Soaking up the tropical sun, drinking in the wildlife, and letting loose on gorgeous beaches is everyone’s ideal notion of a dream safari. Thankfully, these are all things you can do on a luxury kenya safari holiday from the UK
As we shall see shortly, the list of things to do while in Kenya range from the most thrilling and adrenaline-filled activities to more sedate and tame pursuits.
Most Kenya tour operators such as AjKenyasafaris.com Ltd offer luxury safaris on an all inclusive or full board basis. All the logistics are taken care of. That leaves you free to focus on maximizing your fun and bonding with your loved ones. Below are some of the fun things you should try out while on a luxury holiday in Kenya
- Helicopter safari
A breathtaking helicopter ride over some of the country’s stunning attractions is one you will live to remember for a long time.
Drift over the ice-capped Mount Kenya on a cool morning just as the sun begins to rise and sample views of the beautiful Lake Michelson below.
Other spectacular attractions accessible on a heli-tour include the Maasai Mara Game reserve and the Samburu National Park.
Each ride takes approximately 2-2.5 hours and gives you a magnificent view of Kenya’s sprawling reserves, their majestic landscapes and beautiful animals.
Among the wildlife you can hope to spot are members of the Big Five.
- Hot-Air balloon safari
If you find a helicopter safari across the Maasai Mara too fast-paced for you, you may opt for a more leisurely yet deluxe hot-air balloon cruise across the phenomenal reserve.
Hot-air balloon rides in the Mara are typically conducted at dawn, just as the night fades and the vast reserve stirs to life. It is the best time to witness predators trying to score an early morning kill just before the sun gets too hot.
Figure 1 Hot Air Balloon safari in the Maasai Mara
As you hover a few meters above the ground, the giraffes, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and different other kinds of wildlife seem to almost move in slow motion right before your eyes.
- Game drives
How about going game drive for a more intimate view of the wildlife?
You can take one mid-morning, in the afternoon, or have it at night time.
While some animals wander the reserves and parks during the day, others tend to only come out in the evening or at nightfall.
Examples of these are nocturnal hunters such as leopards and the African owl.
No matter the type of game drive you prefer, your Kenya luxury safari package providers will always have plush 4×4 safari vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser or safari van.. For self-guided tours in Kenya, off-road SUVs such as the Mazda CX-5, Toyota Prado, Land Rover defender are a great choice.
A typical daytime game drive is interspersed with breaks in between for you to stretch your legs, have a picnic lunch or grab some refreshments.
- Horseback safari
Equestrians will love this one.
Set off on a modest gallop on horseback alongside the zebras and giraffes of Maasai Mara.
It is an experience that will set your pulse racing and bring you even closer to the animals.
However, there is a small disclaimer- horseback safaris are only offered within the private conservancies surrounding the central Mara. They are not allowed within the heart of the Mara.
Nonetheless, this safe and secure adventure is as exhilarating as it gets as it lets you truly feel like an indelible part of the Mara ecosystem.
- Beach safari
Jet down to the coast and explore what the area and its inhabitants offer.
Besides the award-winning beaches, a coastal safari also brings you plenty of other activities and watersports. These include relaxed fishing tours, scuba diving, snorkelling excursions, dolphin watching tours, kitesurfing, jet-skiing, and dhow rides at sunset.
Figure 3 Diani beach is one of Kenya’s most gorgeous beaches
The warm and hospitable coastal people will keep you entertained with their cultural tales and way of life.
Thankfully, the country’s tourism industry is endowed with impeccable infrastructure, including world-class luxury hotels and resorts across all the major towns.
Consequently, your Kenya luxury travel shall entail accommodation at 5-star hotels, such as the Serena Beach Resort in Diani.
- Skydiving in Diani
Besides the beach and the fabulous water activities associated with it, Diani offers spectacular skydiving opportunities for daring visitors.
As a licensed skydiver, you can enjoy the thrilling free-fall independently.
For thrill-seekers who may not be armed with such training, a tandem jump (jumping while strapped to a trained instructor) avails you of the entire experience without much hassle.
Figure 2 Tandem jump
Long term visitors also have an opportunity to undertake 4-day long diving classes with the experts, who will ensure that your proficiency in the sport grows.
The exhilarating dive involves leaping from a plane at approximately 12,000 feet, enjoying the breathtaking view and free-falling to the beach aided by a parachute.
- Mountaineering
If you yearn for more adventure, then a mountaineering trip to Mount Kenya should be part of your itinerary.
It is the tallest mountain in Kenya, towering at the height of 5,199 meters and its slopes provide water to a lot of Kenyans.
Traditionally, the Agikuyu people (the predominant community around the mountain) placed heavy religious significance on the alp and referred to its snow-covered peaks as God’s abode.
