Why Choose Kenya for Safari?
Thousands of visitors flock to go to Kenya every year, attracted by the big game and the strikingly beautiful landscapes. When it comes to natural beauty, Kenya has got it all, from postcard-perfect tropical beaches and turquoise waters to the rugged slopes of Mount Kenya and the rolling plains of the Masai Mara.
Is Kenya a Good Place to Visit?
Kenya is widely known as the original African safari destination, with a wealth of attractions on offer to visitors wanting a memorable safari experience. Asilia safari lodges in Kenya provide warm hospitality and an excellent standard of service to ensure you enjoy a completely magical Kenyan safari.
Below are our favourite reasons to visit Kenya – maybe these will inspire you to visit us in this beautiful and diverse country!
1. Easy Access with Direct Flights
Kenya offers great accessibility for many international travellers, with direct flights from locations like London and New York. A shorter time spent travelling to your destination means you get to maximise the time you spend enjoying your safari holiday.
2. Kenya has Great Weather All Year Round
Kenya has an abundance of sunshine nearly all year long, making it an amazing place to visit if you’re looking for a warm African climate. June through October is dry and hot, while November brings a mix of short rains and sunshine, and the long rains take place in April and May. Temperatures range from a minimum of 14-18°C (57-64°F) to a maximum of 30-36°C (86-96°F) throughout the year.
The tropical heat of Kenya’s peak season provides excellent safari conditions, however, the wet season (green season) also provides marvellous game-spotting opportunities for those who don’t mind the rain. Find out what makes a green season safari so special.
3. Kenya has the Big 5, the Great Migration and More
Kenya plays host to spectacular, dense wildlife viewing throughout the seasons, including the Big 5 on safari (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo) year-round and the Great Wildebeest Migration from July to November.
The Magic of the Great Migration
The earth vibrates with the thundering of millions of hooves as heaving herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle fill the plains to chase the rains in the epic annual struggle for survival known as the Great Migration. This is the greatest show on earth, a natural spectacle like no other and a life-changing experience. With a presence all along the Great Wildebeest Migration route, Asilia will transport you to the best seat in the house.
Strictly speaking, there is no “migration season” as the Great Migration is a continuous annual cycle that takes place year in and year out. Check out our month-by-month Great Migration timeline breakdown to find the best places and times to watch the event.
4. See Endangered Animals in Wild Sanctuaries
There are some wonderful wildlife conservation projects taking place in Kenya, which means you’ll get the chance to see rare and endangered wildlife living in protected conditions.
Rhino and Chimpanzee: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
This Kenyan conservancy is famous for pioneering conservation projects. Not only is Ol Pejeta the largest black rhino sanctuary in the whole of East Africa, but it’s also the only place in the region where you can see chimpanzee. Staying at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp gives you the opportunity to spot the Big Five, a rich array of African game and over 200 migrant and resident bird species. The conservancy boasts one of the greatest game-to-area ratios of any reserve in Kenya in a pioneering and mutually beneficial land-management system. Ol Pejeta is also a refuge for the last two northern white rhino remaining on the planet.
Rhino and Zebra: Lewa Conservancy
Lewa Conservancy in northern Kenya is another safe haven for black rhino, as well as the endangered Grevy’s zebra. Elephant, lion, giraffe and wild dog are also found in the conservancy, not to mention more than 450 species of birds. Book a stay at Lewa House to experience all the conservancy has to offer.
5. The Kenyan Coastline Boasts Idyllic Beaches and Tropical Islands
There’s more to Kenya than bush and buck – the country is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, with powdery white sand, swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters.
The Kenyan Barrier Reef lies just off the coast. At just over 220 kilometres long, it’s second in length only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and offers spectacular diving. Protected habitats include mangrove wetlands, coastal forests, estuaries, sand beaches and dunes, coral reefs and sea-grass beds.
These spectacular tropical reserves contain the special habitats of a wide range of endemic marine animals and breeding migratory birds. In addition to supporting marine and coastal species, these habitats are important to the local communities who depend on resources from these systems for their livelihood.
Add a beach break to your safari itinerary and enjoy the wonderful diving, snorkelling and swimming conditions, as well as a variety of water sports. Find out more about the best beach destinations in East Africa.
6. Kenya has a Rich Culture to Experience
Kenya is a culturally rich place where you can learn about an entirely different way of life by interacting with the local Maasai people. Enjoy a visit to a traditional Masaai village, meet the locals and learn all about their history, their modern-day communities and their coexistence with nature. This is a beautiful way to bridge the divide between vastly different cultures.
7. By Visiting Kenya You can Be a Part of Asilia’s Conservation Efforts
The parks and conservancies of Kenya place a strong emphasis on conservation, making the country a fascinating destination for safari-goers who want to expand their understanding of endangered and vulnerable wildlife.
Asilia runs a number of conservation and upliftment projects designed to make a positive impact. This includes everything from youth empowerment and scholarship programmes, to supporting local beadworkers and beekeepers. Asilia’s safari fees include a donation of US$5 for each night booked, meaning that every guest automatically contributes to this important work.
At Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, you can get actively involved with our conservation projects, for example:
- Visit the last two remaining northern white rhino and learn about the steps being taken to conserve them.
- Participate in training for the conservancy’s anti-poaching dogs.
- Help with the conservancy’s lion-tracking project.
Get Free Inter-Camp Transfers on Your Kenyan Safari
If you’re planning a visit to Kenya, why not take advantage of this amazing All Asilia offer? Book 7+ consecutive nights at only Asilia properties, and we’ll cover all your inter-camp transfers. Find out more about this special offer from Asilia.
