KENYA
Introduction to Kenya
Located in East Africa, Kenya lies on the equator with coastline along the Indian Ocean. Kenya has always been a top safari destination with its dazzling array of wildlife. Its landscape encompasses savannah, lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands. Its rolling grasslands and scattered acacia woodland are home to the Big Five. Throngs of wildebeest thunder across the savanna during the Great Migration from July through October. The dry months from December through February provide for excellent predator Sightings. With coastline along the Indian Ocean, Kenya is bordered by Tanzania to the south and Uganda to the west.
MAASAI MARA
A preserved savannah wilderness in southwestern Kenya located along the Tanzanian border, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and hippos. The Mara and Talek Rivers cross its grassy plains and rolling hills. During the Great Wildebeest Migration from July until the end of October, thousands of wildebeest traverse its plains as they move north from Tanzania’s northern Serengeti. The reserve is also known for its year-round resident big cats.
In the breathtaking beauty of the Maasai Mara National Reserve you’ll revel in the super-abundance of wildlife in the Mari-Serengeti ecosystem with its leopards, cheetahs, magnificent black-maned lions and migratory herds.
LAIKIPIA
Extending more than 3600 square miles of semi-arid plains, dramatic gouges and acacia-thicket-covered hills, the Laikipia Plateau is the last refuge of Kenya’s African wild dogs. It’s also home to the country’s highest population of endangered species including black rhinos and half of the world’s Grevy’s zebras.
SAMBURU
The muddy Ewaso River is the heart of the Samburu National Reserve—an ecosystem that supports animals you can’t find elsewhere. This reserve is one of the only places in the world where reticulated giraffes with their distinct live-colored spots outlined by a network of bright white lines can be seen in the wild. The rare Grevy zebras with typical white and very thin black stripes, the Somali Ostrich with blue legs and neck, the East African oryx with tawny hair and the gerenuk with its elongated neck that is often sighted standing on two legs while feeding on the bushes are also here. These unique animals are known as the Samburu Special Five.
Our visits to the Samburu National Reserve include a day trip to a village of the Samburu tribe. The traditional dress of the Samburu people is a brilliant red cloth wrapped like a skirt and a white sash adorned with numerous colorful beaded necklaces, anklets, bracelets and earrings. The status of the wearer is represented by the jewelry worn. The Samburu people are incredibly welcoming and eager to share their traditions and customs with visitors.
AMBOSELI
Known for its large herds of elephants, Amboseli National Reserve is an ideal place to capture close-up photos of these beautiful creatures as they roam. Big cats, giraffe, impala, eland, waterbuck and gazelle inhabit the varied terrain which includes the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulfur springs, savannah and woodlands. With more than 600 species of birds, this is the place for your photos to take flight.
Spring, savannah and woodlands. With more than 600 species of birds, this is the place for your photos to take flight.
LAKE NAKURU
Famous for its vast flocks of flamingos that blanket Lake Nakuru turning it into a brilliant pink spectacle, Lake Nakuru National Park is one of Kenya’s finest national parks. Flanked by rocky escarpments, pockets of acacia forest and at least one waterfall, the park is a beautiful year-round destination. Home to black and white rhinos, leopards, hippos, giraffes, lions and buffalo along with an estimated 450 species of birds, Lake Nakuru National Park is a haven for wildlife.
MALINDI & LAMU
Lamu and Malindi, nestled along Kenya’s stunning coastline, offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its well-preserved Swahili architecture, rich history, and peaceful atmosphere. Explore winding streets, traditional dhow boats, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Malindi, a vibrant coastal town, combines historical landmarks like Vasco da Gama Pillar with pristine beaches and thriving marine life. It’s the perfect destination for water sports, diving, and soaking up the sun. Both towns offer unforgettable experiences for those seeking adventure and relaxation on the Kenyan coast.
