People choose African safari vacations for a wide variety of reasons. Most are drawn by the prospect of seeing the world’s most exotic animals and landscapes. For some it is the perfect setting for a honeymoon, for others an intrepid family adventure. Others go on safari for the ultimate relaxing getaway. And then there are those who have dreamed of Africa since their childhood and have finally decided that it is time to meet reality. No one is disappointed as Africa can give you all these things and much more. That is, as long as you go to the right place: Kenya, East Africa, home of safari.
East Africa is the home of safari for many reasons, one of which is the fact that the word safari comes from the local Swahili language. The fact is that this part of the continent has a lot going for it. It has a long coastline with pristine beaches on the Indian Ocean, stunning landscapes and scenery, many nature reserves with an excellent variety of big game, excellent infrastructure and a long history of organizing safari holidays. Furthermore, East Africa has a mild climate all year round and a variety of diverse cultures ranging from warriors to nomadic herders and fishermen.
In the heart of East Africa is the country of Kenya, home to 40 national parks and game reserves. Among these are some of the world’s most renowned – Masai Mara, Samburu, Amboseli and Meru – names that evoke images of the romantic world of safari. Kenya is right on the equator, bordering Sudan and Ethiopia to the north, Uganda and Lake Victoria to the west. To the southwest is Tanzania and the Indian Ocean is in the southeast. That wonder of the African landscape, Mount Kilimanjaro, can be seen from Kenya to just south of the Tanzanian border.
The modern capital of Kenya, Nairobi, is a bustling modern city with excellent hotels, shops and good places to eat. Despite all the bustle of its big city, Nairobi will give you a gentle introduction to the world of Africa. Arriving from the west, it will provide a gentle decompression chamber from which to explore the wild beauty of the interior. Nairobi is a place where you can develop your films, browse the bookstores, send postcards and dream of the real Africa that awaits you nearby. A short drive away is Karen Blixen’s home, which is open to visitors. Or maybe you’d rather have afternoon tea with giraffes at nearby Giraffe Manor.
But what you really came to see are the animals, and in this regard, Kenya is like no other. The “big five” animals of Africa (the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant) can be found in Kenya along with a host of other species.
Each of Kenya’s many game reserves and national parks offers a unique experience. Take the Masai Mara game reserve. It is home to an abundant population of all kinds of fauna: herbivores, predators and a rich selection of birds. Masai Mara is also the site of one of Africa’s great spectacles: the Great Migration that takes place every year. In this great event, millions of herbivores such as wildebeest and zebra make a long journey from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara. It is one of the visual wonders of the wildlife world. Then there is the Amboseli National Park, famous for being the ideal place to get up close to elephants, and the Samburu Game Reserve, famous for its zebras, gazelles, giraffes and antelopes.
Kenya is also an ornithologist’s wonderland, home to more than 1,000 species of birds. One place not to be missed is Lake Nakuru. At certain times of the year, the lake is a sight in pink when up to a million flamingos visit.
The very word ‘safari’ speaks of romance and adventure in the most glorious settings and Kenya is the place to go. But such a successful safari requires meticulous organization by experts with a long history of local experience. For this reason, it is best to leave the planning of your safari vacation to those who truly understand the country, the people, and the logistics of safari vacations.
Kenya is the home of safari, but make sure you do it right. A successful African wildlife safari in Kenya requires successful planning and comprehensive local knowledge. Cheli & Peacock have over two decades of experience in organizing African safari holidays and are committed to socially responsible ecotourism.