“The early morning light, so beautiful everywhere on earth, has in Africa the look of the very first day: there is a radiance, a sweetness, a richness to it streaming over the golden grass that makes it almost palpable: the animals standing out on the plains are sculptured by it into living statues: the grasses are turned into shimmering molten wire.” Evelyn Ames, A Glimpse of Eden

“As I realize that I am at last off again for the wilderness… I can begin to live once more.” Martin Johnson, Camera Trails in Africa

“We truly loved camp life. Thank you for the extra touches, your vegan meals were the best.” Guest comment

When should we begin planning our safari?

It is best to begin planning well in advance, possibly up to a year or more if you wish to book during peak holiday times. Early booking ensures the availability of Ninian as your guide, and confirmations for the best campsites and privately hosted lodges. Please specify the number of people in your party and any other details of personal importance, as well as your preferred dates. We will then send you a proposed itinerary for you to look over. This is the start of an exciting planning process. Ninian visits America, Canada and Europe every year and enjoys meeting with you prior to your safari to discuss your travel plans and address outstanding questions. Then, on your arrival in Africa, a familiar face meets you and your adventure begins!

When is the best time of year to visit?

There is no best time of year for a safari. Africa’s geographical diversity means its climate is varied. The busiest seasons, mainly due to school vacations and holiday times, are over Christmas and New Year, and from the beginning of June to the end of August.

What is the ideal group size?

We organise safaris for private groups ranging in size from one person travelling alone to large “incentive” or film groups. Most of the time, however, we take families and their friends on safari in groups of four to 16. We love having children on safari and our itineraries include diverse activities appropriate for people of all ages.

What should we bring on safari?

As pre-safari correspondence begins, Lara will send you information that will assist you in packing and preparing for your safari. These materials will include suggestions on what clothes to bring (keeping in mind that laundry in most camps is a free and daily service), recommended baggage, advice on photographic equipment and film, binoculars, information about visas and health issues, and suggested reading material about Africa. In addition, you will receive a complete itinerary with detailed descriptions of the places you will be visiting.

Other Preparations/Special requests

We are happy to do what we can to accommodate any unique dietary, medical or personal requirements you may have, to ensure that your safari is as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

Links that may be of interest

Earth and Moon Viewer: Interactive server which lets you view the Earth and Moon, as illuminated by the Sun at the time of your request, from a variety of viewpoints.

Your Sky makes custom maps of the sky for any location on Earth and any date from 4713 B.C. into the distant future. Maps can include stars as faint as magnitude 6.5, constellation names, outlines, and boundaries, the Moon and planets, deep sky objects from a database of more than 500, and a comet or asteroid whose position is calculated from its orbital elements. A variety of display options allow customizing the map for its intended use.

Download google earth to map out your safari route.

Current weather forecasts

Interested in Pre-history? Include visits to famous fossil and archaeological sites such as Koobi Fora in Sibiloi National Park in your safari itinerary. Learn more about the Turkana Basin Institute set up up by Dr. Richard Leakey.

The Northern Rangelands Trust facilitates the development of community-led conservation initiatives in northern Kenya. Find out more...

The Tusk Trust is a dynamic organisation that has considerable experience initiating and funding conservation and community development programmes right across Africa...learn more about their projects.

Wildlife Direct

Amboseli Elephant Research Project

“Environmental Education Through Film” – The African Environmental Film Foundation (AEFF) produces educational films about environmental issues, specifically made for local people and narrated in their own languages. The films aim to illustrate the sustainable financial benefits that people can get from wildlife and wild habitats. AEFF’s films have reached an audience of over 3 million people in East Africa, the films are shown to school children, youth and community groups and women’s groups, as well as to community leaders and other people in authority. AEFF has a permanent, fully professional film team headed by Simon Trevor, an international award winning filmmaker.

Nature Kenya: the East Africa Natural History Society

If you are interested in gemstones from Africa such as Tsavorite and Tanzanite as well as other precious and semi precious stones we can arrange a private view with Lapigems, who are highly regarded in their field.