Safari Parks & Reserves

Borana Conservancy is an exclusive, privately owned wildlife sanctuary on the Laikipia Plateau, bordering Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. In 2014, Borana removed its fence with Lewa, creating a combined 93,000-acre wildlife corridor that has dramatically boosted rhino and elephant conservation across the region. Covering 135 square kilometres of open savannah, rocky outcrops, and cedar forests on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya, Borana offers an intimate and luxurious safari experience. The conservancy is home to all Big Five and supports an important population of black and white rhinos. With just a handful of exclusive lodges, visitor numbers are kept deliberately low.

Rubondo Island National Park is a hidden gem in the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. The park encompasses the main Rubondo Island and several smaller islets, covering 457 square kilometers of dense tropical forest, papyrus wetlands, and sandy beaches. It is one of Africa's best-kept secrets and one of the continent's most unusual national parks. Originally a wildlife sanctuary established to protect introduced populations of chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes, and colobus monkeys, Rubondo has evolved into a thriving ecosystem. The island is a paradise for bird watchers with over 300 species including the elusive shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and countless waterbirds. Sport fishing for Nile perch in the lake's waters is world-class, with catches exceeding 100 kilograms. The park offers a uniquely tranquil safari experience far removed from the traditional dusty game drive.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the world's first transfrontier conservation areas, straddling the border between Botswana and South Africa. Famous for its red Kalahari dunes, iconic black-maned lions, and large herds of gemsbok against dramatic desert landscapes, it is one of southern Africa's finest wildlife destinations. The park's dry riverbeds concentrate predators and prey in spectacular fashion.

Shimba Hills National Reserve is a lush coastal rainforest reserve perched on a ridge above Kenya's south coast, just 30 kilometres from the beaches of Diani. It is the only place in Kenya where the endangered sable antelope can be found, making it an essential stop for serious wildlife enthusiasts visiting the coast. Covering 192 square kilometres of rolling green hills, tropical forest, and grasslands, Shimba Hills supports a healthy elephant population alongside buffalo, leopard, giraffe, and abundant birdlife. The Sheldrick Falls — a 25-metre waterfall reached by a scenic forest trail — is the reserve's most popular attraction. The park provides a refreshing counterpoint to beach holidays with its cool, elevated climate.

Watamu Marine National Park is one of Kenya's oldest and most beautiful marine protected areas, encompassing pristine coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests along the coast north of Mombasa. Designated as part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Watamu's crystal-clear waters support exceptional marine biodiversity. Covering 10 square kilometres of ocean, the park protects some of East Africa's healthiest coral formations, home to over 600 fish species, three species of sea turtles, and seasonal whale sharks and manta rays. The park includes the famous Turtle Bay, a sheltered lagoon perfect for snorkelling, and the mysterious Mida Creek mangrove ecosystem.