Planning a trip to Kenya? A few thoughts from Walter Kohrs
I, Walter Kohrs, traveled to Kenya from the 20th June to the 30th June 2019 and explored the three top safari regions in Kenya. My destinations on my Kenya Safari Tour were the Amboseli NP, Laikipia region and the Masai Mara Reserve. I chose to fly from region to region and this does not only save a lot of time but is also the easiest way to explore this beautiful country.
During the Kenya safari tour I had the opportunity to stay at some excellent midrange & luxury safari properties close to the reserves & national parks. I stayed at both the Porini Camps (midrange) & the Elewana Collection Camps (luxury). It was a pleasure staying at these camps to explore the parks and regions. Unfortunately I did not have the chance to end the trip with a beach holiday but many clients end their holiday with a few days on one of the Kenya Beaches.
Blessed with abundant wildlife, the country is home to parks and reserves of dazzling diversity. The standard of guiding and service is high and you’ll sit down to great cuisine in locations ranging from elegant dining rooms to lantern-lit woodlands. A Kenya Safari Tour has something for all. Explore the destinations of Kenya here.
Blessed with Wildlife, Culture, Landscape, Beaches & More
Kilimanjaro & Elephants in Amboseli
Amboseli National Park is a 45-minute flight South of Nairobi. It is famous for the big elephant herds and the stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Tourists long to get a photo of Elephants crossing the Savanna with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
Kilimanjaro is referred to as the shy Mountain as it is often cloudy around the mountain. But when the majestic & highest free standing mountain of the world is seen, it is a spectacular sight. The mountain is often hidden in the clouds and the best time of year to see the mountain are between January & March. The dry season between July and October allows visitors to see the mountain occasionally but not every day. Explore the Amboseli NP.
The Masai a Fascinating Culture
Many Amboseli lodges offer their guests not just the chance to sit back & watch nightly shows of traditional Maasai song. Maasai herders share the savannah with big game: you’ll have opportunities to visit local communities & learn about village life. The traditional ‘jumping dance’ is a highlight on these sensitively-conducted tours.
I had the privilege of meeting a number of Maasai. Thomas was a very special elder in the community who loves his people but also loves the benefit that tourism brings to the Masaai people. Jake Grieves-Cook has been a pioneer in the Conservancy concept in Kenya. He thought ahead when he converted over-grazed pastures into wildlife sanctuaries, and when he partnered with the local Maasia communities in developing safari tourism. This is a concept that has been of great benefit for all involved.
The last 2 on the Planet - Northern White Rhino
I had the privilege of seeing a number of camps in the Ol Pajeta Conservancy. The rhino sightings are brilliant in this conservancy and well worth adding to a safari circuit. I was lucky to see numerous White & Black Rhinos on a daily basis with many other species. Ol Pejeta conservancy has 2 nothern whites, 30 southern whites & 110 Black Rhinos.
Ol Pejeta also has a sanctuary for the last 2 Northern White Rhino remaining on the planet. Unfortunately, these are 2 females but sperm cells from the last males have been secured. The future of this subspecies now lies in the development of in vitro fertilisation techniques and stem cell technology, costly and complicated procedures that have never before been attempted in rhinos before.
The Big 5 & the Beautiful Mara
I stayed at the beautiful Elephant Pepper Camp in the Mara North Conservancy and enjoyed great sightings. The camp is an absolute gem in a lovely setting overlooking the Mara. A luxurious camp and great combination with the Sand River Masai Mara Camp that is situated in the Masai Mara Reserve. It’s highly recommended to chose two camps to explore in the Masai Mara region.
I also had the privilege of staying in the Porini Mara Camp and the Porini Lion Camp which was a great combination. Loved the simplicity of the camps. Porini offers a great midrange product that always focuses on the benefits to the local community. The local Masai own the land and work closely together with the Porini portfolio.
More than Safari: Kenya's dazzling Beaches
Kenya is also home to a long stretch of dazzling Indian Ocean coastline sprinkled with tropical islands. Unfortunately I did not have the time to explore the beaches on this trip but there are many to chose from. Combining them is simple: what better reward for the safari traveller than to enjoy a relaxing Kenya beach holiday after all those long days in the Amboseli, Ol Pajeta (Laikipea) & Masai Mara?
Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast is mostly hot and humid throughout the year with annual daytime temperatures averaging between 27 and 31°C (80 and 88°F). Rain is possible at any time of year but it is wettest and hottest from mid-March to late May and we’d recommend avoiding Kenya’s coast at this time.
Selected Tours
A Kenya safari can be as simple or as diverse as you like. We also have Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda & Uganda combination safaris, ensuring you see the very best of East Africa. Browse our recommended Kenya safaris below or simply contact us for advice on the best itinerary for your needs and budget.
Kenya has been blessed with a wonderful diversity: The big 5, a beautiful diversity of landscapes, animals, bird and plant life and fascinating cultures.
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