How to plan a quality safari in Kenya
Kenya has long been known for its plentiful wildlife spotting opportunities and this is why so many people looking for African safari tours come here. So, if you're planning a trip, you might want to find how to make sure your adventure is the best you ever have.
Located on the coast of East Africa, Kenya boasts beautiful landscapes everywhere you look. From its white-sand beaches and its jutting mountain peaks to its tawny savannah plains, you're sure to be mesmerised by its scenery when you visit.
However, the thing the nation is most famous for is its safaris, as it is home to a dense population of wildlife, including the Big Five - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos.
When organising your safari in Kenya, the first thing you need to do is sort out where in the country you want to visit. There are a number of national parks, so you'll have a good selection to choose from where you'll be able to find Africa's indigenous wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, hippos and gazelles.
One of the most popular destinations is the Masai Mara. Here, you can see great herds of wildebeest and zebra stampede over the golden plains between July and October. The Mara is part of the Serengeti ecosystem, so these creatures traverse the area between Tanzania and Kenya in search of food and water every year.
This sight is sure to be one you never forget, which may tempt you to come to the Mara during these months. However, along with a multitude of animals, you are also likely to come across herds of tourists trying to capture the image on their cameras.
In order to avoid this, you may prefer to head to the Mara at quieter times of the year, when you're still in with a good chance of seeing some wildlife. Alternatively, you might prefer to venture to other locations in the country.
Samburu is one destination you may consider if you're looking for something more peaceful. The area is located in the northern part of the nation, and you'll be welcomed with views of sparse grasslands and arid mountaintops. You are also likely to enjoy a lot of animal sightings, as the region has one of the greatest densities of game in East Africa.
Another option is Ambolesi, where you can take photos of golden plains with snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Elephants and giraffes are known to traverse the land here, so you're bound to see a few of these during your stay.
As Ambolesi is popular among tourists for its magnificent views, you may want to consider staying in lodges just outside the national park. This will allow you to escape the crowds and have a quieter holiday. However, if you want to increase your chances of spotting wildlife, staying inside the reserve is your best option, as you are likely to see animals walking around the site all day long.
In order to make your trip extra luxurious, you could also consider picking Kenya safari tours that offer you the opportunity to take part in a number of special activities. For instance, for a chance to get up close with the animals, you might enjoy a walking safari. Or, to see the impressive landscapes from an aerial view, you may be interested in taking a small flight or hot air balloon ride over the plains.
Whatever you do, you're sure to find that your trip to Kenya is one you don't forget in a hurry!
