Kenya
Why Kenya? The Big Five. Big Cats. Masai Mara. The Great Migration. Tribes & culture.
Why a Kenya Safari?
Masai Mara - Big Cats (BBC filmed Big Cat Diaries here) & The Great Migration (of National Geographic fame).
Amboseli - Elephants, hippos, & spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Lake Nakuru - Endangered rhinos, flamingos & "Out of Africa" Great Rift Valley.
The Remote North - From camel treks to nomadic tribes & unique, endemic wildlife in Samburu, Meru & Laikipia.
Lamu - Relaxed Swahili Coastal culture, from Sultans to donkeys!
South Coast -Tropical coast, beautiful beaches, snorkelling & scuba diving.
Highlights: The Migration & Africa's Big 5: Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard.
Is this for me? For the first time safari-goer who wants Kenya's famous highlights.
Day | Location | |||||
1 | Nairobi | |||||
2 | Lake Naivasha & Lake Elementaita |
|||||
3 | Lake Nakuru | |||||
4 | Masai Mara | |||||
5 | Masai Mara | |||||
6 | Masai Mara | |||||
7 | Masai Mara | |||||
Safari Highlights | ||||||
Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita & Lake Nakuru: Great Rift Valley lakes, boat safari. Endangered rhinos, flamingos & 'Out of Africa' viewpoint. |
||||||
Day | Activities & Highlights | |||
1 | Transfer airport to hotel. Relax & prepare for the coming days of adventure. | |||
2 | This morning visit the Giraffe Centre, and the Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage, which rescues orphaned elephants and rears them to re-release back into the wild. Drive down into the Great Rift Valley, and enjoy the stunning views. Continue to Lake Naivasha, where you can enjoy a boat safari to see bird life, and also hippos. In the afternoon drive onwards to Lake Elmentaita (a.k.a. Elementaita), one of the famous Great Rift Valley Lakes. Enjoy a lakeshore walk this afternoon, if time allows. (B L D) |
|||
3 | Today you have a full day visit to Lake Nakuru National Park. Here you have the best chance of seeing critically endangered rhino & even an elusive leopard if you are lucky. Thousands of pink Flamingos usually feed along Lake Nakuru's shore. | |||
4 | Drive to the Masai Mara today. Afternoon relax at your Lodge or Camp & enjoy views over the Park, or go for a late afternoon Game Drive. Watch the spectacular sunset over Africa's Wild Plains. (B L D) | |||
5 | Big Cats are one of the star attractions of the Masai Mara. Game drive in search of lion prides, cheetahs & leopards made famous by BBC 'Big Cat Diaries' & Disney's 'African Cats'. (B L D) | |||
6 | Game drives to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in season. You may even see the Wildebeest river crossings, where crocodiles enjoy a feeding frenzy - made famous by National Geographic documentaries. (B L D) | |||
7 | Drive back to Nairobi (option available to fly). Transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home. Option for extension to Zanzibar, Lamu, or another safari destination. (B) |
|||
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $8,798 to $15,000+
Highlights: Big Cats, Elephants, Rhinos. The Great Migration. Diverse scenery.
Is this for me? For the safari connoisseur who wants a range of experiences.
Day | Location | |||||
1 | Nairobi | |||||
2 | Amboseli | |||||
3 | Amboseli | |||||
4 | Laikipia/ Samburu | |||||
5 | Laikipia/ Samburu | |||||
6 | Laikipia/ Samburu | |||||
7 | Masai Mara | |||||
8 | Masai Mara | |||||
9 | Masai Mara | |||||
10 | Masai Mara | |||||
Safari Highlights | ||||||
Amboseli: Large elephant herds & spectacular views of Kilimanjaro (weather-permitting!). Laikipia/ Samburu: Rhinos, unique northern species: Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx. Stunning landscapes. Masai Mara: Abundant, easily seen wildlife on the Plains. Black rhinos. Big Cats: lion, leopard, cheetah. Famous Wildebeest Migration & River crossings (July - October). |
||||||
Day | Activities & Highlights | |||
1 | Transfer airport to hotel. Relax & prepare for your coming days of adventure. | |||
2 | FLY to Amboseli National Park. Game Drive to see elephant herds, buffalos & hippos feeding in the swamps. Amboseli's elephants have been made famous the world over by Conservationist Cynthia Moss. For a donation, you can visit the Amboseli Trust for Elephants' camp & meet the conservationists. (B L D) |
|||
3 | Another day to game drive & explore Amboseli. Enjoy stunning views of Mt Kilimanjaro - "The Roof of Africa" (weather permitting!). (B L D) | |||
4 | For Laikipia: FLY to Nanyuki & drive to your Private Conservancy, where you can enjoy a range of activities during your stay. For Samburu: FLY to Samburu airstrip. Enjoy game drives in this beautiful, remote, arid northern park. This region was made famous by George & Joy Adamson of 'Born Free' fame. |
|||
5 | Laikipia activities: game driving, nature walks, cultural interactions, and even horse riding & camel treks in certain conservancies. Samburu activities: game drives to see the unique wildlife & enjoy the stunning scenery. Options for walking from some camps. (B L D) |
|||
6 | Another day to enjoy wildlife viewing, other activities, or simply relax at your lodge or camp in either Laikipia or Samburu. (B L D) | |||
7 | FLY to Masai Mara. Afternoon game drive. Watch the spectacular sunset over Africa's Wild Plains. (B L D) |
|||
8 | Big Cats are one of the star attractions of the Masai Mara. Game drive in search of lion prides, cheetahs & leopards made famous by BBC 'Big Cat Diaries' & Disney's 'African Cats'. (B L D) | |||
9 | Game drives to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in season. You may even see the Wildebeest river crossings, where crocodiles enjoy a feeding frenzy - made famous by National Geographic documentaries. (B L D) | |||
10 | FLY to Nairobi, where you can relax in your day room. Later transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home. (B) | |||
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $10,875 to $17,000+
Want even more?
Explore different parks or regions, focus on particular species, relax by the beach, go scuba diving, discover local culture... it's your choice.Below are some ideas. Contact us for specific recommendations just for you.
Lamu Island - min 2 nights Want to head to the coast, & also see some culture? Discover World Heritage listed Lamu Old Town, the oldest & best preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. From coral stone & mangrove timber buildings to donkeys in the narrow streets, there's something interesting around every corner. Sailing on a traditional wooden dhow is a recommended experience for first timers. Nearby Manda Island offers tropical sandy beaches to relax & get away from it all. Incl. flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfast. From US$ 995 pp for 2 nights. |
|
South Coast - min 2 nights Just want to relax & chill out on the beach or by the pool? Head to Kenya's South Coast for laid-back tropical beaches - Funzi Keys, Kinondo Kwetu, Diani, Shimoni. Do nothing at all - or go snorkelling or scuba diving in Diani Chale & Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserves. Incl. flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfast. From US$ 950 pp for 2 nights. |
|
Zanzibar - min 2 nights Want to visit famous Zanzibar Island, off the Tanzanian coast? From white sand beaches on the north & east coasts, to World Heritage listed Stone Town & Red Colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest. Zanzibar is a large island, taking 2 hours to drive north to south, and an hour across. So, we recommend staying in the area that interests you most. There is an ever increasing range of accommodation options on this resort island. Incl. flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfast. From US$ 995 pp for 2 nights. |
|
|
|
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The short answer: It depends....
The long answer: The world's best wildlife destinations are often expensive because of strict government controls, high park fees & complex logistics. Amongst other things, it also depends on accommodation quality, location & exclusivity; what type of vehicles are used; whether you're flying around a lot; and how many days you spend in-country.
Whatever your budget, we will recommend the best possible adventure to suit you.
|
|
Prices based on 2 people travelling, sharing a room.
Choose your own Private Safari or a Small Group - contact us for your tailor-made adventure!
No hidden costs - Guaranteed!
We include everything possible to make your adventure as easy as possible.
Accommodation & responsible travel
We are strongly committed to the principles of responsible travel, and therefore recommend accommodations that are trying to do the right thing - by the environment, their staff & local communities, and their guests! Environmental initiatives include using renewable energy such as solar power, using low-impact structures, reducing waste, and recycling wherever possible. They support their local communities by providing employment as well as educational, medical, and other support; some even include profit-share arrangements. Many have, or support, anti-poaching units to de-snare and protect the wilderness areas within which they operate.
Great, so what's the difference between a luxury vacation and an even more luxurious or exclusive one?
Luxury | More Luxury & Exclusivity | ||
High quality lodges &/or tented camps, which tend to be on the larger side. Food is of a good standard, often presented as a self-serve buffet. Driving safaris may be in private minivans. |
Small & intimate lodges &/or camps, often on a house drinks & extra activity inclusive basis. Usually in the best locations for wildlife viewing. High standards of Guiding, food & service. Driving safaris will be in private 4x4 vehicles. |
||
Accommodation featured: | Accommodation featured: | ||
Porini Selenkay Adventure Camp Satao Elerai Camp Ziwa Bush Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lakira Camp, Lake Nakuru Porini Ol Kinyei Adventure Camp Mara Ngenche Camp Mara Entim Camp Governor's Camp
|
Amboseli Porini Camp Ol Donyo Lodge Sosian Ranch, Laikipia Ekorian's Mugie Camp El Karama Eco-lodge Sasaab Lodge Mara Plains Camp |
||
We clearly explain what's included & what's not:
Inclusions: All your accommodation, most meals, wildlife viewing activities in quality safari vehicle with qualified Driver/Guide, all internal flights, all airport transfers, all park & conservation fees.
All government taxes, fuel surcharges, Park & Conservancy entrance fees are included and correct as at date of quote. However they are subject to government & local authority imposed changes, often without notice (!) and therefore beyond our control. We will always endeavour to minimise their impact and inform you if a supplement is required.
Exclusions: International airfares to & from your chosen destination. Visa fees, personal & travel insurance, excursions not specified, drinks unless specified, laundry, telephone or internet costs, gratuities, and all other personal expenses. Some airports now charge safety fees, which are payable directly at each airport upon departure. Check your Kenya Visa requirements here:
http://www.immigration.go.ke/Information.html
Additional things to consider: Busy times of the year normally have a supplement added by the accommodation providers - Easter, Xmas & New Year holidays. These will be included in our costs - so no surprises when you get there!
Q: When is the best time to go to Kenya?
A: It depends on what you want to see & experience.
It may sound like a cliché to say that there is no bad time to go, however, it really is true - we know, we're there at all times of the year! There is always something happening; animals don't disappear because it's raining, although they do disperse into different areas, and they do often give birth in specific locations to take advantage of the new grazing.
So if you're constrained to travelling at a particular time, don't worry: we'll recommend the best places & parks - and the best locations within the the parks - to visit at that time of year.
If you have specific interests - such as seeing The Great Migration in Kenya/ Tanzania or the Okavango Delta in Botswana in flood - then you do need to travel at the right time of year, AND to the right area.
Guide to the safari seasons & the best time to go to Kenya
January - March Short dry season with rain showers towards the end of the period. Many young babies around. High predator densities. Great time for birding, with Eurasian migratory bird species present. |
|
April - May Classified as the long rains. However, this is not monsoonal - the typical pattern is: periods of clear skies & mixed cloud, with an afternoon shower. An excellent time for photography as the air is crisp & clear. More babies, both predator & prey species. Lush, green vegetation & beautiful wildflowers. |
|
June Start of the cooler, dry season. Wildlife begins to migrate closer to water sources, making for easier wildlife spotting. Wildebeest in Tanzania's Serengeti start to head north towards Kenya's Masai Mara. |
|
July - October Dry season, starting off cool, but warming up again towards the end of the period. Animals concentrate further around water sources. Peak viewing time for the famous Great Migration in the Masai Mara. Chance to see wildebeest river crossings in the Masai Mara. |
|
November - December Short rains, bringing relief after the dry season. November marks the start of the Eurasian bird migration into East Africa. |
Whatever time of year you choose to travel, rest assured that when you choose to travel with us, we will advise you of the best safari locations, safari seasons and safari dates for your particular interests.