Travel ideas in Kenya

Our goal for our three years in Kenya is to do a trip outside of Nairobi at least once per month. Most of those trips will likely be camping since (a) we like camping and (b) it keeps costs low so we can do it a lot. Since I am currently doing some research on camping spots for the upcoming long Easter weekend, I thought I would create a record here on the blog so you folks who will/may come to visit us have ideas for what we could do together on your trip. I'll include the links I find and info about relative costs and other observations (how far of a trip from our Nai house, seasonal implications, etc.).  I will update this list every once in a while and hopefully will end up with a fairly comprehensive posting of ideas.

Generally, the places to search for tent camping ideas in Kenya are limited because your Google search will instead find all the "luxury" safari camps that we cannot afford every weekend. The best places I start to look for ideas for actual camping (it's called "self-catering" camping here, often) are:

• The Kenyan Camper -- I love this dude and have been reading his blog since the moment I found out we might move to Kenya. His trips are so inspiring and his photos are GORGEOUS.
• Kenya Wildlife Service -- this is the National Park Service equivalent in Kenya, and while their website is a bit hard to navigate and limited on information, it is still the definitive place to find self-catering campsites in the national parks
• Word of mouth -- no Internet link available, haha. Just kidding -- but we have met a lot of like-minded expat campers here and they have great ideas and advice.

Regions of Kenya Map, for your edification:

And a map with the large National Parks:

Zoomed in map to the regions around Nairobi:

CAMPING near Nairobi (2.5 hours driving or less)

• Hell's Gate National Park, near Naivasha. 1.5 hour drive. A KWS park with no predators, so camping isn't scary. Two campgrounds to choose from; both overlooking the valley where the zebras and other animals graze. Toilets and showers, water spigots, picnic tables, and small shelters provided. Very dusty. Great hike available in the gorge to escape the heat of the day. Camped here with Sara Studer in February 2017.
• Camp Carnelly's, Lake Naivasha. 1.5 hour drive. Every expat family we know that camps goes here or to the neighboring Fisherman's Camp. Someday I'm sure we will, too. People talk about watching and hearing the hippos come out of the lake to graze at night. Restaurant and tent rentals. Fenced and privately owned camps.
• Savage Wilderness Camp, Sagana (slightly north of Thika). 2 hour drive. Great for families; very good facilities including large shelters and picnic tables, grassy campsites, nice grills, small swimming pool, bar and restaurant (must book in advance); adventure activities available such as zip lining, bungee jumping, kayaking, paddle boarding. Sort of a cramped setup. Dog friendly. Privately owned. Camped here with Matt & Leigh in March 2017. 
• Castle Forest Lodge, Mt. Kenya National Park. 2.5 to 3 hour drive. Great for families and dog friendly. Self catering tent camping with shared, nice showers and bathrooms, cooking and dish washing space and shelter. Small, cold and slightly dirty pool that is used by wildlife as a waterhole! Located in the forest with a working farm on site; horse-back riding and hiking available. Option of cottages, bandas, self-catering Chalet. Great restaurant and bar. Privately run despite being on public land. Visited with Matt & Leigh in January 2017 and with an ILRI camping group in March 2017. 
• Oasis Eco Camp, Lake Elementaita. 1.5 hour drive. No alcohol allowed? But it looks like lots of activities and facilities are available. Privately owned camp. 
• Aberdare Cottages & Camping, Murang'a (not really, it's way beyond that town). 3 hour drive. Super friendly and helpful staff, gorgeous views over the tea-cultivated valley and river below. Campsite is an open field with not much shade, but Zac will have his staff set up a huge tent for you for cooking and eating. Restaurant and bar. Hiking and fishing. A gazebo and flower garden next to the river. Lovely. Camped here April 2017 with the Fava family staying in the bandas. 

BANDAS or COTTAGES or TENTED CAMPS

• Severin Kitani Bandas, Tsavo West National Park. 5 hour drive. Recommended by our Italian friends, Erika and Flavio. Self-catering but you can use the facilites (and pool) of the Severin Safari Camp nearby, too.  
• Aruba Mara Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve/Talek Gate. 6 hour drive. Stayed in the "comfort tents" on the Mara trip with three other ILRI families in March 2017.