Kenya

Nairobi

Nairobi, originally little more than a watering hole for Masai tribes, became a substantial town by 1900 due to the building of the Mombasa to Uganda railway. In 1905 it succeeded Mombasa as the capital of the British protectorate. Today it is the largest city between Cairo and Johannesburg. 

Definitely a highlight of Nairobi is its crowded markets and trading areas, where bartering is definitely recommended. Sightseeing options includes the Giraffe Centre, Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, the National Museum, Snake Museum and National Archives. Just outside the metropolis is the country’s most accessible natural wonder, Nairobi National Park.

Masai Mara Game Reserve

When it comes to game viewing, there is nowhere in Africa richer in wildlife or more eventful in encounters than the Mara. A pristine wilderness of haunting beauty, it promises its visitors a profusion of wildlife, prolific bird life and the unprecedented opportunity of catching up with all the members of the “Big Five” in one morning.

As to scenery, the 1,800 sq kms of this veteran reserve offer the classic mix of African imagery; golden grasslands, lilac-misted hills, meandering river, acres of thorn-bush and undulating wilderness.

Amboseli National Park

The Park lies below the most famous symbol of Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro 5,895 metres the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. The surrounding area is flat, covered by savannah and acacia scrub and the animals stand in silhouette against this towering majestic giant, its snow-clad peak floating in the stark blue African sky.

This park is especially well known for its large herds of elephants and its birdlife. Other game frequently seen include buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, Masai giraffe, lion and cheetah.

Tsavo East & West National Parks

Both Tsavo East and West are ideal for those who enjoy solitude and a chance to explore wilderness without encountering other people. Lodges and camps tend to be remote and accessible by long drives or air transfer. Of the two Parks, Tsavo East is the more remote and less visited.

The relative proximity of Tsavo East to the coast makes it an ideal safari destination for those staying on the coast, or wishing to combine a safari and beach holiday. Many coast based visitors combine a safari to Tsavo with visits to the Shimba Hills and Taita game sanctuaries, Amboseli National Park, or Chyulu Hills.

Samburu National Reserve

Rugged and remote, Samburu National Reserve lies within the fascinating semi-desert area of Kenya's Northern Frontier District. The Reserve is physically dramatic with the great Ololokwe table mountain in the background. The central feature of the reserve is the winding and looping Ewaso Nyiro River. On either side of the river, a green ribbon presents a gallery of forest acacia, doum palm and Tamarind, which act as host to a multitude of birdlife.

Some of Kenya's rarer species like the long-necked gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa Oryx and blue-shanked Somali ostrich can be seen here.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Situated between Lakes Naivasha and Baringo, beneath the high cliffs of the Eastern Rift, lies Lake Nakuru. This is a shallow soda lake surrounded by yellow-barked acacia woodland and grasslands, rocky cliffs and hillsides covered with the unusual giant Euphorbia trees. Lake Nakuru is world famous as the home of myriad flocks of greater and lesser flamingos that frequently form a stunning pink ribbon along the edges of the lake.

Over 400 species of birdlife have been recorded at the lake, making this yet another of Kenya's major ornithological sites. In addition to the birdlife, the park is home to herds of buffalo, waterbuck, impala, Rothschild giraffe, and leopard. A defined area of the park has now been designated a rhino sanctuary making Nakuru the best park in Kenya for seeing Rhino.

Mombasa

Mombasa is an island connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries. The town overlooks a wide harbour, where commercial shipping mingles with traditional sailing dhows. The true heart of Mombasa is found in the exotic old town, among the narrow winding streets and Arab architecture. The streets are alive with the bright colours of the traditional coastal khanga and kikoy, the all-purpose wrap around cloth worn by both men and women. 

At the waters edge is Fort Jesus, an imposing fort that stands watch over the harbour. The high gun turrets, battlements and underground passages of this 16th Century Fort were the centre of a historic struggle for control of the Kenya coast between the Portuguese army and the Shirazi Arabs. This war was waged around Mombasa over hundreds of years and countless battles, and the Fort stands as a testament to this tumultuous past.

Migration

The biggest annual event in Kenya is the migration, where huge herds of wildebeest head from Tanzania’s Serengeti National park into Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of greener pastures. Entering Kenya in late July/August each year, more than 2 million of these animals migrate across the Mara River into Kenya accompanied by zebras, antelopes, gazelles and lions. In October/November the animals return to the short grass plains. The highlight of the migration is watching the animals crossing the Mara River in Kenya.

The Masai People

As its name would suggest the Masai Mara is the home of the fabled Masai people. Often strikingly tall and slender, swathed in brilliant red cloth 'Shukas', strung with beads and metal jewellery, the young men (Moran) favour long, plaited, ochre-daubed hairstyles and have a formidable reputation for glamour, prowess and ferocity. Traditionally the Masai live off the milk and blood of their beloved cattle and believe that all the world's cattle are theirs by God-given right. Their nomadic and pastoral lifestyle, though historically based on the pursuit of the migratory wildlife, is slowly changing.

Almanara Diani Beach Resort

Location: Mombasa |

Located south of Mombasa, Kenya on the east coast of Africa, Diani Beach rests between the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and open plains of the Shimba Hills National Reserve. Stretching 25 kilometres along the coastline, pearl white sands and lush green forests provide a backdrop of serenity that defines paradise. Tucked amidst the towering palms and tropical gardens, Almanara Luxury Resort sits quietly - boasting six fully inclusive villas along with a spectacular Presidential Villa. Complete with personal chef and maid services, this all-inclusive resort provides guests with the chance to enjoy 5-star luxury while experiencing the genuine cultures of Africa.

Amboseli By Air - Satao Elerai

Location: Amboseli National Park |

Positioned in a quiet, unspoilt, unique setting on a 5,000 acre private conservation area at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Satao Elerai Amboseli Camp looks down onto Amboseli National Park, giving clients what is arguably the best location of any camp in Amboseli. The camp also offers the chance to enjoy spectacular bush sundowners, night game drives and game walks on the conservancy.

Cape Town to Cairo in Style

Location: Cape Town | Kruger National Park | Johannesburg | Livingstone | Nairobi | Lake Nakuru National Park | Masai Mara Game Reserve | Cairo | Aswan | Luxor |

This incredible 25-day five star adventure takes you on a journey of discovery in style through the scenic splendours and wildlife of Africa to the ancient mysteries of Egypt. Commence your journey in the beautiful city of Cape Town before travelling north on board the Rovos Rail – the most luxurious train in the world. Experience open vehicle game drives in the Kruger National Park, gaze at the magnificent and world famous Victoria Falls before venturing to the game reserves and parks of Kenya with the vast savannahs of the Masai Mara and the seasonal world renowned annual Migration. The finale of the trip brings you to Egypt, where you’ll discover ancient times, the Pyramids of Giza, enjoy a luxury cruise on the River Nile and visit the magnificent temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel.

Ewaso River Walking Safari

Location: Laikipia | Nairobi |

Kenya has something to offer everyone. The diversity of the landscape is reflected in its ecology, the lives of its people and the various adventures available. Karisia offers unique, tailor-made journeys through this diverse and spectacular countryside. Specialising in walking safaris and photographic trips to the less travelled areas of this region, natural history is a major focus, with biologists, photographers and experienced safari guides providing the kind of safari to remember forever. 

Fully Escorted Highlights Of East Africa Tour

Location: Amboseli National Park | Lake Manyara National Park | Lake Nakuru National Park | Masai Mara Game Reserve | Nairobi | Ngorongoro Crater | Serengeti National Park |

Experience East Africa this October with the Africa experts. This fully escorted 13-day tour, staying in four-star accommodation throughout, is a small group departure visiting the highlights of Kenya and Tanzania. Join us on the inaugural East African Bench International fully escorted tour!

Great Kenya Safari

Location: Masai Mara Game Reserve | Amboseli National Park | Tsavo East & West National Parks | Lake Nakuru National Park |

Combining all the best aspects of a Kenyan safari, the Great Kenya Safari offers a chance to experience the majestic Masai Mara, the flamingos of Lake Nakuru, the unbelievable vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, the fresh water springs at Mzima in Tsavo West and the red elephants of Tsavo East.

Highlights of East Africa

Location: Masai Mara Game Reserve | Serengeti National Park | Ngorongoro Crater | Amboseli National Park | Lake Nakuru National Park |

For sheer weight of numbers and species of animals and birdlife, the East African wildlife reserves of Kenya and Tanzania are arguably the world’s best and most rewarding. The open grasslands offer excellent game viewing opportunities and the phenomena of the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya is one of the world’s most remarkable sights.

Kenya Highlights

Location: Masai Mara Game Reserve | Lake Nakuru National Park | Samburu National Reserve |

The largest stock of animals in Africa is found in Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. Samburu is home to lions, leopards, the rare and unusual reticulated giraffe, not to mention hundreds of types of birds and other animals. Lake Nakuru National Park is the paradise of birds and the home of rhinos, and Amboseli has the unbelievable vistas of Mt Kilimanjaro. Experience in a week the fascinating world of Africa’s animals.

Kenya Under Canvas

Location: Lake Nakuru National Park | Masai Mara Game Reserve | Samburu National Reserve |

The largest stock of animals in Africa is found in Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. Samburu is home to lions, leopards, the rare and unusual reticulated giraffe, not to mention hundreds of types of birds and other animals. Lake Nakuru National Park is the paradise of birds and the home of rhinos, and Amboseli has the unbelievable vistas of Mt Kilimanjaro. Experience in a week the fascinating world of Africa’s animals.

Masai Mara & Chyulu Hills

Location: Masai Mara Game Reserve |

Imagine an intimate safari camp set right in the heart of some of the greatest predator country of Africa…This is Mara Plains Camp! Located on the northern border of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in the 30,000 acre Olare Orok Conservancy. Mara Plains Camp is a small, high quality, seven-roomed camp under canvas and on raised decks with sweeping views across Kenya’s notable savannahs. Combined with ol Donyo Lodge, located on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills National Park between the Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks in southeast Kenya, this is truly an unforgettable trip! Its location is unrivaled with full views of Mount Kilimanjaro and in the path of traditional wildlife migration routes.

Masai Mara by Air - Karen Blixen Camp

Location: Masai Mara Game Reserve |

Karen Blixen Camp is an eco-friendly luxury camp, that creates a sense of the real bygone explorer days when the savannah was seldom visited and elaborate, comfortable camps were set up providing a luxurious retreat after each day’s adventure. The camp comprises 22 large luxury canvas tents each situated with undisturbed views along the Mara River. The stylish restaurant,  reception, lounge , bar area and gift shop with internet, are set on a raised wooden deck and furnished with accurate reproductions of Karen Blixen’s private furniture creating an elegant relaxed atmosphere.

Masai Mara By Air - Little Governors Camp

Location: Masai Mara Game Reserve |

With the best location and the widest variety of things to do, Governors' Camps offer the best game viewing in the Masai Mara, all located inside the Reserve. Little Governors’ is intimate in character and tucked around a large watering hole that teems with both birds and wildlife. This peaceful property is approached by a boat ride across the Mara River, then an escorted walk through the riverine forest.

Migration Safari

Location: Masai Mara Game Reserve | Lake Nakuru National Park |

The open grasslands of the Masai Mara Game Reserve offer excellent game spotting opportunities and the phenomena of the annual migration of wildebeest and the zebra, together with the crossing of the Mara River is one of the world most remarkable sights. This unique scheduled safari operates weekly between the prime months of July and October, and with four-nights in the Mara itself, offers the opportunity to witness some of these world-renowned and documented sights.

Out of Africa Air Safari

Location: Masai Mara Game Reserve | Amboseli National Park | Tsavo East & West National Parks |

Make your journey as exceptional as the destination and experience a unique combination of adventure, relaxation, service and culinary delights amid the African wilderness. Your safari in our luxury Cessna Caravan takes you to some of Kenya’s best National Parks and Reserves. With air-conditioning, personal intercom system and qualified safari guide on board, this offers something very different to any other air safari in the region. 

Pinewood Village

Location: Mombasa |

This multi award-winning boutique hotel is situated on the shores of the Indian Ocean, south of Mombasa. Intimate and stylish, the resort features 38 rooms in clusters around the gardens, and 20 spacious one and two bedroom suites with their own personal chef. A wide range of facilities on offer include a swimming pool, Amani spa, gym, themed dining, bars and a water sport centre.

Remote Kenya

Location: Masai Mara Game Reserve | Nairobi | Laikipia |

Travel off the beaten track, away from the crowds and experience the true beauty of Kenya in Laikipa. Walk with the Samburu, and revel in the wild life sightings of the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. Laikipia is an outstandingly beautiful wilderness with an abundance of wildlife. It is truly wild but with accommodation second to none and comfortable beyond measure. Whether you are sleeping under the vast African night sky in Star Beds, rafting down the majestic Ewaso Ngiro and Ng'are Narok Rivers, or observing the ‘Big Five’ stroll past on game drives, this safari will revive your mind, rejuvenate your body and revitalise your soul.

Samburu By Air - Elephant Bedroom Camp

Location: Samburu National Reserve |

Set on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River this small and exclusive camp of 12 luxury tents - all furnished in comfortable African style, offers all the comforts expected of a luxury safari camp, with vibrant safari colours, original oil paintings and soft intimate lighting designed to relax guests returning from an exciting game drive. Huge herds of elephant, prides of lion or the solitary leopard amongst other game are regular visitors around the camp, providing excellent game viewing in this spectacular spot.

Walking in the Footsteps of the Maasai

Location: Amboseli National Park | Tsavo East & West National Parks |

Experience the fascinating world of Africa’s culture and wildlife with this safari offering an insight into the local Maasai people. Your two-night stay at Satao Elerai near Amboseli National Park will give you the opportunity to experience a property which is genuinely involved in working with the Maasai community for the long term benefit of the Maasai and the wildlife in the Amboseli eco system.

Wildlife & Wonders

Location: Cairo | Aswan | Luxor | Nairobi | Masai Mara Game Reserve | Lake Nakuru National Park | Samburu National Reserve |

Take an exciting journey to Africa and combine the wildlife of Kenya with the wonders of Egypt. Travelling through the game parks of the Masai Mara, Samburu and the Rift Valley, you will experience the fascinating world of Africa’s animals, as well as encounter the cultural side and witness first hand some of the many tribes in the region. Travel north from here to Egypt and experience a different culture and history and step back in time to the days of the Pharaohs and life on the River Nile in Ancient Egypt.

Nairobi

Nairobi, originally little more than a watering hole for Masai tribes, became a substantial town by 1900 due to the building of the Mombasa to Uganda railway. In 1905 it succeeded Mombasa as the capital of the British protectorate. Today it is the largest city between Cairo and Johannesburg.
Definitely a highlight of Nairobi is its crowded markets and trading areas, where bartering is definitely recommended. Sightseeing options includes the Giraffe Centre, Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, the National Museum, Snake Museum and National Archives. Just outside the metropolis is the country’s most accessible natural wonder, Nairobi National Park.

Masai Mara Game Reserve

When it comes to game viewing, there is nowhere in Africa richer in wildlife or more eventful in encounters than the Mara. A pristine wilderness of haunting beauty, it promises its visitors a profusion of wildlife, prolific bird life and the unprecedented opportunity of catching up with all the members of the “Big Five” in one morning.
As to scenery, the 1,800 sq kms of this veteran reserve offer the classic mix of African imagery; golden grasslands, lilac-misted hills, meandering river, acres of thorn-bush and undulating wilderness.

Amboseli National Park

The Park lies below the most famous symbol of Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro 5,895 metres the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. The surrounding area is flat, covered by savannah and acacia scrub and the animals stand in silhouette against this towering majestic giant, its snow-clad peak floating in the stark blue African sky. This park is especially well known for its large herds of elephants and its birdlife. Other game frequently seen include buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, Masai giraffe, lion and cheetah.

Tsavo East & West National Parks

Both Tsavo East and West are ideal for those who enjoy solitude and a chance to explore wilderness without encountering other people. Lodges and camps tend to be remote and accessible by long drives or air transfer. Of the two Parks, Tsavo East is the more remote and less visited. The relative proximity of Tsavo East to the coast makes it an ideal safari destination for those staying on the coast, or wishing to combine a safari and beach holiday. Many coast based visitors combine a safari to Tsavo with visits to the Shimba Hills and Taita game sanctuaries, Amboseli National Park, or Chyulu Hills.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Situated between Lakes Naivasha and Baringo, beneath the high cliffs of the Eastern Rift, lies Lake Nakuru. This is a shallow soda lake surrounded by yellow-barked acacia woodland and grasslands, rocky cliffs and hillsides covered with the unusual giant Euphorbia trees. Lake Nakuru is world famous as the home of myriad flocks of greater and lesser flamingos that frequently form a stunning pink ribbon along the edges of the lake. Over 400 species of birdlife have been recorded at the lake, making this yet another of Kenya's major ornithological sites. In addition to the birdlife, the park is home to herds of buffalo, waterbuck, impala, Rothschild giraffe, and leopard. A defined area of the park has now been designated a rhino sanctuary making Nakuru the best park in Kenya for seeing Rhino.

Samburu National Reserve

Rugged and remote, Samburu National Reserve lies within the fascinating semi-desert area of Kenya's Northern Frontier District. The Reserve is physically dramatic with the great Ololokwe table mountain in the background. The central feature of the reserve is the winding and looping Ewaso Nyiro River. On either side of the river, a green ribbon presents a gallery of forest acacia, doum palm and Tamarind, which act as host to a multitude of birdlife. Some of Kenya's rarer species like the long-necked gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa Oryx and blue-shanked Somali ostrich can be seen here.

Laikipia

Laikipia District is one of the seventy-one districts of Kenya, located on the Equator in the Rift Valley Province of the country. The district has two major urban centres: Nanyuki to the southeast, and Nyahururu to the southwest. The Laikipia plains which stretch from the Great Rift Valley to the magnificent escarpments which descend into Kenya’s wild Northern rangelands, form part of the vast Ewaso ecosystem.  The plains are physically diverse and scenically spectacular, covered by open grasslands, basalt hills, lonely kopjes and dense cedar forests, fed by the Ewaso Nyiro and Ewaso Narok rivers. Many things differentiate Laikipia from the rest of Kenya, but possibly the most significant is how people from different cultures and backgrounds have come together to support and undertake conservation through their own organisation, the Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF). Wildlife population densities in the Laikipia region now rank second to the internationally renowned Maasai Mara ecosystem.

Giraffe Manor

Location: Nairobi

The Giraffe Manor is an elegant, privately owned and personally hosted, small and exclusive hotel, famous for its resident herd of giraffe. The Giraffe Manor offers a rich blend of welcoming accommodation, highly trained and friendly staff, as well as one of Nairobi’s finest kitchens.

This is the only place in the world where guests can enjoy the experience of feeding giraffe over the breakfast table or at the front door. Giraffe Manor is surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forest just outside Nairobi.

House of Waine

Location: Nairobi

The House of Waine is a unique boutique hotel in the Karen suburb of Nairobi featuring 11 elegantly furnished bedrooms reflecting their individual themes. Situated on a tranquil property of 2.5 acres the hotel bends the elegance of gracious living with the spirit of modern Africa in an exclusive and serene setting.

Here the aim is to provide guests with an experience that exceeds all their expectations of city hotels with personalised, friendly and excellent service and cuisine in beautiful surroundings.

Nairobi Tented Camp

Location: Nairobi

This authentic tented camp is situated in the heart of Nairobi National Park, just minutes from the airport. It is the first accommodation of any sort to be allowed in this unique safari destination with eight en-suite tents. With sweeping plains on one side and the city on the other, Nairobi National Park is a wildlife haven unlike any other, with guaranteed sightings of rhino a reason in itself to visit.

Nairobi Tented Camp offers guests the opportunity to really get to know this unique destination and its wildlife.

Sarova Stanley

Location: Nairobi

This elegant hotel is located in the city centre, and from the moment you pass through the century old revolving doors, you leave the heat and bustle of modern cosmopolitan Nairobi behind, for a world of cool Victorian elegance, recalling a graceful era of fine furnishings and grand living.

The hotel offers 217 luxurious rooms, blending Victorian grandeur and comfort with all the practical amenities of the 21st century. There are three fine restaurants, a fully equipped health club and heated pool.