The Majesty of the National Parks

The country’s national parks and reserves are among the most iconic in the world, offering unmatched experiences through Kenya private tours​. The Maasai Mara, famous for the Great Migration, hosts millions of wildebeest and zebras journeying across vast plains. Visitors can witness predators in action or enjoy quieter moments of giraffes gracefully strolling the savannah.

Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, provides stunning views of Africa’s highest peak. Elephants roam freely here, their silhouettes against the mountain creating a picture-perfect scene. The diversity doesn’t end there—parks like Tsavo, Samburu, and Lake Nakuru each have unique flora, fauna, and landscapes, promising a unique adventure.

Cultural Connections: Meet Kenya’s People

Beyond its wildlife, the country boasts a rich cultural tapestry. The Maasai and Samburu communities are known for their colorful attire, traditional dances, and close connection to nature. Private tours backed by expert guides often include visits to local villages, thus offering travelers a chance to understand these communities’ lifestyles and traditions firsthand. A visit wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its vibrant cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. From lively markets filled with handcrafted goods to museums showcasing the nation’s history, these cities add depth to your Kenya itinerary.

Modified Travel for Unforgettable Adventures

Private tours allow travelers to accommodate individual preferences, making them ideal for travelers seeking personalized experiences. Whether it’s a family safari, a romantic getaway, or a solo exploration, itineraries can focus on specific interests. Guides with extensive knowledge of the region enhance the journey, sharing insights about wildlife behavior, conservation efforts, and local traditions. Such modified experiences allow for a deeper connection to the wonders of this destination.

Iconic Terrains: From Savannahs to Beaches

Kenya’s beauty is not limited to the wildlife. The terrains are equally enchanting, offering endless opportunities for exploration—the golden savannahs of the Rift Valley contrast with the lush greenery of tea farms in the highlands.

The Indian Ocean coastline adds another layer of allure and breathtaking beauty. Pristine beaches like Diani and Watamu offer turquoise waters, soft sands, and a chance to unwind after a safari. Activities such as snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and dhow sailing allow travelers to fully immerse themselves in Kenya’s vibrant and diverse marine life.

Responsible Travel: Supporting Conservation Efforts

Kenya is a global leader in wildlife conservation, and its parks and reserves play a vital role in protecting endangered species. Many tours curated by expert travel guides promote sustainable practices, ensuring that visits benefit the environment and local communities. Travelers can contribute by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, participating in conservation initiatives, or simply learning about ongoing efforts to safeguard the country’s unique biodiversity. Responsible tourism ensures the preservation of Kenya’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

The country’s blend of extraordinary wildlife, diverse cultures, and stunning terrains creates a destination like no other. With the flexibility and personalized touch of Kenya’s private tours backed by professional guides, travelers can experience this remarkable country in a way that suits their preferences. From thrilling safaris and cultural encounters to serene coastal retreats, every moment in Kenya offers the chance to connect with nature and create lasting memories. For those seeking adventure, tranquility, and a deeper appreciation of the world’s natural and cultural treasures, this country is a journey worth taking.

The post Experience the Wild Beauty of Kenya with Private Tours appeared first on The Dining Traveler.

In 2023, my husband and I decided to take an epic vacation that we had been dreaming about for years: a trip to Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The itinerary included a safari in Chobe National Park, Botswana, a cruise down the Zambezi River in Zambia, and a visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Read all about our magical trip to help you plan your own grand escape to this amazing part of the world. This post covers Botswana, with a separate post on the Zambia and Zimbabwe portions of our experience!

Where to Stay During Our Safari in Chobe National Park

Ngoma Safari Lodge is located in the Chobe Forest Reserve in western Botswana. We chose this location for two reasons: first, Chobe is known for its incredible wildlife, especially elephants, and second, the experience of seeing animals swimming and crossing the Chobe River is exceptional; the river draws animals to it all day long which allows for opportunities to see animals more frequently and in a unique setting than in other places in Africa. It is difficult to get to – we flew from DC to Nairobi, and landed in Zambia, but totally worth it. The lodge arranged for transportation for us, so that made it quite easy.

We chose the safari in Chobe National Park because of the location, and Ngoma Safari Lodge turned out to be one of the most spectacular places I have ever stayed. Each luxury suite is situated separately around the property, surrounded by trees and the stunning flora and fauna of the Chobe Forest. Each suite is complete with a gorgeous plunge pool, an indoor and outdoor shower, a luxurious soaking tub, and a cozy bed facing floor-to-ceiling windows. There is nothing quite as surreal as watching giraffes and zebras from your own plunge pool!

It’s a short walk from each suite to the main lodge, which is an open-air, rustic building that includes a bar, restaurant, shop, and more unreal views of the Chobe plains and river, with waterholes where animals come to drink from at all hours of the day.

Service is impeccable – the team at the lodge is warm, friendly, and kind and will assist with anything you need!

The Activities at Ngoma Safari Lodge

Safari in Chobe National Park: Each morning and evening, guests are invited to go on a safari into the depths of the Chobe forest to see the animals of Botswana. As the sun rose, we boarded our open-air jeep, complete with blankets and water bottles, to watch lions stroll, roar, and groom each other, herds of elephants ambling along the Chobe River, giraffes snacking on leaves and herbs, and dazzles of zebras nibbling on grass. We saw birds and alligators and antelopes and prairie dogs and wild dogs and the most beautiful small leopard I could ever imagine. During the evening safari, we stopped in a clearing for happy hour, where our amazing driver made us cocktails while we soaked in views of the sun setting over the Chobe River. It was quite the dream.

Boat Rides: One of the special activities offered by the lodge is a boat ride on the Chobe River. From that vantage point, you can see dozens of elephants not only along the riverbed but also swimming and crossing the river! It was spectacular. A gorgeous sit-down lunch is provided on the riverboat, with the host setting a table that is brimming with local dishes like roasted butternut squash, a black eye pea salad with a spicy sauce, fresh bread, and more.

The Food

This wouldn’t be the Dining Traveler if we didn’t discuss the food! The majority of the meals are provided at the lodge and are quite delicious. A full breakfast is served when you return from your morning safari and includes fresh juice, eggs made to order, potatoes, plantains, cereals, cheeses, and fruit. Lunch is by menu with dishes like burgers (including a veggie burger!), and dinner, served a couple of hours after the evening safari is concluded, is a three-course meal with various options featuring local ingredients such as stuffed peppers in a coconut sauce or stacked roasted vegetables in a tomato sauce. Be sure to come to the lodge early for a cocktail to enjoy the views, and then stay after dinner by the firepit for a cozy after-dinner drink.

How Many Days Should You Plan for Your Safari?

In summary, four nights at Ngoma Safari Lodge in Chobe National Park offers the perfect balance for an unforgettable safari experience. We paid $500 per person per night, a significant investment, but the return is extraordinary. The inclusive package of food, accommodation, activities, and game drives provides ample opportunity to immerse in and appreciate the park’s majestic wildlife. Chombe National Park is not just a destination but a priceless experience worth every cent. If you want the ultimate bucket list experience, this is it!

The post Dream Trip: Experience a safari in Chobe National Park, Botswana appeared first on The Dining Traveler.