Explorer’s Journal: Safari Through Kenya with Destination Expert Isabel

Join Destination Expert Isabel on her unforgettable journey through Kenya, where she explored the country’s most iconic safari landscapes and witnessed some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife. From the vast elephant herds of Amboseli to the rolling plains of the Masai Mara during the Great Migration, Isabel’s adventure captured the magic, rhythm, and richness of life on safari—along with a deep respect for Kenya’s people, landscapes, and conservation efforts. 

Hi! I’m Destination Expert Isabel. After weeks of traveling through Africa, I found myself completely captivated by Kenya—from spotting cheetahs and lions in the wild to sipping tea with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Join me as I share the highlights of my time in Amboseli and the Masai Mara, two unforgettable corners of this incredible country.

A grand welcome to Amboseli National Park 

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Settling into Tortilis Camp before heading out to spot our first elephants in Amboseli. (Photo: Isabel Falls)

After several weeks traveling through this incredible continent, today we arrived in Amboseli National Park—one of Kenya’s most iconic safari destinations. 

Located about a 4.5-hour drive or a quick 45-minute flight from Nairobi, Amboseli greets you with wide-open plains and, on clear days, the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. When we arrived, I grabbed my safari essentials—camera, water bottle, and binoculars—and set out on our first afternoon game drive. 

Amboseli, meaning “dusty land” in the Maasai language, is famous for its huge elephant herds, especially in August and September when they gather in large numbers around the wetlands. The park is unfenced, like the Masai Mara, allowing wildlife to roam freely. 

In the dry season, Kilimanjaro is often visible all day, while in the wet season it tends to emerge only in the early morning or evening. Alongside elephants, we spotted giraffes, ostriches, and both Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles—the latter being smaller and more agile. 

For a comfortable and eco-friendly base, Tortilis Camp Amboseli offers luxury private tents with stunning views of Kilimanjaro. Known for its commitment to sustainability, the camp runs entirely on solar power and employs a large percentage of local Maasai staff. 

Amboseli offers some of the most iconic views and wildlife encounters in Kenya—and this was just the beginning! 

Masai Mara: Land of the Big Five and the Great Migration 

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A quick flight into the Masai Mara, followed by the perfect way to unwind—an open-air bathtub with a view. (Photo: Isabel Falls)

The next national park on my journey was the Masai Mara, often hailed as Kenya’s most famous park—and for good reason. 

About 143 miles southwest of Nairobi, the Masai Mara is best reached by a quick 45-minute flight. Flying over the plains, I spotted giraffes and elephants below—a magical welcome to this vast wilderness. 

Covering around 580 square miles, the Mara is named after the Maasai people, with “Mara” meaning “spotted,” a nod to its patchy landscape. The park is world-famous for the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move through between July and October. It’s also home to the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. 

When we arrived, I settled into our tented accommodation overlooking the river, complete with a bathtub—the perfect way to unwind after an exhilarating day on safari. 

With its rolling plains, diverse habitats, and incredible wildlife, the Masai Mara remains one of the most photographed and unforgettable safari destinations in Kenya. 

A front-row seat to the wild 

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An unforgettable afternoon in the Mara—spotting cheetahs, wildebeest, and this regal lion emerging from the tall grass. (Photo: Isabel Falls)

After a delicious lunch at the all-inclusive lodge, I set out on my first afternoon safari in the Mara, eager to see what was in store. 

The safari vehicles here are fully open with tiered seating, ensuring everyone gets an amazing view. Our guide was incredible at spotting wildlife throughout the afternoon. 

Almost immediately, we found a cheetah—the first of three I would see over the next few days. Fun fact: cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds of 60–70 mph in short bursts, but they can only maintain this for about 20–30 seconds before resting. Watching this one lounge after a big meal, it looked more like a giant, graceful house cat. 

We also spotted wildebeest, central to the Great Migration, and hippos, which spend much of the day submerged to keep cool but can be surprisingly fast on land. The afternoon ended with a spectacular sighting of a pack of young male lions emerging from the bushes—there’s truly nothing like seeing lions in the wild. 

A day of surprises on the savannah 

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Sunshine, safari smiles, and a surprise sighting of a baby giraffe—just another unforgettable day in the Masai Mara. (Photo: Isabel Falls)

As the Masai Mara is such a large and diverse area, I recommend spending at least three days here to fully experience its magic. With its wide-open plains, incredible concentration of wildlife, and ever-changing sightings, more time means more opportunities for unforgettable encounters. 

Lodges often offer special touches to make your stay even more memorable—such as night game drives in the conservancies or atmospheric bush dinners. This morning, we started with a bush breakfast of yogurt, eggs, sausage, and hot tea. It was such a special experience to hop out of the vehicle and enjoy breakfast surrounded by nature, all while keeping an eye out for any unexpected visitors. 

After breakfast, we set out for more game drives. We spotted cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, and even caught a fleeting glimpse of a leopard—too quick for a photo! While they can appear similar, cheetahs are slim with black tear marks and solid spots, built for speed and daytime hunting. Leopards are stockier, with rosette-shaped spots, no tear marks, and are often found resting in trees after night hunts. 

The rest of the day brought live hunts and more elephant sightings. On safari, you truly never know what the next moment will bring—and that’s what makes every day so extraordinary.  

Safaris are always a special experience, and Kenya is truly one of the best places in the world to have one. The wildlife, landscapes, and people make it unforgettable. Once you’re ready to start planning your own Kenyan adventure, we’re here to help.