As a lover of flowers, now imagine embarking on a trip that takes you beyond the usual world of vibrant blooms and fragrant petals, and into another setting, where wildlife, nature trails, exotic landscapes, parks, mountains, and beaches are the norm. Yes, this perfectly sums up Kenya's flower safaris, a unique and enchanting experience for nature and plant lovers, flower enthusiasts, and even florists from around the world. In this nature and floral wonderland—known to produce some of the most exquisite flowers the world over—you'll discover a breathtaking beauty, experience a diversity of cultures, and immerse yourself in the very being of the East African region's rich heritage.
A Flower Safari That Completes a Vibrant Floriculture Scene
Kenya, considered among the flower capitals of the world, boasts a thriving flower industry for which it is renowned. And, the flowers come in exceptional varieties. A trip to watch and photograph wild animals in their natural environment, and fully absorb oneself in nature's surroundings, would definitely complete a flowersafari—whether one is attending a floral fair in the country, or just visiting. These safaris offer an exceptional opportunity to explore picturesque landscapes, visit flower farms, and witness firsthand the process of producing, cultivating, and harvesting some of the world's most sought-after flowers.
One fascinating flower safari destination for florists is the Naivasha region. Located in the Great Rift Valley, Naivasha is home to numerous flower companies—both breeders and growers—producing a variety of flowers, from roses to carnations, and many more. Breeder De Ruiter East Africa, and several others, are located here, just as well as several growers. Besides them and the flower business, the scenic Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake surrounded by lush flora, and thus, a habitat for different wildlife, so one can be sure to be delighted by the biodiversity that thrives in this unique ecosystem.
Lotus flowers float serenely on the lake's surface, aquatic lilies thrive all around, while papyrus reeds and water hyacinths sway gently in the breeze sweeping across it, almost forming a natural flower garden that floats on the water's surface. It hosts not just fish, but also hippos and other aquatic animals. Even land wildlife that graze around always come here for a drink and a dip. The fertile volcanic soil and favorable climate create the perfect conditions for these varied vegetations to flourish. And, for the flowers all around, visiting the farms guarantees that you witness the precision and care that goes into their cultivation. Such experiences give one valuable insights into the industry's inner workings.
More Must-Visit Floral Destinations
Just a few miles from Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru hosts the Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its vast flamingo population. Just like the former, Lake Nakuru and the park also offer a stunning display of native flora, and of course, flower growing is equally well-established in this region. During the rainy season, the park often transforms into a sea of colorful wildflowers and other flora, including stunning orchids, proteas, and the ever-abundant acacias. The sight of these plants and flowers carpeting the landscape is nothing short of breathtaking. It provides a nourishing experience, an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visiting this place, one gets the unique opportunity to relax and unwind. For florists, one could draw inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds them. Lake Nakuru is also close to several flower farms and breeders, like United Selections, Sian Flowers, Fontana Ayana, Fontana Akina, Subati Flowers Ltd, Suera Flowers, Molo Greens Ltd, and Molo River Roses Ltd, among many others, where a touring flower enthusiast can have the true feel of the flowers they always get.
Just close to growers Suera Flowers and Subati Flowers Ltd is the Thompson Falls (also called Nyahururu Falls) in Nyahururu. This is a region at the border of Kenya's Laikipia and Nyandarua Counties. The roughly 74-meter (243 ft) waterfall is on the Ewaso Ng'iro River in the Central Rift Valley of Kenya. It is just a few miles from Lake Ol Bolossat, an intermittent lake that is filled with reeds and is a habitat for hippos, varied birdlife, and other aquatic animals. The Ewaso Ng'iro River drains from the Aberdare Range, previously called the Sattima Range, where Kenya's third-highest mountain, Mt Satima, is.
Another Truly Immersive Experience
Yet another truly immersive experience is the Aberdare National Park and the regions around it. These are not very far from Nakuru, and should therefore be on every nature and flower lover's itinerary. This picturesque park is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, with over 300 species of wildflowers and plant life. From delicate alpine flowers to vibrant heathers and giant lobelias, complemented with a wide variety of wildlife and birds, the park showcases the extraordinary range of Kenya's natural biodiversity. The Mt Kenya region is also one of the many tourist hotspots that flower enthusiasts would be keen to visit. Though quite a distance from the capital Nairobi, and may require a little planning, areas including Nanyuki, Timau, and Meru, among others, close by, where the flower industry in Kenya also thrives, are all within a short distance from the country’s highest mountain.
Marginpar Group's Kariki (Bondet) Nanyuki farm, Uhuru Flowers, Batian Flowers Ltd, Timaflor, Flamingo Horticulture Kenya, Mt. Kenya Flowers, Lobelia, Altima, Kikwetu Flowers Ltd, Kisima Farm Ltd, Tambuzi, Vegpro Floriculture, Bloomingdale Roses, and Flora Delight, among others, are all within the Timau-Nanyuki-Meru region, which offers a front-row view of the towering peaks of Mt Kenya, alongside the region's flower growing. However, the mountain's peaks are often hidden in mist and fog and are usually visible only when the weather conditions are just right. Pray for that if you'd love to see them! You can then embark on another journey to the Great Rift Valley, a geographical marvel and a floral paradise. This region is home to various flower farms, too, producing a significant percentage of the country's cut flowers.
Experience Other Wonders of Nature as You Visit More Flower Farms
Within this Great Rift Valley region—well, Naivasha and Nakuru are still part of the Great Rift Valley— one will be amazed by the endless vastness of the landscape, dotted with flower-growing establishments. Kajiado region is one such. Growers like Sian Flowers' Maasai farm, PJ Dave Flowers Group Ltd, Isinya Roses, and Desire Flora (K) Ltd, among several others, are within this region. And, the best part, it is closer to the capital, Nairobi. This is also a region that hosts numerous features including historic sites, massifs, grasslands, wildlife parks, including Amboseli (which presents views of Mt Kilimanjaro) and parts of the vast Tsavo National Park, as well as lakes including Lake Magadi which also hosts flamingos and has among the largest deposits of soda ash (sodium carbonate) in the region.
Back in the capital, Nairobi, the floral wonders continue to excite. A visit to the numerous flower farms and businesses within the city's environs can complement the experience. Plus, there are lots of other scenic places of interest around it. From Red Lands Roses, just a few miles outside the city center, to Karen Roses, Caly Flora Ltd, Redhill Flowers, Black Tulip Farms, Simbi Roses, Everflora Ltd, Branan Flowers Ltd, and others within the neighborhood (in Thika, Juja, and Kiambu regions), the choices are many.
Nairobi also hosts other nature viewing sites, including Karura Forest and Nairobi Arboretum, which offer hiking trails for flora and fauna, and nature lovers who are enthusiastic about floriculture. Walking through the lush vegetation, one finds oneself surrounded by a botanical paradise, teeming with greenery, foliage, plant life, and all types of fauna. All present an opportunity for inspiration for their next floral creations.
The world-famous Nairobi National Park is also within the city, where you can interact with all kinds of wildlife, just a few kilometers from the city center. You could therefore stroll through the walking and hiking trails, and along the way, discover the striking bird of paradise flowers, vibrant bougainvillea, and along some of the streets, the enchanting jacaranda trees, which seasonally cast a carpet of purple on the pavements. To get a bit deeper into Kenya's flower heritage, a visit to Nairobi’s city center flower market is a must. Here, florists can explore an incredible assortment of fresh-cut flowers, sourced from farms across the country and sold by vendors. Often, the market buzzes with activity as buyers and sellers negotiate prices and discuss the latest floral trends. It's a fantastic opportunity for international florists to connect with their local peers, gain insights into the market dynamics, and discover unique flower varieties that can add a touch of exotic beauty to their designs.
A Therapeutic Experience... A Floral Feast for Your Eyes and Senses
By all means, there are lots of other places to visit and experience Kenya's flower safaris. They all, after all, offer a feast for the senses; a journey that opens one up to the often hidden sites and sounds of the country's nature and floral landscape. From witnessing the careful and precise cultivation processes on flower farms to exploring the vastness of the varieties in the country's national parks, nature trails, and other sites. They all give quite an experience that offers a glimpse into the rich world of Kenya's flowers.
Nature and flower enthusiasts, florists, and floral designers from across the world can all find inspiration and delight through flower safaris. The floral petals, beautiful wildflowers, sounds of birds and wildlife, the mountainous peaks, and the meandering rivers and their waterfalls, all make for a surreal experience. You can now pack your bags, grab your camera, and immerse yourself in the beauty that this East African country offers. You will be sure to be inspired, charmed, and perhaps forever changed by the exceptional beauty of the floral and natural wonders that await you. And, while at it, you can check out more on these floral safaris as captured by the Thursd team's experience during the 2023 IFTEX, and the renowned luxury and wedding floral designer, Sarah Campbell, when she visited the country.
Featured image by Brian Kungu, header image by Ken Mwaura
