Experience Our Kenya

Our customized, private insider tours of Kenya feature our favorite places and experiences in the country.

Famous for...

The great migration, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeests and zebras race across the grasslands of Maasai Mara and beyond.

Consider...

Your own dedicated safari guide and private vehicle for a completely personalized safari experience.

Must stay...

At a luxury tented camp such as Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp in Maasai Mara.

Romantic experience...

Dining under the stars by a bonfire with the sound of lions roaring far in the distance.

Fun hotel for kids...

Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, where guests can feed the resident Rothschild’s giraffes from their bedroom windows.

Favorite local drink...

Stoney Tangawizi, an intensely flavored, non-alcoholic ginger beer that’s delicious on its own or mixed into a cocktail.

Unique sleeping arrangement...

The rooftop “star beds” at ol Donyo, a Relais & Chateaux property. Sleep under the stars surrounded by the sounds of nature, then awake to spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Worth a detour...

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta, the only place in Kenya to see this highly intelligent—and endangered—species in a natural environment.

One of our favorite game parks...

Meru National Park, where herds of elephants, a variety of colorful birds, and rare animals such as black rhinos thrive among diverse landscapes. Its lush foliage makes it a bit more difficult to spot wildlife, but patience is highly rewarded.

Great place to relax...

At a beach resort on the Swahili coast to enjoy the pristine white-sand beaches and snorkeling or cruising the clear, turquoise waters.

Kenya’s landscapes...

Kenya’s landscapes are greatly varied, including arid desert, humid swamps, tropical beaches, forested mountains and open plains.

Favorite performance...

Traditional Samburu dance at Saruni Samburu lodge in central Kenya.

Off-the-beaten-track...

Kitich Camp in the forested Mathews Mountain Range eschews traditional game drives in favor of exploring the forest on foot. It’s a great way to learn about the unique terrain and local animals such as forest elephants, black panthers and De Brazza’s monkeys.

Breathtaking moment...

Getting up at dawn, when the elephants begin to stir and Mount Kilimanjaro is bathed in early morning light.

Favorite moment...

Watching lion cubs in the Maasai Mara play peek-a-boo with spectators from behind bushes, tall grass and their mother.

Consider...

A scenic flight with views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Culinary highlight...

The Indian Ocean yields excellent seafood, and the Swahili Coast is a great place to try delicious fresh fish cooked in coconut milk and tamarind.

Charitable contribution...

Adopting an elephant at the Daphne Sheldrick elephant orphanage in Nairobi. Proceeds go towards caring for orphaned elephants and rhinos, as well as conservation efforts.

Remarkable location...

Elsa’s Kopje, a luxury safari lodge atop a kopje (hill) in Meru National Park. The property is named after the lioness that inspired the book and film Born Free and was released into the wild in Meru.

Insider tip...

Consider having us charter a private plane for greater flexibility and ease when traveling around Kenya.

Typical dish...

One dish found all over Kenya is nyama choma (grilled meat, often goat, sheep or chicken) seasoned with salt and served with fries or another starch.

Most unusual wildlife...

Northern Kenya is home to several unique species such as the endangered Grevy’s zebra, notable for its narrow, elegant stripes and “Mickey Mouse” ears.

Memorable experience...

Seeing critically endangered white and black rhinos in the wild.

Best way to end the day...

Enjoying a sundowner cocktail while watching the sun set.

What to buy...

Beaded jewelry. Handwoven baskets, some with carved bone adornments.