KENYA’S UNIQUE SAFARI MENU

05 Apr KENYA’S UNIQUE SAFARI MENU

Posted at 12:45h in News & Tips by

Kenya is a major travel destination attracting thousands of tourists and business travelers alike each year. Whether visiting the country on a short term or long term mission, there are many safari options that you could explore. This article focuses on the most unique aspects of just 4 of Kenya’s over 60  national parks,reserves and conservancies that are not located too far from Nairobi.

Masai Mara: The 8th World Wonder

Widely considered as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves, Masai Mara is on many’s travel bucket list. It presents the opportunity to see the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Elephant, and the African Buffalo) and a variety of other wildlife species. In 2007, Masai Mara earned recognition as the 8th World Wonder due to what has been termed as ‘The greatest show on earth’. Each year over a million wildebeests accompanied by other grazers follow a clockwise circuit of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem in pursuit of pasture and now thought clean water. 

The migration is in the Mara from around late July to early September (depending on rainfall patterns) then moves towards Tanzania’s Serengeti and returns back to the Mara the following year. The drama that ensues during the migration is breathtaking, attracting thousands of tourists annually. It is the real definition of ‘survival for the fittest ’in the animal kingdom. Tourists marvel at the rare spectacle as they witness the unlucky animals struggling to set themselves free from the pangs of hungry predators waiting strategically to pounce on them. More drama is witnessed in the Mara river, now nicknamed ‘The River of Death’ with the crocodiles mercilessly making their kill on the poor animals, others struggling to swim, some unfortunately drowning in the raging waters with the ones crossing over to the other side doing so by sheer luck. It is a sight to behold!

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Besides being one of the largest rhino conservation sanctuaries in East Africa, Ol Pejeta Conservancy has many unique aspects to it. Its conservation history spans four decades with conservationists making great strides in protecting endangered species. The conservancy is home to the only two remaining northern white rhinos on the planet, a species facing extinction. The last male northern white rhino, Sudan, died in 2018, and his memories are very well re-lived in this conservancy. In the year 2022, Ol Pejeta was awarded  Africa’s Leading World Conservation Company by World Travel. In the same year, it also won Best Wildlife Conservation Initiative in East Africa by Travel & Tourism Awards. 


Within the conservancy is Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to chimpanzees rescued from West and Central Africa and is the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. Ol Pejeta comes second in terms of wildlife density after Masai Mara. It is not only the largest black rhino sanctuary, but is also home to the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Elephant, and the African Buffalo) , giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and many bird species. Visiting the conservancy will not only give you a one of a kind game drive experience, but also a chance to partner in conservation efforts.

The Amboseli National Park: Home of the African Elephant

Amboseli is a word borrowed from the Maasai community (a nomadic tribe in Kenya) meaning salty dust referring to volcanic ash that resulted from Mt. Kilimanjaro eruption. It is located on the Tanzanian border and when the skies are clear, it allows for stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro which often acts as a beautiful backdrop during wildlife viewing. The park is widely known for its large herds of elephants including 10 endangered Big Tuskers (elephants with large tusks that almost touch the ground). Currently, there are only 25 big tuskers left in the world. Other wildlife in this park includes cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, buffalos, zebras, lions, giraffes and crocodiles among others. The park is also home to over 400 bird species which includes Malagasy pond heron, an endangered species. During the rainy season, large numbers of flamingos may also be seen. Different habitats such as Lake Amboseli, the savannah and woodlands make for very interesting game drives.  As a bonus, tourists also get an opportunity to experience the Masai culture by visiting the local maasai community who live around the park.

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is located in the Northern part of Kenya and is known not just for its biodiversity, but also for rare wildlife species. The reserve is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro river. Roads used for game drives are marked along the river, providing excellent viewing spots as the animals gather to drink in this lifeblood. Of the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Elephant, and the African Buffalo), only the Rhinoceros are absent in this reserve since they cannot be supported by the reserve’s terrain. Tourists however get treated to an abundance of ‘The Special Five’ (Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra and Generuk). There are over 450 bird species recorded making it a great choice for bird watchers. 

The Samburu people also add to the experience by offering tourists an opportunity to visit their villages to get a taste of their rich culture.

Our recommendation would be to not just visit these parks and reserves in isolation but to consider an itinerary that allows you to experience two or more. Better still, consider concluding/starting your game  safari with a beach holiday. 

We are happy to create a customized itinerary just for you.



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