ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
Phone toll free 1 800 461 0682

Giraffe in the Masai Mara, 1997

Kenya Safari Collection

Kenya has long been considered "the" safari destination in Africa. But things have changed since the 1960's and Kenya now finds itself competing with several other incredible safari destinations which offer the "BIG 5" wildlife species with far less tourists.

Although touristy and in many places crowded with inexpensive group tours, great accommodations do exist. Often people, goats and cattle are part of the limited wildlife experience. Although not a true wilderness destination Kenya provides the first time safari traveler with an overview of the safari experience.

The main reasons to visit Kenya is to witness the ungulate (wildebeest) migration. From July through September the Masai Mara teems with over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra and their natural predators. Click here to learn more about the wildebeest migration.

Other areas to visit include the Samburu Reserve, and Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks. Amboseli is the classic image of Africa. Wildlife abounds with the ever-present and remarkable view of Mount Kilimanjaro to the south in Tanzania. The Great Rift Lakes are also worth visiting.

The quality of accommodations and safari guides varies widely in Kenya and it is vital that you work with an expert to plan your arrangements. Our Kenyan counterpart handled the first two years of filming the BBC's Big Cat Diary in the Masai Mara. They also handled the arrangements for the filming of the Mountain Dew commercial with the cheetah in the Shaba Reserve.

Important: Many of Kenya's largest and well known tour operators limited your safari mileage (we won't mention names). Our Kenyan counterpart does not limit clients time or mileage so that you may enjoy your safari to the fullest!

January 2003 Update: With regards to Kenya and Tanzania we have been advising travelers since the mid 1990's that we have serious safety concerns with regards to crime, corruption and personal safety in east Africa. After the US embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania we noted that east Africa would be a likely target for additional terror attacks. Recent events in Kenya have unfortunately showed our warnings to be accurate.

When to visit Late December through early March / June through October
Big 5 Wildlife Species Yes
Overall Quality of Safari Guides 2.5
Overall Quality of Wilderness Experience 2.5 (some parks crowded with tourists, private ranches/reserves better)
Personal Safety 1.5 (violent urban and rural crime and terrorism in recent past)
Health Concerns 2.5
General Infrastructure (roads, telecommunications, water) 2.0
Medical Infrastructure 3.0
Political Stability 3.5
Overall Rating 2.50

(ratings are based on a 5 point scale with 1 being the least desirable value and with 5 being the most desirable value)

Kenya Itineraries
Click on trip titles to view full itineraries and departure dates

Kenya - Dreams of Africa
Premier Collection
13 days, US $5,995 - US $6,295 per person
Top quality all inclusive lodge and tented camp safari with air transfers
Visit: Nairobi, Meru, Loisaba Wilderness, Masai Mara, Lamu
Highlights: all inclusive, exclusive tented camps and lodges, transfers by air, day and night wildlife viewing from open sided 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided hikes and walks, horseback riding, fishing, excellent wildlife and brilliant birding, village visits, optional hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara, remote beach hideaway

Introduction to Africa
Voyager Collection
10 days, US $2,995 - US $3,275
Quality all inclusive lodge and tented camp safari with road and air transfers
Visit: Nairobi, Sweetwaters, Mount Kenya, Shaba Reserve, Samburu Reserve, and Masai Mara
Highlights: all inclusive, exclusive tented camps and lodges, transfers by road, visit to the area where Survivor 3 was filmed, day and night wildlife viewing from open sided 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided hikes and walks, horseback and camel riding (at extra cost), excellent wildlife and brilliant birding, village visits (at extra cost), optional hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara (at extra cost)

The Great East African Wildebeest Migration Safari
Premier Collection
13 days, US $8,995 - US $8,595
Top quality all inclusive lodge and tented camp safari with road and air transfers
Visit: 2 countries! Kenya and Tanzania. Includes Nairobi, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Amboseli, and Masai Mara
Highlights: all inclusive, transfers by road and air, tented camps and lodges, wildlife viewing from 4x4 vehicles, walks, village visits, excellent wildlife and birding and culture

Kenya Extensions:

Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari - For the experience of a lifetime, drift the dawn over the magnificent plains of the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon. Then enjoy on a champagne breakfast in the bush at the landing site, before returning to camp on a game drive. (US $385 per person including champagne breakfast)

NOTE: Many of the safaris featured above can be modified to depart on different days of the week or to include different accommodations, usually at little or no extra cost. All prices exclude international airfares. For an airfare quote please email or phone our office toll free within the USA on 1 800 461 0682 and speak with a safari consultant.

Return to Ultimate Africa's Main Safari Collection.

Links to other pages:

 

ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
13032 - 204th Place SE, Issaquah, Washington, 98027-8572 USA
Tel (425) 793 8877 Fax (425) 793 8878
Phone toll free within the United States on 1 800 461 0682
www.ultimateafrica.com / info@ultimateafrica.com

Send mail to info@ultimateafrica.com
Copyright © 1996 - 2004 ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
Washington State Registered Seller of Travel #601730459