Join Phil in Kenya
9 Oct 2019
Hakuna matata Kenya!
We’ve all watched the BBC wildlife documentaries and wondered if it’s possible to get that close to that dazzle of zebra or tower of giraffe and whether lions really do just saunter past canopy-top Land Cruisers with nary a care in the world.
As we celebrate 30 years of Phil Hoffmann Travel, join Phil in one of his favourite destinations - Kenya in September 2020. Offering a travel experience so richly different from probably any other holiday you’ll have ever been on, where else on earth can you fall asleep in an uber-luxe tent to the sound of hyena cackling, witness a million pink flamingos take flight from a great soda lake or a tense migration of wildebeest? Kenya boasts scenery so spectacular; it’ll quickly deplete the memory chip of any digital camera as that shutter moves into action!
For its size, Kenya packs a lot in; a Great Rift Valley, plenty of mountains and deserts, lakes, colourful tribal culture and platinum wildlife viewing possibilities. Stunning landscapes set the scene. From the rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara to the Great Rift Valley cleaving a massive gash through it all, travel aboard custom-designed 4x4 Toyota Land cruisers on a Kenya safari, where we’ve packed in the most incredible highlights.
Justifiably world-famous for its wildlife, featured Kenyan parks and conservancies including Samburu, Ol Pejeta, the Great Rift Valley lakes of Nakuru and Naivasha and the legendary Masai Mara are among the finest places in Africa to witness elephant, lion, leopard and the famous wildebeest migration. Indeed, Ol Pejeta is noted for its rare population of the critically endangered northern white rhino and the rare African wild dog. Kenya is also an ornithologist paradise, rating in the top five.
The Masai Mara stretches over 1500 sq. km of open rolling grasslands, backed by an escarpment, watered by the mighty Mara River and studded with an incredible amount of wildlife.
Of the big cats, lions are found in large prides everywhere, and it is not uncommon to see them hunting Thompson’s gazelle, wildebeest and in fact anything in proximity. A cackle of hyena will circle, and a venue of vulture will hover, offering great indication a kill has occurred. Cheetah can sometimes be found draped across elevated ant mounts and leopards are elusive tree climbers. Elephant, buffalo, zebra and hippo also exist in large numbers.
The ultimate attraction is undoubtedly the annual wildebeest migration in July to September, when millions of these ungainly beasts move north from the Serengeti. Endless columns can be seen grazing or trudging along in quiet unison.
On our Kenyan safari, you’ll eat like a king and sleep like a log at luxury lodges and permanent tented camps that defy convention. Forget the word tent. This word is almost an affront when used to describe the lavish canvas-enclosed boudoirs with attached en suite bathroom that pepper the Kenyan veld. Expect king beds dressed in fine linens, mood lighting, contemporary or antique furniture and a host of pleasing camp amenities such as a restaurant, bar, boutique and even a swimming pool.
A breakfast of bacon and eggs with all the trimmings tastes even finer when enjoyed out bush along a river with views of wallowing hippo. For an out of Africa experience, enjoy a luncheon at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, try jumping as high as the Maasai and be sure to enjoy an ice-cold Tusker lager as the sun sets on yet another day. And pick up a pair of Bata safari boots from the Bata boutique across the road from the Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi. These will give you far greater safari cred than a metre-long telephoto lens!
Come to Kenya and allow your breath to be taken away. Beyond anything else, you’ll be struck by the warm-heartedness and vitality of the African people.
Our Captivating Kenya Safari departs Adelaide on 4 September 2020. Twin share pricing starts from $12,199 (Single supplement – $1,699). Escorted by Phil Hoffmann, enjoy the following inclusions: return economy class flights from Adelaide, 11 nights first class lodges and luxury tented camps, travel by custom-designed 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser (guaranteed window seat) with expert Kenyan guides, 29 meals inc bottled water on safari, 1 hour deep tissue massage, all luggage porterage, safari hat and safari essentials pack, gratuities and more.