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Kenya is one of the premier destinations for luxury, tailor-made safaris and for many, embodies the essence of traditional safari, with 'Out of Africa' nostalgia and a wide variety of things to see and do. Home to the Big 5 and the Great Wildebeest Migration, Kenya is the quintessential African safari destination.
Safari in Kenya: a summary
Kenya is Africa's premier safari destination, offering unparalleled wildlife experiences including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration. The country features world-renowned parks like Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Samburu, each offering unique wildlife encounters and landscapes.
Best time to visit Kenya
Kenya offers excellent safari conditions year-round, with peak wildlife viewing during dry seasons (June-October and January-March). The Great Migration occurs in Maasai Mara from July – September.
Top Kenyan safari destinations
Maasai Mara: Home to the Great Migration and Big 5, featuring dramatic river crossings
Amboseli: Giant tusker elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop
Tsavo: Vast wilderness with rare species like hirola antelope
Samburu: Unique "Samburu Special Five" including Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe
Laikipia: This is a land of staggering beauty and biodiversity – a mosaic of wildlife conservancies, ranchlands and commercial farms
Safari options
Kenya caters to all preferences with luxury lodges, private safari tours, fly-in adventures, tented camps, and budget-friendly packages. Private tours offer personalised experiences with dedicated guides and custom itineraries.
Essential information
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Malaria prophylaxis recommended. Currency is Kenyan Shilling (KSh), though US dollars widely accepted. Most lodges provide charging facilities and Wi-Fi, though connectivity can be limited in remote areas.
Why choose Kenya
Combines world-class wildlife viewing with rich cultural experiences, diverse ecosystems from savannahs to coastal beaches, and exceptional conservation efforts. Kenya offers the quintessential African safari experience with "Out of Africa" nostalgia and modern luxury amenities.
Why choose Kenya for your safari tour?
Kenya offers an unparalleled range of experiences, combining wildlife, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes in one incredible destination where you can witness the legendary Big 5 in their natural habitat across world-famous parks like Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo.
This country blends conservation efforts with authentic cultural immersion alongside local communities, creating a complete adventure package that combines your safari with beaches, mountain adventures, and urban experiences for the ultimate African holiday.
A range of luxury lodges, tented camps, mobile safaris, rustic farmstays, city boutique hotels, and coastal bungalows are available.
Your safari in Kenya could include...
the open savannahs of the Maasai Mara National Reserve;
witnessing dramatic Mara River crossings during the Great Wildebeest Migration – the greatest show on Earth, where massive herds of wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodiles in the fast-flowing water and the waiting lions on the banks
following the resident big cats and the rest of the Big Five during the quieter 'secret season'
the vast arid landscapes of Tsavo National Parks, finding giant elephants – tuskers, the world's rarest antelope (hirola) and fringe-eared oryx
the rugged Samburu National Reserve, tracking down the 'Samburu Special Five' - gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx and Somali ostrich
giant tusker elephants and a stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro at Amboseli National Park; Nairobi National Park is one of Africa’s most unique landscapes, suspended at the interface of wilderness and civilisation
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean for your safari finale in the coastal towns of Lamu, Watamu and Malindi
Laikipia, a land of staggering beauty and biodiversity – a mosaic of wildlife conservancies, ranchlands and commercial farms
Kenya facts
KNOWN FOR: The Big 5, super tusker elephants, the Great Wildebeest Migration, views of Mount Kilimanjaro, luxury safaris and rolling savannahs
SIZE: Kenya covers an area of 582,646 km2, slightly larger than France.
NAME: The country is named after Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro.
The POPULATION: Kenya's population comprises more than 70 ethnic groups, the largest of which is the Kikuyu people.
LANGUAGE: The official language is English, while Kiswahili is the national language.
RELIGION: Christianity is the dominant religion, followed by Islam, with smaller populations practicing Baháʼí, Hinduism, Buddhism, and traditional beliefs.
Luxury and private safari options
Elevate your Kenya experience with exclusive accommodations, private guides, and bespoke itineraries.
Private safari tours: Enjoy personalised attention with dedicated guides, private vehicles, and custom itineraries tailored to your interests and pace.
Luxury lodge experiences: Stay in Kenya's finest lodges and camps, featuring world-class amenities, gourmet dining, and exceptional service in stunning locations.
Fly-in safari adventures: Maximise your time with chartered flights between destinations, offering aerial views and seamless transfers to remote locations.
Best time to visit Kenya for a safari
Plan your perfect safari with our seasonal guide to Kenya's weather and wildlife patterns.
☀️ DRY SEASON (January-March) | 🌵 DRY SEASON (June-October) |
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🌿 LONG RAINS (April-May) | 🌧️ SHORT RAINS (November-December) |
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Kenya's key wildlife regions
Kenya's diverse ecosystems range from the iconic savannahs of Maasai Mara to the elephant herds of Amboseli, the rugged wilderness of Tsavo, and the unique landscapes of Samburu National Reserve and Laikipia conservancies.
Africa Geographic expert safari tips
From our seasoned safari guides – essential advice for your Kenya adventure:
Travel light: There is a tight restriction on luggage sizes, especially on small charter planes.. Think layers - you're an onion! Bring protection for the sun (high SPF) and dust (buff, sunglasses, hat).
Your guide is your encyclopedia: Feel free to ask plenty of questions about wildlife, plants, country, culture and family. Locals typically love sharing their stories!
Cash is king: Bring cash in as many small denominations as you can get your hands on.
Safari must-haves checklist:
Power bank and universal adaptor
Headlamp
Biodegradable wet wipes
Mini hand sanitiser
Binoculars (even a small pair)
Hot Tip: Never go on safari without a light scarf or sarong – this is the most versatile piece of clothing! Drench it and wrap around your neck to cool down on game drives, or whilst taking an afternoon nap!
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“As a solo female traveller from Canada who typically enjoys handling my own planning and bookings, I was initially nervous about letting someone else take the reins for such a significant trip. Adding to my concerns was the fact that I had limited knowledge of the countries I planned to visit (Uganda and Kenya) and the distance I’d be travelling. I had countless questions and different proposals about my trip, and Leonie was always there to answer everything and set my mind at ease. [...] When it came to pricing, I quickly understood that a lot of behind-the-scenes work and effort goes into creating a seamless safari experience. The team made it all come together effortlessly [...] Lastly, being able to witness the stunning creatures in their natural habitat, so close and personal, was a life-changing experience. It’s something I’ll never forget. I truly had the safari of a lifetime!” | “My trip to Uganda and Kenya was one of my best experiences so far. The planning went smoothly – everything was arranged exactly as I had imagined. The accommodations were excellent and met all my expectations. The diversity of landscapes and wildlife was impressive, with new highlights every day. Overall, this was my best trip yet – perfectly organised and unforgettable.” | “We spent 6 nights in a tented, unfenced camp on the banks overlooking the Mara River. The game was plentiful even in the very close vicinity of riverine forest, marsh and rolling plains. It was an authentic Out of Africa experience with real Askari, Maasai warriors, escorting you after dusk. The Maasai are amazing people, welcoming and jovial, and brilliant trackers and guides on drives. They danced and sang around the fire after dark for us, with the hippos bellowing. We loved the beautiful 3 -course meals in the open dining tent and often under the stars, surrounded by lanterns on the forest paths. The owner and all the staff were gracious and went out of their way to make our experience very special, a time to remember forever.” |
Kenyan safari frequently asked questions
What's included in Kenya safari tour packages? Our Kenya safari packages typically include accommodation, all meals, game drives, park fees, experienced guides, and airport transfers. Specific inclusions vary by package - contact us for detailed itineraries.
When is the best time to visit Kenya for safari? Kenya offers excellent safari experiences year-round. The dry seasons (June-October and January-March) are ideal for wildlife viewing, whilst the Great Migration occurs in Maasai Mara from July-September.
Do I need vaccinations for Kenya safari tours? Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for Kenya. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for most safari areas. Consult your GP or travel clinic for up-to-date vaccination requirements.
How much should I budget for a Kenya safari? Kenya safari costs vary depending on duration, accommodation level, and activities. Our packages offer excellent value with transparent pricing.
What wildlife can I expect to see in Kenya? Kenya is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), plus cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and over 1,000 bird species across diverse ecosystems.
Why choose Africa Geographic? Safari experts, since 1991. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early or late, or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Why use a tour operator? DIY travel and booking directly comes with its own challenges and risks; including the fact that Google just doesn’t know the ins and outs of every safari season with the level of detail that a tour operator does.
What financial protection is offered by Africa Geographic? We use Trust my Travel to ensure your payments are protected.
Essential Kenya information
Everything you need to know about this incredible safari destination
Climate
Because of Kenya’s location on the equator, there are no extreme temperature variations between winter and summer. Nairobi's elevation is 1,700m (5,500 feet) above sea level, while most of your safari will be conducted at elevations above 1,400m.
The nights are cool (15-20 degrees Celsius), and the days range from 25-30 degrees Celsius. Generally, the rainy season is April and May, with short rains in November. Afternoon tropical downpours are the norm in the rainy season, which are heavier and more predictable along the coast. The coolest months are July and August, and the warmest are the end of December to mid-March.
Currency and cards
The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (abbreviated to KSh). You can draw KSh from ATMs with international credit cards - Mastercard or VISA.
Please notify your bank that you are travelling to Kenya so they can remove any security blocks from your credit and ATM cards. Any KSh can be converted back to your usual currency at the airport forex kiosks on departure.
US$ is widely accepted, and some facilities accept GBP Sterling and Euros. However, you may only bring US$10,000 or the equivalent foreign currency into Kenya.
ATMs are available in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and all major towns in Kenya, but once you are out on safari, you won’t have access to either banks or ATMs, so change sufficient funds beforehand.
Credit cards are usually accepted in larger hotels and luxury lodges, but some lower-budget lodges and hotels do not have card facilities.
Communication
Kenya has several cell phone networks, the most common being Safaricom, Airtel Kenya, Telkom Kenya and Finserve (Equitel).
Distribution is good in urban areas but patchy elsewhere, so you may not always be able to connect. Roaming charges can be very high, so check and make arrangements with your provider before you leave home. An e-SIM app is a good option. Most lodges are remote and have limited or no service provider signal.
Wi-Fi is available in most lodges, but the speed and reliability can be poor in some places. Don’t expect to be able to upload videos or images.
All lodges have emergency communication ability - via radio, satellite phone or internet.
Vaccinations
Please get in touch with your local GP or travel clinic well before travel to obtain professional medical advice and discuss up-to-date vaccination requirements for the areas you visit.
Yellow fever: Kenya is a yellow fever country and vaccination is mandatory. You should be vaccinated 10 days before you travel to allow enough time for the vaccine to take effect.
Malaria: Malaria is prevalent in many parts of Kenya, and we advise you to consult your GP before you depart about taking prophylaxis. It’s also essential to cover up in the evenings when the malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquito usually feeds. The malaria incubation period is 1-3 weeks, so if you experience any flu-like symptoms, headaches, aching joints and back or nausea and diarrhoea, it is recommended that you get tested at the earliest opportunity and let the medical people know you’ve recently travelled to Africa.
Tsetse flies: Tsetse flies occur in some wooded areas of Kenya. They can transmit trypanosomiases (more commonly known as sleeping sickness), but more commonly, they are just a nuisance as their bite is painful. When in tsetse areas, avoid wearing blue or black. The repellent, Deet, seems to be quite effective, as does a tin of smouldering dry elephant dung! If you have a nasty reaction to the bites, take oral antihistamine tablets and apply the cream. Try not to scratch the bites, which could result in an infection.
Kenya deep dive
Maasai Mara: This interesting introduction to Kenya’s Maasai Mara will have you contacting Africa Geographic to book your next African safari
An unforgettable Maasai Mara safari: Kathy West’s trip to Maasai Mara for a week of slow-paced photography brought intimate wildlife encounters and a safari like no other
Oltepesi – a Maasai Mara camp for photographers: Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp in Mara North Conservancy is designed with photographers in mind – ideal for an epic Kenyan photographic safari
Discovering the forest birds of Maasai Mara: The banks of the Mara River in the Maasai Mara of Kenya offer ideal habitat for birds – and for bird-watchers, especially if you find a puddle of water, and especially during the heat of the day.
Samburu – home of the Samburu special 5: Samburu – an arid land steeped in rich tradition, where people, livestock, and wildlife thrive side by side, sharing precious resources.
Amboseli National Park – Kenya: Amboseli National Park in Kenya nestles in the shadow of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a land of exquisite contrasts, iconic scenery and extraordinary biodiversity.
Tsavo National Park’s Great Walk: Ever dreamt of walking in the footsteps of tuskers on Tsavo National Park’s Great Walk? Norman Owen-Smith traversed 160km of this Kenyan park
Tsavo – Land of legends: Tsavo East and West National Parks in Kenya are part of the broader Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem where there is a feeling of vast ancient space
Laikipia – land of staggering natural beauty: Laikipia in Kenya – a land of staggering beauty and biodiversity – a mosaic of wildlife conservancies, ranchlands and commercial farms
The incredible black leopard of Laikipia: Seeing a black leopard in the wild is an extraordinary feat. But Dan Peel has captured incredible photos of Laikipia’s now famous black panther. Check them out here.
Nairobi National Park: In the heart of Kenya’s capital, wilderness meets civilisation in Nairobi National Park, offering a safari experience unlike any other
Meru National Park: Meru National Park is a resilient expanse of vital Kenyan wilderness. This Big 5 safari destination of ‘Born Free’ fame is a land reborn.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy – Kenya’s golden child: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya, is a haven for rare and wonderful wildlife that offers exclusive stunning safari experiences.
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Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
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Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!