Kenya Safaris| Safari information, tourist advice and wildlife info

How to choose a Kenyan safari location

Posted September 23, 2011 By Benjamin Funmiwengo and has no comments yet.

Kenya has long been one of the world’s most popular safari destinations, the scenery is so diverse and varied and everywhere you turn you can expect an abundance of wildlife.

With there being over 40 safari parks in Kenya to choose from, deciding where to go can be a bit of a nightmare as each place has its own unique wildlife, landscape and features. Kenya is very different to the other big game safari destinations in Africa with being home to the safari and beach package holiday. Within the safari industry Kenya is renowned for poor game viewing, which is mainly due to the volume of tourists.

The best advice I would give to anyone planning on a Kenya safari is to do plenty of research and plan very carefully when you travel to Kenya, as much of Kenya is exceedingly busy all year round. But if you design your holiday well there is no reason why you can’t enjoy the safari parks listed below.

Amboseli National Park is situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and is one of Kenya’s most popular national parks. It is also the best safari park for elephants and is perfect for those who don’t have the greatest eye sight as there are well over 900 free roaming elephants. The landscape here is very open and flat, which makes it very easy to spot these gracious creatures.

If it’s a diverse range of wildlife you’re after then a trip to the OI Pejeta conservancy is an 90,000 acre park boasting an outstanding array of animals including the big five (leopard, elephants, lion, buffalo and the endangered black rhino) and the non-indigenous chimpanzees.

Masai Mara is considered by many to be Kenya’s greatest safari park; this game reserve is situated adjacent to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Safari Park, creating one ecosystem. The Masai Mara has open savannah grasslands and is home to the big five and other animals such as cheetahs, hyenas, gazelles and zebras.

Mount Kenya is the best safari park if you’re a bit of an adrenaline junky and love rock climbing. It is clear why it is so popular with climbers with its imposing 5199 height and jagged peaks; it creates quite a challenge to any experienced rock climber. If you’re not a fully fledged rock climber you can make it up to Point Lenana, which is an excellent hike for hikers looking for a bit of a challenge.

If you want a challenge on your safari then I suggest venturing over to Tsavo National Park. This is one of the world’s largest national parks, being the same size as Israel. This park offers an abundance of wildlife and diverse landscapes from mountain ranges, rivers and forests to lakes and savannah grasslands.

I hope these suggestions have helped you whilst you’re planning your safari to Kenya, if there are any safari parks I missed out or any that you feel should be on the list, please feel free to comment and let me know.

Categories: Safaris

Tags: game reserve, Kenya, Kenya safari, Kenyan safari, safari park

Kenya’s best safari lodges

Posted July 26, 2011 By Benjamin Funmiwengo and has no comments yet.

As the home of African safaris you might expect Kenya to boast a whole range beautifully crafted and luxurious lodges, camps and accommodations to cater for the thousands of discerning tourists who make their way here each year; well you’d be right. As one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Southern Africa, Kenya has built up a portfolio of exemplary properties that offer the kind of comfort and security that you might come to expect from an urban five star hotel but executed in a way that is harmonious to both the scenery and the wildlife that are so central to your African experience.

Local woods, stone, textiles, building techniques and crafts and artwork are all indicative of the typical Kenyan Safari Lodge; this should be a place that is both warm and welcoming but that also enhances the majesty and beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Amboseli Serena Lodge- One of Kenya’s most recognisable safari lodges, this award winning property is considered as a stalwart of the Kenyan tourism industry. Situated in the park after which it takes its name, Amboseli Serena consists of a fascinatingly constructed row of single story guest rooms built with a nod to the traditional Maasai Manyatta style. Overlooking the open plains of Amboseli where elephants, lions and buffalo roam freely guests have the option of daily game drives or relaxing by the gloriously crafted freeform pool. Looming in the background is the vast Mt Kilimanjaro just over the border in Tanzania, the snows of which feeds the nearby pools which attract wildlife from miles around. Hand painted frescos adorn the walls of each beautifully appointed room with traditional woods, light linens and the frequent glimmer of distinctive Maasai red dominating the colour scheme. Guests can choose to dine in the central dining room or enjoy a more intimate encounter out on the plains; making for a very romantic rendezvous.

Little Governor’s Camp- Mention camping and tents and a lot of people would run a mile but the Little Governor’s Camp has managed to completely explode the stereotype of traditional ‘outdoors experience’. Little Governor’s is all about intimacy and modest luxury, these tented guest villas are elevated high off the ground and are incredibly spacious featuring king sized or double beds with plush mattresses en suite facilities and wide open verandas which promises an unspoiled panorama of the stunning savannah beyond. The Camp is located in the renowned Masai Mara home to some of the greatest game spotting in Africa and the owners of the community like to encourage this sense of wilderness and freedom; Little Governor’s is entirely fenceless meaning that wildlife can come and go as it pleases, watch out for the friendly family of local warthogs or the occasional elephant that might stroll by.

The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille- Situated centrally on the great escarpment that forms the Laikipia Plateau the sanctuary certainly is just that, an oasis of calm, seclusion and comfort in a stunning wilderness of rolling plains, bush land and serpentine rivers. Consisting of four stunningly constructed houses and set within a 20,000 acre private reserve The sanctuary offers unrivalled privacy and luxury; included in your experience are a private butler, valet, guide, askari (guard) and the properties own renowned chef. Juxtaposed against traditional furnishings and features are all the modern conveniences one might expect including Wi-Fi, satellite TV and an infinity swimming pool. Game drives are offered daily and there are also opportunities to partake in local cultural activities, immerse yourself into the rituals and practices of the tribesmen and women who cohabit the reserve.

Categories: Accomodation, Kenya, Safaris

A guide to Kenya’s National Parks and Reserves

Posted May 6, 2011 By Benjamin Funmiwengo and has no comments yet.

As the home of the African safari and boasting such an extensive and rich habitat it is understandable there are a multitude of National parks and wildlife conservation areas have been established throughout the land to support the unrivalled number of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects that call Kenya home. With such variety a problem can arrive when it comes to figuring out where to go; so with this in mind in the following post I will try to take a closer look at some of the main areas that might take your consideration on a safari.

Kora National Park: Where- Coastal Province. What can you see-Lions, leopards, cheetahs, caracal, elephants, hippos, hyenas, wildcat several types of antelope.

Kora was gazetted as a national park in 1989 and the nearby Meru National Park acts as a northern boundary with the Tana River. Spreading over an area of 1,788 sq km the park is generally dominated by open plains offering good opportunity for spotting animals.

Amboseli: Where- Kajiado District near Tanzanian border. What can you see- Huge herds of Elephants, buffalo, impala, lion, cheetah, hyena, giraffes, zebra and wildebeest

Famous for its elephant herds and the spectacular views of Mt Kilimanjaro just across the border Amboseli offers excellent wildlife spotting particularly in the dry months when vegetation is sparse. Covering only 392 km sq it is relatively small but its size means that populations of animals appear even more dense.

Lake Nakuru Where- Rift Valley Province, south of Nakuru. What can you see- Masses of flamingos, warthogs, baboons, black and white rhinos, Rothschild Giraffes.

Created in 1961 the lake is most renowned for its hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions of flamingo that frequent the area and feed on the algae rich waters. A sanctuary for black rhinos the area has recently been extended to offer more protection to the endangered species.

Meru National Park: Where- Meru County. What can you expect to see- elephant, hippo, lion, leopard, cheetah, black rhino and several types of rare antelopes.

Having fallen into near ruin a $1.25 million renewal project has transformed Meru into one of the most promising attractions in Eastern Africa. An abundant rainfall brings a wide range of animals to the area and this was also where George and Joy Adamason raised Elsa, the lion made famous in the best selling book and feature film ‘Born Free’

Nairobi National Park: Where- Nairobi. What can you see- African buffalo, baboon, black rhinoceros, Burchell’s zebra, cheetah, Coke’s hartebeest, Grant’s gazelle, hippopotamus, leopard, lion, Thomson’s gazelle, eland, impala, Masai giraffe, ostrich, vulture, and waterbuck.

Kenya’s first National Park and only 7km from the capital the skyscrapers beyond can still be seen from the plains. Despite its close proximity to the city and being a relatively small size the park still enjoys fantastic array of wildlife.

Tsavo East and West: Where- Coast Province. What can you see- lions, leopard, cheetah, zebras, giraffes, serval, antelopes, kongoni, lesser kudu, oryx, klipspringer, impala, stripped hyena, ostriches, gazelles, buffalos, elephants.

Combined together represents one of Africa’s largest national parks at over 20,000km sq, larger than Wales. Considered one of the strongholds of wildlife in Kenya it is home to perhaps the most diverse array of mammals and birds in the country.

Masai Mara National Reserve: Where- Rift Valley Province. What can you see- wildebeest, zebra, impala, topi, giraffe, Thomson’s gazelle, leopards, lions, hyenas, cheetah, jackal and bat-eared foxes, hippos.

Named after the famous Maasai people who inhabit the area this is perhaps Africa’s most famous reserve and also a site from which the Great Wildebeest Migration can be observed. Relatively small, around the same size as Kora, it boasts a fantastic range of wildlife and is essentially an extension of the Serengeti national park in Tanzania.

Categories: Kenya

Kenya- A Good Food Guide

Posted April 5, 2011 By Benjamin Funmiwengo and has no comments yet.

Perhaps not until we arrive at our destination do we begin to realise what an integral role food plays during a luxury safari. Food is central to African culture, in a continent where so many people still depend upon a subsistence based lifestyle, food is not just a staple, but a way of life, a way of uniting a community and celebrating good fortune.

With such a diverse and wide ranging landscape as you might expect, Kenyans enjoy a wide range of fresh produce; meat (from beef to warthog), fresh fruit and vegetables and seafood from Lake Victoria and the Indian Ocean. Due to Kenya’s long and colourful history the cuisine that that can be found in the country today is a hybrid of traditional Kenyan cooking and international influences, particularly British and Indian food. Due to the communal and joyful role that food plays in Kenya expect portions to be considerable and large buffets are often a feature of hotels and game lodges, giving guests a chance to come together and intermingle.

Tourists looking for more up-market eateries and restaurants should head to the main commercial centres of Nairobi and Mumbasa which respectively boast a generous array of establishments. Nairobi in particular is renowned for its international cuisine and around the city you can expect to find properties dedicated to French, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Ehtiopian, Italian and Indian food as well as traditional Kenyan grills. One of the most famous places to dine for tourists in the city is The Carnivore renowned for its open pit upon which game from all around Kenya is cooked to the customers’ liking. Roasted meat or Nyama Choma is a traditional feature of Kenyan cooking and specialities here include zebra, warthog and eland as well as chicken and beef.

For vegetarians, you may be surprised to learn that a variety of Kenya’s most treasured and long standing national dishes do not actually feature meat, with the vast farmlands and groves around the country producing a magnificent abundance of vegetables, fruits and spices Kenyan’s are famed for their delicious vegetable stews and millet based foods. Sukuma Wiki is stew made primarly from green leafy vegatabls and is the foundation of much Kenyan cooking

Nyama Choma and Ugali (a semi-hard cake made of maize a little like a dumpling) are without doubt the most popular foods in Kenya and a trip to the country without trying this classic accompaniment would be criminal. A wonderful side dish to include with this meal is Kachumbari a chunky salsa like dish which includes chopped tomatoes, onions, pepper, cilantro, lemon juice and sometimes, avocado.

Categories: Kenya

Tags: Food

A twin centre holiday; the perfect Kenyan compliment

Posted March 3, 2011 By Benjamin Funmiwengo and has no comments yet.

As I have already discussed throughout this blog, Kenya is a wonderful place to visit; a charming, enthralling and in every sense of the word, unforgettable country that has an incredible amount to offer the enthusiastic traveller from the heights of Mt Kenya to the depths of the Great Rift Valley. Kenya safaris are the most beloved and esteemed of their kind in Africa and the people here will make your stay warm, welcome and very special indeed.

One of Kenya’s most valuable features though, is its proximity to some of Africa’s other great sights and countries. Complimented by an excellent infrastructure, it is easy to navigate throughout the country via road, rail or plane affording intrepid visitors a unique opportunity to experience a fantastic selection of some of the world’s most beautiful and beguiling destinations.

To the east of Kenya is Uganda, a country that for a long time existed under a dark cloud of political and civil unrest, a murk that in recent years has been lifted, but for so many outside of the country still appears to linger. Uganda could and slowly is becoming one of Africa’s greatest kept secrets, year upon year more and more people are discovering its depths and delights; hailed as a haven for the endangered Mountain Gorilla to combine a Ugandan mountain trekking adventure with a Masai Mara safari in Kenya would be the ultimate safari itinerary.

To the south of Kenya is another of its sizable neighbours, Tanzania. Already considered as one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa, Tanzania is vast and as such enjoys an incredible natural geography. Home to the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, the famed Serengeti National Park, as well as Tangrire, the Selous Game Reserve and Lake Manyara, Tanzania is nothing if not eclectic. All of this without even mentioning the colossal Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s largest peak; trekking to its summit on the Kibo crater raises determined explorers up to the roof of Africa almost 6000 metres above sea level.

Further afield, nestled in the turquoise Indian Ocean are some of the most remote, beautiful and charming island nations in the world. The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 granitic islands dusted just north of Madagascar and adjacent to the Kenya Tanzania border. The islands can be flown to directly either by Air Kenya or Air Seychelles and reached within about 2 ½ hours although with limited flight times you may need to be somewhat flexible with your dates. The Seychelles have become synonymous with isolated and intimate luxury boasting some of the most exclusive resorts, hotels and privately owned islands in the world.

If you would rather retain a more metropolitan feel, with all the glamour of luxury boutiques, shops restaurants and other attractions, whilst asserting that desert island experience, Mauritius offers the perfect symmetry between commercial bustle and secluded oasis. Leapfrogging Madagascar, travellers can fly to Mauritius directly from Nairobi to Plaisance in around 6 hours. Mauritius enjoys an incredible landscape with isolated cays, pristine peninsulas and the glorious Black River Gorges National Park, home to some of the rarest species on earth.

However you combine your twin centre holiday you can be sure of one thing, that no matter where you go, you will not forget the time you spent in magical Kenya.

Categories: Kenya

Tags: Twin Centre holiday

Kenya, a tale of two cities

Posted February 2, 2011 By Benjamin Funmiwengo and has no comments yet.

Kenya is an all encompassing country, a place unlike any other and one that is as dynamic and diverse as anywhere else on Earth. The home of African safaris, there is however an awful lot more to this fascinating nation. From the great Masai Mara to the beautiful coast, low plains to the central Highlands, the scar-like Great Rift Valley and arid deserts to thick equatorial rainforests, Kenya is nothing if not eclectic.

As well as an incredible natural variety Kenya also boasts some of the most rapidly evolving and exciting metropolitan centres in Eastern Africa. Of particular interest, amongst the eight or so communities with populations above 100,000 people, are the capital of Nairobi and the coastal port town of Mombasa.

Nairobi is by far Kenya’s most populous which in the 110 years since its inception has risen from an unremarkable rural village to a true metropolis. Certainly no longer a mere frontier town, Nairobi is expanding and evolving everyday and with a population of over 3 million is one of Africa’s largest cities. Despite its speedy growth Nairobi has managed to retain much of its history which is cherished and displayed in the numerous museums in the area, as well as the fantastic home of author Karen Blixen, who wrote Out of Africa and whose former residence is now a popular tourist attraction. Elevated almost 2000 metres above sea level the city actually enjoys a much more moderate climate and during the winter months of June and July nights can often be quite chilly; it is during this period that the city also experiences its highest rainfall. Thanks to its elevated position, on a clear day visitors can hope to see the two of Africa’s great peaks within the same panorama, Mt Kenya to the north of the city is Kenya’s highest mountain, and to the south east, the colossal Mt Kilimanjaro, the known as the roof of Africa. With numerous parks and gardens, bustling markets and the nearby Nairobi National Park, this place has an awful lot to offer an inquisitive visitor.

On the east coast of Kenya lies the busy port city of Mombasa. As well as its interests at sea, the city, which is actually an island connected to the mainland by two bridges, has a thriving international airport which receives thousands of travellers a day. Despite its commercial development Mombasa is still full of history, particularly the old town region which is characterised by winding streets and Arabic architecture; a testament to the city’s multicultural heritage having through the years attracted many skilled craftsmen and migrants from Iran, the Middle East, Somalia and the India Sub-continent. As coastal community Mombasa’s geography is relatively flat but just beyond the city the region does boast some of the most pristine beaches in East Africa. The climate is generally warmer than that in Nairobi but cooling breezes blowing in off the Indian Ocean can make the heat much more bearable, the area receives most of its rainfall a little earlier than Nairobi in April and May, leaving the rest of the year largely dry and with temperatures rarely falling below about 27°C.

Categories: Kenya

Tags: Mombasa, Nairobi

Great Kenya, Great Lakes

Posted January 4, 2011 By Benjamin Funmiwengo and has no comments yet.

Some of Kenya’s most beautiful, but perhaps less well known attractions, are its incredible great lakes. Dotted across the variable landscape these natural phenomenon are oases of biodiversity and offer some of the most breathtaking views in all of Kenya the perfect accompaniment to any Kenya Safari. With locals and tour operators beginning to realise the draw of these wondrous sites, numerous lodges, camps and hideaways have been sympathetically established on the banks of these great bodies of water, providing tourists with a unique opportunity to embrace the glory of these natural wonders.

One of Kenya’s most memorable sights are the huge flocks of flamingo which collect around Lake Nakuru in central Kenya’s Rift Valley. Drawn by the natural algae which fringes the lake, the flamingos flock to the area to feed in huge numbers, into the thousands and tens of thousands. The sky becomes awash with the most spectacular flittering shades of pink. Away fro mthe skies though, Nakuru also functions as a major national park, providing a home for extremely endangered species of black and white rhino as well as waterbuck, buffalo, zebra and Rothschild Giraffe. Nakuru also presents one of the best opportunities in Africa of spotting a leopard in the wild. The surrounding landscape is aplenty with waterfalls, riverine scrubland, forests and sheer cliffs, promising exceptional views from every angle.

At the gateway to the Great Northern Wilderness lies Lake Bogoria which like Nakuru is home to thousands of migratory flamingo. The lake is volcanically active meaning that around the circumference spectacular geysers shoot up out of the waters, huge steam vents and bubbling geothermal pools. The numbers of flamingos also attract natural predators, fish eagles, but other species can also be observed including gazelle, zebra baboons as well as Greater Kudu.

Also part of the Great Rift Valley, lying west of the nation’s capital, Nairobi, Lake Naivasha covers an area of 192km². This comes as a surprise really, considering that in the 20^th century the area had completely dried up and had been developed into estates; great rains flooded the area and re-established the lake. Over 400 species of birdlife have been recorded in the area as well as a resident herd of hippo. Parallel to the Lake is the Hell’s Gate National Park, named so for its two ominously looking red cliffs which frame an active geothermic pool and steam vents, giving the area an unearthly resemblance.

Having been aforementioned in one of my posts, how could I ignore the spectacular, world wonder, Lake Victoria, the beating heart at Africa’s core? Twice the size of Wales and bordering Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, the area is abundant with wildlife waters as well as local tribes of fisherman such as the formidable Luo, drawn to the fresh waters alive with fish species. The lake is fringed by a number of long established fishing villages and communities such as Kisumu, an enchanting town which boasts welcoming people and fascinating colonial architecture.

Categories: Kenya

Tags: Lake Bogoria, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Lake Victoria

Coastal Kenya

Posted December 7, 2010 By Benjamin Funmiwengo and has no comments yet.

Although I’ve touched upon Kenya’s fantastic eastern shoreline in previous posts I thought I would dedicate this article specifically to the beautiful stretches of coral, pristine beaches and swaying palms which collar the coast. A Kenya safari and beach break offers the perfect combination, a balance between exhilarating bush adventure and peaceful seaside relaxation.

Starting geographically to the north the Tana River Delta represents a truly unique location, not overcrowded with tourists and offering spectacular views and secluded beach retreats. The rugged inland wilderness meets the powerful confluence of the Tana River and the Indian Ocean offering a stunning landscape, swathed in bush and scrub land, a perfect habitat for animal and birdlife. A great way to experience the region is by canoe, silently gliding up the delta floating past hippos and crocodiles and eventually out towards the excellent swimming waters of the beautiful Indian Ocean. The area is best accessed by road and is a three hour drive from Malinidi although there is a domestic airstrip capable of operating domestic, chartered flights.

Malindi and Watamu are two relatively small communities but which occupy envious locations on the Kenyan coast, making them an increasingly popular tourist destination. Malindi still retains a small town feel despite having several established, internationally renowned resorts, guesthouses and lodges. The nearby Marine National Park is an ideal day excursion for snorkelling enthusiasts and further to the north the Marafa Depression, popularly known as Hell’s Kitchen, consists of stunning sandstone gorges and sheer gullies. The dense jungles of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve provide another feather in this area’s already well plumaged hat; the forest is the perfect habitat for an array of wildlife including herds of African elephant. Also worthy of your time is the ghost town of Gedi, a deserted Swahili trading post which is now completely uninhabited. The crumbling walls and silent winding streets offer an eerie but unique glimpse into Kenya’s long history.

North of the Kenyan coastline’s most famous resort, Mombasa, the beaches are quieter but just as beautiful, with white sandy beaches and azure waters. The area is dissected by the wide Kilifi Creek which is a popular stop off point for the international yachting circuit. For a more vibrant beach experience explore the areas of yali, Vipingo, Kikambala and Shanzu but to enjoy a more secluded retreat head to the relatively private stretches at Mtwapa and Takaungu. The region is also famous for its world class diving opportunities with long coral wall running just off the coast and playing host to a myriad of underwater life.

South of Mombasa (which will be highlighted in a special article coming soon)the pretty beach of Diani boasts some of the best accommodation on Kenya’s coast. Other more exclusive regions include Tiwi beach, which is an ideal hideaway for vacationers looking for a more low-key break.

In coming posts I will also be looking at the major metropolitan centre of Mombasa as well as the popular Lamu Island, located just off the Kenyan coast.

Categories: Coast, Kenya

A guide to the Great Migration

Posted November 25, 2010 By Benjamin Funmiwengo and has no comments yet.

One of the main reasons people come on an African safari, let alone a safari in Kenya, is to see the unrivalled majesty of the Great Migration often referred to as the greatest show on earth.

Despite the fact that this gripping animalistic drama represents the biggest annual exodus of large mammals anywhere in the world, actually seeing the migration can be quite a task. Unlike common perceptions of the event, these animals, amassing over 2 million in number, are always on the move and therefore hard to track. Like anything in nature there is an entirely unpredictable element to this epic journey and although the broad movement from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the Masai Mara here in Kenya is a general rule, it is only very general.

Made up not only of wildebeest but also large numbers of zebra, gazelle and eland (a type of antelope), marvel in sheer astonishment as the primordial beat of nature’s drum drives these animals forth, a round trip of over 1,800 miles, the equivalent of driving from London, England to Athens in Greece. On the way they will have to face marauding packs of lions and other predatory mammals, stampedes and treacherous river crossings with crocodiles lying wait to snap at their heels.

The migration is entirely dependent upon the cycle of rains that transform the Serengeti from a relatively dry and barren plain in the summer months to a lush, green landscape in winter. Again very generally speaking the movement across the border takes place around August as the millions of animals come in search for food and water in the evergreen Masai Mara. For around three months the animals that have survived this treacherous leg will feed and replenish their energy until around mid-November, the Serengeti having been reinvigorated by the summer rains, they charge back south to breed in the spring and so the cycle begins again.

It is of course worth thinking about when you want to book your own safari in accordance with this consensual trend, depending upon late or early rains the start and finish of the event could change significantly which is why it is always advisable to use an experience operator or tour company who can offer the best and most comprehensive service.

One of the best ways to experience the migration is by mobile safari. I will be discussing the different types of safari available in Kenya in my next post, but for now let me explain that what the mobile safari is all about. A more fluid and portable version of a safari, the mobile safari is based up, as you might guess, easily movable camps which are relocated for your arrival as you journey across the plains. Although more basic than a permanent structure you can still be sure of a very comfortable and authentic experience. Mobile safaris are perfectly adapted to work against the spontaneity of the Great Migration. Within hours you can be off and moving, following sightings of the herds and establishing a perfectly located base camp from which to pursue the spectacle.

Categories: Safaris

Wedding Bells at Wela

Posted November 18, 2010 By Benjamin Funmiwengo and has no comments yet.

I know it hasn’t been too long since my last post but I think that it is such a proud day for Kenya that I had to sit down at my computer and tell the world.

You’ve probably already heard that Prince William has announced his engagement to Kate Middleton, but what you might not know is that he chose to do it right here in Kenya!

Prince William and Kate Middleton have been in a relationship reportedly since as early as 2001. Despite a break apart in 2007 the couple have been practically inseparable and the official announcement that came from Clarence house yesterday was of little surprise. It was during a 10-day trip to the Lewa Wildlife conservation that the Prince asked for Middleton’s hand in marriage and so I though this would be a fantastic opportunity to explain to you why Lewa is such a perfect holiday destination for safaris, honeymoons and family holidays alike.

Located north east of the country’s capital, Nairobi, Lewa is a vast 65,000 acre wildlife conservation area in the Laikipia region of Kenya. Standing in the shadow of the spectacular Mount Kenya and a stones throw from the wilderness of the Northern Frontier District. Kenya’s most successful wildlife conservation area, its message is simple, catalyst for conservation. The park is a haven for animals and birdlife, boasting 10 percent of Africa’s endangered Black Rhino population and home to the largest numbers of Grevy’s zebra in the world.

For accommodation the Lewa Safari Camp is excellent, retaining the authentic ruggedness that makes an African safari so exciting, yet without ignoring all of the comforts of modern life. The 12 en-suite ‘tents’ enjoy traditionally thatched roves, private verandas and full en-suite bathrooms. The rooms are arranged around a central dining and lounge area where you can guarantee there will be a roaring fire and an even warmer reception.

During your stay you can enjoy 4×4 game drives and be educated in everything Kenya by the expert guides, for a more leisurely experience you could try a bush walk and for private dining there is nothing more romantic than breakfast in the bush or a candle lit evening meal with nothing but the panorama of the savannah to distract you from each other.

Lewa has its own airstrip so scenic flights by light aircraft can be easily arranged from Nairobi International airport.

It is easy to see therefore why Prince William chose Kenya and the pioneering Lewa Game Conservancy as the perfect place to propose to his fiancé. Lewa is romantic, spectacular, intimate and welcoming, a place to live long in the memory and somewhere that the future King of England will always hold dear in his heart as where he found his Queen.

Categories: Safaris