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.
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