Luxury Kenya Safaris

Kenya really is the spiritual home of the safari. Indeed, the word safari itself is a Swahili word meaning journey and Kenya was the first country in Africa that developed commercial wildlife tourism. As such, it has been a firm favourite for safari aficionados for many decades, allowing it to establish one of the continents finest network of luxury lodges and experiences.

With wonderfully varied wildlife, arguably Africa’s greatest natural phenomena in the Great Migration and miles upon miles of pristine Indian Ocean beaches, there are few better spots on the planet if you are looking to really indulge yourself. Perhaps what stands out most about Kenyan safaris though is that despite the incredible experiences it offers, it has stayed humble to its roots, with wonderful people looking after you wherever you go. For many the word Karibu – meaning welcome – is the word they most associate with Kenya and we heartily agree!

Beautiful camps

Kenya remains steadfastly traditional in many of its safari offerings, not least in the fact that the vast majority of its camps are tented safari camps, albeit packed with modern luxuries that elevate them to truly incredible levels. Whether you are relaxing on the plains of the iconic Maasai Mara, gazing out over the red dirt of Samburu on exploring the lush wilderness of Laikipia, you can relax in the lap of luxury, enjoying superb food, choice wines and truly personalised service from the wonderful staff that characterise Kenyan camps. Add to this the outstanding guiding for which the country is renowned, and you have a hospitality experience that is hard to beat and one that makes safaris in Kenya such a compelling experience.

Variety of experiences

One of the major draws of going on safari in Kenya is the sheer variety of areas that it has to go on safari, all very different from one another. Whilst the game-rich plains of the Maasai Mara and undoubtedly the best-known of Kenya’s parks, in the know guests also love to head up to Laikipia, home to some of Africa’s best-run rhino conservation projects and where the views of the snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya are a compelling backdrop to your safari.

More adventurous guests may wish to head off into the wilds of Lake Turkana where they can camp under the stars and trek through the bush with only their guides and a team of camels for company. The stunning Mount Meru National Park, the former home to Elsa the lioness of Born Free fame is another wonderful spot, as are the drier parks of Amboseli and Tsavo to the south.

For visitors looking to enjoy a longer safari trip with a number of varied areas, there is nowhere better than Kenya.

Unbelievable wildlife

Of course, at the heart of any amazing safari holiday is wildlife and Kenya delivers this perhaps better than anywhere on the continent with the sheer variety and numbers of animals that can be seen.

Whilst the Maasai Mara, home to of the best big cat sightings on earth, as well as the herds of the Great Migration between July and October takes the plaudits, you will be able to experience incredible game viewing wherever you go.

The wide-open expanses of Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks are home to some of the largest-tusked elephants left on earth and are beloved of fans of these beautiful pachyderms. Rhino enthusiasts should head north to Laikipia, more specifically the Borana and Lewa Conservancies which are home to some incredible rhino conservation projects, as well as a huge variety of other wildlife. Wherever you choose to go and whatever animals are top of your list, you will be accompanied by amazing guides who will really bring your experience to life.

The beach is close by

Safari and beach is undoubtedly a classic holiday combination, but many destinations require visitors to overnight in a city to combine the two owing to flight connection times – not the epitome of luxury for some.

The beauty of Kenya is that its seemingly endless swathes if Indian Ocean coastline is easily accessible from all safari areas, meaning on the day you head to the beach you can enjoy a safari in the morning and be on the beach, cocktail in hand by the middle of the afternoon.

There are so many spots to choose from, all of which depend on the style of place you want to stay and how much you want to do during your time on the beach. Furthest north, Lamu is arguably the most interesting of Kenya’s beach spots, with a fascinating old town, iconic properties and a truly unique feel to it. Malindi and Watamu offer visitors a wonderful spot to stay further south and are especially well-known for offering excellent deep-sea fishing. Mombasa is a busier part of the coastline without a doubt, but there are still some lovely luxury properties tucked way there if you want plenty going on. Finally, Diani Beach furthest south is a great spot if you are looking to really get away from things and relax as it is home to a succession of incredible private villas – perfect for those who love their luxury.

When to travel

The best travelling seasons in Kenya are split throughout the year owing to the long rainy season in April and May, as well as a short rainy season which hits the country in November. The December to March period tends to be the warmest part of the year and there are some rains at this time, but the legacy of the rains means grasses are lush and green with plains game giving birth to their young which means plenty of predators can be found close to the herds. This tends to be the quietest time to visit Kenya and is incredibly rewarding for those who like to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more private experience. June and July are similar to this period in terms of both conditions and visitor numbers but tend to be a little cooler. August is when visitors really start to flock here as the weather is at its best for safaris (cool and dry) and the herds of the Great Migration usually arrive in the Maasai Mara, staying until October.