Laikipia, Samburu, Mathew's & Mara

The capital of Kenya, Nairobi is a major city and the primary transport hub for East Africa. It's a typically hectic place, but with some pleasant quiet suburbs, a good range of hotels and some interesting activities, notably the famous giraffe and baby elephant sanctuaries.

Set 130 km north of Nairobi, the Laikipia South is much less remote and wild than most safari areas, but does contain several important private wildlife reserves, with a notable focus on rhino conservation. Guest accommodation is in a good range of lodges.

Set 230 km north of Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve is an arid and particularly atmospheric safari area, with a full range of wildlife, notably including Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes and gerenuks. Guest accommodation is in a wide range of lodges, the best of which are mostly located in the peaceful private conservancies around the periphery.

Set 280 km northeast of Nairobi, the Mathew’s Range is a wonderful remote safari area. Guest accommodation is in a handful of very cool camps, offering an unusually wide range of active, safari and cultural activities, notably including rhino tracking and a baby elephant sanctuary.

Set 200 km west of Nairobi, Mara Confluence is the sector of the Maasai Mara which is best known for migration river crossings Jul-Oct and has a very wide range of lodge options. But some serious traffic issues.

Set 200 km west of Nairobi, Mara Triangle is the sector of the Maasai Mara which is best known for migration river crossings Jul-Oct, with guest accommodation in a good range of properties and offering a decent range of safari and cultural activities. But with significant traffic issues.