Kenya Safari
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
Why Go On A Safari In Kenya
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.
Origin of safaris
Top 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 12 best places to visit in Kenya include the following spots.
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Park region in southwest Kenya is renowned as the ultimate destination for wildlife enthusiasts. With a wide choice of safari accommodations in the national reserve or neighbouring private conservancies, you can witness various animals, including big cats, beautiful birds, and elephant.
Amboseli National Park
On a safari to Amboseli, watch the exceptional elephant population, big 5 sightings 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.
Samburu National Reserve
The remote and rugged landscape of Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves offers one of Kenya’s most authentic and rewarding safari experiences. Situated in the semi-arid north, this region—formerly known as the Northern Frontier District—is defined by striking red earth, vast acacia plains, and the lifeblood of the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
The area supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including rare northern species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
Kenyan Beaches & Islands
Kenya’s coastline is famous for its spectacular beaches, tropical waters and array of water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and kite surfing. With its own unique character, the Kenyan coast offers the perfect end to an exhilarating safari.
You will never miss on Kenya beaches & islands holiday guide during your trip to Kenya. Best of all, some of the idyllic beaches and islands of Kenya like Diani, Watamu, Funzi, Chale in Malindi, Galu and Lamu offer utter solitude with varied aquatic and terrestrial experiences, all together listed among top 10 best Kenyan beaches.
Great 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 Lake Nakuru Park, Lake Baringo and Lake Turkana.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The quiet rolling hills of Laikipia, located north of Nairobi, house the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a leader in conservation efforts. This world-renowned conservancy is best known for its role in protecting the last two remaining northern white rhino.
Mount Kenya
Climb Mount Kenya – the second (2Nd) highest peak in Africa and an ancient extinct volcano. There are 12 remnant glaciers on the mountain, all receding rapidly, and four secondary peaks that sit at the head of the U-shaped glacial valleys. With its rugged glacier-clad summits and forested middle slopes, Mount Kenya is one of the most impressive landscapes in East Africa.
Tsavo National Parks
The combined parks 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” elephant.
Aberdare National Park
Rising from the lush highlands of central Kenya, the Aberdare National Park is a tropical forest that forms part of the spectacular Aberdare Mountain Range—a landscape of dramatic contrasts where mist-shrouded peaks soar to 3,930 metres and deep forested ravines cut through lush slopes.
Birdwatchers will find the park equally rewarding. Crystal-clear streams and rivers that run through the park are ideal for trout fishing, while the cool air and panoramic viewpoints make it perfect for guided walks and picnics.
Accommodation within the park includes the historic Treetops Lodge – Tree hotel.
Meru National Park
Remote, rugged and prominently unspoilt, Meru National Park sits on an 870 sq.km area. The park is largely set in the wilderness yet strikingly beautiful. Few places and spaces compare to this great destination.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Meru is a rewarding destination. Herds of elephant, buffalo, and both Grevy’s and plains zebra roam the savannah alongside reticulated giraffe, hartebeest, and hippo. Lion, cheetah, and leopard are present—though the tall grasses and thick bush mean sightings are often thrillingly unexpected.
Nairobi City
Discover Nairobi city tours, enjoy kenyan delicacies and go on the best day trips from Nairobi.
Discover Kenya
Top 6 Best Things To Do On A Kenya Safari
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.
Wildebeest Migration Safaris
No Masai Mara safari is complete without seeing one of nature’s most epic wildlife journeys: the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. Securing a front-row seat to this thundering parade of hooves sweeping across the savannah is arguably the biggest reason why so many flock to this East African region time and time again.
The best time to visit Kenya to see the wildebeest migration is typically from July to September/October. Depending on the movements of the mega-herds, you’re likely to see everything from the battles for survival during the iconic Mara River crossings to hunkering down to watch these majestic creatures as they graze on the plains, indulging in the abundant food and water. Each moment of this grand show will leave you enraptured.
Best Safari & Beach Holidays
Experience the excitement of the world famous Kenya Wildebeest Migration on the Maasai Mara or be equally awed by close encounters of lions, leopards and cheetahs or travel to Amboseli National Park framed by views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and adventures in the dramatic Great Rift Valley lakes are just as memorable. Venture Northern Kenya to the romantic Laikipia region and then finish off by relaxing on the soft sandy beaches of the Kenyan coast.
Big 5 Safaris
Experience an exciting and captivating Big 5 safari in Africa on a classic wildlife tour that takes you deep into the wondrous worlds of elephants, lion, rhino, leopard, and buffalos. Hop onto your 4×4 African safari vehicle and let’s take you on an unmatched safari experience which will see us visit some of the best places to see the Big 5 on safari in Africa, in their natural habitat. The thrill of seeing an iconic member of the Big 5 is always a highlight for any safari enthusiast, especially if this is your first safari.
Samburu & Maasai Culture Tours
Explore the rich cultural diversity of Kenya’s tribes, by engaging with the local Maasai and Samburu communities, learning their unique way of life.
Go On Hot Air Balloon Safaris.
Experience the magic of a hot air balloon flight over the Masai Mara Game Reserve with Balloon Safaris Limited, the pioneers of hot air ballooning in Kenya.
Discover Photo Safaris In Kenya
A Kenyan Photographic Safari will immerse you in Samburu culture, dramatic scenery and epic wildlife as you capture the diversity of Kenya.
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.
Wildlife In Kenya
When it comes to wildlife, this is what to expect: Kenya offers excellent wildlife viewing, with the African Big Five frequently seen on safari. The Masai Mara is also one of the best places in Africa to see Big Cat’s while the endangered black & white rhinos are easily seen at Lake Nakuru Park and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. As for elephants, they are common in many places, especially Amboseli National Park. The Rift-Valley Lakes Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and the lakes of Amboseli Park, attract flamingos and lots of birdlife.
Best safari parks for bird watching in Kenya
Top wildlife-viewing parks, like Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park, happens to be great birding destinations. The Rift Valley lakes, namely Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria, are good for waterbirds (including flamingos, which you can also see in Amboseli Park). The northern part of Kenya, including Samburu National Reserve, and Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve are birding hot spots.
Home to big 5 safaris
Best Time To Visit Kenya, Safari & Migration
Kenya is a year-round top safari and beach holiday destination, with separate wet and dry seasons. With that in mind, the best months for visiting Kenya (and the best time for wildlife game viewing) are during the Dry season from June to October; as for the wildebeest migration, it usually reaches the Masai Mara in July or August and remains in Kenya throughout September, explore more of our month-by-month Kenya weather guide.
Kenya Tour Packages
Find a trip to Kenya. Browse our recommended Kenya tour packages or simply get in touch with one of our Africa safari experts to help custom-make your Kenya safari itinerary that matches your travel wishes; from exciting wildlife encounters to out-of-this-world white sand beach holiday tours, it’s a journey designed to immerse you in the extraordinary.
9 Days | 8 Nights
Top Kenya Air Safaris
Kenya Travel Guide
Kenya is the land that inspired The Lion King Disney movie, Out of Africa Film, and Born Free. Furthermore, Kenya’s Masai Mara is a center stage for the Great Wildebeest Migration tour, which sees two million wildebeest and zebra racing for their lives across crocodile infested Mara River onto the other side awaited by big cats and other predators.
Connect with one of our safari experts today and let’s break it all down for you on the best places to go in Kenya, starting from big-tusked elephant sightings in Amboseli with the iconic background of Mount Kilimanjaro, to catching the drama of the great wildebeest migration, we’ll answer everything you need to know when planning a Kenyan safari holiday.
How To Get To Kenya
With a number of flight airlines to Kenya, Kenya’s main airport is (JKIA) Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located 15km/9mi southeast of the capital city Nairobi, all flights will land there. Moi International Airport (MBA) is Kenya’s second international airport, located 9km/6mi west of Mombasa. Aside from flights to Zanzibar, this airport is primarily used for domestic and charter flights. Therefore, just book flights to JKIA, Kenya first.
From Nairobi or Mombasa, you can fly or drive between parks and reserves, or combine both. There is a reliable network of light aircraft flights that connect Nairobi with the majority of National Parks in Kenya, as well as with Tanzania and Zanzibar. Most of these domestic flights out of Nairobi departs from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4mi south of the city.
Most parks and conservancies in Kenya have purpose-built airstrips allowing easy access for safaris.
Flights & Airlines to Kenya. When booking flights to Kenya, please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Kenya and what tickets would cost.
Frequently Asked Kenya Safari Questions
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.