Kenya
Kenya is Africa’s original safari destination offering a remarkable diversity of landscapes, wildlife and cultures; from sweeping savannahs to white tropical beaches and coral reefs, from breath-taking herds of game to flamingo covered lakes and magnificent forests to snow-capped peaks. I love the people of Kenya, all extremely warm, authentic and hospitable. It was the people and their vast knowledge of the wildlife and the attractions in Kenya that made the country come alive for me. The highlights of my visits to Kenya are experiencing abundant wildlife on the wide open savannahs of the Masai Mara, listening to tales of village life from a traditional Masai warrior, and seeing baby green turtles hatching on Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago.
Things to do
- Experience the Wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara, one of the best places to see millions of wildebeest crossing the Mara River as they make their way to the Serengeti to graze after the rains
- Absorb the Masai culture – Visit a traditional Masai Village where you can learn about their culture and traditions
- Visit the lakes of the Great Rift Valley – Lake Nukuru attracts millions on flamingos to its shores
- Relax and enjoy the Kenyan coast with its extensive coral reefs and beautiful beaches
Masai Mara
The Masai Mara, best known for its wildebeest and zebra migration, offers excellent game-viewing all year round with common sightings of Lion, Cheetah, giraffe, elephant and plenty of other wildlife. The Maasai people are an integral part of the experience of visiting the reserve and are well known for their distinctive customs and dress. Despite the high number of tourists that visit the reserve, it is still possible to enjoy an authentic safari and get away from the crowds by staying at lodges in the private conservancies which surround the main reserve. I love the way the landscapes and scenery change within reserve from the wide open plains to the rolling hills and hidden valleys – each part of the reserve offers something unique.
Laikipia
In the shadow of Mount Kenya lies Laikipia, a semi-arid region where most of the conservation areas are on privately owned ranches or community involved conservancies centred round the Laikipia National Reserve. Many of the lodges are family homes where guests are invited to stay offering them the opportunity to experience not only the wildlife, but the people going about their day to day lives thus conserving a way of life. The area is fantastic for sightings of elephants, giraffe, hippo, Grevy’s zebra (a protected species), leopard, wild dog, lion, striped and spotted hyena, aardwolf, aardvark, Black Rhino and over 280 species of birds. Laikipia is a place that touched my soul, from the warmth of the people to the spectacular landscapes, from the experience of watching hyrax jump onto my bedroom to bask in the sun to the opportunity to see the Grevy’s zebra in its natural habitat.
Itinerary Sample
Laikipia and Mara Safari ** itinerary sample
This itinerary visits two diverse eco-systems in the hands of expert guides and your home will be two luxurious camps.
DAY 1-3
This morning you will be met at Nairobi airport and transferred to Wilson airport for a morning
Flight to Laikipia. Upon arrival your guide will transfer you to the camp in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy,
Game driving in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a rare pleasure with few vehicles in the wilderness zone
Spend 3 nights at Kicheche Laikipia camp which is situated around a waterhole, home to an array of birdlife, with frequent visits from the resident game including elephant and rhino. Enjoy guided day and night game drives, sumptuous picnic breakfasts out on the plains, drinks around the camp fire, lion tracking, mountain biking, canoeing, and walking excursions. Or visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
DAY 4-6
Following a leisurely al fresco breakfast depart for your morning flight to Masai Mara. Upon arrival at
the airstrip your guide will be there to welcome you and drive you to either Kicheche Mara, Bush or
Valley Camps whilst enjoying a short game drive en route. At the camp you will have some
time for leisure, lunch and afternoon tea. Then you will set off for your afternoon game drive followed by evening sundowner drinks overlooking the plains. Enjoy 3 nights at your camp of choice including activities such as escorted walking safaris, a visit to a traditional Maasai manyatta (village), and full day game drives with picnic lunch in the Masai Mara reserve – you will see differing terrain along with plenty of animal and bird species on your extended game drive.
DAY 7
An early morning game drive followed by breakfast then we transfer you back to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi.
