Kenya could be categorized as a senior traveler’s friendly destination owing to it high security standards, infrastructure and that it has the best medical facilities in the region. In addition the country boosts over 40 bush destinations, beautiful natural formations and long stretches of white sand coastlines. As a senior traveler you will be looking at a destination with a bucket list of activities and scenes to keep you enthralled for at least 4 days or throughout your trip without having to go for multiple road transfers from a destination to another. In this guide we shall discuss some of the destinations you can pick for your next safari
Nairobi
If you will be landing at Nairobi Airport, the city should be your first spot to consider on arrival. Nairobi is famous for being the only city in the world which has a national park (Nairobi National park). Karura forest also situated inside the city is the world’s largest forest inside a city. To exhaustively visit attractions within Nairobi you will need about 3 days. Nairobi National park has one of the best game view hosting most of the big animals save on Elephants. Black and white rhinos are the most common animals here and can easily be sighted grazing in the open plain. Nairobi safari walk is the most interesting activity for most travelers in the capital. Taking you through 24 acres of wilderness the safari walk is a highlight for different animals and vegetations you will come into encounter with during your safari. Adoptations ranges from wetlands to savannah plains and woodlands.
other places you can visit within the capital include: David Sheldrick wildlife trust, Karen Blixen museum, Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi Snake park and gong hills.
Greater Mara
The greater mara region is in southern Kenya, 5 hrs drive from Nairobi. If you feel incapable to sit long hours driving in the road you can go for air transfer which comes at affordable rates. There are several Airstrips situated within this destination with a direct flight to Mara taking about 45 minutes from Nairobi. The region’s attractions comprise of the Masai Mara and another 15 private conservancies. Greater Mara is known for the great East Africa wildebeest migration. The region also boosts one of the highest wildlife concentrations in Africa. Here you can spend moments in one of the major conservancies with an option of visiting the main reserve. Your stay here will also be the best opportunity to go for village tours and spend some moment with the Maa natives. We recommend that you allocate up to 4 days in this destination going for regular game drives and other activities.
Laikipia
The Laikipia region is situated just 3.5 hrs from Nairobi which makes it quite an easy choice if you are traveling by road. This destination is known for having numerous private game sanctuaries all coming with a unique set of experience. Ol Pejeta and lewa conservancies has been some of Africa’s most successful black and white rhino conservation initiatives with with lewa alone being home to 14% of the total rhino population in Kenya. Both lewa and Ol Pejeta offer a unique touch of the wilderness with a wide range of bush activities to experience. Besides the two conservancies are strongholds for Beisa Oryx, wild dogs and grevy’s Zebra. Laikipia region is also set on the western slopes of Mt Kenya ,the second highest peak in Africa, leading to a great opportunity to climb the snow capped volcano. It takes up to 5 days to summit the 5199 metres high mountain, known for beautiful flora scenes and natural sceneries. If you are unable to go on long hikes you can take a drive up to old moses camp( 3300 metres ). Your journey up and down from the old Moses camp lead to exciting game scenes in the lower reaches of the mountain.
Other places you can visit while in Laikipia include Meru National park( 3 hrs drive) and aberdares National park (2 hrs drive).
Considering the number of places you can visit while in Laikipia, you can set aside 4 days to exhaustively explore attractions in the region and beyond.
Lake Nakuru
The shallow lake is situated 2 hrs drive from Nairobi. Lake Nakuru national park is the primary attraction in this region. The lake park host most of the big fives and is a stronghold for southern white rhinos and the rare Rothschild giraffe. The lake also host several bird species. Although Lake Nakuru national park is a small park that you can transverse within a day, there are numerous other attractions you can visit in the region. These include:
- Lake Bogoria. The lake is roughly 80 minutes’ drive from Nakuru. Here you will sight the enthralling hot water springs. The Lake also host a large number of migrant flamingos
- Lake Elementaita. Located 45 minutesfrom Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementaita is another great attraction to visit especially for bird lovers. Here you have an opportunity to come into encounter with over 450 migratory and resident bird species.
- Lake Naivasha. The Lake is about an hour drive from Nakuru. Lake Naivasha is one of the best birding destinations with over 400 bird species including some of the rarest waterfowl varieties. The adjacent crescent island national park boosts a variety of flora and fauna species.
- Hells gate. Situated 2 hrs drive from Nakuru and 40 minutes from Lake Naivasha, the small National park is one of kenya most scenic destinations. Here you will enjoy walking along a picturesque 50 km gorge coming hand in hand with engrossing sights of different flora and fauna species.
You will require 3-4 days to visit Nakuru region.
Mombasa
The coastal town is Kenya second largest city and hosts Moi International Airport the country’s second busiest airport in international arrivals. The port city has two popular beach destinations, Nyali and Diani beaches. Mombasa is just 4 hrs drive from Tsavo parks which are great game viewing spots. Mombasa city tour is also quite an exciting adventure with the a visit to the old town being the highlight to the great Swahili, Arabic and Portuguese heritage. Fort Jesus a watch tower built by the portugues in the 17th century is the most important building in the city.
Other attractions that are easily accessible from Mombasa include:
- Shimba hills national park
- Kinondo sacred forest
- Haller park
With a wide range of beach activities and additional bush safari, you can easily spend up to 5 days in the port city.
Malindi
This destination is located 3 hrs drive from Mombasa the coastal capital. This destination is ideal for a senior traveler seeking to go for a combined beach and cultural visit. Watamu beach is the most popular beach in this side of the Kenya coast region. Though not as popular as the south coast, Malindi boost a number of high end hotels especially for non-English speaking travelers. The region also hosts a number of scenic places which include:
- Gedi ruins
- Arabuko Sokoke park
- Lake Kenyatta
Here you can spend 3 or 4 days depending on your engagement in b each activities.
