Miles of sweeping savannahs, unparalled wildlife experiences, pristine beaches of Mombasa, warmth of the Maasai and unmatched hospitality – just a few of the unique features of Kenya that make it an experience locked in your memory forever and not just another trip to spend your summer break.

Diverse landscapes, a blend of adventure and laid back pristine beaches often make Kenya an idyllic destination you would wish you had visited before many other travel destinations. Maasai of course being the jewel of the country-miles of open savannah, a slow majestic lion, an impala racing for its life, a leopard tucked away shyly on a treetop-guarding a fresh hunt and herds of migrating wildebeests making their way to Maasai-each one is a beauty to watch and lock in your memory.

The Chase

Choosing a safari destination

Kenya is home to few wildlife parks and private conservancies. The open savannah grasslands and a smaller area compared to other similar parks makes viewing predators easier. Easier game drives and greater predator action due to the size of the park makes Kenya a better choice of safari for starters. Maasai Mara spans an area of 1500 sq km while across the border in Tanzania, Serengeti stretches over an area of an impressive 30000 sq km, making it wilder and more untamed. At the same time, viewing gets a little trickier here due to the size of the park.

Heards of Wildebeests

In short:

-Choose Maasai Mara for a short, high-impact safari with ease of access from Nairobi.

-Choose Serengeti if you have more time at hand for a longer, more immersive safari.

Planning a Kenya safari would often require you to make bookings much in advance as Kenya is fully book months before the migration season-July & August. I would recommend booking through a local Kenya tour operator as it gives you the ease of just landing in Nairobi-they take care of the rest. We booked through Dawn in Africa Safaris and our experience was nothing short of incredible-seamless planning (Simon), knowledgeable guide (James), well-organized itineraries and unforgettable moments in the wild.

As soon as you land in Nairobi, you are assigned a 4X4, comfortable private or group (depending on what you choose). The vehicle is super comfortable with reclining seats and a mini refrigerator to cool your drinks!

A typical day in the Maasai begins with the sunrise game drive at the crack of dawn when the savannah comes alive! You are likely to spot a predator within minutes of entering the park-and the spotting just goes on. Live hunts can be a bit trickier to spot-but you will most likely spot a fresh hunt guarded by a pride of lions.

A Lone Cheetah

Maasai Mara is home to several prides and coalition brothers- allies that often work together to defend their territory. Watching them in action gives a fascinating glimpse into the social strategies & strength that keeps Mara’s lion population alive and thriving. We first spotted the Rongai Pride near a fresh hunt, the cubs tumbling playfully under the watchful eye of the lionesses and the males lounging lazily nearby.

The guides at Maasai are immensely knowledgeable and their art of storytelling keeps you hooked and tireless all through the drive.

Lake Naivasha & Amboseli

Nestled close to Nairobi in the Great Rift Valley-Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake. It is a perfect place spotting hippos and is home to 400 species of birds- African fish eagles & Herons to name a couple. An hour-long morning boat-ride watching hippos surface and flocks of birds gliding across the water makes it an unforgettable experience.

Birds of Naivasha

Amboseli is yet another getaway-about a four drive from Nairobi. It is home to the majestic African elephants and wildlife and some outstanding views of Mt Kilimanjaro. Herds of elephants crossing paths with a silhouette of Kilimanjaro in the backdrop create picture perfect moments. Mt Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak, located right across the border in Tanzania, its views however, are best enjoyed from Amboseli.

The majestic Uganda crane

The dusty golden plains offer an amazing view of elephants, egrets, cheetahs, hippos and lions. The elephants here are a tight-knit family of matriarchs and are an amazing sight to watch. The tuskers are the heart of Amboseli with July being the perfect time to watch playful calves. Do remember to carry a scarf all through your safari-the games drives can be very dusty indeed!

The Merry tuskers

Food & Culture

Kenyan cuisine is a blend of flavorful local dishes & influences from Indian, Arab & European cuisines. Bold flavors, coconut-based curries, samosas, grilled meats, chapatis, bold flavors and a variety of vegetarian & non-vegetarian options to choose from. Kenya’s rich & diverse culture is shaped by 40 ethnic groups; Swahili is spoken across the country & binds ethic groups together. Music, dance & role-play, colorful clothing, customs & communal values are a central part of Kenya’s ethnicity.

Rothschild Giraffe Center-Nairobi

Giraffe center in Nairobi city

The giraffe center in Nairobi is a conservation center for the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Rothschild Giraffe are the most endangered species of giraffes, native to Kenya & Uganda. When in Nairobi, you could spend a couple of hours here getting up-close & personal with the giraffes-feed them and take selfies as you like! Giraffe feeding is a thrill & memorable experience for kids & adults alike.