On safari you have the opportunity to experience some of these. No two days are alike and you can never predict what new discoveries await you.

Game Reserves in Kenya
It would-be a hard task to place Kenya's attractions in order of merit. The country's appeal lies in its unique combination of wildlife sanctuaries; glorious beaches, breathtaking scenery; agreeable climate and good accommodation all welded together by a hospitable and friendly people. There is hardly anywhere else on earth that offers such a variety of attractions.

Kenya occupies a total area of 582,644 square Kilometers (224,900 sq. miles) astride the Equator, roughly the size of France. Within its borders lies a world in microcosm, containing almost every known landform from true glacial ice to arid desert, mountain massifs to rich Savannah, large lakes and dense forest. Variations in altitude are extreme and so are the contrasts in climate. However, Kenya's climate as a whole is superb. In the most popular upcountry areas it is neither too hot nor too cold with long sun-filled days. Because of its proximity to the Equator, day and night in Kenya are almost equal all year round, with sunrise between 5.45 a.m. and 6.15 a.m. and sundown between 6.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m.

There are two rainy seasons. The short rains normally towards the end of the year - late October through to November, and the long rains normally from late March to early June. Rain usually falls in the late afternoon preceded by bright, sunny and fresh days. The "rains" do not resemble the textbook 'monsoons' of endless torrents and dripping vegetation.

There are over 40 tribes in Kenya representing a melting pot of cultures quite unrivalled in any other country. Paradoxically this kaleidoscope has forged a nation with its own ideals, its own ambitions and its own goals. In the midst of all this, visitors are more than welcome

Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba National Reserves
These three adjoining reserves lie 325-km (202 miles) from Nairobi in the hot and semi- arid fringes of the vast northern region of Kenya. The reserves are within the lands of the colourful Samburu tribe, relatives of the famed Masai. Furthermore, they are home to wildlife species rarely found elsewhere, including Grevy's zebra, Gerenuk gazelle, Beisa oryx, Reticulated giraffe and the Somali ostrich. Some of these species are so well adapted to the dry area that they can go for long periods of time without water, surviving only on moisture obtained through their food.

Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and the more common savannah game are also abundant here. One of the main features in the area is the life-giving Uaso Nyiro River, broad and often sluggish with a large population of crocodile, seen frequently at almost every meandering bend. Along the river banks clusters of Doum palm and riverine forest add shade and contrast to the surrounding countryside and provide a habitat for a variety of many primate species Elephants roam the hills which punctuate the scrubland and often seek solace and contentment in the shallow river. It is nearly a daily occurrence to find herds drinking and bathing.

Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara is justly one of the best-known wildlife areas in Kenya. Here the herds of elephants browse among rich, tree studded grasslands. Thompson's gazelles, zebra, eland and many more species of Savannah game offer a rich hunt in the reserve and the adjoining areas. But even this richness of fauna and untouched life of Africa; continuing as it has for thousands of years, is secondary to the Mara's annual migration of wildebeest.

The spectacle of more than a million of these creatures moving as a great mass across the Savannah, is one of the most breathtaking sights in nature. The actual migration does not last very long and its start is impossible to predict accurately. Nevertheless visitors to the Masai Mara in August through September are certain to see the great herds of wildebeest and zebra. However, all year round, Masai Mara is rich in resident wildlife, and the combination of gentle climate with scenic splendour and unbelievable wildlife make it Kenya's most popular game reserve.

Tsavo National Park
The combined area of Tsavo East and West National Parks makes Tsavo one of the world's largest game sanctuaries, covering an area of more than 20,000 Sq. Km (7,722 sq. miles). Tsavo West has more than 2,000 km (1242 miles) of well-maintained murram roads, leading from one natural wonder to another. Chief among these ranks the marvel of Mzima Springs, replenished with twenty million litres of crystal-clear water a day from underground streams of the nearby Chyulu Hills. The springs form a haven for many different animal species. Tiptoeing across the bottom, apparently weightless, we find the ponderous but surprisingly light-footed Hippo. Crocodiles bask in the heat of the day, taking an occasional swim in the water while gazelle, giraffe and zebra wander around the banks through thick acacia among hundreds of chattering birds. Among the less common animals to be found in Tsavo are the fringe-eared Oryx, the Gerenuk and Hunter's hartebeest. In addition to lion, leopard and cheetah, caracal and hyena are also to be found.

Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park, at the foot of Africa's highest mountain Kilimanjaro lies some 240-km (149 miles) Southeast of Nairobi. The snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro rising above a saucer of clouds, dominates every aspect of Amboseli, and forms a backdrop to an impressive display of wildlife with its population of lion, elephant, leopard, cheetah, buffalo and other Savannah game. A photographer's paradise.

Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is the country's highest mountain. Sitting astride the equator its icy summit rises to a height of 5,199 m (17,053ft). All above the 3,200m (10496-ft) contour forms a national park. In fact the mountain consists of three principal zones; the rocky peak area, with its cloak of glaciers and snowfields; the alpine zone with distinctive giant vegetation; and the vast gentle slopes drenched in mountain forest and bamboo jungle. Due to its unique vegetation Mount Kenya has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

Most visitors are content with marvelling at the mountains beauty from a distance. For the more adventurous, the lesser peaks of the mountains can be conquered without much difficulty. However this does require a certain degree of fitness as the air towards the top is quite thin. It would be advisable to consult your physician beforehand. An attempt to reach the summit is only recommended to seasoned climbers.

Lake Naivasha
From the top of the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, you can see Lake Naivasha sparkling in the sun thousands of feet below. Just an hour's drive from Nairobi, Naivasha is one of the gems in a necklace of Rift Valley Lakes. Naivasha is famous for its remarkable variety of birdlife and its hippo colonies. A visit to Crescent Island should not be missed.

It is one of the few places in Africa where you can wonder on foot among zebra, wildebeest, gazelle and giraffe. Hells Gate National Park in Naivasha is famous for its birds of prey, unique flora that thrives on volcanic soil, gorges, cliffs, caves and towers. The setting is one of intense, recent volcanic activity where hot springs, steam jets and fumaroles are common.

Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru, an alkaline lake on the bed of the Great Rift Valley, has earned its fame as the home of the greatest bird spectacle in the world - a myriad of more than a million pink flamingos, which seasonally use its water to feed on the abundant algae which thrive in its warm waters. Lake Nakuru has a great deal to offer beside its magnificent bird life. Here you will also find lions, leopards, buffaloes, and other Savannah and forest game, which make game viewing worth while.