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.
Kenya and COVID-19 Safety
Emerging from the pandemic, Kenya is taking the safety of its visitors and the Kenyans they meet seriously. All passengers 5 years and up who arrive in Kenya must show a negative COVID-19 PCR Test result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. All travellers must also hold a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate in order to enter any restaurant, hotel, bar, national park or game reserve. Results and certificates must be uploaded to Global Haven prior to departure.
Once you land in Kenya, masks are mandated, safari vehicles are sanitized after each drive, with hand sanitizer available throughout, and social distancing is observed wherever possible. All camps and hotels have protocols in place should any guest experience symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 during their stay.
17 Feb 2022, 2:58 p.m.
