Kenya Safari: Touring Africa’s Top Safari Destination

Kenya is one of the prominent safari destinations in Africa, offering great activities such as wildlife safaris, hot-air balloon rides, luxury safaris and beach holidays among others.

With more than 50 national parks and reserves, Kenya is a haven for wildlife lovers. Masai Mara Game Reserve, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Mount Kenya and Tsavo national parks are the most popular destinations among many Kenya safari enthusiasts.

The national parks, which are within easy reach from the capital Nairobi, offer opportunities to get up close with Kenya’s big five – elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard – as well other species of wild animals.

Masai Mara Game Reserve is considered a must-visit for those looking to enjoy the best that a Kenya safari can offer. The reserve is home to 95 species of animals and more than 400 species of birds.

Masai Mara is best known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, a dramatic annual event that sees millions of wildebeests and zebras crossing into the reserve from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park in search of water and pasture. The animals move back to Serengeti as seasons change. Masai Mara is also popular for hot-air balloon safaris. The balloon rides, which are usually taken early in the morning, give tourists a spectacular aerial view of the Mara’s wildlife. A safari to the Masai Mara does not automatically include a balloon ride and you may need to ask your agent to customise your trip to include the ride.

In addition, Kenya offers ample opportunities for memorable beach safaris. The country that is endowed with wonderful beaches that stretch from Somalia to the Tanzania border is ideal for honeymoon and beach holiday safaris.

Lamu, is especially popular among those looking to enjoy their holiday in a romantic environment away from the hustle of modern life. The archipelago has very few trappings of modernity and has retained its ‘rustic feel’ despite being close to some of Kenya’s best beaches.

Lamu safari offers interesting insight into the Swahili and Islamic culture and traditions dating back 700 years. Historical walking tours, Scuba diving, snorkelling, game fishing, and dhow sailing are some of the activities that are undertaken during a tour of Lamu.

Scuba diving and snorkelling are major highlights of Lamu Safari. Although diving is relatively new to the archipelago, there are several great dive sites in the area awaiting to be explored by diving enthusiasts.

Lamu is renowned for its deep sea-fishing, with Kiwayu Island – located north of the archipelago- being ranked among the world’s top 10 diving sites. Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish, Giant Trevally and Barracuda are some of the fish species that are caught in Lamu.

Roger Taylor