The natural attractions of Kenya read like an Africa wish list. The annual Great Migration sweeps into the plains of the Masai Mara, where the savanna’s big cats lie patiently in wait. The giants of the Big Five, Africa’s elephants, congregate in dense herds in Amboseli’s marshes, watched over by the snowy peak of Kilimanjaro. Lake Nakuru offers a haven for Kenya’s rhinos alongside a wide range of birdlife, while Samburu invites visitors to keep their eyes peeled for ‘the Special Five,’ species not found anywhere else in Africa. Connecting it all is Kenya’s welcoming people, including the Masai, whose centuries-old traditions live on in the present day.
An Invitation to Unplug
Yet while Kenya offers a chance to connect with many different sides of nature, it’s also a place to slow down and be in the moment. With the distractions of home thousands of miles away, the noise of rush hour traffic is replaced by the gentle grunts of herds crowding around the waterhole while you watch them from your lodge patio, a sundowner in hand. Luxury in Kenya is as much about authenticity and immersion as it is about a nice room and top-tier service. Of course, many of Kenya’s top lodges and tented camps take pride in offering both. Imagine watching the sunset from your patio, than lingering a little longer as a family of elephants emerges from the darkness for an evening waterhole swim. These are the memories that make a luxurious stay in Kenya that much sweeter.
The Perks of Private Guiding
One sure way to add a touch of luxury to your Kenya safari is with a private guide. Private guiding can make all the difference to your wildlife viewing, as a skilled guide leads you away from the train of safari vehicles to a less crowded encounter, unknown to the tourist herd. Even away from the game parks, a private tour allows you to explore the aspects of Kenya that interest you most, with optimal use of your time, and access to experiences not enjoyed by larger, less flexible tour groups. If you want to make a last-minute addition or change to your tour, things become far easier with a private guide.
Take Your Safari to a Different Park
Sustainable, low-impact tourism is also a priority in Kenya. Everyone wants to visit the Mara and Amboseli (and they should), but mixing these famous parks with slightly less popular spots can enhance your safari while helping spread tourism at a more sustainable level. It’s a much more pleasant experience than competing for space with other safari vehicles, and it’s better for the animals too. Each of Kenya’s parks offers a slightly different experience, so talk with your Destination Specialist about which ones will best suit your interests.
Get Out There with Exclusive Safari Options
Driving around Kenya can offer a wonderful opportunity to glimpse local life. That said, it’s a big country, with long drives to some parks. Highways are generally well maintained, but they don’t reach everywhere, and on rougher roads, the cheekily coined ‘African massage’ can get a bit much for some travellers after a while. Private airstrips and small aircraft make it easy to hop between Kenya’s more remote national parks and private game reserves and conservancies. The latter is a great choice for flexibility and reduced crowds, while some allow vehicles to go off-road for closer encounters. Be sure to pack light on a sky safari, as many of these smaller planes can only take a light carry-on for each passenger.
What do the experts say?
Goway guests can enjoy unforgettable moments like bush breakfasts, night game drives, and personalized safaris in luxury tented camps
The Samburu Reserve is one of the most colourful game-viewing areas in the country, home to species found nowhere else—like the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra
In peak months like August, the migration draws huge crowds to the river crossings. But conservancies around the Mara limit vehicle numbers, so you still get intimate wildlife moments
Kenya offers the best wildlife viewing with the world-renowned Masai Mara, plus unique species only found in places like Samburu.
I wouldn’t recommend self-driving as Kenya’s roads can be tricky, and they drive on the left side, which can confuse visitors used to North American systems
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