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.
Located in Kenya's Coast Province, Tsavo West National Park stretches for over 9000 square kilometres and is one of Kenya’s most impressive parks. Tsavo West’s spectacular natural scenery includes volcanic cones, swamps, rocky outcrops and lava flows, mountains, river forests, plains, lakes, natural springs, and wooded grassland. The other-worldly, black, layering Shetani Lava Flows, named after the devil, spreads over the savannah. Other incredible natural attractions include the awe-inspiring Chaimu Crater; the Roaring Rocks, offering panoramic views; and the gorgeous Mzima Springs, the main source of water for the Tsavo River. Animal lovers will enjoy the chance to see highly endangered black rhinos at the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, and a list of other animals in the park including large herds of elephants, common waterbuck, eland, buffalo, gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx, impala, and Maasai giraffe.
Located in the southern reaches of Kenya, the Amboseli National Park is renowned for its excellent variety of wildlife such as Maasai giraffe, elephant, lion and cheetah and not surprisingly it is one of Kenya's most popular parks. The landscape of Amboseli is dominated by the majestic snowcap of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as open plains, acacia woodland, swamps and the massif of Ol Doinyo Orok. The birding is excellent, especially closer to the lakes and swamps. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to large herds of elephants among other wildlife species. Other attractions include opportunities to meet the Maasai people and soak up spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
One of Africa’s finest wildlife reserves, Solio Game Reserve, also called Solio Ranch, is a privately-owned wildlife conservancy. It rests in the southern fringes of Laikipia, near the foothills of the Aberdare range. Best known as Kenya's oldest rhino sanctuary, it is renowned for its major role in the breeding and protection of black rhinos in Kenya. This family-run, private 71-square-kilometre sanctuary is also home to an array of other African wildlife including white rhinos, gazelles, oryxes, giraffes, lions, hartebeests, hyenas and buffaloes. Visitors can soak up the incredible landscapes scattered with wild marsh and yellow-fever acacia meeting wide-open skies, stay overnight in the inviting Solio Lodge and spot wildlife on a dawn game drive. Other Solio activities include hiking, horse-riding and cycling near the airstrip and in safe areas.
Located in the beautiful Kenya Rift Valley basin, Naivasha is a compact market town northwest of Nairobi, best known as a stopping point for spellbinding Lake Naivasha. Aspiring wildlife photographers and nature lovers will marvel at Lake Naivasha and its abundance of wondrous wildlife. Here visitors can spot wallowing hippo pods, clouds of vibrant birdlife, zebra and various other game. The nearby Lake Oloiden and Oserian Wildlife Sanctuary are great spots for those passionate about wild wonders. Shopping in the bustling town ensures unique souvenirs for mementoes as well as restaurants offering delicious local dishes with every taste in mind. Accommodations ranging from lodges to bed and breakfasts provide great conveniences for travellers looking to explore the area.
The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises Africa for many, then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, herds of elephants, as well as giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve. Aside from horse riding safaris and traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential.
