Christmas is here, and with it comes merry making, happiness and laughter. But this years’ Christmas will be slightly, if not a tad lot different! From the usual family get together, to the ‘nyama choma’ meet-ups and many other festivities. But does having Covid-19 lurking around mean the end of the festivities? No, it doesn’t! It just means that what was once a normal Festive Season may never be that again, we’ll all have to embrace a new type of ‘normal’. Kenya is at the front line of Safari and Bush holidays. Whether you’re a newbie in search for a dive into the wild or an enthusiast longing for more authentic adventures, a local Holiday will blow you away. So, what does that mean you ask? Post-Covid holiday ideas include visits to our National Parks and Reserves which are teeming with wildlife. Here are some ideas for you:
Christmas Getaways in COVID Times – Bush edition
1. MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Located in Rift Valley, the Maasai Mara Game Reserve is home to the Great Wildebeest Migration where thousands of wildebeest along with thousands of zebras, impalas and gazelles go in search for pastures. It features an incredible diversity in wildlife including the Big Five, as well as over 470 bird species. This is a phenomenal sight you’d never want to miss.
2. AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Amboseli National Park is a home to the most amazing elephant herds and many bird species. You can easily reach Amboseli from Nairobi by air or road. If you take the road, it will only take you about 4 hours. The icing on the cake are the fabulous views of wildlife with Mt Kilimanjaro as your backdrop.
3. LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
‘The paradise of pink’. Popular for the vibrantly colored flamingoes, Lake Nakuru National Park is a destination you will not want to miss. You can find a variety of species in the area including lions, white rhinos, waterbucks and baboons. You can also find an abundance of bird life including water birds and flamingoes amongst other bird species. Activities you can indulge in include game drives, walking safari, night game drives, Camping and Picnics.
4. MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK
Did you know it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? It includes Mount Kenya as well as its surrounding environment that provides habitat for wild animals including elephants, Cape buffaloes, and monkeys. From the scenic views of Mt Kenya, to the tea plantations across Meru and the honey combs in Nanyuki, a journey down to The National Park is something one can consider to indulge in this festive season.
5. NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK
Nairobi is the only Capital city that has a park in it. It is possibly the only park in the world that you can visit by Taxi or Public Transport. It offers a variety of animals that includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, black rhinos, hyenas and giraffes which you can easily get a chance to experience without having to leave Nairobi County.
6. TSAVO EAST & WEST NATIONAL PARKS
Tsavo parks are vast and wild. Divided into two regions: Tsavo West and Tsavo East, the parks offer various animal species. Here, you can enjoy the sight of elephants bathing in red dunes and playing in the Galana River. You can also get to be closer to the crocodiles and hippos through an underwater glass tank. You can also get the chance to enjoy the magnificent Mzima Springs.
7. MERU NATIONAL PARK
If you’re looking into having a very intimate safari experience, Meru National Park can be your best bet. It is a relatively smaller and quieter option that you can easily enjoy without the hustle of snaking through lined up tour vans hoping to get the glimpse of an animal. The park also has both the white and black Rhinos which can be easily spotted. It is ideal for families as it offers exclusivity and privacy. Did you know it is the home of Elsa the lioness of the film, “Born Free”?
8. SAMBURU GAME RESERVE
Samburu Game Reserve is a 5-hour drive from Nairobi. The reserve boasts of a breathtaking landscape and a unique ecosystem regardless of how small it is. These animals include the famous Big Five, all other large cats plus a variety of unique animals that only thrive in the Samburu and Laikipia plains like reticulated giraffes, long-necked gerenuks, and Beisa Oryx. One of the most popular activities in this park is camel safaris and a visit to the Samburu tribe. This is an ideal destination to visit during this festive season as you will encounter limited human interaction.
In conclusion, a trip to the National parks and Reserves will not only have you in awe of nature’s beauty but also appreciation for how much Kenya has to offer to both the local and the international guests. Travel and vacations are possible and you are guaranteed to have a good time if you adhere to the precautionary measures. Traveling gives you peace of mind and contributes to your mental health. We also have packages that may allow you to visit these destinations. Do you have any experience in these locations? If so, share with us in the comment section.
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