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.
Founded in 1899 as a rail depot for the Uganda Railway, Nairobi has grown to become one of the most prominent, thriving capital cities on the continent.
The world’s only capital city with a national park, Nairobi is a vibrant combination of modern life, African culture and nature. Skyscrapers, banks, malls, international hotels and businesses are prominent throughout Nairobi. Close to Nairobi National Park, the suburbs of Langata and Karen have maintained the traditional Nairobi charm with tall mature trees and vast gardens.
The original safari capital of Africa, Nairobi offers world class accommodation from intimate boutique hotels in tranquil gardens to 5 star luxury international hotel chains. Whether you are looking to explore the original home of Karen Blixen, feed giraffe by hand, adopt an orphaned baby elephant, taste ‘Nyama Choma’ or pick up artisan pieces at a local market, Nairobi never sleeps and there’s an adventure opportunity around every corner.
Bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve to the southwest, the Olare Orok Conservancy to the west and the Ol Kinyei Conservancy to the east, the Mara Naboisho Conservancy is comprised of over 50 000 hectares of unspoilt wilderness in Kenya’s Greater Mara Region.
The area is renowned for its bountiful biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty with a wide range of wildlife on offer including lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, wild dog, and a host of plains game. Visitors can look forward to guided walking safaris, spending the night in a transient fly camp, heading out on a night game drive in search of elusive nocturnal creatures, joining the Mara Naboisho Lion Project as they track lions across the conservancy, or visiting Maasai villages to learn about this fascinating indigenous culture.
Located north of Mombasa, the small coastal village of Watamu is renowned for the Watamu Marine National Park. The park boasts three sparkling bays, white-sand beaches and an underwater coral wonderland offering one of the best snorkelling and diving experiences on the East African coast.
This charming village is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty; fringed by lush tropical rainforests and mangroves. Visitors flock here to spend lazy days on the beautiful Watamu and Turtle Bay beaches, explore the Gede Ruins, and fish in the mangrove-edged waterways of Mida Creek. Don't the miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve to spot monkeys, elephants and a variety of rare bird species.
