Activities and Destinations
Below are some more activities and destinations to explore
HELL’S GATE
Hell’s Gate was the outlet for the prehistoric freshwater lake that stretched from here to Nakuru and which, it’s believed, would have supported early human communities on its shores. Today it’s a spectacular and exciting area, the Njorowa gorge ’s red cliffs and undulating expanse of grassland providing one of the few remaining places in Kenya where you can walk among herds of plains game without having to go a long way off the beaten track. Buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and baboons are all usually seen, lions and leopards hardly ever, but you might just see a cheetah, and you’ll certainly come across their footprints if you scan the trail. There are also servals – one of the most elegant of cats – and, high on the cliffs, small numbers of klipspringer (“cliffjumper”) antelope.
KILIMANJARO
Climbing Kilimanjaro, Mt Kilimanjaro: 005.00 degrees south, 036 degrees east, 5895m a.m.s.l. Crowned by an eternal snowcap, Mt. Kilimanjaro is situated inside the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania; it is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth. Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Through a well thought guide to Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro one can have a captivating and memorable experience od a life time. This guide aims to provide the potential Kilimanjaro climber with valuable and accurate information on climbing Kilimanjaro, which will hopefully contribute towards increasing your chances of a successful summit attempt. Detailed itineraries, maps, useful links, stunning pictures and photography cover all the major routes, including the Marangu, Machame, Umbwe, Mweka (only for descending), Shira, Lemosho, Rongai (Nalemoru), and Arrow Glacier routes. To further assist you with your preparation on hiking or trekking to the summit of this breathtaking mountain, we have included essential information and tips on your mental and physical preparation, a fitness program, and a list of all equipment required. Other useful information provided, included a printable final checklist, food, porters, guides, important health issues, how to get there and hotels and transfers.
KISITE PARK
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to float a few feet above a thriving coral reef watching the colorful fish dart in and out of their hiding places? The crystal clear water of the Indian Ocean at Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is the perfect marine wilderness. In addition to the smaller colorful fishes amidst the coral gardens, you may even see a migrating dolphin, sea turtle or other larger marine creatures like a humpback whale. Snorkeling in Kisite is excellent way to familiarize yourself with the underwater world and may even help increase your comfort with diving, although, on its own, snorkeling is fun, exciting and fascinating. Your guide stays close to you to ensure your comfort and safety and frequently points out the most delightful species and behaviors. With so much to see under the water, snorkeling at Kisite Marine Park can be a very rewarding experience whether it is your first time or you are a seasoned veteran. Two hours before or after low tide is the best time to go, as this is when you have the greatest chances of seeing maximum aquatic life. Before entering the water, you are briefed on how to use your snorkel, hand signals that may be used by your guide and any safety considerations, and with a few minutes of practice, you will find yourself leisurely swimming on the surface and completely enthralled by the ecosystem of the reef.
NGORONGORO CREATER
The Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding highlands together form one of Africa’s most beautiful regions. Volcanic craters form stunning backdrops to some of the most fertile and richest grazing grounds in Africa. The most famous such crater is without question the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and home to the highest density of big game in Africa, including all the big five and plenty of predators. The Ngorongoro is justifiably one of the continent’s most famous safari destinations. The Ngorongoro is the best place in Tanzania to see the big five. A healthy population of black rhino and some of the largest tusker elephants left in Africa today are the prize spots, but the Crater is also home to strong populations of lion, leopard and hyena along with good herds of wildebeest, buffalo and zebra. Other game in the Ngorongoro includes serval cat, cheetah, jackal, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, flamingo and bat eared foxes along with approximately 400 species of bird.
BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda on the rim of the Rift Valley. The hillsides which are mist-covered are sheltered by one of the ancient and very biologically varied rainforests in Uganda that dates back to more than 25,000 years, comprising of about 400 varied plant species. More notably, this “impenetrable forest” in addition protects an predictable 320 population of mountain gorillas – approximately half of the population in the world, among which are a number of habituated groups, that can be tracked by visitors. Bwindi is habitat to more than half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas. actually there are over 300 mountain gorillas living here. Gorilla devotees travel to Uganda from different corners of the world to enjoy this Ultimate Safari in Uganda – Mountain Gorilla trekking / tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and taking a hike this magnificent forest will certainly unveil to you the reason why the forest was named so. You will as well be in position to fast tell why actually the forest is also regarded as Impenetrable. One requires to be realistically physically fit to take part in this mountain gorilla tracking / trekking adventure because it may involve climbing the steep terrain.
LAMU ISLAND
Lying just off Kenya’s far north coast is a string of beautiful Indian Ocean islands – Lamu, Manda, Pate, Kiwayu and Manda Toto – known collectively as the Lamu Archipelago. An area of archaeological and historical interest as well as great natural beauty, these islands are well worth visiting for a more tranquil and away-from-the-crowds Kenya beach holiday, especially when compared to the busier and more developed central and southern parts of the coast. Largely unvisited until quite recently, the Lamu Archipelago is now home to some lavishly luxurious accommodation in stunning settings. Popular as a post-safari add-on, activities include snorkeling and scuba diving (best between November and March when the water is clearest), historical walking tours, dhow sailing trips, sea kayaking and diving with dolphins. Flying is the best way to reach the archipelago and the airport is located on Manda Island from where you will be transferred to your hotel or lodge by boat. Lamu Island, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2001 and a centre of Swahili and Islamic culture for over 700 years, is the most popular and most developed of the islands and its hotels have gained a well-deserved reputation for delivering a superb ‘barefoot luxury’ experience. Expect great beaches, dazzling coral reefs, a wealth of activities, great cuisine and friendly, discreet service while on a Lamu holiday. Lamu Old Town is worth exploring – either on your own or as part of an organised tour – and there are plenty of opportunities to pick up traditional clothing, silver jewellery and leatherwear. Note that Islamic Lamu Island is conservative and visitors would do well to respect local customs and adhere to recommended dress codes while away from the beaches. Less developed Manda Island offers a more exclusive feel just across the narrow channel from Lamu Island. It’s virtually uninhabited but besides the archipelago’s airport, the island is home to several archeologically important sites including the ruined towns of Takwa and Manda. Excavations at the sites have revealed their historical legacy, finding Chinese porcelain and Islamic pottery. Remote Kiwayu Island is set in the north of the archipelago and has the finest beaches in the island chain. As part of the Kiunga Marine Reserve, Kiwayu offers some of Kenya’s best diving and snorkeling off some very impressive coral reefs.