Kenya is a top-choice destination for travellers seeking the ultimate safari experiences, most famously, the wondrous wildebeest migration. But did you know that Kenya also offers other unusual and intimate wildlife experiences? We recommend these must-try wildlife adventures.
Commune with the last living Northern white rhinos: The Northern White Rhino was declared extinct when the last male, Sudan, died earlier this year. The last two females, Najin and Fatu, are homed at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Getting up close and personal with these awe-inspiring beasts in their habitat is a privilege that we will soon never have again.
Located in Nanyuki, the conservancy offers morning horse rides with rhinos, accompanied by expert guides. While at it, you'll also spot herds of the endangered Grevy's Zebra, Jackson's hartebeest and more.
Did you know: You can book and pay for your tour via the conservancy's website (
www.olpejetaconservancy.org ).
A walk with endangered black rhinos: You can experience animal-tracking by walking with the endangered black rhinos of Samburu. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports the black rhino is immensely endangered, mostly due to poaching. Sera Conservancy in Samburu palms out a unique expedition where you get to walk side by side with black rhinos under the careful watch of trained rangers. If you're daring, this is the perfect experience for you. Accommodation is available at Saruni Rhino Camp, located inside the conservancy.
Did you know: Don't dress in anything jazzy because bright colours may spook the rhinos.
A swim with whale sharks: There are certain experiences that guarantee sheer excitement. Scuba diving with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, is one of them. You can feel the goosebumps just imagining the majestic creature gliding gracefully inches away from you! The Whale Shark Adventure and Dive Center in Kwale county is one of the places to book a scuba diving and whale shark sighting trip.
Did you know: In Swahili, the whale shark is called Papa Shilingi, which directly translates to 'shark shillings', referring to the spots on its back. Local legend has it that God was so happy with his creation that he appointed some angels from heaven to toss gold and silver coins onto the back of the Whale shark.
A different kind of migration: People don't normally think of whale-watching when they think of Kenya. But Humpback whales pass through the Kenyan coast on their annual migration north from the Antarctica and sightings peak being between July and September. Reaching up to 18 meters and 50 tons, seeing these majestic creatures in the wild is thrilling and even more so if you are lucky to see them breach (jump out of the water) or slap the water with their flippers. You might even get a chance to hear them "sing". The Watamu Marine National Reserve is one of the best places to spot them.
Did you know: Like the human fingerprint, each humpback whale has a unique tail.
Fun times with sea turtles: The Watamu Turtle Watch is a turtle conservation programme started by a group of volunteers in 1997. Located within the Watamu Marine Park, the Watch rehabilitates turtles and cares for nesting ones. If you time your visit correctly, you'll be lucky to participate in sea turtle releases. Between 10 and 90 turtles are released into the sea per week. The peak nesting season is from May to August but occasionally they do get turtles nesting throughout the year.
Did you know: Kenya hosts five of the seven known species of turtle in the world; the Olive Ridley, the Green Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle, and the Leatherback Turtle.
Animal-lovers, why not look a little further than the game-parks for your next wildlife adventure.
