Kenya is a classic safari destination – a country that many people conjure in their mind’s eye when thinking of an African safari. World-renowned for its wildlife viewing, most of Kenya’s parks and game reserves are small and offer a wide range of first-class accommodations. Here, we explore everything you need to know about Kenya safaris.
Kenya is full of dramatic landscapes that beg to be explored – from the beautiful peaks of the Matthews Range and the snowy summit of Mt. Kenya to the teeming plains of the Masai Mara and the swamps of Amboseli where elephants dunk themselves to cool off – there is awe around every corner. Soda lakes host incredible birdlife, while the charming coast offers idyllic ocean-kissed escapes and the country’s largest city is home to a surprisingly wildlife-rich national park. Insight into Kenya’s rich and diverse cultures including the Maasai, Samburu and Turkana, can also be a memorable part of a safari.
Kenya’s wildlife is prolific – more than 25,000 different animal species can be found in the country. The Masai Mara seasonally hosts enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra – along with the predators that need them to survive. The Mara is also home to incredible resident wildlife – lions, leopards, elephants, hyenas, a variety of antelope species and so much more! Amboseli National Park is famous for its ‘big tuskers,’ (elephants) that can often be seen against a dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Laikipia Plateau is great for seeing both black and white rhino and the rare bongo can be seen in Aberdare National Park.
Kenya has myriad parks and reserves to choose from, each offering a unique experience. Many travelers consider the Masai Mara a ‘must see,’ and rightfully so. An extension of the much larger Serengeti Ecosystem that stretches into Tanzania, the Mara is seasonally home to the Great Migration and is a great place to see river crossings. It also has great wildlife sightings year-round with plenty of resident game. Guests can choose from a camp or lodge in the Mara itself or select one of the adjacent private reserves for a more exclusive safari experience.
The Laikipia Plateau is a fascinating study in conservation. Many of the private reserves here host both wildlife and livestock (separately), which has been a successful model of land use and wildlife protection. In addition to game viewing, special activities in the area might include visiting a wildlife anti-poaching unit; spending time with the last two northern white rhinos in the world; and outdoor pursuits including hiking, horseback riding, mountaineering and fly fishing.
Amboseli National Park is most famous for two things – iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and elephants, making it a photographer’s dream. The park is dry and dusty, yet has year-round water that attracts a wide range of wildlife, including predators such as cheetah, wild dog and lions, as well as abundant plains game. Plains, swamps and woodlands make for beautifully scenic game viewing. The nearby Chyulu Hills National Park is a good choice for those looking for a more exclusive experience while also allowing visitors to engage in activities like hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and more.
These are just a few of Kenya’s top parks. Talk with a Journey Specialist to determine what parks and reserves are right for your customized safari.
Kenya also offers an incredible diversity of activities for travelers. You can see its abundant wildlife from game drives, on bush walks, on horseback or from atop a camel. You can gaze at soda lakes dotted with flamingoes and enjoy trying to spot more than 1,000 other bird species. You can hike through forests or on dormant volcanic slopes or even climb a jagged, snowy peak extending more than 13,000 feet into the sky. You can soar over the countryside from a biplane a la ‘Out of Africa’ or reach its most out of the way places by helicopter or adventurous roads. In short, Kenya truly has something for everyone.
For those that choose private reserves for their stay, expect a wider choice of activities, depending on the area. Activities might include walking safaris, bush meals, sundowners, community visits, anti-poaching unit visits, night drives and more.
Kenya has a wide range of accommodations available – from family-run lodges and homes passed down through generations to adventurous and luxurious tented camps. Some of our favorites include the intimate Serian The Original in the Mara North Conservancy; Nairobi’s Giraffe Manor where breakfast with giraffes is the norm; the private sanctuary of family-run Ol Malo with its incredible range of activities; and Tortilis Camp Amboseli with its magnificent views of Kilimanjaro.
Visit our Kenya page for more accommodation inspiration and work with your Journey Specialist to find the best lodges for your customized Kenya safari.
Kenya is a year-round destination. Wildlife is prolific in all of its parks and reserves, and because there are both migratory and resident populations, visitors can expect consistency as well as some variety during different time of the year. The country’s dry season runs from approximately mid-June to October and provides some of the best game viewing as the vegetation is sparse and animals congregate at waterholes to slake their thirst. The Great Migration can generally be found in the Masai Mara in from around July through October, though the rains can sometimes cause its movement to vary somewhat.
Space is at a premium during the dry season and should be booked a minimum of one year in advance. Remember that the resident game in the Mara and other reserves make a safari exciting and rewarding almost any time of year. Your Journey Specialist will discuss timing with you and help you determine the best time for your visit.
Both flying and driving safaris are options in Kenya. Some destinations such as Laikipia and Amboseli are 3-4 hours’ drive from Nairobi, making them easy to reach. Oftentimes, a combination of driving and flying can work well for travelers.
For those with limited time on safari, we recommend maximizing your time by flying between destinations. When you fly between the parks and conservation areas, you’ll have the chance to see some of Kenya’s spectacular scenery from the air. On arrival, you will be picked up by a guide and vehicle from your camp for a seamless journey.
How you travel around Kenya will be determined by your wishes and what you want to include in your customized safari. Talk with your Journey Specialist to determine what is right for you.
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Photos courtesy AAC Livingstone Club member Ethan T., Zach Lipp, AAC Livingstone Club member Brian W., AAC Senior Journey Specialist Sara Stark, Anisha Barrientos, Giraffe Manor, AAC Livingstone Club members Robert M. & Mary S. and AAC Senior Journey Specialist Hilary Walters