Kenya Safari - An amazing holiday of a lifetime

Mark in our office was on safari in Kenya recently......

A safari is one of the greatest travel experiences imaginable – there’s nothing quite like seeing huge herds of elephants crossing the plains, packs of lions lazing under a tree or a pod of hippos cooling off in the river making their unique noise that sounds like they’re laughing. At this time of year the annual migration is in full swing on Kenya’s Masai Mara, when a million or more grazing animals – wildebeest, zebra and a host of other creatures – head to the area in search of fresh grasslands, staying here until November when they return to the Serengeti. Whatever time of year you go on safari, though, there’s always likely to be a huge amount of wildlife activity, with big cats, elephants and most other game being resident here year-round.

 

Each safari experience is different, and totally memorable. Even if you’ve been on safari before you’re likely to see different wildlife on a repeat trip, and the variety of wildlife can be staggering. It’s like a textbook opening up in front of you, with the classic ‘Big 5’ of lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino being extended to the ‘Big 9’ on the Masai Mara, taking in cheetah, zebra, giraffe and hippo - kids will love spotting as many of them as possible!

Amazing Cheetah on the Masai Mara

 

East Africa has some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities of anywhere in the world, and Kenya especially is an ideal option for a family safari. It’s just a 9 hour flight to Nairobi and numerous national parks are within easy reach of the city - combine a few different parks on one itinerary to give a really good mix of landscapes and wildlife. Whatsmore, with prices starting at under £1500 per person for a 5-night safari next Easter, it’s remarkably good value too. Travelling from park to park is fascinating, taking in the varied geography of the area and seeing day to day life in local towns and villages. It’s possible to visit a local school or a Masai village, where the difference to life at home couldn’t be more apparent.

If you want to keep travelling to a minimum, head straight to the Masai Mara, an hour’s flight from Nairobi by light aircraft – just getting there is half the experience, flying across Kenya with spectacular views, and as you come in to land over the Mara you’ll get your first glimpses of the game on the ground. A great family option here is the Mara Intrepids Camp, where 30 beautiful tents are spread throughout the riverside setting, including two excellent family tents. Unlike some properties the Mara Intrepids doesn’t have any age restrictions from kids, and the variety of wildlife they’re likely to see within close proximity of the camp will take their breath away. The camp runs the Adventurers Club for kids, introducing them to the animals and plants of the Masai Mara with a Masai naturalist, with activities including an obstacle course to show what the animals have to go through on a daily basis! On your return journey from the Mara your safari vehicle is likely to have to clear the airstrip of zebra and antelope before your light aircraft can land.

A safari holiday is packed with activity and adventure, and you’re bound to come away having learned a great deal, both about Africa’s wildlife and also its people and places.

Don’t miss…for the grown-ups, a hot air balloon ride at dawn over the Masai Mara – float gently above the trees to see the wildlife below as it starts the new day.

Don’t miss…expect the unexpected – a cheetah jumping on the roof of your vehicle as a lookout or a rhino refusing to let you pass have both happened when we’ve been of safari!

One to avoid…there’s not much you can do about it, but you may be stuck in your vehicle for a while if a lion decides to have a nap in the shade the vehicle provides!

See our full range of safaris at www.safariescapes.co.uk 

Happy Travelling!

Darren
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk