| As a child, Africa fascinated me - a land where the | | | | lodges scattered throughout the many game |
| wild and exotic animals of storybooks and zoos | | | | reserves and national parks of this magical country. |
| roamed free on the plains. And where Kenya was | | | | Whether you're walking, driving, or even bobbing |
| always the quintessential home of the safari. | | | | your way across the plains atop a camel, you'll |
| Many visits later I'm no less enthralled by this region | | | | discover the scents, sounds, and footprints of the |
| of dramatic contrasts, and remarkable wildlife amid | | | | bush, as you enjoy the sight of a hyena at full gallop, |
| stunningly beautiful and varied landscapes that are still | | | | weaving behind the adrenaline-powered run of a |
| unencumbered by the trappings of man. And little | | | | gazelle, or a mighty battle as buffalo bulls fight over |
| compares to nights filled with the primal sounds of | | | | territory. |
| the bush - the hoots and laughs of hyenas, the | | | | If you venture on a Kenyan safari during July or |
| grumble of distant lions and the snorts of a hippo. | | | | August, perhaps the best way to check out the |
| Kenya, the land where safari was born, is also known | | | | wildlife is by hot air balloon. Few places offer a better |
| as the cradle of mankind - evidence of some of the | | | | vantage point from which to witness the amazing |
| earliest human settlements has been found here, | | | | phenomenon that is the annual wildebeest migration |
| suggesting that it was the birthplace of humanity | | | | across the plains of the Maasai Mara, when millions of |
| from which descendents moved out to populate the | | | | hooves thunder northwards in search of sweeter |
| world. However, it's the boundless wilderness and big | | | | grazing during the drier months in the south. |
| game of this region that has long attracted | | | | The Maasai Mara Reserve, 200 sq miles of rolling hills, |
| adventure seekers from all over the globe. No other | | | | woods and acacia trees watered by the Mara and |
| African country can boast such an incredible range of | | | | Talek rivers, opens onto the Serengeti plains of |
| scenery, unique geographical features and species. | | | | Tanzania. Home to the famously independent and |
| A safari in Kenya is an extraordinary holiday for any | | | | traditional herdsmen, no trip to Kenya would be |
| wildlife lover, no matter your budget or the level of | | | | complete without a visit to Masai Mara. They regard |
| adventure you're looking for. There's no end of things | | | | themselves not just as residents of this area but as |
| to explore; from the highlands of central Kenya to | | | | much a part of the life of the land, as the land is part |
| the great Rift valley; from the elephants of Amboseli | | | | of their lives. |
| wallowing in a small watering hole, to the vast shores | | | | A visit to Kenya is a veritable life-changing experience |
| of Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world; | | | | filled with an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, |
| and from the spectacular views of Africa's highest | | | | zebras, black rhino, lions, leopards and various |
| point, Mount Kilimanjaro, down to a coast of | | | | antelope. One visit alone will be enough to make you |
| shimmering white sands along the Indian Ocean. | | | | understand Earnest Hemmingway's words, |
| Soak up the wonders of nature while camping under | | | | "unknowable, unimaginable, unbelievable... and |
| the stars out in the bush, hundreds of miles away | | | | completely unforgettable. |
| from civilization, or relax in luxury at one of the | | | | |