Introduction
Kenya is the home of safari as we know it. From the early days, when hunters congregated at the bar of the Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi to plot their routes, to today's tailor-made options taking in different game reserves and luxury lodges and camps, the thrill of setting off on safari is a real Kenya travel experience.
The great variety of habitats in Kenya gives each national park and reserve its own personality. So Tsavo means red dust and lava formations and herds of elephants, while the Masai Mara is characterised by vast open plains and savannah and all the big cats - lion, leopard and cheetah. The National Parks of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares are lush, cool and forested, hiding in their depths beautiful black and white colobus monkeys and leopards. Further north Samburu and Meru offer more arid dusty conditions, but plenty of wildlife along the great Ewaso Ng'iro River.
Then there are Kenya's Great Rift Valley national parks, set around lakes and stretching out like a string of jewels along the valley, with pelicans and flamingos casting their pearly hues over the water. With such a profusion of game parks to choose from and with so much variety between them, it's best to pick a couple for contrast and organise a tailor made itinerary to tie them together in one amazing trip.
