Kenya has a wide range of forests, from coastal forest, through central high mountain forests to the thick wet rainforests of the West. These forests support more than just a diverse range of tree and plant species; they are also the territory of a wide range of wildlife, from rare chameleons to elephant herds, elusive leopards to colourful butterflies, monkey families and prolific birdlife.
Kenyan forests offer the traveller a wide range of options, from treetop lodges to trekking trails
Friday, 27 June 2008
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Taita and Chyulu Hills
Framing the vast plains of Tsavo, and lying within view of majestic Mt Kilimanjaro, are the Taita and Chyulu Hills.
The Chyulu hills are considered to be some of the youngest volcanic mountains in the world, born out of the earth only 500 years ago.
The beautiful hills are bordered by an expanse of black lava flow known as Sheitani, the source of many local legends.
This is a paradise of elephant herds, plains game, cheetah, remote Maasai villages and wonderful views of Mt Kilimanjaro.
Close to Tsavo East, the nearby Taita Hills are home to a private game sanctuary, with a wide variety of game including Lion, cheetah, elephant and plains game. Prolific bird life includes the extremely rare Taita Falcon, a bird recorded in early Egyptian hieroglyphics.The Taita are in fact three groups of hills, the Dabida, Sagalla and Kasigau.
In nearby Taveta, there are two beautiful lakes Jipe and Chala, fed by streams from the snows of Kilimanjaro. Chala is particularly stunning, and its deep blue waters lie beneath a perfect view of Kilimanjaro.
This region is more remote than the more visited parks and reserves of southern Kenya, the perfect destination looking for anyone looking for an opportunity to get away from it all and relax in the wild
The Chyulu hills are considered to be some of the youngest volcanic mountains in the world, born out of the earth only 500 years ago.
The beautiful hills are bordered by an expanse of black lava flow known as Sheitani, the source of many local legends.
This is a paradise of elephant herds, plains game, cheetah, remote Maasai villages and wonderful views of Mt Kilimanjaro.
Close to Tsavo East, the nearby Taita Hills are home to a private game sanctuary, with a wide variety of game including Lion, cheetah, elephant and plains game. Prolific bird life includes the extremely rare Taita Falcon, a bird recorded in early Egyptian hieroglyphics.The Taita are in fact three groups of hills, the Dabida, Sagalla and Kasigau.
In nearby Taveta, there are two beautiful lakes Jipe and Chala, fed by streams from the snows of Kilimanjaro. Chala is particularly stunning, and its deep blue waters lie beneath a perfect view of Kilimanjaro.
This region is more remote than the more visited parks and reserves of southern Kenya, the perfect destination looking for anyone looking for an opportunity to get away from it all and relax in the wild
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Shimba Hills
The Shimba Hills National Reserve is located just 48 kms from the coast, but at 500 metres they make a cool change from the tropical coastal climate. The reserve is made up of both open grassland and dense rainforest, all with stunning views across the Indian Ocean.
The Reserve has a variety of species including Elephant, Giraffe and Buffalo as well as the rare Roan and Sable antelope. The forests are home to a number of unusual species including the Black and White Colobus, Serval cats, Red Duiker and Suni Antelope.
An abundance of birdlife lives is found among the hills, including Honey guides, Turacos, woodpeckers and Sunbirds.
The Shimba Hills are a natural and peaceful haven, easily accessed from the beaches of the Kenyan coast
The Reserve has a variety of species including Elephant, Giraffe and Buffalo as well as the rare Roan and Sable antelope. The forests are home to a number of unusual species including the Black and White Colobus, Serval cats, Red Duiker and Suni Antelope.
An abundance of birdlife lives is found among the hills, including Honey guides, Turacos, woodpeckers and Sunbirds.
The Shimba Hills are a natural and peaceful haven, easily accessed from the beaches of the Kenyan coast
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Western Highlands
This truly spectacular region is one of Kenya’s best kept secrets.
The highlands and escarpement of the North Rift Valley provide some of the country's most awe-inspiring views, across the broad and beautiful Kerio Valley. The scenic vistas around the Elgeyo escarpement are truly stunning, especially from the 'World's End' viewpoint at Nyaru. Waterfalls flow down the face of these escarpements, and at Chebloch, on the valley floor water runs through a deep and narrow gorge with sheer rock walls.
The highlands are an excellent place to explore, and there is plenty to discover among the many hills and ranges. From the high Tugen Hills, there are excellent views across arid rift valley floor to Lake Baringo. The lush green hills around Kericho are home to Kenya's tea industry, and the nearby Kisii Community is world renowned for their beautiful soapstone carving.
Unlike most of Kenya’s mountains and ranges, the rolling Cherangani Hills are not volcanic in origin. The hills are centred upon a forested escarpment and surrounded on three sides by sheer cliff faces. They are criss-crossed by walking paths, and ease of direction and undemanding slopes make this excellent country for relaxing hill walking.
The paths cross open farmland, pass through sheltered valleys and wind their way up to forested peaks.
This is a birding mecca, and whether you are a serious ornithologist or a hobby birder, you should not miss the Cheranganis. There are excellent bird guides available locally.
Wildlife enthusiasts can also visit the nearby Saiwa Swamp National Park. This is one of the few parks that permits walking, and is an ideal place for a days hike. This wild country is home to many and varied species, the best known being the very rare Sitatunga. This semi-amphibious antelope lives in the depths of these swamps. Rimoi National Reserve, in the Kerio Valley, is an important area for elephant migration.
The Western Highlands have become a major draw for sporting tourists. This is the home of many of Kenya's world famous runners. This is probably the finest place on earth for high altitide athletic training, and many international athletes visit training camps around Iten and Kaptagat.
But the real beauty of these Highlands lies in the solitude, peace, and isolation to be found in the hills
The highlands and escarpement of the North Rift Valley provide some of the country's most awe-inspiring views, across the broad and beautiful Kerio Valley. The scenic vistas around the Elgeyo escarpement are truly stunning, especially from the 'World's End' viewpoint at Nyaru. Waterfalls flow down the face of these escarpements, and at Chebloch, on the valley floor water runs through a deep and narrow gorge with sheer rock walls.
The highlands are an excellent place to explore, and there is plenty to discover among the many hills and ranges. From the high Tugen Hills, there are excellent views across arid rift valley floor to Lake Baringo. The lush green hills around Kericho are home to Kenya's tea industry, and the nearby Kisii Community is world renowned for their beautiful soapstone carving.
Unlike most of Kenya’s mountains and ranges, the rolling Cherangani Hills are not volcanic in origin. The hills are centred upon a forested escarpment and surrounded on three sides by sheer cliff faces. They are criss-crossed by walking paths, and ease of direction and undemanding slopes make this excellent country for relaxing hill walking.
The paths cross open farmland, pass through sheltered valleys and wind their way up to forested peaks.
This is a birding mecca, and whether you are a serious ornithologist or a hobby birder, you should not miss the Cheranganis. There are excellent bird guides available locally.
Wildlife enthusiasts can also visit the nearby Saiwa Swamp National Park. This is one of the few parks that permits walking, and is an ideal place for a days hike. This wild country is home to many and varied species, the best known being the very rare Sitatunga. This semi-amphibious antelope lives in the depths of these swamps. Rimoi National Reserve, in the Kerio Valley, is an important area for elephant migration.
The Western Highlands have become a major draw for sporting tourists. This is the home of many of Kenya's world famous runners. This is probably the finest place on earth for high altitide athletic training, and many international athletes visit training camps around Iten and Kaptagat.
But the real beauty of these Highlands lies in the solitude, peace, and isolation to be found in the hills
Monday, 23 June 2008
Loroghi Hills
Rising high above the arid plains of Northern Kenya, the Loroghi Hills are perfect for a trek with a difference.
These spectacular hills rise up through a series of escarpments to a peak of 2580 metres. The views from the edge of the Lesiolo escarpment are astonishing, the Rift Valley floor stretches out before you and merges with a distant horizon.
Exploring the hills takes the trekker through deep forested valleys and across high open plains, rich with bird and animal life.
But what makes treks through these hills so special is the resident Samburu tribes. Walking with a Samburu guide, you can pass through many small villages, meet the locals, walk the plains with cattle herders and lone warriors or be invited to spend a night in a Samburu home.
This gives you the chance to experience a very different way of life.
These spectacular hills rise up through a series of escarpments to a peak of 2580 metres. The views from the edge of the Lesiolo escarpment are astonishing, the Rift Valley floor stretches out before you and merges with a distant horizon.
Exploring the hills takes the trekker through deep forested valleys and across high open plains, rich with bird and animal life.
But what makes treks through these hills so special is the resident Samburu tribes. Walking with a Samburu guide, you can pass through many small villages, meet the locals, walk the plains with cattle herders and lone warriors or be invited to spend a night in a Samburu home.
This gives you the chance to experience a very different way of life.
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