happy Xmas

Maasai Welcome

 Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales are given a traditional Maasi greeting during a visit to Majengo Maasai Boma on November 9, 2011 in Arusha, Tanzania. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are on the final day of a four day tour of Tanzania after a successful trip to South Africa. The Royal couple will be highlighting environmental and social issues during their visit to Africa

Adventures Aloft fig tree camp maasai mara.flv

Kilima Safari Camp and Fig Tree Camp Massage Palor

 HEAD MASSAGE:
Massaging the head can do much to relieve the stress and tension that fill our day to day lives. The technique involves controlled caresses such as the spider walk, root pull, and comb, and focuses mainly on the face and scalp.

 

NECK MASSAGE
A neck massage will relieve a lot of stress and tension that may have built up.

 

SHOULDER MASSAGE
Shoulder massage has managed to keep one relaxed and relieve pain from shoulder problem. It is good for immediate relief.  More importantly it is what preventive measures that you are taking to alleviate your shoulder problem.

 

BACK MASSAGE
A back massage is also called a back rub. It is given by stroking your hands across a person's neck, shoulders, and back. A back massage increases blood flow to the skin and muscles. This can help to prevent skin problems in a person who needs to stay in bed most of the time. This can also help ease pain and stiffness, or help the person feel better after being ill.

 

FOOT MASSAGE
Foot massage is relaxing, soothing and a feel of heaven for the exhausted and tired feet. It is a technical therapy full of skilled art, that you may give yourself or can have others to give it to you.

 

FULL BODY MASSAGE
Full body massage is one of the special types of massage therapies available that can be used to treat a wide range of conditions or can simply be used to calm, relax, and sooth.

Kilima Safari Camp Reveiws (Amboseli)

“Amazing x”

Reviewed September 22, 2011 NEW

Absolutely loved this camp. Kilima was the first stop on our safari and we stayed here for 2 nights and it was perfect. I loved the quirkiness of the hotel, and the bar and restaurant area was brilliant. The rooms were great, very clean and i had absolutely no complaints, i loved sleeping under canvas and because we got a superior room we also could have a nice hot bath.The staff could not be more friendly and helpful. Woudl 100% stay here again x

Room Tip: Upgrade to superior as rooms slightly bigger and you get a claw bath tub.

See more room tips

• Stayed August 2011, traveled as a couple 

“Gorgeous Camp”

Reviewed September 21, 2011 NEW

My husband and I recently stayed here for two nights while on safari in Amboseli. The place is beautiful! Just outside one of the park gates too. The rooms gorgeous and the setting is spectacular - and when the clouds clear in the evenings you realize you are just under Mt. Kilimanjaro. The service was fantastic - everyone was super friendly and accommodating - and food good. We had a very luxurious stay here for an extremely reasonable price. It honestly surpassed our expectations, and I highly recommend it.

Stayed September 2011, traveled as a couple\

“Love this style of camping!”

Reviewed August 3, 2011

We stayed here for 1 night (passing through on safari) and would have been happy to stay longer and use this lodge as a base for traveling to the different national parks.

The rooms were well equipped and had a really nice shower room. The electricity was turned off during the night but we were made aware of this.

Cannot fault anything, accommodation; food; staff and the views were amazing - especially on the early morning (or late evening drives) where you can see Mt Kilimanjaro perfectly.

I would say without a doubt that this was the best of the 3 places we stayed at during our 3 night safari.

Stayed July 2011, traveled with family

 

“LOVELY CAMP EXCELLENT VIEWS”

Reviewed August 1, 2011

Just back form Kenya - booked a 4 day safari through Anne sanderson from the UK - kenyan travel/WT safaris - totally AMAZING experience - much much cheaper than doing it the "tour operator" way, we stayed in "tents" Maneaters, Manyatta and kilima in Tsavo east west and Amboselli....
Kiliima is fantastic, the views of kilimanjaro are fantastic... the tents are AMAZING - they have lovely Bathroom areas and the views are fantastic from wherever you are - pool area is gorgeous, (cold but nice) food is buffet style - excellent variety,, staff are welcoming - couldnt fault the place - Amboselli is much better than tsavo for game viewing, there are animals in abundance everywhere you look, one afternoon we stopped the bus to see 2 male lion on one side of some trees and a cheetah on the other with kilimanjaro in the backdrop - stunning!!! We would definitley return to kilima if we returned to amboselli - next time i think its off to the mara though - but back to the same hotel as this year which was Turtle bay in watamu - we loved the place and have promised to go back soon (separate review on that one though)

 

Amboseli National Park

VISITING AMBOSELI FEEL FREE TO STAY IN ONE OF OUR LUXURIOUS CAMP "KILIMA SAFARI CAMP" 


BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Amboseli lies immediately North West of Mt. Kilimanjaro, on the border with Tanzania. Amboseli was established as a reserve in 1968 and gazetted as a National Park in 1974. The Park covers 392 km2, and forms part of the much larger 3,000 Km2 Amboseli ecosystem. Large concentrations of wildlife occur here in the dry season, making Amboseli a popular tourist destination. It is surrounded by 6 communally owned group ranches. The National Park embodies 5 main wildlife habitats (open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush country, swamps and marshland) and covers part of a pleistocene lake basin, now dry. Within this basin is a temporary lake, Lake Amboseli, that floods during years of heavy rainfall. Amboseli is famous for its big game and its great scenic beauty - the landscape is dominated by MT Kilimanjaro.

Location:
On the border with Tanzania, Kajiado District, South Kenya; Covers 392km2
Climate:
The climate is mainly hot and dry. Amboseli is in the rain shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The maximum average temperature of the warmest month is 33°C during the day, while that of the coldest is 27-28°C. An annual rainfall of 300mm per annum is distributed in two seasons: April/May and November/December. Recurrent droughts and potential evaporation of 2200mm per annum typifies the region (KWS, 1991)
.
HOW TO GET THERE
Roads:
The main road into the Park is from Nairobi are via Namanga (240 km) on the Nairobi - Arusha Road, via Meshanani Gate. The road is tarmac upto Namanga but is badly corrugated and potholed in places from Namanga to Meshanani Gate (75km). The other road and via Emali (228 km) on the Nairobi - Mombasa Road. The road is tarmac up to Emali and murram from Emali to Remito Gate (64 km) Access from Mombasa is mainly through Tsavo West via Kimana (Olkelunyiet) Gate.

Airstrips:
The park has a single airstrip for light aircraft at Empusel gate. Other airstrips exist at Kilimanjaro Buffalo lodge and Namanga town.

Park Roads:
Viewing roads network covers the park adequately. Many of the park viewing roads are not usable during the rains and because of the loose ashy nature of volcanic soil, the roads become very dusty during the dry season.
Park Gates
The park has five gates, Kelunyiet, lremito, Ilmeshanan; Kitirua and Airstrip.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Mt. Meru
Observation Hill which allows an overall view of the whole park especially the swamps and elephants,
Contemporary Maasai culture and indigenous lifestyle

FACILITIES
Lodges:
Kilima Safari Camp  Oltukai Lodge; Amboseli Serena Lodge; Kimana Lodge; Tortilis Tented Lodge.
Campsites:
kilima Safari Camp Nairushari Special; Olgulului Public Campsite; Abercrombie & Kent Tented Camp; Ker & Downy Tented Camp; Chyulu Tented Camp; Kimbla Campsite; Cottar's Tented Camp; Leopard Tented Camp; Tortilis Tented Camp.

ACTIVITIES
Wildlife viewing
WILDLIFE
Reptiles
Python, Turtles, Tortoise, Black Mamba, Cobra.
Insects/arthropods
Scorpions, Butterflies, Dragon flies, May flies, Grasshopper.
Major Animals
Aardwolf; Ant Bear; Baboon, Yellow; Bat, Angola Free-tailed; Bat, Banana; Bat, Epauletted Fruit; Bat, False Vampire; Bat, Hollow-faced; Bat, Lander's Horseshoe; Bat, Lesser Leaf-nosed; Bat, Rousette Fruit; Bat, White-bellied Free-tailed; Bat, Yellow-bellied; Bat, Yellow-winged; Buffalo, African; BushBaby; Bushbuck; Caracal; Cat, African Wild; Cheetah; Civet, African; Dik-dik, Kirk's; Dog, Hunting; Dormouse, African; Duiker, Red; Eland; Elephant, African; Fox, Bat-eared; Gazelle, Grant's; Gazelle, Thomson's; Genet, Large-spotted; Genet, Small-spotted; Gerenuk; Giraffe, Masai; Gnu, White-bearded; Hare, African; Hare, Spring; Hartebeest, Coke's; Hedgehog, East African; Hippopotamus; Hyaena, Spotted; Hyaena, Striped; Hyrax, Rock; Hyrax, Tree; Impala; Jackal, Black-backed; Jackal, Golden; Jackal, Side-striped; Klipspringer; Kudu, Lesser; Leopard; Lion; Mongoose, Banded; Mongoose, Dwarf; Mongoose, Large Grey; Mongoose, Marsh; Mongoose, Slender; Mongoose, White-tailed; Monkey, Black-faced Vervet; Monkey, Sykes; Oryx, Fringe-eared; Porcupine, Crested; Ratel; Reedbuck, Bohor; Rhinoceros, Black; Serval; Shrew, Giant White-toothed; Shrew, Short-snouted ; Shrew, Spectacled Elephant; Squirrel, Bush; Squirrel, Striped Ground; Squirrel, Unstriped Ground; Steinbok; Warthog; Waterbuck, Common; Zebra, Common.
Major Birds
Apalis, Black-breasted; Apalis, Red-faced; Avocet; Babbler, Black-lored; Babbler, Northern Pied; Barbet, Brown-throated; Barbet, D'Arnaud's; Barbet, Red and Yellow; Barbet, Red-fronted; Barbet, Spotted-flanked; Bee-eater, Blue-cheeked; Bee-eater, European; Bee-eater, Little; Bee-eater, Madagascar; Bee-eater, White-throated; Bishop, Yellow; Bishop, Yellow-crowned; Bittern, Dwarf; Bittern, Little; Bonbon, Slate-coloured; Bonbon, Tropical; Brownbul, Northern; Brubru, Northern; Bulbul, Yellow-vented; Bunting, Cinnamon-breasted; Bunting, Golden-breasted; Bush Shrike, Grey-headed; Bush Shrike; Bustard, Black-bellied; Bustard, Buff-crested; Bustard, Hartlaub's; Bustard, Jackson's; Bustard, Kori; Bustard, White-bellied; Buzzard, Augur; Buzzard, Grasshopper; Buzzard, Honey; Buzzard, Lizard; Buzzard, Steppe; Camaroptera, Grey-backed; Canary, Brimstone; Canary, Kenya Grosbeak; Canary, White-bellied; Canary, Yellow-fronted; Chat, Anteater; Chat, Cliff; Chatterer, Rufous; Cisticola, Pectoral-patch; Cisticola, Rattling; Cisticola, Winding; Coot, Red-knobbed; Cordonbleu, Blue-capped; Cordonbleu, Red-cheeked; Coucal, Blue-headed; Coucal, White-browed; Courser, Heuglin's; Courser, Temminck's; Courser, Two-banded; Crake, Black; Crane, Crowned; Crombee; Crombee, Red-faced; Crow, Pied; Cuckoo; Cuckoo, Black; Cuckoo, Black and White; Cuckoo, Didric; Cuckoo, Emerald; Cuckoo, Great-spotted; Cuckoo, Klaas'; Cuckoo, Levaillant's; Cuckoo, Red-chested; Curlew, Spotted Stone.

COMMON VEGETATION
The national park embodies several types of semi-arid vegetation and swampland/marshland. In general there is a gradient of vegetation from the bare lake bed, through grassland to Acacia woodland following a North -North West to South - South East pattern sandwiching the permanent swamps.
Water flowing underground from Mt. Kilimanjaro upwells in a series of lush swamps and marshland which support sedges of Cyprus spp., including Cyprus papyrus and that provide dry season water and forage for wildlife.
These swamps are flanked by tracts of acacia woodland with yellow-barked acacia, Acacia xanthophloea and Acacia tortilis. Acacia tortilis also occurs in the southern part of the park along on drainage lines.
The basin is surrounded by acacia/commiphora bushland while the level floor of open plains with saline/alkaline soils supports thickets of Salvadora persica and Suaeda monoica. Grasses include needlegrass Aristida, fingergrass Digitaria, dropseed Sporobolus sp., stargrass Cynodon dactylon, and Phragmites mauritianus. Balanites aegyptiaca is important as a source of edible fruits, while the pods of Acacia tortilis are eaten by livestock.
There has been a tremendous loss of woody vegetation that has been attributed to various factors including the rise of water table, increase in salinity, off road driving by tour vehicles and destruction of vegetation by elephants.

The Wilderbeest Migration at the Fig Tree Camp Maasai Mara

Travel Tips

TRAVEL TIPS

Kenya is one of the oldest and most traditional safari destinations. A country with a wide range of cultures, wildlife and contrasting landscapes complete with a long tropical coastline. Kenya never fails to thrill the visitor who may be expecting the rolling plains of the Masai Mara, but is pleasantly surprised with the dramatic escarpments of the Great Rift Valley, the numerous picturesque lakes, the dense tropical rain forest, the harsh arid deserts and a splendid coastline. Almost all species of African wildlife are accessible in Kenya. Birdlife is prolific and a great number of species can be identified.

The People
While the national language of Kenya is Kiswahili, English is the official language and is widely spoken and understood across East Africa.

Safety
In the cities, adhere to the following:
Don't walk alone in apparently deserted areas, especially in and around the cities. It is preferable and usually more enjoyable to walk with company or in groups. Don't carry large sums of cash in your purse or pocket,
or display expensive jewelry. Be aware of the possibility of pick-pockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas. Make photocopies of the first few pages of your passport, air ticket and other important travel documents. Keep this separate from the originals. Don't leave money or valuables in a hotel room. Most hotels offer safety deposit box service, and ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage before leaving home.

Wildlife Areas:
Always remember that while some animals have become accustomed to the presence of people they are still wild animals. Keep your distance. It is illegal to feed any animal, make excessive noise to attract their attention, or deviate from designated roads for
that closer photograph. Never get out of your vehicle except at designated points. Close all windows and zippers when you leave your room or tent and spray it with insect repellant. The best way to get the most out of your safari is to take an active interest in everything going on around you, not just the number of species you can see in the shortest possible time. Ask all the questions you can think of and take reference books on not only wildlife but birds, insects and trees and read up about everything you see.

Health
It is advisable to take out emergency medical insurance prior to entering Kenya.
Bilharzia: The bilharzia parasite is found in many lakes, streams and rivers on the continent. Avoid swimming in them! Vaccinations for cholera, tetanus and yellow fever are advised. Malaria is virulent in Kenya. Take prophylactics two weeks before arrival and continue two weeks after leaving. Your chemist or doctor can advise you of the most suitable drug available as certain drugs lose their effectiveness. Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. In the more remote areas always boil it first, except if you’re staying at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is perfectly safe. Bottled water is readily available in the bigger towns.
It is advisable to buy travel insurance covering accidents, illness or hospitalization for the period of your stay. Temporary membership in East African Flying Doctors' Service is also recommended for safari goers. Members who require emergency medical attention on safari are flown to Nairobi for the best medical attention available in the country.

Water
Drink only bottled water or from flasks of filtered and boiled water provided by most hotels and lodges.

Chemists / pharmacies
Travelers should carry an adequate supply of medicines and first aid accessories with them as supplies are limited in Kenya. Most chemists in the major towns are open from 0830h to 1230h and 1400h to 17h00 but some operating 24hs. Monday to Friday and 0800h to 13h00h on Saturdays. There are no emergency chemists open after hours or Sundays.

Accommodation
Standards and services range from up-market to tourist. Deluxe and first class hotels are found in the main cities and the resorts on the coastline of the country. Luxurious lodges are set in exotic locations, while comfortable tented camps are found in the main game parks.
Electricity
Power supply is 220/240 volt 50 cycle. Plugs are usually 13-amp 3 pin square (British type)

Banks
There are numerous banks in the major towns as well as many bureau de changes. Hours of business vary from bank to bank, but most are open from 9h00 to 13h30, Mondays to Fridays, and 9h00 – 1200h on Saturdays. Hotels and lodges change money outside these hours. Banking services are also available at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and at Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

Currency
Currency unit is the shilling, comprising 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of 5c, 10c, 50c and 1 and 5 shillings. Bank notes are in denominations of 5, 10, 2-0, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 shillings. Importation of foreign currency is unlimited and does not have to be declared on arrival. The importation and exportation of Kenyan currency, however, is illegal. It's best to come into the country with either Travelers’ checks or dollars or pounds which can be exchanged at any of the many Bureau de Change in the main Towns. If you are offered an exchange on the black market at the borders, exercise extreme caution as they are notorious for cheating you without you even realizing it.

VAT (Value Added Tax)
A VAT (tax currently 16% on most items) is levied and visitors cannot claim a refund on goods purchased.
Credit Cards, Cash and Traveler's Checks International credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, stores, hotels, lodges, camps, car rental firms, etc. However, many small shops in rural areas will not accept them. American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa and MasterCard Traveler's Checks are widely accepted.

Tipping
A tip of 10% for good service is adequate. Service charges are frequently added and it is usual to tip a tour driver or guide at least US $5 a day.

Communications
Postal services are fairly well organized in Kenya and you should have no problem sending or receiving letters. Telegrams are less certain. Public telephones are in a bad state of repair and you could wait hours for a line. Rather make international calls from a private home or large hotel. All major hotels have fax machines at the disposal of their guests as well as telex services. Telephone directories will list all the international dialing codes. Both local and long-distance calls are metered on a time basis. (Note the surcharge at hotels is quite high, but it will cost less in frustration).

When to go
Between December and mid-March, the days are sunny, hot and dry and the nights are cool. Best time for deep sea fishing and scuba diving is between August and March when the ocean is calm and water is clear. Rains fall mainly from mid-March to May and again in November.

Climate
Although Kenya is considered to fall in the tropics, climate and temperature varies depending on altitude and proximity to the ocean. Coastal regions are hot and humid while the central plateaus are warm and dry, with cool nights.

Clothing
Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or sweater for early winter mornings and evenings. On safari keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral coloring - khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are a must. Bring a hat, good walking shoes and sun screen. Don't forget swim wear and binoculars. Some city restaurants and clubs have dress codes - casual jacket and tie for men, informal dresses for women.

Laundry
Most hotels and lodges will offer a laundry service. For low budget travelers there are no coin operated laundromats at all so consider drip dry clothing and be prepared for hand washing. In most places one could hire someone to do your washing.

Photography
Kenya is considered to be a photographers dream destination. From panoramic scenery, wildlife and birds to people and vibrant ceremonies. Rich color and good low lighting conditions abound. It is considered rude to take pictures of people without asking them first. Maasai and Samburu warriors will expect payment for posing. Always bring plenty of film and video cassettes if you're bringing a camcorder as well as batteries - as these items are difficult to get in Kenya. Keep your cameras in a dust resistant, padded case and out of the midday sun. A 200mm (or longer) telephoto lens will prove very useful on safari, and an ultra violet filter and lens cap are strongly recommended. Please note that taking pictures of government and military personnel and installations is prohibited!

Driving
Driving is done on the left side of the road. Drivers require a valid license that must include a picture of the holder. A valid foreign license may be used for up to 90 days, but only after it has been endorsed by the Road

Transport Office in Nairobi.
If you’re doing a vehicle trip through Kenya it is a good idea to carry a range of tools and essential spares with you. Two spare wheels and a couple of spare tubes are a must due to the condition of the roads. Spare jerry cans of fuel and water, a tow rope, compressor, winch and a spotlight are useful items to have. Many of the villages along the main routes offer tire mending services at a very reasonable fee. Be very careful in towns and villages not to leave your vehicle open and unattended. You should have no problem sleeping outdoors in designated camping areas or remote places along the way, but get into the habit of locking things away before you go to sleep.

Car Rental
Car rental companies are represented at the major airports and in the cities, as are taxis.

Transportation by Air
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa are main points of entry. Many charter services operate out of Nairobi's Wilson Airport. Regular services link Kisumu, Lamu, Malindi,

Mombasa and Nairobi.
Air Kenya, flies to Amboseli, Lamu, Masai Mara, Nyeri, Nanyuki and Samburu. Kenya Airways is the national airline. South African Airways links Johannesburg and Nairobi with regularly scheduled air services.

Departure Tax
An airport departure tax of U.S. $20 is levied when leaving the country.

Customs Requirements
All visitors must have a valid passport and are subject to clearance through customs. In addition, all non-Commonwealth citizens require a visa, to be obtained from Kenyan Missions abroad or at the post of entry. Personal effects, including cameras, binoculars and film are allowed into the country duty free

Time Differences
Throughout the year, Standard Time in Kenya is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, two hours ahead of Central European Winter Time, and eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time in the U.S.

Kilima Safari Camp Resident Offer

Balloon Camp Tarangire's new look

Want to learn more about Balloon Camp Tarangire? Visit Mada Hotels' website.

A special deal At kilima Safari Camp Amboseli

3 Days at Maasai Mara

Day 1. Nairobi-Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Depart Nairobi in the Morning for masai mara passing through the dramatic Great Rift Valley stopping at the view point, Ascend the western rim of the valley crossing the loita plains (maasai-land),see red-clad maasai warriors tend their multi-colored herds amongst plains game. Game viewing enroute to lodge for lunch. Afternoon game drive inside the most scenic park in Kenya where great concentration of game is seen including the "Big Five". Dinner and overnight at Camp site.

Day 2. Maasai mara National Reserve.
Morning and afternoon game viewing inside the Park. Search for wild game black manned lion for which Mara is famous for, cheetah, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, leopard, grants gazelle are quite common, even the rare rhino might come out of the thicket for you, hyenas are plentiful, Extend your drive to the hippo point where schools of hippo submerge on the approach of vehicles only to surface seconds later to shot and gamble their displeasure as the crocodiles sunbathe on the river banks mouths agape. Between meals there is optional visit to the maasai villages for an insight to their culture if clients so wish. Meals and overnight at Campsite.

Day 3 . Maasai Mara-Lake Nakuru National Park
Early morning (before breakfast) game viewing drive at maasai Mara in search of any wild game you might have missed previously. Return to lodge for breakfast

KENYAN CULTURAL SAFARIS

A truly unrivalled cultural adventure that offers so such more beyond that of your regular safari. Wildlife galore and breathtaking scenery and luxury are but one facet of this safari. The safari embraces the warmth of the African tribes, their culture and traditions while visiting Kenya’s best game parks.

The Masai Culture

There was an age-grade system, in which the males were divided into three groups: youths, warriors (moran), and elders. When youths became warriors, they moved to a different type of village, called a manyatta. In the manyatta lived the warriors, their mothers, sisters, and uninitiated girl lovers. In contrast, the kraal was made up of families of married elders.
The warriors constituted the standing army of the Masai. Males were youths until they were circumcised, at about the age of 13 to 17. A year or two before circumcision, the e-unoto ceremony was held. This ceremony signifies the handing over the defense of Masai country to the incoming warriors. The ceremony lasted from three to six months in each division, and, at the end of it, the outgoing warriors started to get married and take their place as elders. The warriors of a single age-group in a single area live in one such village. A warrior company that lived in a single village was called sirit. It is known that there was a council of elders in each village, but apparently they had little power to compel the warriors to do anything
Little is known of the religion of the Masai, and those who have studied it are in disagreement with each other. Evidently the Masai were monotheistic, and prayed often. The central figure in the religious system was a "medicine man," known as laibon. The laibon were involved in shamanistic curing, along with divination and prophecy. Their positions were inherited along "clan" lines.

SEVENTH WONDER OF THE WORLD!!

Kenya's Maasai Mara Reserve has been named one of the new Seventh Wonders of the World in a poll of experts conducted by ABC Television's Good Morning America. The incredible annual migration of over a million Wildebeest from the Serengeti plains to the Mara has been described as being one of the most awe inspiring sights on earth, and a broadcast on US morning television took this spectacle into millions of American homes.

The sheer spectacle of this event draws visitors keen to witness one of the planet’s largest and most fascinating natural cycles to Kenya each year, and is regarded as the planet's greatest natural spectacle- and it is this remarkable event that saw the Mara ranked as one of the new Seven Wonders.

The central migratory herds of over 1.3 million wildebeest spend much of the year grazing throughout the plains of the Serengeti. The herds calve in January to March, the young born ready to make their first, epic journey. In June, as the dry season withers the grasslands and a distant scent of moisture brings promise of rain in the north, they begin to gather, massing together to form a single vast herd.

They pour northwards, a pulsing, surging column of life. The sound of the approaching herd is a deep, primal rumbling of thundering hooves and low grunts. This endless grey river of life is mottled with black and white as zebras join the throng, drawn onwards in the search for the rains and fresh life giving grass.

By July the herds begin crossing from Tanzania to Kenya, bringing the plains to life as predators are drawn to this perfect opportunity for easy hunting.

At the edge of the Maasai Mara the herds face their greatest obstacle, a series of rivers that must be crossed. At the Mara River the herds gather at the banks, piling together in front of the broad fast flowing waters. As the pressure built the herds finally surge into the river, many animals hurling themselves off high banks.

As they struggle across the rivers many are drowned or swept away by strong currents. The crossing attracts massive crocodiles who each year await this season of bounty. There is always great frenzy in the waters as the crocodiles plunge into the herds and pull down the prey, as the mounting pressure on the shore pushes more and more animals into the water.

As they reach their goal, the herds spread out to graze across the expanse of the Mara. October sees the herds turn southward and repeat the same journey back to the Serengeti, where the renewed grasslands await.

This is truly a Wonder of the World- an incredible display of nature at work. Of all the calves born in the Serengeti, two out of three will never return from their first and most demanding migration. It is the inextricable binding of renewal and sustenance, feast and famine, life and death that saw this latest honor bestowed upon Kenya.

A safari to witness this event is an unforgettable experience. You will see the forces of nature at work in a massive complex system that has always existed, and continues oblivious to the influence of our modern world. This is life at it most elemental and enigmatic- without doubt the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle.

kilima Safari Camp This August Deal!!!!