National Parks and Reserves in Kenya
Rainforest
Kenya has a rainforest in the western part of the country, in a town called Kakamega. Home to over 400 butterflies, 300 species of birds, and 27 species of snakes, it is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The Kakamega Forest Reserve is also home to the endangered Debrazza monkey and the Potto, said to be the slowest mammal on earth. If you are interested in seeing what coastal forest looks like, there is a nature preserve that protects one of the few remaining acres of coastal forest. At Arabuko Sokoke National Park, one can see the African Goshawk and other endangered species of birds. There are also a variety of butterflies for those interested in butterfly watching.
Mountains
There are several mountain ranges in Kenya that provide wonderful panoramic views of the country. Please be prepared with a warm jacket as temperatures can drop down to 40 degrees farenheight. Mt. Kenya, Mt. Elgon, and Mt. Longonot National Reserves all offer visitors an opportunity to visit volcanic mountains. Mt. Elgon reserve has a natural salt lick in one of its caves that is very popular with elephants and buffalo. Mt. Kenya reserve is a popular climbing destination and offers an opportunity to see an extinct volcano. It is also an opportunity for Kenyans who have not seen snow to get a chance to touch it. The main animals that can be seen here are elephants, waterbucks, colobus monkeys, and a rare forest antelope called a Bongo. Mt. Longonot is great for those who want to walk around the crater of a young volcanic mountain. Along the way you will catch sight of breathtaking views and an abundant array of wildlife. The Aberdare National Park is home to the Aberdare mountains and the famous Karuru Falls. You can also catch a large population of black rhinos flourishing in its forests.
Marine
The coral reef is teeming with wildlife. It is home to many tropical fish, sea turtles, whale sharks, and colorful coral. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, it is a constant draw for tourists looking for sun and sand. The wildlife also draw avid scuba divers and snorklers, and deep sea fishermen looking for that extra challenge. Malindi,Watamu, Mombasa, Kiunga and Kisite Marine National Parks are all very popular. At Kiunga you can also see Mangrove swamps where the mangrove tree grows in the saltwater of the Indian Ocean.
Lakes
Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha were once famous for having a sea of pink cover their blue waters. The pink was a sea of flamingos which flourished along their shores. Unfortunately the numbers have fallen in recent years due to pollution from horticultural farms that line their shores. Pelicans and storks are plentiful, as are hippos whose wiggling ears can be seen just above the surface. A rhino sanctuary has also been established successfully here. Lake Bogoria has natural hot springs that serve as a natural spa for enthusiastic tourists. Catch a glimpse of a giraffe, bush pig or hippo at this site, or try to count the variety of birds that you see. Lake Victoria in western Kenya is home to crocodiles, herons, tilapia and nile perch. Great area for fishing or birdwatching. Lake Turkana in northeastern Kenya is in Sibiloi National Park where some fossils of man’s earliest ancestors have been found. You can also glimpse of the Oryx or the rare lesser Kudu.
Rift Valley and the Plains
Hells Gate National Park has hot springs and geysers, numerous species of birds, and a great number of birds of prey. You can pick up Obsidian stone, formed from cooling lava, in plenty here. You can camp here and indulge in horseback riding. Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks offer red volcanic soils, grassy savannah plains, and teeming wildlife. Mzima Springs in Tsavo West is a source of natural springwater. You can also spot the rare Hirola Antelope in Tsavo East, or the elusive wild dogs. Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park has fourteen waterfalls that are well worth the journey.
Animal Sanctuaries
These parks are predominantly established to protect endangered species of animals. Saiwa Swamp National Park was established to keep the semi-aquatic antelope, Sitatunga, safe. It is a small park that is easily manuvered on foot. The Impala Sanctuary was set up for a small herd of impala that did not have a home. The elusive Sitatunga has also been spotted here. Shimba Hills National Reserve has inadvertently become the protected area for the endangered sable antelope and a haven for over 300 elephants (one of the few areas in Kenya with that many elephants in one area). Tana River Primate Preserve is home to the Mangabey moneky and the rare Tana River Red Colobus monkey.
Desert
The northern part of Kenya is mostly arid desert with a few scattered seasonal lakes and one large permanent lake, Lake Turkana. Sibiloi National Park, Marsabit National Reserve, Malka-Mari National Park, and Losai National Reserve offer crater lakes, diverse birdlife, snakes and crocodiles for you to view. They also offer camel safaris, a fort (at Malka-Mari), and archeological safaris (at Sibiloi).
The variety of things to do in this one country is astounding as is the variety of landscapes to do it in. These are just a few of the parks that you can visit to learn more about the country. Take your time and enjoy them for what they have to offer. There is a big push towards eco-tourism so most of the money that you spend will be used to develop the areas that you are visiting. What a great way to make a difference and be inspired at the same time.
