Kenya is one of the top safari destinations in Africa. With famous national parks like Masai Mara National Park and Amboseli National Park, Kenya is among the best countries to visit for a true African Safari. A Safari to Kenya is too rewarding! You can enjoy a wildlife safari mixed with a leisurely beach holiday along the Mombasa Beaches.
Kenya – the Home of African Safaris
The popular image of safari, especially in Europe and America, is inseparable from Kenya.The word Safari has its roots from Kenya! It is a Swahili word meaning a long journey! Earlier in the last century, gifted writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Karen Blixen brought to life the vivid images and uplifting life experience that constitutes a Kenyan safari. It is at this time that leading celebrities of the day such as Teddy Roosevelt and Prince Edward traveled to Kenya on safari. And so the safari gained a certain snob appeal. The famous went because it was expected of them. And those on the make because the safari was part of the certification they needed on the way up. If you want to take a peek into the mood and character of the players at that time, read Hemingway’s intriguing short story “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”.
Today a Kenya safari is accessible to many more people. Despite competition from other destinations, Kenya remains the heart of the African safari experience. The magnificence and diversity of the wildlife and landscape is unsurpassed. You are guaranteed to tick off the full roster of the big five – lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino and elephant. Other less well-known but essential and chartered members of the savannah ecosystem are also abundant. The landscape kaleidoscope rolls out the magnificent rift valley, the central highlands, the savannah grasslands, snow capped Mount Kenya and the desolate moonscape of the north. This is perhaps why the experts advise all those faithful lovers of wildlife and nature that at least once in their lifetime they must partake of a Kenyan safari.
Top National parks to Visit in Kenya
Kenya has over 50 national parks and game reserves protecting incredible wildlife. But as you already suspect, on the average safari you cannot hope to cover all of them on a single safari. Many travelers choose which national parks to visit basing on their interests – the animals you would like to see. The most popular and from which those with limited time and budget need to pick from are-
- Maasai Mara National Park
- Amboseli National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Aberdares National Park
- Samburu National Park
- Tsavo
Masai Mara National Park
Maasai Mara is the most popular of all Kenya’s national park. This is where you must go even when all the time you can spare is two nights. This is mostly where all those wildlife videos on Kenya are filmed. The Mara, as the Maasai Mara Game Reserve is commonly known, is part of the ecosystem that includes the equally famous Serengeti of Tanzania. Covering 320 square kilometers, it is nested in the southwestern corner of the country. The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe. On a two-night visit, I saw lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, nine kinds of antelopes and elephant. The birds are also in plenty –secretary birds, cranes, stork, vultures and ostriches.
It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. I refer to the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti in search of water and pasture. The timing of the phenomena is conditional on the rains and occurs between June and August. The reverse journey is usually taken in October. With or without the migration the Mara has abundant numbers of resident animals and you are sure to have a good wildlife viewing experience whatever time of the year you visit. If you have sufficient funds, consider taking a balloon trip over the reserve. This popular and thoroughly memorable ride usually commences before dawn and includes a champagne breakfast. The Mara is 5 hours from Nairobi by road and 45 minutes by light aircraft.
Top destinations in the off-the-beaten track category for either wildlife or back to nature activities are-
- Kakamega Forest,
- Marsabit,
- Meru,
- Mount Kenya
- Mount Elgon
- Shimba Hills.
When to Visit Kenya
Kenya can be visited all year round.
What Types of Safaris are Available in Kenya?
Kenya, nestled in the heart of East Africa, is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. It beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the African wilderness. At the heart of this allure are the myriad safari experiences that Kenya offers, each providing a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural splendor of this enchanting land.
From the iconic savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the rugged terrain of Amboseli, Kenya’s national parks and reserves teem with an abundance of wildlife, including the famed Big Five. Beyond classic game drives, visitors can choose from a variety of safari experiences tailored to their interests, whether it’s exploring on foot, soaring above the plains in a hot air balloon, or delving into the vibrant cultures of Kenya’s indigenous tribes.
In this exploration of the types of safaris available in Kenya, we will delve into the diverse array of experiences awaiting travellers, from the thrill of tracking lions on foot to the serenity of drifting silently over the savannah at dawn. Each safari experience offers its own unique perspective on Kenya’s natural and cultural treasures, inviting visitors to discover the magic of Africa’s most beloved safari destination.
Let’s delve into the various types of safaris in Kenya, exploring their unique features, highlights, and what sets them apart.
Classic Game Drives
Classic game drives are perhaps the most iconic safari experience in Kenya. Conducted in specially adapted vehicles, these safaris take visitors through the vast national parks and reserves, allowing them to witness the spectacular wildlife in their natural habitat. Kenya is home to some of the most renowned wildlife reserves in Africa, including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Samburu. Each offers its own distinct landscape and wildlife population, ensuring a diverse and memorable safari experience.
In the Maasai Mara, visitors have the chance to witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores traverse the Mara River in search of greener pastures. Amboseli National Park, on the other hand, is famed for its large herds of elephants and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Whether tracking the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) or marveling at the intricate social dynamics of a pride of lions, classic game drives offer an unparalleled opportunity to observe Africa’s wildlife up close.
Walking Safaris
For those seeking a more intimate and immersive safari experience, walking safaris provide a unique opportunity to explore Kenya’s wilderness on foot. Led by experienced guides and accompanied by armed rangers, walking safaris offer a deeper connection with nature and a chance to appreciate the smaller details often missed from a vehicle. Traversing diverse landscapes, from open grasslands to dense forests, walkers have the opportunity to track wildlife signs, learn about medicinal plants, and observe the intricate ecosystems that support Kenya’s biodiversity.
Walking safaris are often conducted in private conservancies and community-owned wildlife areas, where the emphasis is on sustainability and conservation. Laikipia, Lewa Conservancy, and the Mara Naboisho Conservancy are popular destinations for walking safaris, offering a chance to explore off-the-beaten-path terrain while contributing to local conservation efforts.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
For a truly unforgettable safari experience, hot air balloon safaris offer a bird’s-eye view of Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Drifting silently over the savannah as the sun rises, passengers can witness the beauty of the African bush from a unique perspective. From the expansive plains of the Maasai Mara to the rugged terrain of the Laikipia Plateau, hot air balloon safaris provide a panoramic vista of Kenya’s diverse ecosystems.
One of the highlights of a hot air balloon safari is the opportunity to witness wildlife from above, without disturbing their natural behaviour. From herds of elephants grazing peacefully to lions on the prowl, the aerial perspective offers a new dimension to the safari experience. Many operators also include a champagne breakfast upon landing, adding a touch of luxury to this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Cultural Safaris
Kenya’s rich cultural heritage is as diverse as its wildlife, and cultural safaris offer a unique opportunity to interact with local communities and learn about their traditions and way of life. From the colorful beadwork of the Maasai to the rhythmic dances of the Samburu, Kenya’s indigenous tribes have a rich cultural tapestry that is integral to the country’s identity.
Cultural safaris often include visits to traditional villages, where visitors can engage in activities such as beadwork, spear throwing, and traditional dancing. Homestays with local families provide a deeper insight into daily life, allowing visitors to participate in cooking, farming, and other traditional activities. By engaging with local communities, cultural safaris promote cultural exchange and contribute to sustainable tourism development.
Photographic Safaris
Kenya’s stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Photographic safaris cater specifically to those looking to capture the beauty of Kenya’s natural world through their lens. Led by experienced wildlife photographers or guides with intimate knowledge of the best photography spots, these safaris provide ample opportunities to capture iconic images of Africa’s wildlife.
Many lodges and camps offer specialized photographic vehicles equipped with camera mounts, bean bags, and charging stations, ensuring photographers have the best possible vantage points for capturing that perfect shot. From golden sunrises over the savannah to dramatic predator-prey interactions, Kenya’s photographic safaris offer endless opportunities for creative expression and photographic exploration.
Horseback Safaris
For a truly exhilarating safari experience, horseback safaris offer a unique way to explore Kenya’s wilderness. Riding through open grasslands and acacia forests, participants can get closer to wildlife than ever before, experiencing the thrill of encountering animals from the back of a horse. Horseback safaris cater to riders of all levels, with experienced guides leading the way and ensuring safety at all times.
The Borana Conservancy and the Chyulu Hills are popular destinations for horseback safaris, offering expansive landscapes and diverse wildlife encounters. Whether cantering alongside a herd of giraffes or galloping across the plains with wildebeest, horseback safaris provide an unforgettable blend of adventure and adrenaline.
Birdwatching Safaris
Kenya boasts an incredible diversity of birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. From the flamingos of Lake Nakuru to the endemic species of the Aberdare Mountains, birdwatching safaris offer a chance to spot some of Africa’s most sought-after avian species. Kenya is home to over 1,000 bird species, including raptors, waterfowl, and colorful songbirds, making it a must-visit destination for birding enthusiasts.
Many national parks and reserves in Kenya offer excellent birdwatching opportunities, with knowledgeable guides providing insights into the behavior and habitats of different bird species. The Kakamega Forest, in particular, is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 species recorded within its pristine confines. Whether cruising on a boat safari along Lake Naivasha or exploring the montane forests of Mount Kenya, birdwatching safaris in Kenya offer endless opportunities for avian exploration and discovery.
In conclusion, Kenya offers a wide array of safari experiences, each catering to different interests and preferences. Whether embarking on a classic game drive, exploring on foot, or soaring above the savannah in a hot air balloon, visitors are sure to be captivated by Kenya’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to conservation, Kenya remains a premier destination for unforgettable safari adventures.