Kenya Tourist Federation (KTF) Statement on the Mandera Incident

The Kenya Government has confirmed reports that before dawn in the early morning of 22nd November there was an attack on a bus near the remote town of Mandera, close to the border with Somalia, by an armed gang suspected to be connected to the Al Shabaab terrorist group. In the attack, 28 innocent Kenyans lost their lives.http://www.ktf.co.ke/

Event Sites: Make your event adventurous in Kenya Attraction Sites

Park Attractions, facilities and Activities
So you're an adrenaline fan, with a thirst for an active/adventure holiday? KWS is your match. We promise you opportunities beyond your imagination but within your reach.

Birding watching Safaris
Kenya is ranked among the leading countries with 1090 species of birds. Not surprisingly, more and more Kenyans are becoming keen birders, and all over the world bird-watching is a fast-growing hobby. The country is endowed with over 62 bird watching locations that are globally recognized as Important Bird Areas.
Together with Nature Kenya and Birdlife International Partner  we provide you with the opportunity to know bird names, distinctive characteristics, and habits, as well as admire their beauty.
Enjoy bird-watching at:

• Coastal Region:  Arabuko-Sokoke forest and Shimba Hills National Park
• Central Rift Region: Lake Nakuru National Park, Hells Gate and Mt. Longonot National Parks
• Western Region: Kakamega Forest, Mt. Elgon National Park, South Turkana and Ruma National Park
• Mountain Region: Aberdare National Parks, Mt Kenya National Park and Mwea National Park.
• Tsavo Region: Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Chyulu National Park
• Northern Region: Meru, Kora, Marsabit, Sibiloi and Central and Southern Island National Park

Camping and Picnicking: Under the Canvas: ‘Sleep in the Wild with the Wild’
A night under the cover of countless stars and the feeling of morning dew on your feet as you take in the crisp clean air of the morning is a reality that awaits you in our parks. The beauty of camping is that you’re in charge, sleeping times, meal times, even bath times!
If you’re operating on limited time, picnicking will work excellently for you. Picnic at Nairobi National Park, Aberdare National Park, Hell’s Gate National Park, Mt. Kenya National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park, Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, and Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park. Facilities include adequate shelter, benches, water and latrines.
Our campsites are found in: Mwea National Park, Hell’s Gate National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park, Mt. Kenya National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park, Aberdare National Park, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Sibiloi National Park and Ruma National Park amongst others.
All public camping sites have access to water and latrines, while the special campsites consist of the grounds only. For inquiries or to make any camping reservations please contact the respective warden or the Marketing & Business Development Department at the KWS Headquarters in Nairobi.

Cycling
Hells gate National Park offers a rewarding experience for both novice and expert cyclists. As you cycle, you’ll get to view one of the most magnificent sceneries in Africa as you embark on this invigorating experience. Cleft deep into the Rift Valley floor, bear witness to the towering Cliffs, Water Gouged gorges, stark rock towers, and belching geothermal steam. Welcome to one of the most atmospheric parks in Africa.

Fishing
Calling all fishing junkies! Excellent fishing activity awaits you at one among the many cool mountain streams that flow through the Aberdare forest. With its clear, tumbling streams, shaded river bends, mossy overhangs and meandering reaches Aberdare National Park offers some brown and rainbow trout fishing.
A fishing license should be obtained (at minimal cost) from the park gates. This is because the laws of Kenya only allow fly fishing
Tsavo West and Mt. Kenya Parks also offer fishing activities.

Game viewing Safaris
It is possible to have a game drive in any of our parks in Kenya. Usually, the best times to go for game drives are early mornings and late afternoons. In the midday heat, most animals retreat to the cool of thick undergrowth and disappear from view. Morning and afternoon game drives also allow you to witness the unforgettable African dawn and dusk.
Tsavo offers some of the most magnificent game drives in the world - vast herds of dust-red elephants, fat pods of hippo, giant crocodile and a kaleidoscope of bird life are set against a blazing backdrop of endless bush.
Night game drives are also offered so that tourists get to can see the nocturnal species.

Hiking and Rock Climbing
For those who love challenges, test your limits as you take on hiking and rock climbing. Tourist hot spots for hiking, rock climbing, and biking are Hell’s Gate National Park, Mt. Longonot and Mt. Kenya, and Tsavo East parks.

Horseback Riding
Set off your journey in a car and finish with a horse ride. Drive to Hell’s Gate and watch wildlife from the back of a horse. Horse riding is offered in; Tsavo East, Chyulu Hills, Aberdares, Mt. Elgon National Park and Hell’s Gate National Park.

Mountain Climbing
Climb the slopes of Mt. Kenya and enjoy the changing flora as you ascend. Walk through an alpine meadow in the clouds as you brace yourself against the frigid winds that swoop down to where the land becomes rocky and desolate. Conquer the continent's second highest mountain and feel what it’s like to stand almost on the "roof of Africa."
True conquerors conquer Mt. Kenya. It lies about 140 km North, North-East of Nairobi with its Northern flanks across the Equator and is part of the national park.  Its three famous peaks are - Batian (5200m) and Nelion (5188m) while the most popular point is Lenana (4985m).
Another mountain to climb is Mt. Elgon, which requires no technical climbing skills to get to the top. There are several routes to the peaks accessible to any moderately experienced hiker. If you prefer a gentler stroll, a number of well-marked nature trails lead around the Elkony Caves.
Always full of options, Kenya offers yet another fantastic climbing location: The Aberdare Ranges. The summits can be reached with little more than a strenuous high-altitude trek. Centrally located in Kenya, Aberdare National Park is accessible by road and air, making it a pleasant single-safari destination.
The peaks include Lesatima (4,001m), Table Mountain (3,971m), Kinangop (3,906m) and Kipipiri (3,349m).

Nature Trails (Walks): The silent refreshing adventure
Escape the constraints of a vehicle and lose yourself in Kenya's stunning wilds. Having worked none-stop for sometime, there is nothing as refreshing as a walk in our cool quiet nature trails where the only interruptions are birds singing and trees whistling. You deserve it, we offer it. Don’t deny yourself.
Nature trails can be tour guided or self guided. Night walks are also a fantastic option. Nature walks can only be carried out in parks that offer unique wildlife and scenic beauty which will keep you transfixed in wonder.
Parks that offer nature walks include Nairobi Safari Walk, Kakamega National Park, Ndere Island National Park, Tana River Primate National Reserve, Shimba Hills National Reserve, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, Mt. Kenya National Park, Aberdare National Park, and Mt. Elgon National Park.

Underwater Adventure: Marine Parks
Snorkelling and scuba diving offer unique, once in a lifetime experiences within our marine parks. Refresh yourself as you play with the dolphins and admire the coral gardens. KWS ensures your underwater adventure is equally breathtaking.
Other adventure activities are: diving, wind surfing, water skiing, and glass bottom rides. To relax after rigorous activity, visitors can then enjoy fantastic Kenyan weather as they sun-bathe.
Kiunga Marine National Park (situated in Lamu) is the only marine park that offers wind surfing and water skiing.

Our five marine parks along the Kenyan Coast are;

• Watamu National Park
• Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve
• Kiunga Marine National Park
• Kisite Marine Park -Mpunguti Reserve.
• Malindi Marine park

Forget “normal” think “exceptional” Give yourself and your guests a once-in-a lifetime experience in the park. Have anything from birthday parties, weddings, anniversary celebrations, team-building activities, company launches, and the list goes on in a serene, natural environment.
In addition to having a fantastic location, you get to exercise your creativity as you landscape the event sites however you please. The possibilities are endless as one could begin with a game drive, then a sun-downer where you watch the sun go down and eventually see the city lights come on, it’s like Christmas all over again, finally top it all with your event.  Set in especially beautiful or scenic spots, there are also some designated campsites that are for use by private parties. They usually offer no facilities- just pure natural beauty and can be used for bush dinners or bush breakfasts, brand launches and weddings.

The parks that have these campsites include Aberdare National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Nairobi National Park, Amboseli National Park and Mt. Kenya National Park.

Self-Catering Accommodation
To fully appreciate the unique range of natural beauty, wilderness and wildlife on offer in Kenya’s National Parks and Reserves, why not stay over and see more? Choose from our wide range of scenically located, attractively presented, and economically priced self-catering accommodation in most of our parks.

Tips on Planning an Adventure Holiday

• Adventure insurance-take some time to find a policy that suits your style of adventure and chosen activity.
• Find out the reputation of the tour operator organizing your trip and also get certification on the equipment that you will be using. Make sure also, that your equipment is safe.
• Independent travelers should check their equipment and insurance documents before traveling and always carry an emergency number
• Ensure that you undertake a personal fitness and physical ability test to prepare your body for the adventure experience
• Select the trip that is right for you, your family and friends
• Keep an open mind: Travel is a participatory experience that broadens our perspective and enriches our lives with new friendships, knowledge of the customs and traditions of others, and an appreciation for the place we call home.

       www.soinafricasafaris.com

The show ends as the wildebeests heads south on October 20th 2014

The migrating wildebeests and zebras have now embarked on a southbound trek. Due to the short rain we had recently in the Mara, which extended south to central Serengeti, the wildebeest after staying in the Mara and north Serengeti, have now embarked on a south bound journey. For the past four months since the arrival into Masai Mara in early June this year, the wildebeests have been crisscrossing the border between Serengeti and Masai Mara. This is because of the prolonged dry spell in the region which reduced availability of fresh water in central and south Serengeti.

 

I have just come back from Serengeti and the first herds are now in central Serengeti while some are still in the north but all in a general southbound trek. In my observation though, I think the herds might head south then come to central or western Serengeti unless there is sufficient rain int he south over the coming month.

  

Wildebeest heading South.

 In Masai Mara, there are still herds concentrated in certain areas in the main reserve and on the conservancies. Some of these are thought to be the Loita herds and some of the Serengeti herds which will leave later. These year, most people could not understand why the wildebeests kept going into Serengeti and back to the Mara so many times unlike in recent years. This all had to do with the prolonged drought and lack of the short rains in August.

I will keep you updated.

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Ation Plan Taken To Prevent Ebola Outbreak From Reaching Kenya.

Following extensive news coverage in the international media about concerns that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa could spread to other countries in Africa or to places with airports receiving flights from the affected areas, we are advised that the situation is now as follows:
1.      The current outbreak of Ebola in West Africa was first reported in March 2014, and currently involves three countries, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, on the extreme West of the African Continent, thousands of kilometres from Kenya and indeed closer to Madrid, Paris and London than to Nairobi in East Africa on the other side of the continent.
 2.      Action has been taken by the international community with the involvement of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to assist the governments in the three West African countries affected by the Ebola virus to contain the disease and to prevent the spread of the disease overland to the neighbouring countries in the region. It has been confirmed that Senegal and Nigeria, which recently had cases of Ebola, have now succeeded in controlling the situation and have eradicated the disease. The World Health Organization announced that it will increase efforts to prevent Ebola spreading beyond the three countries most affected by the deadly virus: Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Neighbouring countries including Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Gambia and Mauritania are being prioritized to receive more help in screening, prevention and rapid response to prevent the spread of Ebola into other parts of West Africa.
 3.      There has never been any case of Ebola in Kenya in the past and since the current outbreak in West Africa there has been no case of Ebola reaching this country. Read more on http://www.ktf.co.ke/section.asp?ID=131
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New Envoys Urged to Lobby Against Trade in Endangered Wildlife Species in Kenya Destinations Sites.

Kenya Wildlife Service has urged 32 newly-appointed ambassadors, high commissioners and heads of missions to help Kenya sustain advocacy on total ban on international ivory and rhino horn trade.

Ag. Director General William Kiprono asked the diplomats to help in demand reduction campaign on wildlife and wildlife products.

Ivory, rhino horns, reptiles, pangolins, and sandal wood are some of the wildlife and wildlife products being poached and trafficked for international black markets

While addressing their induction programme at KWS headquarters on Monday afternoon (October 6, 2014), Mr Kiprono asked them to use their diplomatic missions to lobby other countries to help reduce the demand for endangered species. 

Africa range states have faced unprecedented poaching in recent past with 302 elephants and 59 rhino poached in year 2013 in Kenya alone.  Since the beginning of the year, 116 elephants and 26 rhinos to poachers has been lost to poachers.

“In the last six months, however, we have turned the corner and the worst is behind us. We hope to keep the poaching cartels on the run and make them face the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

He said that the government is fully aware of the magnitude of wildlife crime and has mobilized resources locally and internationally to curb the vice. Besides poaching, he pointed habitat loss, human wildlife conflict due to growth in human population and climate change as other challenges facing wildlife conservation in the 21st century.

He urged the diplomats to use their missions to encourage international community to invest in conservation areas and assure tourists that Kenya’s national parks and the country are safe destinations. 

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KWS seeks partnership in raising awareness on plight of rhino

Ag. Director General KWS Mr. William Kiprono has advocated for sustained awareness campaigns on the plight of the rhino during a ceremony to mark this year’s World Rhino Day on Monday (September 22, 2014) at Nanyuki town, Laikipia County.

 He also sought application of deterrent severe penalties for poachers and dealers in rhino products to robustly tackle the current high poaching threat to rhinos. 26 rhinos has been poached this year compared to 59 in year 2013.

In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Director Species Conservation and Management Mr. Patrick Omondi, Kiprono said that all of the world’s rhino species are under threat, mostly from poaching for their horn.

The horn is mainly used for traditional Eastern medicine. However, rhino horn does not have any proven medicinal properties.

“This day is therefore dedicated for actions and activities to raise awareness and let the world know that we care about the plight of rhinos,” he said.

There is currently an alarming rise in the number of rhino being killed in Africa affecting both the Black Rhinoceros and White Rhinoceros population.

Rhino at Nakuru National Park

The three Asian species, the Greater One-horned rhinoceros, the Sumatran rhinoceros and the Javan rhinoceros are also threatened by habitat destruction.Kiprono said that KWS is committed to combat this vice by modernizing its security operations, systems and troops deployment.

“Will ensure that troops and field operators use modern equipment and embrace the latest and appropriate technology in their day to day operations to stop any further poaching incidences,” he said.

KWS, County governments, private and community sanctuaries have been working together to minimize threats posed to rhinos. Cumulatively, Aberdare’s National Park, Solio, Olpajeta, Oljogi, Lewa, Borana and Illngwesi host more than half of Kenya’s rhino population currently estimated at 1041.

Other stakeholders who participated in the event included local communities, County Government of Laikipia, World Wide Fund for nature (WWF), Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF), African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and Association of Private & Community Land Rhino Sanctuaries . 

World Rhino Day, now in its fifth year, is a global phenomenon, uniting NGOs, zoos, cause-related organizations, businesses, and concerned individuals from across the globe in demystify the myths on use of rhino horns and to diminish the demand for the horns. https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8172082157967703180#editor/target=post;postID=6027964714864829425

TURKANA NATIONAL PARK AS TOURIST DESTINATION SITE IN KENYA SAFARIS

Lake Turkana National Parks consist of Sibiloi National Park and two islands on Lake Turkana Central Island and South Island.
The most saline of Africa's large lakes, Turkana is an outstanding laboratory for the study of plant and animal communities. The three National Parks serve as a stopover for migrant waterfowl and are major breeding grounds for the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus and a variety of venomous snakes. The Koobi Fora deposits, rich in mammalian,

Hippo in Lake Turkana.

molluscan and other fossil remains, have contributed more to the understanding of paleo-environments than any other site on the continent which has contributed to the UNESCO.
Turkana National Park was listed in 1997 on the UNESCO world heritage site. This park  is a massive inland sea, the largest desert lake in the world that have continued to attract various tourists for many decades. It has a single body of waters. This single body of water is over 250 kilometers long- longer than the entire Kenyan coast. It is widely known as the Jade Sea, because of the remarkable, almost incandescent, color of its waters.
Turkana has one of the longest living histories on earth, and recent fossil evidence unearthed at Koobi Fora has led to the Lake being referred to as ‘The Cradle of Mankind’. The site lies at the heart of the Sibiloi National Park, a place of stark beauty and prehistoric petrified forests.
The Lake itself is a natural treasure, with the world’s single largest crocodile population. In Turkana these reptiles grow to record size, with some of the largest specimens found on remote windswept Central Island. This has remained to be an excellent destination in Kenya safaris.

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Sharon C