Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial (Mass) tourism. Its purpose may be to educate the traveler, to provide funds for ecological conservation, to directly benefit the economic development and political empowerment of local communities, or to foster respect for different cultures and for human rights(wikipedia).

Kenya is probably most famous for its expansive plains which are heavily populated by zebra and wildebeest and the flamingos that hang out in the many lakes. This is also the land of the Masaai people, a semi-nomadic subgroup of African culture and one of the most well-known ethnic groups in Africa. A Kenyan safari taken near or in one of their camps can teach visitors much about African heritage.

Other sites include Lake Victoria and the Masai Mara camp. The Masai Mara is a world-renowned game viewing region. Elephants, giraffe and many other animals frequent this region. The grasslands provide a great cover for the predatory animals, like lions, to hide out in. In Kenya you can also get a great view of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Another popular place to visit during a luxury Kenya safari is the Shaba National Reserve, named for Mount Shaba which looms 1525 meters in the air on the border of the reserve. This is a prime place for spotting waterbucks, dikdiks (small antelopes), lions, cheetahs, gerenuks (long-necked antelope), buffalo, gazelles and a great many species of birds.

Because the country is on the coast, it is easy to add a visit to one of the small islands to your luxury Kenya safari. Check out Rusinga (just off the eastern shore of Lake Victoria) or Lamu Island (part of the Lamu Archipelago). Lamu Island is called the "the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa" by the World Heritage List.

A luxury safari in Kenya is pretty easy to come by with direct flights from London. You can go on a safari or ecotour at pretty much any point in the year. August is probably the most popular time. This is when the Masai Mara camps are busiest.

The wet season is mainly in April and May, which may make the coast and beaches undesirable. However, this is a good time to see baby animals. The rains also bring flowers and more greenery, and the acai trees are near peak. The rainy season is the off season, meaning this is the time for a little more privacy on your luxury Kenya safari.

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