“A good holiday is one spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours.” — J. B. Priestley

Last year, Kenya’s Maasai Mara was voted as the leading national park in Africa by World Travel Awards 2017. Considering the fact that the Maasai Mara was competing against incredible tourist destination heavyweights such as Kruger National Park (South Africa), Central Kalahari Game Reserve (Botswana) and our neighbours, Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) and Kidepo Valley National Park (Uganda), scooping that prize is something worth writing home about.

Additionally, Diani Beach was voted as the best beach destination in the continent beating out gorgeous jewels such as Zanzibar, Mozambique and beaches in Egypt. What we are trying to say here is that Kenya is an impossibly breathtaking country and you should visit! Bring a couple of friends even; it’s better and more enjoyable that way.

The best group travel destinations in Kenya

In a country riddled with world-renowned beaches, islands, national parks, forests and cities, you would think that finding the perfect destination for group travel would be easy, right?

Well, you wouldn’t be wrong, but it is precisely because you have so much to choose from that makes the entire undertaking a pain in the neck:

• Where should you go?
• What should you see?
• Should you go to the beaches at the coast or head inland to the mountains and plains?
• Do you go camping or should you make do with hostels?
• Do you pick one national park like the Mara or should you head out towards the lesser known, yet plentiful conservancies?

If you are not a native of the country, all this can be overwhelming. In fact, it is quite a bit of a headache for locals as well (this is the kind of problem you WANT to have, of course). While it might not be possible to list all of the wonderful group destinations you should try within 1,000-words, we can promise to give you an excellent selection. One that will keep you coming back for more at every given opportunity.

With that in mind, here are some of the best destinations for group travel in Kenya:

Meru National Park

We cannot stress this enough: you HAVE to visit Meru National Park. For several very specific and exciting reasons:

• It is part of the Meru Conservation Area which is home to Meru National Park, Kora National Park, Mwingi
• National Reserve and Bisanadi National Park
• It covers over 4,000 km2
• Is second only to Tsavo
• It is home to campsites, world-class lodges and the Big Five (Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, Elephant and Leopard)

Despite all this, it is really just how vast this place is that makes it special. This is a national park that will give you opportunities to see the best wildlife, scenery and historical sites that Africa has to offer and you might not even see another safari van while you are there! Yes, sometimes it might feel like you have the park all to yourself.

Another advantage is that there are so many alternatives when it comes to accommodation:

• Do you want to go high end? Try Rhino River Lodge or Elsa’s Kopje (arguably Kenya’s most luxurious lodge on this side of the map)
• Do you want to sleep under the stars? KWS has designated camping sites within the park
• How about staying at a hostel as a group? There are excellently maintained Bandas within the park (catered or self-catered, your choice)

Plus, you get to see all the best wildlife especially during the dry season (between January and February), when they converge at the few remaining watering holes.

Mt. Ololokwe, Samburu

Table Mountain is to South Africa as Mount Ololokwe is to Kenya. This flat-topped, 2000m high mountain is something of a lone giant as you drive through Isiolo (about 45 minutes from Isiolo town) towards the Ethiopian border with Kenya. With some of the best rock-climbing worthy cliffs, Mount Ololokwe is both breathtaking and imposing at the same time.

If you are brave and strong enough to take the three hours or so hike up the trails to the top, you will find a beautiful camping spot that offers you joyously sweeping views of the Samburu plains beneath (as far as the eye can see)! The drive up is a pleasure in itself and best taken with a group of chatty and upbeat individuals.

Maiyan, Nanyuki

Nanyuki is perhaps best known for the fact that it is in the foothills of Mt. Kenya and that it is home to some of the expansive and serene private wildlife conservancies and ranches in the country. Going there would be the ideal group travel event of any vacation.

Maiyan is a country resort that offers luxury accommodation just 5KM from Nanyuki town. Set on the backdrop of 84 acres of pristine land, Maiyan offers you sweeping views of Mt.Kenya at any time of the day. You can also see Lolldaiga Hills and the Aberdares when standing on the rooftop pool lounge in any of the villas.

We say it is perfect for group travel because one villa has up to 6 beds, it’s own pool lounge and gives you access to everything the resort has to offer. From horseback riding to boat riding, cycling, fishing, tennis and basketball courts…heck, there is even a kids club with a separate playground for the little ones.

Sanctuary Farm, Lake Naivasha

Think adventurous horseback riding as you come within touching distance of gazelles and giraffes; think boat rides out to meet hippos and see fish eagles in action; think rock climbing, bike riding, picnicking, trekking and even golfing. All these are activities that can be enjoyed at Sanctuary Farm in Naivasha. As one of the most laid-back destinations in the Rift Valley, Sanctuary Farm has more of a homely feeling with rough, rugged and wild undertones.

Senang, Vipingo Beach

Of course, you have to go to the coast. That is a given. From the beautiful tropical weather to the easy-going life, tasty food, friendly people and a buzzing nightlife, the Kenyan coast was tailor-made for group travel. Plus, there are several wildlife and marine sanctuaries nearby if that is what you want.

While the coast is riddled with unbelievable resorts, it is private villas such as Senang in Vipingo Beach Estate that provide you with exclusive accommodation for you and your buddies. Fully catered for by an in-house cook and helper, at Senang, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ‘island life’.

With the right kind of company and itinerary, your group travel through Kenya will be one of the most enjoyable and eye-opening experiences of your safari life.