Kenya is in principle where the modern safari originated. Despite it now being home to high quality camps, the term ‘minibus safari’ is still synonymous with the country today. Careful travel planning is essential if mass tourism is to be avoided.

Geographically, Kenya is sliced in two by the equator, but enjoys the climate of the southern hemisphere, similar to Tanzania. The Great Rift Valley traverses the country from Lake Turkana in the dry, desert-like North (Chalbi Desert) via the lakes Baringo, Bogoria, Nakuru and Naivasha, to Lake Magadi in the south and the northern tip of Lake Natron in Tanzania. The country is sandwiched between the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria, and is surrounded by five neighbouring countries: Tanzania in the south, Uganda in the west, South Sudan and Ethiopia in the north and Somalia in the east.

The climate along its seemingly infinite 536 km coastline is hot and tropical. This changes as soon as you reach the highlands further inland, which vary in altitude from 1,500m to 2,000m over sea level and offer very pleasant temperatures. Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, the Laikipia Plateau, Lewa, Samburu, the Nakuru and Naivasha lakes and Mount Kenya, at 5,000m the highest peak in Kenya, are all located in this elevated region.

Kenya (50 Mio inhabitants), with the metropolis Nairobi as its capital, is the economic powerhouse of East Africa. It is followed in significance by Mombasa, which is home to Kenya’s most important seaport. Nairobi Airport is by far East Africa’s most important aviation facility and the gateway to and from neighbouring countries and Europe. It is usually the first port of call for travellers arriving in Kenya