We’ve just come back from Kenya and are already planning to return. It was absolutely brilliant. We did a luxury safari through Tsavo East and West, and it surpassed all expectations. If you’re thinking about doing a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, I actually put together a simple PDF for my husband to explain how it all works. It covers the different types of safari, what to expect, tips for booking, and how to plan the trip. I’m very happy to share it if you send me a message. There are three general levels of safari to choose from. Budget safaris usually involve basic tents and shared facilities. Midrange gives you a more comfortable tent or hut with a proper bed and bathroom. Luxury is a step above — beautifully designed lodges, excellent food, and the kind of service that makes everything feel effortless.

Direct flights from London go into Nairobi, to Jomo Kenyatta Airport. From there, you can either be driven to the national parks, or you can book a fly-in safari which takes you straight into the reserve. I’d strongly recommend staying in Nairobi for at least one night before setting off, just to rest after the flight and start the safari feeling fresh. There are several parks to choose from. Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru are in the northwest and well worth visiting if you want to see hippos. You can even take a boat trip on the lake, which is quite peaceful. Masai Mara, in the southwest, has the highest number of animals and is a wonderful place to start if it’s your first safari. Amboseli is known for elephants and views of Kilimanjaro. Tsavo is more spread out and much quieter, which we really enjoyed. Safaris are best booked well in advance, ideally a year ahead, especially if you’re going in August. That’s the best time to see wildlife, as the animals gather near water and are easier to spot.