Nigel Tisdall's report on safari in Kenya Posted On 02.04.07 Nigel Tisdall, Travel Writer   ........................................................................................................................................ Introduction Kenya is the classic safari destination. Its magnificent plains, captivating animals, dignified tribes and larger-than-life characters are familiar from numerous wildlife documentaries and films such as Born Free and Out of Africa. This is no lie - Kenya is an astonishingly beautiful country and its well-established tourist industry means you can see and do a lot with ease. The chance to float over the Maasai Mara in a hot-air balloon at dawn is an exceptional treat, as is witnessing the thunderous annual migration of the wildebeest. The Rift Valley lakes, fringed with pink flamingos, are also well worth exploring, while Amboseli National Park offers close encounters with elephants to a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Kenya is busier and more packaged than some destinations, but it is also a good choice if you want to end your holiday with a few days lazing beside a white sand beach. Safari with style. ........................................................................................................................................ Best Avoided Mombasa has a lot of international hotels geared to package tourists seeking sunshine, but there are more exclusive beach escapes too – ask your Travel Counsellor for some options. ........................................................................................................................................ Need to Know July and August, the peak of the dry season, are good months for seeing wildlife. If you can spare three weeks, Kenya is worth it. ........................................................................................................................................ TC Tips One-or two-day local safaris by road from Mombasa to Tsavo National Park are tiring but a good taster for first-timers. Suzanne Barney, Travel Counsellor The migration of the wildebeest in August and September is the greatest natural spectacle in the world. Tanuja Sudra, Travel Counsellor To get away from it all, fly into Lamu. This Swahili trading port on the north coast has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere with no cars, plus a huge beach with excellent small hotels in the nearby village of Shela. Nigel Tisdall, travel writer