Here’s why a safari in Kenya should be on your travel bucket list!
For centuries, the magical land of Kenya has attracted adventurers and explorers alike. It is without question one of the world’s famous travel locations due to its diverse landscapes, animals, and the incredible eye-opening culture. Here, you can see just about every natural wonder you can think of; the big five, mountain summits, diverse terrain, and so much more. It’s truly a striking backdrop and a wonderful place to go on your very first safari adventure.
Not only can you see some wondrous creatures during the day on an African safari, you can sleep under the stars once the day is over. Kenya is Africa’s original safari destination and somewhere everybody should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Here, we’re going to talk about why a safari in Kenya should be on your travel bucket list!
More About Kenyan Safari
Kenya is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa
You’ll get away from the crowds – apart from the animals, of course!
You are able to explore Kenya’s parks, as well as day and night drives and bush walks in private reserves
See the big five
See endangered animals such as different species of rhinoceros
See the great migration where nearly 2 million wildebeest and zebra follow the rain to find new grass
Overall, there are around 25,000 different animal species in Kenya – it has spectacular biodiversity and that is what keeps visitors coming back again and again. The Maasai Mara wildebeest migration is one of the most amazing things to see, and predators are fast on their heels. You’ll see lots of cheetahs but mainly lions, with prides in full force.
You will also likely spot the Hyena, bat eared fox, jackal, grazing herds of giraffe, zebra, gazelle, buffalo, and topi. There are many antelope varieties – more than you may even know exist.
Crocodile and hippo are ever present in the Mara and Talek rivers, while the acacia woodlands shelter around 470 of Kenya’s bird species. There are over 500 recorded species in Kenya alone. The birds are often overlooked due to people wanting to see The Big Five, but the bird species here can leave you breathless.
Those who are bird enthusiasts can even go on specialized bird watching safaris as opposed to regular safari.
Amboseli National Park is mainly famous for elephants but also has some endangered rhinos. If you visit Samburu then you may see some leopards and two little known species found only in northern Kenya, the Grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe.
Why Safari In Kenya Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List
It’s a great place to visit for safari first timers
Kenya is one of the best destinations for those on their very first wildlife watching safari. The tourist infrastructure is magnificent, with many camps and lodges to choose from and something guaranteed to suit every budget. Modern safaris were invented here in the 20s, so why not start here?
Head to the beach after safari
Once you feel you have explored the fauna and flora of Kenya and spotted numerous animals that you wouldn’t back home, you can choose to catch some sun and relax on the Indian Ocean beaches. You could create a safari and beach itinerary for the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation.
See the big five and the great migration
The migration really is an amazing sight to see. Two million wildebeest all in search of the same thing; greener pastures to live on. Of course, there’s also the opportunity to see ‘The Big Five’, which is the lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino. You are likely to be able to see The Big Five in various national parks in Kenya.
It’s worth talking about the great migration too, as it is recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, and it really is an incredible thing to see the antelope on the move while being pursued by crocodiles and lions. For this reason, many people call it the best wildlife experience on the planet.
You don’t even need to visit during the migration period to have a great time, though – the animals you can see in their natural habitat make up for it, even on a regular day.
The incredible, beautiful landscapes
Kenya is a diverse area of landscapes. One day you may be looking at Savannahs, the next, woodlands and mountains. The landscapes are truly something that visitors never forget here.
Guides and rangers
The guides and rangers that accompany you on safari are a bunch of great people. They are interesting and admirable, and talking to one of them even just for a short time is likely going to be an experience that you won’t forget anytime soon. You’ll usually leave with a new piece of wisdom or fun snippet of information.
The guides and rangers know exactly what they are doing and will help you to make the most of your time in Kenya. You will leave with far more insight and a deeper understanding of the animals and culture.
Going on safari in Kenya is easy
Going on safari in Kenya is so much easier than you might think. You can simply relax while somebody else takes care of everything to do with your trip. You can go on your safari package with a trusted tour operator and avoid lots of the mistakes that can take some visitors by surprise.
These safaris are a safe way to explore this incredible part of the world, and there’s a safari to suit all types of travellers and all needs. There are family friendly holiday packages, plus budget safaris that could be tailor made to suit solo travellers who are looking for their next great adventure. You don’t have to worry about planning a thing, because a great tour operator will do it for you.
Plus, it’s worth noting that since Kenyan authorities introduced an e-visa system in 2015, entry is easier than ever before. British travellers do not need to apply for entry documents before they travel, or queue up at the airport for hours to get the correct stamps. All you have to do is ensure you use the official e-visa website. You can find the line on the Foreign Office’s Kenya travel advice page.
You’ll meet some seriously cool people
On safari in Kenya, you can almost guarantee that you’ll meet some awesome people. You’ll meet some great Kenyan locals and hear some awesome stories, and they will no doubt help you to create memories that last a lifetime. Kenyans are extremely proud of their country and their culture, and they welcome any visitors with open arms.
You’ll also meet a variety of people from around the world who are visiting the area just like you. You can book the safari with a group of you want to go with friends and family, but sharing your adventure with people from all over the world can be just as fun. You’ll not only get to know some of the local people living in the area, but fellow travellers too. Imagine the stories and advice you could pick up!
The awesome parks and wonders of Africa
We’ve already discussed the Big Five and the Great Migration, but that’s still nowhere near close to some of the natural wonders and awe inspiring scenes you could witness in Kenya. You could see wonders such as Victoria Falls, the Drakensberg Mountains, Carmine Bee Eater colonies with 10,000 plus bees, the Rift Valley, Fish River Canyon, Table Mountain, and so much more.
There are some wonderful national parks here, too, including:
Lake Nakuru National Park – see flocks of flamingos here, which is what the park is known for. A year-round location that features several private and public locations to visit. Home to warthogs, ostriches, and hippos.
Amboseli National Park – views of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Home to over 400 species of birds. See leopards, elephants, and hippos. Numerous lodges and campsites to stay in.
Nairobi National Park – perfect for seeing black rhinos. Can also see wildebeest migration here if you want to avoid the crowds at the Masai Mara National Reserve during July and August.
Luxury accommodation to enhance your trip
Just because you’re planning on going on Kenyan safari doesn’t mean you’re going to be sleeping in a worn out tent or somewhere you’d rather not. Some of the accommodation options that you can stay in in Kenya are luxurious to say the least. It doesn’t even have to break the bank! A simple cold drink and candlelight can make your safari experience even better.
You could sleep under the stars
Talk about luxury! Who wouldn’t want to sleep under the stars? There are private huts with open skies that guests can stay in – beds can even be wheeled out into the open or taken back inside if the weather takes a turn. The Loisaba Lodge is the perfect place for this. Imagine falling asleep to the sound of all of those animal species, with the smell of nature, and many wonderful stars as your night light.
Find value for money all over Kenya
As we have previously mentioned, there’s a safari to suit just about every kind of traveller, whatever sort of budget you have. There are so many safaris that will give you value for money, as most of them include your accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and sometimes more. You won’t have to worry about extra costs or unexpected fees.
It’s also worth noting that Kenya is pretty inexpensive for a tourist destination. You’ll be surprised at how far you can make your budget stretch! The cost of living in the area is low, and most major credit and debit cards are accepted. You won’t need to worry about accessing your money.
However, it’s also worth pointing out that this doesn’t mean Kenya should be considered a ‘budget’ location. You can still enjoy luxury and privacy, and there are gorgeous locations you can stay in reminiscent of 5 star hotels elsewhere.
Keep an eye on the tourist traps and make sure you reduce costs in any way you can if you want to do your safari on a budget. It’s nice to know that the cost of an African safari includes conservation fees for the game parks and wildlife centres that you visit, so in effect you are helping to protect the wilderness areas and the wildlife. If you want to make sure you’re looking out for Kenya further, you can always look for environmentally responsible lodges and safari camps that contribute towards the well-being of the wildlife.
Enjoy new cultural experiences
Interacting with the local culture; the people, food, crafts, dancing, and singing is like nothing else you will have experienced before. If you have the opportunity to see and enjoy cultural experiences in Kenya, you should grab it with both hands! There are usually plenty of festivals and local celebrations so you can do something different. You’ll enjoy a change of scenery and a completely different lifestyle to what you’re used to in Western society.
Whatever you do, you’ll be able to leave your worries and stresses at home and rejuvenate your mind and body by getting away from it all in Kenya.
Royals love Kenya
Kenya is home to Treetops, which is Kenya’s oldest safari lodge and Queen Elizabeth’s preferred place to stay. She stayed here when she was informed of the death of her father, King George VI, when she went from Princess to Queen. She arrived a princess, and left a Queen. How extraordinary!
It’s also well known that Kate Middleton and Prince William stayed at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in the foothills of Mount Kenya in October 2010, and when they arrived home they were engaged to be married. He proposed in the luxury lodge. If royals love Kenya, then it’s for good reason!
You will open your mind and broaden your horizons
Here, you will open your mind to new ways of life and thinking and broaden your horizons. It’s good for you, and you will undoubtedly grow as a person due to the experiences you will have and the people you meet. Many people report their first Kenya safari as a life changing experience that shaped them as people.
Get pretty souvenirs
If you’re a sucker for a pretty souvenir, there are all kinds of amazing bits and pieces you can get your hands on to bring home in Kenya. There are tons of talented craftspeople in the area who make objects that you won’t find anywhere else. Kitengela glass, which is made in the middle of the bush is highly sought after, as well as products from Ocean Sole, which pays local people to pick up old shoes washed up on the beach and turn them into toys. You could also pick up beaded belts and shoes. Whether you want a souvenir for yourself or a loved one, you’re bound to find something to take home and keep forever.
Impress your friends, family, and colleagues when you arrive back home
When you get home, you’ll no doubt have plenty of pictures and souvenirs to show the people closest to you. They won’t believe what you’ve seen and you’ll likely be showing those pictures around for a long time. Your future relatives will also want to see them – grandchildren, for example, if you don’t have them already. They are incredible souvenirs that tell a story and will last a lifetime.
Quick Facts About Kenya
Ok, so we have discussed why you should go on Kenya safari – how about some quick facts about Kenya?
No other country in the world has the same diversity as Kenya. The varied landscapes that we have discussed here are scenes you won’t find anywhere else – not in one place anyway!
Kenya is about twice the size of Nevada, and is bordered by the Indian Ocean, Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963 but has struggled with political tumult since.
Kenya’s population is 41 million, with 42% under 15.
Nairobi is the the capital, and is home to 3.4 million people.
English and Swahili are the official languages spoken here. You should have no trouble being understood!
More About Conservation In Kenya
Many people want to know more about the conservation in Kenya, as the diverse ecosystems are in danger and this worries travellers. Drought, climate change, deforestation, population pressures and inadequate government oversight all challenge sustainability. Many of the wonderful animal species you will find here, such as the elephant and rhinoceros are fighting to survive. Other endangered mammals include roan, sable, sitatunga, Grevy’s zebra and wild dog.
However, progress in conservation is being made, through public and private partnerships. The Kenya Wildlife Service is coming up with strategic plans for sustainable management of wildlife and their habitats. More of a focus than ever before is being put on protecting the ecosystem and the wildlife in Kenya.
Kenya and Tourism
Kenya is dependent on tourism, as about 500,000 people per year are employed in the sector. These people would be jobless and homeless if people decided they were no longer going to visit Kenya. The money made from the tourism has helped to fund many a good cause, including building schools and creating clean water supplies. Kenyan children are finally getting a proper education.
In the Masai Mara game reserve, for example, tourists pay money to visit Masai people in their villages. The locals then sell things to the tourists, so they receive money. In other villages, people may pay extra money to visit and this money goes towards building maintenance.
People would not be employed and children would not be getting an education without any of this going on. Money from tourism is also put towards good causes such as repair and creation of hospitals, roads, houses and many more things that greatly help the Kenyan people.
Around 20% of all of Kenya’s wealth comes from tourism. If Kenya did not have this money to rely on, it would get into more debt with richer countries and the people would suffer. There would be no rangers to protect the wildlife, either.
Sensible tourism is something that those who care for the animals, environment, and Kenya residents should engage in. Doing this is an alternative to poaching and can also stop people from engaging in it.
Tourism here really does protect traditional ways of life, the cultures, and the wilderness. By choosing to visit, you are doing a good thing and can have peace of mind that you’re helping in some way.
Conclusion: Why a Safari in Kenya Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List
So, what are you waiting for? Now you know all of the awesome benefits of choosing to go on Safari in Kenya, you should add it to your travel bucket list!
Whether you want to visit with friends, family, or solo, you’ll have an awesome time. You’ll learn so many new things about the land and about yourself, and create memories that last forever. If you want to broaden your horizons and experience a new culture completely different from your own, all while helping the animals and Kenyan people, then a safari in Kenya is the perfect trip for you!
Don’t forget, that although many of the safaris available can suit numerous budgets and the living cost in Kenya isn’t high, it is by no means a budget place to visit. You will be able to find places to stay that rival some of the most up-market hotels you have been in – or, get back to nature and sleep under the stars. It’s up to you. This will be like no other trip you have been on or like any trip you’ll go on again. It is simply the experience of a lifetime.
Get in touch and book your safari today!