World Ranger Day is coming up on July 31, and we’re feeling inspired to take a walk on the wild side.
Kenya is a world famous for its incredible wildlife reserves and breathtaking scenery, and one of the best ways to experience everything the country has to offer is by going on safari.
From seeing big cats roaming on the plains of the Maasai Mara to learning to identify flora and fauna from a local guide on a low-impact walking safari, here are our top safari picks.
The photography one
Raise your Instagram game with a ten-day tour dedicated to maximising photographic opportunities, accompanied by award-winning wildlife photographer Bret Charman.
You’ll travel at the end of the dry season and on the cusp of the long rains, when you can expect some spectacular conditions in which to photograph the region’s wildlife.
The long grass and open landscapes provide countless opportunities for big cat photography in particular.
Accommodation is at the Kichwa Tembo camp, located in a private concession, which restricts the number of vehicles allowed within its borders, creating quieter and more intimate wildlife sightings.
From £5,595pp full-board, including international flights, wildlifeworldwide.com
The big cat one
Big cats are a big draw on safaris, and this eight-night Big Cat Fly-In safari combines the superb Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Laikipia in northern Kenya with the outstanding Maasai Mara National Reserve in the south-west — one of the best places in Africa to find leopards, lions and cheetahs.
Aside from feline-spotting, you’ll also learn about anti-poaching work, do a night drive, and have the option to try horse-riding and a hot-air balloon ride.
From £3,670pp full-board, excluding international flights, expertafrica.com
The camping one
Sleeping under the stars and under Africa’s huge skies is on many people’s bucket list, and this nine-day Nairobi-to-Nairobi trip offers full-service camping off the beaten track to bring you closer to the region’s amazing wildlife.
You’ll get to visit local tribal villages, as well having the chance to spot animals only seen north of the equator — such as the Somali ostrich and reticulated giraffe — and do game drives on the magnificent open plains of the Maasai Mara.
From £1,349pp full-board, excludinginternational flights, gadventures.com
The adventurous one
Perfect for families with children aged ten and over, this seven-day safari offers the chance to explore Kenya on foot, by bike and by 4×4.
Highlights include cycling through farmland and rainforest on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya, driving past the equator to Kisima to ride the forested trails, tracking game in the Aberdares, and exploring the Loita Hills and Plains accompanied by Maasai askari (warriors).
From £1,945pp full-board (children from £1,585), excluding international flights, ganeandmarshall.com
The walking one
There’s no better way to feel you’re really among the wildlife than going on a walking safari.
Accompanied by a Maasai guide, you’ll learn how to identify the big and small five by their footprints, skulls and dung, and learn about the flora, as well as the fauna, that populates the area.
You’ll spend three days on foot and also enjoy a couple of game drives over this six-day experience.
From £1,781pp full-board, excluding international flights, responsibletravel.com; BA flies from London to Nairobi from £502 return, ba.com
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