Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this: an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breathtaking golden sand beaches; gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities; and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.
Situated along the Nairobi River in beautiful Kenya, the capital of Nairobi is East Africa's most cosmopolitan city. It serves as an excellent starting point for African safari trips around Kenya. Nairobi is Africa’s 4th largest city and is a vibrant and exciting place to be. There are some fascinating attractions: its cafe culture, unbridled nightlife, the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum and most notably, just 20 minutes from the city centre, wild lions and buffalo roam in the world’s only urban game reserve. Make sure you pay a visit to the elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for a once in a lifetime experience.
Encompassed by the golden grass and the flat-topped acacia trees of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, Mara Ripoi Conservancy features an abundant variety of wildlife - especially Maasai giraffes - for visitors to explore. Lions, cheetahs, elephants, herbivores and more roam freely from one wildlife area to the next. With only three small safari camps in residence at any given time, nature enthusiasts will have thousands of acres of conservation at their fingertips to enjoy in solitude. Local Maasai guides are available to share their extensive knowledge of what to see and do while visiting here.
As one of the sixteen conservancies that are part of the renowned Maasai Mara, the Ol Kinyei Conservancy is a pristine wilderness area characterised by open savannah plains, riverine forests, springs, rivers, and rolling hills. The conservancy is inhabited by a wide variety of animal species for which the Mara is famous including lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, and wild dog. The wildebeest migration also passes through Ol Kinyei when herds from the eastern plains of Loita join the migration to the Mara Reserve. An impressive array of bird species also inhabit the park, including grey crowned crane, lesser flamingo, and some exciting endemic species. Visitors can look forward to morning, evening, and late-night game drives guided walks with expert local Maasai guides and drinking sundowners at a number of scenic points within the conservancy.
Palm-fringed white-sand beaches, tropical weather, and teeming coral reefs welcome visitors at the captivating Kenyan Coast. The offshore reefs are remarkable, offering excellent snorkelling and diving in an underwater wonderland inhabited by brilliantly coloured fish, turtles, dolphins and dazzling coral gardens. Deep-sea fishing is also a popular activity here, with ample opportunities to enjoy the sport. The Marine National Park of Watamu and gorgeous Diani Beach are must-sees, along with a visit to the paradisiacal wonderland of the Lamu Archipelago, and the idyllic and vibrant port city of Mombasa. A rich Mijikenda and Swahili culture is still celebrated along the coast, and if you enquire about events you will probably be invited. History and architecture enthusiasts will enjoy seeing the impressive and well-preserved Fort Jesus and the glorious Lord Shiva Temple.
