JAMBO and welcome to Magical Kenya
JAMBO and welcome to Magical Kenya, home to savannahs rich with big game, timeless cultures unchanged by the modern world, pristine beaches and coral reef, equatorial forests and mighty snow-capped mountains, searing deserts and cool highland retreats and endless opportunities for adventure, discovery, relaxation. Kenya holidays invite you to explore Africa at its purest!
Kenya for Adventure
Regarded as the Safari capital of the world, going on safari to spot the 'Big Five' is a must in Kenya! The word 'safari' means journey and captures images of adventurous trails and historic expeditions. At Hayes & Jarvis we want to make sure your Kenya safari lives up to your expectations and the following guide will help you choose the right experience.
In Kenya overland safaris are the norm, travelling overland offers an intimate insight to the country and a chance to visit some of the more remote areas. Our road safari options offer excellent value, though the drives between reserves can sometimes be long, they offer the chance to contemplate the landscape and get in some more wildlife sightings. You could add a touch of luxury to your safari by flying into your camp by private plane giving you more time to view wildlife.
What to Expect
Game drives are led by experienced driver guides and normally take place in the early morning before breakfast or in the evening, when animals are at their most active. The safari buses feature large, sliding windows and a lift-up top that rises to give unobstructed views. Routes may vary depending upon the animals movements - all part of the safari adventure!
What About the Kids
The Mombasa Rendezvous Safari is a good introduction for children. Four days in duration and with shorter travelling times, it also incorporates lodges with children's facilities. Please note Hayes & Jarvis do not recommend game drives for children under 10 years.
What to Wear
Dress to suit the conditions: lightweight cottons, stout footwear, a sunhat, sunscreens and insect repellent. Take a sweater or fleece in summer for the evenings and early mornings (it can get cold on game drives) and for men, a pair of long trousers for evening dining.
What to Pack
It's recommended to keep luggage to a minimum. Soft-sided baggage is best although bigger bags can usually be stored at the airport or at your city hotel (nominal fee may apply). Air safaris have a 15kg luggage allowance per person. Although each bus has a pair of binoculars, you might prefer to take your own and don't forget your camera!
The Migration
The greatest wildlife show on earth! Each year hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra migrate as the seasons change and they search for greener pastures. As with many natural events, dates are unpredictable but the migration usually begins in the Serengeti in mid-march after the calving season. In late May the herds leave the Western Corridor for the northern Serengeti plains and the best time to see the migration is usually between June and August when the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the famous Grumeti River. The wildebeest will start to arrive in the Masai Mara between August and September and will stay there until the end of October when the rains return to the Serengeti and they gradually begin their migration back between November and December.
Kenya for Wildlife
Game Parks and National Reserves
Amboseli National Park
Against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro, this small park offers a great chance of seeing elephant and cheetah.
Masai Mara National Reserve
One of the world's most famous reserves, said to have the greatest concentration of wildlife on earth including the Big Five. From July to September you can also see the stunning migration of wildebeest and zebra herds.
Tsavo National Park
Kenya's largest game reserve covers more than 8,000 sq miles and is the closest major park to the coast. It has a mix of savannah and scrubland and is famous for its 'red' elephants as well as being home to lion, rhino, buffalo & hippo.
Lake Nakuru National Park
The most famous of the lakes, Nakuru is a soda lake renowned for its magnificent array of birdlife with the greatest natural spectacle of thousands of migrating flamingos that change the colour of the landscape to pink.
Samburu National Reserve
Along the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River, the shores are ideal for observing the reserve's wildlife, from elephant, hippo and big cats to freshwater crocodiles.
Kenya for the Coast
Kenya boasts an idyllic coastline with 500km of tropical beaches fringed by turquoise waters sheltered by spectacular coral reefs. Visit Watamu on the northern coast to see rare Green-Backed Turtles laying eggs in their natural breeding ground and coral reefs boasting an array of marine-life. On the southern coast you will find most resorts along the 20km Diani Beach, the protective reefs here have created beautiful beaches with calm and inviting waters where offshore reefs flourish with tropical marine-life including turtles and dolphins.
Perfect Combinations recommended by Hayes & Jarvis:
- Exclusive Fly-In safari, using Governor's Main Camps in the Masai Mara followed by Hemmingways, Watamu
- Kenya Classic Safari with the Pinewood Village, Mombasa
- Images of Kenya Safari with Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa
- Wonders of Kenya Safari with Serena Beach, Mombasa
- Mombasa Rendezvous Safari with Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa
Kenya for Culture
Kenya is an exciting destination for families, offering an amazing experience of African culture and its wildlife. Make time to visit one of Kenya's most colourful and well-known ethnic groups, the Maasai, who number approximately 250,000 and live in Southern Kenya. Alternatively, head north of Mount Kenya where the Samburu tribe reside or travel to the western coast of Lake Turkana where the Turkana tribe have retained their strong traditional identity and attire.
Alternatively, why not travel to Kenya's capital Nairobi – the main tourist hub for visitors travelling to the country. Boasting a National Park running through its centre, tea and coffee plantations within an hours drive, animal sanctuaries, museums and an abundance of restaurants the city boasts a wealth of activities for every type of holiday maker.
World Care Fund
Our Pledge...
If you donate £1, we'll donate another £1
Hayes & Jarvis are committed to providing great holidays now and in the future. So we're working hard to protect the environment and support local communities in the places you love to visit. You can help us by supporting our World Care Fund. Donate a pound each and we'll match it. Together we can do our bit for the planet. Your money goes towards projects that we support. In Kenya we are helping the local economy by supporting excursions that bring greater cultural exchange between locals and tourists while giving the Masai villagers a fair deal. The village of Enkereri has increased its income by 800%, and used the money to pay for clean water and schooling. All you need to do is say 'yes' to your World Care Fund donation when you book your holiday – we'll take care of the rest.
hayesandjarvis.com/worldcarefund
