Kenya Holidays

What are the best ways to discover Kenya?

While Kenya is best known for the lodges and landscapes of the Masai Mara and the multitudes of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle who migrate there annually, there are other - more family-friendly - lodges in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy from which to enjoy a luxury safari holiday in the Laikipia region. This really is a heavenly place to bring the family, with children able to spend their holiday in Kenya identifying animal tracks, camping, making bows and arrows, fishing, horse riding or camel trekking in the company of Samburu or Masai warriors. It's also an incredibly romantic destination and we can recommend the best parks and lodges to stay in if you're planning a luxury honeymoon to Kenya.

Elsewhere, and relatively untouched by the modern world, the beaches of the Kenyan Coast are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. We work with only the very best hotels and can arrange a huge variety of watersports, from waterskiing and windsurfing to snorkelling and diving on the reefs and exploring mangrove creeks by kayak. The enduring legacy of the Omani empire that once stretched along this coastline adds an additional angle, with a visit to the culturally fascinating Lamu Town a big recommendation.

Finally, we can arrange private trips to the more remote corners of the Rift Valley Lakes - havens for flamingo and myriad other bird species - while further north Lake Turkana - the Jade Sea - sits in a desert wilderness. This was the birthplace of the first proto-humans, and you don't need to be a disciple of Darwin to feel a sense of the profound importance of the place.

On the subject of origins, most original of all on one of our Kenya holidays are our exclusive helicopter safaris into the wilds of the Northern Frontier District. This sparsely inhabited but intensely beautiful region occupies the top half of the country, and so helicopter is often the best, and sometimes the only, way to explore.

Several members of the Original Travel team have lived, worked or were brought up in Kenya. We revisit existing properties and new lodges on a regular basis and work with only the very best guides. We can always recommend the best watering hole to spot elephants cooling off, or that serve an ice cold Tusker beer, depending on which type of watering hole you're after.

What can you find in Kenya that you won't find anywhere else?

- Blixen-esque landscapes that are to die for. Plus, true ‘Out of Africa’ fans can visit the author’s actual farmhouse ‘at the foot of the Ngong Hills,’ preserved in its original splendour.

- Legendary game reserves, from the ancient tribal lands of the Masai Mara to the untamed wilderness of Meru, once home to Elsa the Lioness.

- Beautiful beaches where you can unwind on fine white sand and dip into the warm Indian Ocean. The Kenyan coast is both idyllic and culturally compelling as well.

Post-safari beach time

Kenya holidays offer the perfect ‘bush and beach’ combo. After a safari (the ‘bush’), recover on a beach beside crystal clear sea, looking out for swinging colobus monkeys, or relax on Lamu, a timeless isle with a languid pace, sunbaked white sand and bustling old town.

Kenya’s mighty game reserves

World famous for its Great Wildebeest Migration, superb game viewing and neighbouring private conservancies where you can enjoy night drives and walking safaris. Scan the savannah for the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalos) and keep an eye on the skies for a sight of some of the area’s fabulous bird life. If you have some time on your hands, experience the local culture while meeting the Maasai people, accompanied by a local guide and translator.

Lake Nakuru is the gem of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and is home to one of Kenya’s oldest rhino sanctuaries as well as flamingos in their thousands. Venture out onto the water in a boat to experience the wildlife firsthand. Keep your eyes peeled for lions coming to the water to drink and listen out for hippos honking nearby.

As well as the famous Big Five, Samburu is home to the Special Five, unique creatures, some of which are found nowhere else in Africa, including reticulated giraffes, beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebras, gerenuks and Somali ostriches. Leave camp and head out with an expert guide for that ‘off the beaten track’ experience.

At over 17,000ft, Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa and is connected to the nearby ancient Aberdares mountain range by an animal-filled grassy belt. The area is home to multitudes of elephants and rare wildlife such as the African golden cat, Jackson mongooses and black and white colobus monkeys.

Tsavo is split into East and West by the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, with the East being slightly larger and more wonderfully wild. They are two of the oldest and largest wildernesses in Kenya, offering wildlife spotting away from the crowds. In the West, venture out with a guide for a taste of some world-class rock climbing or head to the East and keep your eyes peeled for dust-red elephants roaming the plains, many of which were rescued and rehabilitated in the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Nestled at the foot of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, Amboseli’s expansive plains provide the perfect backdrop for an action-packed adventure. Discover the most undisturbed population of elephants in Africa, either in a rumbling safari truck or as a Kenyan cowboy on horseback. Discover the park on foot with a visit to Observation Hill for a refreshing sundowner overlooking the entire national park before cosying down at camp.

Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, is home to the country’s first national park, earning it the title of ‘The World’s only Wildlife Capital’. Just a short drive out of the city, you’ll find open grass plains that boast a huge array of wildlife species including endangered black rhinos, lions and over 400 types of birds.

Families will love

Getting up close and personal with The Lion King and encountering the Big Five while staying in a few of our personally vetted family-friendly lodges make for the ultimate family safari. Children can enjoy activities with Maasai or Samburu tribespeople, learning how to track animals and craft bows and arrows. Then head to Lamu’s paradise shores, where teens can race around long stretches of white sand and explore the archipelago on a traditional dhow.

FAQs

Culture

What is Kenya known for?

Kenya is best known for its extraordinary landscapes and the fascinating animals that live there. Wildlife safaris are one of the country’s biggest attractions for tourists, with visitors getting the rare opportunity to witness iconic creatures in their natural habitat.

The country’s coastline, which borders the Indian Ocean, is renowned for the quality of its beaches. Diani Beach is perhaps Kenya’s most popular sandy stretch, but other resorts like Watamu and Lamu Island offer plenty more idyllic spots to soak up the equatorial sun.

What food should I try in Kenya?

Kenya’s food offerings are diverse, with influences from all over the world. The most common food staple is ugali, which is made from cornmeal, and usually served with vegetables and stew. Irio, a combination of mashed peas and potatoes, is another common dish and is often eaten alongside nyama choma (roasted meat).

Along the Indian Ocean coast, you’ll find coconut rice and plenty of fried fish, as well as traditional Indian dishes, such as samosas and chapatis. For something sweet, try a mandazi, a kind of deep-fried dough similar to a doughnut. It may take some time for your stomach to adjust to some of the more unusual ingredients in Kenyan food, and while the food at lodges will be prepared well, it’s important to be wary of food hygiene if consuming street food.

Things to do

There are so many unique experiences to be had in Kenya. First and foremost, a trip here wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a safari. The country’s most famous safari spot is Masai Mara National Reserve which covers more than 580 square miles. The reserve is home to Africa’s iconic ‘Big Five’ – lions, leopards, elephants, African buffaloes and rhinoceros – as well as more than 400 bird species.

Lots of visitors will carefully time their trip to try and witness part of the Great Migration, which sees more than 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and other creatures migrate from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. The best time to see the animals gather on the plains is late summer, between July and October, but keep in mind that this is the peak tourist season, and the timings of the migration can vary year on year.

After the excitement of a safari, what better way to kick back and relax than with a visit to one of Kenya’s pristine beaches? The country’s coastline extends for more than 300 miles and is embellished with some truly wonderful spots. Spend a day lounging on the sultry sands, or take a dip in the inviting Indian Ocean waters, where you’ll encounter an array of marine life: reef sharks, green turtles and dugongs, to name just a few.

Which animals are native to Kenya?

Wildlife plays an important role in Kenyan culture and is also a major component of the country’s tourism industry. Some of the most iconic safari animals are native to Kenya:

- Zebras
- Lions
- Elephants
- Hippos
- Leopards

It’s one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world – these are just a handful of the 25,000+ recorded animal species known to be living here.

Remember, as a tourist you have an important part to play in protecting the nation’s significant ecological value; exploring the natural environment responsibly will ensure it can continue to flourish for generations to come.

Where can I stay in Kenya?

Lodges are one of the most popular options for tourists looking to connect with nature, without compromising on comfort. Often located within national parks, these buildings come in all different shapes and sizes, offering various amenities and levels of luxury depending on your preferences.

If the idea of staying out in the wild doesn’t appeal, you’ll find plenty of hotel options in both the vibrant urban hubs like Nairobi and in the beachside resorts. These lodgings are often conveniently located, meaning attractions, transport links, and dining options are all just a stone’s throw from your front door.

Whether you want to sleep under a star-studded sky in a tented camp or laze away the days in a beachside resort, there’s something for everyone when it comes to accommodation options here. Read our guide for more information about accommodation options in Kenya.

Local information

What is the capital of Kenya?

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and one of the country’s main hubs for commerce and tourism.

What language is spoken in Kenya?

Swahili and English are the two official languages of Kenya. There are also lots of indigenous African languages spoken in regional areas, but you should get by just fine speaking English in tourist settings like hotels and resorts.

Travel information

Where is Kenya?

Kenya is situated on the east coast of Africa, bordering five countries – South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia – and the Indian Ocean.

How long does it take to fly to Kenya from the UK?

It takes approximately 8 hours and 35 minutes to fly from London to Nairobi. There’s also an international airport in Mombasa, but no direct flights connect it to the UK.

What currency does Kenya use?

The national currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). 100 cents comprise one Kenyan Shilling, and bank notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000. At the time of writing, 1 GBP is worth around 170 KES.

Can you drink the tap water in Kenya?

We recommend that you avoid drinking tap water during your stay in Kenya and be cautious when consuming ice and washed fruits and vegetables. Ensure you only drink water from a dispenser or buy bottled water, which is readily available.