A Kenya safari holiday offers the intrepid traveller the best that Africa has to offer. From the legendary Masai Mara and intriguing cultures, to its pristine coastlines with tropical beaches. Curate your holiday experience and let us do the rest for you. It couldn’t be more easy.

Big Five safari holidays in Kenya

Kenya is one of the best places anywhere in Africa for ticking off the Big Five: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino. A good short safari combination for those hoping to see all these charismatic creatures (and much more besides) would be Masai Mara (for lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant) and Lake Nakuru (for black and white rhino). Other top safari destinations that host all or most of the Big Five include Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Amboseli, Laikipia Plateau, Samburu-Buffalo Springs-Shaba, Meru and to a lesser extent Shimba Hills. It is important to note Kenya’s ongoing conservation efforts to protect some of its greater and lesser species – one of which is the elephant population. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is today the most successful orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world and one of the pioneering conservation organisations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa. Founded in 1977 by Dr Dame Daphne Sheldrick D.B.E, in honour of the memory of her late husband, famous naturalist and founding Warden of Tsavo East National Park, David Leslie William Sheldrick MBE, the DSWT claims a rich and deeply rooted family history in wildlife and conservation.

How to prepare to climb Mt Kenya

Mount Kenya is the less climbed cousin of Mount Kilimanjaro nearby in Tanzania, however many people prefer the wilderness, abundant wildlife and stunning mountain lakes that you find on Mount Kenya. Point Lenana at 4985m metres is a feasible trekking peak and also currently the worlds highest via ferrata summit route, which adds to the challenge and enjoyment. The panoramic views of the jagged volcanic peaks, wide valleys and surrounding savannah makes a trek on this mountain a thoroughly enjoyable African experience.

We have been guiding trips on Mount Kenya since 1996 and have full time mountain staff at the base. We adopt a proper approach to acclimatisation which means that the ascent is not rushed. We run advertised trips on all the main routes with scheduled dates but can also offer tailor-made private trips and can add-on safari’s to experience a bit more of Kenya’s diverse culture and unique wildlife in some of the world’s great National Parks, Game Reserves and Conservancies.

What is the Best Season for a Mount Kenya Trek? The weather

Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round. But if you want the best weather then you should be planning for January to March or June to October. *Then you are avoiding the rainy season and you get the best weather and with that the best views”, Evans agrees. Of course, the weather on the mountain can be hard to predict and all seasons are possible at any time on the day, but if you stick to the best seasons, you can get the best bang for your buck.

What Should I Pack While Hiking Mount Kenya?

Trekking in Mount Kenya requires decent gear. Especially the basics like an 80-90l backpack and quality trekking socks.

Technical Clothing
– Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
– Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
– Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
– 2 Long Sleeve Shirts, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
– Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
– Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
– 2 Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
– Fleece Pants – Shorts (optional)
– Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
– 3 Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
– 2 Sport Bra (women) Headwear
– Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
– Knit Hat, for warmth
– Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
– Bandana (optional)

Handwear
– Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
– Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)

Footwear
– Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
– Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional) – 3 Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
– 3 Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
– Gaiters, waterproof (optional)

Accessories
– Sunglasses or Goggles
– Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
– Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
– Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended
– Water Bladder, Camelback type (recommended)
– Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
– Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate Equipment
– Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
– Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
– Trekking Poles (recommended)
– Head lamp, with extra batteries
– Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment.
– Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear

Other
– Toiletries (Option)
– Prescriptions
– Sunscreen
– Lip Balm
– Insect Repellent, containing DEET
– First Aid Kit
– Hand Sanitizer
– Toilet Paper (To be provided)
– Wet Wipes (recommended)
– Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
– Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
– Camera, with extra batteries (optional)

Are you planning an East African safari to Tanzania or Kenya where your time will be spent in nature, game viewing some of the best wildlife Africa has to offer, enjoying the radiant sunshine and building everlasting relationships with your fellow African travellers?

I am often asked to compare Kenya vs Tanzania safaris and tours, to see which would offer the best African experience. This is a great but difficult question as both Kenya and Tanzania are captivating African safari destinations with an abundance of wildlife, where you can have a Big Five Safari Experience.

 

Below you can find some destination comparisons, which will help you to choose the best Tanzania or Kenya safari option for you.

Tanzania

• When it comes to the quantity of wildlife, a Tanzania safari wins. One reason for this is that it’s the larger country when comparing a safari in Kenya vs Tanzania.
• More of the Great Migration takes place in Tanzania than in Kenya meaning that you have a greater chance of seeing the great migration during more months of the year when comparing safari in Tanzania vs Kenya.
• Tanzania has fewer visitors than Kenya meaning less crowded game parks and safaris which is especially great considering covid-19 protocals.
• Accommodation on a Tanzania Safari is a bit more expensive than a Kenya Safari when comparing a Tanzania Safari vs Kenya Safari.
• There are very few large hotels or resorts, so lodges and camps fill up very quickly over peak season.
• Vehicles used for safari drives in game reserves are closed vehicles.
• More iconic natural landmarks can be found in Tanzania, like Mount Kilimanjaro, the vast plains of the Serengeti Serengeti National park, Ngorongoro Crater and,The Great Rift Valley Escarpment.
• A Tanzania Safari is a safe destination for safari.
• National Parks are bigger and game drives will take longer to spot animals when comparing Tanzania vs Kenya safaris.
• Visa and Yellow Fever certificate is required.

Kenya

• A Kenya Safari is also bursting with African wildlife and hosts the great migration river crossings of the wildebeest.
• Kenya is wealthier than Tanzania and has a more developed infrastructure and tourism infrastructure when comparing Kenya vs Tanzania.
• You have a choice of more Hotels and Lodges in Kenya than in Tanzania.
• Game parks are more accessible. Nairobi is the capital and the hub of all flights.
• Attractions in Kenya are Amboseli, The Masai Mara with the Mara River, and Lake Nakuru.
• Accommodation in Kenya is less expensive than in Tanzania and offers more budget-friendly safaris when comparing Kenya vs Tanzania.
• Accommodation can vary from walk-in Meru tents to luxury African lodges.
• Vehicles used for safari drives are closed vehicles.
• National Parks are smaller and it is easier and faster to spot animals when comparing a Kenya Safari vs Tanzania Safari.
• Kenya is a safe destination for your African safari.
• More safari activities are offered in Kenya, which include walking safaris, boat cruises and, village tours.
• Visa and Yellow Fever certificate is required.

Both countries are in East Africa and have coastlines along the warm Indian Ocean. This being said, it is always a good idea to end your safari with a couple of days relaxing and enjoying one of the Zanzibar beach resorts along its pristine coastline.