10 Best Kenya Safari Destinations
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
10 Best Kenya Safari Destinations
When it comes to choosing the best places for an African safari, it’s difficult to beat a safari to Kenya’s national parks and conservancies. Kenya delivers some of the best African safaris so far, from unforgettable African family safaris with child-friendly safari lodges to exclusive hide-outs for couples and honeymoon trips, there’s not much that beats a Kenya safari.
It’s no surprise that safaris in Kenya tops as a bucket list adventure for most travelers going on a first-time trip to Africa. Even if you don’t visit during Kenya’s Great Wildebeest Migration – when millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores follow the rain north from Tanzania’s Serengeti – Kenya’s striking natural beauty and abundance of wildlife offer good game viewing throughout the year.
Excellent with Big Cat’s safaris and picture-perfect Kenyan beaches, a perfect place to relax after an exciting bush safari, Kenya is one of the busiest, most popular wildlife destinations on the world and is highly recommended for both experienced safari-goers and those booking their first-time safari in Africa.
Where Are the Places to Visit in Kenya?
10 Best Kenyan Safari Destinations for First-Time Travelers
Famed as a premier safari destination, Kenya captivates first-time visitors with its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultural heritage. From witnessing the Big Five safari animals, immersing in local traditions, and holidays to the Kenyan Beaches, these top 10 destinations offer unforgettable adventures for your Kenyan safari.
10 Best Places to Visit In Kenya
Kenya is a safari heavyweight where wildlife wanders in abundance. The main safari circuit connects Lake Nakuru with the Masai Mara and Amboseli (where Mt Kilimanjaro provides a stunning background). Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Tsavo West, and Tsavo East are popular add-ons if you have extra time on your trip to Kenya. Not enough? Extend your safari by another week and trek up Mount Kenya (Africa’s second-highest mountain (after Kilimanjaro).
Any combination of these top safari parks in Kenya would ensure abundant sightings of Big Cat’s, plenty of elephants, rhinos and all of the plains animals, such as buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and all types of gazelle and antelope species.
Most safari goers taking kids on safari will usually start with Nairobi, breaking their safari with a short visit to Nairobi National Park and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to watch the baby elephants, and also feed giraffes at giraffe manor. Whatever your safari circuit looks like, we’ll personalise a smooth Kenya holiday itinerary to match your safari needs. With that in mind, the top 10 best places to visit in Kenya include the following spots.
1. Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya’s home to the famed Great Wildebeest Migration crossings. It’s here where a Masai Mara safari package offers the most dramatic game viewing and offer an adventurous range of safari experiences suited to all travelers. This is it, where to go in Kenya for a hot air balloon flight, action-packed game viewing drives, cultural interactions with the locals and guided nature walks in private Kenya conservancies not forgetting endless nights at the best Masai Mara luxury lodges. All this makes Mara one of the top Kenya destinations.
2. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is an ideal Kenya photographic safari destination that allows you to soak up wildlife with magical views of towering Mount Kilimanjaro serving as the background. Additionally, an Amboseli balloon tour will give you a great safari experience as well. Although it’s a popular and busy park, Amboseli remains good all year-round, and there is nothing like the best time for a safari in Kenya when planning an Amboseli tour.
3. Lake Nakuru National Park
Situated on a three-hours’ drive from Nairobi in the Great Rift Valley. Lake Nakuru Park boasts an abundance of wildlife and spectacular landscape features. Rhinos and hippos are among the heavyweights found here, though bird watchers will be more interested in the 400 species of birds recorded here. Stay inside one of Lake Nakuru’s Lodges for an ideal Kenya vacation.
Home to Big Five Wildlife
4. Samburu National Reserve
One of the main reasons to come here is to see the Samburu Special Five – a collection of unique animal’s endemic to northern Kenya. These include an ostrich, zebra, and giraffe, as well as an unusual antelope called the ‘gerenuk’ which stands on its hind legs to eat shoots from high tree branches. Shaba and Samburu National Reserves lie to the north of the region where Kenya’s savannah gives way to desert scrub and mountains. The scenery here is dramatic, and besides a familiar cast of classic African animals you’ll find species here that don’t occur in Kenya’s more popular parks, making it one of the most appealing places to visit in Kenya. Samburu National Reserve is widely considered one of the prime Kenya vacation spots due to its magnificent landscape and wildlife, while Shaba is no different except for its slight change in landscape.
5. Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Kenya and forms half of the largest protected area in Kenya, Tsavo National Park which combines Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Tsavo East is lesser known and an underrated gem when thinking about a safari in Kenya, it is a budget friendly destination, and close to the Kenyan Beaches making is easy to cover as part of a 3-day Tsavo Safari tours meaning it is great for a family friendly safari with short driving times.
Tsavo East is easily accessed by road from both Nairobi and Mombasa or by train or bus to the town of Voi, listing it as one of the best Kenya train tours when combined with Amboseli. Inside the park, you can find a range of safari lodge accommodation and there are plenty of opportunities to spot ‘The Big 5’ as Tsavo East is flat and dry with savannah grassland and acacia trees. Tsavo East is home to herds of Kenya’s famous red elephants, named after the dusty red roads throughout the park, you can also spot lions, giraffes, buffalo, leopards, zebra, wild boards and many more mammals, Tsavo is also home to over 500 species of unique birds.
The Yatta Plateau is the one of the main attractions of Tsavo East Park, after the wildlife of course. The Yatta Plateau here forms the world’s longest lava flow at 300km long and it runs along the boundary of the park on the western side. Tsavo East and West both have incredible things to see making them two of the best safari parks in Kenya!
6. Tsavo West National Park
Another top safari destinations in Kenya are Tsavo West National Park. It can easily be combined with a trip to Tsavo East, which is just across the road. Both parks are located around a 3-hour drive from Mombasa, which could be a good option for a base if you plan on exploring Tsavo National Park. There are several unique features of Tsavo West, such as its red soil, the volcanic landscape, and the Shetani Lava Flows.
A great thing to see in this part of the National Park, is the Mzima Springs. This natural spring is home to crocodiles and hippos, which can often be seen close the the surface of the spring. A short walking trail leads to an underwater viewing area, but views of the hippos may be obstructed by hundreds of fish! This unique experience makes Tsavo West one of the best safari parks in Kenya!
Tsavo West is home to Kilaguni Safari Lodge. A highlight of a stay at this luxury safari lodge, is the main communal seating area which looks out over a large watering hole. Early in the morning, it is full of many different species, including: giraffes, monkeys, antelope and more.
7. Meru National Park
A trip to Kenya can never go wrong with Meru National Park, located east of Mount Kenya and around 350 km from Nairobi. This beautiful grassland park has an unspoiled feel to it and is particularly attractive to those looking to get even more off of the beaten path on an exclusive luxury African safari. The park boasts a lush jungle, several natural rivers, tall grassland, and lush swamps.
Featuring a dedicated rhino sanctuary, Meru National Park is one of the best places to see rhinos in the wilderness among the other Big Five safari animals. Other animals that live in the area include hippos, gazelle, reedbucks, and a countless number of bird species.
The variety of wildlife in Meru makes it one of the best safari parks in Kenya! Rainfall in this area is abundant and the best time to visit would be during the dry season of July to October. It is also small enough that it can be seen in a day, although an additional day is recommended to get a good feel of this undiscovered region.
8. Laikipia & Private Conservancies
This is Kenya’s newest safari destination which lies just north of Nairobi on the rim of the magical Great Rift Valley. This destination features lots of thriving private conservancies, high-end luxury lodges, and offers great family-friendly accommodations and considered one Kenya’s best honeymoon destinations in Africa, Laikipia is a must-visit Kenya vacation spot. If you’re in search of an air of exclusivity and a diverse, intimate Kenya safari experience away from the crowds, this is it. Let’s not forget that Laikipia features the best Kenya heli safaris.
9. Aberdare National Park
Deeply tucked in the central highlands of Kenya, Aberdares National Park offers a dramatically tropical rainforest experience compared to Kenya’s savannah parks. Known for its dense forests, misty mountain peaks, and the famous treehouse lodge, and Ark Lodge overlooking a waterhole, Aberdares is a paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers.
Home to waterfalls & the Ark Lodge experience rare forest elephants, leopards, giant forest hogs, and the endangered bongo antelope, Aberdare is perfect for travelers seeking a cooler, more serene safari experience, and honeymooners wanting a more exclusive experience.
10. Mount Kenya National Park
For a more daring trekking adventures in Kenya, head to Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak. Towering at a height of 5200m Mount Kenya emerges over much of the region which includes great wildlife destinations such as family-friendly holidays and multi-activity Meru National Park, the private Lewa Downs Conservancy in the foothills of Mt Kenya, the Mount Kenya National Park and the amazing forests of Aberdares National Park.
It can be tricky deciding between visiting Mount Kenya vs Kilimanjaro, given each have their own unique charm. But, If you’re looking for a relaxed mountain trekking in Kenya, then any one of these parks fits the bill, making it a top Kenya vacation spot.
Top Places For The Best Kenya Safaris
Listed is above is your complete guide to Kenya’s top wildlife destinations. Kenya is home to some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife parks featuring sweeping savannahs, snow-capped mountains, shimmering lakes, lush tropical forests, and world-famous Africa big five safari destinations. This page is designed to be your complete guide to Kenya’s best parks and wildlife reserves, with everything you need to plan your dream African safari.
Whether you’re planning a Masai Mara safari, an Amboseli photography safari, a family-friendly trip to Kenya, or you simply want to understand the parks before choosing a Kenya safari package, you’re in the right place. Vulture Africa Safaris brings you local, firsthand expertise to help you discover the landscapes, wildlife, and experiences that make Kenya the heart of world safaris.
Home to Big Five Wildlife
Best Kenya Safari Experiences
With plenty of exciting safari activities. The following is what travellers most enjoyed about tours to Kenya. Going on a game drive, great birdlife photography safaris, experience the Great Wildebeest Migration, float over the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon, guided walking safari through the wilderness plains to scenic Helicopter flights just to mention a few, Kenya has no shortage of experiences.
Stay at a Treehouse
Best Kenya Safari Packages
Discover our Africa safari tour packages, book your Nairobi city excursion, 4×4 wildlife safari, family safari holiday, honeymoon safari, photographic safari, water sports safaris, air safari, Uganda-Rwanda primate safari, beach holidays, or mountain climbing adventure in Kenya & Tanzania with Vulture African Safaris. Witness the big 5, big cats, wildebeest migration, indigenous cultures, beautiful beaches, and so much more.
9 Days | 8 Nights
Top Kenya Air Safaris
FAQ’s About Kenya Safaris
Q. When is the best time to visit Kenya?
As for the documentations you need for your holiday in Kenya, keep in mind entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Kenyan embassy or high commission to verify that the following information below is up to date.
-A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six months.
-No visa is required. Instead, all visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
-Visitors must apply in advance for the eTA on www.etakenya.go.ke.
-The standard processing time is three days, but you can apply up to three months prior to travel and early application is recommended.
-When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required.
-For more information we strongly direct checking the website of your local Kenyan embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:
Australia   –   www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada   –   travel.gc.ca
EU Member States   –   ec.europa.eu
Ireland   –   www.ireland.ie
New Zealand   –   www.safetravel.govt.nz
United Kingdom   –   www.gov.uk
United States   –   travel.state.gov
Q. How much does a safari in Kenya cost?
The cost for a Kenya safari starts from USD $250 to USD $2,500 per person per day depending on your level of safari; either travelling on a mid-range comfort safari or a luxury Kenya safari. Talk to one of our African travel experts to ensure the best Kenya safari experience in line with your time and budget. Your final Kenya safari cost depends on the following factors:
Time of year you’re travelling; low and high season prices.
Your choice of luxury safari lodges and tented safari camps.
Duration of your stay in Kenya.
Where you are visiting and in what means, you have the option to choose between fly-in Kenya safaris or by road, using a comfy 4 X 4 Land Cruiser jeep with open rooftop. The cost for the two greatly differ.
Your choice of additional safari activities which range from inclusive wildlife activities to optional activities like hot air balloon rides and visits to the Masai villages for cultural interactions.
Q. What medication do I need for Kenya safari?
About medicine on your trip to Kenya, we recommend anti-malarial medication no matter what time of year you plan on visiting Kenya for safari. Kindly consult with your doctor at home for advice on the right choice of prophylaxis for your body well in advance of your departure date. Additionally, if you live in a yellow fever region or plan to travel through a region where it is endemic during your stay, you will need a yellow fever vaccination and certificate.
Q. Where to stay on safari in Kenya
With hundreds of excellent luxury safari lodges and tented safari camps, you will be spoilt with lots of choices to pick from during your stay. But worry not, we will help you select the best lodges to stay in during your trip.
Additionally, when we talk about safari standards, the service level is high, with the ability to deliver the best luxury African safaris, suitable accommodations from lavish safari lodges to modern day boutique hotels and classic tented safari camps.
We shall share our list of top luxury accommodation options in Kenya – from eco-friendly architecture to the best luxury tented camps with a front-row seat to experience African wildlife mostly near game viewing hot spots like the Mara River where the Wildebeest Migration safari takes place. Our list of the best Kenya safari lodges also covers mid-range camps which can come in handy If you are travelling on budget.
Q. Where are the places to visit in Kenya?
When you think of Africa, Kenya is most likely the image you have in mind. Therefore, some of the top 10 best places to visit in Kenya, include the following destinations;
- Masai Mara: Catch the Wildebeest Migration & all year-round excellent game-viewing.
- Lamu Archipelago: Experience a classic barefoot luxury beach experience.
- Nairobi City: Feed the giraffes and visit the baby elephant’s shelter.
- Mombasa & Kenya Beaches: Explore coastal family resorts & luxury lodges, good with family trips to Kenya.
- Amboseli National Park: Photography safari destination, watch the big tusked elephants and the best views of Mt Kilimanjaro.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia: Kenya’s hidden gem; visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, feed and touch the blind rhino and spend your nights in some of the top luxury lodges.
- Mount Kenya: for the mountain trekking enthusiasts, go on a 5 days trekking tour at Mount Kenya (the second tallest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania)
- Lake Nakuru: Excellent game viewing, from rhino’s, leopards, tree climbing lions, endangered giraffes to birdlife, Lake Nakuru has it all.
- Shaba and Samburu: Kenya’s hidden gem, more than a wilderness where the special 5 wildlife roam; additionally, all the big 5 are here.
- Kenya South-Coast beaches.
Kenya Safari Reservations
Q. What type of clothes do I wear on Kenya safari?
Pack lightweight, comfortable, and casual clothing for a Kenyan safari, including long sleeves, pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings on game drives. For more details, we suggest you do your own safari packing essentials and find out what fits your interests.
Browse our safari clothing packing advice on what to pack for your African tour:
- Lightweight trousers /shorts and t-shirts remain ideal for the daytime drives.
- Lightweight jacket / fleece for the early mornings and evenings.
- Remember to also pack some warm socks and a woolly hat would be suggested for early morning and evening game drives.
- Hiking shoes
Other items we would suggest you bring along with you include:
- Sunscreen glasses & hat/cap
- Comfy Shoes / Sandals
- Flip Flops to wear during the day
- A Torch / Lamp
- Binoculars
- Phone/laptop charger
- Pack your medication, and a spare set of spectacles or contact lenses if you wear these.
Q. What is the best time to see the Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya?
The best time to witness the dramatic Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya is typically between mid-July through mid-September where your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. In early October marks the end of the herd crossing the river from Kenya down into Tanzania, as thunderstorms begin in the north the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Checkout our Migration safari offers.
Q. Kenya Vs Tanzania: Which Is Better for an African Safari?
Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for an African safari depends on personal preferences, BUT Kenya is the most chosen being cost & budget friendly during both high and low seasons. Secondly, when it comes to the best places to stay in Kenya and Tanzania, both destinations offer fantastic accommodations. Thirdly in terms of Big 5 sightings, the wildebeest migration & general game viewing, both destinations are safari heavyweights. In terms of privacy and extending your safari beyond game drives, there are more private conservancies in Kenya than Tanzania which offer you plenty of activities inside the park.
Lastly, Kenya safari is the most sought-after destination for the world’s best safari experiences, evident from the large number of celebrities visiting year in year out.
Q. Will I have a private vehicle or shared game drives with other people?
We tend to enforce a maximum person per vehicle policy of 6. Meaning, although you’ll be sharing with other guests, everyone will get a side-view seat with unhindered views.
Some trips are designed in such a way that a private vehicle and guide are included for a portion of the trip, but the use of a private vehicle throughout your safari comes at an additional cost.
Kenya Flying Safaris
Q. How many days do you need for an Africa safari?
The ideal duration for an East Africa safari package often ranges from 5 to 14 days, this allows you to enjoy a comfortable and a well-rounded rewarding safari experience during this African tour package. It also depends on the destinations you will visit, wildlife interests, and personal preferences.
Q. What do I do in case of an emergency?
We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.
Q. Are there malaria mosquito nets in Africa safari tented camps?
Many tented camps in Africa provide fitted mosquito nets in all rooms which are also insect proofed to protect you against malaria mosquito bites and other insect bites, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay.
It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
Q. Is there Wi-Fi at the safari lodges & tented camps on safari?
Almost all Africa safari lodges and tented camp accommodations during your safari provide free Wi-Fi. You’ll find this available in all three accommodation levels – comfort or luxury accommodations.
Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges/tented camps including the reception, dining areas, and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents.
Moreover, because you will be inside a wilderness park, we still request that you come prepared with your own network data to avoid any inconveniences.
Kenya Safari Payment Methods
Q. Do you provide drinking water on safari?
East Africa is within the tropics and near the Equator, separating the northern and southern hemispheres. The tropical temperatures are relatively high on the safari route and even within the national parks/game reserves.
Because you’ll need to frequently hydrate during your safari, we ensure unlimited supplies of drinking water.
All Vulture Africa Safari vehicles are fitted with a cooler box or mini fridge with a constant supply of cool, bottled water.
We replenish our supplies of drinking water during stops along the safari route.
Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your Africa safari trip.
Q. Are mosquito nets provided in safari lodge rooms/tents?
We carefully research and choose our selection of top safari lodges and tented camps to offer the best in terms of comfort, relaxation, amenities, and atmosphere during your safari.
We fully understand the need for your protection against mosquitos and other insects.
All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites.
Tented camp showing bedroom with mosquito nets
You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially outdoors in the evenings.
Q. Is it possible to store excess luggage while on safari?
Vulture African Safaris understands that your holiday travel may be lengthy and could involve different activities during your trip. You may find the need to store some of your luggage at various times.
You can safely store your extra luggage at our Nairobi office for safekeeping until you have completed your safari.
This is a free service extended to all our safari guests.
Packing luggage for an East African safari holiday tour
Additionally, our 4×4 safari Jeeps accommodate generous luggage space in its rear luggage compartment.
Q. Do you handle requests for special dietary needs?
Kenya and Tanzania welcomes visitors from all over the world and their diverse diet preferences. These preferences may be due to religious beliefs, lifestyles, or health concerns.
The menus in all safari lodges & tented camps are continental cuisine however, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, etc. meals are also provided.
We request you indicate your special diet needs during safari booking/confirmation.
Why Book Your Safari in Advance?
Q. Do you provide airport hotel airport transfers when we arrive and depart Nairobi?
As part of our safari tour services, Vulture African Safaris provides free pickup and return to the airport/hotel for any guests who are booked for a 3-day or more safari tour with us.
The transfers are provided even if you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start/end.
Please let us know your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and arrival/departure times. We will provide you with the name of your driver and telephone contact in advance of your arrival/departure.
Q. Do you book or can you recommend a Nairobi hotel for our pre or post-safari stay?
If you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after your safari finish, you will require a Nairobi hotel.
Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include your Nairobi hotel.
Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in the economy, comfort, and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay.
As part of your safari tour, Vulture Africa Safaris will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes most areas around Nairobi.
We suggest that you look up and book online your preferred Nairobi hotel. If you should require advice, suggestions, or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel, we will be happy to assist.
We can make suggestions depending on your budget and what area of the city you are interested in staying.
Q. Can we purchase a local Sim card for use while in Kenya?
A Kenyan Sim card will greatly reduce your telephone roaming bills during your visit and while on safari in Kenya
1 GB of data costs an average of $5.
Safaricom, a telco provider in Kenya is the market leader with the best national coverage and better deals.
Sim cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers. You can purchase them at the Nairobi airport upon arrival. Cost is approximately $1 or Ksh.100
To purchase local sim cards, you are required to have a Sim-unlocked GSM-compatible phone.
Q. What are your recommended safari tipping guidelines?
Tipping in guidelines for Kenya and Tanzania safaris – although not mandatory, is expected in return for good service.
All hotels, lodges, and porterage gratuities are included in the cost of your safari – these are collectively referred to as the service charge.
You may also decide to tip individual waiters, porters, and other hotel service employees who provide exemplary service. Usually, $1 – $5 per meal or move is appropriate and appreciated.
It is, however, customary to tip your safari driver/guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your safari-only cost is suggested. However, the amount is at your discretion – you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staffer who has provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD, or in Euro at the end of your safari and preferably in an envelope.