Eyes on Serengeti Safari (t2)

Lake Manyara National Park derives its name from the Maasai word ?Manyara? which is the name of the plant Euphorbia tirucalli. The approach to the park is absolutely spectacular, the outstanding landmark is the magnificent rift wall with the National Park nestled at the base of the escarpment. Despite the fact that the park is only 330square km in area- it contains a large variety of habitats; the rift wall, the ground water forest, acacia woodland, areas of open grassland, the lake shore, swam and the actual lake. Due to this variety the park has a variety of wildlife , over 380 species of birds, some of the migratory can be found in the park. Enjoy a day in the park with a packed lunch at one of the picknick sites. Look out for lions sleeping in a tree!

Serengeti National Park is named after ?Siringet?, the Masai word for ?endless plains?, it is for these endless plains the park derives its name Serengeti from. The park is one of the world?s best known wildlife sanctuaries and symbolises the classic Africa safari. With more than 2million wildebeest and a large number of Thomson gazelle and zebra, it has the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa. The space is endless even at the height of the wildebeest migration when over one millions animals are moving, the Serengeti never seems crowded. The park covers an area of 12,950 sq km and lies between the shores of Lake Victoria in the west, Lake Eyasi in the south and the Great Rift Valley to the east.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area top destination is the Ngorongoro crater, the world?s largest unbroken volcanic caldera. The crater is 600 mtr deep, about 20km across and 300 sq kms in the area. The steep sides of the crater provide a natural enclosure for a very wide variety of wildlife and therefore great for game-viewing. The accommodations are built high on the crater rim with amazing views over and into the crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder.

The Great Migration. Every year the Mara is the staging ground of one of nature's greatest spectacles: the migration of over 1.3 million wildebeest from the Serengeti. A surging column of life, these massive herds pour across the plains, bringing the Mara to life. The profusion of grazing animals makes the Mara a perfect hunting ground for predators. Leopard and Cheetah are often seen, but the Mara is truly the Kingdom of the Lion, and these majestic predators dominate the landscape. To travel through the reserve in August, September or October, while the wildebeest are in possession, is a staggering experience, like being caught up in the momentum of a phenomenal historic event.

The Kenyan Coastline is a paradise of palm fringed beaches and the warm inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. Extensive Coral reef systems with spectacular sea life make for world class diving and snorkelling. These waters were once the highways of the spice trade and Arab and Portuguese forts, Old Towns and the overgrown, deserted ruins of Swahili outposts bear witness to this fascinating history. In the winding medieval streets and bustling markets of Lamu and Mombasa Old Town, life has continued unhurried and unchanged for more than 400 years. Much of the coast is bordered by lush green coastal rainforests with prolific birdlife and variety of wildlife including baboons, rare colobus monkeys and even leopard. The protective reefs of Kenya ?s coast have created ideal beaches with calm, clear waters. Days on the coast are filled with sunshine and nights are balmy and warm with gentle sea breezes.