The holiday was Superb - it was my grandson’s first trip to Africa and he absolutely loved it. Our guide was a wonderful, careful driver and the Landcruiser was in impeccable condition. He is a naturalist so of course explained a lot about wildlife but also politics, history and culture. He was an experienced, knowledgeable guide and driver and we felt totally comfortable and safe with him. He found every animal, bird etc we were wanting to see - even a leopard on the hunt. Most viewings, except the wildebeest migration and lions had very few or no other vehicles, which was a joy. The national parks we visited (Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara) were incredible, giving us excellent sightings of the Big Five, a cheetah mother teaching her 4 youngsters to hunt Thompson’s Gazelle, giraffe fighting, a Serval Cat with a rodent which it was taking to feed its young, and the wildebeest migration crossing the Sand River. All this and many, many other excellent viewings. This trip could not have been better and gave my grandson the perfect introduction to safaris. Although only 11 years old he is hooked.
S.B., Oxfordshire, July 24
Location Highlights
- Maasai Mara National Reserve – Africa’s most famous game reserve. Always wonderful, and at its best from July to October when it plays host to 1.2 million Blue Wildebeest!
- Samburu National Reserve – a spectacular land of rugged outcrops and Doum Palms. Kenya’s most scenic reserve hosts Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra and Beisa Oryx
- Mount Kenya – the beautiful montane forest is home to a wealth of rare mammals and birds
- Tsavo West National Park – part of Kenya’s largest conservation area, known for its ‘Red Elephants’, ancient lava flows, volcanic hills and natural springs
- Lake Nakuru – famous for woodland and wetland birds and mammals, including both Black and White Rhinos
- Lake Naivasha – a tranquil lakeside environment perfect for birding
- Amboseli National Park – Elephants and Masai Giraffes star beneath the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro
- Watamu – a peaceful coastal town with uncrowded beaches, a tidal creek, mysterious Swahili ruins, and East Africa’s largest stretch of indigenous coastal forest
Tailormade Holidays in Kenya
Tailormade | Tour Code: TKENCreate your own Tailormade holiday to Kenya with dates and an itinerary to suit you. As a guideline, our 9-day 'Essential Kenya' itinerary starts at £3,595.
When to Visit
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SAMPLE HOLIDAY: Essential Kenya
9 days from £4,595 (Flight Inclusive)
This short itinerary can be tailored to suit birders (by staying at Lake Naivasha), or mammal enthusiasts (by staying at Lake Nakuru). It's also perfect for a short family wildlife break!
Location Highlights
- Maasai Mara National Reserve – Africa’s most famous game reserve. Always wonderful, and at its best from July to October when it plays host to 1.2 million Blue Wildebeest!
- Samburu National Reserve – a spectacular land of rugged outcrops and Doum Palms. Kenya’s most scenic reserve hosts Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra and Beisa Oryx
- Mount Kenya – the beautiful montane forest is home to a wealth of rare mammals and birds
- Tsavo West National Park – part of Kenya’s largest conservation area, known for its ‘Red Elephants’, ancient lava flows, volcanic hills and natural springs
- Lake Nakuru – famous for woodland and wetland birds and mammals, including both Black and White Rhinos
- Lake Naivasha – a tranquil lakeside environment perfect for birding
- Amboseli National Park – Elephants and Masai Giraffes star beneath the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro
- Watamu – a peaceful coastal town with uncrowded beaches, a tidal creek, mysterious Swahili ruins, and East Africa’s largest stretch of indigenous coastal forest
Quick Enquiry
Summary
Kenya is Africa … in microcosm. Indeed it is where the concept of the safari began – the word ‘safari’ meaning ‘a journey’ in Swahili. Although it is a small country in contrast with others on the continent, Kenya boasts an unrivalled variety of habitats, altitudes and reserves which hold some of the largest herds of game left on the continent, as well as good numbers of attendant predators, amongst them Lion, Cheetah and Leopard. With over 1,100 bird species recorded, it also offers the best birdwatching on the continent, with between 400 and 700 species possible on a single visit!
Kenya’s scenery is varied and special. Mount Kenya stands tall at its equatorial heart, with dense cloud forest draped from its shoulders. Alongside it is the 160-kilometre-long Aberdare range – a pristine forest reserve with tall waterfalls, high moorlands and ancient rock formations. Beyond the central highlands and wildlife-rich Laikipia Plateau, the land falls away to the rugged ranges of the north, where craggy mountains rise from arid plains. Here, unique dry-country species can be found in the picturesque Samburu National Reserve, and within its many neighbouring community conservancies. Along the Great Rift Valley, vast bird-laden lakes are contained within brooding escarpments, whilst to the west lies the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve. Tsavo – East and West – and Amboseli, which lies in the shadow of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro, are among the country’s other great protected wildlife areas. They are some of the finest in Africa; best of all, each one is easily accessed by an extensive network of roads (or charter flight if you would prefer) and offers a choice of safari lodge accommodation to suit a range of budgets. It is for these reasons that Kenya offers the best option for the first-time visitor to Africa. It is also the perfect choice for the returning visitor wanting to see more bird and mammal species, or for the family group looking for a safari destination filled with variety.
Our Destinations
The Maasai Mara is the best-known protected wildlife area in Africa and, with the adjoining Serengeti in Tanzania, is where you can experience East Africa's huge herds of migratory plains game – arguably the world's greatest wildlife spectacle. Its vast rolling grasslands and scattered acacia woodlands, particularly those along the Mara River, span 1,500 square kilometres. Those seeking a ‘big game’ experience will not be disappointed! Here, such iconic mammals as African Elephant, African Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Warthog, Black-backed Jackal, Spotted Hyena, Eland, Topi, Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles, Masai Giraffe and Hippopotamus can be seen throughout the year. But it is the period from July to October when the great herds of Blue Wildebeest and Plains (Grant’s) Zebra move into the Maasai Mara from the Serengeti to feed on fresh grass following the ‘long rains’, making the hazardous crossing of the Mara River in the process. The birdlife of ‘the Mara’ is equally diverse. Huge Southern Ground Hornbills and elegant Secretarybirds stride across the grasslands alongside Kori Bustards, Grey Crowned-cranes and smaller species such as Temminck’s Courser, Rosy-breasted Longclaw, Yellow-shouldered Widowbird and Holub’s Golden Weaver. Lone bushes and dead trees provide lookout perches for a variety of bee-eaters and rollers, whilst above them soar Martial Eagles, Lappet-faced, African White-backed, Hooded and Rüppell’s Vultures, the latter four always on the lookout for a recent kill.
Accommodation
Kicheche Valley Camp
This luxury tented camp offers a unique and intimate bush experience. Six eco-conscious tents sit on raised platforms that blend seamlessly into the surrounding scrubland, providing uninhibited access to the abundance of local wildlife. In between game drives, guests can indulge in a relaxing massage or visit a Community Trust project.
Kicheche Mara Camp
This classic tented safari camp is set within the acacia woodland of a beautiful valley and overlooks the Olare Orok stream. With only eight luxury tents, all with en suite facilities, the camp never feels busy and offers guests a relaxing and intimate setting from which to explore the wonders of the Mara North Conservancy.
Ilkeliani Camp
Ilkeliani Camp is a small, secluded bush camp with 12 comfortable en suite tents commanding wonderful views over the Talek River and surrounding plains. As an unfenced bush camp, the wilderness and all its attractions are part of everyday camp life, so it’s possible to see animals in the grounds at any time and daily guided bush walks are organised from the camp. Local Maasai guards are always on hand to escort you at night.
Karen Blixen Camp
Located in the Mara North Conservancy, the Karen Blixen Camp offers a truly authentic safari experience. The camp comprises 22 spacious and luxurious canvas safari tents, each sat atop a raised wooden deck, with an en suite bathroom complete with private outdoor shower. Each tent includes a veranda with day bed, with unbridled views across the spectacular Mara River, offering guests the opportunity to view a whole host of iconic wildlife. After a long day of safari drives, guests can cool off in the refreshing swimming pool or, for added luxury, visit the spa, where a range of wellness treatments is on offer. In partnership with local Maasai landowners and tourism operators, the conservancy protects more than 30,000 hectares of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, employing a team of rangers to limit the threat of poaching, manage livestock grazing zones, address human wildlife conflicts, restore natural habitats and offer environmental education to local communities.
Kicheche Bush Camp
One of three Kicheche camps in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, Kicheche Bush Camp is located in an acacia woodland in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, to the north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. With just six elegant en suite tents and a cosy communal dining area, the camp is stylish and intimate. Co-owned by photographer, Paul Goldstein, and with specially modified safari vehicles, the camp is ideal for wildlife photography enthusiasts.
One of a wealth of large lakes in the Great Rift Valley, each with its own different character and wildlife, Lake Nakuru is a soda lake that supports an astonishing avifauna. Pink-backed and White Pelicans, Yellow-billed and Marabou Storks, Sacred Ibis, African Spoonbills, and a host of ducks, waders, terns and gulls all add to the spectacle, whilst the ubiquitous African Fish Eagles and a range of other raptors sail overhead! Mammals are plentiful too, particularly Bohor Reedbuck, Defassa Waterbuck, African Buffalo, Warthog and the rare Rothschild’s Giraffe, and anyone tiring of the lakeside spectacle will find a differing set of birds in the surrounding scrub and woodlands. In the latter, Leopards are also regularly seen, Nakuru being a top site for this elusive cat, and a rhino is always a possibility since the national park is an important rhino sanctuary, protecting a population of over 60 Black and 40 White Rhinoceros.
Accommodation
The Cliff
A relatively new and modern tented camp perched high on the western ridge of Lake Nakuru National Park. The wide views from the elevated tents, across the lake towards the eastern ridge, are breathtaking. The décor is contemporary and minimal, and all the 10 tents are open-plan and spacious. The Cliff recently started offering boat trips on the lake, which is a great way to get close to the pelicans, flamingoes and other birds in the shallows, and the wildlife on the lakeshore.
Mbweha Camp
Mbweha Camp is nestled up against the southern boundary of Lake Nakuru National Park, within the 6,400-acre Congreve Conservancy – which itself forms part of the much larger 48,000-acre Soysambu Conservancy. It is well positioned for exploring both Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita. The camp’s focal point is an inviting sunken lounge and bar, with a wood fire at its heart. Beyond the dining area and swimming pool are 10 en suite rustic cottages, each with chiselled lave-stone walls and a thatched roof, surrounded by Candelabra Euphorbias and acacias.
Combined, the Tsavo East and West National Parks cover over 20,000 square kilometres, forming one of Africa’s largest conservation areas. Once a massive single national park, they are now separated by the main highway and railway linking Nairobi to Mombasa – and they each have a distinctive character. Tsavo West is more accessible than Tsavo East, with an incredible landscape of undulating dry acacia woodland, black lava flows, volcanic cones, metamorphic hills and natural springs. The wonderful Mzima Springs, fed by rainfall on Mount Kilimanjaro and the Chyulu Hills, is a crystal-clear oasis full of fish, Nile Crocodiles and big pods of Hippos, which you can observe from an underwater viewing chamber. The park’s well-watered, volcanic soil also supports an astonishing variety of birdlife: an amazing 600 species have been recorded here, amongst them Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Saddle-billed Stork, Black-breasted Snake-eagle, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Woodland Kingfisher, Scarlet-chested Sunbird and many more.
Accommodation
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Built in the 1960s, Kilaguni was Kenya’s first park lodge, and the site they chose still ranks highly among the country’s top safari destinations. The lodge’s long thatched terrace frames a spectacular panorama: two busy waterholes beneath the rolling Chyulu Hills and the iconic twin-peaked silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro. The service is up to Serena’s usual high standard, and each of its 56 en suite rooms has a balcony with views of the waterholes and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Lake Naivasha is a tranquil freshwater lake set in the Kenya countryside. Over 350 bird species have been recorded here, and it’s an idyllic place in which to relax or enjoy the birds and other wildlife on foot and by boat. Waterbirds are plentiful, and include White and Pink-backed Pelicans, Yellow-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, Little Bittern, Black Crake, Purple Swamphen, Spurwinged Goose, Yellow-billed Duck, Hottentot Teal, Spur-winged and Long-toed Plovers, Malachite Kingfisher and many more, while, in the surrounding open woodlands of Yellow-barked Acacia trees and Candelabra Euphorbias such species as Klaas’s Cuckoo, Speckled Mousebird, Fischer’s Lovebird, Green Wood-hoopoe, Grey-capped Warbler, and both Amethyst and Golden-winged Sunbirds may be found. Troops of beautiful Guereza Colobus are a common sight here, and various ungulates graze around the lake in which Hippos wallow happily.
Accommodation
Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Located on the southern edge of Lake Naivasha, a manageable drive from Nairobi, this lodge is packed full of welcome amenities, including a bar, gym, pizzeria, gift shop and two swimming pools! Enjoy an encounter with the lodge’s resident populations of Giraffe, Waterbuck, Vervet and Colobus Monkeys. The lawns here are kept in pristine condition…by Hippos, which leave their wallows at night to graze on the fresh grass.
Situated in the ‘arid north’ of Kenya, Samburu is perhaps the most beautiful of all the country’s reserves, and is a photographer’s paradise. Characterised in particular by its Doum Palms and rugged outcrops, the reserve’s grasslands, acacia woodlands and lush riverine forests comprise an attractive and diverse mosaic of African habitats that make the reserve one of the finest, in terms of both mammal and bird variety. As well as all the typical East African mammals, a number of more northern, dry-country species are found here, amongst them Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and Grevy’s Zebra. Lions are the top predators, but Samburu also offers one of the best opportunities in Kenya to see Leopard, and Cheetah are also possible. Amongst the wealth of birdlife, African Pygmy Falcon, Vulturine Guineafowl, Red-bellied Parrot, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Northern Crombec, Pygmy Batis, Golden Pipit, Golden-breasted Starling and Somali Bee-eater are some of the specialities. Morning and afternoon game drives are the usual method of exploring this most scenic of reserves, and a number of good lodges service the area. Samburu Sopa offers wide views of the reserve, but should you prefer a more luxurious stay, you might consider the Elephant Bedroom Camp on the bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River, which has 14 luxurious tents and a fantastic team offering an extremely high level of service.
Accommodation
Elephant Bedroom Camp
Elephant Bedroom Camp is an intimate tented hideaway in the Samburu National Reserve, set within a grove of Doum Palms on the northern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River (which means ‘brown river’ in the local Samburu language). A unique draw of the property, and the inspiration behind its name, is the absence of a perimeter fence, inviting a handful of habituated African Elephants (and other wildlife) to wander freely into camp and hoover up fallen Doum Palm fruits. Each of its 14 luxury tents is elevated on stilts, with a private plunge pool on the veranda and views across the river into the neighbouring Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Guests can enjoy al fresco meals on the main wooden deck, or on the riverbank under a canopy of acacias.
Samburu Sopa Lodge
The Samburu Sopa Lodge is set on a high ridge to the west of the long Koitogor Hill, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Samburu National Reserve. The tasteful design of the lodge reflects the architectural heritage of the local Samburu communities, and its 15 cottages, each with two bedrooms and a private veranda, surround a central waterhole, providing guests with uninterrupted views of the many animals that visit.
Soroi Larsens Camp
Located on the northern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River, not far from the Koitogor Hill in the centre of the Samburu National Reserve, Larsens is among the better positioned camps in the reserve. It recently became part of the Soroi Collection, and has been completely refurbished. All 12 Moroccan-inspired Luxury Tented Suites are river-facing and include a king-sized bed, private en suite bathroom, and a wide wooden terrace. The two Luxury Family Units are ideal for family groups, while the Deluxe Suites feature a plunge pool and an elevated star bed.
Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu is an intimate, upscale camp built high on a rocky ridge in the Kalama Conservancy – a large community conservancy bordering the Samburu National Reserve – with an incredible panoramic view across the rugged landscape of the north. Its open-fronted lounge and dining area, and six ‘eco-chic’ villas, have been expertly constructed into and around the giant volcanic rock face. Guests have exclusive use of the 200,000-acre conservancy for nature walks, bush meals and day or night game drives, and can also go for excursions in the neighbouring Samburu National Reserve.
Saruni Rhino
Saruni Rhino is a small, three-room lodge on a wide bend of the seasonal Kauro River, within the vast 839,000-acre Sera Conservancy. It opened in 2017, and offers safaris specifically focused on tracking Black Rhinos on foot, in the nearby Sera Rhino Sanctuary. When 10 Black Rhinos were successfully reintroduced into the region in May 2015, Sera became the only community conservancy in Africa to own and operate a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of this critically endangered species. Also a short drive away from Saruni Rhino are the Singing Wells – where Samburu pastoralists sing to their cattle to encourage them to drink. The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in the adjacent Namunyak Conservancy is worth a visit, too, where they take in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves with the aim of releasing them back into the wild.
The montane forests that clothe Mount Kenya’s slopes offer a special and very different habitat for the visiting wildlife enthusiast. Here there is the chance of seeing some of Kenya’s most elusive forest mammals, amongst them Bush Pig, Giant Forest Hog, Large-spotted Genet, White-tailed Mongoose, Tree Hyrax, Suni, Blackfronted Duiker and perhaps even a rare Bongo! The birdlife is also very special, with such high-altitude and forest specialities as Green Ibis, Red-fronted Parrot, Hartlaub’s Turaco, White-starred Robin, Moustached Green Tinkerbird and Montane Oriole amongst many others. This avian variety, and the fabulous flora of Mount Kenya, is best enjoyed on walks through the forest.
Lake Baringo is one of Kenya’s many Rift Valley Lakes, but it is quite unique in its setting, being one of only two freshwater lakes in the Rift’s chain of soda lakes (the other one being Lake Naivasha). Set amongst dry, rocky, acacia-covered hills, and spectacular rugged cliffs and plateaux, Lake Baringo is remote and peaceful. It is in Kenya’s ‘outback’. With such a variety of habitats in the vicinity, it is no wonder that the birdlife is both plentiful and varied with such specialities as Verreaux’s Eagle, Spotted Eagle Owl, Heuglin’s Courser, Hemprich’s Hornbill and Bristle-crowned Starling. Generally, mammals are hard to see here, but Hippos and Nile Crocodiles are plentiful! Exploration of the area is mainly on foot, thanks to the lack of land-based predators, although a boat trip is one of the best ways to experience the lake’s diverse birdlife.
Amboseli National Park sits beneath the towering peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, and is one of the country’s most scenic reserves. Indeed, it is here that one can enjoy that classic East African scene of African Elephants or Masai Giraffes striding across the plains in front of the great iced cone of Kilimanjaro. Amboseli’s acacia-dotted plains and permanent swamps also support a wealth of other game, including Plains Zebra, African Buffalo, Blue Wildebeest, Thomson’s Gazelle, Warthog, Black Rhinoceros and Spotted Hyena. Predators such as Cheetah and Lion do occur in Amboseli, although they can be elusive here.
Accommodation
Ol Tukai Lodge
Location is everything for this lodge situated right in the heart of the Amboseli National Park. Each of the 80 chalet-style rooms at Ol Tukai offer uninterrupted views of either the wetlands or the imposing outline of Mount Kilimanjaro, whilst Elephant, Masai Giraffe and Plains Zebra can be seen only metres from the swimming pool across the lodge boundary.
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
In true Serena Hotels fashion, the architecture of this large lodge draws inspiration from its surrounding environment: its 93 rooms are painted in red ochre, echoing the traditional Maasai manyattas (huts) of the region. The lodge is located in the south of the Amboseli National Park, within a grove of acacias, and close to the central and western swamps. The service and varied food on offer are up to Serena’s excellent standard.
Elerai Camp
Located to the south-east of Amboseli National Park within a 5,000-acre private conservation area, Elerai is the closest of the region’s camps to Mount Kilimanjaro. The views of Africa’s tallest peak from the camp on clear days are fantastic, especially from the 12 mountain-facing Deluxe Tents. The five large Cottage Rooms look out in the opposite direction, down towards the savannah of the national park. The swimming pool, dining area and lounge are at the heart of the camp, overlooking a waterhole that is busiest in the dry season. An advantage of its location in the private Elerai Conservation Area – which is part of a critical Kilimanjaro-Amboseli wildlife corridor – is the range of activities on offer for guests, including night game drives, community visits and guided bush walks.
A tropical paradise with picturesque white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise-blue water. Chale Island is technically not an island at all, but a headland that is connected to mainland via a partially submerged sand spit (or tombolo) that runs perpendicular to the coast. Thanks to the unique geography of the ‘island’, it offers a diverse range of marine habitat, from sheltered shallow reefs to the open Indian Ocean. This makes it a fantastic location for those looking to dive or snorkel, where you’ll have great chances for a huge variety of marine life, from schools of snapper to colourful nudibranchs. On land, wildlife is equally present, with plenty of resident ungulates, primates and birds.
Accommodation
The Sands at Chale Island
Occupying the northern tip of Chale Island, this stylish beach resort blends in well with its natural surroundings. There are three swimming pools and 60 air-conditioned rooms, including an Overwater Suite built on stilts above the lagoon, a Suite on the Rock – perched on its own private coral outcrop – and two Penthouse Suites. The resort’s focal point is its secluded beach, which is protected by a coral reef. The island is an important nesting site for Green Turtles, and a patch of forest on the south of the island is one of 10 sacred sites of the Mijikenda people.
Meru National Park is situated in the scenic centre of the country, around 150 kilometres northeast of Mount Kenya. Bordered by the Tana River, it is particularly picturesque here, with tall baobab trees and Doum Palms that protrude out from Meru’s distinctive red soil. It is the least visited of the famous Kenyan safari parks, but still lays claims to an impressive tally of wildlife, including all of the ‘Big 5’. A visit here, therefore, permits the ‘classic African safari’ experience, but without the crowds. Mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds are abundant and in addition to the Big 5, the long list includes Coke’s Hartebeest, Southern Lesser Kudu, Black-backed Jackal, Syke's Monkey, Southern Gerenuk, Kirk's Dik-dik, Desert Warthog, Mountain Suni, Verreuax's Eagle Owl, Black-faced Heron, Marico's Sunbird, Martial Eagle and Nile Crocodile. Meru is also particularly well-known for hosting a large population of the peculiar Naked Mole-rat.
Except for the high Yatta Plateau – an immense lava flow that stretches for 300 kilometres from the northeast of Nairobi – Tsavo East is generally vast and flat. The wild section to the north of the Yatta is less frequently visited, but is where you can find the Ithumba Stockade – a release facility for orphaned elephants run by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The shallow Galana River in the south of the park attracts a range of wildlife, including the shy Lesser Kudu, Tsavo’s characteristically short-maned lions, and African Elephants – known here as ‘Red Elephants’ due to the red soil in which they cover themselves. A great place to break a game drive and stretch your legs is at Lugard Falls: an extraordinary expanse of striated, water-sculpted rock along the Galana River.
To the southwest of Mount Kenya is the Aberdare Range – an impressive row of peaks that rose up around six million years ago. The densely forested middle reaches of the range, and the cloudy moorlands above 3,500 metres are protected within the Aberdare National Park, and provide diverse habitats for a wide variety of animals, including African Elephant, African Buffalo, Spotted Hyena, Giant Forest Hog, and Leopard. As the apex predators here, the Leopards of the Aberdares are thought to be among the largest on the continent, and there have also been sightings of black (melanistic) Leopards and Servals. Another elusive Aberdare inhabitant is the critically endangered Bongo; a few dozen individuals are hidden in the forested valleys. The birdlife is exceptional here, too, with around 290 species recorded, including Hartlaub’s Turaco, Slender-billed Starling, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Jackson’s Spurfowl, among many others. Most of the park’s wildlife is concentrated in the lower Salient in the east, while the southern moorlands are worth visiting for their spectacular waterfalls, particularly the 305-metre-high Garu Falls. The more remote northern section of the park offers excellent hiking to the range’s tallest peaks, and to ancient and mythically named rock formations such as The Dragon’s Teeth.
Accommodation
The Ark
Surrounded by dense forest in the lower Salient of the Aberdare National Park, and designed to resemble Noah’s Ark with cabin-style rooms, The Ark is an iconic Kenyan lodge. Four viewing areas at the prow overlook a busy waterhole and salt-lick, including a circular, ground-level hide, where you can get close to the lodge’s wild visitors. African Elephant, African Buffalo, Spotted Hyena, Bushbuck, White-Tailed Mongoose and Common Genet are regularly seen, and occasional sightings of Leopard are recorded. In July 2023, a Black Rhino was spotted at the waterhole for the first time in six years. The Ark is a good option for birders, too: the guided evening stroll along the canopy-level wooden walkway leading to the lodge is a highlight, and a variety of water birds can be seen at the waterhole.
Situated on the fringes of the Northern Kenyan Frontier in the country’s central highlands, the Laikipia Plateau stretches from the eastern shoulder of the Great Rift Valley to the slopes of the ice-capped Mount Kenya. The region comprises a mosaic of privately owned farms and wildlife conservancies with roots in cattle ranching as far back as the 1900s. Together, these ranches and conservancies form a massive contiguous wildlife area that is increasingly recognised as a conservation success story. Wildlife highlights are plentiful: approximately half of Kenya’s Black Rhino population can be found here, alongside several packs of Wild Dogs, Grevy’s Zebras, over 2,000 African Elephants (the region is an important migratory route), African Buffalo, antelopes and many more. A big draw in recent years has been the presence of a number of black leopards in Laikipia, which have been regularly spotted around the Ol Donyo Lomboro and Loisaba conservancies. In addition to the wildlife, you can enjoy a range of activities in Laikipia that are not offered in most of Kenya’s government-run parks, including walking, horseback and camel safaris, mountain biking, fly camping, and river swimming. Laikipia works well as a relaxing start to a Kenyan itinerary, before venturing into Kenya’s great lakes, or on to the Maasai Mara and coast.
Accommodation
Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages
Hosted by experienced and friendly owners, Andy and Sonja Webb, this private escape is hidden within a riverine woodland in the quieter southern corner of Ol Pejeta. Each of its four comfortable cottages is screened from the others by thick bush, and looks out towards the acacia-fringed Ngobit River. On the river’s edge, a short walk away from the cottages, is a secluded wooden platform where you can enjoy an outdoor yoga session or meal, and watch Elephants and other wildlife visit the salt-lick on the opposite bank.
Kicheche Laikipia Camp
Like the other camps in the Kicheche collection, the Kicheche Laikipia Camp is an intimate luxury tented camp with genuine eco-credentials. It is one of only a handful of camps in the 90,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy, set beside a small dam within a woodland to the west of the Ewaso Nyiro River. At an altitude of 6,000 feet, Ol Pejeta can be quite chilly in the early mornings and evenings, so the décor throughout the camp is rustic and warm, and the spacious mess tent has two fireplaces for the cooler seasons. With only six tents, including a larger family tent with its own lounge, the service is very personalised and of a very high standard.
Lewa Wilderness
This is the original lodge of the Lewa landscape, where the Craig family have hosted visitors for over 50 years. Still run by Will and Emma Craig, with the help of manager, Karmushu and his wife Fatuma, the lodge stands out for its relaxed, home-away-from-home atmosphere. Six of its nine large cottages are tucked into the hillside overlooking the Eastern Marania Valley, while the other three are set within the garden close to the main house and living area. From a wildlife perspective, the Lewa-Borana conservation area is up there with the very best that Kenya has to offer, with large populations of rhinos, migratory elephants, predators and other wildlife roaming across a diverse landscape of open plains, rolling hills, valleys, escarpments and rivers.
Situated near the Ugandan border and covering an area of approximately 238 square kilometres of undulating terrain, Kakamega Forest is Kenya’s only tropical rainforest, and the country’s last remaining example of the vast Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once traversed much of the continent. A network of grassy glades interspersed throughout the tropical forest, together with the Isiukhu and Yala Rivers and their associated streams, creeks and small marshes, provide an interesting variety of habitats, resulting in a fantastic and unique array of flora and fauna. At least 60 species of orchid have been recorded in the forest – nine of which are endemic. Mammals that occur here include Bushbuck, Tree Pangolin, African Clawless Otter, Giant Water Shrew, Lord Derby's Anomalure, numerous species of bat and a range of primates such as Blue, Red-tailed, Velvet, Black-and-white Colobus, Sykes’ and De Brazza’s Monkey, Olive Baboon and Potto. The forests also support an extremely diverse assemblage of butterflies, with approximately 350 species present, including the endemic Metisella kakamega. The region is perhaps most famous for its unique and continentally important avifauna, however, boasting 367 recorded species (at least 16 of which occur nowhere else in Kenya); Kakamega is surely a birder’s paradise! The magnificent Great Blue Turaco and the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill are particular key species, alongside Ansorge’s Greenbul, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Chaplin’s Flycatcher and Turner’s Eremomela.
Accommodation
Rondo Retreat
A former forestry station, Rondo Retreat is now run by the Trinity Fellowship, and is currently the best base for exploring Kakamega Forest. Regard for the natural world is key to the ethos of the retreat, which supports a range of research initiatives, environmental education, community outreach projects and regenerative agroforestry schemes. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to accompany you during your stay, and comfortable en suite accommodation is provided within a selection of traditionally decorated, charming cottages, surrounded by immaculate lawns, flower beds and tall primary forest.
Another of the Rift Valley’s soda lakes, Lake Elementaita does not feature the large crowds common at some of the other reserves in the region, but is equally exciting for its wildlife, especially its avifaunal assemblages. Over 400 species of bird have been recorded here, including intriguing examples of many migratory birds from Europe and beyond. The area is recognised as one of the most critical breeding grounds for the Great White Pelican, which can be seen breeding on rough islands of black lava within the lake, and thousands of both Lesser and Greater Flamingoes also regularly feed here as conditions fluctuate between the Great Lakes. Important populations of Colobus Monkey and Rothschild Giraffe can be seen on the lake’s shores, as well as Golden and Striped Jackal and the Tufted-eared Caracal – although such predators are always elusive. Although Elementaita features fewer mammalian species than other safari areas, plains game is still well represented, with gazelles, Common Eland, Plains Zebra, and Common Warthog often grazing the lake’s shores. The diverse landscape of volcanic craters, hot springs, historic lava flows, acacia-dominated woodlands and grassland plains provides an intriguing element of variety to a Kenyan itinerary. A large portion of the lake lies within the private Soysambu Conservancy and, as such, can be explored in a variety of ways, including night drives and walking safaris. This off-the-beaten-track destination offers some wonderfully intimate high-end lakeside lodges, and can be reached relatively easily from Nairobi.
Accommodation
Lake Elementaita Serena Camp
The Lake Elementaita Serena Camp is set amongst sprawling acacias and manicured lawns on the northern shore of Lake Elementaita. The colonial-styled dining tent and lounge – a design inspired by the long influence of the Delamere family in the region – face a busy waterhole, visited by Plains Zebra, Waterbuck and other wildlife within the Soysambu Conservancy. As well as game drives and bike excursions around the conservancy, an activity not to miss is a ‘sundowner’ at the top of the cliff above the camp; the views of the broken caldera walls of the ‘Sleeping Warrior’ and the Mau Escarpment to the west are spectacular.
Watamu is a quiet coastal town 20 kilometres south of Malindi with excellent hotels and private rentals, a beautiful coral reef and peroxide blonde beaches. Because of its proximity to the mangrove-fringed Mida Creek, the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, and the 13th-century Gedi Ruins, Watamu offers a lot more than many other resort towns along Kenya’s coast. As part of a recognised Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, Mida Creek is a paradise for national waterfowls, and a crucial passage and wintering area for Palearctic migrant waders. Its mangrove channels support many species of fish, too, including Jacks, Snappers, Groupers, Rabbit Fish, Parrotfish, Emperors, and Barracuda. The 420 square-kilometre Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Watamu, and is the largest patch of indigenous coastal forest in East Africa. The forest has a resident population of around 200 African Elephants, and is an important conservation area for a number of rare and endangered mammal species, including the globally threatened Golden-rumped Sengi, Aders’ Duiker and Sokoke Dog Mongoose. Over 270 bird species have been recorded in the forest, too, of which six are globally threatened: Clarke’s Weaver, Sokoke Scops Owl, Spotted Ground-thrush, Sokoke Pipit, East Coast Akalat and Amani Sunbird.
Sample Itineraries
This short itinerary can be tailored to suit birders (by staying at Lake Naivasha), or mammal enthusiasts (by staying at Lake Nakuru). It's also perfect for a short family wildlife break!
Extend your holiday:
Add additional time at one or a combination of reserves, perhaps including Tsavo or the coast. Speak to one of our experts for suggestions and advice.
A tailormade safari in Laikipia with time split between two superb, family-oriented lodges – El Karama Lodge and Borana Lodge.
This itinerary offers a broad range of Kenya's varied habitats – perfect for those wishing to enjoy the country's incredible diversity of both wildlife and stunning scenery!
Extend your holiday:
Option 1 – extend your time in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 13/14 – Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 15 – Depart Nairobi
Day 16 – Arrive UK
Option 2 – add a stay at Amboseli to enjoy wildlife beneath snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro
This exciting itinerary exploring two of Kenya’s finest reserves, can be conducted in specially adapted vehicles, suitable for disabled travellers. Guests can relax in the comfort accessible rooms at the carefully selected lodges and is the perfect choice for those with limited mobility.
The Essentials
- Wildlife Guides: There are a number of excellent specialist local naturalist and birding guides in Kenya, and we suggest that one such individual should accompany you for the duration of your Kenya journey.
- When to Visit: Situated on the equator, Kenya offers a very pleasant climate year-round, especially as much of the country lies at quite high altitude, where the temperatures are reliably comfortable. Only on the coast (where it is humid) and in the lower or ‘dry country’ reserves such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and particularly Samburu, does it get hot. By contrast, at higher altitudes, nights and early mornings can be chilly, so a little warm clothing is required. The coolest and driest season runs from late June until October – the period in which the wildebeest and zebra herds move into and graze the Maasai Mara (which is also excellent at other times too!). Kenya is affected by two rainy seasons – the ‘short rains’ in November and December, and the ‘long rains’ from March until the end of May. Safaris at these times can be very worthwhile, since there are far fewer tourists, the birds are in breeding plumage and vegetation is lush; however, access can be limited at the wettest times in April and May. For birders, the period from October to March is the most productive, not just because many resident species are breeding, but because the number and variety of birds is enhanced by the influx of wintering species from the northern hemisphere.
J F M A M J J A S O N D YY YY Y Y Y YY YY YY YY YY YY YY - Getting Around: Although road conditions in Kenya vary considerably, the network of roads within the country is very good, meaning that scheduled internal or charter flights are a luxury rather than a necessity. Most road journeys, though, are quite long, varying from a few hours to half a day or more, so a charter flight (to access Samburu in the north for example) offers a short and scenic option that we should be pleased to arrange for you if required.
Accommodation
Kicheche Valley Camp
This luxury tented camp offers a unique and intimate bush experience. Six eco-conscious tents sit on raised platforms that blend seamlessly into the surrounding scrubland, providing uninhibited access to the abundance of local wildlife. In between game drives, guests can indulge in a relaxing massage or visit a Community Trust project.
Kicheche Mara Camp
This classic tented safari camp is set within the acacia woodland of a beautiful valley and overlooks the Olare Orok stream. With only eight luxury tents, all with en suite facilities, the camp never feels busy and offers guests a relaxing and intimate setting from which to explore the wonders of the Mara North Conservancy.
Ilkeliani Camp
Ilkeliani Camp is a small, secluded bush camp with 12 comfortable en suite tents commanding wonderful views over the Talek River and surrounding plains. As an unfenced bush camp, the wilderness and all its attractions are part of everyday camp life, so it’s possible to see animals in the grounds at any time and daily guided bush walks are organised from the camp. Local Maasai guards are always on hand to escort you at night.
Karen Blixen Camp
Located in the Mara North Conservancy, the Karen Blixen Camp offers a truly authentic safari experience. The camp comprises 22 spacious and luxurious canvas safari tents, each sat atop a raised wooden deck, with an en suite bathroom complete with private outdoor shower. Each tent includes a veranda with day bed, with unbridled views across the spectacular Mara River, offering guests the opportunity to view a whole host of iconic wildlife. After a long day of safari drives, guests can cool off in the refreshing swimming pool or, for added luxury, visit the spa, where a range of wellness treatments is on offer. In partnership with local Maasai landowners and tourism operators, the conservancy protects more than 30,000 hectares of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, employing a team of rangers to limit the threat of poaching, manage livestock grazing zones, address human wildlife conflicts, restore natural habitats and offer environmental education to local communities.
Kicheche Bush Camp
One of three Kicheche camps in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, Kicheche Bush Camp is located in an acacia woodland in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, to the north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. With just six elegant en suite tents and a cosy communal dining area, the camp is stylish and intimate. Co-owned by photographer, Paul Goldstein, and with specially modified safari vehicles, the camp is ideal for wildlife photography enthusiasts.
The Cliff
A relatively new and modern tented camp perched high on the western ridge of Lake Nakuru National Park. The wide views from the elevated tents, across the lake towards the eastern ridge, are breathtaking. The décor is contemporary and minimal, and all the 10 tents are open-plan and spacious. The Cliff recently started offering boat trips on the lake, which is a great way to get close to the pelicans, flamingoes and other birds in the shallows, and the wildlife on the lakeshore.
Mbweha Camp
Mbweha Camp is nestled up against the southern boundary of Lake Nakuru National Park, within the 6,400-acre Congreve Conservancy – which itself forms part of the much larger 48,000-acre Soysambu Conservancy. It is well positioned for exploring both Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita. The camp’s focal point is an inviting sunken lounge and bar, with a wood fire at its heart. Beyond the dining area and swimming pool are 10 en suite rustic cottages, each with chiselled lave-stone walls and a thatched roof, surrounded by Candelabra Euphorbias and acacias.
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Built in the 1960s, Kilaguni was Kenya’s first park lodge, and the site they chose still ranks highly among the country’s top safari destinations. The lodge’s long thatched terrace frames a spectacular panorama: two busy waterholes beneath the rolling Chyulu Hills and the iconic twin-peaked silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro. The service is up to Serena’s usual high standard, and each of its 56 en suite rooms has a balcony with views of the waterholes and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Located on the southern edge of Lake Naivasha, a manageable drive from Nairobi, this lodge is packed full of welcome amenities, including a bar, gym, pizzeria, gift shop and two swimming pools! Enjoy an encounter with the lodge’s resident populations of Giraffe, Waterbuck, Vervet and Colobus Monkeys. The lawns here are kept in pristine condition…by Hippos, which leave their wallows at night to graze on the fresh grass.
Elephant Bedroom Camp
Elephant Bedroom Camp is an intimate tented hideaway in the Samburu National Reserve, set within a grove of Doum Palms on the northern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River (which means ‘brown river’ in the local Samburu language). A unique draw of the property, and the inspiration behind its name, is the absence of a perimeter fence, inviting a handful of habituated African Elephants (and other wildlife) to wander freely into camp and hoover up fallen Doum Palm fruits. Each of its 14 luxury tents is elevated on stilts, with a private plunge pool on the veranda and views across the river into the neighbouring Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Guests can enjoy al fresco meals on the main wooden deck, or on the riverbank under a canopy of acacias.
Samburu Sopa Lodge
The Samburu Sopa Lodge is set on a high ridge to the west of the long Koitogor Hill, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Samburu National Reserve. The tasteful design of the lodge reflects the architectural heritage of the local Samburu communities, and its 15 cottages, each with two bedrooms and a private veranda, surround a central waterhole, providing guests with uninterrupted views of the many animals that visit.
Soroi Larsens Camp
Located on the northern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River, not far from the Koitogor Hill in the centre of the Samburu National Reserve, Larsens is among the better positioned camps in the reserve. It recently became part of the Soroi Collection, and has been completely refurbished. All 12 Moroccan-inspired Luxury Tented Suites are river-facing and include a king-sized bed, private en suite bathroom, and a wide wooden terrace. The two Luxury Family Units are ideal for family groups, while the Deluxe Suites feature a plunge pool and an elevated star bed.
Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu is an intimate, upscale camp built high on a rocky ridge in the Kalama Conservancy – a large community conservancy bordering the Samburu National Reserve – with an incredible panoramic view across the rugged landscape of the north. Its open-fronted lounge and dining area, and six ‘eco-chic’ villas, have been expertly constructed into and around the giant volcanic rock face. Guests have exclusive use of the 200,000-acre conservancy for nature walks, bush meals and day or night game drives, and can also go for excursions in the neighbouring Samburu National Reserve.
Saruni Rhino
Saruni Rhino is a small, three-room lodge on a wide bend of the seasonal Kauro River, within the vast 839,000-acre Sera Conservancy. It opened in 2017, and offers safaris specifically focused on tracking Black Rhinos on foot, in the nearby Sera Rhino Sanctuary. When 10 Black Rhinos were successfully reintroduced into the region in May 2015, Sera became the only community conservancy in Africa to own and operate a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of this critically endangered species. Also a short drive away from Saruni Rhino are the Singing Wells – where Samburu pastoralists sing to their cattle to encourage them to drink. The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in the adjacent Namunyak Conservancy is worth a visit, too, where they take in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves with the aim of releasing them back into the wild.
Ol Tukai Lodge
Location is everything for this lodge situated right in the heart of the Amboseli National Park. Each of the 80 chalet-style rooms at Ol Tukai offer uninterrupted views of either the wetlands or the imposing outline of Mount Kilimanjaro, whilst Elephant, Masai Giraffe and Plains Zebra can be seen only metres from the swimming pool across the lodge boundary.
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
In true Serena Hotels fashion, the architecture of this large lodge draws inspiration from its surrounding environment: its 93 rooms are painted in red ochre, echoing the traditional Maasai manyattas (huts) of the region. The lodge is located in the south of the Amboseli National Park, within a grove of acacias, and close to the central and western swamps. The service and varied food on offer are up to Serena’s excellent standard.
Elerai Camp
Located to the south-east of Amboseli National Park within a 5,000-acre private conservation area, Elerai is the closest of the region’s camps to Mount Kilimanjaro. The views of Africa’s tallest peak from the camp on clear days are fantastic, especially from the 12 mountain-facing Deluxe Tents. The five large Cottage Rooms look out in the opposite direction, down towards the savannah of the national park. The swimming pool, dining area and lounge are at the heart of the camp, overlooking a waterhole that is busiest in the dry season. An advantage of its location in the private Elerai Conservation Area – which is part of a critical Kilimanjaro-Amboseli wildlife corridor – is the range of activities on offer for guests, including night game drives, community visits and guided bush walks.
The Sands at Chale Island
Occupying the northern tip of Chale Island, this stylish beach resort blends in well with its natural surroundings. There are three swimming pools and 60 air-conditioned rooms, including an Overwater Suite built on stilts above the lagoon, a Suite on the Rock – perched on its own private coral outcrop – and two Penthouse Suites. The resort’s focal point is its secluded beach, which is protected by a coral reef. The island is an important nesting site for Green Turtles, and a patch of forest on the south of the island is one of 10 sacred sites of the Mijikenda people.
The Ark
Surrounded by dense forest in the lower Salient of the Aberdare National Park, and designed to resemble Noah’s Ark with cabin-style rooms, The Ark is an iconic Kenyan lodge. Four viewing areas at the prow overlook a busy waterhole and salt-lick, including a circular, ground-level hide, where you can get close to the lodge’s wild visitors. African Elephant, African Buffalo, Spotted Hyena, Bushbuck, White-Tailed Mongoose and Common Genet are regularly seen, and occasional sightings of Leopard are recorded. In July 2023, a Black Rhino was spotted at the waterhole for the first time in six years. The Ark is a good option for birders, too: the guided evening stroll along the canopy-level wooden walkway leading to the lodge is a highlight, and a variety of water birds can be seen at the waterhole.
Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages
Hosted by experienced and friendly owners, Andy and Sonja Webb, this private escape is hidden within a riverine woodland in the quieter southern corner of Ol Pejeta. Each of its four comfortable cottages is screened from the others by thick bush, and looks out towards the acacia-fringed Ngobit River. On the river’s edge, a short walk away from the cottages, is a secluded wooden platform where you can enjoy an outdoor yoga session or meal, and watch Elephants and other wildlife visit the salt-lick on the opposite bank.
Kicheche Laikipia Camp
Like the other camps in the Kicheche collection, the Kicheche Laikipia Camp is an intimate luxury tented camp with genuine eco-credentials. It is one of only a handful of camps in the 90,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy, set beside a small dam within a woodland to the west of the Ewaso Nyiro River. At an altitude of 6,000 feet, Ol Pejeta can be quite chilly in the early mornings and evenings, so the décor throughout the camp is rustic and warm, and the spacious mess tent has two fireplaces for the cooler seasons. With only six tents, including a larger family tent with its own lounge, the service is very personalised and of a very high standard.
Lewa Wilderness
This is the original lodge of the Lewa landscape, where the Craig family have hosted visitors for over 50 years. Still run by Will and Emma Craig, with the help of manager, Karmushu and his wife Fatuma, the lodge stands out for its relaxed, home-away-from-home atmosphere. Six of its nine large cottages are tucked into the hillside overlooking the Eastern Marania Valley, while the other three are set within the garden close to the main house and living area. From a wildlife perspective, the Lewa-Borana conservation area is up there with the very best that Kenya has to offer, with large populations of rhinos, migratory elephants, predators and other wildlife roaming across a diverse landscape of open plains, rolling hills, valleys, escarpments and rivers.
Rondo Retreat
A former forestry station, Rondo Retreat is now run by the Trinity Fellowship, and is currently the best base for exploring Kakamega Forest. Regard for the natural world is key to the ethos of the retreat, which supports a range of research initiatives, environmental education, community outreach projects and regenerative agroforestry schemes. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to accompany you during your stay, and comfortable en suite accommodation is provided within a selection of traditionally decorated, charming cottages, surrounded by immaculate lawns, flower beds and tall primary forest.
Lake Elementaita Serena Camp
The Lake Elementaita Serena Camp is set amongst sprawling acacias and manicured lawns on the northern shore of Lake Elementaita. The colonial-styled dining tent and lounge – a design inspired by the long influence of the Delamere family in the region – face a busy waterhole, visited by Plains Zebra, Waterbuck and other wildlife within the Soysambu Conservancy. As well as game drives and bike excursions around the conservancy, an activity not to miss is a ‘sundowner’ at the top of the cliff above the camp; the views of the broken caldera walls of the ‘Sleeping Warrior’ and the Mau Escarpment to the west are spectacular.
Reviews
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The perfect mix of activity and relaxation. The guide we had throughout our 7 day safari experience was superb. He was very knowledgeable and also very respectful to the wildlife, which was important to us. We felt we were in expert hands. He really looked after us and we saw some fantastic sightings - the wildlife was abundant, and we saw the big 5, and much more.
N.H, Hampshire, July 23 -
The trip exceeded our expectations! On the wildlife front we saw the Big Five - even rhino which hadn’t been spotted by our excellent guide for two months! Basecamp is an excellent eco-camp which impressed us greatly - we felt part of the family and were taken care of amazingly well. Our guides in each camp were first class and treated my young grandson as one of their own. It was a perfect holiday for my grandson and me.
S.B, Oxfordshire, July 23 -
Naturetrek took great care to match our requests for varied scenery and wildlife settings to our itinerary. Local guides were well briefed on our interests and were able to add small changes they felt would be of interest to us. We suggested the parts of Kenya we would like to visit, and the rough number of days. This was then pulled together into an excellent itinerary that included many places we’ve wanted to visit for many years. Organisation, meet and greet, transfers etc. all worked seamlessly including our border crossing. We particularly enjoyed the camps with strong community connections at Amboseli (Elerai) and Lake Natron. Good to see tourism involving local Maasai in developments and money flowing directly to locals as a result.
N. & H. W. Dumfriesshire, Jan 23
Why Naturetrek Tailormade?
'A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.
Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age
Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!'
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Our expert team have put together a list of some of the most important considerations which we think should help you begin planning your perfect safari holiday.
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