The Cast: Theatre Of The Wild

The Essence of Safari: A General Foreword

A safari is an immersive experience in nature, involving a journey or expedition to observe and encounter wildlife in their natural habitat. The concept of safari, originating from the Swahili word for “journey,” defines the history and essence of Kenya. It is by no means a Kenyan monopoly, but a common heritage of Africa, particularly in Tanzania, South Africa, and Botswana. Still and all, safaris can take place in any wilderness area around the world where wildlife is the key attraction.

The essence of a safari is to observe wildlife at close proximity in their natural environment. This includes the iconic and high-minded members of big five – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo – a charismatic class of animals once considered the most dangerous for explorers. Other iconic animals across Africa include the giraffes, zebras and cheetahs. By the sheer weight of numbers and extraordinary migration the wildebeest deserves a validation of their own. It is probably the commonest antelope on the plains, regularly gathering in herds numbering many hundreds. Its grey body, long beard, buffalo like horns, shaggy mane and odd cavorting gait makes it one of the ungainliest looking creatures.

The wildebeest, or gnu, bring us to the largest migration of mammalian order to be found on the African savannas. Embracing close to two million animals, the great wildebeest migration constitutes, indubitably, one of the great wonders of the natural world and one of Kenya’s most breathtaking annual natural spectacles. A glance at the life of the wildebeest world may fill with despair those who hope for a fulfillment of the pledge that the lion shall one day lie down with the lamb.

Only by the making of war by the carnivores, the masterly predators of the savanna, and the struggle for existence in which the weakest link and the weak are mercilessly obliterated, is the circle of life in African wilds maintained and perpetuated. Only through the occurrence of these muted and far-reaching tragedies in nature, where these creatures are swept in unnumbered millions to swift destruction, can man maintain his place in life. This inexorable cruelty of nature’s law is, in the last resort, man’s cardinal defense against wild creatures. This is a cardinal prescience to carry with you to every National Parks in Kenya.

It is a strange and grim cycle of alternating prosperity and adversity that keeps balance of the wild.  We have among these creatures, far advanced in the scale of evolution, organized into three broad family groups. The first makes attack its means of defense and its method of maintaining its existence. The second trusts to speed, brill agility, or to that deceptive appearance called “protective mimicry”. This, of course, is the largest subgroup, which is subdivided into many groups.

The third trusts its armor, or outer protective garment, to protect itself from any imminent danger.  The immense area covered by National Parks and Reserves in Kenya is a convincing answer to those who wish to observe these varied species in their original surroundings and best fitted habitations. Safari is a lens into the savage and brutal elegance of nature, governed by these simple rasping rules.

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Safaris are also about adventure, exploration, and being in the wild. The thrill of knowing and tracking animals, the unpredictability of nature, and the sense of being far from civilization. This makes it an exciting and enriching experience.

A Guide to Wildlife in Kenya

In essence, a safari is about adventure, connection to nature, and appreciating the diversity and complexity of wildlife in their purest forms. A typical safari involves game drives, which are guided excursions through wildlife preserves. Game drives are traditionally conducted in open vehicles (often 4x4s) or open-top vans and are led by professional guides and trackers who help locate animals and explain their behavior. In some areas, walking safaris are popular. Accompanied by a guide, guests explore the wilderness on foot, getting closer to nature and gaining a deeper understanding of the environment, animal tracking, and flora.

Kenya certainly has enormous touring resources. There are no less than sixty national narks, reserves and game sanctuaries, covering approximately 11% of the land surface. Each of these diverse and stunning national parks and reserves offers unique wildlife experiences and unique, breathtaking landscapes.

Index of National Parks & Reserves in Kenya

Baringo County - Lake Baringo National Reserve , Lake Bogoria National Reserve , Kerio Valley National Reserve, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve , Bomet County - The South Western Mau National Reserve , Busia County - Malaba Sanctuary , Elgeyo Marakwet County - Rimoi National Reserve , Embu County - Mount Kenya National Park; Irangi Forest Station , Mwea National Reserve , Garissa County - Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary , Rahole National Reserve , Arawale National Reserve , Boni National Reserve , Homa Bay County - Ruma National Park , Isiolo County - The Bisanadi National Reserve , Buffalo Springs National Reserve , Shaba National Reserve , Kajiado County - Amboseli National Park, Kakamega County - Kakamega National Reserve , Kilifi County - Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve , Watamu Marine National Park , Malindi Marine Reserve , Kisumu County - Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Ndere Island National Park, Kitui County - Mwingi National Reserve , South Kitui National Reserve , Kwale County - Shimba Hills National Reserve , Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve , Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve , Lamu County - Dodori National Reserve , Kiunga Marine National Reserve , Machakos County - Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park , Makueni County - Chyulu Hills National Park , Ngai Ndethya National Reserve , Mandera County - Malka Mari National Park , Marsabit County - Losai National Reserve, South Island National Park, Marsabit National Park & Reserve, Sibiloi National Park, Meru County - Meru National Park , Mombasa County - Mombasa Marine National Reserve & Park , Nairobi County - The Nairobi National Park, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot National Park, Crescent Island Sanctuary, Hell's Gate National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park , Nandi County - Bonjoge National Reserve , Narok County - Masai Mara National Reserve, Nyeri County - The Aberdare National Park, Samburu County - Samburu National Reserve , Maralal National Reserve, Siaya County - Lake Kanyaboli Reserve, Tana River County - Kora National Park , The Tana Primate National Reserve , Taita Taveta County - Tsavo East National Park , Tsavo West National Park , Tharaka Nithi County - Mutejwa National Reserve , Trans Nzoia County - Mount Elgon National Park , Saiwa Swamp National Park , Turkana County - Central Island Reserve, South Turkana Reserve, West Pokot County - Nasolot National Reserve

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