Holidays & Sabbaticals to Kenya – In a Nutshell

Many a traveller’s heart has been lost to Kenya. A popular first-time safari destination, Kenya evokes the power and romance of travel with unpretentious ease, and really enters the soul. It offers magnificent landscapes – the vast captivating beauty of the Masai Mara, the undulating, scenic country of the central highlands, and the white beaches of the Indian Ocean. Known for its plentiful game (including the world-famous wildebeest migration), proud cultural traditions, and exceptional hospitality well-tailored for young and old alike, it’s easy to see why Kenya manifests such timeless sway.

Kenya Wildlife

Experience the awe-inspiring Great Migration in the Masai Mara. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the open plains as they circle clockwise between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. Witness the circle of life in action as big cat predators stalk their prey and scavenging hyenas and vultures jostle for their place in the hierarchy.

Heading north to the arid lands of Samburu National Reserve, spot rare species adapted to the drier conditions, such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich.

South West in the Amboseli National Park, be captivated by the sight of massive herds of elephants against the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. Explore the rugged terrains of Tsavo National Park, home to an abundance of wildlife including the elusive black rhino, the endangered African hunting dog, and the magnificent Big-Tusk elephants.

Off the coast, ethereal coral reefs abound in turquoise waters, alive with iridescent tropical fish darting through the colourful formations.

Off The Beaten Path

Meet the team of rangers in Laikipia and hear their stories. Find out how the black rhino has been protected and locals’ lives have transformed since land use switched from ranches to conservancies
Take an aerial view of the Masai Mara on a balloon safari
Meet real Samburu tribesmen in their lesser-visited region and learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle
Get active in the green Chuyulu Hills with horse riding, mountain biking and mountain climbing
Explore one of the world’s longest lava tubes in the Leviathan Caves, steeped in local legend and superstition
On Lamu island, wander the winding alleyways, peek into inner courtyards and pass elaborately carved wooden doors in the Swahili old town before kicking through white sand dunes and taking a dhow trip across turquoise waters
Spot the remaining ‘Big-Tuskers‘ in Tsavo East: the tusks of the endangered, red-rust elephant bulls are so long they sweep the dusty ground
Traverse diverse landscapes, from lunar surface to riverine forest, in the Meru National Park. Thirteen springs and rivers provide a life source for big game and, in particular, a sanctuary to rhinoceroses
Slip among creeks and mangroves and enjoy the freshest of seafood along Kenya’s coastline. Malindi and Diani are largely untouched and uncommercial

Kenya Experiences you shouldn’t miss:

See the Big 5 and the Great Migration at a conservancy in the Masai Mara. 1.5 million zebra and wildebeest pass through between August and October each year
Experience safari in the drier regions of Laikipia or Samburu, where wildlife has adapted to the environment
See Lake Nakuru, in the Great Rift Valley, reflect the dazzling pink of huge flocks of flamingo and see large crashes of black rhinos on its shores
Explore the beautiful old town and Arab architecture of the coastal town, Mombassa
Enjoy water activities at Diani Beach near Mombassa, including kite surfing, snorkelling, windsurfing, fishing and diving
Set off on a traditional dhow from Diani Beach for a dolphin safari or sunset cruise
Snorkel among the stunning coral reefs of Watamu Marine National Park and enjoy the white sand beaches

How to Get to Kenya

Flights to the capital, Nairobi, are direct from UK (8h35m from London) and USA (14h45m from New York).

When & Weather – Kenya

Kenya is a great destination year-round with a warm climate, between 18-29°C.

Rains fall November, April and May. These are generally heavy afternoon showers. These need not impede the enjoyment of a trip and can make for more green landscapes and great photography.

Who will Kenya Appeal To?

Honeymooners
Active travellers
Solo travellers
Families. Min age is: 12 for walking safari; 8 for driving safari. Most lodges have a min age of 8
Wildlife enthusiasts
Photographers

Kenya Accommodation

Stay in a luxury, mobile tented camp, which moves to follow the migration; go ‘fly camping’ for a couple of nights, with just a mosquito net (and armed guard) between you, nature and the stars; relax in the luxury of a fixed safari lodge; or stay in a boutique hotel on the white shores of the coast. Accommodation aims not to leave a footprint and has sustainability built in.

Giving back

The majestic Big-Tusker elephants mesmerise with gigantic tusks sweeping down to the dusty ground. However, there are only 25 left in the world. The Tsavo Trust works to save these magnificent creatures from being poached to extinction, and operates on donations.

Visit a ‘bee fence’ farmer as part of the ‘Elephants and Bees‘ program, and find out how bees can keep the peace between humans and elephants. As elephants are afraid of African honey bees, farmers repel them humanely by installing a border of hives around their fields.