The savannah to the north and west of Mount Kenya is one of Kenya’s prime game viewing areas; it includes Samburu NR which is rated highly for leopard sightings, and the private conservancies on the Laikipia plateau with their large numbers of free-roaming wildife. Rare species include Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, besia oryx, reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich. You’ll also see Samburu herdsmen in their red robes. Most camps are tented. Kenya.
Region: East Africa
Amboseli
This is where you get the photo of big tusked elephants with the backdrop of the world’s highest free-standing mountain, Kilimanjaro. Easy to reach, and compact enough to be explored in 2 days. Only a few camps to choose from which are mostly on private conservancies neighbouring the park, with a range of levels of luxury. Kenya.
Ngorongoro Crater & surrounds
The walls of Ngorongoro’s spectacular volcanic crater have great private lodges, from which you drive down onto the plains, forests and wetlands to see the famed wildlife, including the big five. Tree-climbing lions at pretty Lake Manyara and and high game concentrations in Tarangire. All are public reserves, so you may see lots of vehicles on your drives. Camps here are not all tented, and there are some super lux options with a/c etc. Tanzania.
Serengeti & Maasai Mara
Wild open plains that feel like they go on forever, game everywhere, dazzling light and huge herds. The Serengeti is in Tanzania, the Mara in Kenya – but the two million wildebeest & zebra dont know this and they just follow the rains, move freely over the border. Outside the migration, you’ll see more diversity of species & pay lower rates. Camps are either on public reserves or private conservancies – beware of crowds of vehicles in the former. Hot air balloon rides can be booked from most camps. Almost every camp is tented, but vary dramatically in levels of luxury. Tanzania/Kenya.