5 Things I Learned Traveling to Kenya

Kenya is A Year-Round Travel Destination

Don’t just travel to Kenya during high season, there is wonderful game viewing and a mild climate year-round. I was there during “rainy season” and the rain was minimal but we had the opportunity of having some of the parks completely to ourselves. If seeing the migration is important, you can easily fly from multiple locations in Kenya to wherever it's happening at the time. This beautiful video from Angama Mara, a gorgeous lodge located in the Mara Triangle shows the unbelievable wildlife captured during every month of the year.

The Beaches Are Underrated

The Kenyan coastline offers some of the continent’s most beautiful and pristine beaches I’ve ever seen. Many travelers choose to fly off to Zanzibar for the ultimate beach vacation overlooking the Kenyan Coast, however just an hour flight from Nairobi are the stunning beaches of Diani, Watamu and Malindi. Make sure you visit Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant in Diani Beach which is almost 180,000 years old and offers some of the best cuisine in the area.

Sundowners

A sundowner is an African happy hour, one of the best parts of being on safari. After a late afternoon game drive chairs, snacks, drinks and a fire are set up in the middle of the bush. Watch an unforgettable African sunset surrounded by nature and often accompanied by an animal sighting or traditional Maasai dance.

The Culture is Vibrant

The Maasai and Samburu tribes, among many others in the region are some of the oldest in the world and have existed for centuries. Kenya is a special place and home to Africa’s most famous ethnic group of semi nomadic people who gave us an incredible insight into their culture and lifestyle. The best guide was Samuel Lengalai, nicknamed “Brown” who was recently featured in AFAR magazine and works in the Loisaba Conservancy.

The Most Important Things for Safari

The most important things are comfortable basics you can layer, good binoculars and a quality camera. All of the info you read will tell you: wear neutral colors, waterproof clothing, no blue, red, black or bright colors. We learned that the only animal that can see color is the giraffe. The local guides often wear bright red traditional clothing; just bring comfortable, light athletic wear which will dry quickly. There is no need to worry about food, bathrooms or lodges as they were all fantastic.