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Safari in Africa: Travel to Kenya and Tanzania

February 2, 2010 by  
Filed under Destinations

Africa is home to the safari and among all the nations in the continent, Kenya and Tanzania stand out some of the top safari countries in Africa. Many people from around the world are drawn to these two countries in droves as they seek out to discover what they have to offer. Many companies customize safari itineraries where visitors are able to sample what the countries have to offer.

The Big Five, ie Lions, Buffaloes, Elephants, Rhinos and the Leopard can be found in these two countries. Visitors to any of these two countries will not be disappointed as they host countless wild animals spread across many national parks, game reserves and conservancies. For those that love taking photos, they will have plenty to do because some of the parks are teeming with attractive looking birds like the flamingos. Other natural attractions in Kenya and Tanzania include waterfalls, lakes and mountains.

The highest rated and most popular parks to visit In Kenya include: The Maasai Mara game reserve famed for holding the annual wildebeest migration recently named seventh wonder of the world and is referred to as the greatest natural phenomenon.

The park is home to the big five and also home to other species of mammals, reptiles and over 485 species of birds. Here you will also get to see a huge concentration of migratory herbivores including zebras, topis, hippos,giraffes and over 250,000 zebras. The best time to go visit Masai Mara would be the months of July and October.

Another famous park in Kenya is the Amboseli national park. This park is home to over fifty three species of carnivores and herbivores. The most prominent of these is the over 1000 African elephants that roam freely in its plains. Other wild animals that can be found here include giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, gerenuks, hyenas, bats, baboons and about four hundred and twenty five species of birds. the best time to go on a visit to this park would be the months of January-February and June to September because these are the dry seasons here.

The third famous park in Kenya is the Lake Nakuru national park that is home to millions of flamingos and pelicans. It is also home to the endangered rhinos including the black and white rhinos which can be seen on the shores of the lake.

Other wild animals that roam the plains of Lake Nakuru include zebras, the endangered Rothschild Giraffe, waterbucks and bufallos. If you want to explore other parks in Kenya, these would include the Tsavo National park, Mt Kenya national park, Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria among others. Truly, Kenya is a blessed nation.

In Tanzania, Serengeti National park stands out as the most famous in this country. This park also plays a part in the Great Wildebeest Migration and its actually bigger than Masai Mara. The park comfortably holds over 1 million wildebeests and over 300,000 thompsons gazelles and 200,000 zebras.

The park is also home to the eland, warthogs, lions, hippos, leopards, rhinos among many other. the best time for you to go on safari to Serengeti would be the months of December to June.

The other famous park in Tanzania is the Ngorongoro Crater found within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The crater is home to over 25,000 large animals and nearly half of these are zebras and wildebeests. The other animals are bufallos, elands, warthogs and hartbeests.

Resulting from these astonishingly large numbers of herbivores, the crater also numbers one of the largest predator populations in Africa which includes lions and spotted hyena. The other notable species is that of the large elephant population, most of which are bulls due to the relative scarcity of food for the breeding herds.

Discover the continent of Africa with our safaris to Africa. Visit Karl Strauss’s site and see the best camps and lodges in Kenya as you plan your tour.

Mombasa Beach Vacation: The Top 5 Beaches in Kenya

January 15, 2010 by  
Filed under Destinations

Mombasa, whose size is about 295km2, is found in Kenya and its famous for its beaches which are popular to many local as well as international tourists from around the world. Visitors are able to go on tour to the North as well as the South Coast of Mombasa to enjoy their holiday

One of the most popular beaches in Kenya is the Nyali beach which is located 10km away from the main city of Mombasa. Visitors come here in huge numbers to spoil themselves and have fun. On the beach itself we have numerous coconut trees that provide shade and relation as the waters of the Indian Ocean foam and break along the coastline.

Water lovers can engage in fun activities like scuba diving, canoeing, boat riding as well as sailing and surfing in the Indian ocean but at a small fee.

Dubbed the little paradise and 30 km south of Mombasa, Diani is a palm adorned 25km white sanded beach where turquoise waters of Indian Ocean caress the adorned coral reefs. Gentle sea breezes, warm sunshine and gentle nights make Diani the most intimate of beaches.

Diani beach borders the tropical rain forest that has colorful animals like the Colubus monkeys. One of the hotels that can be found around Diani beach is the Diani Beach resort.

On the north coast, we have Vipingo which is the most reclusive beach and is best for those on honeymoon and those seeking privacy. The beach is so secluded that when you walk on it, your footprints might be the only ones there! The sandy white beaches coupled with the crystal clear waters add an ambiance effect.

During the whale season, it’s the ideal viewing location. It’s a high class beach area with Vipingo Ridge golf course and posh residential houses. Water sports like surfing, diving, kayaking and sailing are availed for tourists. The beach is protected by magnificent coral reefs.

Watamu beach is touted as the most safest and unspoiled beaches in Mombasa. It is located on the northern side of Mombasa and is about 120km from Mombasa town. The beach is blessed with fine white sands and clear waters which is good for a relaxing beach stroll. Because the waters are clear, one is able to see marine life including fish, sharks, dolphins and turtles.

At evenings, the spectacular African sunset, dots the infinite horizons. Diving, surfing, snorkeling are among the water sports availed for tourists. Guest houses, hotels and resorts are available for accommodating visitors.

Tiwi an hour south of Mombasa city is an intimate sunny beach paradise, with infinite stretches of white sandy beaches lined with coconut palms and caressed, by the turquoise calm Indian Ocean waters.

This tiny beach is the consummate sun bathing destination whose coral reefs teem with adorned colorful fish species.

Looking to find the best deal on Kenya safari tours, then visit www.vesselafrica.com to find the best advice on Mombasa hotels and resorts as you plan your tour.