Kenya

2 types of Safari Packages

Most safari companies in Africa and not just in Kenya offer both "Driven" or full board packages or "Fly in" packages. It is important to understand the difference between both. 

Driven or driving packages often feature in most basic round trip itineraries. Transport is usually in a four wheel drive vehicle which will pick you up from the airport and then take you to all of your stops on the Itinerary. The same vehicle and driver guide stay with you throughout your stay. Usually all itineraries include three meals (Breakfast Lunch Dinner) as well as National Park Fees and all game drives. All other costs are chargeable including drinks, items of a personal nature etc. 

Pros- Keeps the cost down. Driving also means you see a lot of the country, and Kenya has some magnificent landscapes. When with a large group makes for excellent fun even though some drives are longer! Private vehicle. 

Cons- The driver guide are not as skilled at finding game as a result sightings of big game are often not as good as when you are with specialized guides. Most driving safaris also do not have access to private game conservancies meaning they usually stick to National Parks  where it is more crowded. Drives can sometimes be up to 8 hours. 

Fly in Safaris are usually undertaken by light aircraft. Departing Wilson Airport in Nairobi light aircraft transport you from Nairobi to a variety of destinations as well as between camps. Usually these packages are all inclusive meaning the include all meals, drinks (aside from premium wines and spirits) and two game drive activities per day. You will have specialized drivers and guides from each camp that you stay at.

Pros- Some of the best guiding in Kenya and Africa will be available to you. These are people who live in the immediate vicinity of the camps and who specialize in driving and finding game in the national park or conservancy that they are based at. As a result you generally get a much better game viewing experience. As most things you would require are already provided there is no worrying about having to carry excess cash. Generally also a higher standard of accommodation. Transfer times are at most 90 mins. 

Cons- More expensive. Usually Fly in Safaris begin to be priced where driving safaris top out. There are certain exceptions specially if you choose to stay at one location throughout your stay. 

Kenya: Areas to Visit

Kenya boasts a stunning diversity of terrain. From the drier north to the vistas of the Laikipia Plateau to the greatest game reserve on Earth, The Masai Mara. 

Samburu, The Matthews Range and The North of Kenya- These days the North of Kenya is more difficult to get to. I myself have been to Samburu and Buffalo Springs and have explored Shaba Game Reserve. A dry landscape with characteristic Doum Palms which line the Ewaso Niyro River this area harbors wildlife not found elsewhere in Kenya such as the Gerenuk, the Grevy's Zebra and Somali Ostrich. Good sightings of the big five excluding rhino. 

Laikipia and Mount Kenya- The Laikipia Plateau is the area between Mount Kenya and the North, it is one of Kenya's most promising wilderness areas. Initially criss crossed by gigantic cattle ranches, this area is now a series of Private Game Conservancies. The most famous of this being Lewa, the site of one stage of the Royal Honeymoon. The outstanding success of these ranches in breeding and conserving rhino is the real draw card here. Not really known as an area of outstanding game viewing (outside Lewa) this region boasts of some of Kenya's best landscapes and truly luxurious lodges. The big five are present but not in the numbers of other areas (specially the cats, Rhino, elephant and buffalo can be found in good numbers)

Amboseli and Lake Nakuru- Two small national Parks which sometimes fit in very well for a one night stop. Lake Nakuru boasts of the big five and Rhino sightings are virtually guaranteed. Amboseli has seen cat numbers steadily increasing in the recent years but you will have to spend a few days in order to get a truly good sighting. Cats are not the real reason guests visit Amboseli-It has some of Africa's biggest Elephants and all with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. 

The Masai Mara Ecosystem - Arguably the greatest National Park in Africa, and thats all that really needs to be said. Last year in one afternoon drive we spotted one leopard whilst the great migration passed behind our vehicle, we lost sight of the leopard but came across a fully grown Lion resting in the shade, we left him and saw another leopard successfully ambush and kill a wildebeest. All this happened in 2 hours. 

Tsavo and the Coast- The home of most of Kenya's larger group Safari's. Still with decent game viewing but we would recommend avoiding it. 

When to Visit

Peak time in Kenya is July till the end of October. Rates are at their highest. July and August are cool winter months with September and October being warmer. The short rains begin in November but are really only occasional drizzles. December is also a peak month due to Christmas Holidays. The months Jan till April are tremendous value, although warmer the crowds have gone but all the resident wildlife is still there. This is also a period where rates are lower and you can have a very private and special safari experience. April, May and June are the rainy months, tremendous value for money but be prepared for long rain showers. 

Dates

All safaris will be led by either Amrit Rajaratnam or Avijja Fonseka 

Dates:Year round