Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs and Shaba are the most remote and inaccessible among the popular reserves located in Northern Kenya along the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro river. Shaba, the less visited of the three, is also the largest, with a total extension of 239 km. Samburu reserve and Buffalo Springs are similar in surface area, 165 km and 128 km respectively.
Samburu national reserve
Samburu national reserve
The area has been traditionally inhabited by the Samburu people, a nomad paranilotic tribe closely related to the Maasai. The dusty plains are broken by smooth hills, outstanding the Koitogorr uplift in Samburu reserve (1,245 m) and, lying far beyond, the flat head of the reddish Ol Olokwe mountain.
The extreme heat, in spite of the altitude above 1,000 m, and the landscape desolation, are ingredients of the less hospitable Africa. Beyond Samburu Reserve and Buffalo Springs, the river heads on licking Shaba’s north border. This place takes its name from a volcanic cone that rises upon the plain.
Species to see in Samburu National Reserve:
Samburu National Reserve is famous for hosting some rare species which cannot be found elsewhere in Kenya. Among them are long-necked gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, elephants, crocodiles, gazelles, reticulated giraffes, and Beisa Oryx. The leopard is a frequent passer-by.
Activities done in Samburu National Reserve:
The bulk of wildlife gathers around the scarce wet areas, mainly the forested banks of the Ewaso Nyiro, which brings the Aberdare water. and the crystal clear Buffalo Springs, at the eastern side of this reserve, formed by the rise of underground streams coming from Mount Kenya.
On the 6 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari, you will head to the world famous Masai Mara game Reserve considered a “must see” for any visitor traveling on safari in Kenya
This 7 Days Budget Kenya Safari takes you to Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Masai Mara National Reserve for Big Game viewing in Kenya
The 8 Days Kenya Luxury Safari will take you to Kenya, home to some of the best Safari Parks in Africa, offering unforgettable wildlife sightseeing experiences
Amboseli national park the magical land of Kenya lies in the North West direction of Mount Kilimanjaro on the border of Kenya and Tanzania, this park stretches over the area of 392 square kilometers which is dominated by acacia woodland, rocky thorny bush, swamps marshland and a Pleistocene lake. Amboseli national park is a home to a large concentration of wildlife estimated to be 80 different species including African elephant, African buffalo, impalas, lion, zebra, and wildebeest among other African animals, among the animals the park is more famous for habiting a large population of elephants. The Park hosts birds species estimated to be 400 which include African swamp hen, Common redshank, Dickinson’s kestrel, Eurasian thick-knee, Greater flamingo, Hartlaub’s bustard, Lesser flamingo, Long-toed lapwing, Pangani longclaw, Rufous chatterer, Rufous-bellied heron, Spike-heeled lark, Steel-blue whydah, Taveta golden weaver, Von der Decken’s hornbill, Yellow-necked spurfowl and many more.
The Park consists of a great scenery is created by the backdrop of mountain Kilimanjaro, the park has consist of many spots where animals and attractions in park can be spotted and they include observation hill where you can spot many animals.
Amboseli park was officially declared a national park stretching over an area of 392 square kilometers in 1974 but that the park has a history dating back to the times before the coming of the British colonial rulers
Attractions in Amboseli National park
Get acquainted with some of the remarkable attractions or simply alures that make amboseli national park such and incredible travel deatination. Amboseli national park is such athrill interms of what of what to see and what do hence deeming it one of kenyas top place to visit. see below in detail some of the deatils of the scenic amboseli national park attractions
Wildlife
Amboseli national park is a prominent home for wildlife, the park is more recognized for being a home to the largest population of elephants that is why it referred to as the home for elephants and it is the place to see them in Kenya in large numbers. Wildlife in Amboseli national park is concentrated in five specific areas/ habitants that is dried up bed of Lake Amboseli, Sulphur spring wetlands, savannah vegetation cover, open plains and woodlands, wildlife hosted in the park include giraffe, spotted hyena, zebra, buffalo, blue wildebeest, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, hippopotamus, Thomson’s gazelle, impala, lion, cape buffalo and many more.
These numerous wildlife species offer spectacular game drive and the best time to enjoy the game drive and see animals in during dry season, dry season happens in the period of June to October. The most fascinating part of visiting the park in dry season for animal viewing is that when large herds of animals are crossing the sandy plains they kick up a lot of dust thus offering a great opportunity for photography. Animals in the park are perfectly viewed from the observation hill and at sinet delta.
Bird Life in Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park hosts a good population of birds estimated to be more than 420 species, the park habits three categories of birds that is water birds which thrive in the swampy region of the park, grassland birds living in savannah plains and forest birds living in acacia vegetation. Bird species in the Amboseli national park include African jacana, goliath heron, African swamp hen, Hartlaub’s bustard, rufous chatterer, common redshank, Dickinson’s kestrel, Eurasian thick-knee, greater flamingo, Hartlaub’s bustard, lesser flamingo, long-toed lapwing, Pangani longclaw, rufous chatterer, rufous-bellied heron, spike-heeled lark, steel-blue whydah, Taveta golden weaver, von der Decken’s hornbill, yellow-necked spurfowl and many more.
Lake Amboseli in Amboseli National Park
Lake Amboseli is a temporary lake found in northwest region from the delta and occupying the largest portion of the park, Lake Amboseli is usually dry most especially in dry season but in wet season period the lake is filled up and at times floods. Lake Amboseli being dry is attributed more to Nyiri desert that stretches along southern border of Kenya to Tanzania, the lake is basin is a habitant to many animal species like elephants more so in dry season when it is dried up. Lake Amboseli is also used as a camping site by adventurous tourists who love camping while in Amboseli national park.
Clear Views of mountain Kilimanjaro
Amboseli national park is one of the most scenic national park in Kenya, the park is clowned by Mount Kilimanjaro the highest peak in Africa. While in Amboseli national park you get to enjoy clear views of snowcapped Kilimanjaro peaks which offer the best photography opportunity because of the scenic view.
Masai Mara Safaris All-inclusive Guide According to Experts
Masai Mara Safaris All-inclusive Guide According to Experts: Plan a 2025 Masai Mara Safari with Ease. Our Road & Flying Masai Mara Safari Packages – Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is without a doubt one of Africa’s most authentic safari destinations. Since it is very well-liked all around the world, we advise scheduling your Masai Mara safari far in advance, especially if you want to observe the migration.
We are glad to suggest Masai Mara safari itineraries that place you in the middle of the action during the migration. In addition, a Masai Mara safari can be a private, intimate getaway to opulent tent camps tucked away in exclusive conservancies, perfect for honeymoons and special celebrations. And if you’re on a budget, we have affordable scheduled group tours that offer comfortable safari accommodation.
For an incredible wildlife adventure, we’d also advise combining a Masai Mara safari with time spent in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Why not add a relaxing beach vacation to your itinerary at one of Kenya’s stunning beaches or maybe in exotic Zanzibar?
The Best Masai Mara Safari Packages
The most common way to go to Masai Mara is by road, usually beginning and ending in Nairobi. A 4×4 Landcruiser Jeep or the less expensive Safari Minibus (Tour Van) are the two options for transportation. Depending on which Camp you have reserved for your tour, the journey from Nairobi to the Masai Mara normally takes 5 to 6 hours. The advantages of a road safari include getting to see and experience more of the authentic Kenyan countryside and generally reduced tour costs. The route has certain sections of road that are in poorer condition than average, which is a drawback.
Flying Safaris in Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara Fly-in or “Flyng Safaris,” as these are often known, are the standard for some of the most distant Maasai Mara Safari Camps or those that only provide bundled accommodations with safari drives. They make it convenient to go from Nairobi to the Masai Mara in just one hour. Twice daily flights leave from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, and upon arrival at the Mara’s airstrip, passengers are welcomed and taken to their appropriate Camp or Lodge in time for lunch. The property offers game drives in 4×4 safari tour vehicles.
How to Book Masai Mara safari: Step By Step Guide
For the first-time traveler, deciding on the specifics of a Masai Mara Safari vacation in Kenya can be challenging. Some of these include picking a travel agency, lodging options, transportation strategies, additional activities, methods of payment, and packing and documenting all the essentials. Each of these issues will be addressed in turn below.
Basics Of Booking A Safari
Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya should be your top choice for your next safari vacation. Kenya’s flagship conservation reserve and one of Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuaries. The reserve’s rich population of game, including elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, elands, gazelles, and the Mara’s famous big cats, makes for superb game viewing throughout the year.
Once you’ve decided where to go on vacation, the next step is to find a reliable tour operator in Kenya or back home who can provide you with a quote and help you organize your trip. In order to make an inquiry with a tour operator, you will need to provide them with some basic information, which we will detail below.
Choose your travel dates: Your trip dates, even down to the month, are needed so that we can provide you an accurate quote for your Safari vacation. To that end, when would you recommend going to Masai Mara? Because of its mild temperatures and high concentration of animals, Masai Mara is a popular safari destination at any time of year. However, if you are planning on visiting the reserve for the Great Wildebeest Migration, the best time to visit Masai Mara for this spectacular event is between late July/early August to mid October which also coincides with the peak season. Prices tend to higher during the Peak season due to large numbers of vistors making it more expensive to secure rooms due to the high demand. Therefore, if you are on a limited budget its best to avoid peak and plan on visiting during the low ( April to June ) or the shoulder season ( January to March ) when the prices are lower and rooms are readily available.
Group Size: Providing your tour operator with information about the number of people in your party and, if applicable, the ages of any children in your party will go a long way toward facilitating the organization of your Safari tour. There is plenty of options for lone travelers as well.
Room Plan: Please indicate your desired room configuration (single, double, twin, triple, or family) based on the number of guests in your party. This is useful information when determining a tour fee.
Mode of Transport: You can take a road Safari in a Safari Tour Van or a 4×4 Land Cruiser Jeep, or you can fly in style on a luxury Fly-in Safari that leaves from Nairobi and ends in the Masai Mara.
Choose A Tour Operator
Think long and hard about which travel company you want to work with before entrusting them with your Safari trip. If you do your homework and choose a Tour Operator that is both based in Kenya and a member of KATO (the Kenyan Assosiation of Tour Operators), you can rest assured that you will get your money’s worth. in this case Untamed Wilderness Travel.
Select Level Of Luxury – Masai Mara Safaris
The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to some of the world’s finest hotels, with room rates and amenities to suit travelers of all means. There are a wide variety of places to stay, from basic tents at campgrounds to upscale safari hotels. That’s why it’s crucial that you designate the style of lodging you desire, bearing in mind that your option needs to be financially feasible. Camps and lodges range from the inexpensive to the luxuriously expensive.
Boutique-style luxury tents and lodges are often tiny in size, blend in with their natural environments, and adhere to the strictest environmental policies. The concept is to provide high-end amenities without sacrificing proximity to nature.
Camps in the middle of the range This includes a number of Masai Mara lodges and camps. Tourists may expect a high-quality stay at a reasonable price from them. These camps are often much larger than the more intimate exclusive or mobile campers, and they often have lodge-style amenities including swimming pools, vast common rooms, gift shops, and even Spas.
Budget campgrounds are designed for those on a tighter budget. Most low-cost hotels are situated beyond the main Masai Mara Reserve boundary.
Add Optional Activities
There are additional expenditures beyond those covered by the basic Masai Mara Safari package, which typically includes lodging, food, transportation to and from Nairobi, game drives, and park admission. A hot air balloon safari, maasai village visit, nature and bush walks, and bush lunches and sundowners are just some of the optional extras you can add to your trip. All of these extras are thrilling and worth doing to get the most out of your Safari, but they will cost you.
Get A Quote
You can now get an itinerary-based quote after supplying the aforementioned details. Make sure that the price covers all you need. Make sure you know if you’ll be staying on a full-board, half-board, or bed and breakfast basis.
Road safaris can be booked in either a Safari Tour Van or a 4×4 Land Cruiser Jeep, both of which can seat up to seven people. Because of their lower price tag, tour vans are the most popular means of transportation for safari visitors. Since the 4×4 Toyota Landcruisers are larger and more comfortable on difficult roads due to their four-wheel-drive systems, they are priced higher than the Tour Vans.
Book Your Safari
Select a tour at a price you’re comfortable with. The standard booking terms include a down payment with the remaining balance due a month before the arrangements begin. Your travel agent will provide you with information on how to make a reservation, such as how much of a deposit is required and what the cancellation policy is.
Payment
Safari companies in Kenya commonly accept Visa and Mastercard using a secure online payment method, as well as PesaPal.
After a sales representative confirms your reservation and sends you an invoice through email, you’ll get a notification that includes a link to a safe online payment portal. There is a fee added to all credit card transactions ranging from three percent to seven percent.
Debit cards can be used in the same way as credit cards can, albeit there will be additional fees associated with the bank transfer of 3-5%.
Documentation
Always request a receipt after making a payment. After completing a full payment, you should collect all relevant paperwork, including a copy of your itinerary, a Covid indemnity form, and a copy of the Terms & Conditions for your booking.
Check your passport, health card (vaccination certificates as required), airline ticket, credit cards, and insurance documents before you leave for your safari. Keep everything updated and in order. Two blank pages and a minimum of six months remaining on your passport after leaving Kenya are required.
Entry Requirement To Kenya
After completing your flight reservation, please fill out this online health surveillance form before arriving in Kenya. You will receive a QR code through email after submitting the form; provide this to port health officials before proceeding to arrival immigration.
If you need a visa to enter Kenya and plan to visit Masai Mara, you may get one easily and quickly using the Kenya evisa website. As of January 2025, visas cannot be obtained upon arrival. Two working days are required to process an e-visa application.
Visitors interested in renting a safari car and a driver/guide in Nairobi can plan an independent trip around Kenya.
