14 DAYS KENYA: GO SOUTH

As the Zebra Plains camp lies close to the Masai Mara National Reserve, their walking safaris are next level. While walking with two Maasai (one armed for protection) and an experienced guide, this is your chance to get closer than ever to giraffes, zebras, impala and all the other animals in this area. What’s more, the Maasai will teach you how to identify and differentiate wildlife footprints and plants, leaving you feeling like a true nature warrior in your own right!

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous places for safari worldwide. Located 270 kilometres west of Nairobi, this is one of the biggest game reserves in Africa. It extends over 1,500 km² and has more than 400 species of birds and no less than 95 species of mammals. Big cats are frequently spotted here, and this is THE place to watch the world-famous Great Migration between August and October, with its vast herds of wildebeests and zebras crossing the Mara River.

Have you ever wanted to pass floating hippos by boat? Seek no longer: during a boat safari on Lake Naivasha this is exactly what will happen. You will pass between huge groups of hippos while seeing eagles and cormorants flying above you, and admiring giraffes on the shore. The safari on board a small motorized boat takes about 60 minutes and ends on the beautiful Crescent Island, where you will continue with a stunning walking safari between zebras, giraffes and wildebeests.

After driving towards Amboseli National Park today, you end your day in style with a classic safari sundowner. Upon arrival in the lodge and after freshening up, a guide accompanies you to a special sundowner spot. The short walk over the savannah leads to a table and chairs, glasses and drinks, snacks and, of course, a view to die for. With some luck, you see the Amboseli animals passing while the sun slowly sets in the most beautiful glow over the long savannah grasses...

Discover the mesmerizing Amboseli National Park, a true wildlife haven at the foot of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The national park on the border with Tanzania offers sweeping savannahs, impressive lava rocks and shimmering swamps, creating an ideal habitat for large herds of elephants, graceful lions, a staggering variety of bird species and many more animals. Shoot them all (with your camera, of course!) with the mighty Kili in the background – an amazing sight!

Tsavo West National Park is a park that shows a diverse and remarkable nature with, for example, the Mzima Springs, the Shetani Lava Flows and the Chaimu crater. With its 9,065 square kilometres, this is one of Kenya's largest national parks, and four of the Big Five can be seen roaming freely here. Besides, you fairly easily spot regulars like giraffes, zebras, antelopes, gerenuks and many different species of birds, all between the green hills, acacia forests, savannah, natural springs and huge lava rocks from nearby volcanos.

Mzima Springs in Tsavo West National Park is a series of four natural springs of crystal clear water gushing out from underneath the dry lava rock. This two-kilometre-long stream is a heavenly pool for hippos and crocs, who come here to cool down. You need to be lucky, but if they are there, you can watch them from above or through a window in an underwater tunnel below the spring. The super clear water allows you to see every tumble and turn - a joy to watch!

Embark on an unforgettable train ride through the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya's national parks. While heading to Mombasa, expect some great sightings of animals and nature; you might even see the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance! So sit back, grab some snacks and enjoy this nature documentary on rails. Once there, you either stay in a resort on Diani Beach or go to the exclusive tropical island of Chale!

Chale Island is one of Kenya's precious jewels, a true paradise with amazingly white beaches and a crystal blue ocean, just off the country's south coast. This small, tropical island is also known as a sacred kaya, one of the places of ancient worship you find along Kenya's coast, which makes it extra special. What's more, it has rich and diverse oceanic underwater life and offers a plethora of water activities. Lovers of water sports, diving and beach will feel right at home here, especially when staying in The Sands Hotel - the island's only (!) and beautiful beach resort.