BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
KOLKATA, 15 DECEMBER 2023:
The ‘Big Breaking News’ came from President William Ruto today stating that starting from January 2024, no tourists will require a Visa to enter Kenya, the land of Masai Mara.
Wildlife enthusists of India are excited after getting this news today as every year several thousands visit the forests to see the King of African jungles, lion, hyenas, giraffe, cheetah, zebras, rhinos, leopards and elephants roaming in front of them in the wild. Homestays, tents and hot air baloon safaris are major attractions.
President William Ruto said this at the Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, when he led the nation in marking 60 years since Kenya became a republic. On 12th December 2023 President Ruto has said that Kenya will be a visa -free country beginning January next year.
“He noted that a digital platform has been developed to ensure that all travellers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform, adding that all travellers will obtain electronic travel authorization.”
President Ruto in his speech enumerated gains that have been made in the last six decades. He said his administration has taken up the unfinished job of actualising economic prosperity as ‘our contribution’ to perfecting Kenya’s national sovereignty. President Ruto said the Government’s focus has been firmly about the ways and means of transforming the country’s economy, making the right decisions, necessary sacrifices and smart choices to set Kenya on the path of economic renaissance.
Talking to The Travel and Tourism Times, Mr. Anil Punjabi, national executive committee member of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) said that one great aspect is that how Kenya appeals to foreign tourists , particularly those from India, drawing them in with its unique attractions and experiences, don’t forget the GIG Five major attractions of Kenya.
“ Numerous countries offering visa – free access to Indians signifies India’s role as a leading contributor of tourists and expenditures globally. Indian passport has gained weightage and trust with all these countries it seems,” added Mr. Anil Punjabi.
ABOUT KENYA TOURISM :
Kenya is an absolute must visit for the wildlife enthusiast.The country has an amazing game diversity being hosted in the game parks, reserves/conservancies and other wildlife protection areas. The areas include the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Aberdare National Park, Lake Naivasha National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Turkana National Park and Nairobi National Park.Mombasa Marine Park, Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park are among Marine Wildlife Park that Kenya has.
Nairobi is one of Africa’s most vibrant and exciting cities. With excellent global cuisine and a buzzing nightlife, this city makes for a great and dynamic entertainment spot. Nairobi’s real claim to international fame is that just 20 minutes’ drive from the city Centre where you’ll find the world’s only urban park. The Nairobi National Park is a unique park as it is the World’s only National Park within a capital city of a country with a variety of wildlife.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is regarded as Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserve and was voted in 2007 as the eighth wonder of the world for its annual wildebeest migration that happen annually between mid-August and Late October.
The Reserves geographical features including rolling grasslands and wide-open savannah with beautiful dotted landscapes, is an attraction for shooting movies and documentaries like Big cat series which include Big Cats Diary, Out of Africa, Big Cats Live and Big Cats Week among other.
The Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s popular parks crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s Highest Mountain. It is the ‘Home of the African Elephant’ and the best place to view herd of elephants up close. Nature lovers can explore different habitats at the Amboseli ranging from dried up bed of Lake Amboseli, the Savannah, woodlands and wetlands with Sulphur springs. Here, you will also experience the unique bush dinners and breakfasts.
All the Parks/Reserves have a variety of wildlife from the Big five i.e Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino and others including Cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, Zebras, Crocodiles, Kudus, Hyenas, Dikdiks, Gazelle, Topi and Eland.
The Marine Parks are protected waters in the coastal area of Kenya, thriving with pure marine life. The parks have rich aquatic life and are paradise to the underwater lovers of flora and fauna.
The marine is a home to high fish diversity ranging from a rainbow of small fish, octopus and clams, Snappers, rubber-fish, angel fish, scorpion fish, marine mammals, turtles and shorebirds. The parks also have a variety of fringing reefs, coral, sea grass, mangroves and mudflats, Tourists can also enjoy diving, snorkeling, skiing, deep sea fishing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, dhow dining at the parks.
The combination of the diverse wildlife in the Marine and parks/reserves is the reason why Kenya is the home for safaris and a preferred wildlife safari destination for several lakahs of toursist including Indians every year.
BIRD WATCHING :
Kenya is known as the bird watcher’s paradise for its diverse bird life and bird habitat. The National Parks/ Reserves, forests are excellent habitats for bird. The Common Ostrich found in the Parks and Reserves is the largest living bird that doesn’t fly. The Lake Nakuru, Lake Elmentaita and Lake Bogoria are among the lakes with outstanding beauty hosting a number of threatened bird species and some of the highest bird diversities in the world.
The lakes are also the most important foraging site for the flamingos and a major nesting and breeding ground for the great pelicans. Bird lovers can also enjoy a view of the Marabou Stork, Yellow billed Stork, White Stork, Black Headed Heron, Great Heron, The Great Egret, Red Cormorant, Jackson’s Francolin, the Secretary Bird, Keri Bustard and Speckled Mouse bird among others.
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