Bush and beach, the Masai Mara and the Indian Ocean

Set along the Ewaso Ng’iro River in Kenya, the Samburu National Reserve boasts magnificent doum palm groves and thick riverine forests. Covering an area of 165 km2, the reserve is home to Samburu’s ‘Special Six’, namely Grevy’s zebra, the Somali ostrich, the reticulated giraffe, the long-necked gerenuk, Guenther’s dik-dik and the Beisa oryx. These rare northern creatures are joined by all three cats (lion, leopard and cheetah), gerenuk, elephants, Cape buffalos, black rhinos, hippos and if you’re really lucky, you’ll also spot the impala and waterbuck. Samburu National Reserve is among Kenya’s smallest parks but its game and over 450 species of birdlife more than make up for its small size. Your visit to Samburu National Reserve will also allow you to view the Ewaso Ng’iro River. It continues to maintain a consistent supply of water due to the glaciers of Mount Kenya – this helps the wildlife in Samburu and its neighbouring Buffalo Springs National Reserve survive and thrive. The name of the river is derived from the local community’s language and means muddy or brown water, given the appearance of the same. In the arid north of Kenya, water means life, therefore it is not uncommon to find several mammals and birdlife dipping their heads into the Ewaso Ng’iro River or grazing in the pastures close to the water to feed on the vegetation. The river is also an important source of irrigation to support Kenya’s thriving agriculture. Fun fact: The Samburu National Reserve is one of the two areas in which conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness. It was also the home of Kamunyak, a lioness famous for adopting oryx calves. Kamunyak fought pride of lions for six years in a bid to protect oryx calves and was last sighted in the reserve in February 2004. So now that your mental, visual, and hopefully spiritual appetite has been satiated with the lush beauty of Samburu National Reserve, head back to your camp site to start preparing for your onward journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy and to tuck into a delicious meal before hitting the sack.

We don’t want to get you too excited, but the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to Sweetwaters Chimp Sanctuary. The chimpanzees are not native to Kenya and have been rescued and rehabilitated from being sold on black markets. With the sanctuary now being their permanent home, if you wish to see these beautiful, extroverted primates, you’ll be taken by boat to visit the island they are on. Safety is paramount, so please listen to your guides or the sanctuary staff to make the most of this surreal experience. A two-hour drive to Ol Pejeta should be enough to raise your excitement levels and help you calm down before you start exploring. Located in the Laikipia County, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is situated on the Equator, west of Nanyuki between the foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya. It is Africa’s largest rhino conservancy and plays host to a wide variety of species, such as giraffe, the endangered black rhino, the “Big Five” game and the last two northern white rhinos remaining in the world that were moved to Kenya from the Czech Republic. In the last few years, more than 7,000 white rhinos were illegally killed, severely endangering their numbers. Ol Pejeta employs dogs to protect Najin and Fatu–the last two white rhino in the world. Since dogs are excellent hunters and can sense danger from a distance, they can alert rangers to the presence of poachers and also find hidden arms and ammunition. At Ol Pejeta, you can take walking, horseback, camel and vehicle-based safaris. Regardless of the experience you choose, there is plenty to see here and then some. The conservancy holds some of the highest predator densities in Kenya, including 30 cheetahs, 20 leopards, and two packs of wild dogs, and is also home to the endangered Jackson’s hartebeest. If you’re looking to make the most of your visit, you can cap off the day with a night safari experience before going back to your accommodation.

Breakfast and game en route to the floor of the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha (4Hrs). Arrive at Chui Lodge for lunch. Lots of activities in the afternoon and evening, including day game drive, night game drive in their private conservancy, sundowner, and bush dinner. We know the constant travelling might seem like a bit much, but we promise you unrivaled sights of the most beautiful scenery, wildlife, and birdlife Kenya has to offer. Road journeys are a great way to get to know your compatriots, make new friends, and, for those who fall asleep in a moving vehicle, get some shuteye. A quick tip: We advise you to travel light. Kenya is one of the few countries to enjoy tropical weather all around the year since it borders the Indian Ocean, so you can pack plenty of light clothing and save the denim for another destination. The four-hour journey to Lake Naivasha begins shortly after breakfast. The name ‘Naivasha’ has been derived from the local Maasai word ‘Nai’posha’ meaning ‘rough water’—sudden storms occur rather frequently in the area, so we’d advise you to pack an umbrella and a windcheater to stay dry during your visit. Lake Naivasha is part of the Great Rift Valley (a 6,000-mile fissure (crack) in the Earth’s crust stretching from Lebanon to Mozambique, which divides Kenya into two segments) and is one of the highest lakes in the area located at 1,884 metres above sea level. Fringed by thick papyrus, this beautiful freshwater lake is home to a variety of fish, birdlife, and hippos. You’re also likely to see giraffe grazing among the acacia woodlands, the buffalo wallowing in the swamps, and the Colobus monkeys calling out from the treetops. Once you reach Lake Naivasha and disembark from the vehicle, stretch your legs out, have a sip of water or a bite of your snack, and start exploring because the day will come to an end but the activities won’t. Hugged by grassy banks and shingled with cacti and sand olive trees, the area is well-known for its hiking and nature trails, day and night game drives, and boating excursions. Lake Naivasha is also one of the primary drinking holes for buffalos, zebras, elands, impalas, and waterbucks; it’s also the place you’ll see a hippo or two lazing about in the shallow waters or snoozing at the shores—this is nature at its very best and it’s the perfect way to get up close to these magnificent creatures who make our Earth a brighter, better place to live on. The birdwatchers among you will have a field day as the Lake is home to over 450 bird species. Take a moment to spot grey-backed fiscals, red-billed fire finches, kingfishers, herons, and more in the sky and the swamps. Return to the Lodge for a delicious meal and to recount all your experiences with your newfound friends and family. Share a laugh, pictures, and contact details, and make yourself a promise to stay in touch with your newfound travel crew.

This is what you came for, right? The Mara National Reserve experience? Anyone who hears the name ‘Kenya’ automatically associates it with the Maasai (or Masai) Mara people, after whom the reserve has been named. We know we keep saying how beautiful the game drives are and how wonderful the experience is, but the Mara Game Reserve is the crowning jewel of this glorious trip because of the legendary wildebeest migration that takes place in July when the animals arrive in Kenya and November when they depart across the border into Tanzania. This event is a sight that you cannot afford to miss. We promise there are no regrets to be had! Located in southwestern Kenya along the Great Rift Valley, the Mara National Reserve, together with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, forms Africa’s most diverse and spectacular ecosystem. It’s a land of spectacular vistas, abundant wildlife, and endless plains. ‘Mara’ in the local Maasai language means ‘spotted’ and refers to the circles of trees, savannahs, and shrubs in the area. The Mara National Reserve spans 1,510 km2 and is a photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise, featuring a year-round concentration of game and other wildlife, including oribi, reed-buck, black-backed and side-striped jackals, serval, hyena, bat-eared foxes, crocodiles, baboons, warthog, and topi. With two full days to explore the reserve, this is your chance to visit cultural Maasai villages (and learn a thing or two about this beautiful tribe’s culture and customs), step into a hot-air balloon, partake in day and night time game drives and take a walk into nature. And if you’re visiting between July and November, the wildebeest migration is an unmissable experience and one you’ll recall for years to come. Head on over to the Tipilikwani Mara Camp where the excellent Kenyan hospitality, personalised service, and delicious meals will make you want to stay amidst the serenity and wonders of nature forever.

You’ve seen the game, taken pictures of the wildlife, identified some bird species, taken a walk in nature, and forever captured the Great Migration of the wildebeest. Your trip is in its final leg and it isn’t complete without a visit to one of Kenya’s beaches. What better way to indulge in some R&R than visiting a major beach that overlooks the Indian Ocean? Diani Beach is located 30 km south of Mombasa and a tourism hotspot in Kenya, bustling with visitors from all over the world. It’s known for its gorgeous coral reefs, a strong population of black and white colobus monkeys, and the Shimba Hills National Reserve, where you’ll find Kenya’s Sable antelope. 17km of beautiful white sands, pristine water that is a shade of emerald blue, and lush greenery, Diani is also a food lover’s heaven and is chock-full of al fresco dining options. You have the option of exploring Diani at your own pace, but we’d like to make a few recommendations. If you haven’t had your fill of wildlife, the Shimba Hills National Reserve isn’t too far away. If you’re a lover of the deep blue sea, then take a dhow out to Wasini Island to look for and swim with the turtles and dolphins as you marvel at the fantastic life forms underwater. Snorkelling in the Indian Ocean is a treat for all the senses. Get over your fear of heights by taking to kitesurfing or skydiving. Go deeper into the forests and visit a monkey sanctuary with a guided tour in Diani.

Travel heals the soul, or so we’ve been told, and we hope this trip has done just that—healing your soul and replenishing your energy. Sometimes, everyday life becomes a challenge, and it is in those times that we find travel to be the most rewarding thing we’ll ever have done in our lifetime. Kenya is a country that will always welcome you with the loudest ‘Jambo’ and the biggest smile ever. ‘Asante’ (thank you) for visiting this culturally diverse nation. ‘Kwaheri’ (goodbye) and we hope you live this life Hakuna Matata!