Best Safari Experiences in Kenya: A Travel Guide
When we were in school, one of the most fascinating facts that we learnt about human history, our origins and movement throughout the world, is that all of us can find our roots back to Africa.
This is known as the Out of Africa theory, and Kenya plays an important role in this idea because this savannah beauty is popularly known as the ‘Cradle of Humankind’. The earliest known members of the human species, the Hominis, evolved from Kenya, and this guide will help you to explore the land that is quite literally our shared home.
What is an African Safari Like?
Popular media excites us with the thrill and the dangerous allure of Safaris, with its drives across rugged terrains to a slow crawl of the vehicle when you notice any of the Big 5 of Africa.
This could be the majestic leopards relaxing on the branches of the acacia trees, the humongous elephants with their ivory tusks traversing the golden grassland, the cape buffalo watching you go by from a distance, the rhinoceros rolling around the mud to cool themselves from the blazing heat and finally the beastly lion gnawing away at its prey. It is quite a sight to witness, and Kenya offers exciting experiences that attracts visitors from all around the world.
Let’s look at some of the popular destinations within Kenya:
Amboseli National Park
The Amboseli landscape gives an impression of the name that is 'Salty Dust' and it is derived from the Maasai Language. Individuals tour Amboseli due to its world-famous elephant population, which are the most studied elephant species in the world. While you engage in the observation of the family life of elephants, you will also get a glimpse of the fantastic view of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, which is located in the nearby country of Tanzania.
Apart from exciting safari drives, a proper cultural experience is a wonderful addition to your plans. You may also go to a Maasai village around the park area, where you can learn more about Maasai culture and lifestyle.
The Maasai people greet their visitors with a welcome dance that consists of a competition between men and women.
Besides this, they also perform traditional songs and chants that are captivating to hear in real time.
From learning about the wealth of knowledge by the tribe’s medicine man to visiting the Maasai’s Manyattas (huts) and lastly getting souvenirs that are believed to bring peace and good luck, your day at the park will be unforgettable.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara is one of the finest safari sites in the world. It has 95 species of mammals, 570 bird species and a large population of magnificent, strong lions. They are social and they stay in families known as prides. The most notable lion prides that live in this park include the Marsh Pride, the Sausage Tree Pride, the Paradise Pride, among others. The Marsh Pride is the oldest and the largest pride consisting of 30 members who occupy about 40 square kilometres within the reserve.
If you plan to visit Kenya during the months of July to September, then the Great Wildebeest Migration is a phenomenal natural event that you can anticipate. These wild creatures cross the Mara River in search of new grazing land and fresh water amidst the seasonal rains while facing the dangerous obstacles of hungry crocodiles and lions who just wait to get a fresh catch of the most vulnerable members. It is the survival of the fittest in action.
A celebrity you can also meet at the Mara reserve is Nashi Pai. She is a famous eight-year-old cheetah who you can catch a glimpse of during an early morning game drive while she actively hunts for her family. Her story is a testament to the active protection by conservationists and park rangers.
Samburu National Reserve
During a visit to the Samburu National Reserve, you will have the opportunity to see the beauty of the Samburu Five which comprises, the Grevy Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Beisa oryx and the Gerenuk. What is unique about these creatures is that they have adapted to the scorching heat of the northern region of the equator. That is why you will also find that the lions that live within this reserve, to not have their usual glorious manes, which would otherwise make them intolerable to the blazing heat.
This reserve is popular due to its high leopard population. If you missed catching a sight of the leopards in the other national reserves, then you can be assured to spot this majestic beast traversing across the semi-arid Samburu land.
Game drives do become hot, and in case you wish to plunge into a natural swimming pool, then you can proceed to the Buffalo Springs National Reserve, alternatively referred to as the Blue Pools, which is a 5-kilometre distance from the Samburu National Reserve.
Nanyuki
A three-hour drive from Nairobi will take you to Nanyuki, a gateway to the world-famous Mount Kenya. It is the country's highest mountain, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As a trekking fan on holiday, you may opt for a two-day trekking excursion to Point Lenana, which is Mount Kenya's third highest summit. You can reach this spot through the Naromoru Route, which is the shortest route or you can even go on the Sirimon route, which is regarded to be the easiest track.
If you want to see Africa’s largest Black Rhino Shelter, then the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located near Nanyuki in Laikipia County, will be of interest to you. You can meet Najin and Fatu, who are the world’s last two northern white rhinoceros and is the reason why they are heavily guarded because they still face the threat of poaching.
The Aberdare Ranges is also a great addition to your Nanyuki travel plan as you get to witness not only the serene mountain vistas but also Karuru, which is the highest waterfall in Kenya, through activities such as bird-watching, hiking, and adventure drives.
The Great Rift Valley
On your way to the valley by the Nairobi-Nakuru road at Mai Mahiu, you will be able to view the valley's breathtaking landscape, an extensive network of ravines and volcanic plateaus, and the site is aptly named the Great Rift Valley View Point.
This valley is important because of Earth’s tectonic plates that are slowly breaking apart and is a geological marvel that renders it as an absolute must-visit destination within Kenya. Lakes are also a characteristic of the Great Rift Valley, and the most popular ones are Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Lake Elementaita. Lake Nakuru is referred to as Pink Lake due to its dense population of Pink Flamingos which feed on the algae and aquatic life of the lake.
Lake Naivasha is known for the large population of hippopotamuses, that relax in its serene waters. If you enjoy the beauty of a wide range of bird species, then you can expect a spectacle of about 4,000 bird species here. Between these two lakes lies, Lake Elementaita where you will also get to capture the beauty of Great white pelicans.
Nairobi
Kenya’s capital offers varied experiences that you will need a considerable amount of time to explore the city. Nairobi is famous for its national park, the oldest national park in Kenya. It contains 100 species of mammals and 400 migratory and endemic bird species. If you just wish to relax and appreciate nature after your journey, particularly after your arrival at the airport, Mokoiyet Picnic Spot inside the park has stunning panoramic views with the Mbagathi River Gorge way in the background.
Apart from this, Nairobi is a popular place to explore and indulge in its lively nightlife culture of good food, footloose, free spirits and good energy. And last but not least, to make your Kenya trip remarkable, you can also support orphaned animals at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
This organisation helps with the conservation of elephants, rhinoceros, and giraffes by taking them into their care as babies and later releasing them into the wild. You can visit the orphanage and watch them during their midday mud bath and milk feed within the park.
Things to know before visiting Kenya
Single-entry visa for either of the countries (Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda) is necessary and can be requested online, with processing being 2–3 days. Another option is to request an East African Tourist Visa with multiple entries in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. A yellow fever vaccination certificate and a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or negative RT-PCR test report will be required to enter.
The safari experience is not physically strenuous, as most locations are covered by vehicle travel. Safaris are suitable for senior citizens and kids as they are safe with professionals accompanying the guests throughout the journey.
Excited to explore Kenya? Check out these travel packages to experience the thrill that lasts a lifetime.
