Why we love safaris to Kenya
Discover vast landscapes filled with wildlife and ancient tribal cultures
It’s the traditional home of the safari and has become synonymous with epic wildlife adventures, fascinating people and soul-stirring natural phenomena… Kenya continues to shine bright in the safari firmament and is a go-to destination for authentic African experiences. Here’s why…
When it comes to Kenya, it’s hard to shake the archetypal, romanticized image of Africa presented by Hollywood in “Out of Africa”. But if you put Meryl Streep and Robert Redford to one side and focus on the incredible scenery, heart-thumping adventure and connection to people and place the film portrays, it serves nicely as a tool with which to scratch the surface of this incredible East African nation.
While the Kenya that so stirred Karen Blixen’s soul is no more – the ghosts of its colonial past having long been laid to rest – the inexplicable spirit of Africa that inspired her writing is eternal. From the vastness of the great plains to the towering crags of Mount Kenya and the jaw-dropping majesty of the Great Rift Valley and beyond, there’s no doubt that this is where everything that now embodies the concept of “safari”, as we know it, began.
Most of us know it’s a Swahili word that means “to journey” – but in Kenya, safari becomes multi-dimensional as the journey is not just terrestrial, but esoteric and symbolic of an awakening to the meaning of wilderness and the power of nature. So to go on a true, authentic safari in Kenya is something special. And life-changing.
Not so much the where, as the how
Whether it’s watching hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing in the Masai Mara, marveling at the iconic peak of Mount Kilimanjaro (that’s actually situated in neighboring Tanzania) on the plains of Amboseli or gazing awestruck at the dramatic scenery and beauty of the Laikipia Plateau, a Kenyan safari is going to offer incredible experiences in breath-taking destinations.
However, it’s not the diversity of places to visit that makes a Kenyan safari with Stanley Safaris stand out, but the experiences on offer in each of those places. This is because we don’t just focus on where you’re on safari, but also on how authentic the safari experience you’re having there is. This is why we love Kenya, because of our ability to tap into that intangible spirit of wilderness and share it through honest encounters with people, wildlife and the natural world.
As with all of the destinations we offer, we have hand-selected our Kenyan camps and lodges to ensure that our valued guests have the soul-stirring, mind-opening and attitude-adjusting adventures that the “real” Kenya dishes up with relish. You will be guided by local people, learning about their culture, be it Maasai, Samburu or Kikuyu. You will be touching the Kenyan soil as lightly as possible, immersing yourself in awe-inspiring landscapes populated by iconic wildlife species. You will find joy in simplicity and in just “being”.
So much more than wildebeest
While the Masai Mara is Kenya’s globally recognized flagship safari destination, thanks to the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, not many people realize that when the wildebeest have gone it remains a superlative safari destination that’s filled with iconic wildlife species. As a result it’s one of our top picks, but we prefer the smaller conservancies on its edges where a greater number of personalized activities can be offered, like walking safaris, while having the opportunity to also traverse the Masai Mara as well.
Indeed, Kenya is about so much more than wildebeest, so while they immediately spring to mind the moment a Kenyan safari is mentioned, thinking a little bit out of the box and away from the migration offers an incredible variety of safari experiences where wildebeest are extras rather than cast in the starring role!
Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills are famed for elephants and this region is home to some of the continent’s last big tusker bulls. For a smorgasbord of wildlife, the Laikipia region is perfect, offering the chance to see big cats and painted wolves (African wild dogs) as well as gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. From Laikipia you have the chance to explore further north to some of Kenya’s remote areas that are inaccessible by vehicle. Jump in a helicopter for a real off-the-beaten-track experience exploring deserts, volcanoes, remote tribes, flamingoes, mountain lakes fill of trout and snow capped mountains. This is where a helicopter safari in Kenya really shows off.
The arid landscapes of Samburu are a great contrast to the Masai Mara and offer the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating Samburu people and their culture and traditions. For wonderful cultural immersion, look at Sarara in Kenya’s ravishingly beautiful wild north where walking safaris are recommended, along with visits to Samburu communities.
One country, unlimited options
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with friends or extended family, Kenya offers a wide variety of safari options to fit all needs.
Indeed, when it comes to safaris for families with children, Kenya is an absolute champion. Its family friendly safari options are beyond compare and are designed to instil an awareness for nature and appreciation for wilderness in children of all ages. So don’t be afraid to bring the kids on safari!
With idyllic beach destinations like the private Lamu Island and Funzi Keys, just off the coast, you can also add on a few days of sun, sea and sand to the safari mix. Or link seamlessly with the Seychelles!
So chat to us today about putting together a safari to Kenya for you.
