Kenya as a safari destination: With stunning scenery, a teeming variety of wildlife, and a rich Indigenous culture, Kenya is perhaps the most famous safari destination. It is in the country’s vast savannahs, which stretch for hundreds of miles, that large herds of animals can be seen living much as they have for thousands of years, long before they became tourist attractions. Traveling across these open plains and into the varied game-filled national parks is breathtaking, heart-stopping, and dramatic. Following in the footsteps of the explorers and hunters who once traversed this land, an adventurous spirit will appreciate these top safari parks in Kenya and what to expect from each.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
One of the most renowned safari locales worldwide is the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It comprises a remarkable assemblage of megafauna that includes many of the continent’s largest land mammals and its most famous carnivores. The Mara is particularly well known for the Great Migration and the sights and sounds that accompany it, for reasons both ecological and dramatic. The drama intensifies when you accompany the herds into the riverine chapters of their story, where the risk of crossing at head or tail end is as great as anything that will happen in the final act of a summer blockbuster. If you could compose an advertisement for the Proteus of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in its entirety, you would probably use the Big Five for starters. From there, there are a whole lot of “Five More” possibilities.
When you find yourself in the Maasai Mara, make it a point to visit a Maasai village. The people here are known for a culture that is both traditional and vibrant. The pivotal way of life would be well worth experiencing, as would a traditional dance performance. There’s potential for some vibrant photography here—particularly if you make it to a performance, as the lighting and colors promise some stunning moments.
Amboseli
Some of Amboseli’s photography opportunities revolve around its breathtaking vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The park is home to large herds of elephants and a diversity of ecosystems, including swamps, savannahs, and woodlands. You can see elephants up close and safely as they move freely in their natural environment. If you’re an animal lover, you may have read that elephants are a very endangered species. Well, there are a lot of them in Amboseli.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Wildlife combined with the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro offers photographers incredible opportunities. The best light for making stunning photographs occurs either just after dawn or just before dusk. One place near Mount Kilimanjaro that offers a great chance to see wildlife is Tsavo National Park. One of the largest national parks in the world, Tsavo covers more than 4,000 square miles of southeastern Kenya. It is divided into two sections: the more visited Tsavo East and the less visited Tsavo West. Both sections of the park offer chances to see a wide variety of wildlife. Among the animals most often seen are large herds of elephants, lions, leopards, and a number of different antelopes.
Visiting Tsavo
In Tsavo, there is the possibility of going on night safaris. This opens up the option of spotting animals that are rarely seen during the day, like bush babies and hyenas, that are more active at night. Otherwise, if you’re preparing for a Kenya safari, pack lightweight and breathable clothes in neutral colors. Avoiding the bright and bold colors that might scare off wildlife, pack comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a good bug spray. While not necessary equipment, a lightweight camera and binoculars could enable you to see and capture more of the wildlife on your trip. Whomever you select for a safari operator, make sure they have good reviews and knowledgeable guides.
When you go on safari, it’s crucial to consider the well-being of the wildlife and their habitats. Make it a point to maintain a safe distance, to follow the guide’s lead, and to only take pictures as if you were in a museum – that’s what the animals deserve. In recent years, more and more of us have chosen to go on safari. Countries in East and Southern Africa boast a mesmerizing array of not just landscapes, but also wildlife. And with proper planning, you can venture to these alluring locales without the trip itself becoming a plot twist. So, if adventure calls, crack open that suitcase and prepare to head to the heart of Africa or its southeastern corner.
