Matt Davison
Kenya is a land that is graced with abundant natural beauty. It is every bit as pristine as you would have seen in one of David Attenborough’s shows. This “land of the original safari” is home to the big five game animals – leopards, lions, elephants, black rhinos, and buffaloes.
It also houses some of the most endangered animal species in the world, like the Thomson’s gazelle, Hunter’s antelope, and Grevy’s zebra.
Kenyan safaris are the most sought after safaris in the world. They are indispensable for tourism in the region. But mere profit is not their agenda. The money brought in through tourism is channeled towards local wildlife conservation efforts.
Kenya Safaris – Best Time To Visit
There’s no correct time to see animals, is there? But whether or not you get to spot certain species depends on the weather and the time of the year that you choose to visit Kenya.
During the great wildebeest migration in the dry season from July-October, more than 1.5 million animals make their way into the Masai Mara. Along routes that several generations of wildebeest have taken for centuries before them.
The rainy seasons from March-May are great as well, as the parks are visited by relatively fewer people. You also get a chance to admire the greenery around, in addition to the striking wildlife.
If you’re interested in seeing migratory bird species and new-born animal babies, December is the perfect time for you to visit Kenya.
Kenya Safari Tours
There are various private companies that claim to provide the best safari in Kenya. Your experience depends not only on the tour company but also on the destination you pick to witness the animals in their natural habitat.
Some of the major national parks and game reserves that offer safari tours in Kenya are:
Masai Mara National Reserve
Spanning an area of 1510 square kilometers, Masai Mara is the top choice for travelers for game viewing. It houses over 95 mammal species and 570 bird species.
The borders of the park offer some of the best accommodation options to choose from, depending on your budget and preference for comfort.
The most flocked to nature reserve in Africa, Masai Mara is the jewel in the crown of the continent’s wildlife. It is the best place in the world to see the different elements of the food chain. It shows us that without human intervention, the other species are perfectly capable of maintaining equilibrium.
Amboseli National Park
Home to the largest land mammals, Amboseli National Park is frequented by travelers holidaying in Kenya, primarily for its elephant herds. You can spot them at five different habitats, right from Lake Amboseli, to the savannah, the wetlands, and the woodlands, all within the park.
In addition, you can find more than 600 bird species and innumerable other animal species in the 392 square kilometer area of the reserve. Apart from the animals, the breathtaking views of the highest free-standing mountain in the world- Mount Kilimanjaro, attract visitors from all over the world.
When you’re done seeing the wildlife and natural beauty in your surroundings, you can interact with the local Maasai people and experience their unique culture.
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is located in the northern part of Kenya. It has its own special five game animals – the Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Reticulated giraffe.
In addition, wild dog sightings are quite frequent and one of the main reasons why tourists prefer this park over others.
This game reserve has also made global headlines in the past. It was here that a baby oryx was once adopted by the now-famous lioness ‘Kamunyak’.
If you’re looking to treasure nature in the absence of large crowds, it’s a good idea to ditch the more popular parks. Samburu National Reserve may be smaller and more remote than Masai Mara and Amboseli, but it is no less spectacular.
Nairobi National Park
Have you ever imagined looking at a giraffe, with a skyscraper as the backdrop? Sounds absurd right? Well, it isn’t. You can actually bear witness to this sight at Nairobi National Park, the world’s only wildlife capital.
An electric fence is all there is that separates the metropolis from the unsullied national park. Home to wildlife species such as leopards, lions, hyenas, black rhinos, and more than 400 bird species, the park is especially known as a rhinoceros sanctuary or ‘Kifaru Ark’.
Nairobi is one of the only places in the world that gives you a chance to blend the experiences of nature and city life in a single trip. But chances are, that after having experienced the serenity of the national park, you might want to cross that trip to downtown off your itinerary.
Kenya Safari Packages
Kenyan Safaris are most fun when they are customized for you. Whether you’re traveling with your family, friends, as a couple, or solo, you’ll want to have packages that cater to your preferences.
It’s important to opt for tour companies that have been around for quite some time and can guide you well. Most operators in Kenya adhere to international operating standards and values. Rarely are the visitors faced with issues that the tour guides can’t take care of.
The safari packages are carefully curated to give travelers some of the best memories of their lifetime. Pick a package that’s most suitable for you and leave the rest to the tour guides.
Final Thoughts – Kenya Safari Holidays
Animals are beautiful creatures. Watching them go about their daily lives without shackles or cages makes you realize that they deserve their freedom too, just as you do.
While human settlements have been flooded with construction works, these animals live in the lap of nature. They carry on with their day without worrying about tourists being in their space. It’s important to respect them and not destroy their homes that they have allowed you to step into.
Wildlife safaris in Kenya are more popular than ever. It’s important to be diligent and take all necessary measures to make sure the animals are undisturbed and unharmed. Follow all the rules and guidelines during your safaris in Kenya and you are bound to have the best time of your lives.
