East African Luxury Safaris

While considering a Kenya and Tanzania luxury safari, it’s worth to note that these two counties are neighbors and thus they share a good number of attractions from vast plains, water bodies, mountains and even local communities.

Let’s begin with safari in Kenya where you can go on horseback, on foot, by bicycle, by boat, or in a customized open luxury safari vehicle. For keen nature photographers can set off with specialized guides who combine knowledge of landscapes, wildlife and photography.

Birding enthusiasts can lose themselves in plethora of resident and migrant species found in Kenya’s vast habitats. Indeed, Kenya is a birders’ haven with more than 1000 species recorded. Birding safaris in Kenya can range from a daytrip that can reward you with 100+ species or a 21 day safari that can take you to some of Kenya’s best birding hotspots where you could have up to 500+species at the end of your birding safari.

Wildebeest migration remain to be the most thrilling natural spectacles in the world, during the Great Migration where wildebeest and zebra cross into southern Kenya from Tanzania’s vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, with vast herds of animals plunging across rivers and braving the jaws of some of Africa’s biggest crocodiles.

Predators such as lion, leopard, hyena and the occasional cheetah follow the Migration, their watchful presence heightening the drama as they wait and watch for the weak, sick or simply unwary. The wildebeest migration isn’t only an attraction to the cats and vultures but also to thousands of tourists who enter the Maasai Mara daily, seeking to witness a lion kill or a dramatic river crossing.

The Great Migration remains to be one of the most sought-after times to travel and accommodation must be booked far in advance. While tourist numbers are high and sightings are almost always shared with a number of other vehicles, the wildlife viewing during this time is truly spectacular. Smaller and more intimate camps set on exclusive concessions or deep in the remote reaches of the national parks can lessen the impact of other tourist while still providing an exceptional wildlife experience.

While the Maasai Mara is a definite highlight of any safari in this country, most Kenya safaris will visit several different attractions, travelling either by road or by scheduled light aircraft flights to save on time and enhance the experience. This makes it possible to include a number of experiences in any itinerary, from exploring the vast plateau of Laikipia and its wilderness on foot to seeking out the unique wildlife of the Samburu countryside.

To end your safari, a relaxing spa or yoga retreat in the wilderness might be the ideal way to end your luxury safari itinerary, while you could also choose to spend some time delving into Kenya’s fascinating cultural tapestry in the North or the Western part of country. If you curiosity allows, you could indulge into colonial historical journeys discovering its conservation heroes, such as the Adamsons, Karen Blixen and much more.

On the other hand, luxury safaris in Tanzania focus on game drives as the primary mode of wildlife viewing. All typically themed around an early morning and an afternoon drive. Sunset is observed with sundowners in-hand—a gin and tonic is the standard tradition—served in the scenic wilderness spots.

Depending on your choice of accommodation, a gourmet, multi-course dinner can be taken convivially with other guests, privately in your room or al fresco in the bush. After dark, you might gather round an outdoor fire, stargaze, or enjoy an informative night game drive (depending where you are), sleep under the stars on a star bed, or simply retreat to your room to rest for the next sumptuous day on a luxury safari.

Extra and optional activities namely; hot air ballooning (in the Serengeti), guided bush walks, immersive community visits, volunteering (and so much more) add diversity to the typical day of safari. With equal measures, Tanzania also offers a host of adventurous options for safari-goers who want to explore on foot. Walking safaris, where you’ll sleep in minimalist but well-equipped fly camps, weave through untouched pockets of the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Highlands.