Kenya has always been one of the favourite safari destinations in Africa. It is probably the first African destination to promote the concept of a safari holiday and is considered by most to be the quintessential safari destination.
The main tourist areas are the Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, Lake Nakuru, as well as Laikipia and Meru.
Nairobi is a bustling capital, a stop over is definitely worth the while.
As in Tanzania, you can find all standards of accommodation in all the reserves, from basic camps to ultra-luxurious lodges.
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Masai Mara National Reserve
This is without any doubt the most famous reserve in Kenya, located in the south western part of the country, which forms part of the greater eco-system that encompasses the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The Masai Mara (also spelt Maasai Mara) is surrounded by concession areas and tribal lands of the Maasai tribespeople. These are unfenced from the Mara and act as a buffer zone for the National Park and form part of the migration area. At times certain parts the Park can get a little overrun with tourist minibuses, so it is recommended to select your time and destination carefully.
The Masai Mara consists of open savannah, rolling grasslands and undulating hills. July to September sees the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle coming from the plains of the Serengeti. Driven by dry conditions in the Serengeti and led by the lightning and thunder to the north, huge herds of mammals cross the Tanzanian border and rivers to reach the Mara’s grasslands.
Amboseli National Park
This national park lies approximately 240km south-east of Nairobi and very close to the Tanzania border (it is possible to drive from Arusha to the Amboseli National Park, crossing the border at Namanga). The snowcapped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rising dominates every aspect of Amboseli and is the perfect backdrop to a safari.
Despite its size of only 392 square kilometres and its fragile ecosystem, it supports over 50 mammal species and has a rich birdlife. Game viewing includes lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, buffalo and hosts of plains’ game, creating Kenya’s most sought after photographer’s paradise.
Northern Kenya
Northern Kenya with Laikipia, Samburu, the Matthews Range and Meru offers outstanding safaris in private concessions, with spectacular views over Mount Kenya. No wonder, celebrities, royalty, writers and photographers love this area!
Here you will find some of the most romantic – and luxurious – retreats. How about you own private villa on the cliff with views of Mount Kenya, and a bed under the stars?
Kenyan Coastline
Kenya also boasts a wonderful coastline, north and south of Mombasa, where you can find remote beach getaways, as well as bustling places for those who want to be entertained.
Mombasa is the second largest but oldest town of Kenya , stunningly located on the Indian Ocean. It offers exotic sandy white beaches and a diverse marine life. This coastal town is associated with cultural history which can be seen in the architecture of the buildings with Portuguese, Arab and British influences.