Kenya

Maasai Mara

Kenya’s most famous National Park named after the ancestral Maasai inhabitants of the park, situated in south-west Kenya it connects with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to create Africa’s greatest wildlife eco-system. Spanning over 1,500 sq km this vast park supports a diverse range of wildlife including predators such as Lions, Cheetahs and  Leopard, large grazers such as Elephants, Wildebeest, Zebra, Thomson’s Gazelle, Antelope and a few Black Rhino’s are also found in the park. The park’s landscape is made up of seemingly endless rolling grasslands with scattered Acacia trees and seasonal rivers that provide water for all the wildlife in the park. The Kenyan part of the Great Migration starts between July and August when Wildebeest, Zebra and other grazers arrive from the Serengeti to the Mara River. At the Mara River, the animals are confronted by the fast-flowing river which also happens to be infested with crocodiles lying in wait for the now exhausted animals to attempt the cross. This can take hours or days as the animals will not cross until one brave individual makes the leap, after crossing, successful animals are awarded with the now lush green grazing grass of the vast Maasai Mara Plains. By September the Mara plains are filled with grazing wildlife which invites the predators of the mara (lion, cheetah and leopard) to hunt the easy and abundant meals. By the end of October, the wildebeest and zebra are on their way out of the northern Mara plains to return to Serengeti’s southern plains in order to calve. 

Samburu National Reserve

North of Laikipia before the vast arid desert landscape of Northern Kenya lies this hot, dry and low (800m above sea level) park which may at first seem like a semi-dessert landscape where wildlife can not survive however the Ewaso N’giro river which runs through the middle of the reserve is an oasis of life. Offering respite from the otherwise inhospitable environment the river and its banks are teeming with life. The reserve is home to uniques wildlife such as the long-necked Gerenuk which is unique to the Horn of Africa and is unique as it stands erect on its hind legs to reach high branches thus offering competitive advantage in this arid, competitive climate, The reserve also has other wildlife presents such as the Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo and many others. The reserve is also rich in birdlife with over 350 species of bird including Kingfisher’s, Vultures and the Somali Ostrich. There are also unique opportunities for cultural education through visiting the local Samburu tribesmen form who this gorgeous reserve borrows its name. Their Nomadic and colourful culture only adds to the beauty of this unique nature reserve. 

Amboseli National Park

North West of Mt Kilimanjaro at the Kenya-Tanzania border lies Amboseli National Park. Its crowning feature is the sweeping views of Mt Kilimanjaro across the border (most say Tanzania owns the Mountain but Kenya owns the views). Named by the Maasai inhabitants as Amboseli meaning “Salty Dust” due to the deep red dust that covers this vast 390 sq km park and most of the wildlife who reside here. The landscape of the park is as diverse as the wildlife found here, ranging from grass plains and acacia woodlands to swamps and marshes. Due to a long dry season, Amboseli is ideal for game viewing as most of the animals will stay near watering holes, therefore, allowing visitors to easily spot otherwise shy wildlife. Known for vast herds of 900 Elephants that roam the park, the park is also home to Lions, Buffalo, Giraffe’s, hyena’s, Cheetahs and many smaller grazers. The park also has a wide variety of birdlife.

Mount Kenya and the Laikipia Plateau

Rising 5,199 metres stands the breathtaking snow-capped Mount Kenya, the second tallest mountain in Africa. Surrounded by pristine alpine wilderness made of dense forest, lakes, glaciers, mineral springs and endangered wildlife who find refuge in this thick forest landscape. Wildlife including Elephants, Water Bucks, Elands, Tree Hyrax’s and rarely spotted Leopards. This park is the perfect destination for a stopover when driving to the northern frontier conservancies. At the base of the mountain lies one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets the Laikipia Plateau. Made up of privately held ranches and conservancies this vast landscape made of endless grass plains, dramatic gouges and acacia littered hills. Spanning over 9,500 sq km the plateau offers visitors an unrivalled private experience where one feels at peace in the vastness of the landscape. The conservancies here are some of Kenya’s most bio-diverse with great concentrations of endangered species like the Black Rhino, and Grevy’s Zebra. If a private experience is what you’re looking for, look no further.

The Kenyan Coast

From the ancient beautiful Swahili architecture of Lamu in the North Coast to the white sandy unspoilt beaches of Diania and Galu in the south, the Kenyan Coast is an almost ritualistic end of every Kenyan Safari. There is a destination for everyone’s needs and desires. In Lamu traditional Swahili dhows glide past as time stands still and rolling dunes, endless quiet beaches offer visitors relaxation hardly found elsewhere. In this ancient town, its rich cultural history is evident in the narrow streets of the old town where influences from Portuguese explorers, Omani Arabs and Turkish traders dating back to the 14th century combine to create unique and marvellous architecture. Visitors here will find tranquillity and relaxation that only the Swahili rhythm of life can give. For the laid back who want to relax and also enjoy dining and extra excursions, Watamu offers the idyllic setting. This beautiful slice of coastline between Mombasa and Malindi offers visitors a quiet stretch of beach with a calming seaside breeze, it is also perfectly situated for excursions to the ancient Swahili settlement known as “The Ruins of Gedi”, the Arabubo Sokoke Forest and the mangrove-covered Mida Creek. At the end of the Kenyan coast lies a true gem, Diani Beach. Diani is located in the south of Kenya’s coast making it the least populated beach destination other than Lamu, the beaches are flawless white-sand with a gentle sea breeze that forces one to become completely relaxed. With a wide variety of luxurious hotels and beach houses, you are left spoilt for choice. Activities found in Diani include Kite-surfing, snorkelling, Jet-skiing and so much more there are also various dining options and excursions to the Shimba Hills rainforest where explorers can vie Elephants and other wildlife native to the forest.

Kenya Highlights

1. The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara
2. Unforgettable game drives in Samburu
3. Viewing large Elephants in amboseli national Park
4. Private, exclusive Game Drives in the Laikipia Plateau
5. Dhow Sailing in Lamu
6. Beach Adventures in Diani and Watamu
7. Game drive in the only National Park in a city- Nairobi National Park