Kenya holiday | Experience the wilderness through local eyes in Kenya

Nairobi is Africa's 4th largest city and is a vibrant one! Although Nairobi is still Africa's safari capital, the city has developed into a modern and interesting capitol in recent years. The great contrasts, the country's history, different tribes and diverse population give the city a unique character. You can visit some fascinating places here such as the National Museum and the childhood home of Karen Blixen, the author of Out of Africa, which is now a museum. In addition, just outside the city is the world's only urban game reserve. The reserve is home to large herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe and more. Rhinos, cheetahs and a large number of lions can also be found here.

Kenya is a country best known for its many nature reserves, such as Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks, where you can come face to face with the ‘Big Five’. Between these two parks lies the lesser-known Chyulu National Park with its stunning landscapes. Marshes, grasslands and the distinctive hilltops from which lions and cheetahs have a clear view of potential prey. One thing is certain: Kenya is one big wildlife park.

Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles migrate from the Serengeti plains in neighbouring Tanzania towards the Masai Mara in search of green pastures. Many predators follow in their wake. During the great migration, you may well witness a natural phenomenon in which all the wildebeest give birth to their young at almost the same time.

But it is not just the great diversity of flora and fauna that makes Kenya a wonderful travel destination. Kenya offers a variety of different landscapes. A stunning coastline with beautiful beaches such as Diani Beach and Galu Beach, offering opportunities for various water sports and a chance to relax after a wonderful safari. Nairobi (Swahili for ‘cool waters’) is the capital, home to attractions including the National Museum and the Karen Blixen Museum. Lake Turkana is known as the largest alkaline lake in the world and, like Lake Naivasha, is home to millions of pink flamingos. An unforgettable pink sea of birds. On the border with Tanzania lies Mount Kilimanjaro, which, at 5,895 metres, is the highest peak on the African continent. For enthusiasts, you can tackle this mountain as the ultimate challenge, climbing it in five days under the guidance of experienced guides.

Buffalo Springs National Park, situated close to the equator, offers a magnificent view of Mount Kenya with its snow-capped peaks; after Kilimanjaro, it is Kenya’s highest mountain.

Het Aberdare National Park, ten noordoosten van Nairobi, Kenia, is opgericht om de Aberdare bergketen te beschermen, waarvan de toppen tot 3930 meter stijgen. Het landschap wordt gekenmerkt door steile beboste hellingen, uitgestrekte heide en diepe ravijnen verspreid met watervallen, kristalheldere beekjes en stormende rivieren. Het park wordt bewoond door een verscheidenheid aan Afrikaanse wilde dieren zoals: olifant, leeuw, gevlekte hyena, neushoorn, zwarte luipaard en de zeer ongrijpbare bongo antilope die leeft in de bamboebossen op grote hoogte. Het park biedt de perfecte omgeving voor picknicks, kamperen in de heide, forel vissen in de rivieren, en uitstekende vogels kijken met meer dan 250 soorten vogels, waaronder haviken, adelaren, zonnevogels en plevers.

Nakuru is a fascinating town on the shores of Lake Nakuru in western Kenya. The capital of Nakuru County lies in the Great Rift Valley, about ten kilometres from the enormous Menengai Crater. A footpath leads to the rim of this ancient caldera, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area, before descending 400 metres to the floor below, where visitors can walk amongst ancient forests. Lake Nakuru National Park, which surrounds Nakuru, is home to an exceptional variety of birdlife, as well as more than 50 species of mammals, including lions, leopards, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, antelopes and various primates. History and culture enthusiasts should definitely visit the incredible prehistoric site of Hyrax Hill.

Lake Nakuru National Park was established to protect the lake and, in the process, the flocks of flamingos, which are attracted by the algae found in the salt water of the lake. The national park is home to hippos, black and white rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes and elands.

Laikipia, located between Mount Kenya and the northern deserts, is where Kenya's wild northern frontier country begins. The region consists of private and community farms around the Laikipia National Reserve. Known as one of Kenya's best safari areas and renowned for protecting rare animals, the high plains of Laikipia have vast open stretches of African savannah dotted with an abundance of wildlife, including Grevy's zebra, lion, leopard, black rhino, wild dog, buffalo, giraffe, lesser kudu, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Jackson's hartebeest, Somali ostrich and thousands of elephants. Take a boat trip along the beautiful Ewaso Nyiro River, enjoy a guided walk, a bird discovery tour, horseback rides and more.

Samburu is remote, hot and dry with rugged hills and rolling plains. The major river in Samburu is the Ewaso Ngiro River. This river forms the border with Buffalo Springs National Park. In this park, you can spot giraffes, giraffe gazelles, Somali ostriches and zebras, among others. Samburu was also one of the residences of Elsa the Lioness, star of the best-selling and award-winning film Born Free.

Elmenteita, meaning ‘place of dust’, is a small salt lake that attracts large numbers of flamingos. Due to the many birds that live there, it has been designated a World Heritage Site. Lake Elmenteita is also the place where Kenya’s most famous settler, Lord Delamere, lived and was responsible for many of Kenya’s agricultural experiments in the field of fertility, which are still used by some of his descendants. The lake is surrounded by wildlife and forests, making it ideal for birdwatching and walking. Visitors can also look forward to visiting the Kekopey hot springs, where more than 400 species of birds, kudus, zebras and gazelles can be spotted.

Bordered by sweeping acacia woodlands, golden grasslands and rugged volcanic ridges, Lake Nakuru fills a shallow basin within Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Its alkaline, mineral-rich waters shift in colour from blue-green to soft silver-grey, depending on algae growth and the changing light. Formed in a region shaped by ancient volcanic activity, the lake once supported dense blooms of algae—an essential food source for flamingos. In recent years, rising water levels have diluted the salinity, reducing algae growth and affecting bird movements. Even so, smaller migrating flocks still gather along the shoreline, their vivid pink plumage contrasting against the water – one of Lake Nakuru’s most iconic sights. The lake forms the heart of Lake Nakuru National Park, where game drives follow tracks along the shoreline and climb to viewpoints such as Baboon Cliff, offering sweeping views of the lake, escarpments and open plains. Birdlife remains abundant, with pelicans, herons, fish eagles and over 400 other species drawn to this varied and striking environment.

Lake Naivasha is the highest lake of the Rift Valley lakes and it is one of only two Rift Valley lakes with fresh water. The beautiful lake is surrounded by papyrus and acacia trees and is home to a wide range of bird species. Although more than 10 km wide, the lake is very shallow. Rainfall varies greatly in this region, so much so that by the early 20th century, the lake had dried up completely.

Hell’s Gate takes its name from the reddish cliffs and the natural hot geysers. The park is home to eagles and vulture nesting sites. Here you can go hiking, cycling, horse riding and rock climbing. Impressive sights include Fischer’s Tower, the two volcanoes Olkaira and Hobley’s, the central tower and the Njorowa Gorges. Here you will be able to see buffalo, Masai giraffes, elands, hartebeests, lions, leopards and cheetahs.

Gelegen in het noorden van Kenia is Buffalo Springs National Reserve een beschermd natuurgebied in de county Isiolo. Samen met Samburu en Shaba vormt Buffalo Springs een drietal aangrenzende reservaten. Buffalo Springs National Reserve staat bekend om uitstekende mogelijkheden voor wildobservatie en in het bijzonder om de indrukwekkende luipaardwaarnemingen. Het is een afgelegen, warm en droog landschap met ruige heuvels en glooiende vlaktes. De Ewaso Ngiro-rivier vormt de grens met Samburu National Park en stroomt door het gebied, omzoomd door galerijbossen. Bezoekers kunnen hier onder andere de netgiraffe, de langhalzige gerenoek, de Somalische struisvogel en de Grevyzebra spotten.

Dit kleine equatoriale stadje is een populaire doorgangsweg voor wandelaars die de Mount Kenya beklimmen via de Burguret- of Sirimon-routes, en heeft dan ook een paar geweldige restaurants, waaronder Barney's, bekend om zijn verfijnde keuken, en de Trout Tree, gehuisvest in de stam van een enorme boom en waar verschillende variaties van deze zoetwatervis worden geserveerd. De stad biedt een uitstekend uitzicht op de berg, terwijl de omliggende regio verschillende reservaten omvat, waaronder Mount Kenya National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Sweetwaters Game Reserve, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, en Shaba National Reserve.

Situated in northern Laikipia in Kenya, East Africa, the Loisaba Conservancy covers more than 20,000 hectares of stunning African landscape. The area is criss-crossed by two permanent rivers and numerous natural springs, making it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Loisaba is renowned as a world-class ecotourism destination and offers a wealth of special experiences for travellers wishing to immerse themselves in nature.
Spot majestic elephants using the key migration route through the area, spend the night under a dazzling starry sky in a charming tented camp, and enjoy breathtaking views on an unforgettable safari. Loisaba also offers a wide range of adventure activities, such as camel treks, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and guided bush walks. You can also discover the culture and traditions of the Samburu whilst visiting one of the local villages. The Loisaba Conservancy uniquely combines nature conservation, adventure and authentic encounters.

Soysambu Conservancy, a unique and beautiful nature reserve, lies on the border of the Elmenteita Badlands and Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya's Rift Valley Province. Vast stretches of glassy lakes, beautiful wetlands and purple mountains create scenes perfect for hiking, game drives and self-exploration adventures, as well as some breathtaking photography opportunities. Huge flocks of pink pelicans, which breed here every year, can be spotted here. Animal lovers can also enjoy the chance to spot colobus monkeys, Rothschild giraffes and around 450 bird species.

Set within the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, Mount Suswa Conservancy is a rugged volcanic landscape renowned for its dramatic double crater and vast lava caves. This protected conservancy is a pristine wilderness destination, ideal for travellers seeking adventure and geological wonder. Visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic views across the Rift, explore one of the world’s most intricate and extensive systems of volcanic caves, and witness unique cultural traditions with the local Maasai community. Wildlife roams freely across the savannah, including baboons, giraffes, hyenas and a diverse range of birdlife. The conservancy’s blend of striking geology, rich biodiversity and authentic cultural encounters creates an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience in Kenya.