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.
Resting at the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountain Range, in central Kenya's Laikipia County, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. It is also home to some of the last remaining northern white rhino in the world. Originally a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya and now a pioneering wildlife conservancy, Ol Pejeta works to protect wildlife and provide a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. The Conservancy is a popular safari destination and is home to the renowned ‘Big Five’ as well as a wide selection of other African animals including zebra, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, jackal, serval, hyena, vervet monkey, and many more. Visitors can look forward to an assortment of outdoor activities such as horse rides, game walks, and nocturnal game drives.
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.
Located at the northern end of Msambweni Bay in southeastern Kenya, Chale Island is famous for its stunning white beach fringed by coral reefs, a gorgeous tidal saltwater lake, and a lush mangrove forest known as a sacred kaya (sacred forest). The indigenous tropical flora provides the perfect habitat for birds and primates. Animals on the island include monkeys, baboons, bush babies, avifauna, small antelope, brightly-colored butterflies and many other creatures. Chale offers luxurious spas and relaxation centres, as well as ample opportunities for scuba diving, kayaking, and other watersports. From here, it is easy to visit Diani Beach, which offers more activities including safaris (to see elephants) and thrilling skydiving trips.
