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Introduction to Kenya

Lions stalking the open plains of the Maasai Mara, elephants strolling in Amboseli with Kilimanjaro towering in the background, it’s the Kenya of everyone’s imagination, but scratch a little deeper and it’s possible to venture beyond the classic safari and explore a wide range of ecosystems and cultures.

Highlights

  • Maasai Mara – let’s start with the big hitters! The Mara is iconic and famous for its Wildebeest Migration, which passes through the Mara during August and September. Its open plains offer great game viewing, and there are numerous accommodation options.
  • Tsavo – The largest National Park in Kenya Tsavo is wilder and more remote than its more famous northern cousin. Tsavo is comprised of two separate parks, Tsavo East and West. Tsavo West is the more attractive of the two parks with a greater range of landscapes, and plenty of game.
  • Laikipia – one of the greatest conservation successes in recent years Laikipia was traditionally farmed, but now vast areas have been turned over to mixed-use, with a focus on conservation working in harmony with local cattle herders. Rhino conservation programmes have been particularly successful here.
  • The North – escape from the busier South and explore some of Kenya’s remote and stunning Northern Territories. The Ewaso Ngiro flows through the heart of this region and there are a few exclusive lodges along its banks. This is an area for the unconventional, with Camels being a common sight, and more unusual species such as Grevy’s Zebra and the strange, long-necked Gerenuk.
  • The Coast – Kenya’s Indian Ocean shoreline is coastline is huge, and visitors can choose from a huge range of hotels and lodges, from Lamu in the North down to the famous beaches South of Mombasa. Activities range from Game fishing, watersports, diving or simply just lying under a palm tree with a cocktail…..

Reasons To Visit

  • Ease of Access – Kenya is easy to get to, with frequent flights from all major UK hubs.
    The internal transport infrastructure is well established, several operators are offering internal flights between all the main tourist destinations. An exciting new development is the Nairobi – Mombasa train which offers an alternative means of getting to Tsavo and the coast.
  • Long-established as a tourist destination – The touring sector in Kenya has been thriving for decades, this means that there is a huge range of accommodation, to suit all types of guests. With it’s beautiful and easily accessible coastline Kenya offers easy beach extension options for those wanting to stay on after their Safari.
  • In the North – The Rangelands allow guests to visit hugely successful conservancies where wildlife is making a dramatic comeback as a result of conservation projects in conjunction with the local nomadic herders. Lodges are located along the stunning Ewaso Ngiro, the river that forms a lifeline of permanent water in this arid land.
  • The Laikipia Plateau – An ideal location for a family safari as many of it’s are lodges family-run, and provide plenty of activities for kids without compromising on luxury and adventure.
  • In the South, Tsavo National Park – With dramatic landscapes and quieter than most parks in Kenya, this is perfect for those who want to enjoy a pristine wildlife experience. One of the highlights of Tsavo West is a visit to Mzima Springs where a semi-submerged hide allows you to view Hippos underwater!
  • Round off your adventure on the beach – there are beautiful white sand beaches fringing the Indian Ocean with plenty of hotel options offering barefoot luxury and some great seafood.

Hotels in Kenya

The Maasai MaraCottars 1920s Camp

Samburu National ReserveElephant Watch Camp

Tsavo West National ParkFinch Hattons

Laikipia PlateauLewa House

Diani BeachWaterlovers Beach Resort

When to Visit

The most popular time is in the dry season from June to October. The rains in April and May are best avoided.  Alternatively, the shoulder season between the long and short rains – from January to March, is actually considered by some safari veterans to be the best time to go game viewing in Kenya as fresh growth refreshes the landscape and makes for great photo opportunities.

“Kenya is like a warm hug for the old Africa hand, and a fabulous introduction to the beauty of East Africa for the first time visitor.  There’s so much to explore, and as it’s relatively easy to get around a multi-centre trip should be on everyone’s bucket list.  I particularly love the North because of its remoteness and rugged beauty.”

Lucie Thaxter, Savile Row Travel Africa Specialist

Kenya Travel Advice

Visa & Passport Requirements

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, find Kenya specific travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth office here. For more information please visit the Kenya High Commission in London

Health & Vaccination Information

We advise that you seek advice on recommended vaccinations and precautions from a health professional – either a GP, a practice nurse, a pharmacist or a travel health clinic – ideally at least eight weeks before departure. Visit NHS Fit for Travel for Kenya specific guidance.

Please note, the links given on this page will take you to sites outside of Savile Row Travel. If you click these links, you will leave our website and we are not responsible for the content of the third party site.

Getting there

Flight Information:

To Kenya: multiple airlines fly directly from the UK to Nairobi in approximately 8 hours 30 minutes. Nairobi is served by direct flights from London with British Airways and Kenya Airways.  From Nairobi there are onward flight connections to all popular Safari and Beach destinations.

 

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