African Safari Diaries : James’s Cheetah Safari in Kenya

In this edition of “African Safari Diaries” we speak to James Tung, who recently visited Kenya for the first time to experience our Cheetah Safari. This traditional seven-night safari visits Samburu, home to unique wildlife, followed by the Rift Valley Lakes. The final destination is the Masai Mara where vast numbers of plains game and spectacular big cats abide.

Flamingoes

1.     Was this your first time visiting Kenya? What made you choose to visit?

Yes, it was my first time visiting Kenya. I once had quite a simple safari in South Africa and that was the beginning. I loved the safari! Doing a safari is quite different from visiting a zoo. You will never know what you will see in the next minute and no one will have the same experience even at the same location.

Elephant herd

The reason why I visited Kenya is due to the migration season. I really wanted to see what happened on Discovery Channel or Animal Planet.

2.  What was your itinerary?

I booked the 7 nights Cheetah Safari and so I visited Samburu, Mt. Kenya, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and of course The Masai Mara. I believe I have been to the most popular locations for a safari trip in Kenya.

Cheetah

3.  Where did you stay whilst on your Safaris and what was your favourite property?

For the whole tour I stayed at 6 different hotels and there was always something special at each property. I liked the classic style at Aberdare Country Club and the tent camping style at both Ashnil Samburu Camp and Ashnil Mara Camp. The tree house at Serena Mountain Lodge was also a unique experience. My favourite was the Mara Serena Safari Lodge because of its beautiful bird’s eye view of the Masai Mara.

4.    What were your highlights from your trip?

That is very difficult to say as everything was so new and exciting to me. If I really need to choose highlights that will be those BIG CATS.

I saw lions at Samburu and Masai Mara, 3 leopards at Samburu, and some cheetahs at Masai Mara at the last minute. My friend has been to Kenya’s National Parks over ten times and never saw a leopard so she said I was really a lucky man to see so many leopards for the first safari in Kenya.

Lion

Leopard

Leopard in a tree

5.   Do you have any advice or tips for anyone thinking of going on a Safari? 

Do not just think about it, just do it or you will never know the fun of a safari. Also, have a little preparation of knowing about the wild animals in Kenya so that you can enjoy the experience more. I had prepared an animal list which I had on hand so that I knew what kind of animals I saw. Actually, I saw more than 30 different animals during this trip.

Hippos

If after reading James’s experience you would like to book a similar itinerary, you can read more about our Cheetah Safari here.

We would love to work with you to plan the safari holiday of a lifetime. For more information on how our safari experts can help you, call Somak Holidays today on 020 8423 3000.

Please note all photos featured are credited to James Tung.