KENYA
From the country where the ‘safari’ originated one can discover an amazing diversity of landscapes, a myriad of animal, bird and plant life, fascinating culture and warrior tribes.
Kenya contains almost every known landform, from true glacial ice to arid desert, mountain massifs to sprawling savannahs, large lakes and dense forests. The Great Rift Valley, its floor littered with beautiful lakes and extinct volcanoes, cuts through this land from North to South.
Mt. Kenya (at 17,058 ft/5,199 m) with its dramatic snow-capped peaks stands sentinel above rolling grassland plains and the intriguing semi-desert wilderness much further to the north. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and source of river Nile dominates the South West of the country and Lake Turkana with its paleontological history and haunting landscapes borders the North.
To the South and South East, Kenya meets the Indian Ocean in a brilliant blaze of blue where the crystal clear azure waters caress fine white sands and amazing corals reefs harbour another safari-world under the warm waves running up and down 480km of pristine beaches.
However, Kenya’s ultimate attraction is its concentration of spectacular wildlife found in its 48 national parks and game sanctuaries. Whether it be the greatest game show on earth with the annual wildebeest migration or the world’s greatest ornithological spectacle of millions of flamingos on Lake Nakuru, Kenya’s flora and fauna is captivating to even the most seasoned traveller.
Recreating the history of the country’s earliest settlers and the explorers – Denys Finch Hatton, Karen Blixen, Lord Delamere, Elspeth Huxley and Ernest Hemingway – to name but a few, can be done in privacy and away from the crowds. With an excellent variety of privately owned bush homesteads, small hideaways lodges and nights under canvas in exclusive permanent or mobile camps, it’s possible to experience the magic of the country as it was in days gone by.
With safaris on offer that include walking, fishing, camel trekking and horse riding it is possible to experience Kenya the way our forefathers discovered this continent of adventure.

A world apart from the lush green parks of the south, this fascinating semi-desert Northern frontier district of Kenya has its own unique species not found in the less arid areas of the south. The tranquil Ewaso Nyiro River flowing through these parks provides an ideal habitant for crocodiles, large herds of elephants, elusive leopards and endemic species including Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx and Somali Ostrich. This Northern rugged area is a set against a background of jagged purple mountains providing some of the best game viewing in the country.


The great Amboseli plain with its parched alkaline salt pans, strange mirages and oasis marshes & lakes is dominated by the glistening majestic snow cap of Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,340 ft/ 5,894m). This is Masai country, a proud, nomadic people, who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. Huge herds of elephants and buffalo are common, together with lion and a host of antelope species. The Chyulu Hills are the natural border between the Masai & the Kamba people and are perfect for walking and horse riding safaris.

World famous for its millions of pink flamingoes, Lake Nakuru is an ornithologist’s Mecca. Flotillas of pelicans swimming by, hundreds of storks, herons, egrets and other water birds add to this natural menagerie of color. The park is also one of the few reserves left where one can see both black and white rhinos in the wild, thanks to an excellent conservation program. Together with lurking lions, giraffes and leopard, Lake Nakuru provides excellent game viewing amongst the yellow-barked Acacia forests.

On the far side of the Chyulu Hills lies Tsavo National Park which is divided into East and West. It is actually bigger than Wales and is one of the largest game sanctuaries in the world. Here one can explore vast remote tracts of wilderness undisturbed by human influence. Jagged mountains, red soil & scattered water holes amongst thorn bush, typify this landscape. Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and African wild dog can be tracked along the dry riverbeds of this remote wilderness. The Athi River bisecting Tsavo provides an arterial lifeline for a diversity of fauna and flora.

At 69,000km sq, Lake Victoria is the second largest body of freshwater in the world (only Lake Superior is larger). The lake surface is 1,134m / 3,720ft above sea level. The climate here is extremely favorable with temperatures ranging from between 20˚C and 28˚C. Bird life is prolific around the lake shores with Fish Eagles, egrets, herons, storks, ibises, cormorants and kingfishers in abundance. Giant fig trees, centuries old, stand along the shoreline and various oases can be found along the lake where it is possible to rest in complete relaxation. One can experience the traditional fishing village, enjoy active or passive water sports for example fishing and water skiing and relax in the sun. It could easily be appreciated and enjoyed as an alternative to the ocean coastline.

Once a series of larger private cattle ranches and traditional grazing land, changing times and fortunes have seen these vast, spectacular tracts of land turned into successful wildlife and conservation areas. Local communities and private ranches work together to conserve wildlife, traditional lifestyles and cultures. Together they create stunning luxury eco-tourist destinations using only natural building materials and features. Beautiful private homesteads can be found amongst herds of antelope, roaming elephants and rhino conservation areas. An ideal area for camel trekking, walking, riding and biking.

Kenya has five marine parks and reserves established to protect the wealth of the undersea life along 480km of Kenya’s coastline. Diving, snorkeling and exploring this world of coral reefs teeming with life and colour is a safari itself. Dolphins, turtles, giant moray eels, rays and barracuda can be found close to shore whilst the deep blue ocean offers unlimited deep sea sport fishing in season (August to March). Experienced crews and well-equipped boats fish for marlin, sailfish, broadbill, tuna and wahoo with great success. Humpback Whales and Whale sharks visit these coastal waters from July to September to raise their young. At the Northern and Southern ends of the Kenyan coastline, idyllic, exclusive ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style hideaways can be discovered. These remote and exclusive lodges, hotels and homesteads provide seclusion, peace and tranquility with uncompromised luxury to be expected with first-class cuisine and ultimate relaxation.

Of all the parks, Meru (1,813km sq) has the widest variety of landscape and habitats – forest, swamp savannah divided by many streams and rivers all rising in the foothills of Mt. Kenya and the Nyambene Hills, ending in the mighty Tana River forming a natural boundary to the South.
This was the wilderness into which George and Joy Adamson released Elsa the lioness, creating the much loved film ‘Born Free’. With herds of elephant, both species of Rhino and Northern species such as Grevy’s Zebra, Oryx & Reticulated Giraffe, one can observe these rare mammals without being disturbed by another soul. The riverside forests are a birder’s paradise providing refuge for many rare localized species.