Richard Wende tells us about his recent experience in Kenya… and why now is a great time to visit.
A Kenyan safari can combine lodge stays with tented camping and visits to some of the most exciting game reserves on earth. I was here to visit the properties Bales use and explore others as Kenya is always expanding on its many fine accommodations.
Whist I was there I saw no evidence of local unrest and felt safe and welcome wherever I went. Indeed this is the perfect time to go and take advantage of the low numbers of travellers – I felt at times that I was the only one on safari. The great range of natural habitats means that there is plenty to explore, and plenty of species to encounter during your safari. This is a land of endless potential for the wildlife enthusiast. From great migratory herds of the open savannah and the incredible abundance of birdlife to the depths of the Indian Ocean teeming with fish, this is a world of natural wonders. Kenya has 59 national parks and game reserves including the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle, the annual wildebeest migration to the Masai Mara.
Few places provide the extraordinary opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat. East Africa’s reputation as the quintessential safari destination is well deserved. This is a region of dramatic contrasts and extraordinary wildlife on display in uncrowded landscapes of great beauty and variety. Indeed the very word safari was invented in Kenya where in Kiswahili it means “journey.” The boundless wilderness and big game of this region has long attracted adventure seekers from all over the globe. Few countries even come close to range of landscapes, unique geographical features and species you’ll find in Kenya.
A safari into the wilds of Kenya is a journey into nature at its purest. Everywhere you look there is a profusion of life…
About Richard Wende
Other articles by Richard Wende
I have pretty much spent the last 14 years travelling. In 1995 I felt it was time to explore the world and so I packed my brand new rucksack and headed off out the door. I started independently in New Zealand and Australia heading up towards Thailand and then via Cambodia to Vietnam before Laos and China, Tibet, Nepal and finally on to India. An incredible journey taking 5 years and me to sites such as Mount Everest, The home of the Dali Lama, The Killing Fields of Cambodia and the Great Wall Of China to name but a few.
This wasn’t enough I needed more. After returning home to see what reality was doing I was fortunate enough to be asked to join an Overland company where after being taught how to use a spanner and a hammer I headed back out in a large 18 tonne truck with some eager passengers ready to explore some more.
2000 – 2002 East and South Africa
I spent the next two years leading/driving expeditions through Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and South Africa (east side via coast to Cape Town). These itineraries would include activities such as tracking the Gorillas in Uganda, leading, driving and coordinating game drives through all national parks (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Chobe, etc), and handling inter-relationships between clients and the indigenous people as well as the various tribes (Masai, Samburu etc).
2002 – 2004 Europe, Turkey Middle East and Central Asia
This time it was the UK departures fast tracking through Europe via Sicily to Tunisia and on by way of Libya to Cairo where I led a ten day programme of the pyramids, Valley of the Kings, down too Abu Simbel.
UK to Cairo via Turkey
Ten days through Europe to Istanbul. Crossing from Dover to France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia, Macedonia and Greece. Before picking up main group and journeying through Turkey via Goreme and the coast heading south into Syria and Jordan, taking in all the famous land marks en-route and finally to Egypt.
UK to Kyrgyzstan via Iran
An exploratory expedition with ten days in Iran before heading north to Georgia and on through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and finishing with a tour of Kyrgyzstan before heading back to the UK with a new group.
2004 – 2005 South America
Ten months traversing throughout Venezuela and Brazil from Caracas to Rio de Janeiro and vice versa including all major land marks and activities such as camping in the Amazon rain Forest, hiking to Angel Falls, dancing in Salvador and carnival in Rio. Rio to Quito three months co-leading through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. Again organizing, booking and participating in all activities such as the Inca trail, the Salt Flats of Bolivia and crossing the Altiplano.
I still have and use that rucksack!
