Planning Your Kenya Safari – What You Need To Know

Kenya is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. It is an incredible travel destination is known for its diverse landscapes, a spectacular variety of animals, friendly people, and where beautiful sunsets are almost a given.

Areas in Kenya You Can Visit on a Safari Package

Your Kenya Safari can incorporate just about anything you want, from bush to beach, or extended down time and relaxation to adventure. Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is more or less in the country's centre from which you can explore the major safari areas to the North, South, West and central regions. After visiting two or three of these areas, you’ll feel like you have travelled to two different countries.

Visiting Northern Kenya on Safari

Explore the hidden gems of Northern Kenya and enjoy an unforgettable African safari vacation at Samburu National Park, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Laikipia. In the North the landscape becomes noticeably more arid, which suit species like gerenuk, the Somali ostrich and Grevy’s zebra.

Visiting Southern Kenya on Safari

Southern Kenya is known for its famous Amboseli National Park, with Mount Kilimanjaro at its backdrop. Other parks in the area are Chyulu Hills and Tsavo East and West National Parks.

Way down south on the coast, you'll discover the long white sandy beaches of Diani, which stretch for miles.

Visiting Western Kenya on Safari

The most famous park of Kenya is found in Western Kenya, the Masai Mara National Reserve, with its magical rolling plains and crocodile-infested rivers.

Visiting Central Regions in Kenya

The central area includes Nairobi National Park, the world's only game reserve found within a major city. This area also forms part of the Rift Valley with national parks like Lakes Nakuru and Lake Naivasha.

Kenya Safari Highlights

Here are some of the reasons people typically experience Kenya as the epitome of African Safaris:

• The Great Migration
• Balloon safaris
• The elephants of Amboseli
• Cultural experiences
• The Big 5
• Bird watching – over 1,000 species.

When is the Best Time to Go to Kenya?

Kenya's wildlife parks can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season from late June to October, coinciding with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra.

When is the Best Time to See the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya?

Every year almost two million wildebeest and zebra migrate from the vast Serengeti Plains in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya. The migrating herd has to cross the Mara River, where deadly crocodiles prey on them before reaching the lush green grass plains of the Masai Mara. The best time to witness the Great Migration in Kenya is between July to October. 

This is an extremely popular phenomenon with people from all over the world arriving in Kenya to witness the river crossings. We recommend you book your Kenya safari package well in advance to make sure your lodge/camp you book is close to the Mara River.

How Do You Plan a Safari in Kenya?

Going on safari in Kenya ranks right up there with other once-in-a-lifetime experiences! Safari lodges and camps has something for everyone. With superior luxury tented camps, lodges, semi-luxury tented camps and family-friendly accommodation, you will find the perfect accommodation for your safari in Kenya according to your interests and budget.

Suppose you prefer a more luxurious experience, we recommend a Kenya flying safari package. As the name suggests, it means you fly into the national park and enjoy your safari using camp vehicles. Most camp vehicles operate on a shared base (sharing the vehicle with other camp guests) and are open safari vehicles.

A drive-in safari is still very popular in Africa and offers a more affordable safari package. This is when your safari includes a 4x4 safari vehicle with a driver-guide who drives you to the parks. You usually do your game drives in this vehicle, which have a pop-up roof raised for wildlife viewing.

A combination of driving and flying is sometimes a good compromise. You can choose to drive the shorter distances and fly the longer ones or even drive one direction.

The cost of your safari will always include your accommodation, conservation fees, park fees, and government taxes.

Costs of a Kenya Safari

The price of accommodation for a safari in Kenya depends on the level of comfort, and luxury travellers prefer.

Herewith a guideline on what to expect to pay for accommodation. Prices depend on whether the lodge/camp is located in a national reserve or a private concession and if only meals or meals and drinks are included.

***Rates are per person per night sharing.



Kenya offers a wealth of safari and adventure experiences. Please speak to our destination experts to help you to plan the best Kenya safari tour tailored to your interests and budget.