Balsons Tours

Our cars are in various classes they range from Saloons, wagons, 4WD, Rav4s, Mini Pajeros, V.I.P. cars like Mercedes Benz, Land cruiser VX and Range Rovers ,Minibuses, Rosa,Land cruiser on road safaris ,we also have Pick-Ups, Minibuses and available for hire.

We strive to offer professional, personal attention to all your needs to make your safari truly memorable.

ABOUT US

Balsons Tours & Travel Limited is a tourism company, fully Registered in the republic of Kenya under Registration Number PVT-5JUD98Y,Pin Number P051791592P,Tourism Regulations Authority License Number 019910 Class C01 and Single Business Permit ARN-AAA08OA0.

We are passionate about our native country and ensure that every experience exceeds our clients’ expectations that our country is seen at its very best, so you will want to return and work with us.

WE PUT OUR CLIENTS FIRST

We enjoy meeting wonderful characters and making lasting friendships through organizing memorable safaris and our satisfaction comes from knowing that every visitor has a memorable and exciting experience. Balsons Tours & Travel Limited has experience in offering high quality, tailored holiday experiences for perceptive travelers to Kenya and its neighboring countries like Uganda and Tanzania To ensure this, we partner with top-quality boutique hotels, all located in superb surroundings with the ambience and service that reflects the quality we guaranteed our clients.

TOUR ACTIVITIES THAT WE OFFER

Balsons Tour & Travel Limited operates in the republic of Kenya but we also extend our services to East Africa Countries:, Tanzania and Uganda.

Some of our activities include but are not limited to:

Types of Safaris in Kenya

Kenya Wild Safari

Air/Fly-in Safari

Balloon Safari

Road Safari

Bird watching Safari

Adventure Safari

Scenic Safari

Beach Safari

Cultural Safari

· Honeymoon Safari

Our work team comprises of professional, passionate and knowledgeable staff members who will advise you and provide you with adequate knowledge about your desired safari itineraries and educational tours to exclusive Kenya Safari locations showcasing the rich African culture, people and history, nature and wildlife.

We strive to offer professional, personal attention to all your needs to make your safari truly memorable.

Our Services

Driven by passion, we take pride in what we do as we ensure your requirements are met in a professional way

Tour Packages

We offer amazing game viewing safaris and ensure that you get the best out of your Safari. Masai Mara, Tsavo National Parks, Amboseli Game Reserve and other beautiful safari locations. We ensure your overall satisfaction of good services rendered

We plan Tour packages for people in all categories and sizes, whether you are an individual or a big group, our packages suit all budgets & needs. We help you explore the city, Nature, culture, and anything in between.

We offer various transfer packages to suit our client’s needs:

Airport Transfers

Balsons Tours & Travel Limited offers sedan and SUV service for exclusive private transportation to and from the airport, business meeting, and social event around town. Our services are cost-effective and reliable. We are known for our exceptional customer service, skilled and courteous drivers. Our fleet includes the latest car models, prompt reservations and superior serviced.

Airport & SGR Transfers (Pick & Drop)

Balsons Tours & Travel Limited offer exclusive transfer services for people travelling to/From SGR, Moi International Airport with special Transfers package to any hotel within the town or to Coastal Areas (North Coast or South Coast). If you may require any additional service to make your travel comfortable and memorable, please speak to our friendly customer consultants.

Corporate Transfers

We go that extra mile for our clients comfort and satisfaction. You can always expect a special service when you use our corporate transfer package. Our courteous drivers will meet you, open and close the door and make sure that you get to your destination promptly and safely. Our vehicles are driven by the professional drivers; who constantly ensures that you travel in comfort and safety to your meetings.

Group Transfers

This package is designed to cater for more than three people travelling together. The Group Transfer package is available for a convenient shuttle to and from the airport, transfers to hotels, conferences, team building events or a late-night outings around the city, safely exploring local pubs and clubs.

Executive/VIP Transfers/VIP Car Hire

With our Executive/VIP Transfer Package, our clients are chauffeured by professional drivers in a 4×4 vehicle to and from the airport or to any destination of choice. We have VIP car Hire with qualified and well vetted drivers .Whenever you choose Balsons Tours & Travel Limited for business or pleasure you can rest assured that you will get the most excellent service at all times.

Flight Reservation

We take care of your air tickets from around the globe, we can land you to Jomo Kenyatta International airport from anywhere, and take you from Kenya to anywhere around the world. We partner with Kenya Airway, Turkish Airline, Ethiopian Airline, SN Brusels, KLM, & Qatar Airways. Anywhere you want, we will fly you there, at cheaper prices. We provide discounts for groups of people.

Hotel Reservation

You don’t have to stress about your accommodation in Kenya, we have partnered with almost all Hotels in Kenya with good service & affordable prices, to cater for the needs of our customers. Whether you are looking forward to a luxurious experience in particular Nairobi City or Mombasa City in Kenya, or to save and enjoy more adventures in the region, we got you covered no matter what your needs or budget.

Car Rental

Balsons Tours & Travel Limited offers a wide range of great budget vehicles, like min-suvs (Rav4), Land cruisers, Minibus, customized safari jeeps and much more 4×4 cars in Nairobi and Mombasa City. Our rental providers have undergone quality control to ensure outstanding service and vehicles. We only team up with the best and most reliable local providers. We assist our customers as well as possible and your satisfaction is our concern!

Why go on a safari with Balsons Tours & Travel in Kenya? Because when it comes to creating exciting, adventurous safaris, we are the best. Kenya's safaris have a deep history, dating back to the 14th century when Arabs were traveling and trading in East Africa. In fact "safari" is a Swahili word that originated from the Arabic word "safar" meaning "journey" or "travel".

Balsons Tours & Travel safaris rekindle the imagination associated with thrilling wildlife adventures. When you think of a Balsons Tours & Travel safari, you no doubt picture roaring African lions, herds of elephants, wildebeests and zebras thundering across vast sweeping savannas, and the joy of basking in Africa's long sunshine and wilderness.

There are many options to suit your taste and preference, covering different kinds of unique wildlife experiences and different levels of wildness, comfort, luxury, adventure and cost.

From balloon adventures, wildlife safaris, beach camping and luxury resorts to extreme, special-interest safaris that incorporate additional adventures such as mountain climbing, Balsons Tours & Travel can tailor an organized tour to meet your specific needs and interests.

We strive to offer professional, personal attention to all your needs to make your safari truly memorable.

Balsons Tours & Travel Wild Safari

Kenyan National parks and game reserves are a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a variety of Kenyan animals and accommodations to suit all preferences. From low budget camping to moderately priced lodges to top-notch luxury bush lodges, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The most famous of all Kenya's game parks is, of course, the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Maasai Mara is known for its wildebeest migration but it is also home to Kenya's "big five" animals, more than 400 species of birds, and varying topography. In addition to the "Big Five", you will find plenty of interesting Kenyan wildlife such as hippos, jackals, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, wildebeests, hyenas, antelope, cheetahs, crocodiles and more.

Highly-trained game rangers will es**rt you in specially designed 4WD safari vehicles on morning, afternoon and nighttime drives. If you prefer to tour on your own, you can explore the park on your own time and in your own vehicle, or you can join an organized and guided safari tour.

Balsons Tours & Travel Air Safari (Fly-in Safari)

This luxury safari is designed for those who have a limited amount of time and want to see as much as possible on their short visit to Kenya. A fly-in safari is perfect for getting a bird's eye view of the landscape of Kenya’s different national park destinations, as a light aircraft whisks you between lodges, major towns, game parks or national reserve airstrips. Once you book a fly-in safari, Balsons Tours & Travel take care of all logistics, and all you will need to do is simply relax and enjoy.

Fly-in safaris are a perfect way to experience Kenya's magnificence and beauty. Once you have been picked up for the safari, usually from your first point of arrival in Kenya, you can just let go and enjoy the adventure. You will be flown from one lodge or camp to another, depending on the itinerary you have chosen. All of Kenya's major national parks and game reserves have their own private landing strips. In many cases, our are qualified guide and will remain with you for the duration of the safari.

There are many options for fly-in safaris in Balsons Tours & Travel Limited:

3 Day Elephant Safari Tour: Nairobi > Amboseli > Nairobi A fly-in wildlife safari tour to the Amboseli with stays at Amboseli Serena Lodge.

5 Day Classic Wings Safari: Samburu > Maasai Mara This classic safari boasts both luxury and distinction. It is designed for the busy safari enthusiast to enjoy two of Kenya's finest game reserves - the Maasai Mara and Samburu Game Reserve.

Balsons Tours & Travel Hot-air Balloon Safaris

A hot-air balloon ride is Balsons Tours & Travel safari best suited for the adventurous tourist who wants a sky-high view of Kenya's wildlife. Hot-air balloon safaris are particularly popular in Maasai Mara National Reserve. The low-flying balloons give you a unique aerial view of the wildlife and landscape below. In addition, the sunrise launch will introduce you to the most spectacular colors, sounds and sights that Kenya's wild has to offer.

The balloon ride lasts approximately one hour. Breakfast is prepared on the balloon burner upon landing. You can customize your Kenya wildlife tour to include a hot air balloon safari or, if you are staying in one of the game lodges at Maasai Mara, Our tour guide will be happy to arrange a hot-air balloon safari experience for you.

To enjoy a Kenya hot-air balloon safari, either book the safari separately or get a customized safari tour that includes a hot-air balloon ride.

Balsons Tours & Travel Road Safaris

Balsons Tour & Travel Road safaris entail traveling by road from Kenya's main cities and towns to the game reserves and also within the game reserves. A road safari is the perfect way to view the beautiful Kenyan landscape. Road safaris are also good if you are visiting Kenya on a budget or if you have enough time to tour through many areas of the country.

We budget a group safari is an excellent way to save money on traveling and allows your larger group to experience a Kenya safari together.

Balsons Tour & Travel camping safaris:- let you experience the ultimate Kenya safari experience by living in Kenya's wilds and bushes. On a camping safari, you sleep in tents set up in a campsite, very close to the animals. On a typical camping safari you will spend several nights sleeping outdoors in the national parks and reserves. Imagine the unforgettable experience of hearing a lion roar nearby, listening to the howls of hyenas, or watching a leopard prowl.

Balsons Tour & Travel Luxury safaris:- blend the rugged outdoor beauty and wildness of Kenya's national parks and wildlife reserves with fine dining, luxurious amenities and world-class Kenyan hotels and lodges. Whether you are staying on the coast, in Nairobi or inside a game reserve, luxury accommodations provide you with the opportunity to go on an expedition to see Kenya's incredible wildlife, while pampering you when you return.

Balsons Tour & TravelBird Watching Safaris

With over 700 species of birds, Kenya is one of the top birding safari destinations in Africa. You will enjoy excellent birding in game parks such as Maasai Mara, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru, Mount Kenya National Park, as well as in many other Kenyan parks and reserves.

Balsons Tour & Travel Adventure Safaris

Balsons Tour & Travel African adventure safaris combine the best African wildlife safaris with extreme adventure. Adventure safaris are ideal for those who enjoy adrenaline rushes and thrills. Ballooning, mountain climbing, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, horse riding and even camel caravans add extra thrills to your traditional safari. We sometimes cover more than one country. You could go on a mountain climbing expedition to Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and then finish off with a climbing safari on Mount Kenya or Mount Elgon, and a balloon safari in Kenya's Maasai Mara.

Balsons Tour & Travel Scenic Safaris

This focus on landscape and vistas as they do on wildlife. Experiencing Kenya's unique flora and fauna as dictated by seasonal changes is a wonderful way to savor the ecosystem of the country. Rugged mountains, volcanoes, savannahs, shrubs, semi-deserts, lush valleys and varying landscapes make for breathtaking views. The Great Rift Valley, the Kerio Valley, Chyulu Hills, Central Kenya Highlands, Mt. Kenya, Yatta Plateau and the coastal beaches are all magnificent sights worth enjoying.

Balsons Tour & TravelBeach Safaris

Balsons Tour & Travel Beach safaris are usually not the first thing you think of when planning a safari, but the beaches of Kenya offer white sandy shores, plenty of warm seas and lots of water sports that are just perfect for your vacation destination.

Add beach fun to your safari to give you one memorable adventure. Between Lamu , Malindi to the north and Diani , Ukunda to the south is a long stretch of wonderful beaches just waiting for you to explore. You can book a beach holiday safari to Lamu, or combine a beach and animal safari that will take you to Mombasa's beaches and Tsavo East National Park.

Balsons Tour & TravelCultural Safaris

This focus on Kenya's nomadic communities and give you a chance to interact with locals and learn more of their customs and traditions. The Maasai, Samburu and Turkana communities are especially fascinating, and you can learn more about their art, music, food and lifestyle.

Balsons Tour & Travel Honeymoon Safaris

This safari is just about the two of you sharing a private time in the wild bushes or beaches of Africa. Just imagine the two of you alone on your private viewing deck in an exclusive bush camp or lodge, a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, the sounds of the savannah and the grandeur of Kenya's culture spread around you. Just peace...serenity...away from it all.

Kenya is one of the most perfect places to go on a honeymoon safari in Africa. Lamu is a unique tourist destination with an ambience of medieval romance that attracts those who want to get away from all of the trappings of modern life.

Life on the island of Lamu goes on close to how it did in the 14th century when the settlement was founded and you get to enjoy the eccentric culture, art and artifacts of the Swahili settlers.

These are many safaris you can enjoy with Balsons Tour & Travel Limited;

There are other special interest safaris such as golfing safaris, scuba diving safaris, beach camping safaris and more.

With a multitude of safari packages Balsons Tour & Travel can easily customize your safari package to suit your personal taste and preference.

We strive to offer professional, personal attention to all your needs to make your safari truly memorable.

Kenya Animals and “The Big Five”

Kenya is a world attraction for its rich abundance of wildlife, most of which can be found in its national parks and reserves.

Popular Kenya animals include the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. These are collectively referred to as the "Big Five".

Still, the lion remains Kenya's most sought after tourist attraction on the country's many African wildlife safaris.

The "Big Five" - African Animals found in Kenya

Lion

As the largest of Africa's big cats, the lion is highly regarded by man. Its massive size, majestic walk, power and hunting prowess make it very fascinating to watch.

It's no wonder that the lion draws so many people to Kenya. Lions are ferocious hunters, but are not normally dangerous to man unless they are wounded or cornered.

Unlike the other big cats, lions are social animals, living in prides of 20-30 members. Each pride may have one to three males. You are guaranteed to see Kenyan lions on a Balsons Tour & Travel Kenya safari tour to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Elephant

The African elephant is the world's largest land mammal. Due to its gigantic stature, the elephant has no predators apart from men who hunt it for its tusks. However, elephant hunting and ivory trade are prohibited in Kenya

Elephants have a sharp sense of smell and are highly intelligent. They are reputed to be the only animals that recognize one another, even after death. Kenya wildlife is scattered in various wildlife parks throughout the country. Amboseli National Park is home to most elephants and is the best place to see them.

The elephants in Tsavo National Park have a distinct reddish-brown color that they obtain from the red volcanic soil in Tsavo. Elephants in other parks are grayish in color.

Buffalo

Famed for its boiling temper, the buffalo is one of the most feared animals. It is not only feared by humans but also by some of the most daring predators in the wild.

The mighty lion rarely ever hunts a buffalo. Most lions that try end up dead or badly injured. Lions and hyenas are only known to hunt solitary aging buffalos that are either too weak to fight or greatly outnumbered.

The buffalo resembles the typical cow but has a distinct grayish black color. It also has up-curving horns with bases that meet across the forehead. This gives it a very dangerous look. The male horns are usually thicker and more profound than the female horns.

Buffalo live in herds of several hundred led by one dominant bull. Old, defeated buffalo bulls are the most dangerous. They either live alone or with other bulls. They often lie in wait to ambush people.

To enjoy a view of the buffalo and other Kenya animals, Contact Balsons Tour & Travel for a safari tour to the Maasai Mara. The Maasai Mara is home to the largest buffalo herds.

Rhinoceros

There are two species of rhinoceros found in Kenya: white and black rhinos. Both are endangered species.

The white rhino derives its name from the Dutch word Weid meaning broad.

White rhinos have a broad, wide mouth adapted for grazing. They often hang out in large groups.

The biggest white rhino population in Kenya is found in Lake Nakuru National Park. The black rhino has a pointed upper lip adapted for browsing. It feeds on dry bush and thorny scrub, especially acacia.

Black rhinos have a sharp sense of smell and hearing but very poor eyesight. They lead a solitary life and are the more dangerous of the two species. Masai Mara National Reserve has the largest population of black rhinos, along with many other Kenya animals.

Leopard

Dubbed the "Silent Hunter", the leopard is a very elusive animal with a gorgeous skin.

It is nocturnal, hunting at night and spending its day resting in trees. The leopard lives a solitary life and only pairs up during the mating season.

Leopards hunt on the ground but take their "kill" up into the trees, out of the reach of scavengers such as hyenas.

Most people fail to draw the distinction between Leopards and Cheetahs, but they are two very different animals.

· A leopard is stouter while a Cheetah is slender

· The Leopard has a shorter body length while the Cheetah has a longer body length

· The Cheetah has black tear marks running down its eyes while a Leopard doesn't

· Although both have golden yellow fur, a leopard has black rings while a Cheetah has black spots on their fur.

Other African Safari Animals outside the "Big Five"

Zebras

Kenyan zebras are beautiful, horse-like animals with a striped skin. There are two types of zebras in Kenya - the common zebra and Grevy's zebra. The common zebra has broad black and white stripes that continue down into the belly, while the Grevy's zebra's stripes are very narrow and stop on the lower flanks, leaving the belly clean and unmarked. Grevy's zebras are the larger of the two and are found in the drier regions of Northern Kenya and the Samburu National Park. Common zebras are popular in most of Kenya's other parks.

Giraffes

Known to be the world's tallest animal, there are three different sub-species of giraffes found in Kenya.

· The reticulated giraffe, which has a bold network of white lines that give it a very regular pattern. It is only found in Samburu National Park.

· The Maasai giraffe, whose patches are leaf-like in shape and lack the clean lines of the reticulated giraffe. Maasai giraffes are found in Amboseli, Tsavo and the Maasai Mara.

· The Rothschild's giraffe has patches similar to those on the Maasai giraffe. However, the Rothschild's giraffe has no spots below the knee, giving it the appearance of wearing socks. Rothschild's giraffes are found in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Cheetah

The cheetah, the fastest animal on land, looks like the leopard but has longer legs and a smaller head. Cheetahs hunt during the day; they use their sheer speed to run-down their prey, then trip and knock them off-balance before seizing them by the throat or muzzle. It is very thrilling to watch a cheetah hunt. Unlike other cats, cheetahs cannot retract their claws into flesh sheaths.

Other Animals found in Kenya

Other popular animals in Kenya include the African wild dog, African civet, large-spotted genet, banded mongoose, black-backed jackal, common jackal, bat-eared fox, spotted hyena, striped hyena, aardwolf, common baboon, vervet monkey, sykes monkey, common eland, greater kudu, lesser kudu, bongo, sitatunga, bushbuck, Thompson's gazelle, Grant's gazelle, gerenuk, impala, bohor reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, black & white colobus monkey, bushbaby, roan antelope, sable antelope, oryx, fringe-eared oryx, beisa oryx, common waterbuck, defassa waterbuck, common wildebeest, hartebeest, topi, klipspringer, steenbok, common duiker, Kirk's dik-dik, hippopotamus, warthog, giant forest hog, aardvark, cape clawless otter, spotted-necked otter, scrub hare and squirrel.

All of these animals are a wonder to see on Balsons Tour & Travelwildlife safari.

About Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Game Safaris and wildlife tours are Kenya's biggest attractions, drawing many visitors to the country each year. Kenya manages more than 20 national parks and national game reserves, where visitors can view some of the country's most spectacular wildlife, including the "Big Five" animals. In fact, the "Big Five" are the central focus of the majority of safari tours and wildlife expeditions offered within the parks.

Kenya's most popular game park is the Masaai Mara, which borders the Serengeti plains in Tanzania. Between July and September, visitors can witness the remarkable annual wildebeest migration which takes place at the Mara.

Kenya's many beaches along the Indian Ocean are the country's second biggest tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy clean beaches lined with palm trees and studded with luxury resorts, with coral reefs located just offshore.

The City of Mombasa is the entry point to the coast, with beaches extending south to Malindi and north to Lamu Archipelago, a world heritage site.

Many people dream of taking a traditional African safari, with up-close observations of magnificent animals meandering across the grassy savannah. If you're seeking to make this dream a reality, look no further than Balsons Tours & Travel Limited in Kenya. We are the home of the African safari, with organized expeditions, expert guides and plenty for you to see and experience.

Kenya is populated with diverse wildlife, including Kenya's Big Five - the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo - and numerous other animals, including wildebeest, giraffes, zebras and much more. Balsons Tour & Travelis sure to exceed all of your "wild" expectations.

Balsons Tour & Travel Safari Destinations in Kenya

Kenya has over 20 managed game parks and national reserves - enough to fit anyone's need for adventure. However, if you want to make your African safari truly memorable and exciting, you should choose to visit one of these top destination game parks Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Aberdare, Samburu and Tsavo.

1.) Maasai Mara Game Reserve (the Mara)

Is among Africa's leading wildlife safari destinations. Maasai Mara is home to the world-famous annual wildebeest and zebra migration, a breathtaking event that you can easily witness when you visit the park.

The animals move from the Serengeti in Tanzania from June to August, and make the reverse journey in October. Lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards and buffalo also make frequent appearances for visitors on a wildlife safari to the Mara. The Mara is also renowned as an excellent bird watching location as it provides a natural habitat for spectacular birds such as ostriches, vultures, secretary birds, cranes and marabou storks.

Balsons Tour & Travel Safari to Maasai Mara

6 Day Mara Migration Tour: Amboseli > Nakuru > Masai Mara This unique, wild Kenyan safari is designed to show you the largest of Africa's wildlife - the African elephant - as well as several endangered animal species and birds. The tour culminates with a chance to experience one of the great wonders of the world - the famous wildebeest migration at the Maasai Mara. All stays throughout the tour are at luxurious lodges.

6 Day Southbound Kenya Discover: Masai Mara > Amboseli > Tsavo West The Southbound Kenya Discover is a classic Kenyan safari to the three most famous game reserves in Kenya. Each park offers a unique game experience combining wildlife, birdlife, and diverse topography. Take advantage of the picturesque views of Kenya's animals against the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro. All stays are at luxurious camps and the Serena Hotel's safari lodges.

5 Day Classic Wings Kenya Safari: Samburu > Maasai Mara This classic Kenya wildlife safari boasts both luxury and distinction. It is designed for the busy safari enthusiast to enjoy two of Kenya's finest game reserves -the Maasai Mara and Samburu Game Reserve..

2.) Amboseli National Park

Is the place to go on an African safari if you wish to see the largest animals on earth - the elephants. At Amboseli, you will find large herds of matriarch-dominated elephants roaming the park, and you can often get within excellent viewing distance to observe the elephants in their natural surroundings. A trip to Amboseli is worthwhile for its lovely scenery alone, especially with the snow-capped peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro looming in the horizon.

Balsons Tour & Travel Safaris Visiting Amboseli

3 Day Elephant Country Time Saver: Nairobi > Amboseli > Nairobi A fly-in wildlife safari tour to Amboseli, with stays at the Amboseli Serena Lodge.

6 Day Southbound Kenya Discover: Masai Mara > Amboseli > Tsavo West The Southbound Kenya Discover is a classic Kenyan safari to the three most famous game reserves in Kenya. Each park offers a unique game experience combining wildlife, birdlife, and diverse topography. Take advantage of the picturesque views of Kenya's animals against the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro. All stays are at luxurious camps and the Serena Hotel's safari lodges.

3.) Lake Nakuru National Park

This serves an important ecological purpose in providing refuge and habitat for more than 400 species of birds. Imagine witnessing a flurry of vivid pink flamingos and capturing endless photos of the amazing scenery around Lake Nakuru. The wildlife park is a sanctuary for the endangered black and white rhino and you can also expect to catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard while on a Kenya wildlife tour in Lake Nakuru.

Balsons Tour & Travel Bird Watching Safaris Visiting Lake Nakuru National Park

4 Day Rift Valley Escapade: Masai Mara > Lake Nakuru > Lake Naivasha Discover the amazing beauty of Kenya's Great Rift Valley and experience the wonder of Kenya's birds and animals while enroute to your stay at the Rift Valley's classic Mara Sopa lodge.

4.) Aberdare National Park

This nestled in Kenya's lush, mountainous region. Here, you can see the rare mountain bongo, a shy and beautiful African antelope. After a long day on safari in Aberdare National Park, you can relax and enjoy some of Kenya's most luxurious resorts and lodges.

Balsons Tour & Travel SafarisVisiting Aberdare National Park

5 Day Vintage Kenya Safari: Aberdares > Lake Nakuru > Masai Mara A classic animal safari through Kenya's top three game parks. In Aberdare, the elephants and buffalos visit you at the floodlit waterholes of "The Ark", at the Treetops Lodge.

5.) Samburu National Park

This has a reputation for being a one-stop sightseeing spot for a variety of Africa's most interesting wildlife. You can see Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, kudu, gerenuk, lions, elephants and leopards, all of which reside within the borders of this beautiful national park.

Balsons Tour & Travel Wildlife Safaris Visiting Samburu National Park

5 Day Classic Wings Kenya Safari: Samburu > Maasai Mara This classic safari boasts both luxury and distinction. It is designed for the busy safari enthusiast to enjoy two of Kenya's finest game reserves - the Maasai Mara and Samburu Game Reserve.

6.) Tsavo National Park,

It’s comprised of Tsavo East and Tsavo West, is the largest national game park in Kenya. This is the home of the unique, maneless lions that made the legend of "The Man-eaters of Tsavo" famous. The park also has red-skinned elephants and many other wonderful animals sure to intrigue and delight you on your Kenya wildlife safari.

Balsons Tour & Travel Animal Safaris Visiting Tsavo National Parks

6 Day Southbound Kenya Discover: Masai Mara > Amboseli > Tsavo West A classic Kenyan safari to the three most famous game reserves in Kenya. Each park offers a unique game experience combining wildlife, birdlife, and diverse topography. Take advantage of the picturesque views of Kenya's animals against the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro. All stays are at luxurious camps and the Serena Hotel's safari lodges.

Kenya Facts

Kenya is a country in East Africa with coastline on the Indian Ocean. Kenya is situated on the equator and is bordered by five countries: Uganda (to the west), Sudan (to the northwest), Ethiopia (to the north), Somalia (to the northeast), and Tanzania (to the south). Along its southeast edge, Kenya's tropical coastline connects the country to the Indian Ocean.

It encompasses savannah, Lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands. It's also home to wildlife like lions, elephants and rhinos. From Nairobi, the capital, safaris visit the Maasai Mara Reserve, known for its annual wildebeest migrations, and Amboseli National Park, offering views of Tanzania's 5,895m Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, is located along the border between Kenya and Tanzania. Breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro can be seen from Amboseli National Park. The second highest mountain - Mount Kenya - can be found at the country's center.

Kenya is a country rich in wildlife, culture, history, beauty and friendly, welcoming people. Kenya is geographically diverse, from snow-capped mountain peaks to extensive forests to wide-open plains.

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is located in the southwest. Other major cities include Mombasa (situated on the coast), Nakuru and Eldoret (found in the west-central region), and Kisumu (located in the west on the shores of Lake Victoria).

Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. The coastal area is warm and humid, the central highlands are temperate, and it is both hot and dry in Kenya's north and northeast regions. Rainfall in Kenya is seasonal with most rain falling between the months of April and June and shorter rainfalls occurring between October and December.

Kenya Airline(Kenya Airways-KQ):

Kenya Airways, a member of the Sky Team Alliance, is a leading African airline flying to 51 destinations worldwide, 43 of which are in Africa and carries over three million passengers annually.

Kenya Airways takes pride for being in the forefront of connecting Africa to the World and the World to Africa through its hub at the new ultra -modern Terminal 1A at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

Travelers can do a Nairobi city tour right from the airport reaching out to different tourism spots within Nairobi before checking in to their hotel/ lodge. The biggest airlines flying to Kenya are KLM to Nairobi, Turkish airline flights to Nairobi and Qatar airways flights to Nairobi, Emirates, South African Airways, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Rwanda Air and many others. The time spent in the space depend on the distance covered and the weather.

About Kenya People and Culture

Kenya has a population of more than 38 million people, with about four million residing in its capital city, Nairobi. There are 42 ethnic groups who call Kenya home; each group has its own unique language and culture. Although Kikuyu is the largest ethnic group, the Maasai are the most well known due to both their long-preserved culture and their involvement in Kenyan tourism. Kenya is also home to immigrants of other nationalities, including Europeans, Asians, Arabs and Somalis. Kenya's official languages are English and Swahili.

There are 42 Kenya tribes, each contributing to the country's diverse and rich culture and heritage.The tribes of Kenya are known for their unique history, culture, values, lifestyle, language, religion, food and more.

Most visitors to Kenya can easily recall the Maasai tribe and their close kin, the Samburu people. Kenyan tourism has made the Maasai and Samburu tribes the most famous because of their long preserved culture.

By resolutely clinging to their traditions, the Maasai and Samburu have remained two of the few cohesive and culturally authentic ethnic tribes of Kenya. They are thus recognized world-wide as a symbol of Kenyan culture and are favorites among tourists.

Kenya's Ethnic Groups

The indigenous tribes of Kenya fall into three ethnic groups, namely: the Bantus, the Cush*tes and the Nilotes.

About Kenya Agricultural Products

Kenya is one of the top agricultural producers in Africa thanks to the rich soil of the Kenyan highlands. Coffee, tea, to***co, cotton, pyrethrum, flowers, cashew nuts and sisal are Kenya's cash crops, with fruit, vegetables, beans, and cassava emerging as key crops for subsistence. Cattle, goats and sheep are also important agricultural products. Major export markets include Kenya's neighboring countries, as well as several European and Asian countries, and the United States.

About Kenya Government

The Republic of Kenya is a multi-party democracy with a National Assembly. The constitution declares the president as both the head of state and the head of government. Kenya's government has been stable and the recent administration has worked hard to improve the country on many levels, from education, technology to health care to economic growth.

Kenya's Challenges

As a developing nation, Kenya has many challenges to overcome. The government is still striving to provide adequate services to the rural communities and corruption in the private and public sector remains rampant. Unemployment is a constant challenge, as well as crime, disease and poverty.

However, as Kenya continues to make a place for itself on the world stage, its abundant agricultural and natural resources, educated manpower, diverse yet cohesive population and vision for the future will see it emerge as a leader among African nations.

During Kenyan public holidays, most businesses and public companies are closed except for service firms and organizations that provide essential services such as restaurants, hotels, grocery stores and supermarkets, and hospitals, among others. While some companies/organizations may offer limited customer support during the holidays, the majority of businesses remain closed to telephone and customer access.

Kenya Colonial History

The colonial history of Kenya starts with the Berlin Conference of 1885 when European nations divided Africa among themselves. In 1894, the British government declared the East African Protectorate over Kenya and Uganda and, in 1920, the protectorate became a colony.

1963 December 12: Kenya gains independence. Jomo Kenyatta becomes Prime Minister.

Post-Independence Kenya History

Kenya under President Jomo Kenyatta

On December 12, 1964, Kenya became a republic. Jomo Kenyatta was named Kenya's first president, with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga as his vice-president. Odinga later had ideological differences with Kenyatta and, in 1966, he left KANU and formed the opposition party - Kenya People's Union (KPU).

Kenyatta banned KPU and, in 1969, KANU became Kenya's only political party. Kenyatta remained president of Kenya until his death on August 22, 1978.

Kenya under President Moi

Upon Kenyatta's death, Vice-President Daniel Arap Moi became Kenya's second president. In June 1982 parliament amended the Constitution, officially making Kenya a one-party state. This marked the start of the clamor for a "second liberation".

In August 1982, a section of Kenya's air force attempted to overthrow President Moi's government. The army suppressed the coup attempt. Between 1982 and 1990, the suppression spread to the democratic space in Kenya. People who were believed to oppose the government were banned from KANU. Many were detained or exiled while others were tortured in the dreaded Nyayo House torture chambers.

In 2002, the main opposition parties united under one coalition - the NARC. NARC candidate Mwai Kibaki, who was backed by Presidential aspirant Raila Odinga, defeated Uhuru Kenyatta of KANU. This was the fall of KANU's thirty-nine-year reign.

Kenya today

After a peaceful General Elections that took place in March 2013 and a landmark Supreme Court ruling that upheld Uhuru Kenyatta's presidential victory against his defeated rival Raila Odinga, Kenya has its first president elected under the new constitution, President Uhuru Kenyatta. He is mandated to rule Kenya for five years until the next election.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is the son of founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

Kenya Religion

As far as Kenya religion goes, the Constitution of Kenya guarantees freedom of religion and worship to its people.

The vast majority of Kenyans are Christians, and the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches are the most established Christian denominations. Other well established African religions and denominations include the African Inland Church (AIC), Seventh Day Adventists (SDA), and the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA).

Islam is another major religion in Kenya. Followers include both Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims. The largest number of Muslims in Kenya are found in Mombasa and the neighboring coastal regions, as well as the northeastern regions of Kenya. Nairobi also has numerous mosques and a notable

The few Kenyans who adhere to Hinduism and Sikhism are mostly Indians. They reside in most major towns and cities across Kenya.

Kenya Culture

Kenya culture is a fascinating way of life that blends the traditions of thousands of years of African social evolution with the modern influences of the 20th century.

The multifaceted culture of Kenya is expressed in different forms, ranging from its people and language, food, music and dance, art, artifacts, theatre and literature to its ethnic values and ethical norms. Combined with other traditions, these forms of expression and lifestyle form an identity that is uniquely Kenyan.

People and Language

The Kenyan population is comprised of more than 40 ethnic groups, each with its own unique dialect. As Kenya's national languages, Swahili and English bridge the communication gap and unite Kenyans as a single nation.

Kenya Food and Diet

The Kenyan diet is comprised of foods rich in ethnic diversity. Popular staple foods include ugali, rice, bread, chapatti(a type of Indian bread), beef, chicken, goat, tilapia and an assortment of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Kenya Art and Artifacts

Another fascinating aspect of Kenyan culture is the art and artifacts that Kenya's different ethnic groups craft manually, using readily available local materials. Beautifully carved wood sculptures showing exquisite detail and craftsmanship are produced in large quantities and sold to tourists both locally and abroad.

Music and Dance

Kenya’s music industry wells with talent and diversity. Almost all ethnic tribes also have their own variety of music and dance.

In recent years, initiatives to enhance cultural heritage have seen the rise of customized ‘traditional nights‘. These night outs are exclusively designed to capture the culture, music and dance of specific ethnic communities in Kenya. The Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi is a popular place to visit for a traditional night out.

What about contemporary music?

If you want to get in touch with contemporary music, Kenya also offers a perfect solution. The music industry is blessed with talented artistes.

Theatre and Literature

Kenya has a strong oral tradition. This is conveyed through stories which have been passed on from generation to generation, often in the form of songs. The Kenya National Theatre is a performing art center for cultural music, dance, and plays written by Kenyan authors. Original Kenyan literature is contemporarily inspired by the social frictions of the colonial times.

Cultural values and Etiquette

Kenyans are a friendly and hospitable people, regardless of ethnic affiliation. Greetings are an important part of social and business interaction. Hand-shaking when greeting people you meet for the first time is customary. Eye contact is important to build trust.

Kenya Sports

Kenya' most popular sport is soccer; however, it's Kenya's runners who have gained worldwide renown. Athletes from around the world look up to Kenya's legends- Kipchoge Keino, Henry Rono, Paul Tergat and Catherine Ndereba, among others.