Safari means journey in Kiswahili, the language of East Africa, and Kenya is the home of safari. Its varied ecosystems and landscapes mean that the biodiversity here is higher than any other country in Africa. It has been the natural home of celebrity safaris, big game hunters and royalty since the 18th century and remains the most spectacular safari destination with unparalleled wildlife viewing.
A complete safari includes at least three of the main ecosystems: the semiarid dramatic landscapes of the north, the tropical woodlands of the Rift Valley and the lush savannahs of the Masai Mara. We recommend booking three nights in each area in order to give your guests the best possible safari.
Kenya has a culture borne of countless sources. From the prehistoric records of early man to the present day, Kenya has been a land of unending change, contrasts, and diversity. The country has at least 40 different ethnic African groups (including the Kikuyu, Luhya, Kalenjin tribes, Luo, Kamba, Kisii, Meru and Embu, Mijikenda, Swahili, Turkana and Masai) who speak a variety of indigenous languages. Waves of migration over the centuries from the north and south of the continent have led to Kenya becoming one of the most diverse African countries culturally and linguistically.
Kenya has a well-established system of guide training and certification. It is important that a safari is guided by competent and experienced guides as it is through their eyes that guests will interpret the wilderness around them! Many of the properties, have in house guides, usually from the local area, that know their part of the wilderness and its inhabitants.
Kenya offers many superb private conservancies and unique boutique safari camps and lodges. Some areas suit low-key tented camps and others large open airy rooms with stunning views.
The Borana Conservancy is a non-profit conservation organisation dedicated to the sustainable conservation of critical habitats and wildlife. The conservancy's mission is to provide a sustainable ecosystem for critically endangered species on the brink of extinction such as the Patas monkey, Jackson’s hartebeest, reticulated giraffe, greater kudu, African wild dog, elephant, rhinoceros and more. Borana has a dedicated team of over a hundred men, who are deployed day and night to protect the wildlife from commercial poaching. Visitors to the area can enjoy riding safaris, game drives, guided walks, mountain biking, helicopter trips, conservation activities, as well as buggies and quad bike safaris.
The vast open grasslands of the Masai Mara are famous throughout the world as the host of the annual migration, when 1.3 million wildebeest and zebra cross from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara in search of greener pastures from June to October.
With high densities of both resident and transient populations of game including lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, rhino, giraffe, hyena and over 450 species of bird, the Masai Mara provides unrivaled game viewing throughout the year.
The 1510 square kilometres Masai Mara National Reserve bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is surrounded by approximately a dozen conservation areas. These conservancies have been established as partnerships between the private sector and local Maasai pastoralist landowners to ensure the conservation of the Great Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and the protection of the wildlife within it.
Cheli & Peacock Safaris were fundamental in founding the 70,000 acre Mara North Conservancy (MNC), one of the largest community and private sector owned conservancies in the world. Regarded as one of Kenya’s most successful conservation models, MNC is an exclusive safari destination in a prime wildlife area, open only to the guests of the 12 member camps within it.
The palm fringed white sandy beaches of Kenya’s picturesque coastline with exotic coral reefs, secluded islands, sacred forests, unspoilt bays and breathtaking white sand beaches provide an idyllic tropical paradise and perfect destination for an exclusive beach holiday.
Whether you are looking to stand-up paddle board on the crystal clear warm waters of the Indian Ocean watching dolphins swim beneath you or scuba dive on a colourful coral reef; the Kenyan coast is an unparalleled holiday destination for families or couples, groups or single travellers, young or old.
The East African coast has a shallow shelf stretching out to a coral reef. At low tide the coral rock pools provide a view in to fascinating marine life: crabs, shells, eels, starfish, sea urchins and fish nursery pools. At high tide, the warm sheltered waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
