Kenya Safaris

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Map of Botswana

The Kenyan landscape epitomizes most peoples’ concept of Africa. The first organized wildlife vacations were in Kenya and her diversity of landscape, people and culture has drawn more visitors on safari here than to any other country in Africa.

The tremendous choice of both national park and private concession areas make it possible for the discerning visitor to Kenya to admire the breathtaking scenery and dense game populations in natural, undisturbed surroundings. Access to the quieter Kenyan safari areas is possible from a wide range of excellent, intimate, little-known safari camps.

The most popular safari destinations are the Masai Mara Reserve - host to the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra from July to October; and the Amboseli National Park with it’s stunning views over the Tanzanian border to the perpetually snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro. Less famous safari destinations, which our clients enjoy, include the wildlife areas of the Lewa Conservancy and Meru National Park. Past clients have also recommended areas with other, more varied, activities. If you are looking for a walking vacation, a horse or camel safari, a fishing or bird watching vacation, or a blue sky and a clear river to swim in then why not explore the beautiful Chyulu Hills, the dramatic Rift Valley scenery of Laikipia or the remote Mathews Range of hills in Northern Kenya.

Kenya Safaris - Travel Tips

  • December to March and July to October offer the ideal safari conditions.
  • Why not combine a trip to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda with a Kenyan safari? 
  • The Indian Ocean resorts have powder white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees and are easily accessible from most safari destinations. Adding a few days at the start or at the end of a Kenyan safari completes a perfect vacation.
  • Family safaris are excellent in Kenya.

Kenya Safaris - A Personal View

Jo NetscherI worked for some time at Saruni Camp in the Masai Mara and still find it difficult to describe this region of Kenya without using the word "diverse." The landscape, the wildlife, and the Kenyan people all contribute to making a visit to this beautiful African country so unique.

Sometimes game viewing on safari can be a nail-biting experience, the plains of the Mara often take you by surprise. The wild and remote northern hills beg to be photographed because of their sheer beauty. The sand dunes of Lamu invite you to just amble around aimlessly.  But the thing that makes Kenya so memorable and unique as a safari destination is her people.

Outside of the major cities, Kenyans still lead a very tribal life and they are passionate about their heritage. They will explain to you in detail their lifestyle and the history of their tribe in a very modest and fascinating manner. This cultural aspect of the country, combined with superb game viewing, is what makes a Kenyan safari such an unforgettable African experience.

Jo Netscher - One of Aardvark Safaris' Kenya safari specialists

Kenya Safaris - Ideas You Might Not Have Thought About

 

Kenya - Walking with camels   Karisia – Walking Safaris with a local Samburu Guide -
Explore areas with no car tracks and immerse yourself in the natural, ever-changing habitat without disturbing the wildlife; venture into the bush with your guide. Camels are used as beasts of burden and will effortlessly carry an entire luxury camp, offer you a ride or provide a good vantage point for a photograph.

 

     
Kenya - Star Beds Loisaba   Star Beds – Loisaba, Sleeping Under the Stars -
Imagine an inky black sky filled with stars: this is your ceiling in "The World’s Biggest Bedroom.” Snuggle up in a uniquely designed bed on wheels - a “mukokoteni,” positioned dramatically on a stilted wooden platform above the ground, you can be sure of an unforgettable night.
     
Turtle Hatchlings from Peponi - Photo by Aardvark client Jackie Boarer   Turtles – Lamu, Watch and Help Hatchlings -
The white sand beaches on the exotic island of Lamu are the preferred nesting sites for hundreds of turtles. Visitors can adopt a nest or perhaps even help hatchlings into the sea during July and August. The owner of the Peponi Hotel, Carol Korschen, has been running a turtle conservation project here since 1992 and is always delighted to show visitors around.
     
Kenya - Masai Village - Photo by Jo Netscher   An Excursion from your Camp to Visit a Local Village -
Most of your safari camp staff probably live in a local village. They will accompany you to visit the village, proudly revealing the lifestyle and history of their own tribe and introducing you to the culture and community of the Masai people whose land you are visiting.
     
Kenya - Ol Donyo Wuas riding   The Chyulu Hills -
Explore on Horseback. Starting from Ol Donyo Wuas, enjoy long canters across open plains and the beautiful Chyulu Hills, with Mount Kilamanjaro on the horizon and the endless Kenyan sky above.