Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing a series of ‘country focus’ newsletters. These will give us the opportunity to dive a little deeper into a range of key AMADI destinations and share more about what it is that makes them special – according to us – with you.
We start with Kenya, which feels appropriate considering it is considered the birthplace of safari; ‘safari’ is actually the Swahili word for journey. I find myself fascinated by Kenya and returning again and again; what keeps me coming back for more is the wide diversity of landscapes and vast contrasts that can be found in a fairly small geographical area. Below I’ve shared a few of my favourite Kenyan destinations.
Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills: Amboseli is considered one of the country’s best-known parks, known for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in Africa (5,895 m). To the east you will find the scenic Chyulu Hills, a range from which you can take in the iconic mountain towering over the area’s plains.
Tsavo: Renowned for its red soil, Kenya’s largest National Park offers the largest density of big tusker elephants in the country and seemingly endless space.
The Maasai Mara: Famous the world over, this region makes up the northern tip of the Serengeti Maasai Mara ecosystem, home to endless plains and the site of the Great Migration. Experiencing the latter is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Laikipia: Here a cluster of private conservancies offer the second highest density of wildlife in the country. Home to a handful of Rhino conservancies (such as Lewa, Borana, Ol Jogi and Ol Pejeta) and some of Africa’s most beautiful houses (Arijiju, Lengishu and Sirai amongst others) you can also expect stunning views of Mount Kenya (5,199m high).
The area is a great hub from which to explore the north by helicopter. Fly over the Rift Valley up to Lake Turkana (known as The Jade Sea), Matthews Range, Samburu, Lake Bogoria, Suguta Valley and Logipi – known for its immense flocks of flamingos.
The Coast: Just an hour’s flight from the capital you can find tropical beaches and azure seas galore; a perfect spot to end after being on safari.
Photo credits: Thank you to Angama, Arijiju, Great Plains, Manda Bay, Ol Jogi, Ol Malo, Segera and Tropic Air.
If this has inspired you to travel to Kenya – to discover it for the first time or to return in order to explore another part of the country – then please don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]. Alternatively, give me a call on +41 (79) 731 00 06.