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DESTINATION OVERVIEWS

MAP OF AFRICA

Africa - Overviews:

SOUTHERN AFRICA
Botswana
Zambia & Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls
Namibia
South Africa
Cape Town

EAST AFRICA
Tanzania
Serengeti
Mt Kilimanjaro
Zanzibar
Kenya
Maasai Mara
Rwanda
Uganda
Seychelles

KENYA OVERVIEW

Kenya has always viewed its wildlife as a national treasure with movies such as "Out of Africa" doing much to cement its romance in our minds.

It is in this intoxicating region that the notion of the Swahili word "safari", meaning "to journey", was born. For some Kenya is seen as a destination over run with mini-buses. This may have been an apt description 20 years ago however it far from the truth now. Kenya has very much lifted its game to measure up with other safari destinations. It has a wonderful mix of habitats and a rich culture that makes for a compelling safari destination. Of course it is home to the Maasai Mara, surely one of the greatest game reserves on earth, and forms the cornerstone of many safaris.

Peak months	August - October (this is when the migration is in the Mara)
Shoulder season	December - March June - July
Epic suggests	8 - 11 days / 7 -10 nights
	Sample itinerary

In addition to the Mara, other areas that should be considered include:

• Amboseli National Park - famous for the Maasai people, elephant and iconic views of Mt Kilimanjaro

• Samburu National Reserve - a semi-arid area in Kenya’s north. Best known for its iconic people the Samburu (a sub-clan of the Maasai) this reserve and environs contrasts nicely with other safari destinations. It offers great variety of activity and is probably THE place for an immersive cultural experience.

• Lewa Downs - located in close proximity to Mt Kenya, Lewa is a conservancy that offers the most intimate safari experience in all of Kenya.

• Lamu Archipelago - this a captivating chain of islands with a fascinating history. Its origins date back 500 hundred years and its Swahili culture is largely unadulterated by outside influences.

How long should I spend on safari?

This is a common question. Many people initially believe that 5 days or so on safari will suffice. However “not knowing what they don’t know”, once they get on safari they appreciate that not only is it just about the game but it is also an incredible environment for one to relax and recuperate in, without the annoyance of modern conveniences. For a family, we would tender that it is one of the, if not THE, best family holiday you will ever have

How old should my children be to do a safari?

The answer to this varies and depends upon the youngsters. We have had children as young as 4 on safari. Most camps do have age restrictions and it varies from 6 through 12, with the majority allowing children of any age if the camp is hired exclusively. Generally speaking, East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) are more accommodating of children than camps in Southern Africa.