KENYA

​KENYA’S SHEER DIVERSITY, NOT JUST IN THE LANDSCAPE ITSELF BUT IN THE WAYS TO ENJOY AND EXPLORE IT, MAKES THIS THE PERFECT AFRICAN DESTINATION FOR FAMILIES, FIRST-TIMERS AND OLD-HANDS.

Romantic. Peerless. This is Africa. More specifically, this is safari. It’s where the whole idea of big game hunting trips was invented well over 100 years ago. And while cameras have replaced rifles, Kenya is as good as ever in terms of wildlife.

For a country of its size, Kenya sure packs a lot in. There’s a million different reasons to come here, and picking just one is nigh impossible.

Big game doesn’t come any bigger than the annual Great Migration across the fabled Maasai Mara, with over two million wildebeest, gazelles, zebras, and others, plus attendant predators, travelling in search of good grazing. But that's just one aspect of wildlife viewing here.

There are the picture postcard views – like the definitive Kenyan wildlife shot of elephants against a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. And it’s a top destination for birds too, especially on the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Nakuru and the sightings-rich Marine National Park on the Indian Ocean coast.

In fact, Kenya is a perfect choice for combining safari and sea, with heavenly tropical beaches and coral reefs both north and south of Mombasa, where you’ll find a buzzing nightlife, historical old town and the mighty Fort Jesus.

A well-developed tourist industry means many options for travellers, from classic safari camps to colonial country houses, and from bush cool to barefoot luxury. Add a human population as fascinating and varied (with around 40 different ethnic groups!) as its animals, and it’s no wonder that Kenya is one of Africa’s crown jewels.

Crocodile Crossing: There’s nothing quite like the spectacle of the Migration: two million or so animals making their way across the plains. So, if you’re there between July and October and get the chance to witness it, grab it with both hands.

Up, up and away! As if safari wasn’t spectacular enough already, it can reach a whole new level – literally! The Mara is the ideal location for taking a hot-air balloon and getting a different perspective on wildlife, floating gracefully over the treetops at dawn.

​MUST STAYS
Our pick of the finest
lodges in Kenya

​GOVERNORS' CAMP

Maasai Mara

A group of four camps set on a stretch of the Mara River in a magical setting; choose your camp according to how much luxury you want. Governors' Camp is the largest, with Little Govenors' more intimate; Il Moran is a premier experience, while Governors' Private Camp takes just one family or group.

​MARA PLAINS CAMP

Maasai Mara

Seasoned safari lovers will love it here (but then so will first-timers!). A small, seven-roomed camp under canvas in the heart of the Mara, the quality is first-class and matched only by the enormous range of activities, including balloon safaris, local village visits and unrivalled access to wildlife habitats.