KENYA

Open to the Serengeti Ecosystem to it’s south, The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s crown jewel of safari destinations, celebrated for its endless plains and abundant wildlife. It’s the stage for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the savannah roughly from July to October. Hot air balloon safaris at sunrise provide a breathtaking vantage of this natural wonder. Luxurious lodges and cultural experiences with the Maasai people make the Maasai Mara a harmonious blend of tradition and wilderness.

Nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is popular for a reason and is famed for its stunning views of this iconic freestanding mountain and its thriving elephant population, the focus of one of the world’s longest-running elephant studies with the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. The park’s arid beauty is punctuated by swamps teeming with wildlife and bird species, offering photographers and nature enthusiasts an extraordinary canvas.

Tsavo, divided into East and West Tsavo national Parks, forms Kenya’s largest protected area. Tsavo’s vastness shelters large elephant herds, dramatic landscapes, and features like the Mzima Springs – a crystal clear spring system flowing through volcanic rock, with underwater hide viewing stations where you can witness a diversity of fish, crocodiles and hippos from the depths of their under water world. This less-visited destination is perfect for those seeking solitude and raw wilderness.

Tucked between Tsavo and Amboseli, this South Eastern reserve offers a wilderness escape amid rolling volcanic hills and rugged terrain. Verdant green flourishes amongst ancient frozen black lava – a truly unique destination! Visitors can explore through game drives, horseback rides, or even mountain biking. Cultural interactions with Maasai communities add depth to the experience. Chyulu has an abundance of game including Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, eland, leopard, and Eastern Black Rhino and spectacular birdlife on it’s Eastern lake Jipe. 

Situated in the wild Northern Kenya, Samburu is a rugged and arid wilderness characterized by dry savannahs and the life-sustaining Ewaso Ng’iro River. Home to rare species like Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes, it’s also a haven for big cats and African wild dogs. Samburu’s cultural experiences, alongside its wildlife, make it an intriguing mix of adventure and Samburu culture and heritage. The Samburu are equally as flourished and colourful as the Maasai, yet their traditions remain rich and deeply unchanged. 

Laikipia offers private conservancies and ranches with a diverse range of habitats, from rolling grasslands of the Great Rift Valley to Mount Kenya’s foothills. Renowned for its conservation efforts, the region is home to endangered species such as Eastern Black Rhino, Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy’s Zebras. Laikipia has become synonymous with luxury lodges, most especially Arijiju, Sirikoi and Borana. Cycling, horseback safaris, and walking safaris provide intimate encounters with nature in this secluded wilderness.

Said to be the backdrop for Disney’s Lion King, and famed for its vast flocks of flamingos, Lake Nakuru dazzles with its pink hues and diverse wildlife drawn to this Rift Valley sodic Lake system. The park is also a sanctuary for Eastern Black Rhinos and offers picturesque landscapes ideal for photographers.

Kenya’s capital offers a unique blend of city life and wildlife encounters. Not simply a lay-over location before or after a safari, Nairobi has much to offer. Nairobi National Park, with its urban skyline backdrop, is home to lions, black rhinos, giraffes and plenty of plains game. Have breakfast with a giraffe peeping through the window at the iconic Giraffe Manor or support the incredible work of the world’s most successful Elephant Orphanage at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for an intimate and impactful conservation experience. 

The Indian Ocean coastline boasts powdery beaches, azure waters, and vibrant coral reefs. A deep-sea water fisherman’s paradise! Luxury resorts offer relaxation alongside adventure, from diving in marine parks to exploring the historic Swahili culture of Lamu, Malindi, Watamu and Mombasa.

Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa, is an ancient extinct volcano. It features 12 remnant glaciers, the beautiful Lake Alice—famed for fishing—and a richly diverse biosphere of flora and fauna, all leading up to Batian Peak at an elevation of 5,199 meters. With its rugged glacier-clad summits and forested middle slopes, Mount Kenya is one of the most impressive biospheres in East Africa. 

The scenery and ecological formations surrounding this designated World Heritage Site are breathtakingly beautiful. Helicopter around the highest peaks, land alongside one of the 20 glacier lakes for a spot of fishing, or be adventurous and trek from base to summit.