10 Must - See Safari Parks in Kenya!!!

Which traveller doesn't like wildlife or photographing them. Here is a guide to wildlife destinations in Kenya by D K Grand Safari, Kenya. Over to D K Safaris,

If there’s one thing Kenya is known for in the tourism realm, it’s the stunning views of wildlife. And Kenya is chockfull of beautiful parks to take a guided safari. So below are some of the top must-see safari parks in Kenya. 

Lake Nakuru National Park

This park is deemed “the bird watchers’ paradise.” The park is known for its sights with hoards for flamingos in the background, and the park has about 450 species of bird. It sits on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, and the landscape is defined by wooded and bushy grasslands. 

Maasai Mara National Reserve 

This park is famous for its wide range of biodiversity. The park is also known for its wildebeest migration, which can be seen from July to October. The park includes 95 species of mammals and over 570 species of bird.  

Image Courtesy: D K Grand Safari

Samburu National Reserve

This famous park is also great for wildlife viewing, making it one of the top must-see safari parks in Kenya. It boasts zebra, ostrich, giraffe and oryx, to name a few. There is also a minimum of 900 elephants. And of course, there are lions and leopards. The famous “Kamunyak the Miracle Lioness” that adopted a baby oryx lives in the reserve.

Aberdare National Park

This park is defined by its steep, forested ravines and open moorland. This park is home to elephants, black rhinos, hyenas, leopards, baboons, colobus monkeys and warthogs, to name a few animals. The park also allows picnics and trout fishing. 

Image Courtesy: D K Grand Safari

Tsavo West National Park

This park is dubbed the “land of lava, springs and man-eaters.” This park boats the Mzima Springs, where you can see 50 million gallons of clear water flowing out from under lava rock. It’s also home to the Shetani lava flows. You’ll get plenty of biodiversity here, as the landscape is grasslands, scrublands and Acacia Woodlands. 

Amboseli National Park

This is one of the must-see safari parks in Kenya if you want to get a close sight of herds of free-ranging elephants. They call the park “the land of the giants.” If you love local cultures, you can also meet Maasai people here. There’s also a stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Image Courtesy: D K Grand Safari

    

Hell’s Gate

One of the must-see safari parks in Kenya is Hell’s Gate. The geothermal activity sends plumes of steam skyward. The park boasts cliffs, gorges, rock towers, volcanoes and a natural spa.   

Meru National Park

When you think of lush African jungle, you might as well be picturing Meru National Park. This park features jungle, rivers, swamp, grasslands and termite cathedrals. It’s the place to go if you want tons of biodiversity. The park also contains animals like zebras, elephants, pythons, cobras and buffalos. 

Nairobi National Park

If you want to keep a little closer to civilization where the termite and snake population isn’t quite as pervasive, you’ll want to check out Nairobi National Park. Wildlife like giraffe roam across grasslands with cityscapes in the background. 

Image Courtesy: D K Grand Safari

Kora National Park

This is actually a sister park to Meru National Park. This park features rock climbing, as well as fishing in the Tana River. Historic huts dot the park, and the river includes gushing rapids.  

Have you visited any of these or planning to visit one, do share your thoughts in the comment box.

PS: All images used are credited to D K Grand Safari page..

Off the Beach Affair, Five things to do in Goa - A Collective By Holiday IQ!!!

Its been over a decade that I visited Goa. The last one too was on an official trip and hardly got to wander around the place. I am not a beach loving person and might be that was the reason I didn't plan my trip off late. Here is a guest post by Holiday IQ which proves there is much more to beaches in Goa and why I should think of planning one sooner.

Off the Beach Affair

If you thought Goa is just about the sun, sand and beaches, think again! There is much more to this tiny yet fashionable world within itself with diverse people from across the globe. Extensive range of globally recognized Goan cuisine or the international music festivals held here every year, Goa makes an ideal holiday destination for everyone. So be it a college trip with friends, family trip with your loved ones or a simple romantic getaway, Goa gives you all reasons to keep going back for more. After all, one can never have too much of Goa!  

How to reach, where to stay?

Reaching Goa is quite convenient from the major cities of India; the journey by train from Mumbai and Bangalore to Goa is just an overnight affair. When it comes to accommodation, you have a choice of it all, from luxury resorts and hotels in Goa, suites with poolside and private beach, guest houses and inns. However, to get a local taste of Goa in its true sense, you can opt for the much affordable beach huts or shacks. Imagine yourself relaxing in a hammock, watching the sunset right in front of you, in company of loved ones and a blissful evening. Heavenly isn't it?

What to do?

As they say “Everyone is happy in Goa” – happy streets, smiling faces, cheerful locals and satisfied tourists. So there are no second thoughts on getting a taste of Goa yourself! While you pack your bags, we help you to list out some of the suggested fun places to see in Goa.
1. Visit Old Goa: Old Goa is full of beautiful cathedrals and magnificent churches. A half-day visit is enough to admire the archaeological museums that display the fascinating history of Goa.

Old Goa by abcdz2000

2. Go on a cruise: With this, you have one more thing to strike off from your bucket list. Under the moonlit night, the Mandovi River yachts are beautifully lit up like shining jewels floating in the sea. Don't forget to try your luck at the casinos – after all, a bit of poker never harmed anybody. 

Cruise in Goa by David

3. Saturday night market (Arpora): Indulge in some retail therapy, which offers a range of Indian handicrafts, silver jewelery, paintings, trendy apparels, wrap-arounds, scarves, leather products and the list is never ending (a tip: do bargain before buying). This market gets livelier with restaurants playing live music late into night and serving an eclectic range of food.

Night Market in Goa by Ipshita B

4. Indulge in water sports: The adventure freak within you cannot resist the number of water sports that Goa has to offer. The endless beaches of Goa make it a great spot for all kinds of water sports. Choose from banana tube boat rides, parasailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, scuba diving, speed boats, snorkeling and lots more.

5. Dolphin cruise: As you cruise along the Arabian Sea, be prepared to catch a glimpse of dolphins perform aerobatics in front of you. To add to the adventure, you may also get a chance to dip in the sea and maybe swim with the dolphins! Brightly coloured kingfishers can be spotted. So make sure you have your camera ready, so you can take back some spectacular photographs with you.

Dolphin cruise, Goa by Tyrone Adams

Every day’s a party in Goa and it’s a party you wouldn't want to miss. So take a break, pack your bags, as life in Goa awaits. Go Goa, 365 days on a holiday!

This post is part of a promotional campaign by Holiday IQ. I do not own the photographs, they have been used with due credit to the owners.