National Geographic Traveller (UK)
The call of the wild
Kenya’s nature reserves show a country as diverse as it is extraordinary, where lions stalk through ancient lava flows and flocks of bubble gum-pink flamingos skim vast, silent lakes. From camel-riding to mountain climbing, these six reserves each offer something different for travellers
1 WITNESS OTHERWORLDLY LANDSCAPES
TSAVO EAST & WEST
Tsavo East is an arid expanse, recognisable for its paprika-red volcanic soil. The section below the Galana River is a great place to listen to the twitter of the Tsavo sunbird, among 500 other avian species.
2 MEET THE MAASAI
MAASAI MARA
Known globally for their distinctive red and multicoloured robes, the Maasai have retained most of their traditions and culture. They’re a nomadic people, moving around each season to allow grass to regrow.
3 SEE THE SKY TURN PINK
LAKE NAKURU
Home to the greatest bird show on the planet, Lake Nakuru is the place to see both the lesser flamingo, with its deep red bill, and the taller greater flamingo. Up to a million gather around the shore, creating a spectacular sea of pink.
4 CLIMB ABOARD A CAMEL
LAIKIPIA & SAMBURU
Join a camel safari to get close to the likes of zebras, elephants and giraffes. Each safari is led by tribespeople, who use their intimate knowledge of the land to avoid big cats.
5 WALK WITH GIANTS
AMBOSELI
Amboseli National Park is known for its elephants, with more than 1,600 roaming the savannah and woodland. They benefited from a baby boom when tourism dropped due to the pandemic and rainfall was high.
6 SCALE SUMMITS
MOUNT KENYA
The highest mountain in the country, Mount Kenya is located 90 miles north of Nairobi. It’s made up of layers of magma and last erupted 2.6 million years ago. Its ragged peaks are capped with snow while its slopes are dense with forest.