Kenya’s thriving capital, Nairobi is a lively place replete with natural beauty. No wonder, flights to Nairobi often remain jam-packed with nature enthusiasts keen to head off on wildlife safaris and explore the nature of Kenya’s plains.
Built as a small railway depot, Nairobi has burgeoned into one of the largest cities in East Africa that dazzles with two airports, sprawling suburbs, famous hotels and a hulking skyline, dotted with cloud-kissing skyscrapers. The Kenyan capital of Nairobi flaunts quite a few unique charms, such that this jostling, sparkling, vivacious and vibrant city has become a well-known name in the world.
The Safari capital of the world, Nairobi offers some of the best safari holiday experiences. In fact, Nairobi is the gateway to the Africa every tourist envisages – exotic animals wandering across the plains and incredible unheard tribes like Maasai villages. With its incredible wildlife and natural parks as the biggest claims to fame – Nairobi tops the travel itineraries of those buying tickets on cheap flights to Kenya.
Here is a smattering of some of the famous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Nairobi that one can tame while taking wildlife holidays here.
The Masai Mara National Reserve
One of the best places to partake in heart-thudding safaris in Nairobi, the Masai Mara Reserve is by far the most popular wildlife park in Kenya. Tourists flock here to witness the incredible migration of millions of wildebeest and zebras. The key attraction here remains the cultural tours offered by Maasai tribesmen that add to the exhilaration of one’s holidays. The Mara exhibits big families of elephants, buffaloes, lions and hippos among many more exotic and rare species.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is popular for the huge flocks of flamingos that enjoy the alkaline waters of this shallow soda lake. Other than flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park also abounds white rhinos, warthogs, giraffes, hippos, ostriches, lions and other exotic bird species. The park undoubtedly is one of the key draws for wildlife enthusiasts and bird lovers hopping on cheap flights to Nairobi.
Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The amazing reserve in the lap of Mount Kenya is home to rare and exotic animals and is dotted with numerous spectacular lakes, mineral springs and dense forests. Mount Kenya is an incredibly significant landmark of Kenya, such that hordes of tourists book their cheap flights to Kenya to witness its majesty!
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is a popular park that offers breathtaking views of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro. This amazing national park is centred on the Observation Hill that offers panoramic views of the plains below. Those planning safari trips here can see more than 50 species of mammal and over 400 species of birds. Regular sights here include that of elephants, hippos, cheetahs, leopards and more.
Tsavo National Parks
Tsavo National Park is an enormous tract of panoramic and wild landscape. Thousands flock here for thrilling sights of elephants bathing among the hippos and fearsome crocodiles from an under-water glass tank. This park is immensely famous for the incredible “Big Five”; however, one needs to be extra careful to spot them.
Aberdare Natonal Park
Aberdare National Park is as famous for its lovely waterfalls as its rare species of rhinos, black leopards and bongo antelopes. With regular rains, the park remains green and the temperature remains balmy year-round making the best climatic conditions for hiking activities.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a private reserve set up primarily to protect black rhinos, sitatungas, and the endangered Grevy’s zebras. This excellently maintained park abounds over 60 species of mammals and over 200 species of exotic birds. Those planning holidays here can enjoy game viewing on foot, on the back of a camel, or in a traditional safari vehicle.
Nairobi National Park
Almost all visitors catching cheap flights to Nairobi make sure that they visit the Nairobi National Park. The place is said to be oldest of national parks and game reserves in Kenya and is stocked full of an amazing array of flora and fauna. With the exception of elephants, visitors can also treat themselves to the sight of Africa’s famous Big Five.
Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves
Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs are three wonderful game reserves bordering one another in the dry landscape of North Central Kenya. The wildlife congregates around the Ewaso Ngiro River which runs through the Reserves. Besides the wildlife that includes elephant, giraffe, leopard, zebra and blue-legged ostriches, a highlight remains the amazing Samburu tribe. Camel safaris are on offer at most of the lodges. Additionally, Laikipia Plateau remains the most compelling spot for those taking Kenya flights.
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve
Kisite is a dazzling marine reserve situated in the shallow Indian Ocean coastal waters of Southern Kenya. Tourists can choose to take the traditional dhows to get sailed back and forth to the underwater park to enjoy snorkelling or diving among its colourful coral reefs. Dazzling marine life sights include dolphins, turtles, manta rays, angelfish and parrotfish.
