Kenya has always held a special place in my heart, as it was the location of my first ever safari all those years ago. Every time I return I am reminded about those first feelings of wonder as I caught sight of my first cheetah en route to the camp from the airstrip. It also never fails to teach me something new and this recent trip was no exception. From the magical landscapes of the Chyulu Hills and Masai Mara to the tranquillity of Diani’s beaches, here are some of my top takeaways for anyone planning their dream safari.
1. Two Camps in the Mara: A Winning Combination
The Masai Mara is renowned for its incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, but what many don’t realize is how much diversity can be experienced within the same vast ecosystem. Many people will stay in one camp only during their time here. Staying at two different camps within the Mara provides a fantastic opportunity to see the region from contrasting perspectives.
For instance, a camp in the more central areas, like the stunning Mara Toto Tree Camp, offers you access to the main Masai Mara Reserve and the incredible Mara North Conservancy. Ideal if you would like the option of witnessing the wildebeest migration and experience wildlife drives on a conservancy. While somewhere more remote, like Mara Nyika Camp, gives a quieter, more exclusive experience being located on the Naboisho Conservancy.
Despite being in the same geographical area the topography is very different with more valleys and acacia woodland evident in Naboisho, versus the predominance of the open plains so synonymous of East Africa, in the main reserve and conservancies such as Mara North. Moving between two camps in the Mara also reduces travel time, so instead having to take internal flights between locations, you get to spend more time enjoying the adventure on the ground with a game drive between the two camps.
2. Combine Two Safari Areas for Greater Variety
While the Masai Mara is exceptional, Kenya is a land of rich contrasts, and visiting more than one safari area can offer a more diverse experience. Take the Chyulu Hills, for example, where I stayed at Ol Donyo Lodge. The rolling hills, vast open plains and distant views of Mount Kilimanjaro offer a completely different setting from the Mara’s savannah. Known for its elephants, particularly large bulls, and together with a diverse range of activities offered, means this is a very different experience to that which you would have in the Masai Mara for example.
The activities offered are extensive and include day and night game drives, walking safaris, mountain biking, horse riding, underground photographic hide, scenic helicopter flights, spa treatments, local market, Masai homestead and local school visits. Combining a place like the Chyulu Hills with the Masai Mara not only gives you the opportunity to see different landscapes and wildlife but also enhances your understanding of Kenya’s varied ecosystems.
3. Take Time to Recharge Before Your Safari
After packing up a house and desk and long international flights, diving straight into a safari can be overwhelming. I found that taking a couple of nights to unwind before starting the adventure was incredibly beneficial. Nairobi’s Palacina Hotel provided the perfect spot to relax and recharge. A peaceful oasis in the heart of Nairobi, spending a little time here gave me a chance to take stock and I was refreshed and ready for the busy days on safari that lay ahead. It’s well worth considering a day or two of downtime, whether in a city hotel or a peaceful lodge, before you embark on the early morning game drives and bush walks that safari offers.
4. The Classic Safari and Beach Combo Still Works
There’s a reason why the classic combination of safari and beach holidays remains so popular: it works! After the thrilling excitement of game drives, animal sightings, and bush walks, there’s nothing quite like ending your trip with a few relaxing days by the coast. Safari is by its very nature exciting and tiring in equal measure. Never quite knowing what you are going to see next, the early mornings and hours spent in the bush admiring the wildlife means a few nights somewhere to absorb it all and relax a bit is well-received.
On this trip, I wrapped up my adventure at the stunning Msambweni Beach House in Diani. The white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters were the perfect antidote to the early safari mornings. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, scuba-diving, snorkelling or enjoying fresh seafood by the ocean with the endlessly beautiful views, the beach offers a peaceful, restorative conclusion to a busy safari itinerary.
5. A Long Weekend Safari in the Mara
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the magic of Kenya, a long weekend safari in the Masai Mara is entirely doable—and completely unforgettable. With direct flights from Nairobi into the Mara, you can be out of the city and into the wild in just a couple of hours. The Mara offers a compact but incredibly rich safari experience, so even in just a few days, you can witness a huge amount. It is also so different from life at home that even a few nights feels like you have been away for a lot longer.
Staying at a camp like Mara Toto Tree Camp or Mara Nyika Camp allows you to immerse yourself in the bush with minimal travel time, meaning you can maximize your game viewing opportunities. A weekend in the Mara offers a quick escape from everyday life, but the memories will last a lifetime. Perfect for those looking for an adventurous break or a short getaway to reconnect with nature.
6. The Conservancies of the Masai Mara: A Unique Safari Experience
The conservancies surrounding the Masai Mara offer a more intimate and exclusive safari experience, and two that I spent time in on this trip were Mara North and Naboisho Conservancies. These private conservancies, of which there are a number adjacent to the main Masai Mara Reserve, work in partnership with local Maasai communities to protect the land and wildlife while offering visitors the chance to enjoy safari experiences with fewer vehicles and more freedom. Wildlife has free movement between the conservancies and the main reserve, however there are strictly limited numbers of vehicles allowed to access these enormous tracts of land.
In Mara North, for example, game drives are uncrowded, and you’re likely to encounter wildlife like lions, elephants, and cheetahs in a peaceful, undisturbed setting. Naboisho Conservancy, with one of the highest densities of lions, also allows activities not permitted in the National Reserve, such as walking safaris and night drives.
These conservancies play a crucial role in wildlife conservation while giving guests a more immersive, personalized safari, making them an excellent option for those seeking something beyond the more commercialised areas of the Mara. In addition they also ensure that the Masai, the owners of the land, receive a direct income from protecting the land for future generations whilst also being able to graze their cattle and goat on the conservancies as well.
Kenya is full of incredible contrasts, and by carefully considering how you structure your trip, you can maximize every moment of your holiday. From the wild savannah to the serene coastline, each part of Kenya has its own unique charm, and combining these experiences thoughtfully can make for an unforgettable journey. If you’re looking to plan your next safari, take a page out of my book and try incorporating some of these tips to enhance your experience. Kenya will always surprise you, and that’s part of the magic.
If you would like to chat about planning a holiday to Kenya, or any other holiday to Africa or the Indian Ocean, please do get in touch with Lucinda and she would be delighted to help