You’ll see why the Maasai people named it the Mara (“spotted land”) as you float over specks of shrubs, cloud shadows, and animal herds. To get a sense of the vastness of the Mara, book a hot-air balloon safari. The Mara has one of the world’s highest densities of lions, but the birdlife – 470 species, including birds of prey and migratory birds – and the wild savanna are just as alluring. The Mara is a Big Five park, home to rhinos, buffalo, elephants, leopards and lions. Conversely, some tourists report being overcharged (for crafts or a photo, for example), but this is often the consequence of years of communities seeing wealthy travelers pass through their villages on expensive tours that haven’t benefited them. If companies claim to support community projects, ask how and if you can see them. Ideally, visit a Maasai-run project, or ask your tour operator exactly where your money goes. It’s not always easy to ensure cultural tourism experiences are genuinely ethical and non-exploitative. A bush walk with a Maasai warrior is a wonderful way to appreciate the community’s connection with the land, as they point out wildlife and medicinal plants. The Maasai people own several private reserves around the Mara, which are leased to different safari companies, and these are one way to support community-powered tourism. The semi-nomadic Maasai communities are another draw, with travelers attracted to their traditional singing and dancing, warrior traditions and colorful dress. Nile crocodiles lie on the riverbanks waiting for their prey. Known locally as the Mara, the Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s most famous national park, not least because from July to October, it’s the route for the Great Migration, the spectacle of thousands of wildebeest, giraffes and zebra traveling from the Serengeti in southern Tanzania across the Mara River to the lush grass of Kenya. The Masai Mara is the best place to see the Great Migration in Kenya © Jane Rix / Shutterstock 1. These are the 12 best national parks in Kenya. The term originates from colonial-era hunters who deemed these to be the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot, so don’t let an obsession with seeing them all stop you from visiting national parks that don’t feature the full list – you’re sure to spot plenty of other equally fascinating creatures.įrom spectacular scenery and geothermal springs to brilliantly colored birdlife and the indigenous communities that live in and around these areas, Kenya’s national parks are about more than wildlife, and you’ll be in for a treat whatever parks you choose to visit. Many people go on safari in Kenya with a steely determination to see the Big Five (rhino, buffalo, elephants, leopards, and lions). From the unforgettable scene of thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River during their migration to the sight of steaming geysers at Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya certainly has no shortage of protected parks, reserves, marine parks, and privately owned conservancies. It’s home to a whopping 23 of them, as well as four marine national parks. You can reserve a Meet a Wolf or Bear tour to see wild animals up close, or fall asleep to the sound of wolves howling and enjoy the view of Cadillac Mountain from a primitive camping site, too.National parks and Kenya go hand in hand. Visit nearby Scapes Café in Mount Vernon for locally sourced breakfast or lunch on the shores of Minnehonk Lake.Īt Kisma Preserve in Trenton, you and your family can take guided tours to see animals from North America, Africa and various tropical and rainforest regions. More than 200 orphaned, abused and sick animals are cared for and rehabilitated at this 42-acre farm. You could get a kiss from a camel at DEW Haven in the town of Mt. Feeling peckish? Grab a bite to eat at the Snack Shack. Your family can also try to guess the identity of animals by their silhouettes as you walk along the Game Trail. Your kids can feel samples of animal fur and make sand paw prints at the visitor center. You can see moose, black bear, white-tailed deer, coyote and other native animals – over 30 species in all who are unable to return to the wild. You and your family can get a close-up look at local wildlife at the Maine Wildlife Parkin Gray. There’s also an extensive Butterfly Kingdom and an amusement park with rides of all sorts, plus mini golf! Short Sands Beach is just a short walk away, as is shopping and dining in York. York's Wild Kingdom, in the resort town of York Beach, is home to Emus, Eagle Owls, Eurasian Lynx, Red Tail Boa Constrictors, Black Swans and American Alligators. You and your family can see both exotic and native wild animals at the animal parks and zoos in Maine.
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