Upon the mention of Kenya’s name, the first thing that comes to the mind of many is a classic image of a wildlife safari in Africa. Befittingly, its open savannahs and rolling hills are chock-full of all the African animals travelers yearn to see. This includes high concentrations of the Big Five, an all-time favorite for many. So much the better, its stunning tropical coastline of Mombasa, Diani, Watamu really do feature brilliant white sands backed by coconut palms. Whether you want to relax on a white sandy slice of paradise or just want to take a breather as you enjoy colorful reefs and fish of the azure and inviting Indian Ocean, you will be spoilt for choice.
There are lots of reasons why we love Kenya. On top of the list is the dramatically diverse range of natural habitats as well as ever-changing scenery that is a feast for the senses. It is hard to get enough of the rolling plains roamed by impressive herds of wildlife, high moors of Kikuyu fields, mountain forests stocked with a variety of birds, and stony parched deserts that dominate its north.
The greatest draw-card is an endearing collection of game reserves and national parks, the Masai Mara standing out as the most visited. Even those that don’t feature on normal itineraries because they are distant are worthwhile for their geologically interesting landscapes or even marine life.
The historical and cultural makeup of this East African country is worth a special mention too. There are lots of settings where it is still as authentic as it used to be. The majestic Maasai and Samburu tribes grace the plains donning on in their trademark red and purple robes. Dhows still ply the Swahili coast, and guess what; you can still enjoy a gin and tonic in some Nairobi bars.
Indeed, there is usually a presence of so many other tourists in the parks, but there are also lots of tranquil and harmonious places to escape to. What’s more, there are lots of excellent accommodation facilities to choose from, and there’s a lot to see and do. You will love your holiday here!
Maasai People and Culture
If you are on the lookout for deeper and more meaningful travel experiences, you can’t go wrong with our cultural tour in Kenya, as focused on the Maasai people, one of the most culturally distinctive tribes in the country.
The tour prioritizes learning about and appreciating the different ways of life of the local community—as you are accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Established as fierce warriors, the Maasai have energetic cultural dances, vibrant clothing, and distinctive crafted handiwork. In the past, they were nomadic pastoralists who used to migrate a lot in search of fresh pastures and water for their cattle. However, with the change of times, most have settled down and modernized in some ways. Some have even built permanent huts or bomas. However, they still abide by many aspects of their traditional culture. Cattle are still an essential of their life and so much of what they do revolves around it; the choreography of their dances, their food, their rituals… You can have a glimpse of all this in our 1-3 cultural tour or even have a fascinating cultural experience of this well-kept ancient way of life.
Forget about those passive experiences where one just sits back and watch things being done for them. Here, you will join in the fun and participate in the activities that allow you to get close to these custodians of the landscape.
Among the destinations on your itinerary is the homeland of the Maasai tribe in Kenya, Ngong Hills where you will form meaningful relationships and witness daily rituals. You will also develop new skills including making jewelry and yes, you will take home your creation. During your stay at the Maasai-run camps, you will tap into their deep understanding of wildlife and surrounding landscapes.
This will be followed with a visit to Loita Forest where you will indulge in their local way of life as you learn survival skills and local customs from elders of the tribe. You will feast on some preparation of critical to local communities and later feast on them, eggs of ostriches, and the meat of crocodiles and camels, both of which you will roast on an open charcoal pit. You will also make a local brew and drink your fill. The tour also entails visiting the Bomas of Kenya heritage village where you will discover the well-kept secrets of Kenya’s 42 ethnic groups, starting with the Maasai. When everything is done, you will shop for handmade arts and crafts at Maasai Markets, most of which are made by Maasai women.
Kenya National Parks
Guide to Kenya Safaris
Highlight
Regardless of whether you are an experienced safari-goer or someone booking a first-time safari, you can’t go wrong with Kenya. It is a world-class wildlife destination. Among the places you can’t miss during your visit here is the peerless Masai Mara National Reserve. Beyond offering exceptional big cat encounters, it is the setting for the annual wildebeest migration. Kenya is complete with Palm-lined beaches where you can relax and unwind after a thrilling safari.
Wildlife
Kenya surpasses expectations when it comes to offering excellent wildlife viewing. Your chances of encountering lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos on a standard safari are very high. While the biggest densities of big cats can be seen at Masai Mara National Reserve, the best place for encountering white rhinos is Lake Nakuru National Park. On the other hand, impressive populations of flamingos can best be seen in the shallow waters of the Rift Valley lakes, especially Lake Bogoria.
If you have a keen interest in chancing on dry-country species such as the odd-looking generuk, Samburu National Reserve, and Meru National Park as located in the north of the country deserve a top spot on your bucket list. On the other hand, Tsavo East and West National Parks are unique for offering remarkable sightings of the rare fringe-eared oryx.
The most common animals across most of the country’s conservation areas are the variants of Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffes.
Birds
Kenya prides itself on being one of the few countries in the world with over 1,100 recorded bird species. The only African country with more than this variety is the much larger Democratic Republic of Congo, unfortunately, is difficult to access due to unending wars and poor infrastructure. Any birding trip around the region offers fruitful sightings of a fair number of endemic and near-endemic species. The best time to see most migratory species such as the European and northern African migrants is November-April.
Best time to visit
If wildlife viewing is your primary interest in visiting Kenya, the best time to visit Kenya is the Dry season from June to October. During this season, especially from September to mid-October, the yearly wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara National Reserve. Thereafter, they start making a U-turn back to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
Accessibility
Kenya has two main airports. These are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located in its city, Nairobi (with a few minutes drive from Jomo is Wilson Airport, the base for most domestic flights). The other International Airport is Moi (MBA), located in the cosmopolitan coastal town of Mombasa. Besides offering flights to and from Zanzibar, it is also used for scheduled domestic flights and charter flights.
Both airports are bases for flights between reserves. You can also connect to these conservation areas by road considering the infrastructure is reliable.
Regardless of which mode you opt for travel, Gonja Safaris can arrange your pick-up at the airport and all further transportation as part of your safari or holiday package.
Safari Lodges and Camps
As expected of classic safari destinations, Kenya has a wealth of safari lodges and camps for every kind of traveler. It doesn’t matter whether you want luxury safari lodges offering the last word in comfort and style or price-friendly camps that are as eco-friendly as they should be, there is something special for you.
One thing that our partner lodges share in common is that they provide excellent wildlife viewing. Most importantly, they are within proximity of the starting points of most activities. Whether you want to head out for a picnic, or a walking safari that offers a chance to learn about birds and botany or mix and mingle with the local community, you are covered. Your day will be crowned with a delightful dinner treat around the fire.
In some, you will find rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer refreshing views of the surroundings, in others; you will find infinity pools where you can cool off after a long day’s adventure.
Luxury Kenya Safaris
Kenya is a worthwhile luxury safari destination. Having been the place where safari was born in the early 20th century, it is East Africa’s thought leader when it comes to mounting a wildlife-focused expedition in comfort. The country’s highly competitive safari market has accelerated the growth of all elements needed in creating a tour of a lifetime. This includes magnificent wildlife from Big Five to big cats and anything in between. Compared to other countries in the region, it is a busier safari destination, but this doesn’t mean all its corners are crowded. There is an air of exclusiveness in its private conservancies and yes, this includes those around the Masai Mara. This has translated into unrivalled choices when it comes to organizing your long-dreamed-of luxury trip into this award-winning destination.
Budget Kenya Safaris
Not so many countries are as suited to the budget safari as Kenya is. The tourism industry offers lots of budget safaris that allow travelers to maximize ideal expedition conditions. There is an abundance of budget accommodation facilities and inexpensive transport options, especially the pop-top safari minivans. As such, one doesn’t have to push their finances to the limit to be able to afford a decent visit to the country’s string of iconic national parks and reserves that provide the venues for excellent wildlife viewing. These include Lake Nakuru N/P, Masai Mara, Tsavo East & West, Amboseli N/P, as well as Samburu N/P among others.