Why Kenya Safari Destinations?

Despite having a coastline of beautiful beaches perfect for lazing, Kenya rarely inspires visitors to sit still – there are too many exciting things to experience. Stirring landscapes, ranging from equatorial glaciers and jagged peaks to wildlife-laden plains and tropical reefs, provide an epic natural playground for all who venture here, while the many intoxicating cultures surprise at every turn.

Big Five safaris

Not only were safaris born in Kenya, but so was the very word itself – it means ‘journey’ in Swahili. Spotting the much-heralded Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant) is a major aspiration of many visitors to Africa, and as one would suspect, Kenya safaris provide some of the continent’s most impressive natural venues for it.

None of which is more famous than the Masai Mara, where sightings of all these species are common. With its flamingo-lined lake and forest-clad escarpments, Lake Nakuru National Park is another incredible place for Big Five safaris, as is Amboseli National Park, where Mt Kilimanjaro provides a staggering backdrop.

Samburu Game Reserve in the remote north is prime safari territory too, and also hosts its own ‘Samburu Big Five’: Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, long-necked gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich.

Hiking

Mt Kenya’s trekking terrain is arguably the continent’s most beautiful and rewarding. Its diverse valleys, equatorial glaciers, and dramatic, towering summit are extraordinary sights, and best seen over a challenging multi-day hike to Point Lenana (4985m), the mountain’s third-highest peak (and highest reachable without climbing equipment).

The more gentle slopes of Mount Elgon, which are home to elephants, primates, antelopes, and some 240 species of birds, are another great option for treks lasting several days, as are captivating walks with the Maasai through their homelands.

Incredible day hikes are also possible throughout the country: climb up Mt Longonot to its crater rim; seek out remote waterfalls in the mountains of Aberdare National Park; or take a more stroll within the dense Kakamega Forest while listening to birdsong.

The Great Migration

It’s been called the greatest natural spectacle on the planet, and for good reason – each year from July to October, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra make a dramatic crossing of the crocodile-infested Mara River to feed on the lush grasses of the Masai Mara. The flood of animals filling the open savannah includes herds of elephants and giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas trailing this sea of prey. There is never a shortage of drama during the great migration.

Unique Rift Valley Lakes

The Great Rift Valley cuts through Kenya, giving rise to numerous stunning lakes like Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Bogoria. These alkaline lakes are home to thousands of flamingos and other bird species, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is not just mountain biking in Kenya – here this two-wheeled pursuit offers a unique means of embracing both the country’s incredible landscapes and its iconic wildlife. Ride over the red earth paths in the volcanic confines of Hell’s Gate National Park, cycling past grazing buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, and zebras, or take to the grasslands of the Masai Mara for a cycle safari like no other – the sense of engagement with the wildlife is amplified to no end when in the saddle.

There are some great single-track routes of varying gradient and difficulty on Mt Kenya and within the Rift Valley above Naivasha. For those wanting a more leisurely cycle, exploring the coastal areas around Diani Beach, Malindi, and Watamu by bike is an engaging option too.

Cultural Encounters

The Maasai people, with their traditional red shukas, brilliant smiles, and overwhelming presence, add a depth of warmth to any trip into the Mara region. The same can be said for the striking Turkana people in Loyangalani along the eastern shore of the Jade Sea (Lake Turkana) – visitors to the Marsabit-Lake Turkana Festival in early May will also meet many of the other enigmatic and colorful tribes from Kenya’s remote north, such as the El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Dassanatch, Gabra, Borana, Konso, Sakuye, Garee, Waata, Burji and Somali.

The diversity of cultures in Kenya is truly astounding. While the Swahili people on the coast differ in that they don’t share a common heritage, they are bound by a language and an African history that is tied to Arabia and Persia – there is no better place to immerse yourself in this world than in the labyrinth of crooked alleyways in Lamu.

Vibrant Urban Life

Nairobi, the capital city, is a dynamic and cosmopolitan hub with a mix of modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, and cultural attractions. Don’t miss the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can get up close with orphaned baby elephants.

Beach Paradise

Kenya’s coastline along the Indian Ocean is lined with stunning beaches and coral reefs. From the popular resort town of Mombasa to the tranquil shores of Watamu and Malindi, you can relax, snorkel, or engage in water sports.

Hot air ballooning

Perhaps the most intoxicating Kenya safari experience is to slowly climb – one exciting flame blast at a time – above the famous rolling savannah and flat-topped acacia trees of the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon. Floating silently over streams of wildebeest on their great migration, lions stalking their prey, or a lone black rhino moving through the bush is a perspective that nobody can ever forget. It is possible to marvel at the perfectly proportioned elephant-shaped shadows cast by the largest member of the Big Five.

Conservation and Sustainability Efforts

Kenya is committed to preserving its wildlife and natural resources. Many conservation projects and initiatives, such as wildlife sanctuaries and community-based conservation programs, offer visitors the chance to contribute to the protection of endangered species and local communities