Is your image of a Kenyan safari that of a whistle-stop beach and bush tour, wedged into mini-bus with a group of noisy strangers’ intent only on the ‘ticking off’ of the game from the list at the back of their guidebook? A slight exaggeration, but its often the picture that springs most readily to mind.

And with good reason too, because ‘packages’ of this kind were once typical Kenyan tourist fare. Nothing wrong with them either; they were affordable, they did the job and could be booked quickly and easily ‘off the shelf’ down at your local tour agent. But times have changed. And todays travellers are looking for something slightly different. Something slightly more ‘off the beaten track’.

In response to which, Kenya has changed too … and when it comes to the provision of a customized safari, not only does Kenya have what it takes but more also, its an area in which her local tour operators excel.

Not only do we local operators know the country better but also because we are on the ground, we can provide the kind of ‘rapid response’ to local events that are ever changing the travel arena demands. Such events like; a shift in the game migration patterns, the timings of the colorful cultural festivals, the scheduling of a major sporting event, the arrival of the hot season or the opening of a new and fascinating accommodation.

What’s more is if you can plan with a local agent you are flexible – less likely to stick to the rigidly prescribed touristic ‘hotspots. You will be more able to strike out on the road less travelled, to stay in a unique accommodation, to travel via a choice alternative means and to discover for yourself the rich tapestry of the local heritage that lies along the way. Nor is it essential to pre-book everything, although to pre-book is better you do not have to despair if you don’t. As for the options, they are as endless as the vistas.

Kenya has some of the finest game parks in the world, home to some of her last great tropical forests, excels on flora, offers unrivalled marine discoveries, has over 1,000 species of birds and offers historical wonders that ranges from the very cradle of mankind to the ancient- sea going dhows with a treasure trove of forts, pillars and tombs in between.

Considering adventure sports?

We cater for them all; if fishing is your passion, there is mountain fly-fishing, perch and bass to be caught in the lakes of the great rift valley or the ‘squeal of the reels’ of the big game fishing of the Indian ocean.

If golf is your game, we offer world-class courses against show-stopping backdrops. We can also tailor adventure safaris to suit all tastes; from camel to bikes, art to photography and from child friendly to honeymoon romantic.

But its not only have we widenedour the options but also our view point to tours tarvel and adventure. We’ve taken an entirely new tourism direction not only do we believe in the concept of eco-tourism we are firm in practice of eco-friendly pursuits. We are also committed to building the kind of community- related projects which benefits the local population, the indigenous wildlife and the Natural Biosphere alike. Such as the Tasia lodge in Kenya’s Northern Laikipia district, built entirely from the local materials on a community-owned ranch run solely by and for the members of the community.

Finally, how do you know if you can trust your overseas travel agent? EASY. Most of reputable agents belong to such world recognized agencies such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), The Kenya association of tour guide operators, (KATO), and or The Kenya Association Of Travel Agents (KATA), or can be checked out through basic inquiry to Kenya’s Travel Regulation Authority (TRA).

Lastly, is it easy to book with a Kenyan operator as it is with your local travel agent? Virtually, because whilst you may not be able to pop in and talk, face-to-face, with your Kenya travel Advisor, thanks to the advent of the online options like Email, WhatsApp and the internet through which you will indeed be able to book.

We hope that this information has been helpful and as you plan to visit Kenya for an ecstatic adventurous safari, Blavals Adventure will be your preferred choice.