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Kenya offers the beauty of eco-tourism with exciting things to do for wildlife encounters. Wildlife tours include cycling safaris, Big Five game drives, village bike tours, conservation volunteering and more. This country also boasts protected landscapes and fantastic wildlife that roams amid the soaring plains. Here are the six best things to do for wildlife encounters and how your trip can benefit Kenya`s environs.
Things To Do For Wildlife Encounters
Watch the Great Wildebeest Migration
The topmost on the list of things to do for wildlife encounters is watching the Great Wildebeest Migration across the Maasai Mara plains. From July to November, every year you can witness 1.3 million wildebeest and zebras migrate across the Serengeti for the greener pastures of the Maasai Mara.
Recommendation:
We recommend a local guided tour of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve for game drives to view lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African bush elephants. Further, Leopard Gorge, Fig Tree Ridge and the Mara River are excellent viewpoints for migratory birds, elephants, Maasai giraffes and the wildebeest migration.
Cycling Safari At Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate cycling safari is one of the most unique things to do in Kenya. It is a fantastic way to spend the day on a rented bicycle or on foot. This 18 km safari by road to the Hell`s Gate gorge along the Murrum road offers views of towering cliffs, deep gorges, and volcanic rock formations that form its landscape. As you follow your guide through the park, you encounter animal species such as zebras, gazelles, many varieties of birds, and pass by the Maasai community in the Great Rift Valley.
Recommendation:
Hiring a local guide for their expertise during the drive is a good idea. Also, begin the safari early in the morning for cooler weather. Do check out the Geothermal Spa to end the day. Here, naturally warm mineral-rich waters provide a therapeutic experience. Soak in the ambience while surrounded by the serene Rift Valley scenery.
Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha safari is another popular thing to do for wildlife encounters. It is the most beautiful lake at over 6,000 feet with the extinct Mount Longonot as a backdrop. While on the safari, you will notice a variety of colorful birds such as kingfishers, pink-backed pelicans, African fish eagles, herons, and more. You may also spot the reedbucks, giraffes, wildebeest and plenty of hippos around the lakeshore.
Recommendation:
Book an ornithologist guide to join you on the boat ride around Lake Naivasha to help you identify the extensive range of avifauna. Also, add a guided walk on the Crescent Island for further information about the lake’s ecosystem and surroundings. While the boat cruise lasts 1.5 hours, the guided walk around the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary normally lasts for 1 hour.
Game Drive @ Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is a thrilling game reserve with free-roaming elephants and other African wildlife. A game drive in this Rift Valley park is among the best things to do for wildlife encounters. It is located 240 km southeast of Nairobi and boasts woodlands and savannahs. Enjoy an early morning drive for the Big 5 – lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards and cape buffaloes. If you take an afternoon game drive, you encounter bird species such as hammerkop, pelican, kingfisher, and raptor.
Recommendation:
Don’t miss Mount Kilimanjaro which forms the backdrop during the game drives. Also, the Observation Hill offers great views of Amboseli Lake. We suggest an overnight stay at the Amboseli Serena Lodge or something similar, and to understand the wonderful Maasai culture by mingling with the locals.
Volunteer at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
A guided tour at the Nairobi National Park is among the top things to do for wildlife encounters. Home to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, rescues and rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants and rhinos. This sanctuary was founded in 1977 by David and Dame Daphne Sheldrick and is well renowned. The well-trained staff members will educate you on the activities while on the tour, where you can volunteer to foster a baby elephant. The trust also provides veterinary assistance to animals and provides community awareness.
Recommendation:
Check out the Giraffe Centre for the preservation of the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. It supports environmental conservation activities and is a 94-acre forested nature park. Your purchases at the gift shop and Tea House contribute to educating Kenyan children and teachers.
Safari in Nyahururu
If you are looking for an off the beaten path safari in Kenya, then Nyahururu is a good choice. It offers lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking waterfalls. A perfect thing to do for wildlife encounters is visiting the Ewaso Narok River for hippos and exotic birds. The nearby Marmanet Forest and Laikipia Plateau host elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. Another highlight is Thomson’s Falls, a 74-meter cascade surrounded by scenic trails. The cool climate makes Nyahururu ideal for hiking and birdwatching.
Recommendations:
Nyahururu, located in Kenya’s central province, offers an off-the-beaten-path safari adventure with stunning views and rich biodiversity for the nature lovers. Book a personalized safari day tour with a knowledgeable guide for a memorable experience. Also, the cool climes make it possible to venture on a full day tour.
