• All of Africa’s classic wildlife – open savannah and acacia forests

• Great Rift Valley with acacia lined, flamingo filled lakes

• Laikipia Plateau for wildlife without the crowds

• Visit the proud Samburu lands for a community-led fully-immersive safari

• TheWildebeest Migration(July/August – October/November)

• Excellent private concessions and reserves to avoid the hordes

• Wonderful accommodation options – lodges, tented camps, boutique cottages, treehouses and homestays

• Ditch the 4 x 4 and immerse in the African bush on riding, walking and biking safaris

• Easy safari option – great for couples, families

• Escape the crowds in the Maasai owned Shompole Conservancy

• Lake Turkana for adventurers and photographers

• Tsavo plains overlooked by soaring Kilimanjaro

• Fabulous adventure options including rafting and kayaking expeditions, mountain biking safaris and even a mountain biking Mount Kenya via helicopter!

• And Indian Ocean hidden beach retreats to wash the safari dust off….

We are safari experts and tailor-make the majority of our Kenyan safaris – tell us your interests, style and where you want to go, and we’ll come up with the safari of your dreams.

Top Tips for a Safari in Kenya

Fly in or Drive?

Fly-in safaris are by far the best way to visit several key locations in one trip, cutting down on travel time and maximising your well-earned time on safari.

Driving safaris spend a good amount of time getting between locations. Kenya is a big country. You can end up losing several days due to road transfers. For groups driving can be more economical and a chance to see the countryside. But remember that long drives are boring for small kids.

Sustainable Tourism

It is sadly true that some areas suffer from far too many tourists. No one wants to see a cheetah surrounded by fleets of cheap minibus operators, but the country needs tourism. See this article in the New York Times by the dangers posed to wildlife by overtourism.

The vast majority of wildlife-rich areas are protected by excellent schemes to reduce visitor numbers, protect wildlife and support the local communities.

Stick to the wilderness areas. And avoid the more commercial areas of Kenyan tourism – it’s not great for your experience, and not great for the environment either. We use small camps and lodges which are making genuine efforts to becoming sustainable. The recommendations we make will all share our ethos about treading softly on our planet, and giving back to the local communities that you will meet.

The Migration

Kenya has far ore to offer than just the migration.

Remember – it is the quality of the experience for you, the locals and the wildlife which matters, and plan accordingly.

Guide to the Top Safari and Beach Locations in Kenya

Masai Mara – Private Conservancy Areas

The Masai Mara is sadly one of the worst places for over-tourism (see link to New York Times article above), along with Amboseli. People flock here to see the annual wildebeest migration between July and October and it is certainly not a private wilderness experience in the over-congested National Park during peak times. See this link which explains the issues.

Private Reserves (Conservancies)

The way to escape the crowds is to visit one of the excellent private reserves (conservancies). The wildlife is just as plentiful (there are no fences) and you can experience the African bush with far less impact on the environment and wildlife.

In addition, there are activities in the private concessions which greatly enhance any safari – walking (and even running!) safaris, bike riding, tracking experiences with the local Masai. And night safaris to see nocturnal species.

We’d recommend at least 3 nights if time is short, and you wish to visit other areas of the country, although you can easily spend 6 – 9 nights here in several different private reserves to experience all the Mara has to offer.

For families we have fantastic options in private houses or family friendly lodges with activities such as spear throwing and tracking that kids will love!

A 6-night combination of the Mara and Laikipia Plateau makes an excellent combination of wildlife, and activities to keep everyone enthused.

House in the Wild – Game Drive

Lewa Conservancy Walking Safari

Laikipia Plateau

The private reserves of Laikipia are one of Kenya’s best kept secrets, yet long-known by some as a wildlife hotspot for those wanting a pure wilderness experience with incredible wildlife and landscapes.

The plateau covers a vast area from the foothills of Mount Kenya to the shores of Lake Baringo, and is home to many endangered species along with all the other major African wildlife.

The farms which used to occupy the plateau are now wildlife conservancies, some of the best in Africa. We’d highly recommend a visit to at least one to appreciate the plateau and all it has to offer.

Active Safaris

This is the place to ditch the 4 x 4’s and lower that safari carbon footprint on walking, riding and even camel safaris. Because of the range of activities and private cottages the plateau is great for couples, lovers of the outdoors as well as family groups.

Most kids don’t particularly want to spend hours sitting in a 4 x 4, and nor do many active adults. There are standard game drives too, but Laikipia is also the perfect place to stretch those legs with a trained guide. Ride a horse or camel, swim in a waterfall or take a bush breakfast picnic under an acacia tree. There’s nothing as thrilling as exploring the African bush on foot, away from the confines of a vehicle – believe us!

Helping Local Communities

Any visit here will mean you are donating directly back to the protection of wildlife and supporting the local Masai communities which live there – which is all good! Or ndizi baridi in Swahili – ‘Cool Bananas!’

Lewa House Sundowners

Lioness at Segera

In the foothills of Mount Kenya Segera Retreat is deeply committed to the idea of a sustainable safari. A former ranch Segera is now focused on wildlife conservation, community, and culture.

Behind the luxuriously elegant, thatched villas, spa and pools is a real commitment to immersive cultural tourism with a light footprint.

Wildlife of Segera

The exclusively private 50 000 acres are home to lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, and buffalo as well as endangered species such as reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Lelwel’s hartebeest and African wild dog. Plus, up to 150 species of bird.

Immersive Experiences at Segera

Daily classic game drives are on offer, but as the focus is on immersion with Africa, its people and soil, you’ll be encouraged to join the Samburu to gather wild honey, plant a tree, talk to the ladies at the bead collective, shop at a local market and perhaps even take a cookery course.

Proceeds from your stay go directly to the local community and school, which you can visit, along with East Africa’s first female ranger teams – well worth supporting!

Unique Experiences at Segera

Segera is also home to the helicopter safari and GAAMY – the original plane from ‘Out of Africa’ – a must for plane and movie enthusiasts!

With a special sleep out ‘nest’ and an incredible African art collection there is nothing quite like a stay at Segera that we know of!

MOUNT KENYA

Giraffe at Segera

Northern Laikipia

The northern part of the Laikipia plateau is wild and remote. Stay far from the crowds on the wonderful Ol Malo ranch which hosts just a handful of guests at a time or in a private house for just you and your family or friends.

Community Focused Eco-tourism

The ranch teams are committed to eco-tourism in a way which fully includes the local Samburu communities and projects. As a guest you will experience comfort and luxury, alongside some of Africa’s finest wilderness and wildlife experiences.

Active Safari Options

There are day and night game drives to view African wildlife, along with horse riding, and overnight camel ‘glamping’ experiences. Your visit will give back directly to the local Samburu community, who are very much part of the experience as you can visit the local market, have a cookery class, make beads and learn about their way of life.

Family Friendly Safari

For kids there is cycling, school visits, spear throwing lessons and bead making – a fascinating cultural experience! And for children over 5 years and active adults we highly recommend the Nomad camel safari where you travel by camel and sleep out under the stars in large comfortable tents. A true safari experience much like the early days of the great African explorers and something the kids (and adults) will love.

The helicopter safari here is also unmissable!

Sarara Tree House

Northern Frontier and Mathews Range

Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy

Far up in the north of Kenya lies possibly the most pristine and beautiful wilderness area of the country. Home to the proud Samburu warrior clans the savannah plains and lush mountain slopes are home to elephant, giraffe, wild dog and kudu amongst other wildlife.

This is a destination worth visiting in its own right. Everyone who visits adores it. Stays can be split between the main safari camp, and the wonderful treehouse camp. Sleeping up in the canopy among the birds and monkeys is a highlight for youngers and the young at heart.

Community Owned

The lodge and camp are community owned and managed by the local Samburu community, which means that you will have a fully immersive experience – being led on wildlife encounters by the warriors who know their homeland far better than anyone. And in the right season you can experience the singing wells – the Samburus’ unique way of calling their prized cattle to the well.

Special Family Safari

You can go on day and night game drives, and visit the local elephant sanctuary, but the area really comes into its own for older kids and active adults who can hike in the montane forest, horse ride and fly camp out under the stars. Younger kids will love the water slides (seasonal)! A stay at Sarara is a unique family experience which you’ll all never forget.

Sarara Game Drive

Kenyan Coast

Kenya has some wonderful boutique beach retreats to give you the perfect end to your safari.

Our tips – stick to boutique properties – home from home, unpretentious hideaways with fresh local produce and low-key relaxed beach activities.

Kinondo Kweto (pictured) is a firm favourite and fits our bill perfectly but there are other options along the coast to suit your taste and style, and we have similar classic stays a short flight away in the Maldives too.