Kenya
If you always dreamed about safari in Africa, Kenya is the best direction to take.
From the green rainforest of Mount Kenya through the rift valley lakes till the massive elephant held of Amboseli facing on the Kilimanjaro background, pure white sand beaches with turquoise water exotic beauty.
Along the country they speak more than 30 different languages. For every ethnic group they speak their own direct language.
The English and Kiswahili are indeed the official language but the mix of the languages you hear in Kenya is a good indication about the variety that influence this country.
The biggest city in Kenya is Nairobi. The country is named after its mountain Kenya. There are 67 natural reserves, national parks and animal sanctuary. Kenya with 582,000 square meters is blessed with a rich variety habitants. Dessert in the north mountain forest and rainforest at highlands, and the west meddles to the feet of the frozen peaks of Kenya mountain. A vast savannah in the southern east, many lakes in the valley and of course the Indian ocean beaches with amazing cores and abundant sea life.
From this variety various it is hard to point on one chosen reserve. The Masai mara may be the most famous one, although the variety landscape and animal species is huge.
With over 35,000 elephants, 1,130 bird species, and 1.5 million wildebeest, safaris are Kenya’s top attraction. Sunrise on the savannah, observing elephants by the river, and tracking elusive predators create unforgettable mornings. Each game drive is a unique adventure; no two days are alike. Kenya offers a range of safari activities, primarily the classic open-sided game drive, available in its national parks. The day includes two drives – one at dawn and another in the late afternoon, as the midday sun makes animal sightings scarce when they seek shelter from the heat.
SAFARI
Watch the Wildebeest Migration
The Masai Mara is arguably the best wildlife destination in Kenya. The Masai Mara is home to an exceptional amount of resident wildlife, including elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, buffalo, giraffe and many more. On top of that, if you visit the Masai Mara between the months of July and November, you will get to see the famous wildebeest migration – an annual pilgrimage of over 1.5 million wildebeest!
Visit protected rhinos in Ol Pejeta
There are only two northern white rhinos left in the world! These are two female rhinos, named Najin and Fatu, who are protected and monitored 24 hours a day by dedicated rangers and caretakers in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Because of the species’ vulnerability, visiting the rhinos is one of the most popular things to do in Kenya. We would highly recommend it.
Adventure in the Laikipia Plateau
The Laikipia Plateau is located in central Kenya and is famous for its adventure activities offered. For families, it is a great destination to include in an itinerary as you can do tubing on the Ewaso Nyiro River, horse riding, camel riding, bush walks, quad bike safaris, mountain biking, helicopter rides, and fly camping. The accommodation varies from simple tented camps to luxury lodges around the plains.
Sleep under the stars in Laikipia
While much of the game viewing is done in the daylight, a night under the African sky should not be underestimated. With little to no light pollution, stargazing in Kenya is often people come home raving about. Although you can see the stars from the campfire at dinner, or walking back to your tent at night, how about sleeping in a bed that allows you to stargaze all night? In the Laikipia Plateau, there are plenty of options that facilitate this. Loisaba Star beds is probably one of the most iconic properties to do this as, as the name suggests, offers you a bed under the stars. The camp is made up of just four rooms, each with its own private wooden veranda. At night, your four-poster bed is wheeled out onto the veranda for you to sleep under the stars. Of course, the bathroom facilities are nearby and you have a mosquito net around the bed but you are essentially stargazing all night. Other properties offering stargazing experiences in the Laikipia Plateau include Sabuk Lodge and Segera Retreat’s Bird Nest room to name a couple.
BEACH
Relax on Diani Beach
Kenya’s southern coast is a haven of tropical paradise, and for those who are looking for a twin-center holiday, it is a great option for the beach part. Although there are beautiful spots across all of the Kenyan coastline, the beaches in the Watamu and Diani Beach regions are idyllic. In fact, we would say that Diani beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Africa. But don’t just take our word for it – it has won the World Travel Award as Africa’s leading beach destination in 2019. There are a handful of fantastic hotels, boutique hotels and lodges to choose from along the Watamu and Diani Beach. Some of these include Afrochic, Alfajiri Villas, Hemingways Watamu and Kinondo Kwetu to name a few. The Indian Ocean is bright blue and inviting, and you can do a range of water sports here, including snorkelling, diving, kite surfing or heading out on a local dhow to enjoy the sunset.
CULTURE
Visit the Samburu People
The Samburu people are a semi-nomadic tribe who live in north and central Kenya including the Samburu county. The Samburu tend to their livestock every day, herding cattle, goats and sheep across a vast distance in search of fresh pasture. They also rely on their livestock for their diet, as they drink milk and blood from the cows. With this in mind, they are cousins of the Maasai people who live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are however, both very easily identifiable. The Maasai people usually have chequered clothing and shawls (red or blue). The Samburu people are very colourful in their appearance, and wear beaded earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The amount of jewellery worn represents the wealth of the Samburu warrior. There are many interesting traditions and ceremonies that are important to the Samburu people and it’s always worth visiting a tribe or village if you can. If you are visiting the Samburu National Reserve then it is likely that members of the staff in camp will be Samburu people, or come from nearby communities.
Kenya, located on the Equator, boasts warm temperatures and abundant sunshine year-round. While there are months to avoid, such as the rainy season in April and May, you can visit at any time, especially for capturing dramatic photos with a dramatic backdrop. The optimal time for a Kenyan journey aligns with June to October. This period falls between the heavy rains of May and the lighter rains of November, offering dry weather and ample sunshine. Ideal for game viewing, mornings may start cool, so layering is recommended, and blankets are usually provided for the initial game drive hour. As the sun ascends, you can comfortably enjoy your safari in shorts and a t-shirt.
DRY PEAK SEASON
June to October
This period is ideal for East African safaris, marked by dry, warm weather and exceptional game viewing. Explore the Masai Mara National Reserve and its conservancies in southern Kenya to witness abundant resident wildlife, including elephants, hippos, leopards, crocodiles, lions, and giraffes. It’s also prime time for the Great Migration, an awe-inspiring journey of over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and numerous gazelles crossing from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya, grazing in the region until around October when they return to Tanzania. Migration timing varies yearly based on rainfall patterns.
SHORT RAINY SEASON
November to December
In mid-November, the short rains begin, typically lasting a few weeks, with sporadic, brief daily downpours, often in the afternoon, creating dramatic landscapes. Game viewing remains good, but denser vegetation makes wildlife sightings more challenging. By mid-December, the rains cease, providing warm and comfortable weather.
For a Christmas getaway, consider a twin-center safari and beach trip, but plan well in advance, as it’s a busy time.
SHOULDER SEASON
January to March
Between the rainy seasons, mid-March onwards gets hot and humid. Excellent birding opportunities arise as migratory birds arrive. Combine a safari with beach stays in southern Kenya, like Watamu and Diani.
LONG RAINY SEASON
April to May
East Africa’s rainy season is typically avoided, with many lodges closing and reduced flights. However, it’s a unique opportunity for photographers, capturing stormy scenes and resilient wildlife
Kenya enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience on your trip. The dry season, from late June to October, is considered the best time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. The wet season, from November to May, brings lush landscapes and migratory bird species. If you want to witness the spectacle of the Great migration in the Masai Mara, between August and November is the best time, although the exact timings can vary due to the weather.
Kenya is renowned for its abundant wildlife and on a game drive through the national parks you could encounter the Big Five which consists of the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. There is also the opportunity to spot other game animals such as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and hyenas. The Masai Mara National Reserve is particularly famous for its lion prides while Lake Nakuru National Park is home to a huge variety of bird species, including flamingos, ospreys, bustards and grey crowned cranes.
Kenya’s cultural diversity is one of its biggest attractions, next to its wildlife, of course. The Maasai and Samburu tribes are among the most well-known indigenous communities in Kenya. Visiting local villages gives you the opportunity to learn about the people’s traditional way of life, including their unique customs and cuisine. Additionally, you could visit the lively city of Nairobi and the charming town of Eldoret to explore the local sights.
Although vaccinations are not required when travelling to Kenya, we highly recommend protecting yourself against the many diseases such as polio, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, cholera, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever and tuberculosis. You should also take malaria prophylaxis and your doctor can advise which ones you’ll need. If you’re travelling from a country where there’s a risk of transmitting yellow fever, you’ll also need a vaccination certificate before you travel. Ensure you bring protection for mosquito bites as they can cause the spread of dengue fever.
If you’re travelling to Kenya from the UK, EU or the US, you will need a visa to enter the country. You will be issued with an electronic visa but make sure you contact the consulate of Kenyan High Commission to check all the latest information and online application process. If you are visiting Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda on your trip, you can apply for an East Africa Visa which allows access to all three countries. You must always consult local governments prior to travel as visa requirements can change. We’ve included some relevant links below.
Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/kenya
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/kenya
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kenya.html
Kenya offers a diverse culinary experience with its vibrant and tantalising cuisine and the traditional dishes reflect the rich cultural heritage. One popular dish is Ugali, a stiff cornmeal porridge that acts as a staple in many Kenyan meals. It is commonly enjoyed with sukuma wiki, a dish made with collard greens, tomatoes and onions. Another famous dish is Nyama Choma, which is barbecued meat, often goat or beef, marinated in spices and grilled to perfection. Kenyans also enjoy foods such as pilau, a flavorful rice dish cooked with aromatic spices, and samosas, a fried pastry filled with savoury ingredients.