Safari Map
| SOME DISTANCES Approximate in Km. |
| ITEN to: Eldoret Kabarnet Marigat L. Baringo (lodge) L. Bogoria |
35 54 98 120 120 |
| ELDORET to: Kitale Mt. Elgon Lodge Uganda Border Kisumu Kericho Nakuru Nairobi |
70 90 125 120 140 160 320 |
| NAKURU to: Marigat Eldama Ravine Kericho Kisumu |
98 65 110 195 |
| Besides being an ideal base from which to take shorter journeys in different directions, it can be seen that Kerio View is strategically positioned to fit into many safari circuits. Kitale and the Kerio Valley are the gateways to the North ---- Lake Turkana and Sudan. Kisumu and Kericho are gateways to the South ---- Masai Mara and Tanzania. Malaba and the Uganda border are only 130 km away. |
KERIO VIEW
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KV Safaris
| In a drive of just 40 minutes one can reach the valley 1000m below. A visit to Chebloch Gorge to see the crocodiles is easily arranged. The elephants and buffalo in the Rimoi reserve are truly wild but can be viewed by arrangement with the game rangers. Longer safaris can be arranged to Lakes Baringo, Bogoria and Nakuru as well as to Mount Elgon and the Cherangani Hills. Baringo is noted particularly for birdlife, snakes and hippo; Bogoria for flamingos and hot springs. By special arrangement, tours to Uganda and northern Kenya are possible. |
KERIO VIEW
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KAKAMEGA FOREST
This is a small remnant of the equatorial rainforest which once covered much of Western Kenya and
stretched in a continuous belt right across the continent to west Africa.
Less than 50 sq km now remain in Kakamega and it has been demarcated as a national reserve.
Of course, the unique vegetation provides the habitats for unique species of animals, such as the
Western Red Colobus monkey.
Guides are available to conduct visitors around the reserve and answer questions.
Kakamega town, just next to the forest, is about 100 km from Eldoret.
This is a small remnant of the equatorial rainforest which once covered much of Western Kenya and
stretched in a continuous belt right across the continent to west Africa.
Less than 50 sq km now remain in Kakamega and it has been demarcated as a national reserve.
Of course, the unique vegetation provides the habitats for unique species of animals, such as the
Western Red Colobus monkey.
Guides are available to conduct visitors around the reserve and answer questions.
Kakamega town, just next to the forest, is about 100 km from Eldoret.
Mt. ELGON
Mount Elgon is, in terms of base area, the largest extinct volcano in Africa. Its huge mass straddles
the Kenya / Uganda border.
The lower slopes are covered by dense forests in which roam herds of elephant and buffalo. Above
the forest line are the extensive high-altitude moorlands that rise up to the rim of the ancient caldera.
Along the length of the rim are several distinct summits, the highest of which is at a height of 4321m
(14177ft).
Peculiar to the equatorial high-mountain moorland are certain strange plants found nowhere else in
the world, such as the giant lobelia and giant groundsel (Sennecio johnstonii batiscombei).
Hiking across this terrain is truly exhilarating---- but also physically demanding and best not attempted
in bad weather. However, given good conditions, fit individuals can reach a summit and even descend
into the caldera itself (3500m).
An alternative to hiking, is to use mountain bikes or motorcycles.
For the less fit and adventurous visitors, the Mt. Elgon Lodge can organise trips to see the famous
lava-tube caves. Many of these, such as Kitum and Mackingeny, have been excavated and extended
over the course of millenia, by countless generations of elephants searching for mineral salts to augment
their salt-deficient diet. Other animals, such as buffalo and antelope, have also learned to follow the
elephant trails into the caves.
Mount Elgon is, in terms of base area, the largest extinct volcano in Africa. Its huge mass straddles
the Kenya / Uganda border.
The lower slopes are covered by dense forests in which roam herds of elephant and buffalo. Above
the forest line are the extensive high-altitude moorlands that rise up to the rim of the ancient caldera.
Along the length of the rim are several distinct summits, the highest of which is at a height of 4321m
(14177ft).
Peculiar to the equatorial high-mountain moorland are certain strange plants found nowhere else in
the world, such as the giant lobelia and giant groundsel (Sennecio johnstonii batiscombei).
Hiking across this terrain is truly exhilarating---- but also physically demanding and best not attempted
in bad weather. However, given good conditions, fit individuals can reach a summit and even descend
into the caldera itself (3500m).
An alternative to hiking, is to use mountain bikes or motorcycles.
For the less fit and adventurous visitors, the Mt. Elgon Lodge can organise trips to see the famous
lava-tube caves. Many of these, such as Kitum and Mackingeny, have been excavated and extended
over the course of millenia, by countless generations of elephants searching for mineral salts to augment
their salt-deficient diet. Other animals, such as buffalo and antelope, have also learned to follow the
elephant trails into the caves.
LAKE BARINGO
Is probably the best bird-watching location in the whole of Africa with over 450 species having been
recorded there.
The lake is also famous for its hippos. The local people are called Njemps and are an offshoot of the
Masai who left cattle-herding for a life of subsistence fishing. Unfortunately, the fishing is declining due
to the continuously reducing size and depth of the lake. The Njemps fishermen are very willing to take
visitors out on the lake to see the hippos or visit the lake's several islands.
The closest island, central island, is the site of a tented camp where visitors can have a comfortable stay.
On the mainland, not far from the main hotel (Lake Baringo Lodge) is a small 'snake park' which is
worth a visit.
Is probably the best bird-watching location in the whole of Africa with over 450 species having been
recorded there.
The lake is also famous for its hippos. The local people are called Njemps and are an offshoot of the
Masai who left cattle-herding for a life of subsistence fishing. Unfortunately, the fishing is declining due
to the continuously reducing size and depth of the lake. The Njemps fishermen are very willing to take
visitors out on the lake to see the hippos or visit the lake's several islands.
The closest island, central island, is the site of a tented camp where visitors can have a comfortable stay.
On the mainland, not far from the main hotel (Lake Baringo Lodge) is a small 'snake park' which is
worth a visit.
LAKE BOGORIA
Is situated below the steeply rising Ngendalel escarpment. It is a soda lake but, unlike the many
others of the Eastern Rift, quite deep. Its alkalinity is due to the discharge of hot springs and geysers
scattered along its margins.
The alkaline shore-water is perfect for the Spirulina algae on which the lesser flamingo feeds.
Consequently, flamingos are usually to be found here in large numbers, rivalling Lake Nakuru as a
spectacle. Strangely enough, however, the flamingos never breed here.
The Lake and a small surrounding area are designated as a national reserve. Other species to be seen
here are warthogs, African hunting dogs and the magnificent Greater Kudu.
After visiting the nature reserve, Lake Bogoria Hotel is an attractive venue for visitors and offers fine
services, including hot and cold swimming pools; the former fed by natural hot springs.
Is situated below the steeply rising Ngendalel escarpment. It is a soda lake but, unlike the many
others of the Eastern Rift, quite deep. Its alkalinity is due to the discharge of hot springs and geysers
scattered along its margins.
The alkaline shore-water is perfect for the Spirulina algae on which the lesser flamingo feeds.
Consequently, flamingos are usually to be found here in large numbers, rivalling Lake Nakuru as a
spectacle. Strangely enough, however, the flamingos never breed here.
The Lake and a small surrounding area are designated as a national reserve. Other species to be seen
here are warthogs, African hunting dogs and the magnificent Greater Kudu.
After visiting the nature reserve, Lake Bogoria Hotel is an attractive venue for visitors and offers fine
services, including hot and cold swimming pools; the former fed by natural hot springs.
LAKE NAKURU
Is situated just outside the town of Nakuru, which means it is accessible throughout the year and in
all weathers ---- unlike many of the larger National Parks.
Despite its relatively small size (190 sq. km), Lake Nakuru Park has a surprisingly wide variety of
wildlife, some, such as the Roschilds giraffe, the black rhino and the white rhino, having been
introduced from other areas where they were endangered.
Probably, most people know Lake Nakuru for its greater and lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias roseus
and Phoeniconaias minor), the latter outnumbering the former by a factor of 10 to 1; however, about
400 other bird species are residents of, or visitors to, the lake.
On the side of mammals, in addition to those already mentioned, buffalo, warthog, baboons, colobus
and vervet monkeys, waterbuck, impala and other gazelle are virtually certain to be seen. Less certain,
but possible, are leopard and lions.
Is situated just outside the town of Nakuru, which means it is accessible throughout the year and in
all weathers ---- unlike many of the larger National Parks.
Despite its relatively small size (190 sq. km), Lake Nakuru Park has a surprisingly wide variety of
wildlife, some, such as the Roschilds giraffe, the black rhino and the white rhino, having been
introduced from other areas where they were endangered.
Probably, most people know Lake Nakuru for its greater and lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias roseus
and Phoeniconaias minor), the latter outnumbering the former by a factor of 10 to 1; however, about
400 other bird species are residents of, or visitors to, the lake.
On the side of mammals, in addition to those already mentioned, buffalo, warthog, baboons, colobus
and vervet monkeys, waterbuck, impala and other gazelle are virtually certain to be seen. Less certain,
but possible, are leopard and lions.
LAKE VICTORIA
Is the largest freshwater lake in Africa (in terms of area) and the second largest in the world. It is the
source of the great river Nile, but the outflow is on the Uganda side of the lake at Jinja.
Kisumu is a lake port with steamer services to Uganda and Tanzania. It is the terminus of the railway
line from Mombasa through Nairobi; the so-called "lunatic express" line, built at great expense and great
loss of life by the British at the beginning of the century.
It was supposed to reach Kampala, Uganda, but the project stalled before crossing the border.
Lake Victoria is the source of most of the fish (Tilapia and Nile perch) that enters the domestic and
export market. Definitely, fresh lake fish is the speciality of Kisumu; but visitors are warned that a trip
to the local fish market might put them off eating fish for a long time. The good hotels, however, buy
direct from the Luo fishermen as they land their catch and then put the fish immediately into cold
storage.
Is the largest freshwater lake in Africa (in terms of area) and the second largest in the world. It is the
source of the great river Nile, but the outflow is on the Uganda side of the lake at Jinja.
Kisumu is a lake port with steamer services to Uganda and Tanzania. It is the terminus of the railway
line from Mombasa through Nairobi; the so-called "lunatic express" line, built at great expense and great
loss of life by the British at the beginning of the century.
It was supposed to reach Kampala, Uganda, but the project stalled before crossing the border.
Lake Victoria is the source of most of the fish (Tilapia and Nile perch) that enters the domestic and
export market. Definitely, fresh lake fish is the speciality of Kisumu; but visitors are warned that a trip
to the local fish market might put them off eating fish for a long time. The good hotels, however, buy
direct from the Luo fishermen as they land their catch and then put the fish immediately into cold
storage.
