Tourism

Experience 5 of the Most Adventurous Kenya Safari Destinations

This article reviews the 5 most adventurous Kenya safari destinations. At any of these destinations, you can experience unparalleled adventure and fun that will last you a lifetime.

10 Reasons Every Thai Must Go on an African Safari

Kenya is located in East Africa, and it is a dream African safari destination for wildlife safaris, cultural tours, and beach holidays. It boasts over 50 wildlife conservation areas, including the incredibly popular Masai Mara Game Reserve; Amboseli National Park; Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and more. But which are the 5 most adventurous Kenya safari destinations.

And as you traverse these diverse landscapes, consider the crescendo of nature’s symphony: the Migration Safari. An epic odyssey where over a million wildebeests cross the rugged plains of the Masai Mara, this natural phenomenon epitomizes the unrelenting rhythm of life and survival in the wild. It’s a spectacle that captures the essence of Kenya’s soul and leaves an indelible mark on every heart fortunate enough to witness it.

Masai Mara Game Reserve

Masai Mara is the star safari destination in Kenya. Nowhere in Africa is wildlife as abundant as it is in Masai Mara. The big cats live here as well as 100 species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Also, there are over 500 species of birds roaming free at the Mara.

During the wildebeest migration, Masai Mara has the largest concentration of land animals in the world. The yearly wildebeest migration involves over 1.2 million wildebeests moving from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania into Kenya’s Masai Mara game reserve. The wildebeest migration is the largest land migration on earth, and in 2017, it was named one of the 8 wonders of the world.

The Mara is located in Southwest Kenya. The convenient way to visit the reserve is by flight from Nairobi. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can use road transport, which will take about 6 hours from Nairobi.

The best time to visit the reserve is between July and November, during the wildebeest migration. Game viewing is extra special during this time. You will watch the cunning big cats hunt prey after prey.

That said, other great activities to experience at the Masai Mara include:

Bird viewing – Masai mara has a thriving bird population.
Hot air balloon ride
Visiting Masai cultural villages
Bush dinner, lunch, and breakfast.

The reserve has a variety of accommodation options, from budget safari camps to luxury game lodges. If you want a private accommodation, consider booking a lodge at a private conservancy around the reserve. We recommend Naboisho conservancy, which is the only place in Masai Mara that permits walking safaris.

As the saying goes, the best way to explore a new destination is with the people who were born and raised there. So, for the best Masai Mara safari experience, hire a local Kenya tour operator to help you plan your safari. Companies such as masaimarasafari.in offer all-inclusive Masai Mara holiday packages. This means that transport, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and all other safari expenses are all part of the package.

Giraffe Center, Karen Nairobi

Your Kenya Holiday will be incomplete if you don’t visit the Giraffe Center in Nairobi.

The center was established to safeguard the endangered Rothschild giraffe that is found only in the grasslands of East Africa. It is situated in Lang’ata, roughly 20 kilometers from Nairobi city center. Due to its proximity, the best transport to the center is a taxi. The travel time is about 45 minutes to arrive, and you can use Uber rides as well.

At the Giraffe sanctuary, you can interact with the tallest land animals in the world up close. The center has elevated platforms on which visitors stand as they feed and pet the long-necked boys.

By the time the center was started, there were no more than 120 Rothschild’s giraffes in the country. The species was on the brink of extinction due to the massive loss of their habitat in western Kenya. However, thanks to the giraffe center, now there are more than 300 Rothschild’s giraffes in the country.

There are so many interesting sights and fun things to do at the giraffe center. The best activities include:

Interacting (feed, pet, and kiss) with the magnificent giraffes
Watching warthogs snuffle through the muddy ground.
Going on a self-guided walk at the nearby Gogo River bird sanctuary

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Nairobi is home to many wildlife conservation projects, and the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage is one of them. The center combines serious conservation (elephant nursery) with recreation activities for tourists. It has been named the most successful elephant rescue program in the world.

The conservation center is open to tourists year-round except on December 25. Visitors are allowed into the center between 11 am and noon. You have to pay a gate fee of 500 shillings, which is about $5, to enter.

Most Nairobi safari operators, such as AjKenyasafaris.com, recommends combining a trip to David Sheldrick with game drives in Nairobi national park or a visit to the nearby Giraffe Center. The best things to do during a visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage include:

Petting the baby elephants – You are not allowed to feed the elephants, but you can give them a good rub when they come close.
Watching the young elephants take mud baths, feed, and tackle each other.
Watching the infant elephants roam the enclosed free space of the center.
Shopping elephant themed clothing and accessories at the store.

For $50, you can adopt a baby elephant. In return, the center will occasionally send you photos of the baby elephants and updated them on his or her progress.

Diani Beach

Diani beach is one of the most famous sea, sun, and sand destinations in Kenya. Unlike the wildlife parks, this resort offers a unique marine adventure.

The beach is just an hour’s flight from Nairobi, and it is open year-round. For ideal weather, visit during the dry months, December to March. During this time, there is little to no rainfall, so hanging out on the beach is more fun.

The best places to visit at Diani beach are:

Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant – here, you dine and wine in a cave that is over 100,000 years old.

Alfajiri Villas – this is a five-star hotel that has top celebrities like Angelina Jolie and U2’s Bono on its guest roaster. At Alfajiri villa, you get a luxurious and private experience of Diani beach.

Diani Beach Art Gallery – this gallery has some of the best artists in Kenya displaying their work every day.

Whale Shark Adventures – this extraordinary sea adventure is available at the whale shark conservation center. On weekends, visitors are allowed to swim with whale sharks under the guidance of safety personnel.

Zanzara Boutique – Zanzara is a destination for people looking for exquisite fashion items from Masai and other notable regions in Kenya.

The fun doesn’t stop at these places; the beach has plenty of activities that will make your visit memorable. Diani beach is excellent for water sports. There is a wide range of water sports – jet skiing, swimming, windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, snorkeling kayaking, and diving.

Amboseli National Park Safari

The scenic Amboseli National park is among Kenya’s most popular parks. This nature enclave is famous for its biodiversity, accessibility, and fantastic landscape. The park has Africa’s iconic mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro, as its backdrop.

What makes it exceptional are the Enkongo Narok and Olokenya swamps fed by melting snow from Kilimanjaro Mountain. These water sources attract animals of most sizes, especially during the dry season.

A good list of fun activities to do at Amboseli include:

Game viewing – elephants, wildebeests, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, and more are a common sight at Amboseli National Park.
Bird viewing – aerial animals (birds) also thrive at Amboseli. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded at the park.
Night game drive

Amboseli National Park is a great destination to add to your Kenya safari trail. The park has excellent accommodation, and game viewing is guaranteed year-round. However, it is recommended to visit during the dry season, from June to October.

Amboseli Park was created in 1974. Later in 1991, the park was labeled a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is situated about 230 kilometers south-east of Nairobi within the Tanzanian boundary.

The best way to visit the park is by flight from Nairobi. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to fly to Amboseli. A road trip will take about 6 hours.

Wrapping Up

There are so many safari destinations in Kenya; it may take a lifetime to experience all of them. However, the safari destinations on this list collectively offer all the diverse safari experiences in Kenya. Visit Masaimarasafari.in and start planning your Kenya holiday.

The brand has a Kenya tour package of all budgets, and their guides were born and raised in Kenya. I used them to plan my Dec 2018 safari, and the experience unmatched. Not to mention cheaper compared to the quotes I had received from Australian travel agencies.

Tourism

Interior Ministry Introduces New 180 Day Destination Thailand Visa

People from more nations will be now able to enter Thailand without a visa beginning Monday. This is part of an effort to increase tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Friday.

According to Ms. Traisuree, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed four documents that will make it easier for foreigners to travel. These modifications will all take effect on Monday, provided they are published in the Royal Gazette.

The instructions include 93 more nations on the list of individuals who can visit Thailand without a visa, up from 57 previously. People from these countries can stay for a maximum of 60 days. Additionally, from 19 to 31, nearly twice as many nations will be able to obtain visas on arrival in Thailand.

To attract digital nomads, artists, and tourists interested in learning or practicing skills such as cooking and Muay Thai, the country will also introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service.

The new form of visa, which is valid for five years, allows travelers to stay for up to 180 days.

According to Ms. Traisuree, students holding visas for master’s degrees or higher will not be required to leave Thailand immediately upon graduation. They will be able to stay for an additional year to hunt for work or vacation.

In order to enhance the economy and tourism, the cabinet took a general decision on these additional measures in May. The statement was meant to be released in June, but it was pushed back.

Ms. Traisuree believes that this is the greatest sort of visa for persons who want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and explore the nation without the various restrictions and complications that come with conventional tourist visas.

Getting a DTV will give you a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with the opportunity to stay for another 180 days.

Ms. Traisuree said that the Destination Thailand Visa is great if you want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and see the sights without the many restrictions and problems that come with a regular tourist visa. The Destination Thailand Visa will cost 10,000 THB.

Qualifications for the Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)

According to Thai Embassy, to be eligible for the visa, you must fulfill the following conditions (which could change):

You have to be 20 years of age or older
You have to be able to afford the cost of the visa
To sustain your stay in the nation, you must demonstrate that you have at least 500,000 THB in your bank account
Proof of your employment with a recognized company is required.

For digital nomads or remote workers who want to make the most of their travels and yet have the opportunity to work while they’re there, the Destination Thailand Visa is designed just for you. Additionally, it is ideal if you are traveling to Thailand in order to partake in any of the following activities:

Thai food prepared with Muay Thai
Instruction and conferences
Sports medicine therapy
International talent International music and art events

Thailand DTV Visa Benefits

Additionally, there is uncertainty about these details and they could change:

In comparison to other Southeast Asian nations that provide comparable visas, Thailand has less stringent income requirements and charges for the visa. For another 10,000 THB, you can extend the visa once, for a maximum of 180 days.
There are ninety-three foreign nations that qualify for the Thailand DTV Visa.
With this visa, you can lawfully operate remotely for foreign clients and companies while in Thailand.
Your spouse and any children under the age of twenty may accompany you.
You are exempt from paying taxes on your foreign income because the visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days.

Drawbacks of a Thailand DTV Visa

You are unable to work for a Thai company that needs a Thai work visa, even though you are still able to engage in some activities and make money. Your DTV will end if you decide to change the kind of visa you are currently on.

Additional information on the visa’s release date and application process will be available in late June or early July of 2024. You will most likely be able to apply for it via the Thai immigration office, a Thai embassy, or a Royal Thai Consulate.

Tourism

Hotels in Thailand Fret as German Itravel Group Files for Bankruptcy

Thailand’s Hotels Association (THA) reports that another German tour operator has gone bankrupt, but that this will have a far less effect than the recent bankruptcy of FTI Touristik.

Following notification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai Hotels Association has now confirmed that the Cologne-based luxury tour operator Itravel Group has formally filed for bankruptcy.

Southern Thailand is home to numerous high-end resorts, which Itravel aims to attract, according to Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun.

As a result of Itravel’s bankruptcy, he said, the hotels association is currently collecting data from its members.

On Monday, the organization wrote to the TAT and the Foreign Ministry, requesting that they assist hotel operators in keeping up with legal developments surrounding the bankruptcy of the German tour operator FTI, which resulted in a loss of almost 111 million baht for hotels around the country.

Hotels having issues with Itravel

On Monday, during the THA monthly meeting, Mr. Thienprasit noted that they also emphasized the case’s urgency to Minister Sermsak Pongpanit of Tourism and Sports.

In response to allegations that hotel operators with business partnerships with Itravel were experiencing issues with financial transactions, the agency issued an alert to the industry, according to Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

He speculated that the losses might be lower with Itravel, an online travel agency that focuses on the niche luxury market, than with FTI, the third operator.

According to the Bangkok Post, at Monday’s THA meeting, Mr. Sermsak stated that the ministry will look into measures to assist hotels, especially since the goal of 3.5 trillion baht in tourism earnings for this year is still very ambitious.

According to Mr. Thienprasit, the organization is opposed to the government’s plans to increase the legal foreign ownership of condominiums from 49% to 75%. This, he added, might lead to an increase in unlawful accommodations and make other condo residents feel uneasy about having more guests around the clock.

Unscrupulous investors

He said that some international investors are already breaking the law by renting out their rooms to day guests, even though the Hotel Act only permits rentals of at least 30 days.

An increase in the foreign ownership quota for condos, according to Mr. Thienprasit, could entice unscrupulous investors and lead to the construction of even more unlawful rooms, which now exceed the number of registered hotel rooms by a factor of two.

The success of Thailand’s hotel industry is highly dependent on the business of tour operators. These collaborations bring in a constant flow of visitors, particularly during busy seasons.

It is more convenient for passengers to book comprehensive packages offered by tour operators, which include hotel accommodations and activities. Because of this arrangement, hotels may anticipate a specific amount of bookings without having to spend a lot on advertising.

Additionally, hotels are able to provide more affordable rates, which appeals to guests who are mindful of their budget. But if tour operators go through slumps or start focusing on other places, this dependence might be disastrous.

Source: Bangkok Post, Thai PBS

Tourism

Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos emerges as a paradise where the desert meets the sea, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, luxurious accommodations, and vibrant culture. Whether you seek serene relaxation, thrilling adventures, or cultural explorations, Los Cabos promises an idyllic escape that exceeds expectations.

Discovering Pristine Beaches

Los Cabos is renowned for its stunning beaches, each with its own charm and allure. Sink your toes into the soft sands of Medano Beach, a bustling stretch perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. For a more secluded experience, explore the rugged beauty of Santa Maria Beach, ideal for snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters. Enhance your beach experience with guided tours and snorkeling excursions offered by https://boattripsloscabos.com/, where you can explore the coastline and underwater wonders with expert guides.

Embarking on Aquatic Adventures

Venture into the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean for thrilling water activities. Dive into snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions to discover underwater treasures like colorful coral reefs and curious sea creatures. Set sail on a whale-watching tour during the winter months to witness majestic humpback whales breaching against the backdrop of the Pacific horizon.

Exploring the Baja Desert

Beyond its pristine coastline, Los Cabos boasts dramatic desert landscapes waiting to be explored. Take an ATV or jeep tour through the rugged terrain of the Baja desert, where towering cacti and unique rock formations paint a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. Visit the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve for hiking trails that lead to hidden oases and panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert.

Indulging in Culinary Delights

Los Cabos is a culinary paradise, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with international influences. Sample fresh seafood tacos at local taquerías or dine on gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs at upscale restaurants overlooking the ocean. Savor authentic Baja cuisine with dishes like fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled octopus paired perfectly with locally produced wines and craft cocktails.

Experiencing Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets, Los Cabos transforms into a lively nightlife destination. Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Cabo San Lucas with its array of beachfront bars, live music venues, and pulsating nightclubs. Dance the night away under the stars or enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the marina, where the atmosphere buzzes with energy and excitement.

Relaxing in Luxury Resorts

Los Cabos boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels that cater to every traveler’s desire for relaxation and indulgence. Unwind in infinity pools with panoramic ocean views, rejuvenate with holistic spa treatments inspired by ancient Mexican traditions, or tee off on world-class golf courses designed by golf legends amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Immersing in Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Los Cabos with visits to historic landmarks like the Mission San Jose del Cabo Church or art galleries showcasing local and international artists. Browse through vibrant markets selling handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, or attend cultural festivals and events celebrating Mexican traditions, music, and dance.

Planning Your Los Cabos Escape

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Los Cabos offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Los Cabos ensures a memorable vacation that leaves you rejuvenated and inspired, promising a return to its paradise shores time and again.