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.
Supporting the second highest density of wildlife in Kenya, the vast 9,500 square kilometres Laikipia plateau stretches from the slopes of Mount Kenya in the south east to the edge of the Great Rift Valley in the west.
Ranging from dry savannah and open woodlands to dramatic canyons and low forested valleys, the Laikipia plateau is made up of a collection of extensive community owned ranches, private farms and wildlife conservancies working in unison on some of Kenya’s most effective conservation projects.
One of Kenya’s most exciting wilderness areas, Laikipia showcases the positive impact of community engagement on tourism and conservation as well as the benefit to local communities. From the ground-breaking partnership between Maasai and Samburu communities, private investors and conservation organisations on the 40,000 acre Ol Lentille Conservancy balancing tourism and economic development with ambitious conservation and community development programs to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy wildlife protection units at the forefront of protecting numerous species from extinction throughout Laikipia and the Grevy’s Zebra conservation work on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
We are strong believers that each visitor to Kenya should experience the remarkable work being carried out in the Laikipia region, not only to enjoy the beauty and wildlife but to ensure that each visitor knows that everyone can make a difference and ensure the conservation of the wilderness, wildlife and communities that call it home.
Situated in southwest Kenya, the Mara North Conservancy is a beautiful private wilderness area spanning more than 30 000 hectares. It is home to a spectacular array of plants, reptiles, birds and mammals; including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and large concentrations of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and other migratory wildlife.
Leopard Gorge, in the heart of the conservancy, is famous as the setting of countless BBC Big Cat Diaries and National Geographic documentaries. Neighbouring the well-known Maasai Mara National Reserve, this conservancy is vital for sustaining the famous Serengeti wildebeest migrations as well as the highly threatened African wild dog and black rhino.
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.
