When people imagine going on safari, they often subconsciously conjure up images of Kenya. World-renowned for its wildlife viewing, including seasonal viewing of the Great Migration in the Masai Mara Game Reserve and its surrounding private conservancies, most of the country’s parks and game reserves are compact and offer a wide range of first-class accommodations. Kenya also offers an incredible diversity of activities for travelers. You can see wildlife while on game drives and bush walks, on horseback or from atop a camel.
The country has dramatic landscapes that invite exploration – whether on foot, from a biplane or helicopter or by adventurous roads. Soda lakes host incredible birdlife, parks are bursting with wildlife and the country’s largest city even offers a wildlife-rich national park on its doorstep, replete with four of Africa’s Big 5. Insight into Kenya’s rich and diverse cultures is also a memorable part of a Kenya safari. It is a destination that is perfect for a first-time safari, as well as for seasoned safari-goers, who will be wowed by all that it has to offer.
Most Kenya safaris start out from Nairobi and include visits to the south, central and east regions of the country. But what can you see in seven to ten days on safari? Here we will explore ideas and possibilities for your customized Kenya safari that include ‘must see’ parks and reserves, incredible wildlife highlights and beautiful accommodations.
If you’re looking for the most luxurious safari experience, our Kenya Luxury Safari spends 11 days exploring Nairobi, a perpetually underrated destination, the Ol Malo Conservancy and the Masai Mara. Kicking off in Nairobi, you’ll be delighted to visit the Giraffe Centre to get close to endangered Rothschild giraffes, visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for the baby elephant feeding (advanced booking a must!), visit the Karen Blixen Museum to make your Out of Africa dreams come true and indulge in some local shopping, supporting artisans and craftspeople.
Then you’re off to the wilds of the Ol Malo Conservancy. Your lodge is situated on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro river on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau and is the perfect place to explore Samburuland – on your own schedule! You can take game drives, mountain bike, ride horses and camels or explore by helicopter. You’ll meet Samburu warriors and can even camp out on the open plains – your adventure is up to you! This area of Kenya is famous for being home to several unique species including Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx and reticulated giraffe.
You’ll end in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, bordering the Masai Mara – Kenya’s big cat paradise with the chance to spot lion, leopard and cheetahs! Your small and exclusive tented camp has beautiful luxury touches to enjoy when you are not out game viewing. You can soak in your copper bathtub while listening to the sounds of the African bush, or enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on your huge private veranda while watching wildlife in its natural surroundings.
To get a taste of Kenya’s wonderful private game reserves in a shorter amount of time, our Kenya Deluxe Safari is a great source of inspiration! Visiting Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Loisaba Conservancy and the world renowned Masai Mara Game Reserve in nine days, the itinerary flies between destinations, allowing you to maximize your time among the wildlife and in camp.
Lewa is famous for its rhino population, both black and white, as well as having the world’s largest population of Grevy’s zebra, the largest and most threatened zebra species. With Mt. Kenya as its stunning backdrop, you’ll enjoy incredible wildlife sightings in an exclusive setting while contributing to conservation.
Loisaba also enjoys beautiful views of Mt. Kenya. It is a functioning ranch and has an inspirational conservation story. You’ll have the chance to see myriad species that include lion and wild dog. Both conservancies offer a wide range of activities that include walks, mountain biking, cultural visits and more. At Loisaba, you’ll also have the chance to sleep under the stars in their star beds.
We love the conservancies bordering the Masai Mara for their exclusivity, range of activities, community benefits and wonderful accommodations, as well as the ability to drive off-road if the situation warrants. The Mara Naboisho Conservancy hosts the wildebeest migration during certain times of the year, as well as all of the other wildlife that Kenya is deservedly famous for. In addition to game drives and walking safaris, you can enjoy a hot air balloon safari (at additional cost), soaring over the plains at lofty heights.
Finally, our Kenya Unforgettable Safari provides great inspiration for a more off-the-beaten-path exploration of the country’s highlights. In 10 days, you’ll enjoy Nairobi, Meru National Park, Samburu and the Masai Mara.
You’ll have a gentle entry into Nairobi with a stay right on the border of Nairobi National Park in a family-owned lodge before heading to Meru National Park to kick off your safari. Meru’s wild and semi-arid landscape is blessed with 13 rivers, providing a paradise for wildlife. It’s one of the best locations in Kenya to view rhino in their natural habitat. In addition to game drives and walks, you can enjoy visits to the local school and community, swimming, fishing and spa treatments.
Next up is Samburu, where you will spend time in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust among the Matthews Mountains. You’ll have the chance to see big cats, wild dog, myriad antelope species, buffalo and more. You will also spend time with the Samburu people, semi-nomadic pastoralists who live with their cattle among Africa’s wildlife. Another special activity in the area is a visit to the community-owned Reteti Elephant Sanctuary where you can learn about their work and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour, as well as observe the elephants being bottle-fed and play at their mud hole.
Your safari will culminate with a visit to the Olderkesi Conservancy bordering the Masai Mara for game drives, walking safaris with the Maasai, bush dinners, swimming, Maasai Warrior School, community visits and more. We love having a canvas bubble bath at sunset overlooking the bush!
In less than two weeks in Kenya, you can visit several world famous and/or off-the-beaten-path parks and game reserves with the chance to see Africa’s Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino), big cats, unique northern species like the endangered Grevy’s zebra, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, hundreds of bird species and much more! Seasonally, you can also witness the Great Migration; be sure to inform your Journey Specialist if that is of special interest to you.
Contact one of our Journey Specialists to start planning and subscribe to our blog below for more safari travel inspiration.
Photos courtesy AAC President Kent Redding, AAC Livingstone Club member Brian W., Ol Malo Lodge, Mara Plains Camp, Lewa Wilderness, Loisaba Tented Camp, Kicheche Valley Camp, Elsa’s Kopje Meru, Sarara Camp, Cottar’s 1920s Camp and AAC Livingstone Club members Christoph G. & Ryan F.