THE EXPERIENCE
Throughout the acacia-dotted Savannah of this great land there are high concentrations of Big Five game (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard), of which Kenya has some of the highest numbers in Africa. At the heart of the Kenyan bush lies the world-famous Maasai Mara Park, which forms part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem. The border with Tanzania is unfenced and runs along the south of the park, allowing huge herds of wildebeest to move across the sweeping plains in search of grazing on their annual migration.
Northeast of the Mara River, the Great Rift Valley cuts through the middle of the country, providing the best location to witness the sheer scale of this natural wonder. Kenya is home to many diverse ecosystems: pristine beaches and coral reefs on the warm Indian Ocean; equatorial forests where the famous Arabica coffee beans are grown; snow-capped mountains that make for beautiful backdrops to game photography; searing semi-deserts with towering Baobabs; and cool highland retreats with old plantation houses.
The main tourist attraction is safaris; with 19 national parks and game reserves to choose from. Other attractions include the splendid scenery of the Great Rift Valley, the mosques of Mombasa, coffee plantations, and beaches along the Indian Ocean. Regal and brimming with cultural wealth, this is the land of the proud Samburu people and the warrior-like Maasai. If you enjoy birdlife, Kenya has also been rated as one of the top five bird-watching destinations in the world. There are also beaches and ecological wonders galore. Wherever you go, you are ensured an experience either rich with game, scenery or culture; quintessentially Africa.
TAS TIPS
- After the thrill of safari, head for the coastline to relax on miles of white sand beaches or explore the historic island of Lamu
- Dine on a variety of meats at the well-known Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi
- Experience a stay at Angama Mara and enjoy a romantic picnic on the exact ‘koppie’ where the iconic movie, Out of Africa, was filmed
- Amboseli with its views of Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa) can be a great addition to your trip
- Taste the local coffee
- A hot air balloon ride can be a very special way to experience the Maasai Mara
- Great to combine with a safari in Tanzania