Kenya and Tanzania, with their awe-inspiring natural wonders and rich wildlife, offer a wide variety of unforgettable experiences. Enjoy thrilling game drives in renowned reserves such as Maasai Mara and Serengeti, soak in the vibrant cultures of Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, and watch the world go by as you relax on one of their stunning white sandy beaches.
Sarah’s Take on Kenya
From Tsavo to Mount Kenya, there is so much to see in this country that boasts of varied landscapes, including the savannah, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and the highlands. But there are a couple of destinations in particular that Sarah raves about:
“No trip to Kenya is complete without a visit to Maasai Mara. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover or just want to get away from it all, you will be enthralled by the sight of elephants, rhinos, lions and more. At Lake Nakuru, prepare to be mesmerised by a vast sea of pink, caused by the thousands of flamingos that nest here.”
What’s Special in Kenya
Two places that Sarah recommends you should visit while exploring Kenya are Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge and Cultiva Restaurant.
Il Ngwesi – For a personalised Maasai experience
Il Ngwesi is a lovely eco-lodge that is perched atop a hill overlooking the wilderness. You can truly immerse yourself in nature at this remote property that is owned and run by the Maasai community. Take in superb views of the valley and the watering hole from the comfort of beautifully designed thatched roof cottages, which come with open-air showers and most amenities. Some of the rooms have an extended terrace, giving you the opportunity to sleep under the stars!
While staying here, you can enjoy bush drives and nature walks, interact with the locals at a Maasai Cultural Boma and learn about the community projects in the region. After a lovely day out, relax in the sitting area or take a dip in the swimming pool, from where you can spot a variety of animals quenching their thirst at the watering hole.
Cultiva Restaurant – To enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience
Located in Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi, Cultiva Restaurant is more than just a place where you can savour a delicious meal in a beautiful setting. Here, every ingredient used, be it vegetables, edible flowers, herbs and microgreens, is grown in their greenhouse gardens. These are thoughtfully put together with carefully selected proteins to create an acclaimed, flavourful menu that changes seasonally. You can also book a farm tour to learn more about what goes into growing their heirloom crops.
Sarah’s Take on Tanzania
Sarah promises that Tanzania is no less alluring. The country, home to Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti, offers panoramic views and plentiful wildlife. National parks and game reserves abound here.
At Arusha in Northern Tanzania or even smaller reserves such as Selous and Tarangire, head out on safari to spot lions, Cape Buffalo, giraffes, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and a plethora of birds. The highlight of course, is the Great Migration in the Serengeti. Sarah paints a vivid picture of this iconic natural event:
“View nature in all its glory here. Watch immense herds of wildebeest, joined by zebras and Thomson’s gazelles, start their journey in Southern Serengeti. Predators such as hyenas and lions lie in wait patiently waiting for a kill. You will have a front-seat view of all the beauty and brutality that is the circle of life.”
Top Picks in Tanzania
Sarah’s recommendations for places to stay in Tanzania are the Olakira Migration Camp and the Africa Amini Maasai Lodge.
Olakira Migration Camp – Witness the Great Migration
This mobile camp offers you a truly special experience – following the wildebeest migration across the Serengeti. Olakira moves in tandem with the migration, allowing you to take in all the action as massive herds of wildebeest cross the mighty Mara river and graze on lush grass while keeping an eye out for predators.
When not exploring the wilderness, put your feet up and unwind in your spacious, comfortable tent. Its mesh roof and net allow you to look up at the night sky and take in panoramic views of your serene surroundings. While in Olakira, you can enjoy game drives and bird watching, and go on memorable picnics in the bush.
Africa Amini Maasai Lodge – For an immersive stay amid the Maasai
Located at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa Amini Maasai Lodge is an eco-hotel consisting of huts set to resemble a Maasai village. The lodge, surrounded by a 200-hectare nature reserve, offers stunning views of the dormant volcano. Your tastefully designed accommodation is done up in a rustic style that combines traditional elements with modern conveniences.
There is plenty to do here, including going on nature walks, interacting with the locals and even trying your hand at spear throwing. There is a spa and swimming pool on-site as well, and meals consist of international and Swahili dishes made using homegrown produce.
What to pack for your African holiday?
Here are Sarah’s top packing tips to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable time.
Pack Light
The luggage space in vehicles and light aircraft is quite limited, and so you should avoid bringing large suitcases. Keep in mind that 15 kilos is the luggage limit for many local airlines. But don’t worry, nearly all the safari lodges and camps have laundry services, which means you will not run out of clothes to wear during your trip.
Clothes
When you are out on safari, it is important to feel comfortable, be able to walk around easily and blend in with your surroundings. Sarah recommends packing clothes in earth tones such as khaki, beige, brown and green. Stick to neutral-coloured clothing rather than bright colours, which tend to scare the animals away.
To avoid insect bites and to protect yourself from the sun, stick to long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Make sure you carry a thin sweater or a light jacket for the late evenings and early mornings when temperatures tend to drop. It is advisable to pack a windcheater or a waterproof jacket in case it rains.
Footwear
On safari, there could be some walking around, especially if you opt for a walking safari or a nature walk. Pack sports or trekking shoes that are ‘broken in’ for when you are out and about. For relaxing at your camp or lodge, get sandals or flip flops that are easy to slip in and out of.
Accessories
The African sun can be sharp and it gets very hot. To protect yourself from the heat, carry a good hat, scarf and sunglasses. Keep a water bottle handy as well. Sarah says that sunscreen and bug spray are two items that everyone should definitely bring along.
Nights in the camp can get surprisingly loud, with many nocturnal animals around. So, to ensure you have a good night’s rest, she also recommends getting a set of ear plugs with you.
Swimwear
Most luxury camps and lodges have swimming pools and it is a great idea to pack swimwear. There is nothing quite like taking a refreshing dip in a pool surrounded by nature. You could even sip on your favourite drink poolside as you take in a stunning sunset.
Camera and Binoculars
You will want to revisit plenty of memorable moments from your African holiday. Use your phone camera or digital camera to capture the wildlife, sunsets and scenic landscapes. Binoculars are particularly good to have with you, especially when you are trying to spot an interesting bird on a tree or an animal at a distance.
Sarah was a volunteer with ‘Kenya Make a Difference’, helped run a non-profit organisation that promoted gender equity in Rwanda, and served with the Peace Corps in Tanzania. These experiences enabled her to explore and gain a deeper understanding of their culture and way of life. If you are dreaming about travelling to Africa, you can rest assured that Sarah and the team at Hayes & Jarvis have the expertise and knowledge to create a memorable experience for you.
Highlights Of Kenya
Northern Tanzania Safari
Masai Mara and Beach Holiday
Africa inspiration
For more exciting destination ideas, browse these Africa pages and start planning your next adventure.
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