Originally a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru National Park is now a reintroduction center for black rhinoceros. For this reason the Kenyan authorities decided to delimit it by fencing it. It is therefore the only reserve and the only closed park in the country. Its lake with alkaline waters attracts many species of birds so flamingos. The superposition of colors at sunrise makes it a magical place.
The geological movements that divided Africa in two gave birth to a valley called "The Rift Valley": it is a succession of soda lakes bubbling and smoking (inscribed in the World Heritage list by UNESCO in 2011) and many volcanic cones extinct or asleep.
Some of the most sought-after safari animals are found here: flamingo colonies, rhinoceroses and Rothschild giraffes roam the lake plains gracefully. The big cats (lions, leopards) are not in rest and have also elected home!
Advices:
- Animals, landscapes, but also large quantities of hominid fossils: discover the "Cradle of Humankind" by visiting the Great Rift Valley
- Lake Nakuru is known for its leopard sightings during the day: isn't it the most difficult to see of the "BIG 5" ?
- Mount Longonot, which in Maasai means "mountain with many peaks", is a stratovolcano, located southeast of Lake Naivasha. It can be the occasion of a beautiful hike during which we can cross the road of Giraffes, gazelles, zebras or even buffaloes !!!
Going to Kenya is to travel 8 million years back, at a time when nature was sovereign and where the great upheavals of humanity were operating.
Undisputed master of photo safaris, Kenya is a country offering at every moment a testimony of our origins. The key to all of this is the Rift Valley, a large natural fault that crosses the country and shapes the landscape little by little. First, a string of large lakes on which the largest population of birds on the continent is concentrated; then comes the savannah concealed in the bottom of the fault and sheltering a multitude of wild animals and game. Whether it is tall grass dried by the sun's rays, acacia trees, palm doums or baobabs, the wonder is there. It is against the backdrop of the old volcanic mountains, Mount Kenya, 5,199 meters high, is proud to compete with his big brother Tanzanian. Finally arrive kilometers of white sand bordering the Indian Ocean, In this great diversity live together more than 40 ethnic groups with ancestral traditions of origin often Bantu. It is certain, Africa is there.
When to go?
Equatorial, the climate is however subject to important general variations. Kenya enjoys a sunny climate most of the year. The rainy season is in April and May where heavy short-term rainfall may surprise.
Thus, the best time to visit Kenya is summer, from June to September, during which you will enjoy the dry season and reasonable temperatures.
Formalities
French nationals must hold a visa ("tourism" or "business" depending on the purpose of the visit) to enter Kenya. The passport must have a validity of at least six months on the date of entry into the territory.
Since September 1st 2015, an electronic visa, issued online and within one week, should be obtained from the site https://account.ecitizen.go.ke/visitor-registrationprior to arrival in Kenya.
Health
Antimalarial treatment and yellow fever vaccination is recommended (contact your doctor)
Currency
The national currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES).
International credit cards can be used in major cities and tourist areas (hotels, lodges, reserves, etc.). It is advisable to bring cash (US dollars or euros). Travel checks are to be avoided. There are ATMs (Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard) in Nairobi and Mombasa. For foreign exchange transactions, attention should be paid to the proposed rate. US dollars are better accepted than euros.
Attention: Old dollars aren’t accepted: in general, those dating from before 2006, although sometimes those after 2000 or 2003 are accepted - all depends on the interlocutor.