Kenya Safaris
Organized Vehicle Safaris
Safaris typically start and end in either Mombasa or Nairobi. Once you are in the park you will be taken on a number of game drives, usually two to three per day. Each game drive lasts 2 to 2.5 hours and they are the most popular method of game viewing. The vehicles used for these drives have six to eight seats, either minibuses with roof hatches, Land Rovers, or open-sided trucks. You’ll be at leisure as a rule between late morning and around 3pm (except for lunch) when you will be taken for a late game viewing drive.
Hot Air Balloon Rides Safari
In the major game areas a balloon safari is not technically a safari; but a morning outing. It started in 1988 and it creates a memory you won’t soon forget, depending on the weather. These trips are popular and very pricey in the US$300-400 range per person including breakfast champagne. Hot air balloon trips often take off from several places in the Masai Mara.
This area is one of the most popular hot air ballooning centers in the world. Transportation is arranged to take people from lodges and camps (including Keekorok Lodge, Little Governor’s camp, Fig Tree camp, Masai Mara Sopa Lodge and Mara Serena Lodge) to the nearest balloon launching site and each balloon carries about ten passengers. However, the animals below seem uninterested with the vast shapes overhead. The following are different lodges or companies where bookings can be made for this balloon safaris
Camping Safari
Camping in the bush is the best way to get a real taste of Africa. Meals cooked on open wood fire acquire a unique flavor and the sounds of the African night provide a lasting memory for visitors. Camping safari cater for budget travelers and for those who want to put up with discomfort. They are no frills safaris with none of life’s little luxuries such as iced drinks or running water. Such safaris depend on where you go and you will be expected to lend a hand. The price of camping safari includes three meals a day cooked by camp cooks . Food is plain but of the plentiful variety. The price also includes all the necessary camping gear except sleeping bags which you must provide or hire locally. The tents which are provided sleep two people as a rule. The amount of luggage is limited. For a single traveler, the supplement of between 20% to 25% on the price of the safari will secure a tent of his/her own.
Walking Safari
Walking safaris last anywhere from a few hours to several days. The bush can be examined up close and at a slower pace. These foot safaris give you the feeling of being part of the bush life. East Africa offers unlimited opportunities for unstructured rambling. Lake Naivasha is a good base for day walks with Hell’s Gate National Park, and Mount Longonot all near by. Walking is the best way to see the country side and provides an environmentally friendly safari.
For those who want to get around but don’t want to spend their entire time in a safari bus, a number of companies are offering walking safaris.
Popular Searches
August 3rd, 2009 12:41 am
[...] Also read articles: Hot Air Balloon in Kenya Kenya Safari [...]