Kenya is the birthplace of the Safari and is known to have some of the most incredible wildlife.

Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and African buffalos—all the members of the “Big Five”—can be found in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya year-round.

However, my experience has taught me that certain times of the year are better for visiting Kenya than others. I prefer to visit Kenya during the off-season to avoid the large crowds, which means enjoying more private time in the African bush. It also means paying lower rates, which is always a bonus!

The best times to go, then, are January and the end of March, when the climate is mild and game viewing is fantastic as ever. Mid-May is also good, once the heavy rainfalls are done. The grass tends to be taller at that time due to the rain, which makes for unique shots of wildlife peeking through the tall grass. June is right before it starts to get hot, and then come the peak-season crowds. They die down around November and December, and those months are also well worth considering; there’s something magical about being in the bush at Christmas time.

'Sustainable' Luxury Tented Camps; Keep them off the Grid.

Headed to Africa stays in eco-camps that are perfectly located for observing game up close. We collaborate with lodges and organizations in Africa that are dedicated to sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation. By supporting these initiatives, we not only get to experience the beauty of the continent but also contribute to the preservation of its unique ecosystems and wildlife. True sustainable camps mean minimal impact on the environment and thus are run on solar energy and battery-operated generators.

Every Kenyan safari is different. From cottages to canvas tents, here are some great places to stay.

• Matira Bush Camp
• Lewa House, Lewa Conservancy. ... 
• Lengishu House, Borana Conservancy. ... 
• Segera Retreat, Laikipia. ... 
• Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Ol Pejeta Conservancy. ... 
• Sasaab, Samburu. ... 
• Saruni Rhino, Samburu. ... 
• Porini Amboseli Camp, Amboseli. ... 
• Severin Safari Camp, Tsavo West.
• Sarara Camp, Samburu

Headed to Africa is all about bringing together like-minded adventurers for customized safaris that dive into wildlife conservation. These safaris are curated by expert specialist guides and conservationists.

Animals Outside My Tent at Night, what a treat.

What a way to way up in the middle of the night to have animals hovering right outside my tent..

I'll tell you about a few instances; One evening I woke up to having several Zebras resting up against my tent which left a big indentation and changed the shape of my tent. I loved hearing their hoves move around and listening to their quiet sounds and snorting. They must have been trying to keep safe!

When I stay at Matira Bush Camp, there seems to be a regular hippo visitor that comes to 'chomp' on the plethora of long grass thats grown underneath the veranda deck my tent sits on. Im often awoken by this at the late evening hours. but I got used to it each time.. One night I thought I had a lion outside my tent which actually petrified me as I was thinking my life was in the process of being compromised. It sounded as though this male lion was trying to get comfortable as he growled and snorted. I sat up in bed wide eyes and froze.. but then eventually managed to fall back to sleep. The next morning we found lion tracks near the tent, but he wasn't as close as I had originally thought, however what we found were hyena tracks right outside my tent door... so you see, its never dull in the African Bush!

Safari Game Drives:

The deeper in the bush the better. Let's make sure we deep enough in the thick of it all so that we have to be hand walked from the tent to the dining tent because we're completely surrounded by wildlife!

Lets go to remote wild landscapes to avoid crowd and have a flexible schedule so we always have ample time for photography and sundowners (snacks/drinks at sunset in the bush)!

Why not join me in Africa next year? I'm always looking for good travel companions!

Here's a few trips coming up: South Africa in June 2024, I'm partnering with world-renowned conservationist Grant Fowlds and the Project Rhino team for some amazing safari game drives and exciting hands-on conservation experiences.

I'm heading to Kenya, East Africa in September 2024 and December 2024 to visit the Masai Mara and Sambura for lion tracking and conservation visits.

Tikki Hywood Foundation

Tips and Facts About the African Bush:

• Stay in eco friendly lodges They use renewable energy sources, minimize water usage, and reduce waste.
• Many lodges offer educational programs and activities to raise awareness about conservation and the importance of protecting the environment.
• Always tip all staff at the lodges you're staying at. Your money goes a long way.
• There are 62 languages are spoken across Kenya.
• Pangolins (photo above) are the most trafficked animal in the world with demand primarily in Asia and in growing amounts in Africa for their meat and scales.

Stay adventurous and jump in a safari vehicle with me!

Lisa

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