Friday, January 23, 2009

Wilds' of Africa - the remote of a Kenya tour

Many people have described Africa, and others have had dreams that eventually would gladly lift the face of this great continent. Words such as Mysterious, Origin of man, the black continent, wild africa … have been used by scholars and personalities to describe Africa. However, there is nothing that describes Africa better than its diversity and authenticity. … Africa is inexhaustible!

From the northern wondrous pyramids of Egypt to the South African Cape Town, and from the historical monuments of east African coasts of Lamu and Mombasa to the ancient docks of the slave trade triangle in West African coast. All this in simple term translate; "Africa is diverse".

Some of the most amazing characteristics of Africa are the wildlife thrilled savannahs, picturesque sceneries, Mountains, Beautiful Eastern beaches, Lovely people with incredibly diverse culture not to mention the good equatorial climate ideal for relaxing and adventures where summers and winters have no meaning.

The end of 2008 found the Kenya safari desk crew in the interiors the country that many say 'best describes Africa' - Northern Kenya is a vast wild wilderness in its own complex. If you have been to Kenya before and you would like to set a foot back but off the beaten tracks, then northern Kenya safaris would be an ideal place for you. The area is characterized by vast desert with temperatures rising to a height of 40 degrees Celsius and above. You will need to be ready for such high temperatures and off course be a 'tomboy' and young at heart to beat the cold nights.

Northern Kenya is home to one of the most famous but least visited national parks on a kenya safari list. One of this Kenya's remote national parks is Marsabit. It lies about 560 km from Nairobi, and its best described as 'Kenya's most quiet and remote national park'. It has the scenic and serene Lake Paradise on top of Mt. Marsabit, elephants, Greater Kudu, mountain lions, buffalos and other wildlife. The extensive forest supports animals that would not normally be found in arid northern Kenya. There are elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, wart hogs, Grevy's Zebra, reticulated giraffes, hyenas and antelopes to mention but a few.

Abundant rare birds are also found within Marsabit National Park. Many water birds hang out at Lake Paradise and a variety of raptors can be seen on the shaggy cliffs and in the treetops. Marsabit National Park was home to Ahmed, an elephant that I earlier told you was given 24-hour protection by a presidential order. Ahmed boasted some of the biggest tusks ever recorded and died at age 55.

Another one of this amazing parks which our crew had a chance visiting is the Sibiloi National Park. It was gazetted in 1973. Sibiloi boasts an international significance as the 'cradle of mankind'. The park teems with fossils, zebras, gazelles and impala. It is near Lake Turkana with its world famous population of crocodiles. The park covers 1570 Km2 of wilderness with scenic landscapes on the shores of Lake Turkana. Sibiloi was partially established through the initiative of the National Museums of Kenya to protect unique prehistoric and archeological sites, some of which are linked to the origin of man. The fossils include a crocodile Euthecodon brumpti, giant tortoise Petusios broadleyi, elephant Elephas recki and the petrified forest. The terrains consist of lake shore, dry semi desert bush and near desert country. The park is waterless apart from the alkaline waters of the lake.

Of the three great parks in this secluded part of Kenya is Malka Mari National Park which was gazetted in 1989 because of its high wildlife concentration. It is located along the Daua River on the Kenya-Ethiopia border in the extreme north east of Kenya on the Mandera plateau. It has a hot and dry climate. The area is largely semi arid bush land and scrubby grassland with riparian woodland and palms along the Daua River. The area is also considered a site for plant endemism. Its main attractions are; Malka Mari fort, hills and valleys. Unfortunately, it has not been developed

The areas in northern Kenya are accessible by air and road although at some points riding on camel form the other only alternative from walking giving you no other better option. The entire escapade is fun for the adventurous hearted and gives inimitable experiences far off the beaten tracks.

Adventure Travel Crew

Kenia safari
Natural Track Safaris