African Safaris: Seeing the Big Five

African Safaris: Seeing the Big Five

Safari, So Good

Seeing the Big Five is top of many peoples’ wish lists for the holiday of a lifetime. If you’re looking for seriously memorable safari holidays, Kenya offers it all. Fantastic game viewing, great value for money and great beach resorts for some rest and relaxation after your exertions.

Take Five

For many wildlife fans, the closest they’ve been to some of nature’s most impressive beasts is in their lounge watching TV or the local zoo. Imagine the thrill, then, of being able to get up close and personal with these amazing animals on the safari of a lifetime. You can take your pick of one of many Kenya holidays that provide this exact experience, where you can hit the safari trail and track down the ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo). These titans of the safari world are among the biggest draws in a country that is also home to fascinating cities and world class beaches. Animal spotters will be heading to the famous national parks, though, pair of binoculars in hand and cameras at the ready. It doesn’t hurt, of course, that safaris take place against some truly spectacular natural backdrops, with leopards napping and buffalo on the move on cinematic plains or beneath the imposing peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Whatever your safari expectations or preferences, Kenya really does offer the full package, and will provide experiences and memories that will last for years to come.

Twin-Win Situation

With such great variety on offer, it makes sense to take in as much as possible on your Kenyan adventure, and so twin centre holidays are very much the way forward. Because of the distances involved, fly-in game viewing is a popular option, with travel by light aircraft into the heart of each national park an extremely popular option. One of the most famous spots in Kenya – and for very good reason - is the Masai Mara. It’s here in one of the world’s most impressive national parks that the sprawling plains and bush create a near-perfect environment for spotting some of the world’s most spectacular natural sights. You can stay in a modern, luxurious safari lodge and wake up as the sun rises to head out with your professional guide to enjoy a full day of action-packed adventure. Head back to the city to unwind and then fly out again to Tsavo East and Tsavo West, which together make up one if the world’s largest game sanctuaries. As well as the Big Five, in these parks you can see a fantastic selection of migratory birds, or crocodiles sunbathing on one of the world’s longest lava flows at Yatta Plateau. By splitting your time between two sites, you can really maximise your wildlife spotting.

Raising the Zanzibar

Then, unwind after your safari with a relaxing stay on one of the stunning beaches of intriguing, rustic and unspoiled Zanzibar. Zanzibar holidays offer an Indian Ocean retreat that combines luxury with a sense of still being far from the crowds. Lying 25 miles off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a direct flight from Nairobi and is known as ‘spice island’, the breeze carrying the evocative aromas of cardamom and cloves. After the natural wonders of those Kenyan wildlife sanctuaries, you can soak up some culture in Stone Town. Here, the markets and bazaars teem with locals going about their daily business, a colourful mix of commerce and custom. After a couple of days’ sightseeing, you can beat a retreat to Baraza, with its fine beaches and coral reef. Among the few decisions to be made is how to split your time between sun lounger and sea, with some truly great diving and snorkelling to be had and a fruity cocktail waiting for you as the sun goes down.