Avid travelers and wildlife enthusiasts looking to combine adventure, travel, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences with phenomenal game viewing, vast unspoiled landscapes, the magic of the African bushveld, beautiful beaches, bucket-list worthy experiences and so much more, the magnificent East African country of Kenya is a one-of-a-kind African safari destination which will undoubtedly exceed all your expectations.

Home to some of the best – if not THE best – national parks, conservancies, and wildlife reserves in Africa, people travel from all around the world to experience all of Kenya’s wilderness wonders, safari adventures, unparalleled wildlife viewing, and wild unapologetic natural beauty first-hand.

From the moment you arrive it will feel like you’ve escaped to a whole new world entirely – That’s the magic of Kenya and why it should be at the top of your travel destination bucket-list!

In addition to Kenya being one of the most highly acclaimed African safari destinations, it is renowned for its diverse and abundant concentration of wildlife and birdlife, vast unspoiled and varied landscapes, remarkable conservation initiatives, incredible seasonal highlights, and not-to-be-missed wildlife spectacles such as the Great Wildebeest Migration – One of the Seven Natural wonders of Africa as well as one of the greatest wilderness spectacles on the planet All of which you’ll have the incredible opportunity to experience on your unforgettable safari trip to Kenya.

Here are our top reasons to visit Kenya.

You’ll fall in love… with Kenya

Kenya has a humbling effect on those who travel here. To call a trip to Kenya a mere holiday is to underestimate its effect on you. Visit ‘the cradle of civilisation’, as it is sometimes called, and you’ll experience a lasting, spiritual connection. For some it is love at first sight. From the Rift Valley and the shores of Lake Naivasha, to the cosmopolitan bustle of Nairobi and the white sand beaches that melt into the crystal Indian Ocean, Kenya is a world-traveller’s dream destination.

The Masai Mara

With many national parks and game reserves of incredible geological and bio-diversity, Kenya has one of the finest conservation programmes on the planet including one of the most famous wildlife reserves:  the Masai Mara. A luxury tented camp pitched here will, at certain times of year, witness the thundering hooves of millions of animals as they embark on the Great Annual Migration. If you haven’t beheld this spectacle of the animal kingdom you need to place the Masai Mara at the top of your travel wish-list.

Contrast beautiful beaches with wild safaris

After embarking on game drives to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants among many more, visiting Masai villages and hot air ballooning across the savannah, escape to the sweeping beauty and sharp, blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Kenya has so much more to offer than wildlife encounters. It has stunning shorelines, crystal seas for marine adventures, and laidback beach resorts.

The National parks of Kenya

Kenya offers some of the finest scenery in East Africa, including Samburu National Park, the spectacular setting for the film Born Free; Amboseli National Park, 160 miles from Nairobi, offering iconic safaris and cultural encounters with local Masai tribespeople, in a region teeming with elephants, zebra, giraffe, plus pelicans, flamingoes and ostrich; you could spend days exploring the birdlife paradise of Meru National Park, or the mountain peaks and extinct volcanoes of Tsavo National Park. Then there is Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve, its lagoons, reefs and coral gardens inviting you to aquatic adventures to see turtles and dolphins.

Discover Mombasa

Kenya’s coastal beach city – steeped in Arabic, Swahili, Asian and European culture – is the perfect hotspot to people-watch. Culture-vultures will adore the Swahili street food and wafts of nyama choma (grilled meats) floating from the barbeque accompanied by traditional Taarab music. Explore the architecture of the Old Town, before retreating to enjoy the powdery sands, snorkel or simply relax with a sundowner or two.

The people

If there’s one thing all visitors agree on, it’s that the Kenyans themselves are one of its greatest assets. There are over 40 different tribes including the Kikuyu, Kamba, Somali, Meru, Mijikenda and Masai people to name but a few. English is widely spoken throughout Kenya, but the phrase you’ll hear constantly is ‘hakuna matata’ meaning ‘no worries.’ Swahili, by the way, means ‘coast’ and is a mix of Arabic and African Bantu. Bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Sudan, the culture of Kenya is rarely referenced and yet it’s a memorable feature of any holiday here.

Touring Kenya

Touring holidays in Kenya offer up a world of spectacular wildlife experiences. Imagine tracking rhinos in Samburu National Reserve, then having the opportunity to sip Champagne on a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara, before gazing in wonder as a herd of elephants’ stride past your luxury camp on a fly-in safari adventure. It’s quite mind-blowing how many life-changing experiences a person can have on one touring holiday.

Luxury safari lodges

Never under estimate the enchantment of a luxury safari camp after the thrill and excitement of a dusty, hot game drive. Equipped with all the creature comforts awaiting you like a scene from a Hollywood movie, you’ll dine out – under the wide night sky – with the camp fire crackling and be transfixed by the sounds of the wildlife that surround you. Nestled on the banks of the Mara River, Talek River or Sand River, Our Camps offers exceptional accommodation in a prime position for game viewing and witnessing the magnificent wildebeest migration.

Standing magnificently at 17,057 feet high, Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa. Although it was formed by volcanic activity, volcanologists will be disappointed to learn the last eruption was two million years ago.  The mountain bestrides the equator; every day the sun rises and sets at 5:30 – am and pm. Four different tribes live here and each community believes the mountain is God’s throne on Earth.

You’ll love Kenya for…

·       The beaches you never realised could be so beautiful

·       Its welcoming people, from a melting pot of cultures

·       How delicious the food is, from succulent fruits to delectable grills

·       Chilled Tusker beer after a thrilling game drive

·       Picnics on Diani Beach in Mombasa

Did you know…?

·       Kenya is named after Africa’s second highest peak, Mount Kenya – meaning God’s Resting Place

·       Tea, coffee and flowers are important agricultural resources. Kenyan’s much prefer to drink (chai) tea rather than coffee – one of their greatest exports

·       Lake Naivasha is a large but mostly shallow fresh water lake

·       Nairobi National Park is the only one to border a  city – here you can witness lions and cheetahs hunting in the morning, then go shopping in the afternoon approximately seven kilometres for the city centre

·       Kenya’s population is approximately 44 million and the official languages are English and Swahili

·       Like the UK, Kenyans drive on the left-hand side of the road

Best time to visit Kenya

The Great Annual Migration arrives on the plains of the Masai Mara in July. Mid-June to October is the dry season, when animals gather around watering holes and therefore are easier to spot. However, Kenya is a year-round destination and there is never a bad time to visit.

If you can’t yet decide what you’re looking for, but need a little more advice and inspiration, visit our www.flighttofancy.com  and start planning an African adventure of a lifetime.

Did you know part of “The Lion King” the movie was Shot in Kenya? Come Rediscover the Magic!!

Written by Charity Kiigi,
Founder, Flight to Fancy Holidays, Kenya