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Kenya is a remarkable country of contrasting landscapes, beautiful coastline and some of the best game viewing in the world. A comprehensive network of domestic flights mean that Kenya is one of the easiest countries to combine world-class game viewing and a gorgeous beach. Those looking for a broader range of safari experiences will appreciate the variety of landscape and wildlife across Kenya’s 48 national parks. The diversity of natural attractions is complemented by the colour and vibrancy of Maasai and Samburu culture. Along the coast, the indigenous Swahili culture bears the marks of over a millennia of Arabic and Indian influences.

If you are looking for more than one centre in your safari, it makes sense to choose two destinations which will make for a striking contrast. The open savannah and prolific game of the Masai Mara is top of most people’s must-see list and combines well with the remote arid plains of Samburu or Laikipia or rolling landscapes of Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills, framed against a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Relax before your safari by the Rift Valley Lakes and take in the scenery and birdlife and then round off your Kenyan holiday on the coast. Kenya’s coastline extends for nearly 500km and offers everything from lively resort hotels to boutique beach lodges with an emphasis on barefoot luxury.

How to travel in Kenya

The easiest way to travel around Kenya is by light aircraft which link most of the key areas and coastal gateways to Nairobi. Daily flights operate on most routes in high season. There are two main carriers and fares and competition between the two keeps fares at quite reasonable levels. If there is not a flight to suit, we can arrange a more expensive charter option. The main restriction on these flights is that luggage must be stored in soft-sided bags and is strictly limited to 15kg per person. If you are travelling with a lot of camera equipment or other luggage which you cannot leave with our representatives in Nairobi, we can arrange road transfers between locations with a private driver / guide. This is sometimes the most cost effective way of arranging an itinerary which includes a number of different areas and, in some areas, offers the benefits of a private vehicle for your game viewing.

Nairobi

Almost all international flights arrive in and depart from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Depending on your choice of airline and your itinerary a night or two in Nairobi may be necessary. There are a growing number of boutique upmarket hotels from which to choose. If you are doing more than arriving late and departing early the next morning, Nairobi has more than enough to keep you entertained for a few hours. The Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre have both played their part in the conservation movement in Kenya and are worth visiting. The Karen Blixen museum showcases Kenya’s colonial-era history.

Responsible tourism in Kenya

Kenya’s popularity as a destination has not been an unmitigated success. Too often irresponsible lodges and tour companies have disregarded the needs of local people, harassed wildlife in search of the perfect photo (and correspondingly generous tip) and placed an unbearable strain on the local environment. Bridge and Wickers passionately believes that tourism can and must have a positive impact on the people and places it affects, nowhere is that more true than in Kenya. We actively promote lodges who place to the needs of local people at the centre of their businesses and recognise that they act as stewards, not masters, of some of nature’s greatest treasures. Not only will staying here benefit the local environment and people but you will have a far better safari experience.