sky with colour.  Other common birds include the pelicans, plovers, and gulls that make a tour along the shoreline quite relaxing.  Over 400 migratory birds from around the world stop by at the lake.

Zebras, white rhinos and gazelles browse on the lake fringes.  Other common species are the water bucks mostly found on the eastern shoreline.  A visit to the lake early in the morning is advisable, as you are likely to see hippos and hyenas that prey on weak birds along the shoreline.   It is a spectacular view to be remembered.

Nairobi

Nairobi is  a modern commercial center and  Kenya’s capital which  is home to a fascinating variety of people the stimulating mix of cultures means that there is a buzz about the place. The city is the financial and business center of East Africa, is an often frantic mix of businessmen, diplomats, tourists and locals. The word Nairobi is from the Masai word “Nyarobe” meaning a place of cool waters.  Nairobi is the only city in the world to have a national park.  The famous, Nairobi National Park .  Should one decide to visit this city, it has a lot to offer. Off the Langata Road you find Bomas of Kenya where traditional dances of every tribe in Kenya are show cased every day, 2 kilometers ahead lies the Mamba Village and Ostrich Park .  Mamba is a Swahili term for crocodile.  Feeding time is quite a spectacle as you watch the professional attendants walk into the crocodile’s enclosures to toss chunks of meat into the reptiles eagerly awaiting open jaws.

Visitors can also go fishing in the man made lake and any boat rider who catches fish in the lake is allowed to keep them.  A walk across the bridge over the lake leads you to the ostrich resort where the tall feathered creatures approach the wooden fence to gape at visitors with curious large eyes.  There is also a lounge and restaurant at the Mamba Village is open every day from 10 am until 5.30 pm and charges for the crocodile farm and ostrich farm are separate.  This is one place that children and grown ups are always thrilled to watch the families of crocodiles languidly while away the day beside their shallow pools.

 

Nightlife in Nairobi is vibrant. This city  has a number of lively venues for drinking and dancing and include some of East Africa’s busiest clubs and best bars.

Tourists must also experience the exotic cuisine of the city. The residents of Nairobi are quite fun-loving and they love to attend mid-night parties. Nairobi Nightlife has something for everybody theaters, casinos, restaurants, clubs and bars. Several hotels have clubs and bars on their premises making it easy for their guests to enjoy the nightlife. Some famous Nairobi clubs and bars are: Florida 2000 Discotheque, Casablanca, New Florida Nightclub, Pango F3, Simba Saloon,  Tamasha, Rafikis ,Zanze Bar Red Tape and Black Diamond in Westlands. Girls And prostitutes are all over in the bars and clubs. New Florida club in downtown Nairobi is guaranteed to send you off with a smile. In this club you will even find Nairobi girls from rich families that just looking for a good time.Best place to look for a Nairobi prostitutes is Nairobi streets at night. Drive along koinange street in downtown you will see a parade of all sizes.

LAKE SIDE TOURIST LODGE

Started in 1994 as a private enterprise, lake side tourist lodge is one of the most prestigious hotels located 15 km from Naivasha town, along Moi Avenue, Nakuru, Maai-Mahiu Highway.  It is easily accessible by a cab or to the locals, a motorbike.

The physical outlook of the hotel is one to leave you amazed.  Naivasha is known for its aridity, but this atmosphere changes once you get to the entrance o the hotel.  The beautiful tall palm trees provide an oceanic atmosphere while carvings of a lion and a cheetah give that Jurassic feeling.

The hotel hosts conference facilities with two conference halls ranging from the number of participants.  They also offer accommodation for single,twin and double rooms.

While staying at Lakeside, either as a visitor or on official business, one can visit an art gallery which is right next to it, or even work out in the gymnasium which is intact with the hotel.

For adventure, one can catch a great view of the train which comes from the metropolitan station in the neighbouring towns, and passes right in front of the hotel at different time intervals.

Spending nights at the hotel gives you the pleasure of enjoying ala carte services form a well set dinner table, and also grab a drink and kick back to a game of soccer form the D.S.T.V.  After which one is booked into the clean  self contained rooms,  with balconies to catch some fresh air, or to even glare at the  lit town. 

http://lakesidetouristlodge.com

THE VILLAGE MARKET

The village market is East Africa’s largest shopping and recreational complex.  Set on over ten acres, houses over 140 shops, a full recreational park with water slides, a mini golf, twelve state of the art bowling lanes, a pool hall a variety of children games.  Nu metro theaters Kenya’s largest cinema complex which has four screens featuring the latest international hits.

Village market is ten minutes drive from the city centre and is located in tranquil vicinity that also houses the UNEP Headquarters.  It is designed to blend into the surrounding environment with beautiful landscaping and grounds.  The complex embodies the spirit of African marketing in an open air setting with waterfalls, rivers and gardens in every direction.  The food court offers a multi cultural gastronomical experiences over 13 food outlets provide a choice to suite every taste from Thai, Italian, Chinese and African.  The beautiful open setting of food court allows the visitor to relax in an environment ideally suited for relaxation and comfort.  A live band provides entertainment on Friday night and on Sunday afternoon, when the food court is transformed into a place for old friends to meet, families to share a meal in  a safe and secure place.  The Maasai Market comes to the Village Market every Friday.  Over 350 craftsmen traders and artisans come to sell unique arts and crafts. Just as every visitor must see London’s Big Ben or Paris’ Eiffel Tower, a trip to Kenya would not be complete without visiting the village market.  The abundance and quality of arts and crafts in unrivaled, allowing both tourists and residents to appreciate Kenya’s and Africa’s finest works.

SAMBURU AND BUFALLO SPRINGS NATIONAL RESERVE

Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserve lie adjacent to the small town of Archers post which is some 325 km north of Nairobi in Kenya’s arid Northern frontier district. This is a spectacular region of sand rivers, isolated mountains rising sheer from the plains, long droughts and sudden torrential rainstorms. It is also the best place to find dry country mammals such as Oryx, gerenuk, reticulated giraffes and endangered Grey’s zebra with their pin stripes and large dish shaped ears. The reserve also provides regular sightings of all the big cats and is visited by large herds of elephants. The bush country of northern Kenya also supports on amazing variety o birds and the presence of water and riverine woodlands in theses reserves increases this diversity. Almost 400 species have been recorded in this area including Somali ostriches (distinguished by males’ bluish legs and necks), birds of prey form the magnificent, martial eagles to the diminutive pygmy falcon, kingfishers, hornbills, rollers, bee-eaters, and game birds such as guinea fowl and sand grouse.

The scenic beauty and ecological importance of the reserve centers around the crocodile infested Uaso Nyiro River. It flows quietly between wide tree – lined banks within the reserves and forms the boundary between them with Samburu lying to its north and buffalo springs to the south. A bridge built in 1964 just upstream fro Samburu lodge links the two reserves. On leaving the reserve the river cuts deep into the ground and plunges into deep gorges in the east of Shaba National reserve. The location of Joy Adamsons last adventure.

LAKE BARINGO

As you leave Lake Baringo junction and head towards Marigat-Kabarnet junction towards the North, ten Kilometers ahead is Kampi ya samaki, a quiet and touristy town that sits next to Lake Baringo.  It is at the threshold of Northern Kenya, and its fresh waters are an oasis in the arid plains.  The lake lies in a solitude semi desert, a heaven of peace and beauty in the in the harsh, rugged but majestic surroundings.  This is the traditional home of the Njemps.

The lake which is 129 square kilometers and happens to be a fresh water lake is well stocked with fish and attracts many pelicans, cormorants and fish eagles.  Hippos populate the lake as well as crocodiles.  The lake is truly a beauty, surrounded by volcanic ranges that stretch as far as the eye can see.  Olkokwe Island is at the heart of the lake.  It is a stark rocky island that is home to the Njemps and a well appointed camp.   This is an excellent base for base for exploring the lake by boat, providing excellent opportunities for bird and hippo sporting.

Alternatively one can go bird watching on foot , whichever method you choose, you cannot lose as some 400 species have been listed in the area.   Other activities include fishing, water sports or a visit to the Njemps villages to enjoy traditional crafts and dancing.  Accommodation is available at the Soy Safari Club and Lake Baringo Country Club.

LAKE ELEMENTAITA

Lake Elementaita lies in the Great Rift Valley. It is a shallow saline lake located next to a diatomite factory
in Gilgil along the Nairobi – Nakuru Highway. There is a roadside viewpoint well signposted on the left immediately after the junction to the factory. From the viewpoint you can disembark from your car and walls along the footpath to the lake. The lake’s shoreline is perfect for picnics and walking safaris and adjoining rocky cliffs afford you a good opportunity for tougher tracks and mountain hills.

The shoreline can be approached through the Lake Elementaita Lodge which is visible on the left after the Kikopey Shopping Centre. The Northern side of the lake encompasses the flamingo camp which touches the shoreline and can be used as a base to reach the lake. Boat riding during the wet season is possible as the water volume is high. The water recedes significantly during the dry season making boating difficult. Both the Flamingo camp and Lake Elementaita Lodge offer accommodation and food.
Lake Elementaita is a great place to see water birds like flamingos, pelicans, cormorants and geese. It is an important dispersal area for flamingos and plays an important role when food is limited in other saline Rift valley lakes like Nakuru and Bogoria. During the dry season, Black lava islands situated in the lakes western park provide the only suitable nesting and breeding grounds for the great white pelicans.
A camp of internal displaced persons is also located on this arid land a few kilometres from the lake. its worth to pay them a visit during your adventures in the great rift and offer any kind of help as suggested by the  video.