Kenya is home to lush tropical rainforests, vast arid lands and a splendid coastline, boasting beautiful coral reefs and a wide variety of colorful fish waiting to be discovered. Over seventy tribal groups reside in Kenya, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to experience tribal life, visit traditional villages, see ancestral dances, etc. Ancient artifacts and handicrafts are readily sold in tourist areas.
The numerous national parks and reserves occupy over eight percent of Kenya’s surface, making wildlife easily accessible. The big five (elephants, rhinos, buffalos, leopards and lions), can be seen in Masai Mara and Amboseli National Parks, among others. In the remote area of Samburu, you’ll come across animal species found nowhere else in Africa Kenya’s birdlife is just as spectacular and prolific. A great number of species can be found around the Rift Valley lakes of Naivasha, Nakuru and Baringo.
The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve.
No other Maasai Mara-based camp offers the extensive traversing area of Mara Plains Camp, which is nestled in a lush forest on the meandering bends of the Ntiakitiak River. This Réserve-Collection luxury Kenya safari camp offers access to over 40,000 hectares of private conservancy land in both the Olare Motorogi and Mara North Conservancies, as well as the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, home to the Great Migration.
The private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, where Mara Plains Camp is located, is known to have the lowest vehicle density in Kenya’s Maasai Mara region while also having the highest concentration of big cats anywhere in Africa. Each guest at Mara Plains contributes considerably to the success of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy’s flourishing ecosystem. Conservation fees are paid to safeguard this habitat while supporting over 1,000 Maasai families. This partnership agreement ensures the survival of an astounding volume and variety of wildlife.
Mara Plains Camp is also a proud Relais & Châteaux member.
Activities: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives, Guided Bush Walks
Budget: $$$ (Luxury)
Ilkeliani is an elegant oasis in the center of the world-famous Maasai Mara. The redesigned camp overlooking game-filled plains has stylish new tented suites, a selection of viewing decks, and a wealth of enticing activities. Dedicated to privacy and personal service, the team offers a sophisticated safari experience. The camp is small and intimate with a maximum of twelve ensuite guest tents.
At Ilkeliani you can fill your days with activities or enjoy the camp at leisure. The game-filled plains of the Maasai Mara offer all manner of activities, and guests can do as much or as little as they choose. Drive out of camp at dawn to watch the animals waking to the start of a new day and return to camp for breakfast, or spend a full day in the reserve, stopping for lunch at a picturesque viewpoint. Stroll along the riverbanks observing the prolific birdlife and talk to the Maasai about their medicinal uses of the indigenous plants.
Activities: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives, Guided Bush Walks, Village Visits, Horseback Riding, Hot Air Balloon (Additional Cost)
Budget: $$ (Mid-Range)
Saruni Leopard Hill has six tented rooms: four spacious deluxe tents, a family tent and a honeymoon tent. The tent architecture is inspired by round Maasai houses called Manyattas. This offers an almost 360-degree view of the surroundings, from your bed towards the Fig Tree, the water holes and from the bathroom to the back. The tents are tastefully designed and furnished, adorned with handcrafted items that seamlessly blend African elements with contemporary touches.
Hidden away in a secluded valley in the Naboisho Conservancy, Saruni Leopard Hill is close to a site of special significance in Maasai culture – the landmark Double Fig Tree, a survivor of a long-ago lightning strike. The tree’s distinctive shape provides the perfect frame for some of Kenya’s best sunsets and sunrises, making Saruni Leopard Hill the ideal place to start and end each day on safari.
The wildlife in the Naboisho area is especially prolific – the night echoes to the calls of predators, while the birdsong at dawn is all the inspiration you’ll need to leap out of bed and begin another day on your Masai Mara wildlife safari.
Activities: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives, Guided Bush Walks, Tribal Story-Telling & Fireside Chats, Hot Air Balloon (Additional Cost)
Budget: $$ (Mid-Range)
This unique safari incorporates the highlights of Kenya and includes Amboseli National Park famous for its large herds of elephants and the stunning back drop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Aberdare National Park was created to protect the forested slopes and moors of the Aberdare Mountains, the peaks of which soar to 3930m (12,893 ft.) and deep valleys are home to cascading streams and rivers. The park has elephant, lion, rhino, black leopard and the very elusive bongo antelope that lives in the high bamboo forest. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is also home to a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. Also visited is the famous Mount Kenya Safari Club and the nearby William Holden animal sanctuary.
Finally the most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve.
Explore Here: KENYA ROYAL SAFARI – 10 DAYS
This luxurious safari includes a variety of diverse eco-systems with ever changing terrain and topography. Locations visited include Meru National Park offering some of the less regularly sighted animals like oryx, lesser kudu, duiker, dik-dik and over 300 species of birds have been recorded. It is here that Elsa the famous lion from the book and movie ‘Born Free’ lived out the latter part of her life and is buried. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is one of Kenya’s original ranches which not only boasts phenomenal conservations success, but also works closely with local communities by providing employment, schools and clinics. Incorporated in the conservancy is the highly respected Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary.
Finally the most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The undeniable highlight of the Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration traversing the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is known as the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and eland can also be spotted in the reserve.
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