If all you know of wild Africa is the Lion King or the characters in Madagascar, you’re in for a big surprise. Irrespective of the number of documentaries on the wildlife you may have seen, nothing prepares you for the real encounter with the real animals – in their natural habitats.
A safari vacation should be on every person’s wish list of the greatest adventures in life. Translated from Kiswahili (an East African language) the word safari means “going on a journey.” It is more of like going upcountry where wild things are – but unlike what people used to do before (carry a tent and rifle), today, all you need is a good quality camera. The safari destinations are dotted with the best lodges and camps to accommodate the needs of every traveler. These lodges are well built with perfect décor; it would be hard to believe you are in the middle of a bush.
However, since not all accommodations are created equal, it’s always a good idea to take time to do your research to find out what works best for you. You can also have a trusted travel operator take care of finding the best Kenyan lodges for you – to remove the stress out of the process. But just as a pointer, here is a brief guide to picking the best lodge for your safari in Kenya:
The aesthetics
Aesthetics are paramount – it shows the dedication of the lodge to customer satisfaction. It also makes you fall in love with where you are. Ideally, you want to find a place that suits your needs and preference – whether you love the luxe life or are into minimally styled rooms and so on.
The service
You want to stay in a lodge that’s known to offer stellar customer care. As with anything in life, you are bound to need a little help here or there, and when you do, you want someone to be there to help you out. The good thing about many Kenya lodges is that they offer extraordinary service to all guests. But still, it’s good to check out reviews before picking any lodges. A safari is usually a once-in-a-lifetime experience; you should get nothing but the best out of it.
Game viewing
Kenyan safaris are synonymous with the “Big Five” which include the lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. Lodges will often specify on their sites whether they are host to these animals or not. If you are keen on viewing these animals, then selecting a lodge that gives you a front-row seat to seeing the Big Five should be at the top of your priorities.
Accommodations
There is an incredible range of safari lodge accommodations available in Kenya – so it will all boil down to your preferences. The range includes intimate tented lodges to authentic cabins and even lodges that offer exceptional luxury in the heart of the wilderness. The choice is yours.
