What makes Kenya a top safari destination?

What makes Kenya a top safari destination? The word “once-in-a-lifetime” is frequently used casually when describing travel experiences, usually alluding to something disappointingly conventional. But a safari in Kenya definitely lives up to this reputation, creating a precedent that leaves other places in its wake.

Kenya, located in the centre of Africa, entices visitors with a mix of wild landscapes and opulent getaways. It’s a royal favourite, where Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton over sixty years after Queen Elizabeth received the news of her coronation. It continues to be a popular choice for honeymoons today, drawing in famous people like Angelina Jolie, Mark Zuckerberg, and Naomi Campbell.

What, therefore, makes Kenya one of the world’s most popular safari destinations? Its diversity is a major lure, as is the chance to see the Big Five, take in the big migration, and become fully immersed in the native way of life. Even more amazing is the fact that your visit directly contributes to their excellent conservation efforts, so just by being there, you can help preserve the biodiversity of the area.

The Big Five and Bird watching

Kenya is home to numerous national parks, each home to an abundance of wildlife. The Big Five—rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards—all have unrestricted mobility; rhinos, in particular, thrive at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The spectacular Great Migration, a wildlife show that takes place on the vast savannah plains, is the main attraction of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Another breathtaking picture that you won’t find anywhere else is Amboseli National Park, framed by the majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro. Kenya is home to more than 1,000 bird species, including the Samburu birds and the flamingos that grace Lake Nakuru.

Culture and archaeological sites

More than forty different ethnic tribes call Kenya home, and each one still maintains its own customs and history. A well-planned visit to a hamlet (avoid tours that seem to emphasise staring at natives) can allow visitors to meet and admire the Samburu’s unusual jewellery or the Maasai’s exquisite beadwork. The nearby communities also provide information on customary dances, music, and ceremonies. Significant archaeological sites like Koobi Fora, dubbed the Cradle of Humankind, are part of Kenya’s rich history. There, prehistoric fossils have provided important new insights into the evolution of humans. The Kenya safari experience is enhanced by these cultural and historical elements, which provide visitors a better knowledge of this intriguing nation.

Kenya conservation efforts

A safari in Kenya offers not only amazing experiences but also a chance to leave a lasting, positive legacy. Sustainable livelihoods are promoted, local communities are empowered, and healthcare and education are supported through ethical ecotourism and conservation initiatives. In order to protect famous species like elephants, rhinos, and lions, poaching and the illegal wildlife trade are actively opposed with the help of tourism earnings. Prioritising environmental sustainability through eco-friendly lodging and morally-responsible wildlife encounters helps to ensure that Kenya’s priceless scenery endures for future generations. Travellers who choose an ethical safari become essential collaborators in the conservation of Kenya’s remarkable nature.

Air safari in Kenya

The traditional vehicle safari is a popular experience, but how about riding in a hot-air balloon over the savannah at sunrise to see the animals come to life below? And thereafter, how about a champagne breakfast in the untamed splendour of the bush? That is what we refer to as an experience of a lifetime. Kenya is as captivating at night. Nestled in opulent safari camps or environmentally conscious lodges, spend evenings beneath the stars taking in the night time symphony of the wild. It’s an incredible experience to be able to sleep under the African sky at night and float above the plains before dawn.

What makes Kenya a top safari destination?
What makes Kenya a top safari destination?

Kenya Accommodations

Kenya offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from budget campgrounds and neighbourhood inns to upscale lodges and upscale tented camps that can easily run into the hundreds of dollars per night.

Seasonal cost apply to all beach resorts, safari camps, and lodges. These tariffs are roughly classified into three categories: high, mid, and low season (sometimes referred to as the “green season”). Not only do some of the smaller safari camps and lodges close for a few months between March and June (closing as soon as Easter has passed), but they also close for maintenance and renovations during this time. However, all budget accommodations and regular hotels are non-seasonal, with year-round pricing.

Seasonal cost apply to all beach resorts, safari camps, and lodges. These tariffs are roughly classified into three categories: high, mid, and low season (sometimes referred to as the “green season”). Not only do some of the smaller safari camps and lodges close for a few months between March and June (closing as soon as Easter has passed), but they also close for maintenance and renovations during this time. However, all budget accommodations and regular hotels are non-seasonal, with year-round pricing.

In Kenya, the term “hotel” refers to a fairly wide range of establishments (it refers to a low-cost café-restaurant rather than a place to stay). The large tourist and business-class establishments are located at the top end. They are referred to as lodges in the game parks. Check carefully before splurging because some establishments are genuinely good value, but others are run-down and expensive. When possible, try to book the busier spots ahead of time, especially during the busiest time of year.

At the middle price range, some hotels are more recent and serve the middle class of Kenya, while others are former settlers’ haunts that were once somewhat elegant and no longer completely fit in with modern Kenya. A good number are just wasted and boring, but a good number are fine—beautifully run-down or very bright and semi-efficient.

Generally, budget between Ksh3000 to Ksh10,000 for a nice double or twin room with an en suite bathroom—a term known as “self-contained” in Kenya. Generally, breakfast is provided, however there will be a fee if you choose to eat breakfast somewhere else. You can save a lot of money at less expensive hotels by choosing extra features like air conditioning, floor or ceiling fans, TVs (which frequently have DSTV (satellite) service), and floor or ceiling fans.

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