The Lakes Region
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Central Highlands
The Central Highlands of Kenya, located north of Nairobi, encompass several famous national parks across its expanse. This region offers some of the most spectacular landscapes of verdant jungle, clusters of conifers and shamba-dotted plains, all on a rugged mountain backdrop. At the heart sits the magnificent Mt. Kenya, but there are several other ridges of mountains winding across the region, like the Matthews and Aberdare Range. Between these ranges, fertile valleys have bloomed into a patchwork of coffee plantations, now acting as the main export for the area.
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Mt. Kenya juts up out of wildlife-laden plains of Mt. Kenya National Park to create such a breathtaking landscape that it inspired the name of the country in which it sits. The Matthews Range offers a secluded mountain experience that while less iconic than Mt. Kenya, is no less beautiful. The juniper and cycad forest that sits between its rocky peaks harbors not only the indigenous Samburu people, but also wildlife like elephants, buffalo and leopards.
Samburu National Reserve curves along the banks of the Ewaso Ng-iro River. Due to the precious water provided by the river, the ecosystem is able to support thick riverine forests, groves of doum palms and a spectacular array of wildlife. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and buffalo can be seen wandering across the plains while hippos and crocodiles wallow in the river and over 350 species of birds flit about. An ornithologist's dream, the reserve's bird life includes Carmine bee-eaters, ostriches, lilac-breasted rollers, Marabou storks and countless other fascinating species.
Meru National Park is a tangle of sky-high grasses, verdant jungle and lush swamps that conceal elusive wildlife. Look carefully and watch as creatures like elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, black rhinos and rare species of antelopes reveal themselves. Once riddled by poaching problems, staunch conservation efforts have made this park into one of the most promising areas for game-viewing adventures.
Laikipia Plateau is mostly covered by privately owned ranches of which many have been turned into wildlife conservancies like Lewa, Ol Pejeta, Solio, Borana, Ol Lentille, Loisaba, Tumaren, Mugie and more.
Amboseli & Chyulu Hills
Amboseli National Park is located in southeast Kenya. The park is relatively small at just 150 square miles but is the second most visited park in the country after the Mara. The area is home to a large system of swamps which helps make this arid part of Kenya a superior safari location. Amboseli offers visitors some of the best elephant viewing in Africa. Other animals including cape buffalo, impala, lion, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest are prevalent. As visitors explore the park they are also able to enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. The best camps in Amboseli are located on private land concessions adjacent to the park. These areas offer safari goers the chance to explore the park proper with the rest of the crowds where the wildlife is most dense and then retreat to a semblance of privacy compared to the camps and large lodges within the park. Access is via small plane transfer flights and long and dusty road transfers. From Amboseli, visitors can choose to fly on to their next safari stop in Kenya or be transferred to the Namanga Border to enter Tanzania. From here you are just a couple of hours to Arusha, Moshi or Tarangire National Park.
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Also located in southeast Kenya, the Chyulu Hills are adjacent to the Amboseli National Park. It is considered one of the most photogenic regions in Kenya thanks to the landscape of rugged craters and sprawling, acacia dotted grasslands. Fertile volcanic soil has created a habitat that draws a wide array of magnificant wildlife, including some of Kenya's last wild black rhinos. The gently rolling slopes of the Chyullu Hills hides a hidden gem--one of the longest lava tubes in the world. Seasonal rainfall feeds into the Tsavo and Galana rivers, helping to bring a sweeping transformation of green lushness to the plains. Such verdant habitat attracts creatures like buffalo, bushbuck, elands, elephants, leopards, forest bush pigs, mountain reedbuck and wild dogs. This intriguing landscape offers guests spectacular game viewing, as well as both above ground adventures and cave exploration. Access to this area is via scheduled or charter flights.
Republic of Congo
The Republic of Congo is a brand new destination! We are thrilled to be including safari adventures to trek to see Western Lowland Gorillas. The sparsely populated Republic of the Congo is a surprising central African gem with seemingly endless pristine tropical forest and fingers of moist savannah covering its interior. Odzala-Kokoua National Park lies is the remote north of the country - in the heart of the Congo Basin, the world's second largest expanse of tropical rain forest. Aside from a host of forest biodiversity, it holds Africa's densest population of Western Lowland Gorillas. It is also renowned as the richest forest block in central Africa for primates species with eleven diurnal species recorded.
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Activities range from gorilla tracking (habituated groups), pirogue rides along lush river systems, night drives in the savannah, walks along lush forest streams and salines, and of course time spent at the productive forest bais.
Malawi
Malawi is a little-known gem of a country in the heart of central southern Africa that offers a true African experience. It is a long and narrow landlocked country, and Lake Malawi, nearly 600km long and up to 80km wide, dominates the countryside. When David Livingstone arrived at the lakeshore in 1861, he was the first European explorer to see the Lake, and was so awestruck that he started missions here.
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Malawi's landscape has been shaped by Africa's Great Rift Valley. Towering mountains, lush, fertile valley floors and enormous crystal clear lakes are hallmarks of much of the Rift Valley - and Malawi displays them all. Fertile soils are a result of the Rift Valley and evidence of this is to be found everywhere in Malawi. Throw a seed on the ground and a plant grows there.
There are rolling hills, plateaus, cool misty mountains and wide-ranging scenery. Each of the many diverse habitats are protected within Malawi's eleven national parks and game reserves - from elephants to orchids.
Malawi is a warm and welcoming country that offers visitors wonderful scenery, fascinating parks and some of the friendliest people in Africa. It is no wonder that it is known as the "friendly heart of Africa."
The calm, clear waters of Lake Malawi are a great lure and there is plenty of opportunity to experience the lake more closely - either on it or in it. With some of the best fresh water diving and snorkeling in the world, along with fun sailing and boating options, there is something for everyone.
Mozambique
A country defined by its endless white sand beaches and thriving marine ecosystems, Mozambique is a diving and snorkeling paradise. The Quirimbas and Bazaruto Archipelagos offer incredible beach experiences for both those seeking adventure and those wanting to unwind away from the hectic pace of life. Dive beneath the turquoise waves and explore reefs teeming with vibrant tropical fish. Snorkel beside sea turtles as they flap gracefully through the crystal-clear water. Come face to face with rare dugongs as they feed on vast beds of sea grass. Stroll along the beach in search of seashells or enjoy a champagne sundowner on a traditional dhow sailboat.
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Get lost in a good book as your hammock sways gently in the warm ocean breezes. Indulge in delectable dishes that blend the freshest catch of the day with Portuguese flavors from the country’s colonial past. Ease into the rhythms of island life in the privacy of your luxurious beachfront bungalow and let your stress melt away.
Seychelles
Idyllic and remote, the Seychelles are an archipelago paradise amid the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Located right by the equator, the 115 islands are a blend of townships, private islands and uninhabited sanctuaries for birds and marine life. Ease into the utter bliss of island life where your days are measured in the rise and fall of tides and everything moves at a leisurely pace. Lounge in a hammock, cocktail in hand, beneath the swaying palms or soak in your private plunge pool overlooking the ocean. Indulge in a relaxing massage or do yoga right in your luxurious villa.
Wander through the distinctive granite boulders that define many of the Seychelles beaches. Stroll along the beach right from your villa, looking for seashells and enjoying the warm breezes. Sit with the giant Aldabra tortoises as they slowly munch on the native gardens. Hike through tropical forests as rare birdlife flits overhead or cast your line over the coral flats as sunrise casts the world in a pink glow. Dive beneath the turquoise waters to discover reefs teeming with colorful fish and sea turtles. Snorkel beside playful dolphins as they glide effortlessly through the water.
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Rwanda
A land of rolling green hills and lush forests, Rwanda is a lively and fascinating country with so much to offer international travelers. Welcoming and friendly, this nation is not just moving on from a painful past but thriving in the modern era. Innovative and progressive sustainability measures have made Rwanda a leader not just in Africa but also worldwide. Thanks to a very conservation-minded government, the national parks are also doing beautifully.
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Trek through the mist covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park where wild mountain gorillas roam free. Watch for rare birdlife and golden monkeys hidden amid the vine laden trees. Take in the sweeping forest views from your private balcony as you sip on coffee brewed from locally grown beans.
Venture into the newly reopened Akagera National Park, known as one of Africa’s most successful conservation stories, where rich volcanic soils and a large lake have created a haven for wildlife. Spend the morning tracking lions and leopards or drift past grazing giraffes and elephants you go birdwatching on the lake. Soak in the panoramic lake vistas from the deck of your camp as you sample local flavors.
Back in Kigali, explore the rhythms of the city by perusing local markets or visiting the Genocide Museum.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a country of dramatic landscapes, ancient churches and fascinating tribal diversity. As one of the only countries in Africa to never have been colonized, the nation has a rich heritage all their own. From ancient Coptic Christian churches carved directly into the rock to the remote tribes of the Omo Valley, Ethiopia is full of experiences that have stood the test of time. Venture deep into the heart of the Omo Valley to meet the many tribes that call it home. Take in their elaborate body adornments inspired by the natural world…flowers piled atop their heads, thick layers of beaded necklaces draped around their necks, wooden lip plates, and intricate designs painted with white mud on their bodies.
Watch the death-defying antics of the gelada baboons as they raid the precariously terraced crops of farmers on the steep slopes of the Semien Mountains. Hike through the giant lobelias in the Bale Mountains in search of the beautiful Ethiopian foxes. Marvel at the incredible feats of architecture that created the stone churches of Lalibela, carved directly into the earth. Soar in a helicopter over the extraordinary tapestry of colors in the Danakil Depression before tiptoeing around the neon yellow sulfur deposits and rusty red and blue hot springs. This is truly a landscape unlike anywhere else on the planet.
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Morocco
As the bridge between Africa and Europe, Morocco is a fascinating blend of African, Arabic, European and Berber influences that is readily felt throughout its culture, history and people’s daily lives. Sample local cuisine so delectable it will have you buying your own tagine and arsenal of spices from the souks to take back home. Hike through the snowcapped Atlas Mountains or explore the hidden villages and fertile valleys strewn with olive groves that lie between.
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Wander the meandering alleyways of a souk lined with stalls piled high with artisan goods…locally tanned leather, hand-woven carpets and elaborately embellished shoes. Follow your nose to carts wafting aromatic steam as streets chefs hawk their specialties. Explore ancient mosques and forlorn relics etched with the daily visits of thousands of worshippers.
Escape into a bygone era with the intricate floor to ceiling mosaics, shimmering chandeliers and oversized palms of your riad. Sip mint tea and inhale the air scented by orange blossoms on your rooftop as the sun sets over the city. Embrace your early explorer as you venture to the heart of the Sahara where a luxurious desert encampment awaits. Lose yourself as your gaze at the endless stars arcing overhead in the crystal-clear desert air.
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