Kenya Safari
 From the Masai Mara and the Great Migration to Amboseli, Samburu, Laikipia, and the Kenyan coast
Expert Guide to Planning an Unforgettable Kenya Safari
A Kenya safari offers one of the most rewarding experiences in Africa, combining exceptional Big Five game viewing with rich cultural encounters in a country of spectacular beauty. Most Kenya safaris include a visit to the iconic Masai Mara, which plays host to the annual Great Wildebeest Migration – one of the greatest natural spectacles on earth. Combine a Masai Mara safari with the diverse wildlife of Samburu, the sweeping views of Kilimanjaro from Amboseli, and authentic encounters with local Maasai communities, and you have a journey that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
And when the safari is done, Kenya offers one more reward: the white sand beaches of its Indian Ocean coastline, where excellent snorkelling and diving, colonial history, and the gentle rhythm of the coast make for a perfect end to an Out of Africa adventure.
Where to Go on a Kenya Safari
Kenya spoils you for choice. From a focused few nights in the Masai Mara to an extended journey taking in the Mara, Amboseli, Laikipia, the Great Rift Valley, and the coast, the country offers an extraordinary range of game reserves, private conservancies, and national parks. Here is an overview of the key areas.
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is an incredibly rich savannah landscape where the local Maasai people live in harmony with the surrounding wildlife. Comprising the large Masai Mara National Reserve and a network of private conservancies, and sharing its southern boundary with Tanzania’s Serengeti, the Mara ecosystem is diverse in scenery, wildlife, and lodge options.
A Masai Mara safari rewards visitors at any time of year with excellent general game viewing and outstanding predator sightings. But if you can arrange to be here between July and October, you will witness one of Africa’s defining spectacles: the Great Wildebeest Migration, when over a million wildebeest and zebra cross the Serengeti plains into the Mara in search of fresh grazing. The river crossings – chaotic, dramatic, and entirely unpredictable – are the kind of thing you spend years trying to describe to people who were not there.
Beyond the migration, the Mara offers hot air balloon safaris at sunrise, guided walks with Maasai guides, and some of the finest wildlife photography in Africa. Over 400 bird species have been recorded in the ecosystem, and the lodges range from intimate fly camps under canvas to elegant luxury properties with every conceivable comfort.
Amboseli National Park
Southeast of Nairobi, Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most iconic destinations – celebrated above all for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its large herds of elephants, many of which carry the kind of extraordinary tusks that draw safari enthusiasts from around the world.
After the heavy rains of April and May, the lake fills with water and attracts large numbers of animals including the Big Five and abundant birdlife. Year-round, melting ice from Kilimanjaro feeds two permanent swamps that support hippos, aquatic birds, and a resident wildlife population that is remarkably accessible and accustomed to vehicles.
Neighbouring Chyulu Hills National Park offers equally spectacular views of Kilimanjaro alongside impressive elephant herds, and is home to Ol Donyo Lodge – one of the finest properties in the broader Amboseli region.
Samburu National Reserve
Where riverine forest meets semi-arid ecosystem, the magnificent landscape of Samburu National Reserve takes shape. The Ewaso Nyiro River winds through the reserve and into the neighbouring Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves, providing a reliable water source in an otherwise dry and dramatic landscape.
Samburu is small but extraordinarily rich in wildlife, with excellent leopard, elephant, and wild dog sightings. What truly sets it apart, however, is its unique cast of resident species – animals found nowhere else in Kenya’s southern reserves. The Samburu Special Five includes the Grevy’s zebra, the reticulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich, the long-necked gerenuk, Guenther’s dik-dik, and the beisa oryx. For wildlife enthusiasts who have spent time in the Masai Mara, a few nights in Samburu offers something genuinely different and deeply rewarding.
Laikipia Plateau
Stretching from the Great Rift Valley to the slopes of Mount Kenya, the Laikipia Plateau has become one of the most exciting and diverse wildlife areas in East Africa – and one of its best-kept secrets. Over decades of conservation effort, ranches, private conservancies, and local communities have come together to protect an extraordinary range of habitats and species, including healthy populations of endangered black rhino and wild dog alongside general game and very few other tourists.
The range of activities available in Laikipia is unlike anywhere else in Kenya. Tracking rhino on foot, horseback and camel safaris, walking safaris, and night drives are all on offer. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to some of the finest wildlife viewing in the plateau, including a visit to the Jane Goodall Institute chimpanzee sanctuary – a remarkable and moving experience. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has large populations of both white and black rhino, impressive elephant herds, and lion.
The Great Rift Valley Lakes
One of Africa’s most biologically diverse regions, the Great Rift Valley is home to a chain of lakes set against a landscape of basaltic cliffs and classic East African scenery. The lakes are above all a birder’s paradise, drawing millions of pink flamingoes as well as an exceptional variety of other waterbirds – but they are also home to lion, leopard, hippo, rhino, cheetah, giraffe, and elephant.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a compact and rewarding park with good lion and rhino sightings, and one of the few places in the world where you can see wild Rothschild Giraffe. Lake Naivasha is peaceful and beautiful, with boat rides through papyrus-fringed channels and walking on Crescent Island among the highlights. Lake Bogoria has become the new home for the vast flamingo flocks that once defined Nakuru, and its hot springs and geysers – in a landscape that sees very few visitors – make for a genuinely memorable half day. Lake Turkana sits at the very northern end of the Rift Valley, a vast alkaline lake in a remote, moon-like desert landscape popular with adventurous travellers and serious birders, with crocodiles, hippos, and the wildlife of neighbouring Sibiloi National Park to discover.
The Kenyan Coast
After the intensity and exhilaration of the bush, the Kenyan coast offers the perfect counterpoint. Spectacular white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters stretch along one of Africa’s finest coastlines, with world-class snorkelling and diving on colourful offshore reefs.
South of Mombasa, Diani Beach is the most popular coastal resort, combining beautiful beaches with easy access to the wildlife of the nearby Shimba Hills National Park – elephants, sable antelope, and giraffe among them. Watamu, further north, pairs exceptional diving with the ancient ruins and birdlife of Arabuko-Sokoke National Park. Malindi has a distinctly Italian flavour – superb food, Swahili history, and Portuguese heritage visible in its architecture and landmarks. And the Lamu Archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary cultural and architectural significance, though we always recommend checking current security advisories before visiting given its proximity to the Somali border.
Regular scheduled flights connect Mombasa and Diani with Nairobi, and a direct Masai Mara to Diani link makes combining bush and beach seamlessly simple.
Nairobi
Most Kenya safaris begin and end in Nairobi, and the city rewards a little time rather than simply being endured between flights.
Nairobi National Park sits on the edge of one of Africa’s largest cities and is one of the most genuinely surprising wildlife destinations on the continent – lion, rhino, cheetah, giraffe, and hippo against a backdrop of city skyscrapers. Start your Kenya safari with a night here while you adjust to the time zone, or end with a morning game drive before your flight.
The city itself offers some exceptional half and full-day experiences. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust gives you the chance to adopt and spend time with rescued and orphaned elephants. The Giraffe Centre allows you to hand-feed critically endangered Rothschild Giraffes at eye level. Kazuri Beads is a wonderful social enterprise upskilling single mothers and grandmothers through hand-making ceramic beads and jewellery – well worth a visit and a purchase. For those with more time, the Karen Blixen Museum, Carnivore Restaurant, and the Nairobi Railway Museum are all worthwhile additions to a longer Nairobi stay.
KENYA Safari Ideas
Discover Kenya, the home of classic safari and some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife encounters
Ready to Plan Your Kenya Safari?
Kenya is one of the great safari destinations on earth, and every itinerary we design here is as different as the traveller who takes it. Whether you are drawn to the drama of the Mara river crossings, the elephants of Amboseli against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro, or the unique wildlife of Samburu, we will put together a journey that delivers exactly what you are looking for.
Get in touch with our team at Explore and Travel Africa to start planning your Kenya safari.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kenya Safaris
When is the best time to visit Kenya?
Kenya offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, but the timing of your visit shapes the experience considerably. The Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings in the Masai Mara typically occur between July and October, and planning your trip around this period is well worth it. The dry seasons from January to March and June to October generally offer the best general game viewing across most parks. The long rains in April and May and short rains in November bring lush landscapes and lower rates – a rewarding time for experienced safari travellers and photographers.
How many days do I need for a Kenya safari?
For a well-paced Kenya safari, we generally recommend a minimum of 6 to 8 nights. This allows time to explore at least two different regions, such as the Masai Mara combined with Amboseli or Laikipia, without feeling rushed. If you are travelling during the migration season or combining multiple areas, 8 to 10 nights offers a more relaxed and rewarding experience. Shorter safaris are possible, but additional time allows for better wildlife viewing and a more immersive experience.
When should I book a Kenya safari?
For travel during the peak migration season between July and October, we recommend booking at least 9 to 12 months in advance, as the best camps in the Masai Mara fill up quickly. For travel outside of peak periods, 6 to 9 months is usually sufficient, although popular lodges and school holiday dates can still book up early. Planning ahead ensures better availability, preferred accommodation, and smoother routing between regions.
What wildlife can I expect to see in Kenya?
Kenya is one of the best places in Africa to see a wide range of wildlife, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The Masai Mara is particularly well known for big cat sightings and, during the right season, the Great Migration. Other regions such as Samburu are home to more unusual northern species, including Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. While every safari is unique, Kenya consistently offers rewarding and diverse wildlife viewing.
Is Kenya suitable for a first-time safari?
Yes, Kenya is an excellent choice for a first-time safari. It offers a strong combination of diverse wildlife, well-established infrastructure, experienced guides, and a range of accommodation options. The variety of landscapes and ease of travel between regions make it possible to experience a well-rounded safari within a single country, whether you are travelling for a shorter trip or a more extended journey.
What type of accommodation can I expect on a Kenya safari?
Kenya offers a wide range of accommodation, from classic tented camps to ultra-luxury lodges. Even the tented camps are well-appointed, with proper beds, en suite bathrooms, and excellent service, combining comfort with an authentic safari atmosphere. At the higher end, many lodges offer spacious suites, private decks, and exceptional guiding. We focus on properties that balance location, comfort, and experience to ensure your safari feels seamless and well considered.
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
Kenya operates an Electronic Travel Authorisation system. Most nationalities, including visitors from the UK, USA, Europe, and Australia, need to apply online before travel. We recommend checking the current requirements with the Kenyan immigration authority or your local embassy well in advance of your trip, as the system and requirements have changed in recent years.
How do I get around Kenya on safari?
Most Kenya safaris use a combination of scheduled or charter light aircraft between parks and road transfers within the reserves. Flying between the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and Laikipia saves considerable time and allows you to cover more ground in less time. For the coast, scheduled commercial flights from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani are frequent and affordable.
Is Kenya safe for safari travellers?
Kenya is a well-established safari destination with a strong tourism infrastructure and a long track record of hosting international visitors safely. As with any destination, we recommend staying informed of current travel advisories, particularly for the northern and coastal border regions. Your guides and lodge teams will always ensure you are in the right place at the right time and are well versed in guest safety.
Can I combine Kenya with other East African destinations?
Absolutely. Kenya combines naturally with Tanzania for a broader Serengeti-Mara experience, with Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking, or with a beach extension at the Kenyan coast or in Zanzibar. Some of our most rewarding East Africa itineraries combine two or three countries into a single seamless journey.
