AMBOSELI
Amboseli is located in the Rift Valley, near the border with Tanzania, and was inaugurated in 1974. With a decision much discussed and followed by a lot of controversy on 5 November 2005 the Government of Kenya decided to declassify Amboseli National Park to the status of "hunting territory". Amboseli remains a safari park of international renown and full of charm; with its nearly 400 sq km is not as extended as Tsavo and certainly does not host the profusion of animals of Masai Mara but here in Amboseli it is more likely than elsewhere to meet the rare black rhinoceros, one of the giants that populate this immense plateau where the horizon comes at once with the unmistakable african sky. Reserve is precisely nicknamed the "land of the giants" and its 1300 elephants fully confirm this, provided that probably in no other part of Africa you can find a concentration of similar size. The largest and famous giant, however, is Mount Kilimanjaro with its 5895 meters above sea level. It frames the south border of the park and it's the highest peak in Africa. An Arab legend says that in Mount Kilimanjaro lived a god who punished anyone who tried to approach the summit. The punishment consisted in the paralysis of hands and feet using a "strange" phenomenon: freezing.
Dry basin of Lake Amboseli is likely to be the first thing you see entering the park and it's a desolate plain and somewhat the spectral impression you will feel will be the one of a dry and barren land. Here even when it rains around, vegetation grows less, the land is full of salt that resides in the lake and this limited a lot the growing of typical African fauna. On the other hand, the salt enriches the pastures, which attracts large herbivores in big amounts.But apart from that, you gonna be surprised by the various habitats that the park provides. Its geography is composed of distinct areas quite different one from the other: north, as I have mentioned, dryness of the dry lake; on the south the landscape totally changes with thick vegetation covering the sight, while the very southern end lies in a 'oasis lively with a large concentration of animals. Towards west then you will see the Observation Hill, the only Amboseli hill from which you can watch all over the park up until Kilimanjaro: a typical Africa and Kenya that many have have seen only in photos or on television.

MASAI MARA
The Masai Mara is the most famous safari park in Kenya and perhaps the entire African continent. It is not very great indeed extends "only" 320 square km between the plains and grasslands of the Serengeti between suggestive of acacia forests populated by countless scimmie.Tutti should be able to set foot in the Masai Mara, its hills covered from soft meadows, the river Mara filled with hippos and its variety of flora and fauna you proietteranno environment in the typical safari, a landscape that already have certainly admired through pictures or televisione.Ricordi the film "My Africa"? It 'was shot here in the highlands of the Masai Mara and madness, if you decide to get a ride here try sensations that do not leave you for a beautiful piece, but once back in Italy. The reserve, opened in 1961, is located west of the Rift Valley and is the natural extension of the Serengeti in Tanzania. The Mara River, the backbone of the park, across the park from north to south concluding on the shores of Lake Victoria every year this area is the scene of the great migration of gnu, when one million copies of moving together in search of new pastures . How do you explain even after incredible is the ardour of these animals galloped across the plains: many of them die crushed by their peers and others are attacked by crocodiles or drowning while crossing heedless of the danger is also fiume.Questa the land of Masai tribe, made from very independent people still believe in the traditions of their land and shall be deemed an integral part of the landscape that they circonda.Sono a nomadic tribe that in the past was much feared for the character that characterised warrior and that actively contributed to the independence of Kenya.Purtroppo bring a true Masai it is not easy because we are withdrawing in remote regions of the park and try to avoid contact with foreigners: if any guide you will submit one or if you happen to see some show where the Masai are the protagonists while you are certain that those are not real Maasai, but someone paid for folklore.Come risparmiareUno imitate the positive side of the Masai Mara is the great distance that separates it from urban centres: there ' is no difference between the territory within the boundaries of the park and to fuori.Gli animals moving in complete freedom and without encountering any obstacle, systematically cross borders: you will see that it is easier to find out that inside the park, especially during from July to October when the Masai Mara is literally flooded with tourists from all over the world, from buses and fuoristrada. Enter the park is not necessary for one or two days safari and as long as the ticket costs 45 Euros per person you can save and maybe experience a more adventurous safari on your own.

TSAVO EAST
The Tsavo National Park is the largest of Kenya and absolute one of the largest in Africa. It stretches for more than 20,000 square km and for reasons related to the management was divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo East West.La section, which includes an area of about 11 thousand of square km, is dry most of Tsavo ovest.E 'format by vast highlands interspersed with areas chiazzate from bushes and dry groves of acacia, green oasis near the bed of the river instead Galana.Il Tsavo West, which stretches around the railway Mombasa - Nairobi for over 8500 square kilometres, offers a more evocative landscape it is also the most used and visited by tour operators and turisti.Gli crossings between tracks in the two sections of the park are all marked and numbered, so you will not find any difficulty in spostamenti.Il Tsavo East is the oldest park of Kenya, is the most remote and least visited of the two sections but not the least this affascinante.E 'very wild and even if the extreme north-east is often closed to the public is always pleasant us a visit. If you holiday in the nearby coast (for example to Malindi and Watamu) Tsavo east is the perfect place if you want to switch relaxation of the sea with a short safari adventure of one or two days.

TSAVO WEST
The Tsavo West is easy to reach being located around the road Nairobi - Mombasa, Kenya's main artery. And 'the land where at the beginning of the last century took the field legend of lions eating men (men eater lions), which is "opposed" to the construction of the railway that would connect the south coast of Kenya with Uganda. Tsavo West encloses several spectacular habitats: river forests, mountains, lakes and vast pianure.Presenta also a great variety of birds and animals: the numerous pools in fact ensure a constant presence fauna of kenya even during the dry season when several species animals moving more sud.Il landscape of the park, filled with huge baobab secular, reaches its maximum splendor after the rainy season, when everything seems to take on tones of pink and acacia trees is covered with beautiful white flowers. Unfortunately, given the proliferation of bracconieri and hunters illegally, in the last 100 years, the number of elephants and rhinos has significantly decreased in Tsavo west.Il black rhino in particular has been the action of the number of copies and constantly haul today during a safari in Kenya can meet only in the super-protected areas dedicated to him.

LAGO NAKURU
The safari park, which was opened in 1968, covers nearly 200 sq km and almost all the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Nakuru is salty and not too profondo.Ciò that you can admire its shores is still considered the most beautiful spectacle ornithological of the world with hundreds of thousands of pink flamingos that move in all directions to eat seaweed holding basin lago.Quando then take flight entertainment is even more beautiful, with the sky becoming changing color pink. Un'esperienzadavvero not easy to descrivere.Le size of the lake are very volatile lately and when it portrays several kilometres for many birds moving further north towards the lakes and Bagoria Magadi.Ma the attraction of the place is not only the flamingos when the water level is lower soda ash is crystallized on the shores of the lake forming a strip of gleaming white powder and that gives the landscape an almost surreale.I just 4 km that divide the park from the town of Nakuru, the fourth cities of Kenya and the Rift Valley provincial capital, cause serious ecological consequences to the maintenance of the territory: the great accessibility brings a large number of visitors who throng the area with a number of means of transport, which together pollution from the nearby town contributes to a gradual deterioration of the environment. About ten years ago this was the origin of zastrupitve algae of the lake, which caused the death of many fenicotteri.Il Nakuru National Park covers the entire area of the lake and the area of land that environment. Its shores are virtually the marshes, which during the dry season drying leaving vast expanses of south sale.Verso vegetation river expands into acacia trees and bushes while in the east and west sides of the basin there are hills from which we can admire the view of the lake across tranquillità.Sparsi throughout the area of the park there are several spots where you can stop for a picnic or climb into a small observatories built on adjacent trees. Do not worry of wild animals, the areas are safe and has never registered any incidente.Come risparmiareIl best way to visit the park since it is not very large and is full of indications, is to pay a taxi or a matatu and organize yourself the Safari (yes, even if you do not have any experience with this) you can go round as you will save a lot 'of soldi.Ti assure that it is impossible to miss or risk not seeing the animals: the signs on slopes are many (almost like road signs in town) and because the park is small and concentrated around the lake meet the animals very easily, even if you do not know their habits. "

MERU NATIONAL PARK
The Meru is one of the most unknown safari parks of Kenya and covers 870 sq km on horseback over the line, 350 km from Nairobi.Anche if it is not very popular assure you that it is very beautiful and worth a sense visita.Il know that peace is transmitted extraordinary: it is the only park in which the Kenya safaris are allowed to walk in certain areas are still little explored by scoprire.Questa and all land is criss-crossed by rivers and 13 well given the proximity of Mount Kenya , which is often hit by showers, has a very thick vegetation, which though very fascinating and characteristic not deny that often makes it more difficult than elsewhere see the animals in action (but when you can see them assure that it is much more rewarding). The Meru park is famous for the story of Joy and George Adamson which he discusses the book "Born Free", which became guardiacaccia friend of lions and established a relationship with their extraordinary friendship, particularly with the lioness Elsa.Il Meru National Park has not been inaugurated recently, but as I have mentioned has not yet been discovered by mass tourism means an area where there is remote and see its animals is not always facile.Al against other reserves, which in some of the cases seem almost safari zoo in Meru you will need to find the animals between the thick vegetazione.Molti define a "paradise untouched, I think that that still remain for a few years as is increasingly attracting the interest of tourists. So if you are about to make a safari in Kenya we should go in Meru as soon as possible before it loses its wild charm.

MONTE KENYA

With its 5200 meter Mount Kenya is the second African summit after Kilimanjaro and is one of the few African mountain glaciers have cime.La its highest peak was climbed for the first time in 1899 by Halford and still Mckinder Today is a great challenge for many mountaineers esperti.Ma not worry, in the massive Mt. Kenya there are other peaks and adventurous ugualmenteappaganti that can be explored even if you are not a professionista.Uno of the most fascinating is the constant change of flora and fauna that notice rising to the top (in various places assure you that it is not difficult) The lower part is rainforest with big trees with a rich liane and undergrowth, 2000 meters begins mountain vegetation that around 2500 will be replaced by a dense forest of bamboo giganti.Sopra the 3000 metres, when the tundra begins African formed by shrubs and lichens, the environment changes still completamente.Per the Kikuyu, the largest tribe of Kenya that has its origin here, the mountain was the home of the god Ngai, also known as Mwene Nyanga which means "bearer of light ". Mount Kenya is nicknamed "Mountain of Light." If you are not a lover of high mountains a safari in the lowest areas of Mt Kenya is a provare.La by thick vegetation, in addition to other animals, houses a large number of monkeys and the environment is really unique in Africa: the top of the mountain snow is clearly visible from any point, and guardandola between the fronds of jungle appreciate that the contrast is remarkable.

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Samburu National ReserveIl Samburu situated in the centre of Kenya in an area very dry and arid. The Ewaso Nyiro river gives life and sometimes it does become a real oasi.E 'a vision when after hours of travel expenses to watch the rocky desert from the window of the car in front suddenly you see a green lawn with the strange shape of the mountain Ol Olokwe the background. From Samburu you can achieve in a moment other two parks that stretch along the river: the Buffalo Springs and Shaba. Initially, the territory was but one reserve for problems related to the management, since the park stretched over three provinces was divided into distinct areas allocated to each respective comuni.Lo Shaba is the least visited of the three but it is also the largest with its 240 sq km extension. The Samburu and Buffalo Springs have similar dimensions: 165 sq km for the first and 128 for the three secondo.I safari parks, compared with other reserves of Kenya, is a remote and inaccessible area and are also the only habitat for different species of animals typical of the equatorial zone, like the Grevy zebra and giraffe reticolata.Lo Shaba with its low hills is much less of arid Samburu and Buffalo Springs: During the rainy season its slopes are even reserved for vehicles Four-wheel drive (4WD) given the amount of mud that is formed. The reserve is less developed than the other two and therefore even less popular and more tranquilla.Questa populated region is known after the Samburu tribe, ethnic origin of ancient Nile in some ways similar to the Masai during a safari will be able to see them often while go to the river to water their camels or when to bring cattle pascolare.Una time you will see the north of the country will not be surprised landscape that offers the Samburu: despite altitude above 1000 meters is very hot, and The sense of desolation that transmits charm is typical of this part of Kenya, often seen as one of the less hospitable areas of Africa. dusty plains are interspersed with docile hills, where bush savannah alternates to the groves of acacia feature top flat. As I have already mentioned the backbone of the park is the Ewaso Nyiro River: through the three reserves giving rise to Chanler falls and ends his trip in the marsh south of Lorian.Il river attracts animals during the dry season when the sun begins to drain the bed of the river, elephants dig in the mud in search of water forming large puddles, water invaluable source for all other species of zona.E 'fun, for example, see dozens of baboons that fighting among themselves for a pool of water nearby when there are four or five other "free." (source Safari in Kenya)

ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK

Aberdare is the name of a mountain range that extends north of Nairobi for more than 160 km. These reliefs were called so in 1883, when the region was visited by the President by the Royal Geographical Society of London, Joseph Thomson. The name of autochthonous Nyandarua, Kikuyu language, is still slowly taking sopravvento.Il park is located in the central region of Kenya, in the districts of Nveri and Murang'a. Covering an 766kmq, to a height varying between 1,829 and 3,998 metres above sea level. It has an almost circular shape, with the exception of a projection towards the east, called Salient, where the height reaches 2,130 metres. The park offers corners paradise and terrible in its majesty and beauty. Attraversarlo may not be simple, because of rain (even violent) that characterize. The top of the highest mountain chain is the Ol Doinyo Satima, with its 3,998 metres. At a height of about 3.350m flora typically becomes Alpine, and the territory is crossed by rivers, waterfalls and cataratte.La flora in the area of Salient, is rich in bamboo forests and other typical mountain. And 'where there is the highest concentration of animals: elephants, rhinos, antelopes water and antelopes of Africa, cefalofi, villages, deer, monkeys can be viewed with ease. Among the carnivores are lions, leopards, gattopardi. Among the birds is really spoilt for choice. On all stands out the golden eagle, which dominates everything. Some hotels, sites in the very heart of Salient, to observe the animals with some facilità.La popularity of the park is due mainly to hotels, from the inside, allowing the vision of animals. The Kenyan government estimates that, given the grandeur of the scenarios offered by the park, the flow is still less than aspettative.I transport. A road through the chain Aberdare in the park from urban centres of Naivasha to Nyeri. The artery can be used aboard cars robust, provided that the weather conditions permit. To reach the park from Nairobi to take the road 104 north of Naivasha, and the fork on the road to Nyeri.Ci are six public entrances to the park, plus two private (used by the two hotels of Salient, but it can not be arrive with private cars). From Nyeri can reach the Salient through the doors Ruhuruini or Wandaris, and to Chaina Falls Kiandongoro through the door. The park can be reached from the north by road Nyeri-Nyahururu, via the doors or Shamata Rhino, or centres or Naivasha Gingil west through the door Mutubio.Il Nyeri urban centre can be reached by several bus from Nairobi. But no public transport arrival in one of the entrances of the park. And 'not recommended the hitchhiked to reach enter. To move walk in the park instead must be part of a group and agree on the organization of the trip with the direction dell'Aberdare National Park (address: PO Box 22, Nyeri).

BUFFALO SPRINGS NATIONAL RESERVE
In the Eastern Province, Isiolo district, is also the Buffalo Springs National Reserve, 131kmq area approximately 80 kilometers north of Mount Kenya. The area where the reserve is located is generally arid, inhabited by nomadic peoples. The territory, however, is crossed by Ewaso Ngiro River, along whose banks then grows a fertile prairie. The reserve, which takes its name from an oasis of crystalline water that is its western border, includes the territories on both sides of the river. It was established to protect the lives of wild animals that use water dell'Ewaso Ngiro for their sopravvivenza.Tra reported animals in the reserve are the leopard, orice and elephants and gazelles. More rare are the giraffe, zebra of Grevy, the ostrich, crocodile. The reserve Buffalo Springs is bordering on the Samburu National Reserve, but the two areas belong to two different districts, are controlled by different direzioni.I transport. The main artery connecting the reserve, arriving from Nairobi, is the main A2 road, via Thika and Nanyuki and Isiolo through. Between Nairobi and Isiolo there are about 300km of well-paved road. After the road towards Moyale, the Ethiopian border, but is no longer in good condition. The reserve can be reached by Isiolo Gate (in some old maps is called Gare Mara Gate) along a road that branches off to the west of A2 about 20km north of Isiolo, 3.5 km south of the small town of Archer's Post . lines Many reach Isiolo road from the main centres of the central highlands. From Isiolo every day a bus travelling north through the centre of Archer's Post. From here you can walk to the entrance of the reserve.

ARAWELE NATIONAL PARK
Arawele The park covers an area of 533kmq, is located in North Eastern province, in Garissa district, five kilometres from the Tana River and about 130 from the town of Malindi. The reserve, established in 1973, was created primarily to offer protection to rare antelope Hunter. Transport. Access to the park Arawele is made difficult by the lack of roads. To get there is therefore essential to use off-road machines. To reach the reserve must travel north of Garsen on B8, and take the fork in the direction of Ijara that continues through the border with Somalia. After crossing the River Tana, we must turn north (before reaching the village of Masabubu) on the track that crosses the riserva.Per those arriving from Nairobi, should turn south on B8 before arriving in Garissa, and take a left ( after 90km) the secondary road to the village of Bura. The village is located along the D568, which runs along the eastern borders of the reserve.

BISANADI NATIONAL RESERVE
The reserve Bisanadi covers 606kmq, in the Eastern province, in Isiolo district, not far from Meru National Park. The vegetation consists mainly by thorny bushes and dense forests into grasslands. Several types of palm trees and plants along the river waterways. During the wet season the reserves, is the dispersion of wildlife from the Meru National Park, especially elephants and buffaloes. Transportation. Access to the reserve is difficult because of lack of roads connecting. Access from the south can take place through the Tana River, while another route passes through the Meru National Park
ional Reserve

SHIMBA HILLS
Background Information The Shimba Hills were gazetted as a National Forest in 1903, grassland areas were incorporated in 1924 and several subsequent extensions took place to bring the Reserve to its present size. In 1968 most of the Reserve was double gazetted as the Shimba Hills National Reserve. Two smaller areas to the west adjoining the reserve and almost entirely forested remain as Forest Reserves; Mkongani North and Mkongani West Forest Reserve.
A fenced elephant corridor connects the Shimba Hills with Mwaluganje Forest Reserve to the North.
The Shimba hills are a dissected plateau that ascends steeply from the coastal plains, 30 km south west of Mombasa and just south of Kwale town. The surrounding escarpment rises from around 120m to 300m across the bulk of the plateau and as high as 450m at Marare and Pengo hills.
The underlying rocks are the Triassic Shimba Grits and in the north central part near Kwale town Pliecone Magarini sands. Rivers flowing from the hills supply fresh water to Mombasa and the Diani/Ukunda area.
Location:The reserve is approximately 33 km South of Mombasa, in Kwale district of Coast Province.
Climate:The climate is hot and moist but is cooler than that at the coast with strong sea breezes and frequent mist and cloud in the early morning. Annual rainfall is 855mm-1682mm. Mean annual temperatures is 24.2 degrees Centigrade.

HOW TO GET THERE
Roads:The reserve's main access is via Diani. - 56 kms from Mombasa.
Airstrips:The reserve has one airstrip.
Park Roads:Inside the Reserve is a 153 km road network.
Park Gates:Main gate, Kivumoni Gate, Kidongo Gate, Shimba Gate.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Scenic landscape comprising of hills and valleys extending beyond the reserve boundaries

Sheldricks Falls
Sable antelope
Coastal rainforest
Potential for bird-shooting outside the Reserve

FACILITIES
Shimba Hills Lodge; KWS Bandas; 2 campsites
COMMON VEGETATION
The Shimba Hills hold one of the largest areas of coastal rain forest in East Africa after Arabuko Sokoke. The vegetation consists of forested scarp slopes and undulating grasslands interspersed with woodland clumps and ribbons of riverine forest in the steeply cut valleys.