KENYA

The best of Kenya

Highlights: World-class jungle lodges | Close encounters with the Big 5 | Masai villages

No. of Days: 14

Overview: Think miles of golden savannah, stretching to what seems like the end of the earth. In here, live a vast amount of wild animals, who you bump into every five minutes of your safari. Then when you go back to your jungle lodge, the rendezvous doesn’t end. There are few boundaries that keep the animals away, giving you a 24-hour access to them. Kenya is one of the greatest wildlife-watching destinations on earth – a veritable pilgrimage to any wildlife enthusiast. Gaze at the swaying mane of lions, wildebeasts, zebras, giraffes, leopards and more. Elephants amble in groups, unbothered by the extra company. If you’re lucky, witness a hunting scene and freeze that moment on film. Let the stirring sunsets help you get otherworldly photographs.

Then there are the people of the land – the Maasai, the Samburu, the Turkana, the Swahili and the Kikuyu – who respect their surroundings and live in great harmony with it. Visit their homes and see their folk performances up close. Culturally, this could be the highlight of your trip. This is also a land of great inspiration. Kenya’s wild lands had almost emptied out in 1970s and 80s, but the country was able to come back from the brink of having its reserves entirely poached out and is now a stellar example of conservation in the world

What to Expect: There has to be some amount of sacrifice in order to set your eyes on the wonders of nature. Expect short flights in rudimentary airplanes between parks and lodges, if you’re covering multiple destinations. But do expect the warmest hospitality and the most atmospheric jungle lodges that help get in tune with nature. Meeting local tribes and seeing their lives at close quarters, is yet another experience that is unforgettable. Then there is the wildlife. Be prepared, that no other wildlife trip else will ever amaze you after this trip.

Get in touch: +91 9303048400; holiday@icecubes.in