Kenya Wildlife Service Tourism & Conservation Manual 2011

TOURISM & CONSERVATION MANUAL

KENYA WILDLIFE

SERVICE

http://www.african-horizons.com

/ 1

CONTENTS

KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICEtourism & conservation manual

3 / FOREWORD

5 / INTRODUCTION

7 / CONSERVATION AREA LOCATIONS

8 / TSAVO

10 / WESTERN

12 / SOUThERN

14 / CENTRAL RIFT

16 / COASTAL

18 / MOUNTAIN

20 / EASTERN

21 / NORThERN

22 / RESOURCE MOBILISATION

23 / KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE FUND

24 / PROJECTIONS FOR ThE FUTURE

25 / ANIMAL ADOPTION PROGRAMME

26 / hUMAN/WILDLIFE CONFLICT

28 / KENYA’S MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

29 / MARINE WILDLIFE CODE

30 / MANAGING PARKS

33 / ThE WILDLIFE CODE

34 / PARK LISTINGS

Contact details: Kenya Wildlife Service

Marketing and Business Development

Tel: +254 (20) 399 1000/399 2000

Email: [email protected]

www.kws.go.ke

The Kenya Wildlife Service Tourism & Conservation Manual is published by:

Land & Marine Publications Ltd 1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way Severalls Business Park, Colchester Essex, CO4 9RA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1206 752 902 Fax: +44 (0)1206 842 958 E-mail: [email protected] www.landmarine.com

Printed by: Reflex Litho Ltd

Photo credits: KWS, Jennifer O’leary, Dloniak Stephanie, Linda Whitwam

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor nor of any other organisation associated with this publication.

No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions.

ISSN 2047-2021

©2011 Land & Marine Publications Ltd

land&MARINE

http://www.southerncrosskenya.com

FOREWORD / 3

WELCOME TO A WORLD OF ADVENTURE

Pushing messages about the experiential of-

fers of a tourist destination like Kenya Wild-

life Service (KWS) parks must be one of the

most exciting jobs, right? Truth be told, it’s

like running up the mountain with an egg on

a spoon. There is the expectation of deliver-

ing value of that authentic African safari, yet

also conserving the wildlife and landscapes

under serious threat from human activity.

The tourism product that KWS manages is

in most instances nature-based, meaning

that the twin challenges of climate change

and the sustainable management of the

environment remain alive to us. In tackling

these twin challenges, we intend to partner

with our customers and stakeholders to pro-

mote low-impact tourism and enhance our

involvement with communities who remain

key to wildlife and habitat management.

We are delighted to introduce to you the KWS

Tourism & Conservation Manual covering all parks

and reserves managed by the Kenya Wildlife

Service. Those who have visited these parks and

reserves, or those who specialise in packaging

Kenyan safaris, will be familiar with many of these

locations. However, with the twin challenges

above, we would wish to interest you in adven-

ture tourism. KWS parks and reserves have more

to offer than the ‘Big Five’ safari: birding, hiking,

mountain climbing, rock climbing, mountain

biking, deepsea diving, snorkelling and camping;

all set within breathtaking landscapes or seascapes.

In most instances, this activity-based, low-impact

tourism can be enjoyed in the lesser-known parks

which this tour planner opens up to you.

SUPPORTManaging Kenya’s wildlife means caring for one

of humanity’s most valuable legacies. How well

we do so is of concern to the entire world and

requires the support of the entire world. Our

role is as diverse as the areas we operate in.

Our wildlife conservation programmes are well

documented and increasingly successful in terms

of saving endangered and threatened species

and important habitats. All these could not be

possible without your contribution through

conservation fees. Every time you develop an

itinerary with a KWS park or visit a KWS park

and pay the requisite conservation fees, you are

leaving your footprint in the conservation of one

of humanity’s most valuable legacies.

The main objective of this manual is to provide the

travel trade and tourists with the information they

need to plan your next safari. As KWS, we will

continue to sustainably manage and protect the

unique offerings of our parks and reserves, the

amazing wildlife, landscapes, marine life, glaciers

on the equator and adventurous excursions in

order to deliver the ultimate African safari.


KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

http://www.ostrichholidayz.com

http://www.severinsealodge.com

INTRODUCTION / 5

PROTECTING WILDLIFE IN ThE 21ST CENTURY

For Kenya Wildlife Service, strategic com-

munity partnerships is vital to conserving

and managing our precious wildlife.

The strategy of the KWS community partnerships

is to help communities and private landowners to

set up and run economically viable and sustain-

able nature-based enterprises within designated

areas of Kenya.

Not all wildlife in Kenya is confined to protected

areas and KWS sees the communities that

coexist with wildlife as a key partner in sustain-

able wildlife conservation for future generations.

We do so through our education and awareness

programmes; corporate social responsibility in

the form of providing water, health and educa-

tion facilities; community enterprise initiatives;

and mitigation measures to reduce conflict

between humans and wildlife.

The idea is that if people benefit from wildlife

and other natural resources, then they will

take care of these resources and use them

sustainably.

ELEPhANT SANCTUARY The 60,000 acre Golini Mwaluganje Community

Elephant Sanctuary was established in 1995 to

create a corridor for movement of elephants

between Mwaluganje Forest Reserve to the

north and Shimba Hills National Reserve in

Kwale, South Coast.

Adjacent communities were farming in the

corridor and suffered crop destruction, injury

and death by the elephants. To resolve this, KWS

proposed a change in land use from farming to a

sanctuary. Agreements were drawn up requiring

landowners to give the legal rights of sanctuary

management for conservation.

Two years later, payments ranging from KES

60,000 to KES 200,000 were made to each

family who donated vacant land.

Families are currently receiving yearly payments

for setting aside land for conservation. KWS is

also working with the sanctuary management on

investor engagement.

WILDLIFE SANCTUARYThe Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary, in the

heart of the Tsavo ecosystem is a key dispersal

area for elephant and other species.

Three group ranches in Taita, Lualenyi, Mramba

and Oza have come together to form the Lumo

Sanctuary, which aims to increase the area under

wildlife conservation and to reduce conflict

between humans and wildlife.

WOMEN’S GARDEN PROJECTThe Wasini Women’s Group Coral Garden Board-

walk is a special project in the coastal region.

KWS helped local women to develop their

own profitable ventures as well as conserving a

large mangrove forest and coral garden which

boarders Wasini Village. KWS proposed the

construction of a 1 km boardwalk through the

coral gardens that would be owned and oper-

ated by the women themselves. Now, tourists

who visit Wasini pay a fee to go on the board-

walk, which allows them to view the ancient

coral structures.

ALOE FARMING A two-day exposure tour for a Samburu

community based organisation known as Hope

for Samburu Aloe Farms was organised by KWS

Samburu station to visit an aloe factory and

farms run by Baringo Bio-Enterprise (BABE).

The aim was to inform the community members

about nature-based enterprises. This project is

still in its initial stages. Plans are under way to

continue working with these communities.

WILDLIFE CONSERVANCYWith support from USAID, our partner since

the early 1990s, KWS has established the Olerai

Community Wildlife Sanctuary in Kajiado. The

Olerai community set aside 8,800 acres and

KWS has trained 20 community scouts and a

sanctuary manager. A management plan is being

drawn up while an investor is being sought to

help the community set up a tourism facility.

BY MUNIRA ANYONGE-BAShIR, hSC

Assistant Director and head of Community Enterprise Development


http://www.aberdaresafarihotels.com

http://www.kigwaguesthomes.com

LakeVictoria

Sibiloi NP

Central Island NP

South Island NP

Marsabit NP & R

Kora NP

Meru NP

Arabuko Sokoke NP

Kiunga Marine NR

Kisite Marine NP

Kakamega NP

Saiwa Swamp NP

Nasalot NP

Mwea NR

South Turkana NP

Malindi Marine NP

Watamu Marine NP

Mombasa Marine NP

Shimba Hills NR

Tsavo East NP

Tsavo West NP

Amboseli NP

Nairobi Animal OrphanageNairobi Safari Walk

Oldonyo Sabuk NP

Mt. Kenya NP

Aberdare NP

Mt. Longonot NP

Hell’s Gate NP

Lake Nakuru NP

Ruma NP

NP – NATIONAL PARK

KEY:

NR – NATIONAL RESERVE

R – RESERVE

Mt. Elgon NP

Chyulu NP

Lake Turkana

Indian Ocean

NORTHERN

EASTERN

TSAVO

COAST

SOUTHERN

CENTRALRIFT

MOUNTAIN

K E N Y AK E N Y AK E N Y A

WESTERN

Nairobi NP

Ndere Island NP Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

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CONSERVATION AREA LOCATIONS



8 / TSAVO

AN ESSENTIALLY AFRICAN ExPERIENCE

The joint mass of Tsavo West and Tsavo

East National Parks forms one of the largest

national parks in the world, covering four

per cent of Kenya’s total land area.

Tsavo East, the larger of the two, lies east of the

Nairobi-Mombasa road, equidistant between

Nairobi and Mombasa, a vast and untapped

arena of arid bush washed by the meandering

Galana River. It is guarded by the limitless lava

reaches of Yatta Plateau and patrolled by some

of the largest elephant herds in Kenya.

GAME WATChING All the national parks and reserves in Kenya offer

game drives. Usually, the best times to set out

are early morning and late afternoon because,

in the midday heat, most animals disappear into

the cool undergrowth.

Each park has its own ecosystem and wildlife.

For a guarantee of magnificent game drives,

however, the Tsavo parks has just about every-

thing, including vast herds of dust-red elephant,

fat pods of hippo, giant crocodile and a kalei-

doscope of birdlife, all set against a backdrop of

endless bush. Night game drives are also avail-

able in both parks and in the Chyulu Hills.

ELEPhANTS IN EDEN The sight of dust-red elephants wallowing,

rolling and spraying each other with water in the

Galana River is one of the most evocative images

of Africa – one that is synonymous with Tsavo

East National Park.

MUDANDA ROCK This whale-backed rock in Tsavo East National

Park towers above a natural dam that attracts

elephants in their thousands. Views here are

exceptional and it is a great place to sit and

watch game. Other interesting land formations

include the Yatta Plateau, which was formed

PARKS IN ThIS AREA:

- Chyulu hills National Park

- Tsavo East National Park

- Tsavo West National Park

WhAT TO BRING WITh YOU:

- Drinking water

- Picnic items

- Camping equipment (if you intend to stay overnight)

- Walking boots

- Warm clothing

- Binoculars

- Camera

- hat

- Sunscreen

- Sunglasses

- Guidebooks

/ 9

from ancient volcanic activity to create a long,

flat-topped lava ridge on the western border of

Tsavo East.

LUGARDS FALLS Named after Captain F.D. Lugard, the first

proconsul to East Africa, the Lugards Falls in

Tsavo East feature bizarrely eroded rocks through

which the waters of the Galana River plunge into

foaming rapids and crocodile-infested pools.

UNDERWATER hIPPO hIDE Mzima Springs is the star attraction of Tsavo

West, a pool of natural spring water with under-

water viewing hides for observing hippo.

CAVE ExPLORATION The volcanic hills of Chyulu, ash cones and

craters are outstanding examples of the major

stages of the earth’s history. The landscape also

includes caves that are fascinating to explore –

most notably, the Shetani Caves, consisting of

two large openings with an ancient tree growing

between them, and Man Eater’s Cave, which

contains human bones.

ChYULU hILLSThe Chyulu Hills are one of Kenya’s most photo-

genic regions – an area of rolling open plains

interrupted by the hills, which run for about 30

miles in a series of whale-backed summits. This

is a magical area of ragged craters, rolling grass-

land, exotic aromatic plants and cedar forests

OThER ACTIVITIESCamping, bush climbs, horse riding, guided

walks along the Tsavo River and birdwatching.

Chyulu Hills National Park contacts: The Warden

PO Box 458-90137, Kibwezi

Tel: +254 (0)20 2153 433


Tsavo East National Park contacts:The Warden

PO Box 14, Voi

Tel: +254 (0)20 240 5957

+254 (0)43 30 049

+254 (0)43 2030 084


Tsavo West National Park contacts: The Warden

PO Box 71, Mtito Andei

Tel: +254 (0)43 30 049

+254 (0)43 310 011

+254 (0)43 2080 268


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsavo_River

mailto:[email protected]


10 / WESTERN

UNTAMED WILDERNESS, SECLUDED SPLENDOUR

CAMPING For those who want to go back to basics

and live out in the wild, camping in Kenya’s

national parks is a memorable experience if

one is prepared to live without luxury.

KWS runs campsites throughout all the regions

in which it operates. Campsites in western

Kenya are located in Mount Elgon National

Park, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Sibiloi National

Park, Kakamega Forest Reserve, Saiwa Swamp

National Park and Ruma National Park.

SELF-CATERING Long-stay visitors, those on a budget and tour-

ists who prefer to shape their own holidays may

prefer to stay in self-catering accommodation,

known locally as bandas.

There is a wide choice of scenically located,

attractively presented and economically priced

self-catering accommodation in most KWS parks.

Ruma National Park contains a unique self-

catering guesthouse built on the Kanyamwa

Escarpment.

PICNICKING For a great weekend adventure, visitors can

bring their own food and enjoy a meal amid the

wildlife and the vast landscape.

Various parks have been designated picnic areas.

In the western region, Mount Elgon National

Park is well set up for this activity, offering key

facilities such as adequate shelter, benches,

drinking water and toilets.

Ruma National Park has two dedicated picnic

areas. Korlang’o picnic site is located in an area

used as an escape route by the Kalenjin tribe in

colonial times, while Twiga picnic site is in the

middle of the park, allowing visitors to watch the

animals while they eat.

NATURE WALKS Nature walks give visitors a chance to get away

from their vehicles and take a more personal

look at Kenya’s amazing wildlife. Nature trails

can be tour-guided or self-guided and are avail-

able in most parks and reserves.

Western parks offering well trodden nature

walks include Kakamega National Park, Ndere

Island National Park, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary,

Saiwa Swamp National Park and Mount Elgon

National Park.

Night walks are an attractive option for those

hoping to see shy nocturnal animals.

SALT MINING ELEPhANTS Kitum Cave in Mount Elgon National Park is well

known as the only place in the world where

elephants go underground into caves at night to

scrape the walls for the salt contained in the rock.

Three short nature trails lead to Kitum Cave and

visitors are advised to bring comfortable footwear.

PARKS IN ThIS AREA:

- Central Island National Park

- Kakamega Forest National Reserve

- Kisumu Impala Sanctuary

- Mount Elgon National Park

- Ndere Island National Park

- Ruma National Park

- Saiwa Swamp National Park


- Drinking water

- Picnic items


- Walking boots

- Warm clothing

- Binoculars

- Camera

- hat

- Sunscreen

- Sunglasses

- Guidebooks


CLIMBINGMount Elgon offers great opportunities for

climbing and walking. No special hiking equip-

ment is required and guides are provided by

the park management. The highest peak on

the Kenya side is Koitobos (4,200 metres). It

is reached across beautiful moorland, with an

opportunity to visit the hot springs on the way.

ENDANGERED SITATUNGASaiwa Swamp National Park was established

to protect the endangered sitatunga, a type of

antelope. The park is the only place in Kenya

where the elusive sitatunga has become rela-

tively used to the presence of humans. These

extremely shy animals prefer to feed in the

morning and evening. They occasionally leave

the swamp after dark to browse.

BUTTERFLY WATChINGFor bird and butterfly watchers, Kakamega

Forest National Reserve is the place to visit. The

forest is home to over 400 species of butterflies,

which can be viewed under the large forest

canopy.

OThER ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONSCrater lakes at Central Island National Park, horse

riding, Lake Turkana, walking, game viewing and

birdwatching.

Kakamega National Reserve contacts:PO Box 879, Kakamega

Tel: +254 (0)56 30 603; 30 962


Kisumu Impala Sanctuary contacts:The Warden, PO Box 1193, Kisumu

Tel: +254 (0) 57 21 105

Email: [email protected];

[email protected]

Mount Elgon National Park contacts:The Warden, PO Box 753, Kitale

Email: [email protected];

[email protected]

Ndere Island National Park contacts:PO Box 1193, Kisumu


Ruma National Park contacts:The Warden, PO Box 420, Homa Bay

Tel: +254 (0)3 529 119

Cell: +254 (0)722 418 900


Saiwa Swamp National Park contacts:The Warden, PO Box 4506, Kipsaina

Tel: +254 (0)20 29 826


South and Central Island National Parks contacts:The Warden, PO Box 219, Lodwar

Tel: +254 (0) 5421 223




12 / SOUThERN

A PLACE FOR CREATING LIFELONG MEMORIES

Nairobi National Park must be one of the

few places in the world where you can

be surrounded by wildlife – yet only a

30-minute ride from the centre of a capital

city. Ideally located for team building ses-

sions, weddings and special events, the

park is also a popular outing venue for

couples, friends and family groups.

The KWS Southern Conservation Area also

embraces Amboseli National Park, housing

Kenya’s largest population of elephant, and Ol

Donyo Subuk, where visitors can see the grave

of Lord Macmillan, an eccentric American farmer

who was the first foreigner to settle here.

EVENTS Conveniently located close to Nairobi’s inter-

nationally acclaimed restaurants, the Nairobi

National Park is a popular venue for corporate

events, bush dinners, weddings and picnics.

DINE In Nairobi National Park, patrons of the Rangers

Restaurant can relax over a meal while enjoying

a view of the park. There are also spacious picnic

sites throughout the park.

WILDLIFEAside from elephant, visitors staying in Amboseli

have the opportunity to see a wide variety of

wildlife, including the ‘Big Five’. The park has

Mount Kilimanjaro as its backdrop and visitors

can enjoy views over the whole park from Obser-

vation Hill, while the swamps below are home to

many elephant, buffalo, hippo and various water

birds such as pelican and Egyptian goose.

Nairobi National Park is home to a number of

black rhinos, a shy and endangered species. In

PARKS IN ThIS AREA:

- Amboseli National Park

- Nairobi Animal Orphanage

- Nairobi National Park

- Nairobi Safari Walk

- Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park


- Drinking water

- Picnic items

- Binoculars

- Camera

- hat

- Sunscreen

- Sunglasses

- Guidebooks


fact, the park is the major rhino sanctuary for

breeding and restocking other parks. It is also

home to large predators such as lion, leopard,

hyena and cheetah and groups of large herbivores

including eland, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest.

hISTORY AND CULTURE Interestingly, Nairobi National Park contains an

ivory burning site. This is where former President

Daniel arap Moi burned 10 tonnes of ivory to

make a bold gesture in his campaign to end the

poaching of elephants for their tusks. Since then,

such fires have been lit twice to destroy confis-

cated rhino horns and ivory.

Within Amboseli National Park, guests can

observe – and participate in – the contempo-

rary Maasai culture and indigenous lifestyle.

The Maasai community here is one of the few

to have maintained their traditional cultural

practices.

The unusual Macmillan grave in Ol Donyo Sabuk

National Park is a place of pilgrimage for many

visitors. Sir William Northrup Macmillan was a

wealthy American farmer, seven feet tall and

reputedly so fat that he had to walk through

most doors sideways. He was the first person

to experiment with the domestication of wild

game in Africa and he also attempted to breed

wildebeest on his farm.

ANIMAL ORPhANAGEThe Nairobi Animal Orphanage was built in 1963

to care for young animals which have lost their

mothers through predation, poaching or natural

causes. The orphanage also cares for wounded

animals found in the bush, abandoned.

NATURAL WONDERS Described as one of Kenya’s most spectacular

landmarks, Fourteen Falls in Ol Donyo Sabuk

National Park is a magnificent sight and a

popular picnic spot. The area has key facilities

such as shelters, benches, drinking water and

toilets.

OThER ACTIVITIES/ATTRACTIONSCamping, mountain climbing, views from the

summit of Mount Kenya (in Ol Donyo Sabuk

National Park), corporate events, bush dinners,

picnicking, Nairobi Safari Walk, birdwatching.

Amboseli National Park contacts:Senior Warden

PO Box 18, 00207, Namanga

Tel: +254 (0)45 622 251; 20 243 3025


Nairobi National Park contacts: The Warden

PO Box 42076, Nairobi

Tel: +254 (0)20 399 2000/1000

+254 (0)20 237 907-16


Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park contacts: The Warden

PO Box 1514 0100, Thika

Tel: +254 (0)20 206 2503


/ 13




14 / CENTRAL RIFT

A TOTALLY DIFFERENT ENCOUNTER

An area of beautiful landscape, craggy cliffs

and vast open spaces, the three KWS parks

in the Central Rift Region are diverse and

full of opportunities for exciting activities.

Hells Gate is famous for its eagle and vulture

breeding grounds and is a popular cycling

location; Lake Nakuru has a prolific colony of

flamingo; while a huge extinct volcano domi-

nates the landscape in Mount Longonot National

Park.

GAME VIEWING Lake Nakuru is home to a variety of wildlife such

as the lion, leopard, rhino, giraffe and buffalo,

all of which can be viewed from the comfort of

a safari vehicle. Located in Hells Gate National

Park, the Oljorwa Gorge features hot springs and

numerous geological attractions.

hORSE RIDING A wildlife safari on horseback offers a kind of

freedom that cannot be experienced on other

safaris. Hells Gate National Park now offers this

increasingly popular adventure.

BIRDLIFEFlamingos, raptors and eagles can be seen in the

Central Rift region. The shores of Lake Nakuru

are crowded with greater and lesser flamingos as

well as other water birds.

Raptors nesting in the cliffs at Hells Gate are

fascinating to watch from the Mervyn Carnelley

Raptor Hide and Mount Longonot National Park

is also a paradise for birds of prey.

CYCLINGProviding visitors with an invigorating and chal-

lenging experience, cycling is an up-and-coming

trend in Kenya’s national parks.

Hells Gate National Park is one of the most

atmospheric parks in Africa. It offers rewarding

experiences for both novice and expert cyclists,

who can enjoy some of the country’s most

magnificent scenery. Cyclists can make their way

along the park trails and witness towering cliffs,

water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers and

spontaneous geothermal steam.

ROCK CLIMBINGFor those with limited time, ‘big wall’ cragging

at Fischer’s Tower in Hells Gate National Park,

only an hour and a half from Nairobi, is a grand

experience for day trippers from the capital. This

45 metre high wall is composed of basalt rock

and offers a variety of excellent training climbs.

PARKS IN ThIS AREA:

- hells Gate National Park

- Lake Nakuru National Park

- Mount Longonot National Park


- Plenty of drinking water

- hat

- Sunscreen

- Picnic items

- Camping equipment

- Binoculars

- Camera

- Sunglasses

- Guidebooks


LANDSCAPE The landscape in the Central Rift highlands

provides some unique opportunities for photog-

raphy. In Mount Longonot National Park the

extinct volcano and a crater forest, along with

views of Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley,

present a vast and varied panorama.

Lake Nakuru National Park has popular viewing

points including Lion Hill, Baboon Cliff and the

Makalia Waterfall.

OThER ACTIVITIES Camping, hiking, team building and walking.

Hells Gate National Park Contacts:The Warden

PO Box 234-20117, Naivasha

Tel: +254 (0)50 50407

+254 (0)50 50290


Lake Nakuru National Park contacts: Senior Warden

PO Box 539, Nakuru

Tel: +254 (0)20 266 4071

+254 (0)20 266 4079

+254 (0)20 267 1686


Mount Longonot National Park Contacts:PO Box 234-2011,7

Naivasha, Kenya

Tel: +254 (0)50 50 407; 50 290

Fax: +254 (0)311 20 577


/ 15



16 / COASTAL

A WhOLE NEW WORLD

The beautiful KWS marine parks provide

a wonderful insight into the underwater

world through diving and snorkelling, with

opportunities to meet playful dolphins,

admire coral gardens and observe bright

tropical fish.

For active visitors, there are plenty of activities on

the coast such as diving, windsurfing, water-skiing

and glass-bottomed boat rides. Alternatively, visi-

tors can just enjoy the wonderful Kenyan climate

and sunbathe on the white beaches.

SNORKELLING AND DEEPSEA DIVING All five KWS coastal parks have diving schools

and snorkelling facilities. Watamu Marine Park,

Mombasa Marine Park, Kiunga Marine Reserve,

Kisite Marine Park, Mpunguti Reserve and

Malindi Marine Park are all beautiful locations

with a wealth of marine life.

At each of the dive facilities, visitors must obey

the marine park rules. These include:

• No collecting or touching of marine life,

corals or shells

• No fishing inside the marine park

• No spearfishing.

Specialists and teachers should always accom-

pany diving excursions.

Although visitors can dive all year round, the

best time to watch dolphins is from August to

April.

GLASS-BOTTOMED BOAT RIDESHalfway up Kenya’s coast are the delightful

towns of Watamu and Malindi. This area was

much loved by Ernest Hemingway, who came

here for big game sport fishing. The marine

parks have their coral reefs several miles offshore

and glass-bottomed boats are the usual way of

getting to the reefs. This allows non-swimmers

an opportunity to look at the coral and the

colourful fish that crowd around the boat

expecting to be fed.

DhOW TRIPS A popular way to spend a day is a dhow trip in

Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, often combined

PARKS IN ThIS AREA:

- Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve

- Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park

- Malindi Marine Park

- Kiunga Marine Reserve

- Mombasa Marine Park

- Shimba hills National Reserve

- Watamu Marine Park


- Footwear such as sandals or flip flops to protect your feet from the reef

- T-shirts to protect your body from sunburn

- Snorkel, mask, fins (all available for hire)

- Camera, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent

- Guidebooks

- Plenty of drinking water

- Swimwear

- Towel


with a seafood lunch on Wasini Island. This tour

was established in 1978 and was the first of its

kind on the Kenya coast, helping to establish

Kisite as a marine park.

CORAL GARDENSThe Wasini Coral Gardens within Kisite Marine

Park are a remarkable feature of Wasini Island.

The gardens are managed by a local women’s

group, with proceeds going towards preserving

the giant coral rocks and the mangrove forest

while providing a livelihood for the village

community.

hONEYMOON Romantic, relaxing and remote, Kenya has long

been a dream honeymoon destination and it

is easy to understand why. Kenya is a place of

great enchantment, offering luxury accommoda-

tion, endless white sand beaches and welcoming

local people.

What with champagne toasts at sunset and

candle-lit beach dinners, a honeymoon in Kenya

is sure to provide lasting memories.

OThER ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS Camping, conferencing, licensed filming, dolphin

sighting, game viewing at Shimba Hills National

Reserve, nature walks, swimming, trekking,

windsurfing, water-skiing and sunbathing.

Mombasa Marine Park contacts:PO Box 82144, Mombasa


[email protected]

Shimba Hills National Reserve contacts:PO Box 30, Kwale

Tel: +254 (0)40 4159

+254 (0)40 4166


Watamu Marine Park contacts:The Warden, PO Box 109, Malindi

Tel: +254 (0)42 31 554

+254 (0)42 208 450

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve contacts:The Warden, PO Box 1, Gede

Tel: +254 (0)20 233 5801

+254 (0)20 233 5802

+254 (0)20 600 0800

+254 (0)20 600 2345


[email protected]

Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park contacts:The Warden

PO Box 55, Ukunda, Msambweni District

Tel: +254 (0)40 52 027

+254 (0)20 354 9520


Kiunga Marine Reserve contacts:The Warden

PO Box 82, Lamu

Tel: +254 (0)42 633 080

+254 (0)42 633 194

Malindi Marine Park contacts:The Warden

PO Box 109, Malindi

Tel: +254 (0)42 31 554

+254 (0)20 845

+254 (0)20 233 5684


/ 17





18 / MOUNTAIN

ASCENT TO ThE SUMMIT

MOUNTAIN CLIMBINGMount Kenya offers climbers an opportuni-

ty to conquer Africa’s second-highest moun-

tain as well as a chance to walk through an

alpine meadow in the clouds, bracing one-

self against the wind as the land becomes

rocky and desolate.

Yet another popular site is the Aberdare Ranges,

whose summits can be reached by way of a

strenuous high-altitude trek.

GAME VIEWING Away from the more frequently visited tourism

trails in some of the better-known safari parks,

game viewing experience in the mountain region

is a more leisurely experience. Visitors have more

time and space to observe the wildlife – often

against the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kenya.

Kenya has always been famous for its excellent

safari opportunities. However, game parks vary a

great deal depending on the landscape, topog-

raphy and inhabiting species – and also the way

in which they are organised. In general, the best

parks are those with large areas of open space

where animals are easier to track and spot – and

this is certainly true in the Mwea National Reserve.

In Aberdare National Park animals such as eland

and spotted and melanistic serval cats can be

found higher up in the moorlands. Rarer sight-

ings include lion, golden cat and bongo, an

elusive forest antelope which lives in the bamboo

forest.

BIRDWATChINGMwea National Reserve has over 200 species

of birds and is renowned for its water birds and

waders. The reserve is also the only protected

area in which the globally threatened and Kenya-

endemic Hinde’s babbler is known to occur. The

reserve also shelters two other rare species: Pel’s

fishing owl and the white-backed night heron.

Birdwatching in Aberdare National Park is

rewarding, too, with species including Jackson’s

PARKS IN ThIS AREA:

- Aberdare National Park

- Mount Kenya National Park

- Mwea National Reserve


- Drinking water

- Picnic items


- Binoculars

- Camera

- hat

- Sunscreen

- Sunglasses

- Guidebooks

- Comfortable footwear


francolin, sparry hawk, goshawk, eagle, sunbird

and plover.

FIShING For keen anglers, there is excellent fishing in the

many cool mountain streams that flow through

the Aberdare forest. With its clear, tumbling

streams and shaded river bends, Aberdare

National Park is a wonderful place in which to

fish for brown and rainbow trout.

A modestly priced fishing licence can be

obtained on arrival at the park gates. The laws

of Kenya permit only fly-fishing. Mount Kenya

National Park also has opportunities for fishing.

KAMBURU DAMFrom Mwea National Reserve visitors can take

boat rides at Kamburu Dam to Hippo Point. This

is a good opportunity to spot the animals that

congregate along the water’s edge. The dam

itself is used to produce hydro-electric power

from a huge manmade lake.

CAVE ExPLORATION In the foothills of Mount Kenya are the Mau Mau

Caves, used as a hide-out by Kenyan revolution-

aries during the Mau Mau Uprising of 1952 to

1960. The caves are now a historical site with a

significant place in Kenya’s history.

LANDSCAPEUnesco has designated Mount Kenya a World

Heritage Site. It is described as one of the most

impressive landscapes in East Africa with its

rugged glaciers and peaks, afro-alpine moor-

lands and diverse forests, lakes, tarns and

mineral springs. Here, visitors can find rare and

endangered species of animals as well as unique

montane and alpine vegetation including 11

species of endemic plants.

OThER ACTIVITIESTrekking, photography, camping and walking.

Aberdare National Park contacts:Email: [email protected]

Mount Kenya National Park contacts: PO Box 753, Nyeri


Mwea National Reserve contacts:PO Box 8-60113, Kiritiri, Embu

Tel: +254 (0)68 20301


/ 19

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mau_Mau


20 / EASTERN

A COMPLETE WILDERNESS

Straddling the equator and bisected by 13

rivers and numerous mountain-fed streams,

Meru National Park is one of the most

beautiful parks in Kenya. A green paradise

compared with the dry savannah of some of

Kenya’s parks, this was the wilderness into

which George and Joy Adamson released

Elsa the lioness, creating the much-loved

film ‘Born Free’. Meru’s sister park, the ad-

joining Kora National Park, was designated a

reserve in 1973 and a park in 1990. Covering

just over 1,700 sq km, it comprises an area of

dense woodland and scrub. Its 65 km north-

ern boundary is formed by the Tana River.

ELSA ThE LIONESSMeru National Park is the former home of Joy

and George Adamson, who famously raised an

orphaned lioness in their home and then later

returned her to a life in the wild.

TANA RIVER AND ADAMSON’S FALLSMeandering all the way from the Aberdare Forest,

Kenya’s longest river, the Tana River, makes its

way into Kora National Park where it ruptures into

Adamson’s Falls. A trip to this part of Kenya would

not be complete without visiting these awe-

inspiring falls. Other popular visitor attractions are

the Grand Falls and the Kora Rapids.

JOY AND GEORGE ADAMSONThe former home of Joy and George Adamson

is preserved and available for viewing. Meru

National Park was made famous by the couple’s

autobiographical book, ‘Born Free’, and its

successful film adaptation.

GAME VIEWING Game viewing opportunities in Meru include

buffalo, bushbuck, duiker, eland, elephant,

gazelle, genet, giraffe, hartebeest, impala, kudu,

waterbuck and zebra. Visitors can expect to see

baboon, hyena, jackal, kudu, large prides of

lion, mongoose, oryx, oribi, vervet monkey and

warthog. The rivers in the park abound with

hippo and crocodile. Birdlife includes Peter’s

finfoot, which inhabits the Murera and Ura Rivers,

Pel’s fishing owl, kingfishers, rollers, bee-eaters,

starlings and numerous weavers.

GEORGE ADAMSON’S GRAVEKora National Park contains the grave of George

Adamson, who was shot and killed by bandits or

poachers on 20 August 1989 while attempting

to help a tourist escape. Adamson spent his last

years in Kora and stubbornly refused to leave even

when the violence continued to escalate. He is

buried next to his brother, Terence, who died two

years earlier in the park, and two of his lions.

FIShING Within Kora National Park fishing is permitted at

campsites and along the Tana River.

OThER ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONSCamping, views of Mount Kenya from Meru

National Park, rock climbing in Kora National

Park and inselbergs.

PARKS IN ThIS AREA:

- Kora National Park

- Meru National Park


- Drinking water

- Picnic items


- Binoculars

- Camera

- hat

- Sunscreen

- Sunglasses

- Guidebooks

Meru National Park contacts:The Senior Warden

PO Box 11, Maua

Tel: +254 (0)61 230 3094

+254 (0)20 210 9508




AN UNDISCOVERED hISTORICAL WONDERLAND

NORThERN / 21

Universally recognised as the most likely

site of the biblical Garden of Eden, Sibiloi

National Park is full of fascinating archaeo-

logical sites. Relatively undiscovered, the

KWS parks in northern Kenya are just wait-

ing to be explored.

hISTORY One of the area’s most famous residents was the

Elephant Ahmed who lived in Marsabit National

Park & Reserve. In the 1970s, to demonstrate

Kenya’s commitment to wildlife conservation,

this elephant was given the 24-hour protection

of an armed guard. When Ahmed died, aged 55,

his body was preserved and is now on display at

the National Museum in Nairobi.

LAND OF GOFS Mount Marsabit is peppered with extinct

volcanic craters, known locally as gofs. Cloaked

in aromatic moss-encrusted forests, Gof

Bongole, on the eastern edge of the park, is the

largest and most dramatic of the craters, with a

10 km rim. There are also crater lakes that attract

large numbers of resident birds. The most scenic

is Lake Paradise, made famous in the early films

and writings of Martin Johnson and Vivien de

Wattville.

hUGE-TUSKED ELEPhANT BULLS Marsabit is one of the few places in Africa where

elephants with tusks of over 45 kg can still be

seen, though they tend to keep to the forests

and can be difficult to locate.

REALM OF ThE RAPTORS Renowned for its impressive array of rare and

little-known birds, Marsabit National Park

& Reserve contains 400 recorded species of

birds. This is an ornithologist’s paradise, with

52 species of birds of prey living in the park,

including the very rare lammergeyer.

CAMEL SAFARIS For more adventure loving visitors, camel trek-

king is great fun. Marsabit offers camel safaris

conducted by local tribesmen.

ARChAEOLOGICAL SAFARISKnown as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’, Sibiloi

National Park was created to protect the sites of

the many remarkable hominid fossils. In 1972

Dr Richard Leakey and his team discovered a

fossilised skull 2 million years old. The almost

complete skull was labelled Skull 1470 by the

National Museum of Kenya.

Also in Sibiloi, visitors can see the fossil of a 3

million-year-old giant tortoise, an ancient species

of crocodile and a behemoth dating back 1.5

million years.

CROCODILE KINGDOM Sibiloi National Park lies on the shores of Lake

Turkana, home to the world’s largest population

of Nile crocodiles (estimated at 12,000). Despite

their huge size and formidable appearance, the

crocodiles are generally inoffensive beasts living

in harmony with their environment.

OThER ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS Butterfly watching, the Jade Sea and Singing

Wells.

PARKS IN ThIS AREA:

- Marsabit National Park & Reserve

- Sibiloi National Park


- Drinking water

- Picnic items


- Binoculars

- Camera

- hat

- Sunscreen

- Sunglasses

- Guidebooks

Marsabit National Park contacts: The Warden

PO Box 42, Marsabit, Kenya.

Tel: +254 (0)69 2028

+254 (0)69 2279


Sibiloi National Park contacts: The Warden

PO Box 219, Lodwar, Kenya.

Tel: +254 (0)54 21 223




22 / RESOURCE MOBILISATION

PROTECTINg wILdLIfE TAkES RESOURCES – ANd RESOURCEfULNESS

Kenya’s national parks and reserves risk

becoming ecological islands or even large

zoos as surrounding farms, towns and vil-

lages continue to expand.

Life is clearly getting harder for animals in Kenya.

On the other hand, when large animals wander

from protected areas, they are treading on

someone’s land – a farm, a ranch, a homestead –

which in turn makes life harder for people.

Where communities experience only destruction

from wildlife, the wildlife dwindles. If wildlife is

a burden, without benefit to local people, it is

unlikely to survive outside protected areas.

THREATWithout proper planning, Kenya’s soil is being

ploughed and paved so that wildlife habitat,

including forest, is slowly disappearing outside

protected areas. In addition, the parks and

reserves, which are heavily guarded, become

too small to sustain natural populations of larger

mammals and must be fenced and intensely

managed. For instance, to prevent inbreeding,

animals are shuttled back and forth between

reserves for mating purposes.

TOURISMKenya’s wildlife endowment is one of the world’s

greatest natural spectacles. It is the principal

attraction for 75 per cent of visitors to Kenya.

In turn, tourism is one of the largest sector of

the economy providing foreign exchange and

hundreds of thousands of jobs directly and in

related industries. The nation’s official devel-

opment blueprint for the future, Vision 2030,

envisages that tourism will continue to grow in

importance.

SUCCESSTwo decades ago, the mass slaughter of

elephants and rhinos sparked major conservation

initiatives, including the launch of KWS in 1990.

The elephant population had plunged more than

90 per cent to about 16,000 in 1989. Today,

that number has doubled to 30,000 individuals

thanks to KWS, international conventions,

vigilant anti-poaching, work with communities,

research and translocations. Rangers, scientists,

communities and the private sector have also led

the black rhino from the brink of extinction to

more than 600 animals. National conservation

goals include 700 black rhinos in East Africa by

2010 and 3,000 by 2030.

Successful conservation takes commitment by

people from all walks of life, many of whom

are in partnership with KWS. The organisation

provides technical expertise and oversight for

local authority managed national reserves, works

with researchers to collar and track animals so

as to monitor their populations, movements and

health. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

collaborate with KWS to educate communities

on how to protect themselves, their livestock and

farms against wildlife without killing, and how to

manage their land for conservation.

In future, new and more complex methods of

conservation will need to be implemented. This

is viable only if KWS can secure a more reliable

source of funding. With this in mind, the Kenya

Wildlife Service Fund has recently been established.

kENYA wILdLIfE SERVICEtourism & conservation manual

The kenya wildlife Service fund is an endowment fund dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and the world’s heritage.

Sustaining and protecting wild-life in the 21st century and be-yond is more complex and expen-sive than ever. Conservation work today is supported primarily by tourism and international organi-sations. But tourism is notoriously volatile. The kwS fund is designed to provide reliable, consistent fund-ing, despite fluctuating tourist income, shifting politics and the vagaries of international econom-ics. By definition, the principal of an endowment fund cannot be touched: only interest and other income may be tapped. So the fund will be able to support wild-life and community conservation efforts generation after gen-eration. for example, the funds needed for security, research and monitoring, translocations, infrastructure and other require-ments in kenya’s national parks alone come to US$72 million (kES 5.4 billion) annually. This does

not include the needs of national reserves or private or community conservancies.

TARgET

The endowment fund’s goal is US$100 million over a decade. At an assumed interest rate of 10 per cent a year, about US$10 mil-lion a year will then be available.

HOw IS THE fUNd MANAgEd?

The fund is managed by a board of trustees made up of interna-tionally recognised experts in conservation and finance. The board comprises between nine and 13 trustees and is appointed for three years.

It includes the chairman and director of kwS. Trustees are personally and collectively re-sponsible and liable for the fund. fund management follows inter-national accounting standards, with all transactions transparent and all books audited yearly by independent auditors.

Everyone can contribute to the fund, including visitors, founda-

tions, the government of kenya, multilateral and bilateral assist-ance, corporations and concerned citizens in kenya and around the world.

In addition to donations from individuals, corporations and de-velopment partners, funds have been received via the following events and organisations.

- kenya wildlife Service Animal Adoption Programme (which gives half its proceeds to the fund)

- To Hells gate on wheelbarrow event held every June at Hell’s gate National Park

- Cycle with the Rhino event held each September at Lake Nakuru National Park.

for more information log onto www.kws.go.ke or email [email protected].

kENYA wILdLIfE SERVICE fUNd

24 / PROJECTIONS fOR THE fUTURE

NEw CHALLENgES AHEAd fOR wILdLIfE CONSERVATION

Kenya is home to many species of wild-

life. Some are abundant, while others are

threatened by natural and human factors.

From fossil evidence and theoretical knowledge

of environmental conditions, it is evident that

many species have been wiped out over time.

While extinction is a natural phenomenon that

occurs gradually over millennia, there is no doubt

that human activities speed up the process. The

main challenge is to minimise human-induced

threats that may shorten life expectancy and

hasten the extinction of species.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is a state corpora-

tion established by Act of Parliament to conserve

and manage the nation’s wildlife. Through

support from various sources including the

Government and donors, KWS has drastically

reduced poaching while enlisting support for

conservation, establishing the infrastructure and

developing human capacity. As a result of these

efforts, former stable populations of wildlife and

their habitats have been restored.

Killed for meat or medicinal purposes and in

constant competition for food with domestic

livestock, Grevy’s zebra has endured one of the

greatest reductions of any African mammal, with

numbers declining from about 15,000 in the late

1970s to about 2,000 now. Today, they are only

found in Kenya and North and South Ethiopia.

ENdANgEREd Cheetah and wild dog present major challenges

for conservationists. Wild dog are listed as

‘endangered’ and cheetah ‘vulnerable’ by the

International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Over 80 per cent of cheetah and two-thirds of

wild dog habitat falls outside protected areas,

in private and community lands. So conserva-

tion activities outside protected areas are vital to

ensure these populations are conserved.

KWS, with other stakeholders, has devised

conservation and management strategies aimed

at mitigating the threat to the survival of certain

species’, increasing their numbers and building a

foundation for their long-term conservation.

Currently, these strategies are targeted at three

main types of wildlife:

• Cheetah and wild dog

• Grevy’s zebra

• Lion and spotted hyena.

Similar schemes will soon be implemented for

bongo, sitatunga and primates.

CLIMATE Climate change affects life at all levels of the

ecosystem. In particular, the big cats are affected

in various ways. Their feeding habits are altered

by changes in the habitat and, especially in

droughts, there is limited access to food. As a

result, they are forced to widen their home range

and this, in turn, leads to more conflict between

humans and wildlife.


The kenya wildlife Service Animal Adoption Programme gives an op-portunity for individuals or corpo-rations to sponsor an animal at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, which cares for abducted, abandoned and injured wild animals.

Every animal at the orphanage has specific needs. The support goes di-rectly into the upkeep of the animals by providing food, medicine, toys, translocations, cage construction, maintenance, repairs and supplies.

Half of each sponsorship is direct-ed to the kwS fund.

To date, 15 wild animals have been adopted by six corporate organisa-tions and 15 individual sponsors.

The animal orphanage holds an annual Honorary Adopters Home-coming feeding day and a Christ-mas party. These events bring together foster parents and other potential adoptees to spend time with the orphaned animals. guests are encouraged to bring gifts such as blankets for the cubs, balloons, toys and playing balls.

The orphanage has a capacity of 62 animals. Based on the cost of its yearly upkeep, each animal is divid-ed into shares of kES 1,000 each. So people can become a foster parent for a minimum of kES 1,000.

There are six categories of adop-tion, determined by the fee:

- Big game – lion, cheetah, leopard, rhino and buffalo - Carnivores and other herbivores - Small antelopes - Primates - Reptiles - Birds.

UNRESTRICTEd dONATIONS

In this category donations are not restricted to any particular use and will go to an area of greatest need at the orphanage.

AdOPTION PROCEdURE

- Identify the animal of choice at the orphanage or the kwS animal gallery on the website (www. kws.go.ke).

- Complete an adoption form at the reception office in the orphanage. This can be downloaded from the kwS website.

- Submit the form and pay at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage cash office (online payment will be available soon).

BENEfITS

- Adoption certificate - fact sheet on the adopted animal - Annual report on the adopted animal - Quarterly newsletters - Recognition on the animal adoption website - full-colour 4 x 6 picture of the adopted animal

- Invitation to Homecoming feeding day at the orphanage - Adoption T-shirt.

kwS APPEAL

kwS encourages everyone to be-come an honorary adopting parent or sponsor by helping the orphan-age meet the daily needs and requirements of the animals. dona-tions help provide food, toys and supplies; medicinal and veterinary care; translocations; cage construc-tion, maintenance and repairs.

kwS is grateful to everyone who has participated in the programme through contribution towards the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and would like to thanks the following; The Prime Minister Republic of kenya, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga; the world 100 metres champion Usain Bolt; the former world 110 metres hurdles champion Colin Jackson; Miss Rosemary Odinga; Bangura dalvin; Maliq Aaron; federica Volla; Michelle wilkinson; Madison Ashworth; gulamabbas M. Mohamedali; Stuart wentzel; Rajeen Nangia; Barbara finn; Su-san webb and gibran and Raiaan Parekh.

The following corporations also made adoptions contributions: East Africa Safari Ventures, down Syn-drome Society of kenya, Resolution Health, kenya Methodist University and the kenya Tourist Board.

ANIMAL AdOPTION PROgRAMME

Contact details: Resource Mobilisation, KWS

Tel: +254 (0)20 600 0800

+254 (0)20 600 2345

(Ext 2128, 2119, 2241, 2190,

2122, 2229)


[email protected]

www.kws.go.ke

Contributions:Account Name: Kenya Wildlife Service

Endowment Fund

Bank: Standard Chartered

Branch: Lang’ata

Bank Code: 03

Branch Code: 073

Swift Code: SCBLKENXAXXX

Account Number: 01044-330374-19



26 / HUMAN/wILdLIfE CONfLICT

HELPINg PEOPLE ANd ANIMALS TO LIVE IN HARMONY

Kenya has a rich diversity of wildlife that

makes it the ultimate tourist destination.

Kenyans realise the benefits of wildlife tour-

ism and use protected area system manage-

ment in their national parks and reserves in

order to control and preserve it. However,

these measures are still not able to fully con-

tain wildlife within physical boundaries.

Recent studies of wildlife movement and behav-

iour show that most of the wild animals continue

to live outside the protected areas where they

come into conflict with people on a daily basis

owing to competition for natural resources,

thus coining the phrase human/wildlife conflict

(HWC). This can result in human death, injuries,

predation and destruction of property.

There are five categories of HWC within Kenya:

1. Rapid increase in human population

resulting in the occupation of land formally

occupied by wildlife.

This happens when people settle on land formerly

occupied by wildlife and engage in activities such

as agriculture or livestock keeping. The main prob-

lems are competition for limited resources like

water and pasture; and transmission of diseases

from wildlife to livestock and vice versa.

Kitengela is a large area of savannah bordering

the famous Nairobi National Park (NNP). This

area was initially a corridor between the

Amboseli ecosystem and NNP. The park is

less than 10 km from the capital and this has

meant an ever-growing interaction with human

activities. As it has expanded, the capital has

encroached on the natural wildlife corridor,

halting the seasonal wildlife movement into NNP

from the surrounding area and inevitably causing

more contact between people and wildlife.

2. Unfavourable wildlife laws and policies

create a hostile attitude to wildlife.

Although human injury and death by animals is

compensated by the state, crop destruction and

property destroyed by wildlife are not. For example,

if a leopard kills a citizen’s livelihood of sheep and

goats, no compensation would be granted, thus

creating a negative feeling towards wildlife.

3. Land tenure changes, subdivision, adju-

dication and demarcation of smallholdings.

Such changes and developments tend to ignore the

fact that wildlife has always existed in the area and

so it has nowhere else to go once such activities

start. In such instances, the animals are considered

a threat to humans or seen as a nuisance.

4. Loss of land and displacement of settled

communities during creation of protected

areas.

For instance, the Maasai community believes

its needs were not considered when protected

areas in Maasai land were being established.

5. Climatic change attributed to HWC.

A good example was in 1997 when Kenya experi-

enced El Niño rains. This saw most of the wildlife,

especially herbivores, migrate from the parks. As a

result, lion prides would stray out of the parks for

longer periods because numbers of prey were low

within the protected areas. The El Niño rains also

created a lot of temporary wetlands, causing the


/ 27

hippo population in Kenya to migrate to areas not

originally inhabited by hippos. This has been one of

the causes of conflict between hippos and humans

in Kenya. In addition, with the exit of El Niño came

La Niña, a prolonged dry spell favourable to reptile

multiplication. This in turn led to an increase in

reported cases involving reptiles. In particular, there

were more snake attacks on community people.

HwC – A PROACTIVE APPROACH When KWS was set up in 1989 it soon realised

the scale of the HWC conflicts and formed the

Community Wildlife Service (CWS) department

to manage wildlife outside the protected areas.

The department has used a proactive approach

to managing conflicts by either preventing them

or dealing efficiently with the repercussions. This

has been achieved with the help of stakeholders

and participating communities.

This approach has been assisted by information

technology. At KWS headquarters, the depart-

ment has a functional database where most of

the reported conflict cases are input and analysed

into conflict trends. This has helped KWS to

engage in preventive HWC management.

PROBLEM ANIMALSPAMU (problem animal management unit) is a

strategy to address the escalating human/wild-

life conflict in areas of high conflict. Formed in

2006, PAMU comprises a highly trained mobile

team of 41 men. They can be divided into four

fully equipped units that can be simultane-

ously deployed to high-conflict zones. PAMU’s

proactive approach to wildlife management

has helped the service to achieve an enhanced

corporate image and positive public attitude to

wildlife conservation and management owing to

its swift response.

wILdLIfE BARRIERSThe Community Wildlife Service (CWS) depart-

ment is tasked with designing, planning and

installing protective barriers for various wildlife

species – for instance moats for hippos, lion-

proof enclosures for homesteads in pastoral

areas and special fencing to deter various wildlife

species. So far, these barriers have proved effec-

tive when designed, constructed and maintained

efficiently.

COMMUNITY AwARENESSThe CWS department employs Corporate Social

Responsibility (CSR) with the aim of reaching

out to communities that host wildlife and

helping them to improve their livelihoods. These

communities are supported through public

education (conservation activities and commu-

nity study tours); health (clinics/dispensaries and

support for medical camps); provision of clean

water (shallow wells, hand pumps, water tanks,

boreholes and other water points); and emer-

gency assistance. This has helped to shorten the

distance to water areas and to reduce contact

with wildlife.

There is no doubt that CSR has been a success;

however, in recent years, KWS has launched the

Community Enterprise Programme, which will

strengthen community-based wildlife conserva-

tion and ecotourism for wealth generation and

poverty alleviation. This, in turn, will motivate

communities to conserve and accommodate

wildlife as a form of economic land use, while

implementing measures to mitigate human/

wildlife conflicts. While the CSR was giving

communities fish, the new programme will

teach them how to fish. This will provide

communities with tangible benefits from wild-

life conservation.

OTHER MEASURESThe impact of human/wildlife conflict on communities always calls for kwS to take responsibil-ity for the destruction of people’s livelihoods in order for them to appreciate wildlife conservation. working with other depart-ments, CwS uses various strategic measures to minimise conflicts:

- Translocation of problematic animal species away from an ecosystem whose carrying capacity is exceeded.

- Animal scarers such as auditory appliances to keep the animals away from community areas.

- diversion tactics to minimise HwC. for example, kwS will provide alternative water for wildlife within a particular wildlife area to reduce the number of animals moving to community areas to find water.

- kwS facilitates a government approved compensation scheme, designed ton prevent communities from taking direct action against the animals that affect them.

- Tracking of particular animals such as the lead female in an elephant family and tracking of problematic cats.

- Putting down or elimination of very problematic animals.

- kwS staff and other stakeholders are continuously making the public aware of human/wildlife do’s and don’ts in wildlife areas. The community is also encouraged to participate by taking steps to minimise wildlife-related destruction.

28 / kENYA’S MARINE PROTECTEd AREAS

fINdINg NEw wAYS TO CONSERVE OCEAN HABITATS

The world’s oceans and coasts are crucially

important to humankind. Over 60 mil-

lion people in eastern and southern Africa

depend on the goods and services provided

by the coastal and marine ecosystems of

coastal East Africa.

PROTECTIONKenya is determined to protect its marine

environment by looking at marine management

more holistically. The urgency now is to shift

from a piecemeal to a more integrated approach

to management that incorporates ecological

and socioeconomic aspects. On the basis of the

various conventions and protocols, Kenya applied

strategies on the protection and conservation of

the marine environment.

The use of protected areas to facilitate the main-

tenance and recovery of biological resources has

been practised by Kenya for decades now. They

have been used to protect such critical ecosys-

tems as coral reefs, seagrass and mangroves.

Coral reefs are vital marine ecosystems that

sustain livelihoods. They are under intense pres-

sure because many people depend on them for

their survival.

The decline of coral reefs in East Africa, and

particularly Kenya, will devastate the local

tourism and fisheries economy, which sustains a

big coastal population.

TOURISMThe strategy of using Marine Protected Areas

(MPAs) has done much to help Kenya’s marine

environment stay healthy and sustain local

economies that rely on the marine environment.

The tourism sector has benefited strongly from

the strategy, particularly ecotourism. MPAs have

helped safeguard productive populations of

commercial fish species, thus safeguarding the

industries and populations that depend on them.

Sustainable tourism development provides a

host of employment opportunities, especially

for women, young people and indigenous

communities. Tourism in MPAs can benefit

coastal communities though income and

employment, infrastructure and alternative

livelihood, helping to offset the closure of

fisheries. In Kenya, about 2,000 local people

are employed directly in the marine parks in

ecotourism ventures.

Both government agencies and private sector

realise the potential of the marine resources to

galvanise interest in Kenya’s coastal regions for

nature tourism and help to promote better

management of beaches, inshore areas and

fishing grounds. Local communities are getting

more and more involved in marine conservation as

they enjoy both direct benefits (ecotourism) and

indirect benefits (sounder coastal management).

PARTNERSHIPDespite Kenya’s many efforts in ocean conser-

vation, the current framework for managing

regional marine environment is inadequate. This

region is subject to many international agree-

ments on protecting the marine environment.

At member state level, progress has also been

hampered by the fact that purely national

measures cannot influence the activities of other

countries bordering a given marine area. To meet

the challenges of the 21st century, we need to

develop a knowledge base for informed policy-

making at all levels of governance.

BY ARTHUR TUdA

Senior warden, wildlife Utilisation, Compliance and Monitoring, TCA/CCA


MARINE wILdLIfE COdE:- Check local weather and sea conditions before entering the marine park.

- Some marine life is dangerous; do not touch anything under water.

- do not damage or remove corals. It is a living organism which takes many years to form and is host to many rare and endangered species.

- do not remove shells, starfish or any other sea flora or fauna. Removal is illegal, seriously disrupts the eco system and some marine life is dangerous. The areas outside the parks and reserves is threatened by excessive shell collection. Empty shells provide homes for hermit crabs and some fish.

- do not buy shells and other marine animal products as souvenirs as this encourages further plundering of the reefs and beaches.

- Never dispose of litter on the beach or in the sea. It is illegal and environmentally unfriendly. Marine turtles can confuse clear plastic waste with jelly fish and will die if they eat it.

- Hand-feeding of fish is discouraged. It disrupts normal feeding patterns.

- Hook and line fishing is allowed in the Marine Reserves but prohibited in Marine Parks. Spear guns are not permitted for use in either.

- Environmentally friendly activities such as snorkelling and diving are encouraged, under the supervision of the kenya wildlife Service wardens, who work closely with tour operators and hoteliers to ensure strict adherence to this code of practice.

- Avoid restaurants that serve undersized crabs and lobsters as this contributes to their rapid demise.

- Support traditional coastal livelihoods and do not give money to children on the beach, as this can encourage them to stay away from school.

30 / MANAgINg PARkS

gOOd PARk MANAgEMENT IS VITAL fOR OUR fUTURE

Wildlife conservation in Kenya has under-

gone a long journey of transformation since

independence in 1963. Today, there are 22

national parks and 28 national reserves to

conserve our natural and cultural heritage

for the enjoyment of current and future

generations.

The National Parks Management has succeeded

beyond the originators’ wildest dreams. The

parks are meccas for warm-weather vacationists,

an ideal getaway destination for domestic and

international tourists, and a place for researchers

to rediscover the complex systems of nature. In

these days of concern about personal security,

the national parks are considered safe places to

take a family. Kenya is known around the world

for its wildlife-based tourism, which accounts for

12 per cent of the national economy.

PROTECTEd AREASEight per cent of the country’s total land area

is contained in the national parks and reserves

managed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). These

areas were created to preserve geological splen-

dours, historical sites and structures, recreational

spaces around urban areas, lakes and seashores,

long-distance trails, rivers and places that

chronicle the nation’s social history.

The role of KWS has greatly expanded. Today,

it works in communities across Kenya, helping

people to preserve their heritage and their

recreation lands. Grants and assistance are

offered to save historical places, to create state

and community parks and to build recreation

facilities.

dAY-TO-dAY OPERATIONKenya’s protected areas are clustered in eight

regions for ease of management and also

based on their proximity to each other and the

similarity of their ecology (mountain, savannah

and marine). Each region has a 10-year manage-

ment plan developed through a Protected Area

Planning Framework (PAPF) and all parks in the

area follow the plan in running their day-to-day

activities. The plan sets out strategic guidance on

management goals and how to achieve them. In

addition, it has five management programmes,

each covering a key aspect:

• Ecological Management

• Tourism Development & Management

• Community Partnership & Conservation

Education

• Security

• Protected Area Operations.

The approach is to improve the visitor experi-

ence in the high-use zones while minimising the

environmental impact by improving driver/guide

and visitor conduct and offering a greater variety

of tourist attractions and amenities.

COMMUNITYThe Community Partnership & Conservation

Education Programme is designed to strengthen

community support for the park’s programmes

and participation in conservation compatible land

uses across the landscape surrounding the parks.

The CWS department in each terrestrial park

must ensure that mechanisms are in place to

BY YUSSUf AdAN

Senior warden, Tsavo East National Park


enable parks and communities to work together

for the common good of conservation and

community well-being.

SECURITYWildlife security is of paramount importance

in Kenya, especially since the focus of illegal

activities has now shifted to indiscriminate

bushmeat poaching, while the black-market

trophy trade continues to thrive. So the security

programme aims to ensure the safety of the

natural resources, staff, visitors and assets within

the parks by providing really effective security

services. The parks have 24-hour security. They

also used improved data management to combat

wildlife crimes and work with cross-border

authorities.

EdUCATIONWhile community awareness and education

can win support for wildlife, poverty and the

overdependence of communities on natural

resources have to be addressed to secure the

safe existence of wildlife in the dispersal areas.

On the flip side, wildlife may choose to confine

itself in safe park areas and avoid areas of high

disturbance.

Looking to the future, our parks must adopt a

positive programme of education and awareness

by providing education of students and visitors

of all ages, both inside and outside the parks. At

a national level, conservation should become a

bigger part of the nation’s education system.

HERITAgE Parks need to adopt the conservation of biodi-

versity as a core principle and to achieve sustain-

able use and management of resources both in

policy and practice. Park management should

also acknowledge the links between native

cultures and the parks, encourage collaborative

and all-inclusive resource management with

active community involvement in managing park

and recreation systems and encourage the initia-

tion of community-managed parks.

The sound management of parks is a key

responsibility. Our quality of life, our health and

well-being, depend on the protection of nature,

access to open space and recreation oppor-

tunities, and preservation of landmarks that

illustrate our history. By caring for the parks and

conveying the park ethic, we care for ourselves

and act on behalf of the future. The larger

purpose of this mission is to build a citizenry that

is committed to conserving its heritage and its

home on earth.

http://www.porini.com

http://www.landmarine.com

- Respect the privacy of the wildlife; this is their habitat.

- Beware of the animals; they are wild and can be unpredictable.

- don’t crowd the animals or make sudden noises or movements.

- don’t feed the animals; it upsets their diet and leads to human dependence.

- keep quiet. Noise disturbs the wildlife and may antagonise your fellow visitors.

- Stay in your vehicle at all times, except at designated picnic or walking areas.

- keep below the maximum speed limit (40 kph/25 mph).

- Never drive off-road; this severely damages the habitat.

- when viewing wildlife, keep to a minimum distance of 20 metres and pull to the side of the road so as to allow others to pass.

- Leave no litter and never leave fi res unattended or discard burning objects.

- Respect the cultural heritage of kenya. Never take pictures of the local people or their habitat without asking their permission. Respect the cultural traditions of kenya and always dress with decorum.

- Stay over or leave before dusk. Visitors must vacate the park between 6 pm and 6 am unless they are camping overnight. Night game driving is not allowed.

This is a card used at kwS by its visitors to enable them get access to the National Parks, which costs over and above the park entry fee.

Safaricards are used to gain access to Nairobi, Amboseli, Tsavo East, Tsavo west, Lake Nakuru and Aberdare National Parks. All other parks and reserves use paper tickets.

The card is issued and loaded with money at the Point of Issue (POI) and Point of Sale (POS) respectively and deducted at the park entrance Point of Access (POA).

for more information log onto www.kws.go.ke or email [email protected]

/ 33

THE wILdLIfE COdE


SAfARI CARdS

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aberdare nationaL parK / Majestic peaks, moorlands and fallsAccess: Tarmac road from Nyeri and Naro Moru on the eastern side (160 km from Nairobi). Mweiga Airstrip is located next to the park headquarters.

Climate: Mist and rain throughout much of the year.

Safaricard required: Yes.

Activities: Mountain climbing, picnics, trout fi shing, game viewing, camping and trekking.

Wildlife: Large population of black rhino, leopard, serval cat and many endemic bird species. Endangered species include bongo, giant forest hog, packs of wild dogs and mole shrew.

Where to stay: The Ark, The Aberdare Country Club, Tree Tops, Ruhuruini, Tusk Camp. Public campsites: Reedbuck, Ruhuruini, Wandare, Shamata.

parK Listings

aMboseLi nationaL parK / Kilimanjaro’s royal courtAccess: The main road into the park is from Nairobi via Namanga (240 km) on the Nairobi-Arusha road. The park has an airstrip for light aircraft.

Size/Location: 390 sq km/Loitoktok District, Rift Valley Province.

Climate: Temperatures from 20 to 30°C and rainfall from 200 to 700 mm.

Safaricard required: Yes

Activities: Game viewing, camping, birdwatching and photography.

Wildlife: Leopard, cheetah, wild dog, buffalo, rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, crocodile, mongoose, hyrax, dik-dik, lesser kudu and nocturnal porcupine. The prolifi c birdlife features 600 species.

1 aberdare national park2 amboseli national park3 arabuko sokoke Forest reserve4 central island national park5 chyulu hills national park6 hells gate national park7 Kakamega Forest national reserve8 Kisite Mpunguti Marine park9 Kisumu impala sanctuary10 Kiunga Marine reserve11 Kora national park12 Lake nakuru national park13 Malindi Marine national park14 Marsabit national park & reserve15 Meru national park16 Mombasa Marine park17 Mount elgon national park18 Mount Longonot national park19 Mount Kenya national park20 Mwea national reserve21 nairobi national park22 ndere island national park23 ol donyo sabuk national park24 ruma national park25 saiwa swamp national park26 shimba hills national reserve27 sibiloi national park28 tsavo east national park29 tsavo west national park30 watamu Marine park

Kenya wiLdLiFe servicetourism & conservation manual

Access: 415 km from Nairobi by road, via Nakuru and Kapsabet.

Size/Location: 44 sq km/Western Province.

Climate: Temperature ranges from 20 to 30°C and rainfall from 200 to 700 mm. Two rainy seasons: long rains from March to April and short rains in November and December.

Activities: Birdwatching, butterfl y spotting and primate watching.

KaKaMega Forest nationaL reserve / Canopy of natural beautyWildlife: Bush pig, duiker, bushbuck, clawless otter, mongoose, giant water shrew, squirrel, tree pangolin, porcupine, bats and primates (including the endangered DeBrazza’s monkey).

Where to stay: Various campsites and KWS self-catered accommodation located in the park.

Access: 75 km from Mombasa town.

Size/Location: 6 sq km/Between the towns of Kilifi and Malindi

Climate: Average annual rainfall from 900 mm to 1,100 mm.

Activities: Birdwatching, butterfl y spotting,walking trails and game viewing.

Wildlife: Golden-rumped elephant shrew, sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose, Ader’s

arabuKo soKoKe Forest reserve / Last large remnant of coastal tropical forestsduiker, waterbuck, African civet, blotched genet, caracal, Sykes’ monkeys and several bird species. Numerous reptiles including boomslang, green mamba, rock python, forest cobra, sand lizard and day geullo.

Where to stay: There is no accommodation in the reserve, however a wide variety is available along the coast to suit all budgets.

Access: Reachable by road from Nairobi or Tsavo West. The park has two airstrips.

Size/Location: 741 sq km/Kibwezi District, Eastern Province

Climate: Temperature ranges from 20 to 30°C. There are two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to April and short rains in November and December.

chyuLu hiLLs nationaL parK / Hemingway’s green hills of AfricaActivities: Cave exploration, game viewing, camping, mountain hiking, horse riding and birdwatching.

Wildlife: Commonly seen animals include buffalo, bushbuck, eland, elephant, leopard, giant forest hog, bush pig, reedbuck and steinbok. Reptiles include black mamba, puff adder, rock python, gecko and tortoise.

Where to stay: The park has three public campsites.

Access: 800 km from Nairobi by road. There are two airstrips nearby at Sibiloi.

Climate: Hot and dry.

Attractions: Three crater lakes (Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake and Tilapia Lake) and an active volcano.

Activities: Crocodile hatching and camping.

centraL isLand nationaL parK / Kingdom of the crocodileWildlife: Reptiles, including an estimated 12,000 crocodile, saw-scaled viper, night and puff adder and cobra. There are 84 species of water birds and various birds of prey.

Access: Tarmac road from Nairobi (90 km) via Naivasha or by Naivasha air strip.

Size/Location: 68 sq km/Naivasha, Rift Valley Province.


Activities: Game viewing, rock climbing, camping, raptors nesting in cliffs, gorge walk, nature trails and picnicking.

heLLs gate nationaL parK / A walk on the wild sideWildlife: Buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, giraffe, baboon, serval cat, klipspringer and 103 species of bird.

Where to stay: There is no accommodation in the park; although a wide range of accommodation is available in Naivasha and along Moi South Lake Road.

Access: 355 km north of Nairobi. Flights from Nairobi take around one hour.

Size: Less than 1 sq km.

Climate: Hot and humid.

Activities: Game viewing,and picnicking.

Wildlife: Leopard, hyena, olive baboon, vervet monkey, impala, jackal, ostrich and hippo.

Kisite Mpunguti Marine parK / Home to the dolphins, coconut crabAccess: Tour company boats and local community dhows from Shimoni.

Size/Location: 39 sq km/South coast.

Climate: Humid.

Activities: Snorkelling, diving and birdwatching.

Marine life: More than 250 recorded fish species, dolphins, sea turtles, whales, corals, sea grass, endemic coconut crab and gastropods.

Where to stay: Currently no accommodation in the reserve. Visitors can stay in Diani town which offers various accommodation options.

Access: Kiunga is a remote, unspoilt village on the mainland about 150 km by road east of Lamu.

Size/Location: 270 sq km/Lamu District, Coast province.

Climate: Humid.

Activities: Windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, water-skiing and sunbathing.

Kiunga Marine reserve / Enchanted underwater worldMarine life: Sea turtles, olive ridley and leatherback turtles, reef fish, lobsters, sea urchins, sea stars and crabs.

Where to stay: Munira Island Camp, Kiwayu Safari Village, 2 km north of Kiwayu village, this is a group of simple Bandas with restaurant and bar facilities.

LaKe naKuru nationaL parK / A birdwatchers’ paradiseAccess: A tarmac road connecting to Nairobi (156 km). The Naishi airstrip services the park.

Size/Location: 188 sq km/Nakuru, Rift Valley Province. 160 km north-west of Nairobi


Activities: Game viewing, birdwatching and camping.

Wildlife: Flamingo, rhino, leopard, lion, hyena and buffalo and nearly 450 species of terrestrial birds.

Where to stay: Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill Lodge. Campsites; Chui, Rhino, Soysambu, Nyati, Nyuki and Reedbuck. Public campsites; Makalia and Backpackers. Self-catering; Naishi House. Accommodation is also available outside the park.

KisuMu iMpaLa sanctuary / A lakeshore walk with impalasWhere to stay: No accommodation within the park. Visitors can stay in Kisumu town which offers plenty of accommodation options.

Access: 348 km from Nairobi via Nyeri-Nanyuki-Meru.

Size/Location: 870 sq km/North-east of Mount Kenya in Meru District of Eastern Province.

Climate: Semi-arid with irregular rainfall.

Activities: Game viewing and camping.

Meru/Kora nationaL parK / Complete wildernessWildlife: Zebra, elephant, eland, bush pig, waterbuck, cheetah, leopard, reticulated giraffe, hippo, bohor reedbuck, hartebeest, python, puff adder, cobra, buffalo and over 300 recorded species of birds.

Where to stay: Elsa’s Kopje, Leopard Rock Lodge, a number of KWS self-catering options and camping facilities.

Location: Mombasa


Attractions: Dive sites, coral gardens and Mombasa beach.

Activities: Diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, water-skiing and other water sports.

MoMbasa Marine parK / Popular snorkelling and diving locationMarine life: Crabs, corals, sea urchins, jellyfish, sea stars and sea cucumbers.

Access: 110 km north of Mombasa. By air: Malindi Airport.

Location: South-eastern Kenya.

Climate: Temperatures from 20 to 30°C and rainfall from 200 to 700 mm. Long rains from March to April and short rains in November and December.

Activities: Swimming, boat excursions, trips to the tidal island of Manyugu, glass-

MaLindi Marine nationaL parK / Africa’s oldest marine parkbottomed boat, nature walks, snorkelling and diving.

Marine life: Crabs, corals, sea urchins, jellyfish, sea stars, sea cucumbers, fish, turtle and dolphins.

Where to stay: Currently no accommodation in the reserve. Visitors can stay in Malindi town which offers various accommodation options.

Marsabit nationaL parK & reserve / The misty mountain paradiseAccess: From Nairobi, reachable via Nanyuki and lsiolo (620 km). Airstrip at Marsabit, 4 km from the main gate.

Size/Location: 1,554 sq km/Marsabit District, Eastern Province.

Climate: January to March is hot and dry, April to June is hot and wet, July to October is warm and dry and November and December are warm and wet.

Activities: Game viewing, birdwatching safaris, camel safaris, community visits and camping.

Wildlife: Elephant, buffalo, greater kudu, hyena, Grevy’s zebra, Kirk’s dik-dik, reticulated giraffe, lion, leopard and baboon.

Where to stay: Marsabit Lodge and two public campsites.

Mount Kenya nationaL parK / Come touch the skyAccess: 175 km from Nairobi, the park can be reached on Nanyuki-Isiolo road via Sirimon Track or Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru. There is an airstrip at Nanyuki.

Size/Location: 2,800 sq km/east of the Rift Valley.

Climate: Varies with altitude.

Activities: Game viewing, camping, mountain climbing and cave exploration.

Wildlife: Elephant, tree hyrax, white-tailed mongoose, suni, black-fronted duiker, mole rat, bushbuck, waterbuck and eland. Rarely seen animals include leopard, bongo, giant forest hog and rhino.

Where to stay: Batian Guesthouse and Sirimon Bandas. Numerous camping facilities and public campsites.

Access: 160 km from Nairobi, via Thika-Matuu-Masinga Dam. By Air: Masinga airstrip near Masinga lodge.

Size/Location: 42 sq km/Mbeere District, Eastern Province.

Climate: Semi-arid.

Activities: Game viewing, boat rides at Kamburu Dam and walking circuits.

Mwea nationaL reserve / An undiscovered oasis of tranquillityWildlife: Elephant, lesser kudu, Nile crocodile, hippo, giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, buffalo, leopard, grey duiker, black-backed jackal, bushbuck, waterbuck, olive baboon, Sykes’ monkey, serval cat and spotted hyena.

Where to stay: There are no lodges, tented camps or self-catering accommodation options in Mwea. Masinga Lodge (located at Masinga Dam) and a number of camping facilities can be found outside the reserve.

Access: 10 km South of Nairobi City Centre.

Size/Location: 117 sq km/Nairobi Province.

Climate: January-March is hot and dry, April-June is hot and wet, and July-October is very warm and wet.

Safaricard required: Yes

Facilities: Bush dinners, weddings, picnics, team building sessions and film production.

nairobi nationaL parK / The world’s only wildlife capitalActivities: Game viewing, corporate/ special events, Three-star Rangers Restaurant.

Wildlife: Animals include buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, baboon, zebra, wildebeest and cheetah. There are 100 mammal species and 400 migratory and endemic bird species.

Where to stay: No in-park accommodation. Plenty of accommodation to choose from in the city of Nairobi.

Access: Mount. Elgon is located 420 km from Nairobi. Access is via tarmac road via Kitale. There is also an airstrip in the park.

Size/Location: 196 sq km/Western border of Kenya with Uganda, in Trans-Nzoia District of Rift Valley Province.

Climate: Moist to moderate dry.

Activities: Mountain climbing, horse riding, picnicking, camping and birdwatching.

Mount Longonot nationaL parK / Sheer adventure

Mount eLgon nationaL parK / Untamed wilderness, secluded splendour

Access: Accessible via a tarmac road from Nairobi (90 km).

Size/Location: 52 sq km/Naivasha, Rift Valley Province.

Climate: Temperature ranges from 20° to 30°C and rainfall from 200 to 700 mm.

Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, biking, walking and viewing Lake Naivasha.

Wildlife: Elephant, leopard, giant forest hog, bushbuck, buffalo, duiker, black and white colobus, blue monkey, golden cat and more than 240 bird species including the African crowned eagle, Ross’s turaco and red-fronted parrot.

Where to stay: There are three public campsites and self-catered accommodation.

Wildlife: Buffalo, gazelle, impala, giraffe, eland, lion, leopard, bushbuck, zebra, Grant’s gazelle and Thomson’s gazelle.

Where to stay: There is no accommodation in the park; although a wide range of accommodations options are available in Naivasha town and along Moi South Lake Road.

ndere isLand nationaL parK / Island of serenity and beautyAccess: Access to the park can be by road or boat from Kisumu. Kisumu Airport is 60 km away.

Location: Kisumu District of Nyanza Province.


Facilities: Well maintained walking trails.

Activities: Walking and game viewing.

Wildlife: African fish eagle, hippo, impala and Nile crocodile.

Where to stay: There are two campsites within the park.

Access: Main access is from Kisumu via Homa Bay – 140 km.

Size/Location: 120 sq km/western Kenya close to the shores of Lake Victoria.


Activities: Game viewing, birdwatching, picnicking, camping and team building exercises.

ruMa nationaL parK / Last retreat of the roan antelopeWildlife: Roan antelope, leopard, buffalo, hyena, Rothschild’s giraffe, oribi, Jackson’s and Lelwel hartebeest, impala, bohor reedbuck, serval cat, topi, baboon, vervet monkey, honey badger and bush pig.

Where to stay: Two campsites, Nyati campsite which is a special campsite and Fig tree campsite which is a public campsite and a backpacker’s haven.

Access: Take the Likoni ferry from Mombasa, take the road climbing to Kwale Town (C106). The main gate is 3 km from Kwale.

Size/Location: 300 sq km/33 km South of Mombasa, in Kwale district of Coast Province.


Activities: Game viewing, camping and trekking.

shiMba hiLLs nationaL reserve / The Paradise of Sable AntelopeWildlife: The endangered sable antelope, elephant, giraffe, leopard, genet, civet cat, hyena, waterbuck, bush pig, buffalo, African bush baby, bushbuck, coastal black and white colobus monkey.

Where to stay: Shimba Hills Lodge Block Hotels, KWS self-catering accommodation, there are four public campsites.

Access: 22 km from Kitale on the Kitale-Kapenguria tarmac road. Kitale airstrip is 22 km away from the park.

Size/Location: 2.9 sq km/Trans Nzoia District, Rift Valley Province

Climate: Ranges from warm to cool and humid.

saiwa swaMp nationaL parK / Sitatunga’s aquatic domainActivities: Game viewing and camping.

Wildlife: Sitatunga, monkey, otter, genet cat, serval cat, mongoose, bushbuck and ratel.

Where to stay: Tree Top House, Sirikwa Tented Camp and camping facilities.

oL donyo sabuK nationaL parK / Ultimate panoramic experienceAccess: 85 km north-east of Nairobi by road.

Size/Location: 20.7 sq km/Eastern Province.

Climate: January to March is hot and dry, April to June hot and wet, July to October very warm and dry, November and December warm and wet.

Activities: Game viewing, picnics, camping and mountain climbing.

Wildlife: Buffalo, leopard, mongoose, bushbuck, olive baboon, colobus monkey, vervet monkey, Sykes’ monkey, Kirk’s dik-dik, bush pig, common duiker, reedbuck, rock hyrax, bushbaby, tree and ground squirrel, aardvark, porcupine, python and monitor lizard. More than 45 species of birds.

Where to stay: Sabuk Guesthouse, Turacco Public Campsite.

Access: 800 km north of Nairobi. There are also two all-weather strips.

Size/Location: 1,570 sq km/Lake Turkana, Marsabit District, Eastern Province.

Climate: Hot and arid.

Activities: Game viewing, camping, archaeological safaris and bird watching.

sibiLoi nationaL parK / Cradle of mankind, Garden of EdenWildlife: Zebra, Grant’s gazelle, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, topi, greater kudu, hippo, lion, cheetah, leopard, striped hyena and silver-backed jackal. The world’s largest population of Nile crocodile breeds on Lake Turkana Central Island.

Where to stay: Oasis Lodge, Lobolo Tented Camp, self-catering accommodation, two public campsites.

tsavo east nationaL parK / Theatre of the wildAccess: 233 km south of Nairobi and 250 km north of Mombasa on the main Nairobi- Mombasa road. There are three airstrips in the park.

Size/Location: 13, 747 sq km/South East Kenya, inland from the coast.

Climate: Warm and dry. Safaricard required: Yes

Activities: Game viewing, camping, trekking and birdwatching.

Wildlife: Elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo, crocodile, waterbuck, kudu, gerenuk and hirola.

Where to stay: Voi Safari Lodge, Kingfisher Tented Camp, Ndololo Tented Camp, Satao Camp, Epiya Chapeya Tented Camp, Patterson’s Safari Camp, Aruba Ashnil and public campsite, Ndololo.

Access: By road Watamu is 120 km north of Mombasa and 28 km south of Malindi.

Size/Location: 10 sq km/ North Coast, Malindi.

Climate: Humid.

Major attractions: Green turtle, unique coral gardens, Mida Creek, the Kipepeo Butterfly Project and the Gede ruins.

wataMu Marine nationaL reserve / Haven for turtle, coral gardens and Mida CreekActivities: Windsurfing, snorkelling, water-skiing, diving and glass bottom boat.

Marine life: Fish, turtles, dugongs, crabs and over 100 species of birds.

Where to stay: There is currently no accommodation in the reserve, a wide range of options exist in nearby Malindi town.

Access: 240 km south of Nairobi/250 km north of Mombasa on the main Nairobi- Mombasa road. There also are three airstrips.

Size/Location: 9065 sq km/South Eastern Kenya, inland from Mombasa.

Climate: Warm and dry. Safaricard required: Yes

Activities: Game viewing, camping, cave

tsavo west nationaL parK / Land of lava, springs and man-eatersexploration, underwater hippo watching.

Wildlife: Elephant, rhino, hippo, lion, cheetah, leopard, buffalo, diverse plant and bird species including the threatened corncrake and Basra reed warbler.

Where to stay: Ngulia Safari Lodge, Kilaguni Safari Serena Lodge, Kitani Severin Safari Camp/ Lodge, Finch Hatton’s Tented Lodge, Voyager Safari Camp, KWS self-catering and three public campsites.

http://www.sarovahotels.com

P.O. Box 40241 – 00100

Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: + 254 (20) 399 1000/399 2000


www.kws.go.ke Kenya_Wildlife Kenya Wildlife Service @KWSKenya KWSKenya

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenyawildlifeservice/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kenya-Wildlife-Service/196213227903

http://twitter.com/#!/KWSKenya

http://www.youtube.com/KWSKenya

Kenya Wildlife Service Tourism & Conservation Manual 2011

Documents

Transcript of Kenya Wildlife Service Tourism & Conservation Manual 2011