Travelers in search of wide-open spaces and incredible wildlife are making a beeline for Kenya.
Here’s how to do the trip right, according to experts.
One reason the country has become a go-to?
Elephants on the move in Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park.Credit:MIA COLLIS/COURTESY OF SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
An increased number of flights on Kenya Airways, which is part of SkyTeam.
Other carriers that offer good one-stop connectivity from the U.S. are Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
What’s the wildlife watching like?
Breakfast at Giraffe Manor, in Nairobi.Courtesy of Giraffe Manor
And what do you oughta pack?
Here are three itineraries crafted by the pros to consider.
For a Couple
Itinerary byLeora Rothschild of Rothschild Safaris.
Taking flight above the Masai Mara.VICKI JAURON/BABYLON AND BEYOND PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES
Its the perfect way to gain a true understanding of the bush, Rothschild notes.
She also recommends an early morning hot-air balloon flight over the Mara, complete with champagne breakfast on touchdown.
Guests can also learn more about Indigenous culture on a guided visit to a Samburu manyatta, or homestead.
One of the four guest tents at Sirikoi.Courtesy of Richard’s Camp
For a Family
Itinerary byElizabeth Gordon of Extraordinary Journeys.
(From July to September, the Great Migration runs through this stretch of Kenya, too.)
For a Group of Friends
Itinerary byDaniel Saperstein of Hippo Creek Safaris.
Manzili House, in Nairobi, is the perfect landing spot.Courtesy of Manzili House
He recommends starting with a stay at Giraffe Manor, in Nairobi.
The next morning, its onward to Namunyak, andReteti House, a sibling property to Sarara Camp.
Saperstein recommends at least one private hot-air balloon flight for your group, capped with a champagne toast.
The rugged shores of Lake Turkana, in northern Kenya.PAUL & PAVEENA MCKENZIE/GETTY IMAGES
Looking out for wildlife at Richard’s River Camp.Courtesy of Richard’s Camp
Neck and neck in the race for breakfast at Giraffe Manor.Courtesy of Giraffe Manor
Segera Retreat.Courtesy of Segera Retreat
Inside the Jahazi Suite at Kenya’s Mara Plains.Courtesy of Great Plains/Mara Plains Camp