safari in kenya africa

• Kenya safaris

Kenya safari guide – where & when to go, and what to see

Kenya safaris rock! Kenya is one of East Africa’s premier safari destinations, with massive open savannah regions hosting a huge breadth and depth of African wildlife. Over 10% of the country is protected in some form or other, and national parks in Kenya rate as some of the best in the world. A safari in Kenya almost guarantees you a sighting of the big five African animals of lion , buffalo , elephant , rhino , and leopard . Alongside these big-hitters are hundreds of other species of African animals, and some of the world’s most diverse bird-life.

Straddling the equator, Kenya is dominated by the Rift Valley – a huge range of valleys strung along a 5,000 km crack in the earth’s crust that runs through East Africa. Within the Rift Valley are Africa’s highest peaks – in Kenya these are the volcanoes of Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon. East of the Rift Valley are the coastal plains, whilst the north of Kenya is made up of arid wastelands. The prime Kenya safari destinations are the Central Highlands and areas within the Rift Valley. The south of the country hosts the great migration of plains animals and their predators each year between June and November. In short, Kenya safaris are up there with the very best in terms of wildlife and scenery.

Self-drive safaris are an option in many national parks in Kenya, though to enjoy full access to the most remote (and tourist-free) areas you’ll need a 4WD car or jeep. If you fancy taking a tour or arranging your own guide and/or driver have a look at our list of safari tour companies in Kenya before arrival in the country.

Alongside safaris and wildlife spotting, a visit to Kenya allows you to easily extend your safari with a visit to a resort on the Indian Ocean coast, or with activities such as trekking, hiking, sailing or diving .

Useful resources

• Book a Kenya Safari
• Kenyan Ministry of Tourism
• Kenya Wildlife Service

Kenya safari highlights

Experience maasai culture.

The Maasai are one of the few African tribes who have retained most of their traditions, lifestyle, and lore – along with their distinctive red robes. Many safari lodges and operators work with local Maasai on community projects. Experiencing some time in a Maasai village whilst in Kenya is a unique cultural experience that will help put your visit in context.

Big five spotting

Big five spotting in Kenya is high on most visitor’s safari checklist, and with Kenya’s superb network of national park gems seeing Africa’s biggest beasts up close and personal is a realistic goal. Destinations rich in lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo are clustered in the south of the country, particularly Amboseli, Masai Mara and East and West Tsavo (for the Tsavo lions !) national parks.

Watch the ‘Great Wildebeest Migration’

Indian ocean beach perfection

Best time to safari in Kenya

The peak tourist season in Kenya is January and February when the weather is consistently warm and dry, with wildlife easy to spot in large concentrations. If you take a Kenya safari in peak season expect to be in company with crowds of tourists, and paying top dollar for your safari. If you’re specifically after catching sight of the annual great migration, June to October is the time to head to the Masai Mara National Park in southern Kenya.

The long rains hit Kenya through March, April and May, and the short rains from October to December. During the short rains, it generally rains only for short periods at a time, meaning your wildlife viewing will not be too disrupted. This is the time you can get some great deals on safari tours, or safari lodges if you’re travelling independently.

Flights To Kenya

Search, track and book flights to Kenya, from anywhere in the world.

Kenya Accommodation

Find safari accommodation in Kenya – from budget campsites to luxury lodges.

Kenya Car Hire

Considering a self-drive safari? Research and book car hire in Kenya.

Activities in Kenya

Search and book things to do in Kenya – tours, excursions and activities.

National parks in Kenya

With a stunning array of wildlife and more than 10% of the country given over to national parks and reserves, Kenya is undoubtedly one of the world’s best safari destinations. Whilst the world-famous Kenyan national parks such as Masai Mara and Amboseli National Parks can be uncomfortably heaving with tourists in January and February, Kenya has plenty of smaller, out of the way national parks that see only a trickle of visitors year-round. As such it’s well worth taking the time to consider whereabouts in Kenya to go on safari if you’re visiting during peak season.

Top Kenya national park picks

Masai mara national reserve.

 Situated in southwest Kenya, the Masai Mara is part of the northern section of the Serengeti National Park, and is generally recognised as one of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa. The reserve is famous for the abundance of predators – particularly big cats – and the great wildebeest migration to feed these predators, as well as the Maasai people themselves.

• Lake Nakuru National Park

The stunning Lake Nakuru National Park is on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by bushy grasslands and woods. There are 56 species of mammal in the park, but the star show are the thousands of flamingos, arriving in their millions some years.

• Amboseli National Park

Crowned by Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most popular parks . The name ‘Amboseli’ comes from the Maasai language and means ‘salty dust’… perfect for the large herds of elephants that roam the park.

• Meru National Park

Meru National Park is a Kenyan park is located 350 km from Nairobi, featuring multiple landscapes including grasslands, swamp, jungle and rivers. It’s a birders paradise with over 427 recorded bird species, in addition to the big five .

All national parks in Kenya

Use the map below to locate all national parks in Kenya. Click the icons for more info.

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• Aberdare National Park
• Arabuk Sokoke National Park
• Hell’s Gate National Park
• Kakamega National Park
• Lake Bogaria National Park
• Malindi Watumu National Park
• Masai Mara National Park
• Mount Elgon National Park
• Mount Kenya National Park
• Nairobi National Park
• Saiwa Swamp National Park
• Shimba Hills National Park
• Tsavo National Park

Kenya safari resources

Kenya safari companies.

There are plenty of companies offering safari tours around Kenya. The focus is on the high end, but there are some companies that specialize in mid and budget safaris. Check out our reviews of safari tour companies in Kenya .

Kenya safari lodges

As a tourism-focussed country, Kenya has plenty of choice when it comes to safari accommodation. Lodge standards vary from rustic to modern, from the simple room to extreme luxury with en-suite private plunge pool. Search and book accommodation in Kenya .

For a trip to Kenya, travellers are required to apply for a visa. The easiest, most commonly used visa for going on a safari in Kenya, is the Kenya e-visa . It is valid for 90 days, and can even be extended once to 180 days once you arrive in Kenya. The visa can easily be applied for online and will save you the hassle of having to apply at an embassy or consulate.

Read safari guides to all countries

Botswana safaris , Namibia safaris , Rwanda safaris , South Africa safaris , Tanzania safaris , Uganda safaris , Zimbabwe safaris

Do you have any experience of planning or going on safari in Kenya?

We’d love to hear any feedback or tips you may have – please get in touch , or add to the comments below.

Top countries for safaris

• Botswana safaris
• Namibia safaris
• South Africa safaris
• Tanzania safaris
• Uganda safaris

Safari basics

• Safari animals
• How to find the right safari company
• When to go on safari
• What to take on safari
• Safari clothing – what to wear
• Safari rules & etiquette
• Wildlife spotting tips

Most read articles

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• The world’s ugliest animals
• Why are flamingos pink?

Africa’s best game reserves

• Chobe National Park, Botswana
• Etosha National Park, Namibia
• Kruger National Park, South Africa
• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
• Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
• Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

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The Masai Mara in Kenya is nature's epic masterpiece.

A little bit about Masai Mara

Rolling hills, sprawling savannahs, dramatic river crossings and of course... more wildlife and adventure than any movie could ever portray. Welcome to the Masai Mara, home to the lions of ‘Big Cat Diary’, temporary residence of the ‘Great Migration’, mighty Maasai warriors and some of the most luxurious safari lodges on earth.

The Masai Mara features a stunning kaleidoscope of wild and rugged landscapes, warm and welcoming people and an exciting array of creatures – big and small. World famous for hosting the epic Great Migration, the Masai Mara welcomes 1,5 million wildebeests onto its sprawling savannahs each July through October. The Masai Mara National Reserve and conservancies are brimming with life and offer safari travellers a wide variety of activities to choose from. Whether you take to the skies for a high-flying hot-air balloon adventure at sunrise or hit the road for a 4x4 safari, you’re sure to leave the Masai Mara with unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories.

Going on a Masai Mara safari

Part of the fun of going on safari is planning your safari. We’ve been there... and know how it feels. As avid travellers we can imagine you have loads of questions while planning your trip to the Masai Mara. Very few places on earth are as unspoilt, adventurous and authentic as the Mara eco-system.

Reading up on the Masai Mara, finding out what you might encounter, exploring your accommodation options... we've done most of the work for you and created this site to help you find all the answers to any questions you may have. To top it off, we've brought together a top-notch collection of Masai Mara safari lodges and camps for you to choose from. Naturally, we're only an e-mail or message away if you need a little extra help planning your safari.

About the Masai Mara

Known as one of the world’s most famous wildlife areas or ‘the world’s eight world wonder’, the Masai Mara has endless plains, breath-taking vistas and abundant wildlife. Learn more about the Masai Mara here.

Masai Mara special offers

Dreaming of the perfect safari holiday? We’ll help you find your way while planning your trip and provide you with a selection of the best available deals. Check out our latest Masai Mara special offers and discounts.

Getting to Masai Mara

Whether you’re arriving from far, far away or travelling to the Masai Mara from a destination in the region. We’ll guide you through your options for getting to the Mara and for getting around once you’re here.

As newbie safari travellers, we were blown away by our experience of the Conservatory - the animals in abundance; the landscapes; the people; the smells and sounds.

It was an amazing experience to actually see the river crossings, that we had seen so many times on TV during the wildebeest migration.

We saw a leopard on a tree and we were lucky enough to watch four lionesses and three cubs eating a fresh hunt. In the evening safari we were able to explore a massive variety of hippopotamus and a crocodile.

Masai Mara lodges & camps

The Masai Mara is rough and rugged, however you don't have to rough it during your stay. Eco-chic safari lodges with four-poster beds, sundowners with your favourite G&T and infinity pools overlooking the African savanna await.

We’ve selected a variety of warm and welcoming Masai Mara safari lodges and camps for you to choose from during your stay. Each of the accommodation options we’ve selected is known for offering premium safari activities, first-class accommodation and every creature comfort you could wish for during your stay.

All accommodations in Greater Masai Mara

Browse all camps & lodges

National Reserve accommodation

Browse Masai Mara NR accommodations

Mara conservancies accommodation

Browse conservancy lodges & camps

Masai Mara lodges we love

We would like to share a few accommodation options with you for your stay in the Masai Mara. Our safari lodge options come in a variety of price ranges, giving you plenty of possibilities to find the right Masai Mara safari camp for your travel budget.

Keep in mind that the following are simply suggestions. We offer tailor-made safari experiences and look forward to creating just the right mix of Masai Mara safari accommodation and activities based on your personal preferences. We look forward to helping you create the bespoke Masai Mara safari of your dreams.

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

lodge location Mara Triangle

Kenyan hospitality meets Maasai-inspired luxury on the lush green banks of the Saparingo River. &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp lies on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, where riverine forest meets the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara.

from US$ 435 per person per night

Cottars 1920s Safari Camp

lodge location Olderkesi

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp offers guest vintage luxury at its very best. Cream-coloured tents decorated in 1920s epic safari style, professional Maasai safari guides and above all a sense of elegance and class - this classic Kenyan safari camp has it all.

from US$ 1,059 per person per night

Elewana Sand River Camp

lodge location Musiara Sector

Ideally situated in one of the most remote parts of Masai Mara National Reserve, Sand River Camp pays homage to romantic 1920s safaris. Its design reminds guests of the many African adventure themed Hollywood movies created in that time period.

from US$ 670 per person per night

There were lion cubs galore, a baby zebra born in front of my eyes, pretty much everything an avid photographer could hope for.

The Maasai people were extremely welcoming, and were there to make sure our experience was nothing but the best. We will definitely be back.

The Big 5 and more - giraffes, zebras, hippos, lions with their families, cheetahs and hundreds of wildebeests - no shortage of amazing game sightings every day...

Masai Mara highlights

The Masai Mara is a dream come true for everyone who ever watched ‘Out of Africa’ and longed for the adventurous, romantic nostalgia of an African safari in the wild. The Great Migration, big cats and Maasai warriors await.

The Masai Mara is a photographer's paradise. This region is known for pristine riverine forests, dramatic towering escarpments, stunning sprawling savannahs and of course... all the creatures, big and small, that roam the land. Add a visit to a Maasai village to your stay for a cultural immersion and gain some insight in the day-to-day life of your hosts. For an extra special birds-eye view of the African plains, take to the skies during a hot-air balloon safari. When it comes to crafting the safari of your dreams, the sky is the limit.

Balloon safari

View golden plains from above

Maasai people

Extraordinary cultural meetings

Exhilarating wildlife

Wildlife up close and personal

The Great Migration

Wildlife spectacle in the Masai Mara

Safari activities

Drive, walks & more

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya's premier wildlife reserve

Luxury accommodation

A luxury safari home from home

Mara North Conservancy

Enjoy the perks of a conservancy

Conservancies in Kenya are the way to go; protecting the extraordinary wildlife whilst giving the local community an income, together with education on the interaction between the two.

Wonderful area for wildlife viewing. Having been there twice both times were awesome experiences! Will return again.

The highlight of our trip to Mara was seeing the migration at the Mara river. A once in a lifetime experience to see the Wildebeest migrating. An amazing scene of nature it was.

Masai Mara video

The best way of understanding what the Masai Mara and its conservancies are about is by seeing some thrilling footage from the area. Watch this video to experience Kenya's Masai Mara, its splendour and to meet some of our celebrity wildlife species.

Be careful, after watching this video you can be sure that you want to travel to Kenya. Today.

We saw 8 lions in one drive, and a hippo pod being circled by a dozen crocodiles that launched into the water, trying to get the baby hippos in the center of the pod. Wow!

I was fortunate that when I was recently in the Mara North Conservancy there were so few tourists. I saw plenty of wildlife. The sightings of big cats were especially good.

The Mara Triangle is the most beautiful, lush area of the Masai Mara. Loads of elephants and all types of wildlife without all the land cruiser traffic found in other areas of the Mara.

Send your enquiry

We hope you have found all information needed to decide that the Masai Mara in Kenya is the perfect place for your next safari adventure. Still have questions? Or maybe you would like some more specific information about the different lodges? Please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soon!

• Masai Mara National Reserve & conservancies
• [email protected]

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Kenya Safari Tours and Holiday Packages

Find and book your dream safari in magical Kenya. There are 865 Kenya safari adventures to choose from, that range in length from 1 days up to 21 days. The most popular month for these tours is October.

Best Kenya safari tours based on 1,359 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

7 Days 6 Nights Kenya luxury Safari

The best memory we will take away is the camaraderie we all shared with your wonderful team. Simon brought so much to the group with his knowledge of wildlife, his enthusiasm and sense of fun – not to mention his patience with little pre-teen girls! The best guide ever!

Kenya Wildlife Safari

Such an amazing experience, definitely I will do this again.

Kenya Camping Safari

It was more than what I expected. Every thing was well organised. The guide/tour leader is a important part of tour and I found the guide/ tour leader of both my trip with g adventure was good.

6 Days Kenya Budget Tours (with FREE NIGHT at Nairobi Hotel)

Amazing safari I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a six-day safari adventure with Bon Voyage Safaris, exploring the captivating landscapes of Maasai Mara and Serengeti. From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary, leaving me with memories that will last a lifetime. Firstly, I must commend the exceptional professionalism and expertise of the Bon Voyage Safaris team. From the moment I made my reservation, their knowledgeable staff provided me with detailed information and answered all my questions promptly. They took care of every aspect of the trip, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. The safari itself was a dream come true. Our knowledgeable and passionate guides, who seemed to possess an innate understanding of the wildlife and their habitats, accompanied us throughout the journey. Their expertise and ability to spot even the most elusive creatures were truly impressive. They shared their deep knowledge about the animals, their behaviors, and the ecosystems we encountered, making the experience both educational and thrilling. The accommodations provided by Bon Voyage Safaris were outstanding. The lodges and tented camps we stayed in were not only comfortable but also offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The staff at each location were warm, welcoming, and went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction. One of the highlights of the trip was witnessing the great wildebeest migration. The sheer magnitude of the spectacle left me in awe. Watching thousands of wildebeest and other animals crossing the Mara River was a truly unforgettable experience. Our guides positioned us in the perfect spots to witness this incredible event, capturing moments that will forever be etched in my memory. Throughout the journey, Bon Voyage Safaris prioritized our safety and well-being. They adhered to strict safety protocols and provided us with all the necessary information and precautions to ensure a secure safari experience. This attention to detail and commitment to the welfare of their guests was greatly appreciated. In conclusion, my six-day safari with Bon Voyage Safaris to Maasai Mara and Serengeti was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The professionalism, expertise, and passion displayed by the staff, coupled with the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, made it an experience beyond compare. I highly recommend Bon Voyage Safaris to anyone seeking an unforgettable safari experience in East Africa.

Kenya Family Safari

Your staff did an excellent job. We had a great time and I would recommend this trip for my friends.

Premium Kenya

Amboseli & Masai Mara Budget Safari By 4x4 Jeep

I am really glad we did the best African safari for family provided by Voyage Kenya Tanzania Safari. Kenya and Tanzania were such beautiful countries. Our Kenya safari tour operator and director Mr. John was wonderful. The 4-star luxury lodges in Masai Mara and Serengeti were beyond expectation with great activities for kids of all ages.

Masai Mara Camping Safari

Our guide was great and interacted well with the group. He had lots of animal knowledge and found us some great animals. Our transport was a van but it made it there and back and wasn't too bad for game viewing. Plenty of space for the 6 of us. Accommodation is a basic tent with bed and mossie net but was all we really needed. Meals were good and there was always plenty. While the trip is advertised as 4 days, it's only 3. I would have enjoyed having an extra day to spend in the Mara.

Kenya Safari Experience National Geographic Journeys

It is Tim and I first time at a safari and we had a fantastic experience because Lilian and Vincent the driver from G-adventure was knowledgeable in their work. We very much enjoy it and is looking forward for the next trip. Thanks.

5 Days Masai Mara and Amboseli Wildlife Safari

Our 5 day Kenya Masai Mara safari was fantastic. Everything was very good. Martin our driver guide, extremely hard-working, knowledgeable and helpful. From airport reception to on time performance all very good. Good company I can recommend.

7 Days, 6 Nights Safari To Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha And Amboseli With Complimentary First Night Accommodation at After 40 Hotel and free airport pickup.

We loved the variety of this tour - safari by vehicle, hot air balloon, bike, boat, and foot. The accommodations ranged from basic to good, so this tour is best for those who don’t need luxury accommodations, which we did not. The food was always very good and plentiful. We had 2 guides - Nathan and Tony, and both were excellent. They were friendly, knowledgeable, patient, and good drivers. The optional tours need to be updated on the description of the tour, as inflation has caused an increase in prices. The hot air balloon safari was $450/pp (a wonderful experience with a nice champagne picnic breakfast afterwards). The Massai village visit was $25/pp. We recommend both. Bring lots of cash for drinks, souvenirs, and tipping. We underestimated and ran out, but our guide made a stop at a bank for us to get more. Good communication and customer service from the tour company as well. Overall an incredible vacation. We will be back in Kenya in the future and would definitely use this company again.

7 Days Taylor -Made Kenya Luxury Safari

This is one of the best tours ever just loved the experience

7 Days Kenya mid range Joining Safari

We hired a vehicle and driver through John, CKC, both organized by John. We booked the service before leaving Australia. John maintained contact with us throughout. He was able to secure our driver/guide, George, who was fantastic. The vehicle was very comfortable. We visited Tsavo East, on a private tour, quite a drive away from Nairobi. We considered a self-drive, but very pleased we didn't. George was amazing in the madness of Kenyan highway driving. We'd have no hesitation in recommending CKC and John if you are considering a private tour of Kenya. Excellent value for money.

5 Days Kenya medium range safari for Amboseli and Tsavo Parks from Nairobi to Mombasa

I would highly recommend CKC Tours. John responded to all our queries promptly and went back and forth until we had an itinerary we were happy with. We were then met by John at the airport and given all the documentation for our trip which included lodges at Masai Mara and Amboseli and internal flights. It was all very easy and well organised. I also found it to be very competitively priced considering the service we received and the standard of accommodation.

6 Days Kenya Budget Small Group 4x4 Jeep Safari

The trip was enjoyable, we got really good accommodations and the safari drive was even better

Kenya Safari Tour Reviews

I enjoyed the tour The good was good and the guide was sharp

Everything was Amazing

My first time camping and I had a blast! David was a fantastic CEO: helpful, patient, informative and good natured. The people, places and animals I’ve seen will stay will me for a long time.

Safari Tours

• Wildlife (268)
• Big Five (107)
• Great Migration (52)
• Flying Safari (13)

National Park

• Masai Mara National Reserve (128)
• Lake Nakuru National Park (81)
• Amboseli National Park (56)
• Amboseli National Park (35)
• Tsavo National Park (31)
• Samburu National Park (12)
• Lake Nakuru National Park (8)
• Aberdare National Park (5)

Regions in Kenya

• Masai Mara National Reserve (138)
• Masai Mara (121)
• Lake Nakuru National Park (83)
• Amboseli National Park (57)
• Amboseli National Park (37)
• Mount Kenya (21)
• Central Kenya (16)
• Lake Nakuru National Park (10)

Travel Styles

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• Best Time to Visit Kenya for a Ultimate Safari Experience

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Kenya Safaris

Kenya invented the safari: with its spectacular wildlife, cultural diversity and breathtaking landscapes, this is an utterly dazzling destination.

“Wonderful, but very hard to describe”: that was one recent traveller’s summary of an Expert Africa safari in Kenya, his first visit to Africa. “The impact is emotional and spiritual as well as literal. Yes, there are many animals and birds and these are real wild creatures in their natural habitat, but it is so much more than that. I will never forget this trip. It was one of the great experiences of my life.” With the Indian Ocean lapping its coral-fringed coast and Mount Kenya rising from the middle of its extraordinarily beautiful natural environment, Kenya is one of Africa’s most rewarding countries to explore. The remarkably diverse scenery, the rich variety of its wildlife and its ever-stimulating social tapestry – from traditionally dressed Maasai herders on the plains to sarong-wrapped Swahili fishermen on the coast – could keep you enthralled for months. Think of Kenya like the Maasai do – as a land formed especially for them by God. Imagine he pulled the land up in the middle – that’s Mount Kenya, with its glacier-covered peaks, dominating the highlands – then tore the east and west apart leaving the great trough of the Rift Valley with its lakes. The Maasai Mara lies in the southwest and its fabled grasslands can reveal scenes that sometimes look like a children’s animal wall frieze, as a dozen or more species of megafauna – from elephants to lions and from buffalos to zebras – mingle on the plains in front of your camera. On the Kenya coast you could be in a different country, with mosques and palm trees, crystal-blue sea and a coral reef. Wherever your trip takes you, Kenya is hard to beat as a country to thrill and impress, whether you’ve been on safari before or it's your first visit to Africa.

Kenya's top safari and holiday destinations

Kenya's key areas for visitors are spread across the country.

In the southwest, bordering the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, lie the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Maasai Mara Conservancies . This is the land of the Great Migration .

North of Mount Kenya lies Kenya's second best wildlife region, the plateaux and wild bush lands of Laikipia , where you can see hunting dogs and black leopards. Laikipia is also Kenya's rhino stronghold, with all three African species present.

To the east lies Meru National Park , where a tiny handful of camps and lodges in a huge wilderness make for a magical safari.

Further north is the Samburu National Reserve , with its dry-country mammals including reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and Grevy's zebra, and beyond that the deserts and semi-deserts of Northern Kenya , and the largest desert lake in the world, Lake Turkana.

In southern Kenya, head to Amboseli for those fabled views of Kilimanjaro framing "big tusker" elephants, or to Tsavo East for giant landscapes and baobabs or Tsavo West for hilly scenery and a plethora of wildlife – though you may have to look harder for it.

Finally, Kenya's coast is everything you could wish for in a tropical beach - with the bonus of a fascinating cultural tapestry.

Kenya Coast

32 places to stay

Kenya’s coast is an alluring region and – relatively – little developed. As well as beautiful beaches and a coral reef, it has fascinating historical sites and forest safari areas.

Mara Conservancies

29 places to stay

The wildlife-rich private conservancies are the Maasai-owned lands outside the national reserve. They tend to be much less busy than the reserve, but no less rewarding.

26 places to stay

Laikipia is an extensive region of large ranches and rolling, semi-arid savanna and bush country that is growing in importance for wildlife conservation and adventurous and luxury safaris.

21 places to stay

Capital of Kenya and East Africa’s biggest city, Nairobi has large hanty towns and wealthy suburbs, as well as a many green spaces, including the magnificent Nairobi National Park.

Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti-Mara eco-system. Together with the Mara conservancies outside the public reserve, this is Kenya’s most wildlife-rich region.

Northern Kenya

10 places to stay

Northern Kenya – split by giant Lake Turkana – is one of the country's best regions for cultural contact, and the forest-cloaked mountains have local micro-climates and much wildlife.

Amboseli & Chyulu Hills

8 places to stay

This region encompasses one of Kenya's most iconic national parks and a little known district of volcanic hills topped with misty cloud forest.

Rift Valley

4 places to stay

Most visitors take in the Great Rift Valley – embellished by a string of beautiful lakes – during the course of a road safari. It's also possible to use one or two airstrips for a fly-in safari.

2 places to stay

This extensive park of volcanic landscapes encompasses rolling savannah, woodland and streams, and the magnetic attraction of Mzima Springs.

3 places to stay

This rejuvenated national park on the well-watered side of Mount Kenya has excellent game-watching, Kenya's best KWS-run rhino sanctuary, and barely a handful of camps and lodges.

5 places to stay

This richly rewarding dry-country ecosystem depends on the seasonal Ewaso Nyiro River to support its elephants and many other species.

The largest park in Kenya is a vast area of dry bush, inhabited by huge herds of brick-red elephants, and dramatically cut through by the Galana River.

Our top ten Kenya safaris and holidays

Every one of Expert Africa's tailor-made itineraries is as individual as the traveller undertaking it.

The itineraries we have put together here are just examples of what is possible, with costs and details included. They are not set plans, or indeed set in stone at all. You can pick any combination of camps and lodges that is logistically possible, and start your trip on any date you like, subject to availability. See all 24 Kenya safari ideas here .

Most of our trips in Kenya are based around Fly-in Safaris , on which you fly by scheduled light aircraft between the different areas on your trip, typically staying for a few days at a camp or lodge in each place, and exploring the area in an open safari vehicle, guided by a seasoned driver-guide based at the camp, accompanied on daily safaris ("game drives") by other guests staying at the camp.

On a Guided Safari , you’ll travel by private closed safari vehicle, with a pop-top roof and sliding windows, led by the same driver-guide all the way.

Our Beach Holidays showcase ideas for stays along the Kenya coast's beautiful beaches.

Call Expert Africa now to speak to a Kenya expert who can address your questions and craft a trip for you that’s perfectly tailored for you.

Black Kite Fly-in Safari

10 days • 4 locations NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru national parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.

US$10,140 - US$12,240 per person

Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari

Experience Amboseli, the Maasai Mara ecosystem and Laikipia during this economically priced safari. Two simple camps offer adventure before a stopover in Nairobi and a final stay in the charming, wildlife-rich Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge.

US$5,800 - US$6,090 per person

Elephant Safari

10 days • 3 locations NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo West's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white-sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.

US$5,110 - US$5,770 per person

De Brazza Monkey Fly-in Safari

9 days • 3 locations NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Enjoy a range of activities in the remote wilderness of northern Kenya before exploring the wildlife-rich plains of the Mara ecosystem. Private vehicles and guides heighten the personalisation of this highly immersive safari.

US$12,310 - US$16,320 per person

Hamerkop Fly-In Safari

8 days • 2 locations NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Different wildlife, contrasting camps and a whole host of activities, this is a safari for those wanting to get out and about and not just sit in a vehicle.

US$6,350 - US$10,960 per person

Rothschild Giraffe Safari

8 days • 3 locations NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A example of a luxury Kenyan safari, starting at the iconic Giraffe Manor before fabulous stays on the spectacular Solio Reserve and Sala’s Camp in a remote corner of the Maasai Mara.

US$11,720 - US$16,510 per person

Big Cat Fly-in Safari

Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long-established, well-rated camps are great value, too.

US$5,010 - US$8,190 per person

Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari

A contrasting safari of a lodge and a tented camp, with action-packed activities in Laikipia and wildlife-filled game drives in the Maasai Mara, offers a consistently high-quality experience.

US$9,730 - US$13,080 per person

Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari

Three sister camps offer access to wonderfully remote regions across northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy an exclusive safari experience focused on great wildlife, superb guiding and considerable comfort, with a range of activities.

US$6,620 - US$8,400 per person

African Finfoot Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

After a unique start in Nairobi National Park, classic, luxurious camps combine for a high-end and exclusive safari in fantastic wildlife destinations.

US$9,900 - US$16,050 per person

View all holidays

Expert Africa's 10 most recent Kenya trip reviews

Feedback from Expert Africa's thousands of travellers is extremely important to us.

The reviews they send us are a real help to future travellers planning their trips. The feedback helps us stay up to date with changes to the camps and lodges we book, and it's also very valuable to our partners across Africa who appreciate that it is guaranteed genuine. It is often very constructive for the management of their properties and guiding operations.

All our Kenya trip reviews are published in full without any edits by Expert Africa. See all 597 Kenya safaris reviews here , or click on a card below to read one of our ten most recent reviews in full.

Arrived 29 Mar 2024, 10 nights

"My Mar 2024 trip"

Overall rating: Excellent

Arrived 29 Feb 2024, 10 nights

"Perfect Kicheche camps "

Arrived 11 Mar 2024, 19 nights

Arrived 22 Mar 2024, 9 nights

Arrived 27 Feb 2024, 6 nights

"My Feb 2024 trip to Lewa and Naboisho"

Arrived 13 Mar 2024, 10 nights

"March 2024 - Lewa and Maasai Mara"

Arrived 26 Feb 2024, 7 nights

"My Feb 2024 trip"

Arrived 24 Jan 2024, 26 nights

"My Jan 2024 trip"

Arrived 5 Feb 2024, 15 nights

See all Kenya reviews

Our travellers' wildlife sightings across Kenya

When travelling through Kenya, many of our travellers document their wildlife encounters – be they of lions, leopards or black rhinos – and generously share their records with us.

This "citizen science" gives us a unique picture of the distribution of species, enlightening you on where you have the best chance of seeing a particular species during a Kenya safari ( Learn about this survey's methodology .)

The percentages below signify the average probability of a safari-goer seeing various large mammals where they naturally occur. Note that species with limited distributions, such as the black rhino, can attain high scores in the regions where they reside. For further insights into a specific species, click on its picture below and follow the link in the pop-up window.

For a broader perspective on Kenya's wildlife sightings, explore our interactive wildlife map of Kenya showing the prime locations for encountering various species.

99% success

98% success

93% success

92% success

91% success

89% success

83% success

81% success

79% success

77% success

62% success

56% success

53% success

37% success

14% success

11% success

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings in Kenya

The reports our travellers send us of their large mammal sightings can be very useful in assessing the best camps and lodges for seeing some of Kenya's key wildlife .

Whether you're looking for cheetahs , lions , wild dogs , or eastern black rhinos – or any one of a score of other species – our data-driven maps highlight the most likely areas to see each animal.

If you'd like to see a map showing the top camps and lodges for a specific mammal, click on the species below.

Panthera leo

Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.

81% SUCCESS

2,974 sightings from 3,651 observations

Where to see lion in Kenya

Panthera pardus

The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.

47% SUCCESS

1,892 sightings from 4,038 observations

Where to see leopard in Kenya

Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.

33% SUCCESS

1,030 sightings from 3,093 observations

Where to see cheetah in Kenya

Syncerus caffer

One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.

83% SUCCESS

2,505 sightings from 3,028 observations

Where to see buffalo in Kenya

Lycaon pictus

African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.

31% SUCCESS

844 sightings from 2,713 observations

Where to see wild dog in Kenya

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.

55% SUCCESS

2,131 sightings from 3,849 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Kenya

Striped Hyena

Hyaena hyaena

The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.

14% SUCCESS

122 sightings from 902 observations

Where to see striped hyena in Kenya

Loxodonta africana

By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.

91% SUCCESS

3,548 sightings from 3,902 observations

Where to see elephant in Kenya

Black Rhino

Diceros bicornis

The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.

617 sightings from 2,001 observations

Where to see black rhino in Kenya

White Rhino

Ceratotherium simum

The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.

44% SUCCESS

483 sightings from 1,093 observations

Where to see white rhino in Kenya

Taurotragus oryx

Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.

49% SUCCESS

1,445 sightings from 2,927 observations

Where to see eland in Kenya

Litocranius walleri

With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.

76% SUCCESS

89 sightings from 117 observations

Where to see gerenuk in Kenya

Giraffa camelopardalis

The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.

86% SUCCESS

3,424 sightings from 3,964 observations

Where to see giraffe in Kenya

Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.

70% SUCCESS

1,285 sightings from 1,846 observations

Where to see oryx in Kenya

Hippopotamus amphibius

The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.

89% SUCCESS

2,598 sightings from 2,917 observations

Where to see hippo in Kenya

Sable antelope

Hippotragus niger

Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.

22% SUCCESS

440 sightings from 1,962 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Kenya

Connochaetes sp.

Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.

68% SUCCESS

2,419 sightings from 3,566 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Kenya

The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.

84% SUCCESS

3,735 sightings from 4,424 observations

Where to see zebra in Kenya

Orycteropus afer

The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.

67 sightings from 3,247 observations

Where to see aardvark in Kenya

Smutsia sp.

Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.

54 sightings from 3,245 observations

Where to see pangolin in Kenya

When to go to Kenya

The earths's climate crisis is making the weather in Kenya increasingly unpredictable. Our month-by-month guide helps you weigh up the options based on the weather you're most likely to get.

Do bear in mind, however, that climate charts apply specifically to the town in question, and not to larger regions or the whole country. And they are based on the annual measurements taken, in the case of Kenya, over roughly the last century. Kenya's weather in the 1950s, was more predictable and regular than it is today.

While the country lies on the equator, temperatures are determined much more by altitude than by season, with the coast and everywhere below around 1000 metres above sea level (about 3,300ft) being hot in the day time and very warm at night all year round. At high altitudes, it may rain at almost any time of year. The northern deserts are largely dry all the time. Western Kenya, including the Maasai Mara region , has a scattered rainfall pattern influenced by Lake Victoria, while the eastern half of the country, and especially the coast , are largely controlled by the Indian Ocean’s monsoon winds – the dry northeast monsoon ( kaskazi ) blowing in from November to March or April and the moist southeast monsoon ( kusi ) blowing in from May to October. The kusi normally brings the heaviest rains to the coast in May and June. As these weather systems move inland, they bring rain to the east facing highlands, but the western slopes can experience a rain shadow effect and much drier conditions.

Broadly, the seasons that apply to most of the safari areas are: a warm, mostly dry season from January to March, getting increasingly humid before the rains break; then warm and wet from April to June (the “long rains” ); slightly less warm and mostly dry from July to October (Nairobians call the relatively cool, cloudy July-August period "winter" , thought it's barely wintry in a sense that people from higher latitudes would recognise; and then warm and wet for a few weeks in November and early December – a period called the "short rains” , which typically fizzle out before Christmas, but can sometimes be prolonged into early January.

Kenya in January

Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

• On average, January is the second driest month of the year
• Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
• Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
• Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
• Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Kenya in February

With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

• On average, February is the driest month of the year.
• It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
• Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
• This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
• This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Kenya in March

Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult. March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.

• Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
• Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
• Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
• Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
• Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Kenya in April

April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions. With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.

• A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
• Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
• Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
• Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
• Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Kenya in May

While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all. In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.

• Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
• Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
• Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
• There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
• Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.

Weather in May

Kenya in June

The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors. While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.

• The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
• The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
• Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
• The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
• The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.

Weather in June

Kenya in July

Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens. As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.

• The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
• Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
• Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
• The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.

Weather in July

Kenya in August

The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions. Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.

• Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
• Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
• Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
• Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
• The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.

Weather in August

Kenya in September

The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer. If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.

• This is still high season, with prices to match.
• Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
• Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
• The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
• With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.

Weather in September

Kenya in October

Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants. While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.

• This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
• Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
• Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
• Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
• The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.

Weather in October

Kenya in November

The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding. Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.

• Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
• Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
• The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
• Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
• This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.

Weather in November

Kenya in December

In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable. Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.

• Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
• Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
• Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
• Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
• Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.

Weather in December

Country guide

A rough guide to Kenya

This short guide includes some useful practical and background information about the country. If you book your Kenya trip with Expert Africa, we’ll send you a free copy of The Rough Guide to Kenya , a detailed travel guide written by Expert Africa’s East Africa Manager, Richard Trillo.

Where to go on a first visit

The options can seem overwhelming: with so many parks, reserves and conservancies, where to go on a first visit? Firstly, we’d strongly recommend including the famous Maasai Mara . At any time of year, the lands around the meandering Mara River host abundant wildlife and whether you’re watching a pride of lions hunting, a herd of elephants grazing in the marsh or hyenas squabbling with vultures over the carcass of a buffalo, you are conscious all the time of being in a realm apart, a human visitor to a landscape owned by the animals. Yes, the publicly accessible Maasai Mara National Reserve gets very busy, especially during holiday periods and when the wildebeest migration is on. There’s a new hard surfaced road from Nairobi which makes access easy for weekenders too. However, the former Maasai grazing lands around the reserve have mostly been converted to very successful wildlife conservancies, managed by the local community in association with small, high quality safari camp owners, and these Maasai Mara Conservancies are well worth considering if you want to avoid the crowds. The other region we very often recommend as a contrast with the Mara is Laikipia , the upland former ranches and hills northwest of Mount Kenya. Laikipia now largely consists of a patchwork of highly successful wildlife conservancies, providing extensive sanctuary to rhinos, wild dogs, leopards and most of the other megafauna of the East African plains and bush. If you want to include some beach time, Kenya's Indian Ocean coast , fringed by coral reefs, is the real deal – with the bonus of rewarding historical discoveries to be made in the old cities of Mombasa and Lamu, and the ruins of Gedi, near Watamu.

Local flight transfers

The workhorse of Kenya’s local aviation is the Cessna Caravan . It’s a turboprop plane, typically seating 9-12 passengers, plus the pilot and co-pilot. If you’re not used to flying in unpressurised light aircraft the experience can either be exhilarating or a little unexpected at first. Be prepared for the plane to be gently buffeted by wind and thermals and to drop into bush airstrips more than once in the course of your journey. Our scheduled airline partners strive to be reliable, but the final route and timings of any particular service are usually only settled the day before, when camps are notified of arrival and departure times.

Engaging with local culture

Village visits are offered as a standard activity or excursion by many safari camps, especially in the Maasai and Samburu traditional areas, often calling at a local compound – a circle of small houses – where the camp staff and guides have family contacts, during the course of a morning or afternoon game drive. You are normally expected to make a modest cash contribution, or to buy some souvenirs. These visits, which often include a few minutes inside a smoky hut built of straw and dried cow-dung, can be illuminating and rewarding, or sometimes can feel a little contrived (you only have to imagine the scenario in reverse). Villagers will sometimes put on a little dance show. Otherwise, you are likely to have the most rewarding encounters with local culture simply in conversation with your guide or camp staff: their life stories can be unforgettable.

Kenyan food and drink

Most Kenyans breakfast on the national staples of sweet, milky tea and white bread and margarine, with ugali (a stiff, polenta-like corn mash) usually eaten as the main meal of the day, with a little sauce or relish and green-leaf vegetables to liven it up. Traditionally, celebratory meals invariably focus around the consumption of huge quantities of meat . Roast meat ( nyama choma with ugali is the closest to a true national dish, but only the Swahili coast has a proper cuisine, based around the spices and ingredients of the Indian Ocean, Middle East and India. Not surprisingly, perhaps, most of the dishes you’ll be served in hotels and luxury safari camps will be quite familiar. Soups, bread rolls, tasty salads and fruit bowls (often grown in an organic kitchen garden at the camp itself), roast and stewed beef, pork, lamb and chicken, familiar vegetables, occasional fish and standards of the British-European dessert list like lemon meringue pie and profiteroles are all frequently on the menu. Many camps and lodges will have a curry night or a Swahili night (with aromatic dishes from the Indian Ocean coast) and most run menu rotations of at least five days to avoid presenting the same meals more than once. Local lager-style beer and familiar soft drinks are available everywhere, as is imported wine , often South African.

Kenya’s history

Some of the earliest fossil evidence of human ancestry has been discovered in Kenya, and the exhibits in Nairobi’s national museum and at several archaeological sites around the country are interesting, if not spectacular. The country’s original stone-tool-using hunter-gatherer inhabitants merged thousands of years ago with the first distinct migrations into the region of people from the highlands of what is now Ethiopia, who could have arrived at any time between 9000 BC and 1000 BC. The highland migrants brought an expanded material culture, including working in hard obsidian stone (better weapons) and a range of activities from refined pottery to leather and bark cloth clothing. For present-day Kenya, the key early arrivals (from around 1AD) were peoples from the forests further west, speaking languages of the huge Bantu family (including the forebears of today’s Kikuyu, Kamba and Mijikenda ethnic groups), and people from the upper Nile, who would have been the ancestors of today’s Rift Valley Kalenjin-speakers. These groups brought the knowledge of iron-working (essential for large-scale tree-felling) and by around 1000AD, most of Kenya’s peoples were engaged in an iron-age economy, with a good deal of intermarriage. On the coast, seafaring traders from the Arabian peninsula had already introduced Islam, and the cultures of the Indian Ocean were being introduced to the Bantu-speaking cultures of the coast to create the hierarchical society of the Swahili. The next big arrivals were American crops (corn, cassava, potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco) introduced by Portuguese merchant adventurers who had secured trading toe-holds on the coast, while new migrants into western Kenya included the ancestors of the Luo on the shores of Lake Victoria, and the Turkana , both groups coming from the upper Nile and hugely dependent on fishing. Finally the Maa-speakers (the Maasai and Samburu ) arrived in Kenya, again from the Nile region, and their economy was dominated by livestock and a diet largely consisting of milk and blood extracted from their living cattle. By the mid-nineteenth century, the Maasai were a dominant and militaristic force over much of Kenya. But severe droughts and civil war splintered them, so that by the end of the century, with European raiders moving rapidly across East Africa, building a railway to Lake Victoria and beginning to settle, the African peoples of Kenya were fragmented and easily subdued. Anti-colonial resistance fizzled out as Europeans flooded into Kenya between the first and second world wars. Many Kenyans fought with the British in World War II, especially in Burma, and the start of organised anti-British resistance in the 1950s included many returning servicemen. Britain fought an ugly war with the so-called Mau Mau , declaring a State of Emergency, sealing off villages and executing thousands of fighters. British atrocities have only been fully revealed in recent years. The inevitable withdrawal of the British and the return of Kenya’s independence , in 1963, were followed by decades of government corruption and mismanagement, though a greater degree of democracy has prevailed since the 1990s, together with freedom of the press. Kenya’s rampant free market economy and high birth rate, combined with tribal politics, has created a society that is forever and restlessly hopeful, but never at peace with itself. These conditions allow for a great deal of freedom for money to determine outcomes, and that includes in the fields of conservation and wildlife management . Kenya’s strict no-hunting law (applied by the first president, Jomo Kenyatta, in 1978) and its permissive land ownership laws mean that vast swathes of the country are effectively under foreign control, for the fundamental benefit of the wildlife, and tourism. Balancing this economic climate with the needs of Kenya’s millions of people living in deep poverty is the challenge for the 21st century.

Maps of the principal regions for a Kenya safari

These two quite different maps help you to understand the scale and features of Kenya: the GOOGLE MAP shows the country's diverse topography and landscapes: a country more than twice the size of the UK and 50 per cent bigger than California incorporates sweeping plains and highland peaks, arid deserts and an indented, mangrove- and beach-fringed coastline supporting coral reefs. Do click on Google's satellite view as well as the regular "Map" and "Terrain" views. Then our REFERENCE MAP is Expert Africa's own artwork map, clearly identifying Kenya's national parks, national reserves and private and community conservancies.

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Holidays and Safaris in Kenya

Expert Africa knows Kenya better than any other safari operator: our specialists combine decades of experience travelling and living in the country. So when we say we'll guide you to make the best choices for your trip from our own experience we say so with honesty and enthusiasm.

Kenya's key wildlife area is the Mara ecosystem; that includes the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the neighbouring Maasai Mara Conservancies . The majority of travellers include a visit to this region that has an iconic reputation for the Mara River that runs through it and the annual wildebeest migration – that also runs through it. We'll help you decide whether to stay inside the reserve or in one of the conservancies.

Easily reckoned as the second best wildlife area in Kenya, Laikipia consists entirely of private and community conservancies. You can easily see all the "Big Five here, as well as less obvious species such as wild dog and Grevy's zebra. And the region has also become famous among keen mammal-watchers and photographers for its black leopards.

Kenya's other principal safari areas are Samburu National Reserve and neighbouring conservancies, Amboseli National Park and the nearby Chyulu Hills, and Meru National Park (not to be confused with Mount Meru in northern Tanzania). We love them all, and many travellers have favourite camps that they return to year after year.

Please browse through our selection of safari and beach holiday itinerary examples below, then call us , so that one of our Kenya experts can help you to design an individual, tailor-made trip that will suit you perfectly..

The Highlights of Africa

17 days • 7 locations CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.

US$14,330 - US$18,190 per person

Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari

9 days • 3 locations KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.

US$10,590 - US$13,500 per person

Purple Grenadier Fly-In Safari

6 days • 2 locations NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Fantastic guiding from intimate, well-run mid-range tented camps, in superb conservancy locations: this safari is all about making the most of the incredible wildlife in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara.

US$5,010 - US$6,600 per person

Striped Hyena Safari

5 days • 3 locations NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Just one example of a possible itinerary for keen walkers, this safari enables you to experience the sounds and sights of the bush, and its wildlife, in an unusually direct way.

US$5,020 - US$6,470 per person

Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari

9 days • 3 locations NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

US$12,590 - US$18,010 per person

Steppe Eagle Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Two comfortable tented camps overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro and Mara River put you at the heart of the action. Experience spectacular diversity in species and habitat with safari in Samburu and the Masaai Mara National Reserve.

US$5,680 - US$8,620 per person

African Hawk-Eagle Fly-in Safari

Two luxurious camps provide relatively quiet game-viewing within Laikipia and the Mara ecosystem. Situated on private conservancies, both Lewa Wilderness and Naboisho offer the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" and to enjoy a range of safari activities.

US$7,780 - US$12,800 per person

Kinondo Kwetu Beach Holiday

7 days • 1 locations NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Enjoy a ‘home away from home’ on a beautiful beach, where you will be exceptionally well looked after by a superb team. This holiday can be as relaxed or as action-packed as you like.

US$3,760 - US$5,540 per person

Greater Kudu Fly-In Safari

Experience a truly authentic bush experience on this safari at two classic tented camps, in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara. These are some of the best places to spot wild dogs and big cats.

US$7,170 - US$8,410 per person

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.

Talk to an Expert

Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.

Set up your itinerary

Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.

Prepare for your trip

The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.

Travel with peace of mind

After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.

When you return

We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.

Kenya holiday styles & special interests

From family adventures to romantic breaks, find ideas here for your perfect Kenya safari

Beach holidays

Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Family holidays

Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Photography holidays

Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses

Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays

Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Solo Travel

Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Walking safaris

Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.

Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Wildlife safaris

These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Expert Africa we often get asked the same questions - understandably. It can be hard to imagine how it works when you mix lions and elephants with human beings, or how you'll manage charging your phone out in the bush. Here we try to provide some answers.

Is Kenya crowded with tourists?

Kenya is the country where photographic safaris originated ( safari is a Swahili word meaning “journey”) so it’s not surprising that some parts of it can be busy with visitors, especially in the peak holiday seasons. However Kenya’s visitor numbers are tiny relative to its size, and it’s nowhere near as touristy as big holiday destinations such as Mexico or Thailand. Expert Africa has decades of experience in visiting every corner of the country, including some really off-the-beaten-track locations. If you want small camps and peaceful wildlife-viewing we know how to make that happen for you.

Is it safe? What about being in an unfenced safari camp or an open-sided vehicle with animals around?

This is one of the hardest things to get your head around if you’ve not experienced a safari before: what stops the animals from attacking the people? The facts of this are disarmingly simple: very few species of Kenya’s magnificent megafauna are dangerous to people in normal circumstances. The wildlife tends to stay away from centres of human activity, and that includes unfenced safari camps. All such camps are patrolled, especially at night, by askaris (night watchmen or security guards), usually traditionally dressed and armed with alarming spears and big torches. Harmless grazers (for example impalas or zebras ) sometimes come into camp to munch on the lawn, but only solitary buffalos and elephants are considered bold enough and unpredictable enough to be worthy of serious concern and are always carefully monitored and ushered out of the camp if possible. After dark, you will always be accompanied by an askari when walking between your tent and the central area of camp. The big cats are not considered dangerous while you’re in a vehicle, and rarely come into camps. Hippos are certainly dangerous, but not unless you come between them and the water – not something that a walking guide would ever allow.

I’m not sure about camping. What are the tents like?

Back in the day, safaris were conducted with the kind of tents you might be familiar with putting up yourself; not any more (at least not for the most part). The vast majority of the tented camps in Expert Africa’s Kenya programme are permanent properties set in beautiful locations, with very large, fully furnished en-suite tents or chalets, usually set on a plinth or platform, often with a pleasant deck at the front equipped with chairs or loungers. Bathrooms, which may be solid constructions, are usually plumbed in and 24-hour hot water and electricity are the norm. The central area of the camp will include a comfortable lounge and dining area, and many camps have small libraries, gift shops, sometimes even a swimming pool. If all that sounds too much, then more rustic but still fully furnished and comfortable camps are still widely in use – please ask your specialist consultant to suggest examples of the kind of camp you’d like to stay in.

What plugs does Kenya use? Will I be able to charge my phone and batteries?

Wall sockets in Kenya take the square, three-pin plugs used in the UK (“Type G”). The standard electricity supply (220–240V) from Kenya Power and Lighting is unreliable, and most tented camps and lodges are not on the grid and generate their own electricity from solar panels, with some using backup generators. Increasingly, guest tents and rooms have 24-hour electricity and some provide USB sockets as well as plug sockets. Safari vehicles in some camps are also fitted with plug sockets. It’s a good plan to take a power bank and possibly an extension lead for convenience.

What about bugs and snakes?

If you like creepy crawlies , you may be disappointed to see so few. You do tend to have to look for them, and a bush walk will give you some opportunities to see the smaller fauna. On the other hand, if you – or a travelling companion – are horrified at the prospect of insects drawn to the lights at night, or of the smaller critters that certainly dwell in the bush, then you’ll be relieved to know that your accommodation will always be insect-proof and the afternoon turn-down service will usually include some diligent bug spraying.

Is staying in a safari camp less expensive than staying in a more hotel-like lodge?

Usually not. Safari lodges (essentially hotels in the bush) tend to work on a volume-driven model, whereas tented camps are usually smaller, more personal and more expensive.

What happens if you need to use the loo/have a comfort break while on safari?

Game drives typically last for around three hours, and driver-guides are very used to receiving requests to “mark your territory” at some point. If you stop for a bush breakfast or sundowner drink, the area will already have been judged safe for you to be out on foot. Otherwise, driver-guides will always stop for your comfort and if no suitable safe bush is available to hide behind, then “checking the tyres” at the back of the vehicle is another popular euphemism. Safari vehicles are equipped with toilet paper, shovel and hand sanitiser.

Expert Africa's other destinations in Africa

Expert Africa offers tailor-made itineraries to 12 countries in East and Southern and Africa. Click below to see where else we've been - and where you might choose for your next trip.

You might well consider Tanzania , which borders Kenya to the south. It's a good deal larger than Kenya, with a wide variety of national parks, but few conservancies.

Tucked between East and Central Africa lies Rwanda , with its outstanding opportunities to do walking safaris tracking primates in the forest-clad mountain parks, including to meet a family of mountain gorillas.

Or consider Zambia , which stands out for exceptional wildlife and intimate camps. Malawi , to the east, has little visited parks and the crystal waters of Lake Malawi.

Further south, Zimbabwe offers an experience which can be more rustic, but is enhanced by the quality of its safari guides. Botswana , too, typically offers excellent guiding and and the allure of the Okavango Delta.

For an entirely different kind of safari, consider Namibia . Its vast landscapes allow for self-drive adventures. The same applies in South Africa .

If you're thinking of pairing your safari with diving, snorkelling or seaside relaxation, consider Mozambique , Zanzibar or the Seychelles , all of which are outstanding options.

The choices are vast and varied, so contact Expert Africa to craft your perfect safari, wherever that may be.

With big game, glamorous lodges and one of the greatest unspoilt wildernesses on Earth, Botswana is perhaps Africa's most exclusive safari destination.

With tropical rivers, Rift Valley plateaux, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi and a stunning lakeshore, Malawi invites relaxed exploration.

An ocean paradise protected by world-class marine parks, Mozambique’s idyllic archipelagos offer heavenly hideaways, outstanding diving and laid-back luxury.

Spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife and a rich cultural heritage await discovery by air, with a guide or on a self-drive adventure.

This small, mountainous country offers Africa’s best gorilla treks, other good safari options and a profound human element in every trip.

The ultimate glamorous getaway: the lush islands of Seychelles are enchantingly beautiful and stylish sanctuaries for both wildlife and ocean-lovers.

South Africa

Cosmopolitan Cape Town, world-class wineries, brilliant ‘Big Five’ safaris and spectacularly diverse scenery make South African holidays fabulously exciting and enjoyable.

East Africa’s biggest country has a wide range of parks to explore and some of the Indian Ocean’s best island retreats.

Home to walking safaris, exceptional wildlife, superb guiding and the mighty Victoria Falls, Zambia is Africa at its most alluring.

The ultimate Spice Island: Zanzibar’s mystique, marine life and chic beach retreats make it Africa’s most alluring archipelago.

Stunning national parks teeming with game, plus Africa's finest professional guides and the spectacular Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe is enthralling.

Elephant safari in Linyanti

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10-Day Kenya Safari Tours

There are endless options for a 10-day Kenya safari. Whether you want to sample Kenya’s highlights or to go where few travelers venture, you’ll surely go back home with countless memories to cherish. Kenya pioneered the African safari, and today it still ranks as one of the continent’s top safari destinations. It has a well-established tourism industry and packages to suit all expectations and budgets. Time to start planning? Make sure you get several quotes and talk to different operators to put together the safari that’s right for you. In the meantime, here are some common questions answered.

10-Day Iconic Wildlife Havens and Beach Experience

$2,442 to $3,166 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Amboseli NP, Diani Beach, Nairobi (End)

Apodiformes Adventures   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

4.8 /5  –  174 Reviews

10-Day Magical Kenya Safari Experience

$2,772 to $3,894 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Aberdare NP, Sweetwaters (Chimp Sanctuary) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)

Kameraz of Afrika   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

4.8 /5  –  98 Reviews

10-Day Luxury Kenya Safari Tour

$7,743 to $9,366 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Samburu NR, Mara North (Greater Masai Mara) , Diani Beach, Nairobi (End)

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

10-Day From Kenya to Tanzania - High-End

$6,590 to $8,980 pp (USD)

Kenya & Tanzania: Private tour Luxury+ Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (End)

Unlimited Expeditions: The Soul of Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  439 Reviews

10-Day Wilderness & Coastal Escape

$3,939 to $5,301 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

5.0 /5  –  2 Reviews

10-Day Best of Kenya Safari

$3,520 to $5,005 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Amboseli NP, Ol Pejeta (Laikipia) , Lake Nakuru NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Africa Bed of Roses Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

5.0 /5  –  1 Reviews

10-Day Mid-Range Kenya Safari in 4 X 4 Private Jeep

$3,861 to $4,785 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Samburu NR, Ol Pejeta (Laikipia) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)

Splendid Vacations   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

5.0 /5  –  5 Reviews

10-Day Luxury Kenya & Tanzania Safari

$5,290 to $7,380 pp (USD)

Kenya & Tanzania: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (End)

Spirit of Kenya   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

4.9 /5  –  485 Reviews

10-Day Roaring Kenya in a Pop-up Mini Van

$2,368 to $2,839 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Resort

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Amboseli NP, Mombasa Beaches, Nairobi (End)

Jorado Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

5.0 /5  –  9 Reviews

10-Day Adventure with Wildlife and Beach Bliss

$2,783 to $2,970 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Amboseli NP, Tsavo West NP, Diani Beach, Nairobi (End)

Peak Season Africa Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

5.0 /5  –  6 Reviews

10-Day Luxury Kenya Honeymoon Safari

$3,630 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Aberdare NP, Sweetwaters (Chimp Sanctuary) , Tsavo West NP, Taita Hills WS, Malindi (Beach) , Nairobi (End)

Gosheni Safaris Africa   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

4.9 /5  –  418 Reviews

10-Day Best Kenya Adventure Safari in 4 X 4 Private Jeep

$3,872 to $4,730 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Ol Pejeta (Laikipia) , Samburu NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)

Morning Star Tours & Travel   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

4.9 /5  –  165 Reviews

10-Day Kenya Mid-Range Safari

$2,970 to $3,300 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Tsavo West NP, Amboseli NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Nairobi (End)

Madukha Tours and Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

4.7 /5  –  26 Reviews

10-Day Mid Range Best of Kenya Safari

$2,530 to $3,300 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Amboseli NP, Ol Pejeta (Laikipia) , Samburu NR, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Meektrails Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

4.8 /5  –  117 Reviews

10-Day Explore Kenya Luxury Safari

$5,524 to $7,418 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Luxury Tented Camp & Hotel

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Samburu NR, Ol Pejeta (Laikipia) , Soysambu (Lake Elementaita) , Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Salina Wild Adventures   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

4.8 /5  –  34 Reviews

10-Day Africa Kenya Safari Wildlife Holiday 2024

$4,661 to $5,302 pp (USD)

Kenya: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Samburu NR, Ol Pejeta (Laikipia) , Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Nature's Wonderland Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

5.0 /5  –  41 Reviews

10-Day Nairobi/Amboseli/Tsavo Parks and Beach Safari

$2,981 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Amboseli NP, Tsavo West NP, Tsavo East NP, Mombasa Beaches, Nairobi (End)

Reny Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

5.0 /5  –  44 Reviews

10-Day Private Midrange Safari in a Pop up Mini Van

$3,527 to $3,787 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Amboseli NP, Tsavo West NP, Tsavo East NP, Nairobi (End)

Rochar Africa Expeditions   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

4.9 /5  –  15 Reviews

10-Day Bush & Beach Discovery Expedition in a Mini Van

$2,637 to $3,010 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Mid-range Tented Camp & Resort

Jamlan Holiday Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

4.9 /5  –  18 Reviews

10-Day Of Endless Escapade on a Pop up Minivan

$4,120 to $5,194 pp (USD)

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Lake Elementaita, Amboseli NP, Tsavo West NP, Tsavo East NP, Nairobi (End)

Awuor Escapades   Tour operator has an office in Kenya

5.0 /5  –  15 Reviews

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6 Questions About 10-Day Kenya Safaris

Answered by

Ariadne van zandbergen.

Is 10 days a good amount of time for a Kenya trip?

“Yes, 10 days is a great amount of time for a Kenyan safari. There are a lot of parks and reserves in Kenya, so you’ll have to make some hard choices. But 10 days will give you a good feel of what Kenya has to offer. You’ll be able to get away from whatever work or other pressures you might have going on at home and be absorbed by the safari rhythm. Although 10 days is a fair amount of time, you still need to resist the temptation to cram too much into your itinerary. Moving lodge every day is tiresome and tends to be unproductive for wildlife viewing. Aim to spend at least 2 or 3 nights in each destination. That way you get some much-needed downtime between game drives and you won’t lose valuable time moving between parks.”

Can I combine a 10-day safari in Kenya with a gorilla trek?

“A gorilla trek is a popular add-on to a Kenyan safari. You can track mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda. Both offer a similar experience, but the gorilla trekking fee of US$1500 in Rwanda is more than double the fee charged in Uganda. However, the logistics of visiting Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are easier. The drive to the park from Kigali, Rwanda’s point of entry, is only a few hours. Coming eye to eye with our close relatives is an incredible experience. Many people enjoy the opportunity to get active and spend time in the forest after a classic safari in Kenya where most time is spent on game drives. Time permitting, you can also add a couple of days for forest hikes and other activities that are on offer. ”

What are the options for a 10-day safari in Kenya?

“Kenya has many fine options for a 10-day safari. All Kenyan parks and reserves have a different feel. There is no best place to go. The well-known parks and reserves offer very good wildlife viewing, but they are more crowded than parks in remote destinations. These have fewer animals, but offer fantastic wilderness appeal. The world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve lives up to the hype. The wildlife viewing is incredible with big cats often stealing the show. It’s even better if you can time your visit to see the great wildebeest migration. The more expensive Mara North Conservancy offers an exclusive safari in the same ecosystem. Amboseli National Park is one of Africa’s top places to see elephants. You’ll see some seriously big tuskers here, and if you’re lucky the sky might open up to create that picture-perfect moment of elephants in front of Mt Kilimanjaro. You’ll have to head north for an off-the-beaten-track safari. Scenic Meru National Park is a little-known Big Five destination that you’ll probably have all to yourself. The main attractions of Samburu Game Reserve are dry-country animals such as gerenuk, Beisa oryx and the handsome reticulated giraffe. If you’re looking for adventure, consider a trip to Lake Turkana in the far north of the country, near the Ethiopian border. This remote Rift Valley lake, also known as the Jade Sea, is home to a melting pot of people whose traditional lifestyle is rare in today’s world.”

Is there an ideal time of the year for a trip in Kenya?

“The best time for wildlife viewing in Kenya is from late June to October. As this is the Dry season, roads are usually in relatively good condition. More importantly, at this time animals are easier to spot as they gather around predictable water sources. The thinning vegetation also helps. Although not ideal, the Wet season has its advantages too. Everything is lush, the sky is free of dust and you can usually score a good deal. Note, however, that April and May are the wettest months and some parks and reserves close over this period.”

What are my chances of seeing the Big Five?

“With 10 days out in the bush, you’ll see a wide variety of animals, including most, if not all, of the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard). Exactly which animals you’ll see depends on which parks and reserves you visit. Even then, every day on safari is different. No sightings are guaranteed. The best time to see big cats is at dawn and dusk, and the longer you spend out and about, the better your chances are of seeing something special. While most parks and reserves offer a good chance of elephant, buffalo and lion encounters, you need a bit more luck to catch a leopard. These secretive creatures are widespread, but not easily seen. Not all of Kenya’s parks have rhinos. To see the second-bulkiest of African mammals, head to any of the Laikipia reserves or to Lake Nakuru National Park. Chasing the Big Five is fun, but don’t let it take over your holiday. In the end, seeing a good variety of safari animals is what counts, and the quality of your safari won’t hang on whether you’ve seen all of the Big Five or not. ”

How much will this safari cost?

“You can use the filters on SafariBookings.com to narrow down your priorities, but here are some rough figures to give an idea of prices. A 10-day camping tour starts at about US$1200 per person. Mid-range lodge tours start at US$2500 per person. Luxury tours start at around US$3000 per person. There are many factors determining the price of a 10-day Kenya safari. You can share some of the costs on a group tour, while private safaris offer more flexibility but cost more. That is obviously most pronounced if you’re traveling alone. The difference is less for couples or families. Safari accommodation ranges from budget to moderate to luxury, and your choice of accommodation will hugely determine the overall fee of your safari. Camping safaris are fun and cheaper than lodge safaris. Mid-range accommodation is usually no-frills, but offers all the comfort you need. Luxury lodges are often more exclusive. Some camps consist of only six or eight units. Fly-in safaris are a popular choice at the luxury end of the range. Finally, you could consider traveling out of season to get a discounted rate. This corresponds with the rains, but it is also the most beautiful time of the year and the ultimate bonus is that there are fewer visitors around at that time. ”

Kenya Reviews

Brian is an award winning travel writer, author of safari books and regular contributor to magazines such as BBC Wildlife and Travel Africa.

Africa for Beginners

Kenya is so easy to get to – just eight hours away by air from London. Fly overnight and you can be in the bush in good time for lunch. Even before you arrive in Nairobi you can see giraffes wandering under the flight path in the city’s...

Full Review

Nana is a travel writer and author of multiple guidebooks, including the Lonely Planet guides to Africa, Zambia & Malawi and South Africa.

From game-packed hotspots to little known wilderness

Kenya’s stunning landscapes include rainforest, beaches, deserts and mountains, but it’s the first class wildlife watching that keeps so many visitors flocking back. Not only is it one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five,...

The most beautiful country and the friendliest people in the world

This was my fourth trip to Africa and my 3rd to Kenya, but it was a first both for my husband and my daughter. I always wanted to share the vast, untouched beauty of Africa with them. I wanted them to see the friendliness, sweetness of...

Amazing experience

We visited Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara. Our safari company was Unscripted Safaris who were very helpful and professional throughout. A special mention for our guide/driver Daniel who was exceptional - very knowledgeable and went...

Excellent Safari Experince

I booked a trip with Leisure Escape Safari. They did an excellent job. The trip to Kenya was very good. Hospitable people. I visited four national parks. I started in Nairobi and first visited Amboseli, then Naivasha Lake, Nakuru Lake and...

It was simply beautiful

We really enjoyed the tour. The vastness of the parks is impressive. There is something to discover everywhere. The landscape alone is fantastic. Watching the animals makes it even more exciting. Our driver Maromaro was very friendly and...

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• Kenya Guide

Safaris in Kenya

Kenya is one of the world's most popular safari destinations. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is the epicentre of the annual great migration of wildebeest and zebra, and the national parks across the country are home to the Big Five, and much, much more.

Sundowners, Elsa's Kopje, Meru

Roadblock, Lewa Wilderness

Bedroom views, Kiboko Starbeds Loisaba Conservancy

Just after the rains, Loisaba Conservancy

A watchful mother, Maasai Mara

Afternoon tea, Mara Bush Houses.

The Great Migration, a perilous journey.

A friendly camp guest coming to greet you in the morning

Keeping our distance, Maasai Mara

Safaris in Kenya, at a Glance

Your day starts with a 6 am wake-up call and freshly brewed coffee . The sun is barely above the horizon; streaks of pink and orange paint the sky. You hear the engine of the jeep splutter to life outside.   

By 8 am, you've already seen elephants, zebras and antelope mingling by the clear watering hole, a cheetah prowling the plains and tall giraffes munching on acacia leaves.

Beneath the shade of a tall tree, you stop for a bush breakfast . You have the choice of eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, cereal, and freshly baked rolls. Soon, you're a back in the vehicle, searching for a pride of lions. 

Back at camp, relax on your private veranda and soak up the afternoon sun , before heading out for an evening game drive and sundowners.

Popular Safaris in Kenya

The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.

Kenya and Tanzania Combined

The ultimate East African adventure. Starting in the Maasai Mara in Kenya, work your way south through the Serengeti towards Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. Close out your trip with a couple of days on the island paradise of Zanzibar.…

Ol Pejeta & Maasai Mara

Combine two of Kenya's most beautiful wilderness areas over 7 days. Meet Najin and Fatu, the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world. Take to the skies over the Maasai Mara in a hot air balloon. Safari, but…

The Very Best of Kenya

A highlight reel of some of the best that Kenya has to offer. Spend a night in the world-famous Giraffe Manor before heading out into the great Kenyan countryside. The combination of Samburu with the Masai Mara offers wonderful contrast,…

Discover the Maasai Mara

Explore the Maasai Mara, one of Africa's greatest safari destinations. From the Naboisho Conservancy on its fringes to the heart of the reserve, experience the best the Mara has to offer over the course of 7 days.…

Maasai Mara & Zanzibar

Combine two very different sides of East Africa. Head to the Maasai Mara for a few days of safari, before crossing the border and heading south-east to the island paradise of Zanzibar. …

Walking Safari in the Naboisho Conservancy

4 days exploring the Naboisho Conservancy, hiking between fly camps in the Greater Maasai Mara region. A hark back to the early days of East African safari, before the 4x4's and luxe lodges. …

The Great Wildebeest Migration

This 7-day safari combines two of Tanzania's most impressive safari destinations: the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. You'll stay in luxury tented camps throughout your trip. If you travel between July and October, you'll have the opportunity to witness a…

Experience the Maasai Mara

Explore the Maasai Mara over 6 days and stay at some of the best accommodation East Africa has to offer. Explore the beautiful conservancies found on the fringes of the reserve, spot the Big Five on game drives, and take…

Kenya & Tanzania, Migration & Safari

Explore the northern parks of Tanzania before crossing the border into Kenya to discover the Masai Mara. Travel during migration months and follow the herds as they make their epic journey from the Serengeti northwards into the Mara.…

Kenya Explored

The ultimate Kenyan adventure. Explore Amboseli National Park, Lewa Conservancy, and the Maasai Mara over ten days, before heading east to the border between Africa and the Indian Ocean.…

East African Odyssey

From the bustling capital of Nairobi, head south through the Mara Naboisho Conservancy before crossing the border into Tanzania to explore the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Beautiful safari camps keep you more than comfortable at night, and the great East…

Kenya Family Adventure

The perfect family safari in Kenya. Explore the beautiful Lakipia region of northern Kenya and the Olare Motorogi Conservancy near the Maasai Mara further south. Stay at some of the best family focused lodges on the continent.…

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What makes a safari in Kenya special?

Diversity. Kenya has several national parks and reserves, each with something unique to offer, from the Maasai Mara  (the site of The Great Migration ), to Amboseli National Park and Ol Pejeta Conservancy , Kenya's wilderness areas are some of East Africa's most beautiful and important.   

You don't have to stick to a game drive either. Head for the skies via hot air balloon , or head out on foot or horseback.

There are 23 national parks and several conservancies to explore. Kenya has a fantastic domestic flight network that makes it easy to combine several national parks or conservancies, and you can even head to the coast for a beach holiday to close out your adventure. 

Which safari is right for me?

For the bucket lister.

The Maasai Mara is one of Africa's most incredible safari destinations, and one of Africa's most famous. The Mara River is a dramatic stop along the Great Migration route. The park has outstanding wildlife densities , including the Big Five , and there are several ways to explore the park, including hot air balloon, on foot and on horseback.

There is no shortage of accommodation choices for those wishing to have the ultimate safari experience, from luxury lodges to simple camps. 

For the conservationist

Kenya is a great example of how conservation and environmentalism can work hand-in-hand with tourism. Ol Pejeta and Lewa Conservancy  have played vital roles in protecting endangered species. 

Many safari camps and lodges are becoming increasingly eco-friendly, with initiatives to stay local, reduce waste, and use renewable energies. Tortilis Camp, in Amboseli National Park, is the largest eco-lodge in Kenya. 

For those short on time

With a great domestic flight network and national parks situated relatively close to Nairobi, there are plenty of options if you're strapped for time.

Nairobi National Park, located just 7 km outside of Nairobi, close to Jomo Kenyatta International  Airport, is home to four out of the Big Five. Visitors can spot lions, leopards, rhino, and buffalo without venturing too far from the capital city. This is a great option if you want to squeeze in one last mini safari before flying out. 

Against the looming backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro ,  Amboseli National Park, often referred to as 'land of the giants' due to its thriving elephant population, is another fantastic choice.

For the beach enthusiast

While Kenya is best known for its epic safaris, it is also home to some of the world's best beaches. If your travels take you to Tsavo East or Tsavo West , (halfway between Nairobi and the Coast), you needn't choose between the two. 

For the great outdoors lover

Fly camp in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy , or sleep on beds that wheel out onto a private veranda under the night sky in Loisaba Conservancy

Walking safaris and horseback riding is available in many of the country's reserves. 

Types of Safari in Kenya

Game drives.

Driving an open-top Land cruiser through savannah plains, game drives are the quintessential safari experience .

A lot of game drives in Kenya take place in the early morning, typically starting at 5-6 am.

Wildlife is often more easily found at this time of the day thanks to the cooler temperatures, and the sunrise provides the perfect backdrop for cruising around the national parks.  

Walking Safaris

Walking safaris are only possible in certain conservancies in Kenya (and not allowed in the national parks). 

Certain game sanctuaries and wild areas offer walking safaris, for example Lake Naivasha where you can walk amongst the local giraffes, zebras and more at Crescent Island.

Curious wildebeest, Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Safaris by Air

Take to the skies for a bird's eye views of the landscapes and animals in the national parks. 

Air safaris provide access to all areas of the national parks, which often means more wildlife sightings as you are not limited by the ground access routes. 

Of course, air safaris are more expensive than traditional game drives , but can be well worth it if you want to see as much of wildlife in the parks as possible, not to mention the unmatched views. 

Safaris on Horseback

Horseback safaris are possible at certain conservancies and parks, but most famously in the Maasai Mara .  

If you have previous horse riding experience , you can ride amongst giraffes, elephants, zebras and wildebeest on horseback.

Horse riding can either be done as a half-day/day excursion, or over the course of a few days from a mobile luxury tented camp.  

Horseback safari, Lewa Wilderness

Best time to go on safari in Kenya

The best time to go on safari in Kenya is from June to October , or December to January.

The months of June to October guarantee the best weather and the greatest chance of wildlife sightings , but the lodges will be busier and rates higher as this is peak season. 

Weather from December through to January is great, and there will be fewer visitor numbers at this time of year. 

Outside these months, wildlife is less visible due to migration patterns, and there is a good chance of overcast skies and rains. 

What wildlife will I see on safari in Kenya?

Kenya has immense diversity in wildlife .

All the Big Five: lion , leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo can be found, along with giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and a wide variety of bird species.

It's important to set your expectations - just because all of these animals can be found in Kenya, doesn't mean that you will see all of them. The national parks are big, and much of the time on a game drive is spent looking for the animals.

To some extent, the best safari experiences come down to being in the right place at the right time.

The effort to protect rhinos is an important one

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We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.

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Kenya safari, embark on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of africa with our kenya safari tours.

At Africa Paradise Adventure, we offer an immersive safari experience that unravels the diverse wonders of Kenya’s landscapes and wildlife.

Our Kenya Safari Tours take you on an adventure through iconic national parks and reserves, including the world-famous Maasai Mara. Witness the spectacular Great Migration, where vast herds of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in a breathtaking spectacle. Explore the untamed beauty of Amboseli National Park, with its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and discover the unique ecosystems of Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

We have experts who guide you during your tour and offer the best Kenya Safari Packages . Our safaris promise an intimate connection with nature, which allows you to observe the Big Five and an array of other wildlife in their natural habitats. Luxurious accommodations, tailored itineraries, and a commitment to sustainable tourism make our Kenya Safari Tours an unforgettable adventure.

Book your Kenya Wildlife Safari with us and immerse yourself in the captivating allure of Kenya’s wildlife, landscapes, and rich cultural tapestry. Your journey into the wild awaits with Africa Paradise Adventure.

Kenya Safari Package

We customize all our tour packages to your exact requirements. 

$296 / per pax

• 3 Days | 2 Nights

Amboseli National Park From Nairobi

$372 / per pax

Maasai Mara Private Safari From Nairobi

$406 / per pax

• 4 Days | 3 Nights

Amboseli, Tsavo Westand East National Park

$562 / per pax

• 5 Days | 4 Nights

Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha/Hells Gate

$690 / per pax

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Amboseli, Tsavo West, East and Diani Beach

$944 / per pax

Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli

$1120 / per pax

• 11 Days | 10 Nights

Bush Safari to Beach Relaxation

Kenya safari tours can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your preference. The duration of a Kenya Safari Tour can range from 3 to 10 days or more, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Best Safari in Kenya and witness incredible Kenya Wildlife Safaris.

Popular national parks and reserves to visit during a Kenya safari include Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, Samburu National Reserve, and Lake Nakuru National Park. These iconic destinations offer breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, making them essential stops on your Kenya Safari Tour and the Best Safari in Kenya.

Age restrictions for Kenya safari tours may vary. While most tours welcome travellers of all ages, certain activities, such as walking safaris or specific game drives, may have age restrictions. It’s advisable to check with the tour operator for any age requirements before embarking on your Kenya Safari Tour and experiencing the Best Safari in Kenya.

The best time of year to go on a safari in Kenya depends on your preferences. The dry seasons offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities from June to October and December to March. However, Kenya’s parks have something to offer year-round. Choose a time that suits you best and embark on an unforgettable Kenya Safari Tour to experience the wonders of Kenya Wildlife Safaris.

The cost of a Kenya safari tour varies based on factors such as duration, accommodation level, and included activities. Prices range from budget-friendly to more luxurious options. To get an accurate cost estimate for Kenya Safari Tours, it’s best to contact tour operators directly and inquire about packages tailored to your Kenya Tourism Packages, Kenya Safari Tours, and Kenya Tours preferences.

Yes, going on a safari in Kenya is generally safe. Kenya has a well-developed tourism industry and takes precautions to ensure visitor safety. Follow the guidance of experienced guides and adhere to safety protocols for a secure Kenya Safari Tour and enjoy the Best Safari in Kenya with peace of mind.

The recommended duration for a Kenya wildlife safari depends on your time availability and interests. A minimum of 3 to 5 days allows for a basic exploration, while more extended tours of 7 to 10 days offer a more comprehensive experience. Choose the duration that suits your preferences and embark on a remarkable Kenya Safari Tour to discover the wonders of Kenya Wildlife Safaris.

Before embarking on Kenya safari tours, consult your healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations or preventive measures. Carry mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and stay hydrated during your safari adventure. Your well-being is paramount during your Kenya Wildlife Safaris, and Kenya Safari Tours prioritizes your health and safety.

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Safaris in Kenya

Beyond the tourist hotspots, Kenya is a country of breath-taking wilderness, home to some of Africa’s most dramatic locations and wildlife.

• Best Time to Visit
• Top Experiences
• Itineraries
• Parks & Areas
• Accommodation

ABOUT KENYA

A safari in Kenya is an intoxicating blend for those after a real adventure. Expect sensational wildlife and wilderness, as well as wildly stylish camps and bush homes, a huge range of activities and a high degree of flexibility and freedom.

The Kenyans practically invented the concept of safari; today’s best guides were yesterday’s barefoot bush-kids, so their knowledge is rooted in a muddy-kneed, dirt-on-hands level of personal experience. Consequently, the best safaris offer a relaxed authenticity that other countries struggle to match.

The country is blessed with some of Africa’s best wildlife as well as some of its most photogenic scenery, however in the past it struggled to shake off its reputation for nose-to-tail traffic jams of tour buses. So our focus is all about showing you the other side of this sensational country. Places like the Laikipia Plateau, the conservancies on the fringes of the Masai Mara or the Matthews Range where tourists are a rarity.

The Masai Mara is still one of the best game experiences you could hope to have. Aside from the undeniably spectacular prospect of seeing tens of thousands of wildebeest brave the crocodiles as they cross the Mara river en masse, the Mara has a huge variety of wildlife including lion, cheetah and leopard.

However, the Mara has seen a lot of development over the past 15 years, so you should choose carefully where to go. Community conservancies now provide an important buffer to the reserve itself and these are often the best places to find small, authentic camps in beautiful areas, far from the busier game routes.

Away from the Mara, stretching from the slopes of Mount Kenya to the rim of the Great Rift Valley, the Laikipia Plateau harbours an abundance of wildlife and a fine collection of eccentric lodgings. Days spent on Laikipia are a strikingly different experience to the rest of east or southern Africa. First and foremost it is made up of a patchwork of independent working ranches, rather than being a conventional National Park, and therefore the rules or, more likely, the lack of them, are down to your hosts.

The sense of liberation is palpable here. While in a National Park it may not be possible to walk, travel in an open vehicle, use a spotlight at night, ride a horse, bike or camel – it’s all possible here. Add to this the sensational wildlife, which includes the Big Five (there are eight separate rhino sanctuaries) and arguably the best place on the continent to track wild dog.

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• Epic safaris on private conservancy ranches
• Sweeping plains with incredible wildlife
• Private bush homes
• Pristine beaches with miles of white sandy beaches

A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.

Top Reasons To Visit Kenya

Often the best safaris involve looking beyond the obvious highlights. It’s about the myriad exhilarating encounters that will make your heart sing. These are encounters that nobody could ever predict, but that make your safari genuinely unique.

Best Time To Visit Kenya

Wildlife spectacles abound in kenya’s dry season.

Like much of the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa the conventional wisdom applies to Kenya; to see most, travel in the long dry season between June and October.

This is when wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources becoming more plentiful and easier to see. The wildebeest migration usually arrives in the Masai Mara from the Serengeti and the Loita Hills in late July, bringing drama on an unprecedented scale as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest cross the Mara and Talek rivers, braving vast crocodiles.

If you want to head to Kenya’s coast during the dry safari season, your best bet is to visit between late July and October. March and April tend to be the hottest times, while the seasonal rains arrive between late April and early July with short rains in late October to November.

Beat the crowds during Kenya’s green season

Don’t ignore the green season between December and May – wildlife remains outstanding, there are few tourists and the bush turns a lush green, alive with the extravagant plumage and sounds of breeding birdlife.

Some areas like the Chyulu Hills are arguably at their best once the rains have come. Canny travellers can pick up a combination of low season rates and few other tourists by travelling in low and shoulder seasons.

It’s also a great time to head to the Kenyan coast for some rest and recuperation. The Kenyan coast offers white sandy beaches and turquoise waters to rival anywhere in Africa, so makes a great addition to any safari. It’s at its best between late November and March.

Talk to our Experts

They’ll be happy to let you in on their travel secrets, and help you plan a tailor-made trip that’s truly unforgettable.

Kenya’s Top Experiences

• June – October

Laikipia & the Masai Mara under canvas

• June – August

Kenya Safari Expedition to Lake Turkana

Popular safaris in kenya.

• Experience the freedom of a safari in Laikipia
• Camel safari led by Samburu guides
• Off the beaten track in Meru National Park

• Epic wildlife and freedom to explore off the beaten track
• Wilderness safari in Laikipia with expert walking guides

Kenya's Parks & Areas

Kenya can get a bad rap for being overrun with tourists, but if you know where to go it is remarkably easy to avoid the masses.

Chyulu Hills & Amboseli

Amongst the most scenic settings in Africa, every vista is dominated by the majestic snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.

- Riding across the plains

- Good for seeing the pachyderms

- Remote and wild safari experience

- Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro

Laikipia Plateau

Explore the unique beauty of Laikipia Plateau to enjoy a fresh take on the traditional Kenyan safari experience.

- Spend part of your safari in private bush houses

- Epic safaris on private conservancy ranches

- Great for rhino and wild dog sightings

- Take to the saddle for a unique riding safari

Masai Mara Game Reserve

One of the best-known wildlife areas in Africa, a Masai Mara safari promises iconic East African scenery and a wealth of wild animals.

- Home to greatest migration on earth

- Classic African safari scenery

- Sweeping plains and epic wildlife

- Acacia trees across the horizon

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve straddles the Ewaso Nyiro river and is one of the most picturesque parks in northern Kenya.

- Dramatic desert scenery

- Endemic animals such as gerenuk

- Remote and wild

- Fly-camping under the stars

Meru National Park

Welcome to the best-known safari destination in the world, renowned for staging one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on the planet.

- Home of beautiful camp, Elsa's Kopje

- Redolent of George and Joy Adamson history

- Views of Mount Meru

- Bi-sected by 13 rivers and numerous mountain-fed streams

Diani Beach & the Kenyan Coast

Diani Beach is one of the most popular destinations on Kenya’s coast. A mix of amazing private homes and stylish resort hotels, it manages to retain its identity, and provide fun for all.

- Great watersports for all the family

- Pristine beaches with miles of white sandy beaches

- Seafood to die for

Our Favourite Camps & Lodges

Spacious and tastefully furnished, the six bespoke tents are equipped with either twin or double beds, one can be made up as a triple if need be.

Wildlife is not a highlight here, but you do stand the chance of seeing a real gem such as wild dog, if you have the patience to look.

The wildlife in the surrounding area is supreme, being one of the best wild dog spotting sites Africa has to offer.

The first permanent tented camp in the Mara and enjoys prime location and is great for couples, families and friends wanting to experience the Masai Mara.

There are plenty of animals here, but don't come impatient to have it all on a plate, or you could end up frustrated.

Sosian is a working ranch yet absolutely crawling with wildlife and offering an unusually diverse range of things to do from walking to wild swimming, riding camels, horses and mountain bikes.

Kenya (FAQs) Need to Know

What is the best safari in kenya.

We believe the key to an epic safari in Kenya is getting away from the crowds. Kenya is one of the best wildlife viewing destinations in the world, so naturally tourists flock here. However, being among so many other people can seriously devalue the authenticity of your experience.

We champion the lesser-visited parts of the country, like the Laikipia Plateau, the conservancies on the fringes of the Masai Mara or the Matthews Range where tourists are a rarity.

To really get a tangible sense of freedom, we recommend visiting the Laikipia Plateau. Rather than being a conventional National Park, this area is made up of a collection of independent working ranches. This means less rules, and more possibilities for exploration. Staying in Laikipia often leaves the impression that you have visited friends – family hounds might join you on game-drives and a swim in the river might replace the more common-or-garden siesta.

Refreshingly in northern Kenya, man and wildlife do merge. While there are undoubtedly challenges, if there is a model whereby traditional pastoralists, commercial farmers and wildlife can all coexist, this is it.

How long should I spend on safari in Kenya?

This all depends on what you’d like to see and how many areas you’d like to visit. Ideally we’d recommend a minimum of seven to nine days in the game-rich areas. This gives you a good chance of encountering the animals you’re hoping to see and also the time to visit a few, very different, parts of Kenya. 

It’s also important to factor in some recovery time. If this is your first time on safari, you may be surprised how long and tiring the days can be. Activities tend to start early in the morning as this is the coolest time of day. To make sure you don’t burnout, we always recommend having some downtime, perhaps even adding on a trip to Kenya’s idyllic coastline for some recuperation at the end of the trip.

Is Kenya a good family safari destination?

Not only is Kenya a great destination for first-time safari-goers, it’s also an exceptional location for families. Away from the lure of Xbox, YouTube and social media, children can reconnect with nature, immersed in the wilderness with nothing but incredible landscapes and fascinating wildlife.

There are so many experiences that will inspire young ones, and arguably more importantly, keep them entertained.

Take a camel safari in Laikipia alongside Samburu Guides, for example. On this safari, you’ll navigate across Laikipia’s wilderness in the company of expert guides and crew, walking or riding on camels as you make your way between the camps. Your children will also meet and live alongside semi-nomadic Samburu people, learning about their way of living which is so different to their own.

From Our Travel Guides

Top 5 Wildlife Safaris

Top 5 Safari Destinations to see Wild Dog

Top 5 Safari Destinations to see Lions

Meet our travel experts.

It takes genuine local knowledge to craft trips that go beyond the ordinary. The Natural High team have unrivalled experience and will take your ideas and turn them into your trip of a lifetime.

Into The Wild Brochure

Need some more inspiration? Request a copy of Into The Wild, our comprehensive anthology of safaris and wilderness travel.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Fantastic Natural High

The service on the ground was provided by Zeph Elias of Wilderness WAYO and it was really excellent...

Alex, Rachel, Ewan & George

Well organized and efficiently executed trip. Would definitely use them again and recommend them to others....

Charles & Jo Mercey

Amboseli trip...fantastic

incredibly helpful whilst planning trip, then everything went smoothly when we were there, great accommodation, transportation, food, guides etc etc. ...

Elizabeth Leece

When we weren't laughing we were moved to tears - thank you!

From my first conversations with Vanessa and Catherine I felt the comfort of knowing I was in good hands and had connected to people with an evident p...

TRUSTED CUSTOMER

The very best travel company organising unique bespoke trips

Outstanding bespoke trip. Every tiny detail was taken care of. We stayed in a variety of lodges and the service was excellent throughout, as were the ...

African vacation created with perfection!

We live in Canada and have relied on Vanessa Janion to plan and organize 3 trips to Africa for our family members. Without a doubt she has consisten...

Chris And Viviana

Best holiday ever

The Namibia safari, with Ultimate Namibia Safaris, introduced to me by Natural High Safari was by far one of the best organised holidays I have experi...

Angela Redman

A Dream come true.

Excellent service and trip....

Arranged an exctsafari with their regional partners. All in place perfectly with no exceptions....

Perfectly described and everything went as planned....

Great safari. Great sightings. Hiking. Had it all....

Thank you for organising an excellent trip. Your service was responsive and helpful. Occasional slip-ups in the written detail made me wonder how meti...

Brilliantly planned adventures in Uganda and Madagascar

Rod organised 2 excellent trips to Africa for me this summer - the first in June to Uganda and the second in August to Madagascar. Both trips benefit...

Saritha & Fionn

One of the most memorable Family Holidays - wonderful!

Simply first class on every level. Catherine Ronan was 'on it' from the start and built the most fabulous bespoke holiday for the family in Mozambiqu...

Murray & Amanda

Namibia 2023

We had wonderful four weeks in Namibia. Everything was really nice planned and we didn’t need to worry about anything. We made some incredible memor...

Vera & Tobias

Absolutely recommend natural high

Many trips, rod organized, all a azi g...

Don and Bernice

Natural High knows what it's doing!

Natural High -- in particular, Vanessa Janion, was invaluable in the planning of our safari, including the all-important decisions of where and when t...

Tony, Mary and Anna

Thank you Vanessa for planning our dream vacation! Everything suited our style perfectly. The accommodations, food, and activities were just right....

First time on safari

Our trip was planned by Catherine R from Natural High Safari. She was very respectful professional and pleasant to work with...

If you wish a trip of a lifetime then book with Natural High!!

Vanessa and her team at Natural High arranged a trip of a life time for us in Botswana and Mozambique. I cannot recommend more highly. Natural High is...

Terry and Rosemary

Based on 378 reviews

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Kenya Safari Tours, Package Holidays and Lodges

This is the original "Out of Africa" safari destination.

Magic of the Masai Mara

You know the images from various documentaries - sweeping savannah plains teeming with over a million Wildebeest, the Maasai tribe and Big Cats. Experience it for yourself on a Masai Mara safari tour . Witness the Migration between August and October plus great game viewing opportunities throughout the year.  

Premier Kenya Safari

Classic Kenya Safari

Luxury Kenya Safari

Kenya Beach Holidays

Shaba and Samburu National Park

Great Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley is the land of Soda Lakes, including Lake Nakuru , renowned for thousands of Flamingos. These luxury Kenya safaris include tours through Samburu, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara. Experience these diverse national parks which abound with wildlife.  

Amboseli and Tsavo

Mombasa Beach and Island Resorts

Come and relax on one of these beautiful beaches of the Kenyan coast with our Kenya Beach and Island holidays . These elegant resorts and beach lodges offer a wide array of water-sports and excursions. Explore the vibrant culture of Mombasa and the historic Island of Lamu.  

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Africa Kenya Safaris

Exit the stress. hit the pause button. come on a kenya safari..

Choose Your East Africa Safari Tour

No one can get you on a Kenya safari faster and easier than us!

Our  Travel Advisors and Driver/Guides   were all born and raised here in Kenya – the wildlife parks  are like their second home. They will design a brilliant Kenya safari or Tanzania adventure embracing all your likes, wishes, and desires. 

Just tell your personal Travel Advisor which Kenya parks or wildlife you want to see (Lions? Giraffes? Everything?) and they’ll have you in one of our custom  4 x 4 safari Jeeps  pronto.

And on your way to the safari of your dreams.

Our Africa Safaris in Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar

Check out our many safari choices:

NAIROBI EXCURSIONS & DAY TRIPS

Africa Kenya Safaris offers you full and half-day excursions & trips from Nairobi

KENYA SAFARI TOURS FROM NAIROBI

Explore our multi-day Kenya safari adventures ranging from 2 - 12 days from Nairobi - Africa's safari capital

NAIROBI TO DIANI BEACH SAFARIS

Enjoy a Kenya wildlife safari then finish up your holiday at Kenya’s Diani Beach.

DIANI BEACH KENYA SAFARIS

Kenya safaris from beach resorts of Diani - voted Africa's leading beach destination

AMBOSELI KENYA SAFARIS

Explore Amboseli - best place to see large herds of free-ranging elephants and scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro

KENYA FLIGHT SAFARIS

Book Kenya flight Safaris and explore Masai Mara , Amboseli, Samburu & Lewa Conservancy.

MASAI MARA KENYA SAFARIS

Masai Mara is home of the Great Wildebeest Migration , Big Five of Africa, Big cats, Masai culture etc.

KENYA BEACH TO NAIROBI SAFARIS

Exciting African safaris from the coastal resorts. Shake off the sand and look for some big game excitement

KENYA-TANZANIA SAFARIS

Experience wildlife parks, beaches and mountains of Kenya & Tanzania

KENYA SAFARI & DIANI BEACH

Experience the best of both worlds - a thrilling Kenya safari and a dream Diani beach vacation

KENYA SHORT GROUP SAFARIS

Join our exciting Kenya short Group safari Tours from Nairobi in 4x4 safari jeeps

TANZANIA SAFARI HOLIDAYS

Book Exciting 4x4 Tanzania safaris from Arusha town. Explore Serengeti , Ngorongoro, Manyara, Tarangire e.t.c.

ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAYS

Pre/post your African safari holiday in Kenya & Tanzania, 'escape' to Africa's leading beach destination - Zanzibar!

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING ADVENTURES

Africa mountain climbing adventure tours. Climb Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro

EAST AFRICA BEACH HOLIDAYS

Enjoy a deserved holiday on the sandy beaches of Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Watamu, Lamu & Zanzibar

HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES

From the amazing wildlife in the vast savannah to beautiful beaches, Kenya & Tanzania are destinations you won’t want to miss on your tour to Africa.

We Offer The Very Best Guides & Safari Vehicles For Our East African Safari Tours

A Fully Flexible East Africa Safari

Africa Kenya Safaris offers you dozens of customizable adventures based on your special wishes.

We work with scores of economy, comfort, and luxury  safari lodge & tented camp  providers to bring you every accommodation possibility.

At  Africa Kenya Safaris  we know safari adventures come in all shapes, sizes, and budgets. Let us customize your journey to fit your needs and personal style.

Your ultimate safari adventure is just a  call  or  click  away!

Explore Our Africa

Looking to explore the parks in and around Nairobi? Or is your idea of safari discovering great parades of elephants marching before Mt. Kilimanjaro? We offer all kinds of journeys exploring the heart of Kenya’s great parks.

Whether a ½ day city jaunt, a one-day safari getaway , an in-depth 9-day safari, or something in between, Africa Kenya Safaris offers you customizable adventures based on your preferences. Check out our selection of multi-day tours here and then personalize to your desire.

Let's Plan Your Unique Safari

That’s what we do best – create a custom experience from your wish list – whether it’s adventuring out on the massive savannah, watching the sunset from your own treehouse, working hands-on at a local school, or diving deep into a community project.

At Africa Kenya Safaris , we do things a little differently. Immersive. Active. Like we said… personalized just for you.

And we always keep a steady eye on our eco-footprint with everything we do. We are ever mindful of our impact upon the land and follow best practices to protect and improve our fragile environment.

Because there is only one Africa… and it is our home.

Any African Safari is only as good as the people that give it life. And that goes especially for our guides. They don’t just bring years of life experience and training to your journey – their excitement, fun, and support will remind you of your best friend. In fact, by journey’s end, they might just be your new best friend!

Easy, Fast & Flexible Kenya Safari Tours

Want to travel and explore at your pace, on your time, in your own way?

We are organized to do just that. Fast, flexible, and quick to respond to your wishes.

Whether you book your journey several months in advance or the day before, we have the experience to make it happen.

Just say the word and we’ll get you into your safari jeep and on the road in no time!

Birthday? Honeymoon? Anniversary? Celebrate!

How do you see yourself celebrating that special life event? Standing on a peak overlooking the vast herds of The Great Migration… maybe amongst Kenyan schoolchildren, helping to build their desks… or perhaps hot-air ballooning over the Masai Mara? Or something entirely different. Africa is all about life experiences. Let us help you find yours.

Lodge or Tenting for Your Kenya Safari Holiday? Your Choice

Do you want to wrap up your day at a safari luxury lodge? Or would you rather stay closer to the land in a comfortable tented camp? We offer both accommodations in three flavors: economy, comfort, or luxury.

You can even mix them up during your safari tour… depending on your whim.

We work with dozens of informed lodge providers to bring you every accommodation possibility.

Our special relationship with these skilled hosts is also your portal into all kinds of local cultural, community, and eco-activities. We’ll hook you up with the people, the sights, the tastes, and the moments that you’ll hold as perfect memories.

And All This to Fit Your Safari Holiday Budget

At Africa Kenya Safaris we realize adventures come in all shapes and budgets. Let us customize your journey to fit your needs and your personal style.

We want to hear your thoughts… and your dreams. Then we’ll add in our safari savvy and come up with a plan that checks all the boxes.

You’ve come all this way… don’t you deserve to get everything you wished for? Let us work to make it come true for you. And create the best adventures you haven’t yet imagined.

Online or Off – Your Choice

We realize you came to this magical spot for the magic… not the Wi-Fi. Still there are times you may want to connect with the outside world, perhaps to share some incredible moments or images you’ve collected. Our Safari Jeeps have Wi-Fi 75% of the time and most accommodations offer connectivity in the public areas.

Prepare for your dream African safari

KENYA EVISA REQUIREMENTS & FEES

WHAT TO PACK ON YOUR AFRICAN SAFARI

FREQUENTLY ASKED SAFARI QUESTIONS

Just call , WhatsApp , email us or fill online enquiry form   and one of our friendly travel advisors will have you on the road to adventure – your own personalized safari.

Our Safari Holiday Reviews

Africa kenya safaris faqs.

Welcome to our FAQ section, designed to provide you with comprehensive answers to all your safari-related inquiries. At Africa Kenya Safaris, we understand that planning a safari adventure is an exciting yet intricate process. To ensure that your journey with us is smooth and enjoyable, we’ve curated this resource to address the most common questions that travellers like you often have. Whether you’re curious about our safari offerings, accommodations, conservation efforts, or any other aspect of your safari experience, you’ll find valuable insights right here. Your adventure begins with knowledge, and we’re here to empower you with the information you need to make your Kenyan safari truly exceptional.

How do I book a safari with Africa Kenya Safaris?

Step 1: choose your safari.

Begin your safari adventure with Africa Kenya Safaris by selecting the safari that best suits your interests and travel preferences. Explore our diverse range of safari tours , from classic game safaris to specialized experiences like photography or cultural safaris. Each package comes with detailed itineraries and information to help you make an informed choice. Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or an extended expedition, we have options to fit your schedule.

Step 2: Contact Us

Once you’ve decided on your safari, reach out to our experienced team of safari experts. You can easily get in touch with us through the provided contact information, including phone, email, or our convenient online inquiry form . Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to answer any questions you may have, provide additional details, and assist with customization if needed. We are committed to ensuring that your safari experience aligns with your expectations and interests.

Step 3: Booking Confirmation

After finalizing the details of your safari and receiving a quote, the next step is to confirm your booking. We’ll guide you through the reservation process, including payment options and any necessary documentation. Once your booking is confirmed, you can look forward to an incredible safari adventure in Kenya. We take care of all the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich culture that Kenya has to offer. Your dream safari with Africa Kenya Safaris awaits!

What types of safaris do you offer in Kenya?

Africa Kenya Safaris offers a wide array of safari experiences in Kenya, each tailored to cater to the diverse interests of our travellers. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or someone looking to immerse in local culture, we have the perfect safari for you.

Classic Game Safaris

Embark on a classic game safari with us to Kenya’s most iconic national parks and game reserves. Witness the incredible wildlife of the Masai Mara , Amboseli , Tsavo, Samburu , and more. Our expert guides will lead you on thrilling game drives, ensuring you have the chance to spot the Big Five and a myriad of other fascinating creatures.

Specialized Safaris

For those seeking unique and specialized experiences, we offer safaris designed to cater to specific interests. Explore the Great Migration in the Masai Mara , go bird-watching in Lake Nakuru , or engage in cultural safaris that allow you to interact with local communities and learn about their traditions. Whether it’s a photography safari , a honeymoon safari , or a family-friendly safari adventure , our specialized safaris are crafted to make your dream Kenya safari a reality.

No matter which safari you choose, you can trust Africa Kenya Safaris to deliver an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife.

What sets Africa Kenya Safaris apart from other safari companies?

Africa Kenya Safaris stands out as a premier safari company in Kenya due to our unparalleled expertise and in-depth knowledge of the region. With over two decades of experience in the industry, our team of expert safari guides , naturalists, and travel professionals are passionate about showcasing the beauty and wonders of Kenya. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide immersive and educational safari experiences that go beyond traditional wildlife viewing. Our seasoned guides are not only skilled in tracking wildlife but also well-versed in Kenya’s diverse ecosystems, cultures, and conservation efforts. Their expertise ensures that you gain a deep understanding of the natural world and cultural heritage of Kenya.

Tailored Safari Experiences

At Africa Kenya Safaris, we understand that each traveller is unique, and we embrace this diversity by offering tailor-made safari experiences. Unlike one-size-fits-all tours, our safari packages are customizable to your interests, preferences, and time constraints. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, a honeymooner, or a family looking for an adventure, we create bespoke itineraries that cater to your specific desires. Our commitment to personalization ensures that every aspect of your safari, from accommodations to activities, aligns perfectly with your expectations. This dedication to customization sets us apart and allows us to craft unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime journeys.

Conservation and Responsible Tourism

Africa Kenya Safaris is deeply committed to the preservation of Kenya’s rich natural heritage. We prioritize responsible tourism practices and actively engage in conservation efforts. Our safari experiences are designed to have minimal impact on the environment while providing opportunities for travellers to appreciate and contribute to conservation initiatives. By choosing Africa Kenya Safaris, you not only enjoy an exceptional safari but also support the protection of Kenya’s unique ecosystems and wildlife. Our commitment to sustainable and ethical tourism sets us apart as a socially responsible safari company that cares about the long-term well-being of the destinations we explore.

Do you offer customized safari itineraries?

Yes, at Africa Kenya Safaris, we understand that no two travellers are alike, and that’s why we take pride in offering customized safari itineraries. We believe in creating safari experiences that match your unique interests, desires, and time constraints. Whether you dream of tracking the Big Five, capturing breathtaking wildlife photography, immersing yourself in local culture, or embarking on an adventurous family safari, we’re here to make it a reality. Our team of experienced travel experts will work closely with you to design a personalized itinerary that aligns perfectly with your expectations. We take into consideration your preferred destinations, activities, accommodations, and budget to craft a safari adventure that’s uniquely yours.

Flexibility and Freedom

When you choose Africa Kenya Safaris for your customized safari, you gain the freedom to explore Kenya at your own pace. Unlike pre-packaged tours, our tailor-made itineraries allow you to dictate the rhythm of your journey. Want to spend an extra day at a particular wildlife reserve? No problem. Eager to try a specific activity, such as a hot air balloon safari or a cultural village visit ? We’ll make it happen. Our flexibility ensures that your safari is not bound by a fixed schedule but rather adapts to your preferences and interests. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, a family, or a group, we’re dedicated to providing you with the ultimate freedom to design your dream safari.

Expert Guidance and Support

Designing a personalized safari can be a complex task, but with Africa Kenya Safaris, you’re in expert hands every step of the way. Our team of seasoned professionals brings extensive knowledge of Kenya’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures to the table. We’ll offer valuable insights, recommendations, and guidance to help you make informed choices while tailoring your itinerary. From selecting the most suitable safari accommodations to suggesting unique off-the-beaten-path experiences, we’ll ensure that every aspect of your safari is thoughtfully planned. With our support, you can embark on a safari adventure that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. Your dream safari awaits, and we’re here to make it a reality.

What accommodations can I expect during my safari?

Africa Kenya Safaris takes pride in offering a wide range of safari accommodation options to suit every traveller’s preferences and budget. Whether you’re seeking luxury lodges, comfortable mid-range camps, or budget-friendly accommodations, we’ve got you covered. Our safari itineraries feature carefully selected lodges and camps located in and around Kenya’s iconic national parks and wildlife reserves. Expect to stay in well-appointed rooms, tents, or cottages that provide modern amenities and comfortable furnishings, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after exciting days of safari adventures.

Luxury Safari Lodges

For travellers seeking the epitome of luxury and exclusivity, our safari packages include stays at some of Kenya’s most renowned luxury safari lodges. These lodges offer opulent accommodations, gourmet dining, and world-class services in breathtaking natural settings. Imagine waking up to stunning views of the African savannah, enjoying fine dining under the stars, and relaxing in private plunge pools while surrounded by wildlife. Our luxury lodges provide an extraordinary safari experience that combines the best of comfort and wilderness.

Authentic Bush Camps

For those who desire a more immersive and rustic safari experience, we also offer stays at authentic bush camps. These camps are designed to bring you closer to nature, allowing you to hear the sounds of the African night and feel the pulse of the wild. Accommodations in these camps typically consist of comfortable canvas tents with en-suite facilities. While they may offer a simpler lifestyle, they provide a true sense of adventure and a genuine connection to the wilderness. Our bush camps are strategically located to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities and offer a unique way to experience the African bush.

No matter which type of accommodation you choose, rest assured that we prioritize your comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout your safari journey. Our goal is to provide you with a memorable and rewarding experience, whether you’re lounging in luxury lodges or embracing the authenticity of bush camps in the heart of Kenya’s wildlife-rich landscapes.

What wildlife can I see on your safaris?

When you embark on a safari with Africa Kenya Safaris, you’ll have the opportunity to witness some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including the legendary Big Five : lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinoceroses. These magnificent animals are the cornerstone of every classic African safari, and our expert guides will take you to the best locations for spotting them in their natural habitats. From thrilling lion prides to massive elephant herds, you’ll be captivated by the beauty and power of these creatures.

A Diverse Tapestry of Wildlife

Beyond the Big Five, Kenya is home to a diverse tapestry of wildlife that populates its varied ecosystems. You can expect to encounter giraffes gracefully browsing the treetops, cheetahs sprinting across the plains in pursuit of prey, and hippos wallowing in serene waterholes. The country’s national parks and reserves are teeming with an array of antelope species, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, and an impressive variety of birdlife. Our guides are not only experts at tracking and spotting these animals but also passionate about sharing their knowledge and insights with you, enhancing your safari experience.

Great Wildebeest Migration

One of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles on Earth, the Great Wildebeest Migration , takes place in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. This annual migration sees millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores traveling in search of fresh grazing lands, attracting predators like lions and crocodiles. Witnessing this dramatic event is a bucket-list experience, and our safari itineraries are thoughtfully designed to coincide with the migration’s movements, ensuring you have a front-row seat to this remarkable wildlife phenomenon. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or a first-time safari-goer, Kenya’s astounding biodiversity promises unforgettable encounters and photographic opportunities.

When is the best time to go on a safari in Kenya?

Choosing the best time for your Kenyan safari largely depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience. Kenya offers excellent safari opportunities year-round, but understanding the seasons can help you tailor your trip to match your interests.

Dry Season – June to October

For many travellers, the dry season, which spans from June to October, is the preferred time for a Kenyan safari. During this period, wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot animals. The weather is typically dry and cool, with sunny days and cool nights, making for comfortable game drives and outdoor activities. This season also aligns with the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara , a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

Green Season – November to May

The green season, also known as the rainy season, runs from November to May. While it may not be the driest time to visit, the lush landscapes, vibrant flora, and the birth of newborn animals make this a unique and beautiful time for safaris. Bird enthusiasts will find this season particularly appealing as migratory bird species visit Kenya. Additionally, accommodation rates are often more budget-friendly during the green season, making it an attractive option for travellers looking for value without compromising on wildlife experiences. Ultimately, the best time for your Kenyan safari depends on your preferences, whether you seek prime game-viewing opportunities or wish to witness Kenya’s natural beauty at its greenest.

How do you support wildlife conservation efforts?

At Africa Kenya Safaris, we are deeply committed to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism practices. Our mission is to not only provide unforgettable safari experiences but also to actively contribute to the preservation of Kenya’s incredible biodiversity and ecosystems.

Partnerships with Conservation Organizations

One of the ways we support wildlife conservation efforts is through partnerships with renowned conservation organizations. We work closely with local and international NGOs that are dedicated to protecting Kenya’s wildlife and natural habitats. These partnerships enable us to channel funds and resources into critical projects aimed at safeguarding endangered species, conserving vital ecosystems, and combatting poaching and habitat degradation.

Educational Initiatives

We firmly believe that education is key to fostering a culture of conservation. That’s why we actively engage in educational initiatives for both tourists and local communities. During our safaris, our expert guides provide valuable insights into the behaviour and conservation status of the wildlife you encounter. We also collaborate with local schools and communities to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship. By supporting education, we hope to inspire future generations to become passionate advocates for Kenya’s wildlife and natural heritage.

What safety measures are in place during safaris?

At Africa Kenya Safaris, your safety is our top priority. We understand that embarking on a safari adventure involves exploring remote and wild landscapes, and we take comprehensive measures to ensure your well-being throughout your journey.

Experienced Guides and Drivers

Our team of expert safari guides and drivers are not only knowledgeable about Kenya’s wildlife and ecosystems but also well-trained in safety protocols. They are equipped to handle any situation that may arise during your safari, from wildlife encounters to navigating challenging terrain. Your guide will provide essential safety briefings and guidelines, ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Well-Maintained Safari Vehicles

We take pride in the quality and maintenance of our safari vehicles . Our 4×4 vehicles are specially designed for off-road adventures, featuring pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife viewing and safety features like seatbelts. Additionally, our vehicles undergo regular safety checks and maintenance to ensure they are in excellent condition for your safari. Rest assured that when you’re on safari with us, you’re in safe hands, and we are prepared to handle any situation to ensure your safety and enjoyment.

What should I pack for a safari in Kenya?

Packing for a safari in Kenya requires careful consideration to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here’s a list of essentials to help you prepare for your adventure.

Clothing and Footwear

• Neutral-Coloured Clothing : Opt for neutral, earth-toned clothing to blend in with the natural surroundings and avoid startling wildlife.
• Lightweight Layers : Kenya’s climate can vary, so pack lightweight layers that can be added or removed as needed.
• Comfortable Footwear : Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or hiking boots are essential for walking safaris and bushwalks.
• Hat and Sunglasses : Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Swimwear : If your safari includes lodge or camp accommodations with swimming pools, bring swimwear.

Safari Gear and Accessories

• Binoculars : A good pair of binoculars will enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
• Camera and Accessories : Don’t forget your camera or smartphone for capturing those incredible safari moments. Extra memory cards and batteries are a must.
• Reusable Water Bottle : Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling it at lodges and camps.
• Headlamp or Flashlight : Essential for navigating in the evenings and early mornings.
• Charging Equipment : Bring chargers and adapters for your electronic devices, as power outlets may be available at lodges and camps.

Personal Items and Health

• Personal Medications : Carry any prescription medications you require, along with a basic first-aid kit.
• Sunscreen and Insect Repellent : Protect your skin from the sun and insects with appropriate products.
• Toiletries : Travel-sized toiletries, including biodegradable soap and shampoo, are essential.
• Travel Documents : Ensure you have your passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, and any necessary permits.
• Cash and Cards : While many lodges and camps accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to carry some cash in local currency for small purchases or tips.

Remember to pack as lightly as possible, as there are often luggage restrictions on safari flights . Additionally, specific packing requirements may vary depending on the type of safari and the time of year you visit Kenya. Always check with your safari operator for any specific recommendations or requirements for your safari adventure.

Our clients

Driving technology for leading brands, our accreditations and booking security.

Africa Kenya Safaris Ltd is licensed under the Kenya Tourism Regulatory Authority ( TRA ) . It is Bonded member No. AS/720 of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators ( KATO ) , Ecotourism Kenya , East African Wildlife Society, and the African Travel and Tourism Association ( ATTA )

Kenya is an extremely diverse country with a vast range of fascinating landscapes and home to an unusually broad range of cultures.

However the country is the original home of the packaged safari and suffers from a great deal of low quality mass-market tourism.

Quality safaris in Kenya are definitely still possible, but do require a certain amount of inside knowledge and careful planning.

Kenya Southwest contains the gorgeous but busy Maasai Mara reserve, surrounded by lovely and much more peaceful private conservancies.

The region also contains the Great Rift Valley, where the renowned Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru are well past their best, but Lake Magadi continues to be remote and appealing.

The Kenya Southeast region contains famous but busy locations of Amboseli and Tsavo, as well as the quieter and more upmarket Chyulu Hills.

The Kenya North region contains well known areas like Lewa Downs and Samburu, but also much more remote options like the Mathew’s Range.

Similarly the Kenya Coast has the popular resorts of Diani and Malindi, as well as cool backwaters like Msambweni and Tana Delta.

The majority of safari accommodation options in Kenya are very large motel style hotels.

Fortunately there is also an expanding range of more intimate and characterful lodges ...

... as well as a selection of authentic tented safari camps, particularly in the Maasai Mara.

Access is primarily through Nairobi, which is relatively well connected via Europe and Asia.

The best time for Kenya is generally the Jul-Nov dry season, but there are good reasons to visit during other months.

Most visitors combine three, four or five stops in these key areas over a total of 10 to 18 nights.

These days virtually all quality safari trips travel by air between remote locations.

Heavy population and traffic in the central region now makes most overland safaris out of Nairobi extremely unattractive …

… although there are still some cool road routes that can be used when connecting certain remote locations.

The main potential downsides are the very high volume and low quality of traffic in safari areas.

The other real challenge is the elevated cost of flying safaris around the higher quality areas.

These two issues are largely responsible for the incredible growth of safari in neighbouring Tanzania in recent decades.

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Kenya Safaris

The original african safari destination.

Embark on an unforgettable Asilia safari and explore the diverse wildlife habitats of Kenya. Home to the Cradle of Humankind, the site of the oldest human remains, and the birthplace of the photo safari, Kenya is a wonderland for nature enthusiasts.

Witness the majestic giraffe nibbling on acacia trees, the grandeur of elephant herds, and the colourful array of birds. The Masai Mara Reserve is a haven for big cats and other fantastic creatures. At the same time, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the proud guardian of the last two northern white rhinos, protected through each hour of the day by brave guards and bold rhino protection initiatives.

Our friendly and knowledgeable safari guides will accompany you on daily excursions, sharing their expertise and passion for Kenya's wildlife and people. Experience the rich cultural heritage of Kenya's indigenous people, particularly the Masaai tribe, who have preserved their ancient customs, traditions, and beliefs for generations. Learn about their pastoral lifestyles, focusing on family and community. Join us on an Asilia safari to discover the best that Kenya has to offer.  

Browse our image and video galleries below to see some of the wildlife, scenery, activities and accommodation in the Greater Masai Mara.

Kenya Safari Destinations

Experience the perfect blend of conservation, culture, and ecotourism in Kenya, where the iconic and wild meet to inspire. Asilia Africa offers exceptional accommodations in the most sought-after regions, teeming with abundant wildlife. We have a range of boutique camps and collaborate with handpicked partner properties in highly desirable locations such as Amboseli, Tsavo, and the Rift Valley Lakes.  

Masai Mara : The Greater Masai Mara region in southwest Kenya is renowned as the ultimate destination for wildlife enthusiasts. With a choice of accommodation in the national reserve or neighbouring private conservancies, you can witness various animals, including big cats, beautiful birds, and elephant.  

Mara Naboisho Conservancy: If you seek a truly exclusive safari experience, the community-owned Mara Naboisho Conservancy is your dream destination. Located adjacent to the Masai Mara Reserve, this area boasts an impressive array of wildlife, including cheetah, elephant, and giraffe. However, what truly sets Mara Naboisho apart is its unparalleled concentration of lion, making it one of the most remarkable destinations for wildlife enthusiasts.  

Ol Pejeta Conservancy: The high-altitude rolling hills of Laikipia, located north of Nairobi, house the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a trailblazer in conservation efforts. This world-renowned conservancy is best known for its role in protecting the last two remaining northern white rhino.  

Amboseli: The exceptional elephant population and breathtaking Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop make for a photographer's dream shot. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of majestic elephant marching past Africa's tallest mountain.  

Tsavo: The combined network of Tsavo’s west and east national parks in Kenya boast the largest protected area and is home to some of the world's oldest and most majestic "big tusker" elephants.  

Rift Valley Lakes: A narrow strip of a massive fracture across the Middle East and Africa, the Rift Valley is a spectacular spectacle. Its three tectonic plates shift, slide, and collide, creating stunning features. These include soaring peaks, vast savannas, and sparkling lakes, such as Turkana, Baringo, and Nakuru.  

Kenya Safari Camps

Experience the thrill of wildlife safaris at our boutique Kenyan safari camps, including views of iconic species and the famous Great Migration. Our four warm and inviting lodges provide a luxurious yet understated backdrop, evoking the original safari days' atmosphere, colours, textures, and decor.  

Encounter Mara Camp: At Encounter Mara Camp, under the shade of acacia trees, experience the beauty and diversity of the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, a private area beside the Masai Mara, owned by the local community. Ten sustainably designed and built tents blend into their natural surroundings. You can enjoy complete privacy and tranquillity while witnessing the magnificent local wildlife.   

Naboisho Camp: Also within the Naboisho Conservancy, Naboisho Camp presents various exciting activities, including traditional game drives, invigorating walking safaris, and captivating night drives. With a diverse range of 266 bird species, birders will undoubtedly relish the ample opportunities.  

Rekero Camp: Experience the ultimate wildlife adventure at Rekero Camp, located in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Our camp offers the perfect vantage point to witness the magnificent Great Migration from the camp’s veranda overlooking the Talek River migration crossing point.   

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp: For travellers passionate about conservation, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is a perfect destination. The camp offers spacious, eco-friendly tents situated along the Ewaso Ngiro River. You can experience a classic safari adventure while witnessing the dedicated efforts to protect the last two northern white rhinos and other endangered African wildlife.  

Getting to Asilia Camps in Kenya

As Kenya's air transportation heart, Nairobi is the main gateway for tourists entering the country, primarily through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Safari enthusiasts can conveniently access the various parks and reserves through Wilson Airport, which operates frequent scheduled flights from several airlines, making Nairobi the ideal starting point for adventure seekers.   

Encounter Mara

Situated on the edge of the savannah under the shade of acacia trees, Encounter Mara is a 10-tent camp within the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, bordering the famed Masai Mara reserve in southwest Kenya.

Naboisho Camp

The Mara Naboisho Conservancy in southwest Kenya is a dream for wildlife enthusiasts. As well as cheetah, elephant and giraffe, the area has one of the highest concentrations of lion in the world.

Rekero Camp

Witness the greatest wildlife concentration and diversity in the world in the heart of the Masai Mara in Kenya. The camp overlooks the Talek River migration crossing point.

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Overlooked by the dramatic snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is in central Kenya’s Laikipia County. It’s home to the two remaining northern white rhinos on the planet and many ot…

Kenya Itineraries

Experience the ultimate adventure in Kenya with a personalised safari crafted by Asilia Africa. Our team of knowledgeable trip planners will collaborate with you to create an itinerary tailored to your preferences. With our comprehensive guidance, your trip will be an unforgettable journey. Explore our sample itineraries and get inspired to book your Kenyan safari today.  

All Asilia: Reserve circuit

Experience the best of Tanzania and Kenya in style and comfort over 10 days.

All Asilia: Kenya circuit

Embark on this thrilling safari adventure through Kenya over 9 days.

All Asilia: Family safari with younger children

Discover the hidden wildlife gems of Kenya’s famous safari circuit with your family.

Best Bush & Beach Families

A family safari is a holiday like no other. You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime, enjoy new experiences together and spend quality time away from the distractions of the real world. You wi…

Kenya Explored

Uncover some of Kenya’s most wildlife-rich and scenically stunning landscapes on this exciting safari.

Kenya’s Ultimate Highlights

This itinerary offers an experience of the essence of Kenya, starting with a night in Nairobi and then 3 nights each in two different safari locations. The exploration can end there or continue for an…

Mara Uncovered

The Greater Mara Area refers to the Masai Mara Reserve as well as the private conservancies adjacent to the reserve and in the surrounding area. By combining the Masai Mara with the Mara Naboisho Cons…

Explore East Africa

For a safari experience that captures some of the best locations and experiences on offer across Kenya and Tanzania (and optionally, Zanzibar), look no further than this itinerary. Incorporating the M…

Lake and Mara

Don’t be fooled by the length of this safari, it may be short, but it packs a punch combining two of Kenya’s most iconic destinations - The Rift Valley and The Masai Mara!

Pure Kenya is ideal for those who wish to experience African wilderness in the legendary Chyulu Hills, combined with incredible sightings of Africa’s Big Five in the famous Masai Mara.

Ready to begin planning your Kenya safari?

At Asilia, we are committed to giving back to the various communities where we operate and utilising tourism to benefit people and wildlife. Our mission is to transform ecologically and economically vulnerable areas into sustainable conservation economies through innovative investments. By choosing Asilia for your travels, you are actively contributing to our conservation and community projects.   

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Safari in Kenya

Kenya's best safari reserves and camps.

Stuart Butler

• In this guide
• Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba

Meru National Park

Lake nakuru national park, amboseli national park.

• Nairobi National Park
• Off the beaten track

Kenya besides safari

• Where to go
• Need to know
• Itinerary planning
• Hidden gems
• Conservancies
• How to plan & book

Kenya is the original home of the safari and it’s still one of the finest safari destinations in Africa . I've been going on safari in Kenya for decades, as a travel journalist and guidebook author writing about safari, conservation and life among the Maasai tribes.

The main thing I've learned: there's so much more to Kenya than the mainstream safari industry of luxury camps and the famed “big five” (so named because they were the prize targets of colonial–era hunters).

The country proudly boasts of an impressive network of protected spaces made up of 65 national parks and reserves as well as dozens of private and community conservancies. Together these cover a huge proportion of Kenya’s diverse landscapes and provide a home for animals as large as an elephant and as tiny as an elephant shrew.

Some parks, such as the Masai Mara and Amboseli , are rightly world famous. Other parks, such as Meru National Park or Kakamega Forest Reserve, barely make a blip on the mainstream safari circuit but are every bit as rewarding (and much quieter!) then the big name parks and reserves.

Kenya has a world class safari tourism industry with excellent safari operators catering to all budgets and a diverse portfolio of safari lodges and camps. All you need to decide is when and where to go – and that's where my guide comes in. Dig in and Safari njema! – (Have a nice trip!)

featured kenya safaris

Enchanted Kenyan Safari

Samburu, Rhinos and Mara Safari

Affordable Masai Mara Safari

Close encounters with a herd of elephants in Kenya's Masai Mara

The best safaris in Kenya

Kenya’s most popular – and some underrated – safari highlights.

Don't be swayed by the Masai Mara's magnetic pull. There are many hidden gems to be discovered in Kenya: here are a few of my top recommendations.

Masai Mara National Reserve

Mara north conservancy, ol pejeta conservancy, samburu game reserve, tsavo east & west national parks, loita hills, kakamega forest reserve, aberdare national park, lamu island.

Elsa’s Kopje

This is the best lodge in what is, for me, one of the best safari parks in Kenya. Named after Elsa the lion, of Born Free Fame, the lodge sits on an outcrop with simply incredible views over Meru. Owned by Kenya-based Elewana Collection, it’s undeniably pricey – rooms start at around USD $950 per night and climb steeply from there – but worth a night or two if your budget can stretch that far. If that’s beyond your means I can also recommend Meru Camp and there are cheaper options in the nearby town of Maua.

Witness the migration river crossings – but expect crowds!

The wildebeest migration is one of the world’s greatest natural phenomena, and watching the herds dodge hungry crocodiles as they surge across the Mara River is a staple of Kenya safari. The migration moves into the Masai Mara from Tanzania’s Serengeti between June and October. This is by far the busiest time and place of the year, so expect crowds. If you’d rather see the migration untroubled by crowds, I recommend you look at Tanzania instead.

Denise Carnihan

I can highly recommend Maili Saba. It has a picturesque location overlooking the Great Rift Valley and volcano region, with lovely permanent tents each with en-suites and balcony, and all very nicely decorated. There is a communal pool and outside gazebos for relaxing. The main dining room and lounging area is stunning with striking cathedral ceiling and beautiful decor. The food is absolutely outstanding and the staff are warm, friendly and go out of their way to assist their guests. The first time I visited was a complete surprise organised by my Kenyan partner, and I've included it in our tour itineraries ever since.

Nashulai Maasai Conservancy

One of the great success stories of Kenya safari has been the emergence of networks of conservancies, usually adjacent to the better known national parks. These are community-run or privately-operated protected areas, run for the benefit of wildlife and local communities. In the Masai Mara, the Nashulai Maasai Conservancy is particularly interesting, as it’s the only one that was 100% established by local Maasai and the only one where the Maasai remain in their homes within the conservancy. I can also highly recommend Mara North, Naboisho, and Ol Dereski; you’ll likely have an amazing time in any of them.

Offbeat Mara

Mara North is perhaps the best known conservancy in the Masai Mara, and Offbeat Mara is one of my favourite camps in the entire place. It's a small, un-showy camp of just seven tents including two family tents. In addition to the standard game drives you can do night drives, guided bush walks, horse riding, hot air balloon flights and even do some Maasai running coaching!

If you’ve ever wondered what the hide of a rhino feels like, wanted to experience a safari at night or dreamed of running (or riding) in the wild, open air of a safari reserve, head to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The conservancy is in the Laikipia region, at the foothills of Mount Kenya. The sanctuary is the largest in East Africa to host black rhino, as well as the world’s last two remaining white northern rhino. Ol Pejeta is also the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. Conservation is at its core, with several experiences available for intrepid safari-goers who want to do more than just watch the animals.

Those looking to get their hands dirty can join one of the one or two-week volunteer programmes and learn wildlife research and tracking, veterinary care and more of what goes on behind the scenes. The conservancy has several accommodation options from simple cottages to basic campsites and luxury tented eco-camps.

Campi ya Kanzi

If elephants are your thing, you can’t do much better than Amboseli where herds of these magnificent beasts graze in the shadow of the equally magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro. By far the best place to stay is not in the park itself but 30km away at Campi ya Kanzi in the Kimana Community Wildlife Sanctuary, situated between Amboseli and Chyulu Hills. It’s a very high-end Maasai-run camp that was set up to aid the local community and conservation projects. Its excellent location means you can see wildlife in the conservancy, Amboseli and Chyulu all from one base.

Saruni Rhino Camp

This camp in the Sera Conservancy, just north of the Samburu Reserve in northern Kenya occupies a stunning location in the semi-desert. Their specialism is a thrilling rhino tracking walking safari, probably my favourite place to see rhinos in all Kenya. I spent five days here and by the end still couldn’t decide if coming within ten metres of the steamroller-like rhinos was thrilling or simply terrifying!

Kilaguni Serena Lodge

In Tsavo West most of the accommodation is fairly expensive (unless you have your own camping gear in which case there are three spartan public campgrounds). A reasonably-priced option is the Kilaguni Serena Lodge – it’s far from a budget offering but the Serena collection is generally pretty good value. If you have the budget to blow, Finch Hattons is the most exclusive camp in the park, with an eye watering price tag to match.

Best walking safari

In my opinion the best way to experience a safari is to ditch the 4X4 and explore on foot. With a good tracker-guide you’ll see all the little things you’d otherwise miss if you’re stuck in a vehicle all day. Walking is often forbidden within state-run national parks but is usually allowed, even encouraged, in conservancies. If I had to pick a favourite place for a walking safari in Kenya it’d be Loita Hills without question. Although not far from the Masai Mara, Loita Hills is barely visited by tourists despite boasting superb and varied scenery, a lovely climate, very different wildlife to the lower savannah plains, and fascinating interactions with very traditional Maasai culture.

Also, while Kenya doesn’t really compete with the multi-day Tanzania trekking scene, some organised trekking may be found here, as well as in the Aberdares and around Mt. Kenya.

Saruni Samburu

There’s only one lodge within the Kalama conservancy, immediately to the north of Samburu Reserve, and it’s likely going to be one of the most spectacular places you’ll ever stay. Built into, around and onto a huge granite outcrop, Saruni Samburu is almost invisible from a distance but the stunningly turned out rooms offer a cliff side view over what feels like half of northern Kenya.

Lewa Conservancy

Lewa, in the Laikipia plateau area, is perhaps the most famous of all Kenya’s conservancies. And for good reason: this is safari to order. Want to see a black rhino? No problem. One of the superb guides will manage to find one. Lions, cheetah, elephant. They are all found here in abundance.

And it’s not just the wildlife that’s outstanding. The landscape is cinematic in its scope. Rolling sun bleached grasslands, table flat acacia trees, meandering rivers and a backdrop of the glinting glaciers of Mt Kenya.

The other great thing about Lewa (and this is common to all the Laikipia area conservancies) is exclusivity. If you’re not a guest of one of the handful of lodges then you can’t go on a safari here.

Kenya’s safari hidden gem

Just north of the equator in far western Kenya, is Kakamega Forest — Kenya’s only tropical rainforest. The land here is wet, green and intensely cultivated with a mix of subsistence farming and large tea estates. In amongst all this though are a few pockets of the dense rainforests that once covered large parts of western Kenya.

The Kakamega Forest Reserve is a fine example of this kind of forest and interesting walking safaris here reveal bird and primate life that has more in common with the forests of Uganda and the Congo than anything you’ll see on safari in Kenya. Wander the forest’s network of trails and take in the huge variety of flora and fauna it supports, including hundreds of bird species, some of which are not found anywhere else.

In my opinion, Kakamega is one of the most delightful places in Kenya, but yet hardly any tourists know of its existence. It should be a must visit for any ornithologist or herpetologist. As well as birds, reptiles and primates, I found the visit to the old mine shaft to look for bats especially memorable.

Up close and personal with baboons

Laikipia is known for its rhino conservation, but my own personal highlight in this area wasn’t the rhinos. Rather it was the day I spent with a biologist in very close proximity to around 200 habituated baboons. Having a huge male baboon shove its way past you as it bares its teeth was an experience easily on a par with gorilla and chimpanzee encounters in East Africa. The other nice thing about this particular experience is that it doesn’t involve staying inside an expensive conservancy but rather you are hosted by a grassroots Maasai womens’ project. And hardly anyone – even other Kenyans – know about it!

Hiking in Aberdare National Park

A world away from the African safari image of savannah grasses and drooling sunsets, the Aberdares consists of two different ecosystems. A high, cold and often bleak moorland and, below that, dense tangled montane jungle.

The wildlife here is a little different and a little harder to spot. But elephants are very common as are big grumpy buffalo. There are also montane species you won’t see anywhere else including bongo antelope, bush pigs and melanistic leopard and serval.

Unusually among Kenyan national parks, you can also get out of the vehicle here and enjoy long, lonely hikes over the moorlands: I have really enjoyed the sensation of trudging across the bleak moorlands in cold afternoon drizzle while always keeping a beady eye out for roaming buffalo.

The park also has some history. In 1952, a young English lady named Elizabeth was staying at the famed Treetops Lodge here (today’s version is actually a reconstruction of the original) when it was announced that her father had died. And so it was, that on a remote Kenyan mountain slope, that young lady became Queen Elizabeth II. Many years later her eldest grandson, and future king, proposed to Kate Middleton in a small wooden fishing cabin in a spot not so far away from where his grandmother became Queen.

Post-safari beach time

If time allows I highly recommend you find a couple of days to wash away the safari dust on Kenya’s palm-fringed coastline. The country has many beautiful beach destinations but the standard itineraries tend to focus on Diani, south of Mombasa. My vote goes for the underrated Lamu archipelago, and in particular the old Swahili trading town of Lamu, which always leaves me enchanted.

Featured kenya safaris

Tanzania and Kenya Safari

The greatest safari on earth, kenya's best safari parks, kenya’s most popular safari parks and lesser-known hidden gems.

In a standard two week safari it’s perfectly possible — in fact I'd highly recommend — to explore three or four different protected areas. Ideally with each one offering a totally different habitat and set of wildlife inhabitants. If I had to pick a favourite, I'd probably vote for Meru National Park, but any of the following could feature on a Kenya safari.

Best for tranquil, crowd-free safaris

Meru, the country’s forgotten national park, is easily one of my favourite of all Kenya’s safari parks. This was once one of the most popular parks in the country but during the 1980s, when Kenya was going through a rough political patch and instability overwhelmed some parts of the country, Meru turned into a hotbed of poaching.

Security and stability have long since returned, yet somehow this park never returned to its former fame. But for those in the know – and that now includes you – Meru National Park is safari gold.

For the classic – if busy – Kenya safari

The very essence of an African safari landscape, the Masai Mara stretches along the Kenya-Tanzania border and forms the northern fringe of the greater Serengeti ecosystem (most of which is in Tanzania ).

This is the part of Kenya in which I have spent the most time (months and months if I added it all up), and was the scene of one of my best ever travel experiences. Some years ago a Maasai friend and I set out on a five week hike that took us across the entire Mara ecosystem. By day we walked alongside the wildlife and Maasai herders. By night we camped out under the stars and slept in traditional Maasai villages. An unforgettable adventure!

This is the place to see large prides of black-manned lions, bellowing elephants, grumpy buffalo and a pick ‘n’ mix box of antelope and gazelles. And that’s before we even touch on the smaller creatures and huge array of birds. But, above and beyond all else, the Mara is renowned for the spectacular wildebeest migration .

For elephants & Kilimanjaro views

Amboseli National Park is the postcard park of Kenya. This is where those photographs are taken of elephants with a backdrop of the (fast melting!) glaciers of Mt Kilimanjaro. I have spent many dreamy mornings parked under an acacia tree, a thermos of coffee in hand watching the rising sun tinge the snows of Kilimanjaro a pinky-red.

The elephants and the scenery are the real highlights of this park. In dry periods they flock here from miles around to quench their thirst in the swamps and pools that splash the dusty landscape in greens.

Another big reason to visit Amboseli is the chance to see conservation in action in the conservancies and other environmental and community projects surrounding the park.

For wetland safari & birdwatching

Just 5 kilometres from the big city of Nakaru, Lake Nakuru National Park’s accessibility makes it one of the most popular Kenya safari hotspots. It’s centred on the large Rift Valley soda lake of the same name, but also encompasses fringing grasslands, acacia woodlands and rocky escarpments.

The park is best known for its sometimes huge flocks of flamingos and a large rhino population. Back in the 1990’s, Lake Nakuru was the first place where I saw a really huge flock of flamingos. I’d seen the odd handful before, but the thousands upon thousands I saw here on that day sticks in my memory. The smell (ah yes the smell!), the noise, and of course the searing pink colours; It was one of the moments that made me fall in love with Kenya.

Best for wide open spaces

Combined, Tsavo East and West National Parks cover an enormous swathe of acacia scrub Kenyan wilderness. Tsavo West alone (the bigger of the two parks) covers an area greater in size than Wales, or two and half times the size of Yellowstone National Park.

The two parks are separated from each other by the Nairobi-Mombasa highway and are easy to reach from either city.

Despite being directly adjacent, the two parks are radically different from one another with the green hills of Tsavo East a marked contrast to the red soil and volcanic landscapes of Tsavo West. Because of their diversity and sheer size, I strongly recommend you devote enough time to the parks if you’re going to visit them. The rushed two-day safaris from Mombasa (or Nairobi) simply don’t allow enough time to get much out of a visit.

For world-leading conservation

The Laikipia plateau area in central Kenya is one of the most exciting places in African conservation. This isn’t a single national park or reserve, but rather a network of interlocking private and community-run conservancies where people, livestock and wildlife live together to the benefit of all.

Laikipia hosts all the classic East African safari mammals but is best known for its rhinos, including the critically endangered northern white rhino, only two of which are left alive. Both are female and so, tragically, this is a species awaiting extinction. They can be seen at the Ol Pejeta conservancy.

Kenya’s remote far north

Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves are three interconnected reserves on the edge of northern Kenya’s vast semi-desert wilderness.

Far removed from mainstream Kenyan life, these northern regions have a wild reputation. The landscape is harsh with endless sunburnt plains of acacia thornbush out of which rise the occasional fertile and densely forested mountain peaks, ranges, table lands and volcanic plugs.

Elephants, in particular, are the main event here. There are large herds who can migrate huge distances in search of water.

Safari in the big city

While most capital cities have their collection of ornate parks filled with neatly cut lawns, manicured flower beds and perhaps a boating lake, Nairobi has gone one step further.

Its biggest ‘park’ is in fact a 117 square kilometre swathe of undulating savannah grassland and acacia woodland. And while it doesn’t have a boating lake, it does have lions. And buffalo. And rhinos. All of which means that it’s probably not such a sensible place for an after work stroll.

It’s a fabulous safari destination but is woefully overlooked by international visitors to Kenya. This is a shame, because Nairobi National Park is an excellent safari location in its own right. I have been many times, often just for a quick half-day drive from the city. This was the place I first witnessed the thrill of a hunt: a cheetah racing, but failing, to grab dinner for her cubs.

A pair of ostrich in Meru National Park

Kenya safaris: Need to know

Everything you wish you'd known before you booked.

My first Kenya safari was in 1994 and I’ve been coming back pretty much every year since. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years about the best way to plan and book a safari in Kenya.

Mix up your itinerary

My single most important tip for Kenya safari first-timers is to avoid the mistake of non-stop game drives. Standard tour operator itineraries shuttle you from park to park with a gruelling schedule of game drives. Yes, this is the best way of seeing large mammals up close, but the bumpy tracks, early starts and long hours quickly exhaust even the most ardent wildlife-watcher. And there is so much more to safari in Kenya that you’ll miss from racing around in a jeep. Break it up. Look for operators who offer bush walks, village visits, and conservation projects. Or simply take an afternoon or two to sit back under a tree enjoying the sights, sounds and smells.

Many visitors to Kenya devote their entire trip to going on safari…

Don’t miss Kenya’s many hidden gems

Most standardised Kenya safari itineraries reduce the entire country to the blockbuster highlights: the Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru… maybe Tsavo and Samburu if they’re feeling adventurous. This does a great disservice to the country’s true diversity. There’s so much more to a Kenya safari than racing around the savannah chasing the big five and I’d strongly advise you find time to visit some of Kenya’s numerous hidden gems.

For instance, out in the far west is Kakamega Forest Reserve which has more in common with the rainforests of Uganda and the Congo than the classic Kenya landscape. In my opinion this is one of the most delightful places in Kenya, yet hardly any tourists know of its existence.

Another personal favourite that’s a world away from the classic Kenya savannah is Aberdare National Park where dense tangled montane jungle gives way to a high, cold and often bleak moorland. Unusually among Kenyan national parks, you can also get out of the vehicle here and enjoy long, lonely hikes over the moorlands.

But that’s not it: Saiwa Swamp, the Chyulu Hills, Hells Gate, Ruma National Park, and many more that rarely feature on the mainstream Kenya safari circuit but are usually accessible on a self-drive safari, or with more specialist safari operators.

Get out of the safari bubble

Many safari goers, especially those on a high end tour just bounce from one heavenly safari camp to another. Sure, you live the Hollywood Africa dream but you’ve not really experienced real Kenya. Instead, hop on a bus and head out to one of the numerous small market towns where most Kenyans live. You’ll experience a totally different side of the country and it’s one that will stay with you long after the sundowner safari drinks fade from memory.

Kenya off the beaten track

The parks and reserves covered in my Kenya safari guide are only the best-known and most visited of the country's numerous protected and other natural areas…

Stay in at least one conservancy

National parks, reserves and conservancies are mentioned a lot in this guide, but just what is the difference and why does it matter?

A national park or reserve is a government or local council run protected area. Most of the best-known protected areas in Kenya fall into this category.

These areas are run solely for the benefit of wildlife and tourism, sometimes at the expense of local people. Tourism in these areas creates jobs, but locals are often forbidden from entering these protected areas other than for work reasons and communities were often (but not always) removed from their land when the parks and reserves were created. Corruption can be a problem with the money generated by these parks not always going where it should.

A conservancy is a different affair. A conservancy is normally located on either communal land owned by the community as a whole or on private ranch land and has no official government status. On a community conservancy the tourism stakeholders (i.e. the safari camps) lease the land from the local communities on the condition that the land is managed in a manner that is of benefit to both people and animals. The (normally very high) fees you pay to stay in a conservancy go toward paying the land leasing fees as well as various community and environmental projects.

Other conservancies may be located on private ranchland, in which case they have to make enough money for the landowner to financially justify turning his land over to wildlife conservation over cattle ranching.

In other words, a conservancy is run for the benefit of both wildlife conservation, tourism and the needs of local communities (in many cases local people are allowed to continue to graze their cattle on a conservancy but in a controlled and sustainable manner).

All of this means that staying in a conservancy is not just a great safari experience but it’s also very good news for conservation!

Do a homestay

For a cultural experience you’ll never forget, try spending a night at a Maasai homestay near the Masai Mara. Finding authentic, community-run homestays can be a bit of a minefield. I can recommend Sekenani Maasai Development Project (Semadep) but there are others – make sure you book with a community owned and operated outfit, and check reviews carefully.

Caution needed: "Human safaris"

In my opinion, one of the big problems with the safari industry is the way it prioritises seeing wildlife over having meaningful connections with local people. In fact, other than being served by their guides, drivers and camp employees, a typical safari-goer might not have any interaction with a local at all. To me, this is the exact opposite of how it should be done! In my experience, a good trip to Kenya isn't just about seeing wildlife: it should put intimate, authentic interactions with local people at the heart of the whole experience. You can make genuine connections and real friendships as you sit around, sharing stories, laughing and learning from each other.

On the other hand, mainstream Kenya safaris are often sold with "village tour" or even "slum tour" add-ons. These "goldfish bowl safaris" as I call them are unethical and nothing short of exploitation. They violate the privacy, integrity and dignity of local communities and undermine sustainable development by perpetuating a myth of backward, poverty-stricken people. The traveller thinks they're doing the right thing by getting some cultural interaction, but in reality it's deeply damaging. I strongly encourage visitors to avoid anything that feels contrived, and look for trips that put real people at the heart of the experience, rather than an afterthought.

How to plan & book a Kenya safari

There are three broad categories of safaris in Kenya.

The first and easiest option is to book a week(s)-long, multi-stop itinerary through a tour operator, either locally-based or international. This provides the most hand-holding and support for cautious visitors, plus more protection should things go wrong. The potential downside is getting shunted onto one of the more formulaic itineraries and simply following the crowds around the most popular parks. If you book a full tour with an operator, try to find a genuine specialist and ask about visiting some of the lesser-known locations mentioned in this guide.

Secondly you can simply show up and book a safari tour once in-country from the hundreds of operators in Nairobi. There’s nothing inherently wrong with doing it this way but I strongly advise you don’t just book something in the street. Do your homework first and find a reputable, responsible operator. Things to double check include whether park entry fees are included in the price, vehicle type (avoid cramped minibuses), and accommodation type.

Thirdly, and probably my recommendation for all but the most cautious of visitors, is to book the accommodation yourself, rent a car (or a car plus driver), and head out solo. You can take your own camping gear or book into lodges or camps (booking ahead is essential!), or mix camping with more comfortable nights in lodges. I strongly advise renting a vehicle plus driver. It’s often cheaper plus you get an unofficial local guide who knows the ropes. A good driver will become a cultural and language translator, wildlife guide, fixer, and general guardian angel.

Aim for shoulder season if possible

High season in Kenya is the peak summer months of July to September, before the rains begin. In my experience the best time to visit – especially in the busier parks – is either June before the crowds arrive or September-October as the crowds are thinning out, wildlife viewing is excellent and temperatures are ideal.

The best time to visit Kenya for safari

January & FebruaryThis is a hot and dry period…

Be prepared to splash out!

There are almost as many different ways of doing a safari as there are stripes on a zebra and how, when and where you safari makes a huge difference to what you pay. Expect to pay anything from $150 to $1,000+ per person per day.

You can find very low budget two or three day safaris to the Mara from around $250 all in, but these are generally rushed, crowded and uncomfortable. If you’re looking to shave off some costs without compromising on the experience, consider doing a DIY camping safari with your own vehicle and driver.

My other big Keny safari tip is to spend as much as your budget allows on fewer nights in better conservancies and camps. Packing more into fewer days gives you much greater bang for your buck.

Kenya safari costs

For a multi-day, mid-range safari visiting some of the big name parks and reserves then you’re looking at around USD $300-600 per person, per day…

Kenya safari FAQs

Your questions, our expert answers, is it safe / a good idea to rent a car in kenya and drive yourself around, or is it better to join a tour.

Yes, it's perfectly easy to do a self-drive Kenya safari . When you ask if it's "safe" that depends a little on what you mean. If you mean are there bandits, car jackings, dangers from wildlife, etc, then no you are quite safe. Instead the danger is from other drivers, as the driving conditions can be a little 'hectic' in places and accidents are common.

I'd recommend hiring a car with a driver, which can be a cheaper and, in my opinion, a much better option. A good driver will know the lay of the land, the driving conditions, best places to stop for lunch, etc. And they are often knowledgeable of the wildlife. A good driver will be both your driver and guide, and probably become your friend!

Almost any tour company in Nairobi or Mombasa can organise a private vehicle with a driver. Standards and prices vary hugely, so explain to the tour company exactly where you want to go and get in writing exactly what is and isn't included. Pay particular attention as to whether fuel, and the drivers food and accommodation is included in the rates. Also make sure you're booking the right vehicle: a 4WD may be needed for more remote areas.

Where’s the best place to see the big five in Kenya?

Seeing all the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo & rhino) in one park is hard. Only Lewa and some of the conservancies in Laikipia can honestly claim to offer easy sightings of all five. But, who cares! This fixation on racing around to tick off just five species is an anachronism from colonial-era big game hunting days. There’s so much more to Kenya’s wildlife and the modern safari experience.

We're visiting the Masai Mara but would like to visit another area on safari in Kenya. Can you recommend anywhere very different to the Masai Mara to see different wildlife and landscapes?

The most common combinations for a short add-on to the Masai Mara are Amboseli , Laikipia or the Samburu area.

For your requirements of a different habitat and wildlife then without doubt I would suggest Samburu National Reserve. This is a much drier and hotter area than the Mara with different vegetation and animals. And, even the animals you might have seen in the Mara are different up here with different species of giraffe, zebra and ostrich all present (and in my opinion all more beautiful than the kinds in the Mara). The park is also superb for elephants.

Samburu, though still popular, is notably quieter than the Mara and, once away from the river, it's easy to feel you have the place all to yourself (and especially if you go into the co-joined Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves). Depending on when you are there you will find direct flights from the Mara, but otherwise will have to go via Nairobi. If you're driving it's a long way – a 10 hour non-stop drive, so flying is the better option.

Would you recommend staying at Elephant Bedroom Camp in Samburu Reserve, or at Sarara Camp in Namyunak Conservancy?

The quantity and ease of seeing the wildlife is better in Samburu Reserve than in the neighbouring Namyunak Conservancy (because the wildlife is drawn to the river running through the reserve). But there's not a huge difference in habitats or species between the two.

Elephant Bedroom Camp, in Samburu, is a fabulous, small camp. You'll see a lot of elephants and the owners are some of the worlds foremost elephant experts.

In Namyunak Conservancy, Sarara Camp is one of the most exclusive – yet low-key – camps in Kenya. There's slightly less wildlife than in the reserve but it's very close to the reserve and safaris from Sarara often enter the reserve.

The bonus with Sarara is exclusivity. You and the other camp guests will have the entire place to yourself meaning no crowding around animals (though that's rarely a problem in Samburu).

Unlike in the reserve itself you can do walking safaris in the conservancy and there will be more interaction with local people. The final plus is that by staying on a conservancy you will be actively helping to fund private/community conservation initiatives, which isn't always the case when staying only in a reserve or national park.

Overall then, I would opt for Sarara Camp, but I suspect it does cost more, so it might come down to budget!

We are travelling with a large group of 5 families with 3-4 kids per family. What are the best budget friendly safaris in Kenya in July?

If most of the children in your group are very young, your options are fairly limited as the reality is that a longer, multi-day safari can be a bit much with very young kids. I first did a safari with my kids when they were five and two years old and although it was good I probably wouldn't do it again! Past the age of about eight or nine the safari experience gets much easier, as they'll will tolerate sitting in a jeep on a bumpy road for longer.

Do be aware that some safari camps don't accept children below the age of 12. These are normally the unfenced camps and it's done for safety reasons.

You will also need to keep in mind that you will either need several safari jeeps and to travel in convoy or a bus (and these aren't always allowed in some parks). Because you will be travelling with so many children I would suggest small safari camps which you can book out for your group alone. Some of these are more child friendly than others. Some possibiltles that I believe might work well for your group are: Maji Moto Eco Camp, Loita Hills Basecamp, and if you are interested in a Maasai homestay style experience then I'd suggest Semadep Camp, who can arrange homestays around the Masai Mara.

As for specific parks and reserves the Masai Mara area is good because there's a lot of animals to see everywhere you look which keeps children interested. Also good are Nairobi and Narok national parks because of easy access and good roads. Lake Naivasha is good for families too.

It would be easy to combine all these places into a 10 day safari and then you could maybe finish up on the beach (Lamu and Watamu are both superb for families).

Can you recommend any family-friendly camps/lodges in the Masai Mara?

I would suggest rather than staying within Masai Mara proper, stay in one of the conservancies that now fringe the Mara.

In the most basic of terms these are like private, community-run wildlife reserves. Conservancy operators lease the land from local people and each local family receives a guaranteed monthly payment. The conservancy also provides employment and sets up development projects. People continue to graze their cattle but in a more controlled manner. And in return, fences are removed and the wildlife encouraged to return to the lands they were once driven out of. The conservancies have been a great success both for wildlife and local people. And, for tourists, they offer a very exclusive experience and the world's finest safaris.

Each conservancy has only a handful of very discreet high end camps and only guests of those camps can go on a safari in the conservancy, which means crowds of vehicles around a lion are non-existent.

The conservancies also allow activities not permitted within the reserve such as walking (highly recommended), bush camping, night safaris, etc. This makes them ideal for kids because it breaks up the routine and allows a little more freedom.

The safari vehicles and guides used in the conservancies are absolutely the best in the game and the wildlife populations are the equal of the actual reserve. However, there's a catch (of course...), conservation like this doesn't come cheap. All of the conservancies are superb but some names are Naboisho, Mara North and Nashulai Maasai Conservancy (this last one being slightly cheaper than the others and lots of focus on meeting local people). As for actual camps you cannot go wrong with any of them. All the conservancy camps are superb. I'm a big fan of the Basecamp offerings, Off-Beat and Kicheche. All are a little less extravagant than some of the other camps.

If you want to only visit the reserve and not a conservancy then I suggest either Basecamp Mara, Oldarpoi or you could go for a Maasai homestay in Sekenani village. Expect basic but perfectly comfortable rooms but an amazing experience. Your kids would really enjoy this.

Is February a good time to visit the Masai Mara, or would June-July be better? What would be the differences?

February is a very good time for safari in the Masai Mara , but also very different to the experience in June and July.

It's hotter and drier in February and generally there are fewer other tourists. There will still be plenty of zebra and wildebeest around but these are the non-migrating resident herds, so they don't form the massive iconic herds that you might see on TV.

July is good because the migrant wildebeest are all normally in the Mara by then, but its also absolute peak high season so can be busy and expensive. June is perhaps my overall favourite month. Everything is green after the rains and it's nice and cool with far fewer tourists than July, but the first migrant wildebeest might start to arrive (it all depends on rains and the state of the grass).

In short, all three months are excellent but each is different so it might be best to go with whatever just suits your timings better.

I will be in Kenya in early March and am looking for a five day safari for wildlife photography and birdwatching. Where would you recommend for me noting it is the start of the rainy season?

Early March is still a bit early for the rainy season so you might just get the odd thunderstorm. If birds are your real interest and you only have five days then probably the easiest is to go down to the Masai Mara via the Rift Valley lakes of Naivasha and Elementia or Nakuru. This would give you a good range of avian habitats and species in a short space of time. Don't forget as well that Nairobi itself has some excellent birding in the various forests and parklands in and around the city. Plus of course, there's the superb Nairobi National Park where you will see a lot of wildlife and birds.

We can't travel during the migration river crossings, are there other impressive spectacles at other times of year?

Yes! I think calving season during the wildebeest migration is just as spectacular as the more famous river crossing period.

This period runs from December to March around the Ndutu Plains to the south of Serengeti. During this time the wildebeest and zebra stampede over the plains preparing to give birth to thousands of calves. At the same time the big cats are on the lookout for an easy snack. With vast numbers of animals, their sounds and smells, all of the little calves, and the big cats on the lookout... it's theatre on an epic scale and you cannot be disappointed. And the extra benefit is that it's a much shorter drive here than to see the river crossings.

Robbin Meulemans

In this guide:, typical prices for a safari in kenya, when to go on safari in kenya, things to do in kenya other than safari, best safari camps and lodges in the masai mara, about the author.

Stuart is an award-winning travel journalist covering safari, trekking and conservation in Africa for the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC, Bradt Travel Guides, amongst many others. He is the author of Walking With The Maasai , a journey through some of Kenya's lesser-visited Maasai lands.

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20 of Kenya’s Best Safari Camps and Lodges

Author: Antoinette Booyse - 1 October 2022

Last Update: 30 January 2024

Part of the African Safari Kenya & Kenya Wildlife Adventures & Chyulu Hills And Amboseli Safaris & Aberdare Safari Tours & East Africa Safaris & African Safari Collection

Kenya is often thought of as the ultimate safari destination , and it’s easy to see why. The country is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos. Not only does Kenya have some of the best safari camps , but it also has many lodges, hotels, guest houses and accommodation options.

Kenya’s safari landscape includes everything from snow-capped mountains to palm-fringed beaches. Its vibrant culture is on display in bustling cities and traditional villages. Whether you’re looking for an African adventure or a relaxing beach vacation, Kenya has something for everyone.

In this post, we’ll take a look at twenty of the best accommodation options in and around Kenya:

1. Tortilis Camp, Amboseli National Park

This luxury Kenyan safari camp in the shade of beautiful acacia tortilis trees has stunning views of snow-capped Kilimanjaro  and Mount Meru in Tanzania. It offers guests roomy tents set well apart ensuring privacy, making it ideal for couples and honeymooners. However, there is a family tent as well.

The  luxurious Tortilis Camp  tents have comfortable beds, gorgeous ensuite bathrooms and private verandas. The beautiful swimming pool area, with tempting loungers invitingly set out, simply compels relaxation.

The safari camp has a private entrance to Amboseli National Park  renowned for its magnificent elephant herds. Mouthwatering Italian cuisine and superb service makes a stay at Tortilis unforgettable!

2. Ol Donyo Lodge, Chyulu Hills

Situated between Tsavo East and Amboseli National Parks,  ol Donyo  (meaning ‘large mountain’) is located on the Masai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch. It nestles picturesquely in the foothills of the  Chyulu Hills  in Kenya’s renowned Amboseli National Park.

The lodge combines Masai culture and contemporary design to create the perfect setting for a luxury safari. Guests stay in six-roomy ensuite villas with well-appointed lounges, verandas and private plunge pools. Roof terrace star beds allow you to sleep out under the stars in a peerless experience of nature. An executive chef and his skilled team ensure fine cuisine matched with hand-picked wines and impeccable service!

The open-air hide ensures fantastic wildlife viewing. Horseback and mountain bike excursions, and expertly guided nature walks complete this unparalleled wildlife experience.  

3. Alfajiri Villas , Diani Beach

Condé Nast Traveller rated Alfajiri Villas amongst the most luxurious in the world, and they offer the ultimate in relaxation, comfort and personalised pampering. Located on stunning Diani Beach, washed by the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean, these villas ensure a magical beach holiday . Vibrant  Mombasa  is just 30km north.

All three of the exclusive-use villas come with their own personal butler service, meals tailored to your taste, and private swimming pools. A masseuse is on hand for daily massages, and the owner will personally arrange all your activities, like snorkelling, kite surfing, golf and skydiving. And you’ll enjoy some of the most delicious and freshest sea-to-table seafood you’ve ever tasted!

An excellent choice after staying at one of Kenya’s best safari camps.

4. Kinondo Kwetu , Galu Beach

If barefoot luxury in a relaxed setting is your style, Kinondo Kwetu is the place for you! Located on the pristine Indian Ocean shoreline just south of Diani Beach, this beautiful hotel is the only one on private Galu Beach.

It is surrounded by verdant coastal forests and offers water activities like swimming, sailing, boating, diving and snorkelling. Beach and forest horse riding, tennis, yoga, golf and wood-fired saunas are also on offer. You can enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach, take in a cultural visit to a local village, or book a boat trip to Paradise Lost Island.

Or just ensconce yourself in a hammock under some whispering palms with a drink or a book while the balmy Indian Ocean breezes gently waft your cares away …  

5. Loisaba Tented Camp, Laikipia

There can be few better views than Loisaba’s across Laikipia’s marvellous landscape all the way to Mount Kenya, over the 56 000-acre private conservancies. And nowhere are the views better than from Loisaba’s  magnificent infinity pool! Relax in the pool with a delicious sundowner whilst watching families of elephants forage below the camp.

Large, high-ceilinged, and airy tents all feature huge floor-to-ceiling windows and doors and windows. The sophisticated decor stylishly combines African influences with modern state-of-the-art lighting systems and showers. The service is impeccable, the food delicious, and a night in your private outdoor star bed will create an indelible memory.

Camel treks, horse riding and mountain biking excursions are all on offer, as are expertly guided bush walks to see rare species like Grevy’s zebra and wild dogs.  

6. Segera Retreat, Laikipia

Located on the rim of the Great Rift Valley,  Segera Retreat  is a sanctuary for numerous species, including endangered African wild dogs, the patas monkey and rare Grevy’s zebras.

Established by  conservationist and art collector Jochen Zeitz , this retreat offers luxury, privacy and stunningly beautiful surroundings and gardens. Coupled with excellent service, delicious cuisine, fine wines, ‘sleep-outs’ under the stars, and an indulgent spa, this unique retreat has it all.

All six thatched and superbly appointed villas have a villa attendant who takes personal care of guests during their visit. Pathways link the villas to tempting daybeds, swimming pools, and bar and lounge areas. Private decks overlook the savannah and the stunning Sculpture Garden. Guided game drives, helicopter excursions, and hidden hides ensure guests have excellent game viewing.

7. The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille, Laikipia

Snuggled into the lush hills of Laikipia’s northern escarpment, the  Ol Lentille Sanctuary combines unsurpassed views with privacy, seclusion, and opulent luxury. Its four uniquely designed, butler-served villas are ideal for honeymooners or couples on safari .

Guests can explore 40 000 acres of pristine wilderness through jogging, quad biking, horse riding, cycling and camel trekking. Guided game drives and bush walks are available, as are kayaking and river-rafting excursions for more adventurous souls.  International cuisine, fine wines and a sumptuous spa and wellness centre put the final seal on this Kenya safari tour of a lifetime!

8. Loldia House, Lakes District

Situated on one of Kenya’s earliest farms near Hell’s Gate National Park, Loldia is a luxury safari lodge that has it all – dormant volcanoes, serene lakes, mind-boggling canyons, and even hot springs!

Ideal for couples and families, it offers luxurious accommodations, fine cuisine, and flawless service. Its relaxed colonial ambience calls more relaxed and gracious times to mind where playing croquet on a velvety lawn and evenings spent talking before a fire was the norm.

A paradise for bird-lovers, Loldia has stupendous views of Lake Naivasha and the extinct volcano, Mount Longonot. Guests can see millions of flamingos on the nearby lakes, rare colobus monkeys, endangered black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, and many other species. You can enjoy boat excursions, horse riding, golf, tennis, fishing, swimming and yes, of course, croquet! And evenings soaking up the peace in front of the fire.

9. Manda Bay, Lamu Archipelago

Part of the Lamu Archipelago, Manda Island lies just off Kenya’s north coast. This gorgeous island is tailor-made for visitors looking for a far-from-the-madding-crowd escape, or a fabulous end to their African safari tour .  

Manda Bay is a tranquil boutique beach resort that offers frequent sightings of humpback whales, dolphins and turtles. A wealth of activities like swimming, waterskiing, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing and dhow safaris is on offer. Enjoy some of the delicious food, indulge in a massage, or just relax and soak up the peace.

10. Kifaru House , Lewa

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s 62,000 acres lie in the foothills of majestic Mount Kenya, and is an internationally acclaimed success story of collaborative conservation between tribal communities. Luxury lodge Kifaru House is an oasis of incredible views and sweeping lawns overlooking a popular waterhole.

Home to some of  East Africa ’s most thriving populations of black and white rhinos, Lewa also houses the Big Five, cheetah and endangered Grevy’s zebras and black rhinos. Activities include game drives, walking safaris guided by Samburu rangers and an enchanting canopy walk and picnic in Ngare Ndare forest. Horse riding, camel trekking and instructive visits to local Samburu homesteads or  manyattas  will make your eco-safari even more memorable.  

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11. Lewa Wilderness Lodge, Lewa

Dating back to 1924, this innovative luxury Lewa Wilderness Lodge  is centred around the original family farmhouse of the Craig family who still run this conservation-centric resort. Guests sleep in nine beautiful, thatched cottages.

Fireplaces, inviting lounge areas and private verandas with incredible views all add to this resort’s unique ambience. Couples, families and ecotourists will all love it. Dining is either private or communal; your choice.

Activities include night and day game drives, guided walks, fly camping, tennis, swimming, horse riding, camel trekking or a visit to the gym. You can have a flight in a vintage bi-plan, or enjoy a magical canopy walk in Ngare Ndare Forest with its numerous waterfalls. A visit to Il NGwesi village will inspire you, as will meeting the anti-poaching dogs that protect this ‘safe house’ for rhinos.

12. Angama Mara, Masai Mara National Reserve

Aptly meaning ‘suspended in midair’ in Swahili,  Angama Mara’s two ultra-luxurious safari camps sit atop two koppies on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. Each enormous tent has a 10-metre-wide glass front that assures unrivalled vistas and game viewing. This includes the crocodile-dense Mara River, the scene of many a drama-filled river crossing during the yearly Great Wildebeest Migration  from August to November!

There’s a magnificent swimming pool, and you can have a massage or a workout in the gym. The camps also have Wi-Fi connectivity, childminders, and laundry facilities.

Guests enjoy game drives, guided walking safaris, hot-air ballooning and delicious cuisine and wines. Birdwatchers will be ecstatic with more than 570 recorded bird species! Photographers will love the onsite photography studio.

13. &Beyond Bateleur Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve

Bateleur Camp  enjoys a superlative location with its stunning infinity pools seeming to do just that – look out on infinity! Its two camps sit at the foot of the massive rock walls of the Oloololo Escarpment and a primaeval riverine forest. Each has nine sumptuous suites tucked away among the trees.

Each ensuite tent is furnished with fine antiques and handcrafted artefacts and has its own shaded deck with chairs and a table. You’ll even be supplied with a pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars to use during your stay, and a personal butler will look after you. Guests enjoy outstanding cuisine, candlelit dinners in a forest clearing, sumptuous bush breakfasts, guided bush walks and hot-air balloon safaris.

An ideally placed deck with tempting armchairs is so inviting that monkeys and warthogs drop in from time to time! &Beyond’s staff are renowned for their excellent service and attention to detail, making this one of the finest safari camps in Kenya.

14. Sanctuary Olonana, Masai Mara National Reserve

Intimate, luxurious,  award-winning Sanctuary Olonana Lodge  nestles scenically in a forest on a private stretch of the iconic Mara River. Apart from excellent game viewing all year round, it guarantees you easy access to the greatest wildlife spectacle on the planet – the Great Wildebeest Migration.

You’ll have the best seats in the house to see thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara with its gauntlet of Nile crocodiles. The large numbers of predators that stalk them add to the excitement.

Olonana offers family-friendly accommodation in 14 spacious en-suite glass-sided suites with private decks. Game drives, sundowners, delicious dinners in the bush, cultural visits to a Masai village, scenic flights and magical hot-air balloon excursions are all on offer. There’s even a mini spa to help you relax!

15. Elsa’s Kopje, Meru National Park

This luxurious, romantic and award-winning lodge is named after  Elsa , conservationists Joy and George Adamson’s beloved lioness of  Born Free  fame. The camp is crafted into rocky Mughwango Hill just above the original campsite where the Adamsons raised Elsa in Meru National Park.

The Park is real lion and elephant country, and is famous for rhino conservation. Guests can watch game drinking at a waterhole just below the lodge.

All the ensuite cottages have incredible 360° views from their private decks with romantic outdoor bathtubs. You can enjoy bush dinners or breakfasts, picnics, guided 4X4 game drives with sundowners, and rafting on the Tana River. Or have a swim or a relaxing massage, or browse the gift shop or library. And those essentials, wi-fi and a laundry service, have not been forgotten!

16. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi

Want to have dinner with somebody  really  tall, utterly beautiful, and gentle? Then you must stay at  Giraffe Manor in Kenya’s capital , Nairobi. Built-in 1932, it’s a small boutique hotel modelled on a Scottish hunting lodge, so plenty of old-world charm!

The Manor is world-famous for its commitment to conservation and its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes. You can feed the giraffes from your breakfast table, or from the window of your second-storey bedroom.

But you will have to book well in advance – the Manor has only 12 much-in-demand bedrooms! Some of the famous people who have stayed here over the years include Brooke Shields, Johnny Carson, Richard Chamberlain, Richard Branson, Ewan McGregor and Walter Cronkite. The latter even had a resident warthog named after him! Now that’s fame for you!

17. Saruni Samburu, Samburu National Reserve

Built into a massive volcanic rock face ensuring spectacular views from its open-air cliff-top reception area,  luxurious Saruni Samburu  is known for its avant-garde design, architecture and décor. Each of the six stunning villas are unique and offer the last word in comfort.

Guests can go on both morning and evening game drives to view Samburu’s Special Five – the endangered Grevy’s zebra, the Somali, or reticulated, giraffe, the Somali ostrich, the East African or beisa oryx, and the graceful long-necked gerenuk gazelle. You can explore the ancient rock art and abundant wildlife of the region on nature walks with Samburu rangers.  Children will love the junior rangers programme, and scrumptious picnics and bush dinners can be arranged. Saruni Samburu is simply one of the best safari camps in the region.

18. Sasaab Camp, Samburu National Reserve

Sasaab luxury tented camp  has a stylish Moroccan ambience and offers riveting views of the endless plains of the Laikipia Plateau and Mount Kenya. Nine uniquely styled tents offer guests deluxe four-poster beds, spacious seating areas, en suite luxury bathrooms, ceiling fans, wi-fi, and roomy verandas with plunge pools.

A spa is available for indulgent pampering, as are in-room beauty treatments and massages. Guests are spoilt with twice-daily game drives, spotlit night drives, guided walking safaris, mountain biking, cultural excursions, camel treks, fly-camping and all-day trips to the Samburu Reserve. Superb Moroccan-styled cuisine is served, and the camp is famous for its pizzas!

19. Lentorre Lodge , Southern Rift Valley

Secluded, sumptuous and serene, Lentorre Lodge is ideal for that breakaway far from the madding crowd. Situated on the Nguruman Escarpment in the remote Southern Rift Valley, Lentorre is the only lodge on the  Olkiramatian Conservancy .  

A natural spring behind the lodge ensures a constant supply of pristine water. It also sustains a historic grove of tamarind trees where elephants still come to feast on the ripe fruit.

With exclusive access to the Olkiramatian Conservancy, guests enjoy day and night drives with unrivalled game viewing. Scenic helicopter flights are on offer, as is the opportunity to join in herding livestock with traditional Masai villagers. You can meet some baboons as they go about their daily activities, or float down the Ewaso Ng’iro River on an innertube!

20. Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp, Tsavo National Park

Named after Robert Redford’s  Out of Africa  alter ego, aristocratic safari leader  Denys Finch Hatton , Finch Hattons is a top-rated tented camp in Tsavo National Park, Kenya. The Kenya safari camp overlooks a freshwater spring that’s a potent draw-card for animals ensuring incomparable game viewing, including elephant sightings right outside the camp.

The camp has only 17 superbly appointed luxury suites with private viewing decks with heated plunge pools. Facilities include a yoga room, fitness centre, spa, home theatre and children’s entertainment room. Daily game drives, crater climbs, and scenic fights are on offer.

The sumptuous Karen Blixen Lounge simply demands relaxation, as does the library. Then add a lookout tower, a magnificent palm-fringed infinity pool, a cushion- and rug-strewn star-gazing terrace, superlative food and wine… Wow!

Choosing from Kenya’s best safari camps and safari lodges

Kenya is a land of stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. From the grassy plains of the Serengeti to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya , there is something for everyone. And of course, Kenya is home to some of the best safari parks in Africa, where visitors can see lions, elephants, and other iconic animals in their natural habitat.

Reach out to our expert team today to plan your Kenyan safari experience at one of Kenya’s best accommodations.

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Why Kenya Is the Best Place for a Safari, According to a Seasoned Local Guide

Veteran tour guide Kitonyi "George" Kamonde describes what it’s like to work for one of the world’s leading safari companies.

Ask almost anyone and they'll surely tell you that a majestic safari experience is at the top of their travel bucket list. From South Africa to Tanzania, the stunning images of seemingly endless green plains, towering giraffe, and the formidable "Big 5" (African leopard, African lion, Cape buffalo, African elephant, and rhinoceros) have captivated adventurers the world over. However, much like people, not all safari destinations are created equal. Each location offers something special that speaks to those fortunate enough to indulge in its wonder. This is true for Kenya where various spectacular landscapes, such as Amboseli, Lewa, and Masai Mara, are home to rarities like Grevy's zebra, black rhino, and African wild dog.

When he's not home in Kenya's sunny, bustling capital city of Nairobi, Kitonyi Kamonde — better known to adventure seeking travelers as George — is in the bush serving as an expert guide with one of the world's best safari outfitters, Micato Safari . For a decade, George and his warm smile have provided local insight into Kenya's wildlife to generations of safari goers in order to give them the experience of a lifetime. From recalling historic facts and seeking out rare animals to helping guests indulge in luxurious accommodations like Elewana's Kifaru House , George is the man you want by your side — whether you're on your first or your fiftieth safari.

Travel + Leisure caught up with the knowledgeable veteran to learn more about how he got started in the industry, his most memorable experience, and what mistakes he wishes first-timers would stop making on safari.

T+L: How did you get started as a safari guide?

Kitonyi "George" Kamonde : "I've always had a fascination with wildlife. I grew up on a small farm (what we call a shamba ) about two hours from Nairobi, very close to a national park. That exposed me to the wonders of the wild from an early age — and I joined Kenya Wildlife Clubs to learn everything I could about Kenya's magnificent wildlife and birdlife. Next, it was off to college where I graduated with a degree in Tourism & Wildlife Management.

I was a driver-guide for some years before becoming a safari director for Micato, where our training is always ongoing. The process of becoming a certified guide takes many years of study and, like every Micato safari director in Kenya, I earned the prestigious Silver-Level certification awarded by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association. I am very proud to have achieved the Silver Certification and, as part of my always ongoing learning about safari guiding, I am working towards my Gold level. Those exams are very difficult, but I am confident that I will be ready if I study hard enough."

What do you love most about being a guide?

"I love meeting guests who love the wild as much as I do, and eventually [becoming] friends. I'm excited each day about guiding and educating them about my country, people, history, culture, and traditions. And we must never forget that our guests are here for the wilderness and the animals. Whether it's a lion or dung beetle, they give us a different show to narrate every time. I also love working with my fellow guides who always find ways to challenge me with their own knowledge. And of course, every day is different. When a morning begins with a loping lioness on the hunt and ends with a 10,000-pound bull elephant bathing in a hippo pool, well, let's see what our afternoon looks like."

What advice do you have for others looking to get started as a guide?

"Being a Safari guide is so much fun! We always find time to laugh, but you must remember that there is much to learn. It's one of the best professions in the world and you will enjoy it if you do your homework well. You have to be well rounded, have a sense of humor, and be ready with the knowledge and information and answers at your fingertips to keep your guests informed, entertained, and happy. And never give an answer you are not sure of. If I don't know the answer, I say so and then find it."

What's your most memorable safari experience?

"You know when news of a really good party spreads like wildfire? Imagine a grand and glorious male lion, six feet long and weighing at least 400 pounds, in a fight to death with a pack of hyenas over a juicy wildebeest kill. When we arrived at this primal scene, there were five hyenas, which was exciting enough, but then word got out and suddenly more swept in from all directions and soon there were 30 at the party. Adaptable and opportunistic, the hyenas immediately surrounded the lion, some trying to grab bites from the kill. The lion flayed and snarled, starting to scare them off, but they retaliated en masse by biting the lion's tail, rear legs, and rear end. At least one hyena died in the fight, but the lion eventually had to retreat, running to safety in a nearby marsh.

Not the end of the story! The hyenas followed and pushed him deeper into the water where he crouched to avoid the relentless attacks. The lion was finally rescued from these daring hyenas by his brother, who eventually emerged from some distance to find his sibling in danger. I was as amazed as our guests were about that one!"

Which safari region is your personal favorite, and why?

"The beautiful landscape and the abundance of game in the Maasai Mara is difficult to beat. The splendid beauty of the big cats, alongside leopard, cheetah, [and] elephant, so readily seen, is one of the world's most impressive marvels."

What's the best time to visit Kenya on safari?

"Kenya is good to visit year-round due to its location on the Equator, though April sees the most rain. We always make sure to find — and create — the finest experience for our guests."

What are three mistakes you often see guests make on their first safari ?

"Overpacking. No need to bring things like hairdryers and shampoo and lots of other things that Micato makes sure are in supply. Too many shoes. And too many clothes. Micato includes complimentary laundry service every day in the bush.

For those who are interested, bring a good camera with a good lens, for birds and other far-off shots. Some guests, who have only their phone for pictures find that they wish they had a longer lens. But of course, the new phones are getting so good that they can be a great tool for many people. My best advice is to know what you are after and know what your equipment is capable of doing. Then bring what suits you best.

People on safari can get excited about an animal sighting and noise can end up making shy cats disappear into the bushes. Micato guests catch on pretty quickly and get pretty quiet, especially if an elusive leopard is nearby."

How has COVID-19 affected the safari industry in Kenya?

"Of course, there have been ups and downs. It was difficult when Kenya was shut off to international flights last spring. Safari and all tourism was brought to a standstill for months. Many camps and lodges had to close, at least on a temporary basis. Things were very quiet in the bush. The best moment was when flights to and from Kenya started again on Aug. 1 [2020]. Now that was a good day! When we re-started our safaris, we as guides were so pleased to have happy guests with us again. Many safety measures went into action right away. Along with Micato, the airlines and the lodges we use have put rigorous COVID safety protocols in place and our guests have been very happy with Micato's protocols. Our guests have told me that the best decision they made was to travel during these times and not wait. That is so nice to hear."

What three words describe the beauty of a Kenyan safari?

"Exhilarating. Incredible. Awesome — and, may I add, the only thing missing? All of you!"

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Flooding Inundates Kenya, Killing at Least 32 and Displacing Thousands

Heavy rains also pounded other nations in East Africa, including Tanzania, where at least 155 people were killed, according to the country’s prime minister.

Residents in Nairobi were stranded on Tuesday after a night of heavy rainfall. Credit... Daniel Irungu/EPA, via Shutterstock

Supported by

By Abdi Latif Dahir and Jesus Jiménez

Abdi Latif Dahir reported from Nairobi, Kenya, and Jesus Jiménez from New York.

• April 24, 2024

Days of torrential rains have pummeled parts of Kenya, leaving at least 32 dead, 15 injured and more than 40,000 people displaced, according to officials. The flooding has killed nearly 1,000 farm animals and destroyed thousands of acres of crops, with more rain expected across the country in the coming days.

The rains began in March during what is known in the country as the “long rains,” but intensified over the past week, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department .

Heavy rains have also pounded other nations across East Africa. In Tanzania, at least 155 people were killed and 236 others injured from the relentless rain that has swept several parts of the country in recent days, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said on Thursday.

The rains affected some 200,000 people, Mr. Majaliwa added, and caused damage to farms, bridges, roads, schools and places of worship. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority warned that heavy rains and strong winds would continue to pummel several towns and cities, including the port city of Dar es Salaam.

In Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, where some of the country’s heaviest rain has fallen, more than 30,000 people have been displaced, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs . On Tuesday, 18 people there were stranded and later rescued, including seven children, the Kenya Red Cross Society said.

Edwin Sifuna, the Nairobi County senator, said on social media that the local government there was “clearly overwhelmed,” and he called on the federal government for help.

“The situation in Nairobi has escalated to extreme levels,” he wrote in a post that included a video of people stranded on rooftops surrounded by floodwaters.

Kithure Kindiki, cabinet secretary for the Interior Ministry, said in a social media post on Thursday that several government agencies were beginning a joint operation to assist the victims, conduct rescues and evacuate those who remain at risk.

The heavy rains on Wednesday forced Kenya Railways to suspend commuter train services. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority also partially closed four major roads in Nairobi and warned of heavy flooding along several major highways in the capital and in the coastal city of Mombasa.

The rains were not expected to subside over the next few days, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department, which had rain in the forecast for parts of the country, including Nairobi, through Monday. The agency also warned of a high likelihood of breakouts of diseases such as malaria and diarrhea in some areas.

The latest downpours come just months after torrential rains and floods killed dozens of people and displaced thousands more nationwide.

Here are photographs of the flooding in Kenya:

A flooded river in Mathare, a sprawling shantytown in Nairobi where many live in tin shacks.

Swimming through floodwaters to try to rescue people stranded in their homes in Mathare. Most of those displaced in Nairobi live in informal settlements, according to the United Nations.

Residents of Mathare tried to salvage goods from their homes. Many people in Nairobi live in high-density areas that lack proper roads, water or power infrastructure.

Residents in Mathare trying to clear muddy water from their homes. Missing or blocked drainage systems have been blamed for exacerbating the floods.

Clinging to buses and trucks to avoid flooded roads in Nairobi.

Homes in several neighborhoods across the capital were submerged, leading to evacuations.

The torrential rains affected almost half of Kenya’s 47 counties, according to the United Nations.

Using a boat to traverse floodwaters in the Githurai area of Nairobi.

Flooding inundated entire roadways in Machakos County, about 35 miles southeast of Nairobi.

The swollen Athi River. The river burst its banks and flooded homes in Machakos County, officials said.

Abdi Latif Dahir is the East Africa correspondent for The Times, based in Nairobi, Kenya. He covers a broad range of issues including geopolitics, business, society and arts. More about Abdi Latif Dahir

Jesus Jiménez covers breaking news, online trends and other subjects. He is based in New York City. More about Jesus Jiménez

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