Kenya is one of Africa’s best known safari destinations and is famous for the annual wildebeest migration. These huge herds move between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti in Tanzania. However Kenya is a huge country, with a rich and diverse landscape that has so much to offer. We can’t avoid talking about the Masai Mara of course and neither should we but hopefully we can give you a real taste of what else this fascinating country has to offer.
Let’s talk about the Masai mara first. An impressive National park of rolling plains. it is a year round safari hotspot and home to the big five. If you travel between July and September you may be lucky enough to see a river crossing as the wildebeest make their migration between Tanzania and Kenya.
Waiting for a river crossing takes patience and a large amount of luck. Head out early, set up your bush breakfast and wait. Even if the wildebeest are in residence by the river there is a lot of hokey cokey before they decide to cross!
Once a few brave it, then it can into a full on stampede, with the crocodiles waiting to see if they can pick off any vulnerable animals. Not forgetting the predators, such as wily lionesses waiting to attack on the river bank the opposite side.
Many wildebeest will make it safely and sadly some won’t but what ever way you look at it, it’s one of natures most dramatic spectacles.
Amboseli is a photographers dream as well as offering a wonderful safari experience. Best known for its iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The largest mountain in Africa dominates the skyline from it’s location across the border in neighbouring Tanzania.
As well as a large number of resident game, Amboseli is particularly well known for it’s large herds of elephant. Stop off and head up Observation Hill for the best panoramic views of the peak of Kilimanjaro and the park’s plains and swamps below.
Sitting further North on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu is an interesting mix. Riverine forest and hot, dry and dusty terrain.
Samburu is rich in wildlife and home to some rare species specific to the area. In fact they have their own Samburu special five. Gerenuk, grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, somali ostrich & beisa oryx
Don’t overlook Nairobi when you arrive to Kenya. There are a number of interesting attractions in this bustling African city.
The most popular are the famous Giraffe Manor, with it’s resident herd of Rothschild Giraffe. If you stay overnight in this boutique hotel you may just have a visitor or two at mealtimes.
Nearby the elephant orphanage is a popular attraction and does great work for the protection and rehabilitation of elephants.
Elephant calves orphanned by poaching are brought here from all over the country. Eventually the calves are moved to Tsavo Park, where whenever possible they are re-introduced into the wild.
The centre is open to the public each morning and for private visits if you are adopting an elephant. The calves can be seen being exercised and bathed. It is an interesting information source about elephants and their conservation.
The fascinating Rift Valley actually spans 6000km from Jordan to Mozambique. In Kenya it’s stunning views and varied landscapes are home to lakes and volcanoes. Most notable are Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, home to a huge array of migrating birdlife.
Located to the North East of the Rift Valley, Laikipia has few camps in an area the size of Wales. So expect a relaxed wilderness safari experience. It is fast becoming a key part of Kenya’s conservation efforts. With the best known being their rhino conservation and the chimpanzee sanctuary (the area is home to the vast majority of Kenya’s black rhino).
A special mention should be given to the increasingly popular Lewa marathon, now an annual conservation fundraising event. It is possibly one of the most interesting marathon courses in the world!
There is something quite special about gliding slowly through the air at sunrise. Enjoying a panoramic view of the stunning plains of the Mara Below. A hot air balloon trip is a must if you are staying in the Masai Mara.
You may also be lucky enough to see a variety of the local wildlife. They will likely glance upwards wondering what all the fuss is about as the balloons burners let out a burst of flame.
On landing you are welcomed by friendly faces and a set out breakfast in the bush. A perfect end to to a special trip.
Lake Nakuru is is an interesting park with rocky escarpments, pockets of acacia forest and at least one waterfall. Although home to a good variety of animal and birdlife it is best known for it’s healthy population of both black and white rhino.
If you love to ride and want the exhilaration of a safari on horseback. Then Kenya has some fantastic options. From day rides, if you stay at a camp such as Sosian in Laikipia to full on 7 or 8 day riding itineraries in the Amboseli or Masai Mara.
You need to be an experienced rider as you will see wildlife including some big game whilst you are in the saddle. But if you can handle a horse then this is wonderful alternative to sitting in a vehicle.
The East of Kenya is home to a long stretch of Indian Ocean coastline It is flanked by a reef making for a wonderful beach experience. It’s an ideal place to give you some down time after a safari.
Watamu to the North of Mombasa and Diani to the South are regularly cited as one of Africa’s top 10 beaches. And you only need to see the crystal clear waters and white sands to understand why.
There are not many countries where you can enjoy both a safari and golf. South Africa is well known for this. But fewer people realise that Kenya has some good golf courses.
If you want to enjoy a round whilst possibly seeing some wildlife then we would recommend the Rift Valley Golf Resort.
Don’t worry you are likely to see birdlife and the occasional zebra, not elephant or lion. You will also experience some wonderful views, particularly on the front nine. Enjoy this whilst you can as you will need all your concentration for the back nine. It is said the final 3 holes are particularly challenging.
Enjoy the wildlife and the beautiful scenery but don’t forget Kenya is all about the people and their culture. You will have opportunities to visit local communities depending which area you are staying. Maasai or Samburu tribes for example. Your camp will be able to arrange an authentic village visit. Allowing you to gain some understanding of life and cultures and beliefs of the local people.
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