17 Best Animal Sanctuaries In Kenya
Introduction
There is this common joke that is told among people about eradication of creatures. It is said that when all flying creatures are eradicated, the world will come to a stand still. When all crawling and walking creatures are eradicated, the world will come to an end. But if humans are eradicated from the face of earth, earth will thrive! All creatures, plants and physical features will flourish!
There is a sad reality in the joke. With the conversation headed towards climate change and nature conservation, it is clear that man is not only a danger to themselves but also to the rest of nature. Conserving the little good that is still left and changing what is damaged for the better should be everyone’s goal at this point. Here are some reasons why you should visit at least a sanctuary in Kenya if not all of them.
- Contribution towards nature conservancy
When you visit an animal Sanctuary, the monies paid are used to make the sanctuary better and more habitable for the animals and the endangered plants species. You will be indirectly fascillitating more research on these species and supporting breeding that will lead to their existence now and in future. You sure want your children to find a White Rhino and gaze at it’s majestic presence, don’t you?
- Natural health benefits
Everyone wants to live long, stay healthy and be fulfilled. Knowing that you have contributed towards the saving of some species is fulfilling. On the other hand, filling your lungs with fresh air, in an eco-friendly environment. Fresh air heals what doctors might be unable to deal with.
- Mental health
You envy the monks right? Their peaceful minds and rested spirits are something to admire. They achieve this through meditation and embracing serenity that nature provides. Visiting an animal sanctuary for a few days will heal your mind, calm your spi
- Interaction with rare animals
Kenya is the home of some of the almost extinct animals and birds. At the sanctuary you have a better chance of assured seeing and interacting unlike in a park where you need to search for some. The animals are also bred and researched on. There is a lot to learn especially for a nature enthusiast.
- Be a part of a great history
A time will come when the effort to conserve the little that there is will pay off. The next generation will appreciate the current one for saving some for them. You want to be a part of their team that writes history.
- It’s fun
The whole Sanctuary visiting and nature trails is totally fun! It is relaxing and wholly therapeutic. Start packing your sneakerd for a walk into the wild or book a safari for a drive or camping!
10 Life-Changing Things to do in an animal Sanctuary
- Take a nature walk and enjoy the freshness of the ecosystem. Moss smells so good.
- Go on a group hike
- Go on a safari drive
- Watch birds
- Professional photography
- Shoot clips for TikTok and YouTube
- Set camp with family and friends
- Go on a romantic picnic
- Take time off to meditate and enjoy serenity.
- Interact with endangered species of animals and plants, learn about them.
Here are some of the best nature sanctuaries in Kenya.
17 Best Animal Sanctuaries in Kenya.
- Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
When elephants die as a result of poaching or drought, they leave baby elephants orphaned. You can adopt an elephant here. You can buy milk for an elephant as well. And you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Samburu, leave alone interacting with amazing people with a beautiful culture. I put this at number one because… it is my dream to have my own baby elephant too.
2. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
This is a slice of heaven on the shores of lake Victoria. The beautiful nature trail, breeze from the lake, the peace and quiet, the thrill of waves, sunsets, Impalas, monkeys… name it. When visiting Kisumu City, Impala Sanctuary should be on top of your itinerary list.
3. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
The Grevy Zebra is highly endangered and there are only a few thousands left in the whole wild. 90 percent of these are in Kenya. 12 percent are in Lewa. Lewa is an animal sanctuary in Meru County on the slopes of Mount Kenya. It is a home of selected endangered species besides the Zebra. Breeding is done here as well.
4. Langata Giraffe Center
You wouldn’t imagine there is a slice of quiet in the busy city that is always on the whirl for 24 hours. Langata Giraffe Center is that quiet, serene place. Just go kiss a giraffe and dine with some if you are vegan!
5. David Sheldrick Wildlife Center
This is a privately owned animal sanctuary as well. Adopting an elephant is my favorite bit here. You can adopt one and they take care of it for you.
6. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Let’s go on a picnic! This is a Romantic place to be! It is the home of the white rhino and a breeding ground for the endangered species but besides the science of breeding, Ol Pejeta is a piece of heaven. It’s lash, has a perfect climate and the environment is amazingly attractive. Love feels different here.
7. Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy
The beautiful private sanctuary is situated in Laikipia County. It is a home of the big five with a pristine surrounding, a mild touch of the wild, serenity and marvelous scenarios. Small groups can enjoy hikes, bush walks and photography here.
8. Lake Elementaita Conservancy
This is a historical site. The archeology here goes way back to over 7000 years. This is just one of the reasons for you to visit Lake Elementaita among many others. It is a home of flamingos, a picturesque environment, great for family tours. Children, especially curious teenagers will love it here.
9. Lake Simbi Nyaima Conservancy
Lake Simbi is a mythological lake, with a unique beautiful scent. It is on the shores of lake Victoria and the story behind it’s formation is interesting. You want to hear it from the locals as you enjoy watching birds, flamingos included, and listening to the sweet Benga melodies. It is a newly set up place thus the serenity and less population if you are not a crowds person. Solitude lovers will enjoy being here.
10. Bour- Algi Giraffe Center
Imagine giraffes in a desert! You heard it right. This is a community sanctuary in Garissa County. It is the home of pretty large acacia trees as well. The ambience and a chance to feed the giraffes is something you don’t want to miss. Besides, it’s a potential place for you to practice animal kindness by supporting the community in making the sanctuary a better place for the giraffes.
11. Taita Hills
This is a privately owned animal sanctuary and has been in existence since 1972. It is a well established home of endangered small wild animals and special birds. It is in Taita Taveta, about 360 Km from Nairobi and it is situated along Tsavo West. If you prefer your wild fenced and controlled, you can get a Tsavo experience here only if it will be within a smaller radius.
12. Tana River Primate National Reserve
Your day should not have any other activity when you visit this home of primates. There are a dozen endangered primates, ranging from the beautiful red colobus to the rare bird life. The birds in the remains of the West African Forest are beyond description. Ever seen the white winged Apalis? You get to see here . You need to be here to know exactly what it feels like. This place is a suggested refugium area for climate change. Be a part of the conversation.
13. Lumo Community Conservancy
Lumo is an acronym for the two communities in Mwatate, near Taita Taveta that formed the conservancy. The villagers and well wishers help in keeping the animals, birds and trees safe in this area. Remember being a part of a history in nature conserving and doing good by the earth, here is an open opportunity. They accept donations and contributions towards making Lumo better. Lumo can be described as a peek into the mighty Tsavo.
14. Shimba Hills
This is famously known as the paradise of sable antelope. It is the second largest park with the highest number of Elephants. The beautiful Sable Antelopes are conserved here alongside other wild animals. It is a beautiful place for a day or two. The events here are endless ranging from camping, nature trails, safari drive, bird watching, photography among others.
15. Haller Park
Located in Bamburi in the coastal region of Kenya. This is a wonderful place to visit. You get to watch birds, enjoy the serenity, see the conserved wildlife, feed the animals and set camps. Since it is closer to Mombasa City, it is a place you can slot in your itenerary for a Mombasa tour.
16. Nguuni Nature Sanctuary
Nguuni is a few Kilometers from Haller Park. It is an amazing nature trail, a home of over 500 bird species and several wild animals. The highlight here is the nature trail. It is a perfect place for a private getaway for a couple or an individual.
17. Ngomongo Villages
This is a bonus for nature lovers. These eco-cultural villages are in Mombasa, built in the corals. The purest form of ecosystem is found here. The green is superb and the serenity is beyond this world.
REFERENCES
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Wildlife_sanctuaries_of_Kenya
http://www.kws.go.ke/sanctuaries
https://stavica.com/list-of-all-animal-sanctuaries-to-visit-in-kenya/
