Kanya - Unique Wildlife & Stunning Beaches

There is no experience quite like Africa. The night sky in the bush is like dark velvet and the call of the wild animals echoes hauntingly across the wide-open spaces. By day there is no thrill as exciting as suddenly seeing lions lazing in a clearing or a herd of elephants appearing through the long grass.

But Africa is more than a wild life safari. If you want to laze in the sun at any time of year, then Mombassa is the place to be. Here you will find wonderful hotels set in landscaped grounds at the edge of perfect beaches. The food is excellent and most hotels have entertainments in the grounds each evening, whether local dancers or snake charmers. You can swim, learn to scuba dive or just relax in the sun.

When you have had enough lazing about, why take in a four-day safari to Tsavo National Park and Shimba Hills and experience the real Africa. If you have never visited Africa before, this is a perfect holiday, combining the excitement of a safari with the peace of your Mombassa Hotel. If you are a keen scuba diver, then Malindi is the place to be. The underwater National Park has some of the best diving in the world.

I enjoyed five days relaxing around the pool, swimming in the clear sea and exploring Mombassa’s markets and visiting Ford Jesus. Then I was ready for the adventure of my first safari. The thrill of seeing a lion and lioness right by our track was wonderful, but then so was watching the baboons at Voi Safari Lodge and the tiny rock hyrax sunning themselves. With six of us in our truck and a splendid guide, we saw giraffe, impala, zebra, buffalo and many herds of elephants.

Shimba Hills Safari Lodge is only half a day’s drive from Mombassa, but half a world away in ambiance. Never has anywhere thrilled me as much as this place. Built entirely of logs on strong stilts at the edge of a water hole, it is pure magic. When we arrived, a herd of female elephants was walking nose to tail from the bush where they proceeded to frolic and wash in the muddy water hole. From ancient old ladies to tiny youngsters, these elephants were having a great time! I have to admit I took so many photos that I could hardly tear myself away to have a shower and change for dinner, which we ate at tables arranged on the open patio. No air-conditioning here, only a ceiling fan and mosquito net, and a candle in case of a power cut, but it was worth it. The food was terrific and we had the added interest of monkeys swinging nearby, as well as all manner of birds and insects providing a chorus of sound to accompany our dinner. Waking up next morning to see wild boar and other animals at the water hole beneath my window was just marvellous.

Perhaps the most awe inspiring sight of my safari trip was waiting quietly for hours at Tsavo West Ngolia Game Lodge one night, until we were rewarded by seeing a leopard lope out of the dark bush and climb up the tree opposite to us. Illuminated by a spot light, we could see the magnificent beast slowly devouring a huge joint of meat which had been hung there to tempt him. We could clearly hear him crunching the bone and chewing with great enjoyment. Gleaming eyes shining in the light, he was a rare sight and one I shall never forget.

So, this is an ideal way to test out how much you enjoy safari life. It is hot, dusty and the tracks are bumpy, but the rewards are worth it. You will take lots of photos and a video camera would be an advantage. If you are still keen to see more, then I would suggest a longer safari from Nairobi to take in Amboseli, the Masai Mara, Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater, or any other wild life destinations across Africa. One of the top places to stay in the Masai Mara is the Kichwa Tembo, which is simply amazing.

If you want barefoot luxury the Kiwayu Safari Village is wonderful, or watch the local fishing dhows sail by whilst relaxing at The Funzi Keys. Google ‘Romantic Hotels in Kenya’ and choose your perfect African retreat.

On safari you will need strong shoes, preferably neutral coloured cotton clothes, sunglasses and a hat. Travel light; remember it all has to be transported in a small truck!

I found another five days chilling out on the beach at my Mombassa hotel, with a good massage thrown in, was a wonderful antidote to travelling on rough tracks in the bush. I arrived back home rested, suntanned and burning with enthusiasm for the next trip to Africa. By the way, do treat yourselves to a balloon trip if you can afford it. Gliding gently over herds of wild animals has to be the ultimate travel experience.