THE BIG GAME EXPEDITION
THE BIG GAME EXPEDITION
The mammal biodiversity (species) in Kenya is diverse, from the smallest forest shrews to the largest aquatic whales. These includes Aardvark (one species), Dugongs (1), Otter shrews and golden moles (2), elephant shrews (5), hyraxes (4), elephant (1), primates (18), rodents (94), hares (3), hedgehogs (1), forest and dwarf shrews (37), bats (103), pangolins (3), carnivores (37), odd-toed ungulates (zebras & rhinos) 4), even toed ungulates (56) and whales and dolphins (23). This brings this total to 394 species. Unless you are scientist interested in studying mammals, who might be interested in small mammals (bats, shrews, rodents etc), as a tourists much of your interest will be on large animals, the so called the big five. Most of the animals you will likely see in Kenya include elephant, buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, Rhino, Impala, waterbucks, dik diks, hyena etc). These are animals you will see without any temptation to break park rules of off-road driving famous with some tour companies in search of elusive and reclusive species. Tsavo East National Park-has the largest congregation (more than 10,000 individuals) of elephants in a single park; Tsavo West National Park and Amboseli National Park; Masai Mara Game Reserve-for the largest concentration of Wildebeest; Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Sweet Waters), Nairobi National Park, Buffalo Springs and Shaba Game Reserves and Meru National Park: all these sites the vegetation is not thick, but open woodlands which allow for easier viewing of wildlife species.
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A sample of a 4-day mammal tour (note that a tailor made expedition can be developed depending on the visitors choice of species and places of interest)
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Day 1: Nakuru National Park-Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive to the Great Rift Valley with scenic landscape viewing en route arriving to the pink lake often referred so due to its great masses of Flamingos. After lunch proceed for game drive in the park with numerous animals. Lake Nakuru is world famous as the feeding grounds of both lesser and greater flamingos which can be distinguished by size and color. You will see Buffalos, White Rhinos, Waterbuck, Common Zebra, Baboons. Besides that, more than 400 species of birds can be seen in the park.
Day 2: Travelling to Maasai Mara Game Reserve-Maasai Mara's 320 square kilometers of open savannah, woodlands and tree-lined rivers create an eco-system which supports huge numbers of bird and mammal species. The western border of the park is the spectacular Siria Escarpment, and together with the Acacia dotted plains, creates scenery of stunning beauty. Lions are found in abundance throughout the park, as are elephant, giraffe, a variety of gazelle species and zebra. Cheetah and leopard are also regularly seen and if lucky, you may also get to see rhinos. During Wildebeests migration (in between…July and August………………) it is possible to see a thousand animals crossing the Mara River or grazing in the reserve. This safari consists of quality accommodation and a superb opportunity for an adventurous and unforgettable experience in Kenya. Dinner and overnight at campsite.
Day 3 & 4 Maasai Mara- Full day in Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. Optional visit to a local Masai village. Meals and overnight at campsite.
Day 5 Maasai Mara Game Reserve – Nairobi-We enjoy an early breakfast and then we drive to Nairobi. We have lunch at the InterContinental Hotel. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure. You might take this opportunity to visit our local stores in down town Nairobi. The store displays items pertaining to Kenya cultural heritage, and offers unique carvings, artifacts, clothing and gem stones to augment and expand the experiences you've had on your visit. If you are returning home today, you have a day room available for the afternoon and dinner at the hotel is included. Early in the evening, depart for home. As we leave Africa we know that the old adage is true: you may leave Africa, but Africa will never leave you.