Holiday | Safari Sense

03May 2024 by safarisense No Comments

Unveiling Kenya’s Time Capsule: A Journey with Our Ancestors #LetsGo

City Tour, Excursion, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area

Image | Ernest Nyamasyo In the heart of East Africa lies a treasure trove of ancient mysteries waiting to be discovered. Kenya, with its rugged landscapes and storied past, stands as a beacon for archaeologists and adventurers alike, offering a glimpse into the evolution of our species. Join us on an expedition through time as we unravel the tales of our ancestors, each fossil a chapter in Kenya's rich history. Proconsul heseloni: The OG Primate  Age: 18 million years old  Location: Rusinga Island, Lake Victoria, Kenya  In 1948, Mary Leakey stumbled upon the almost complete skull of Proconsul heseloni on the tranquil shores of Rusinga Island. This OG primate, dating back 18 million years, gives us a peek into the early days of our evolutionary journey. Orrorin tugenensis ('Millennium Man'):…

22Apr 2024 by safarisense No Comments

Majestic Avian: The Ground Hornbill

City Tour, Conservation, Excursion, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari

Scientific Name; Physical Characteristics The regal Ground Hornbill, known scientifically as Bucorvus leadbeateri, commands attention with its impressive stature and distinct features. Standing at heights of up to 3.3 feet and measuring a remarkable length of 3.3 to 3.6 feet, the males typically outweigh their female counterparts, tipping the scales at around 8 to 13 pounds. Their plumage showcases a striking contrast of black feathers accentuated by vibrant patches of white and red wattles adorning their throat. A defining feature of these majestic birds is their long, downward-curved bill, which aids in their foraging habits. Distinct Differences and Lifespan In the savannas of Kenya, the Ground Hornbill stands apart from its hornbill brethren with its distinctive characteristics and behaviors. While other hornbill species may roam the same terrain, the Ground…

17Feb 2024 by safarisense No Comments

Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part VII

City Tour, Excursion, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari

Image | Courtesy Continuing our excursion through Nairobi's streets, we glimpsed the Khoja Mosque, also known as Khoja Jamatkhana, constructed on January 14, 1922, by the Ismaili community led by the Aga Khan. We then passed through Monrovia Street, once known as Mark Street, and I pointed out the statue of Queen Elizabeth I in Jeevanjee Gardens—formerly Victoria Gardens—unveiled by the Duke and Duchess of Connaught and presented by Alibhai Jeevanjee. Amidst the horns and blares from the traffic, I recounted the tale of Alibhai Jeevanjee, a visionary entrepreneur who made profits from the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway line, his legacy enduring in the heart of the city when he donated the gardens in 1906. “Alibhai Mullah Jeevanjee was born in the Bohra community in Pakistan in 1856 and…

17Feb 2024 by safarisense No Comments

Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part VI

City Tour, Excursion, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari

Image | Courtesy Leaving the museum behind, our next stop beckoned with the allure of a bygone era. The Norfolk Hotel, a bastion of colonial elegance, opened on December 25, 1904, by Major C.G.R. Ringer, stood as a testament to Kenya's tumultuous past. Picturing it against a backdrop of dusty plains and towering acacias, there is still an aura of a time when intrepid adventurers and illustrious dignitaries mingled in the corridors of power. “The Norfolk of the yesteryears, with its cool resting rooms and hot and cold baths, was civilization in the bush. With nothing in front of it except the papyrus swamp with the frogs (and sometimes the lions) and nothing behind it but barren, open land, the white railings of the hotel's perimeter spelled comfort for early…

17Feb 2024 by safarisense No Comments

Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part IV

City Tour, Excursion, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area

Image | Courtesy From the "Bogani" house, we drove along Lang'ata Road. Olga's curiosity led her to inquire about the iconic 100-foot Uhuru Monument at Uhuru Gardens, a towering tribute to Kenya's journey to independence. "On December 12, 1963, the Kenyan flag unfurled its colors for the first time at Uhuru Gardens, marking a pivotal moment in our nation's history," I narrated, immersing them in the significance of this monumental event. “Kenya transitioned from being the East Africa Protectorate to a British Colony in 1920. Initially claimed as the Sultan of Zanzibar’s territory during the Berlin Conference of the 1880s, it was conceded in 1887 to the British East Africa Association (later Company) and in 1888, it was granted a royal charter by the British Government. In 1895, the British…

17Feb 2024 by safarisense No Comments

Exploring Nairobi: A Journey Through Time – Part III

City Tour, Excursion, History, Holiday, Nairobi Area, Wildlife Safari

Image | Courtesy The Karen Blixen Museum was once the centerpiece of a farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills, owned by Danish author Karen Blixen and her Swedish husband, Baron Bror Blixen-Finecke. Located 10 km from the city center, the museum represents a different period in Kenya's history and gained international acclaim with the release of the movie 'Out of Africa,' an Oscar-winning film based on Karen's autobiography of the same title. Built in 1912 by Swedish engineer Ake Sjogren, Karen and her husband bought the house in 1917. It became the farmhouse for their 6,000-acre property, of which 600 acres were used for coffee farming. Their marriage failed after eight years, and in 1921, the Baron left the running of the farm to Karen. Image | Courtesy…

28Nov 2023 by safarisense

Swift Shadows: Unraveling the Mystique of the Cheetah

Bird_watching, Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Wildlife Safari

In the vast African savannas, a sleek and magnificent creature roams the open landscapes, embodying the very essence of speed and grace - the Cheetah. With fur as golden as the African sunsets, the Cheetah is not just an apex predator; it is a living testament to the intricate dance between biology and survival. In the Shadows of Speed: Anatomy and Adaptations The Cheetah's physique is a marvel of evolutionary ingenuity. Long-legged and lean, its slender body is a blueprint for acceleration. As a master of speed, the Cheetah boasts powerful muscles, particularly in its hind legs, propelling it forward like an arrow released from a bow. Its spine is unusually flexible, allowing the creature to stretch its body in mid-air during the chase, a maneuver that gives it the…

30Aug 2023 by safarisense

Dive into Adventure: Witness the Magnificent Whale Sharks off the Kenyan Coast!

Bird_watching, Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Wildlife Safari

Welcome, adventurous souls and curious wanderers, to a marine spectacle that will leave you in awe! If you've ever dreamed of swimming alongside gentle giants of the ocean, then Mombasa, Kenya, is your dream destination. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with Safari Sense as we take you to the captivating waters of Mombasa for an encounter with the mesmerizing whale sharks. The Giants of the Ocean Picture this: you're gliding through the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by the vibrant marine life of the Indian Ocean, when suddenly, an enormous shadow emerges from the depths. As you look up, you're greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of a whale shark – the largest fish in the world! These magnificent creatures can reach lengths of up to 40 feet and have…

24Aug 2023 by safarisense

Experience the Untamed Beauty of Africa’s Painted Wolves!

Bird_watching, Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Wildlife Safari

As the golden sun sets over Laikipia's vast landscapes, I'm on the adventure of a lifetime. Our late afternoon game drive gifted us the sight of elephants strolling by a watering hole and lions basking in the fading light. But the best was yet to come. Around a bend in the dusty track, our guide's excitement was palpable – "Hang on, folks, get ready for a wild ride!" And boy, was he right! A symphony of yips and howls echoed, and out of the savannah emerged a pack of Africa's Wild Dogs, their mottled coats like nature's artwork. With adrenaline rushing, we trailed these predators, witnessing their coordinated tactics as they weaved through the grass, a blur of motion and strategy. It felt like stepping into a live documentary, heart…

23Aug 2023 by safarisense

Off The Beaten Track: Embark on an Unforgettable Journey to Central Island National Park

Bird_watching, Excursion, Game drive, Holiday, Wildlife Safari

Discover the captivating allure of Central Island National Park, an oasis nestled in the heart of Lake Turkana. This extraordinary destination, spanning 5 square kilometers, is a testament to the wonders of nature. Enveloped by the serene waters of the lake, the park boasts an active volcano that occasionally releases wisps of sulfurous steam and smoke, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. Established as a sanctuary in 1983, Central Island National Park stands as a guardian of the Nile crocodile's breeding grounds. Within its boundaries lie three enchanting lakes: Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake, each a thriving ecosystem of its own. Venture into the south-eastern corner and encounter the El-Molo tribe, a resilient community that once numbered a mere 80 individuals, earning the title of Africa's smallest tribe. The tribe,…

Category: Holiday