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Safari in Kenya

Few experiences are more thrilling and rewarding than encountering wild animals in their natural environment. From witnessing the Great Migration pass through the Mara, giraffe and zebra roaming freely amongst the Big Five or huge herds of elephant frolicking in Amboseli National Park, a safari holiday is one of the most emotive holiday experiences you can ever encounter. Nature in the raw is best experienced from captivating wilderness camps, stylish distinctive family-run lodges await those seeking luxury accommodation with personal and thoughtful touches. Diverse communities, exotic species and natural wonders combined with gourmet alfresco dining and decadent Kenyan skies ensure endless memories and authentic yesteryear experiences.

Mahali Mzuri

Taking a safari in Kenya to the next level, Sir Richard Branson’s first East African camp does not disappoint. Mahali Mzuri, which means ‘beautiful place’ in Swahili, stretches the boundaries of what a tent and camp can be. The 12 spacious suites are perched on raised platforms on the side of a lush valley providing sensational views over the rolling plains and the greatest wildlife spectacle, The Great Migration. Restricting the number of visitors allowed into the area at any one time and leaving as minimal a footprint as possible on the land, Mahali Mzuri provides guests with a natural and authentic safari experience. Appointing the best guides in the area, the majority of the team here are Masai and hail from local communities, with Sir Richard Branson himself being made an honorary Masai Elder for his efforts to preserve the land and the Masai culture.

Little Governors' Camp

Constant game activity can be viewed around the natural watering hole, including a family of resident warthogs, at Little Governors’ Camp. The safari experience begins before you reach camp with a short river crossing across the Mara River followed by an escorted walk. The camp's prime location within the reserve means that guests here are out and about long before others have arrived, with the highly experienced and passionate rangers knowing exactly where to head to for exceptional game sightings. 17 tents tucked away amongst the trees look out over unsurpassed views of the ever changing savannah, in keeping with safari tradition, subtle candlelight makes the camp a peaceful and atmospheric place.  In the evening, a warming log fire burns in front of the Bar Tent, and dinner is served in the nearby Dining Tent.

andBeyond Kicwha Tembo Camp

Taking children beyond their most fantastical imaginings with its WILDChild Program, this camp aims to deepen the connection with nature through brilliant activities including tracking, fishing, bow- and arrow-making, and beading and other crafts, as well as fun in the lodge garden and kitchen. In a magical touch, kids find an assignment for the following day’s expedition laid out on their pillow when they go to bed each night. Inspired by the local environment and heritage, activities are also tailored to children’s ages and interests. To record their memories, junior guests get a WILDChild backpack complete with a scrapbook in which to paste mementos of their time in the bush.

Governors' II Moran Camp

Set in the heart of the Masai Mara on the banks of the Mara River, Governors’ II Moran Camp's incredible, wild-life rich location attracts makers of wildlife documentaries from around the world, including BBC’s Big Cat Diary and Planet Earth Live. Here, you will be the personal guest of manager Patrick who has a wealth of experience of the vast African bush. Small, intimate and very exclusive, the camp has recently undertaken a soft refurbishing upgrade to its ten tents, including their own reserve osmosis water filtration system which eliminates the need for plastic water bottles. Birds and butterflies abound, elephants wander through the camp and leopards call nearby. After a thrilling game drive or a spectacular hot air balloon flight over the Mara, soak in your deep Victorian roll-top bath before enjoying dinner under the stars.

Five tips for your safari

1.Even though many reserves drive off road and get very close of the animals, a pair of binoculars is essential. It allows you to better see in detail; from the eyelashes on a giraffe to the colours on a particular bird.

2.High quality photographs of a lioness with her cubs or a cheetah pursing his prey are close to zero with a smart phone camera.  Invest in a digital camera that can focus fast the moment you press the shutter with a good zoom lens.

3.Batteries and memory cards – you need twice as much as for a regular holiday. Charging batteries is not always possible and you won’t find many places in the bush selling these items.

4.On open vehicles we find the seats immediately behind the ranger are the best. You can hear what the guide is saying more easily and it makes for a much better safari experience.

5.Regardless of where you are going on safari and at what time of year you are travelling, always pack a warm fleece or bush jacket.  Don’t pack too many clothes as you are limited to a strict luggage allowance in soft bags, try to wear neutral colours that blend in with the surroundings and dress in layers. Hats are recommended for game drives on open top vehicles to protect you from the sun, and remember that formal wear is not necessary as most lodges have a relaxed dress code.