masai mara
The legendary Masai Mara stretches across 700 square miles of rolling grasslands in southwestern Kenya and is bordered by the Oloololo Escarpment to the west and the Loita Hills to the east. A scenic tapestry of open savanna, thorn trees, low hills and riverine forest, the Mara draws the largest lion population in Kenya as well as vast herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and hippo. Sightings of cheetah and leopard are also common.

One of Africa's most breathtaking wildlife spectacles, the Great Migration, takes place from July to October when millions of wildebeest move in a time-honored clockwise route through the Serengeti towards fresher pastures and water in the Masai Mara. Thomson's gazelle, zebra and eland join the wildebeest amidst the rumbling of hooves and rise of dust clouds as they expose themselves to crocodile infested waters and daunting currents in the Mara River as well as hungry lions and hyenas lying in wait. Often called the greatest wildlife show on earth, the Great Migration is one of the planet's most spectacular sights and an awesome experience for safari-goers in East Africa.

recommended establishments
A traditional tented camp in true African safari style, Richard’s Camp is situated in a conservation area north west of the Masai Mara. With riverine forest and short grass plains, this area is renowned for its exceptional big game viewing.

Cottars Camp is set within a 22 000 acre exclusive concession in the Masai Mara bordering the Serengeti and Loliondo reserves. This 1920s camp experience returns to the original spirit and essence of ‘safari’.

Rekero's Tented Camp is a seasonal, mobile camp located close to the confluence of the Mara and Talek rivers within the Masai Mara, and ideally situated for the wildebeest and zebra migration. The Camp is set up from June - October and December – March, with safaris hosted by professional Masai guides.

Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park sits at the core of a 5 000 square miles ecosystem that spreads across the Kenya-Tanzania border, with the stunning snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.  Despite its low rainfall, Amboseli boasts a system of swamps that has transformed part of this semi-arid area into an oasis, providing one of the best wildlife-viewing experiences in the world. The park is the third most visited game area in Kenya and is renowned for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants.

recommended camps
The award-winning Tortilis Camp in Amboseli nestles in an acacia grove at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and has been built in harmony with its environment. Luxury tents with unrivalled views of the mountain make this the ultimate base for close-up viewing of abundant wildlife, especially elephant.

The exclusive Ol Donyo Wuas lodge lies in the foothills of the Chyulu hills, halfway between Tsavo and Amboseli on a 300 000 acre Masai concession. Part of the Amboseli eco-system, this area features open plains, rolling hills and Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. Guests can choose from game drives, walking safaris, horse riding, hiking in the mountains or exposure to Masai culture.

nairobi
A spirited, cosmopolitan city, Nairobi is a great place to experience modern urban African life. Originally little more than a swampy gathering point for Masai tribes, Nairobi grew with the advent of the railway and was a substantial town by 1900. Today it is the largest city between Cairo and Johannesburg.

mount kenya
A World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, Mount Kenya forms one of the most impressive landscapes in Eastern Africa with its glacier-clad summits, alpine moorlands and diverse forests.  An extinct volcano, it is one of Africa’s most challenging mountains to climb, with the twin summit peaks of Batian and Nelion (over 5 000 metres)  involving rock and ice climbing, whilst the third highest peak, Point Lenana, can be reached by a fit walker. A wide variety of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, antelope and zebra, occurs within the surrounding 1 700 square miles National Reserve.

recommended camps
Located on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya, Lewa Downs is one of Kenya’s major private conservation successes. The 62 000 acre conservancy protects endangered species such as rhino, Grevy’s zebra and sitatunga as well as a pack of wild dogs. Guests can stay in Lewa House, the Craig family home, in comfortable thatched cottages, or at Lewa Safari Camp, a tented camp in the northwest. Ideal for families, the Lewa Downs wildlife experience is educational and fascinating.