Kenya is one of few places where Mother Nature still reigns supreme. For me, it’s the wildlife – those wondrous beasts we gawk at with equal amounts of fear and admiration – that makes a visit to Kenya truly worthwhile.

Majestic... Laikipia Plateau

The Laikipia Plateau is one of the country’s lesser-known wildlife areas.

Stretching from the foothills of Mount Kenya to the shores of Lake Baringo, the plateau is divided into huge wildlife conservancies, and is home to more endangered species than anywhere else in East Africa.It's the place to see Jackson’s hartebeest, Beisa oryx, Waller's gazelle, and Somali ostrich. 

But in amongst the various wildlife populations are a plethora of ranches and camps where luxury travellers can get up close and personal with Kenya’s rare desert species.

Luxury eco-lodge... Borana

Borana Lodge, the inspiration behind Disney’s The Lion King, is an obvious choice. 

Home to the Dyer family for three generations, the lodge houses eight cottages within the vast Ewaso ecosystem and overlooks the Samangua Valley and lake, where large elephants populations often enjoy a quick dip.

Whether you’re on the lookout for the endangered black rhino, or searching for Gravy’s zebra,  a bush dinner on Pride Rock at sundown is a must.

Lemarti's Camp is another gem – a little-known designer camp established by Anna Trzebinski and her Samburu warrior husband Lemarti.

Situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river, Lemarti’s camp takes camp-goers off the beaten track – literally. There are no safari vehicles or armed guards here and guests walk through the jungle with Samburu warriors who only carry traditional weapons.

In the wild... Joy's Camp

Five stylish safari tents with ensuite bathrooms open to the skies as Lemarti encourages cultural interaction with both the local tribesmen and the land.

Like Lemarti's, Joy’s Camp is in amongst the arid lands of the Samburu. The ten chic canvas bedrooms have breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and overlook a large natural spring where elephant and lion jostle for watering rights with herds of buffalo. 

Each tent has its own private veranda, ideal for game viewing, and is uniquely decorated with handmade glass and vibrant fabrics of the local nomadic tribes.

The camp is built on the site of Joy Adamson’s tented home in Shaba National Reserve, the same place Penny the leopard, the herione of Joy's last book, called home.  

Tented luxury... Richard's Camp

Set amongst a grove of enormous African olive trees, Richard's Camp overlooks the open plains characteristic of the Mara, where local wildlife is a frequent addition to the campsite.

At night, guests can dine in the bush alongside the hippo pools and then head back to camp on a night safari with the chance of spotting the elusive zorilla or genet cat. 

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The annual Wildebeest Migration at the Maasai Mara is a natural cycle that replenishes and renews the grasslands of East Africa.  Around 1.3 million Wildebeest gather in the Serengeti to give birth each June.

They slowly mass into a huge single herd until the dry season withers their supply of fresh grass.  The scent of rain to the North begins to draw the herd and soon the planet’s greatest animal migration is underway.  This is one of the most remarkable attractions that makes Kenya one of the best wildlife destinations in the world. Kenya’s most popular attraction, the Maasai Mara, was awarded its title for its sheer volume and variety of game.  Over the course of the migration, visitors to Kenya will have the opportunity to follow the progress of the herds and experience the full grassland cycle firsthand.  The wildebeest stretch from one horizon to the other with zebras joining the herds.
In the Maasai Mara, Africa’s largest concentrations of predators are drawn to this perfect opportunity for easy hunting. Lions are frequently seen attacking the herds.  At the same time packs of Hyena freely weave throughout the herds, singling out and separating the young and the weak. The migration is the planet’s last great epic of life and death. Of all the calves born in the Serengeti, two out of three will never return from their first and most demanding migration.

Kenya’s Maasai Mara reserve has a wide range of accommodation and travel options. There are luxury lodges, exclusive tented camps, campsites and more.
The migration can be experienced on early morning game drives in customized vehicles, walking safaris with Maasai Warrior guides, horseback safaris in areas surrounding the Mara, or even from hot air Balloon safaris over the herds.

For more information on Kenya please visit: www.magicalkenya.com